Tri County Press

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS VOLUME 162 NO. 43 • SERVING THE POLO AREA SINCE 1857

COUNTY NEWS

Friday, January 1, 2021 • $1.00

FEEDING TIME

Business Destroyed

A Mt. Morris business is destroyed in a Dec. 27 blaze. / 3

COUNTY NEWS

Bus Decor

A Forreston bus driver brightened the ride with decorations. / 5

Good Season A Christmas tree

farm had a very good season while staying COVID-19 compliant. / 10

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

A Polo farmer transports a large hay bale to his cattle along Judson Road on Tuesday. Farmers with livestock were busy prepping for winter storms that were forecast for this week.

One section • 20 Pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 7 Business News........ 11 Church News...........16 Colbert Column ....... 7

Classifieds ..........17-19 Library News ...... 9, 13 Oregon Police..........15 Otto’s Column .......... 6

Polo Police ...............15 Property Transfers..15 Sheriff Activity........14 State Police .............13

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Edith A. Edwards, Samantha R. Gilmour, Page 14

CITY COUNCIL POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS RI-COUNTY PRESS

Tri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

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New offer in the works for new city hall

Vote planned to take place at Jan. 4 meeting

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Discussion at a Polo City Council public meeting Tuesday yielded plans to vote on a new offer for a potential new city hall building at its Jan. 4 meeting.

The city has been in talks of acquiring the CedarStone building at 610 S. Division Ave. in recent months and was under contract to buy it for $229,000 before letting that deal expire due to the bank not being able to produce a clear title in time for a Dec. 10 closing.

The building is tied up in bankruptcy proceedings with its previous owner.

City Attorney Tom Suits said Tuesday that the title work should now be “in good shape” due to an appeal period ending.

Tuesday’s meeting was held to get citizen input on city hall plans. City officials seemed to agree on a plan going forward towards the end of the meeting.

“I guess the consensus is that we want to pursue it for $190,000,” Mayor Doug Knapp said.

Alderman Jim Busser agreed with a

lower offer and said that would free up money from the original offer for renovations to the new building.

“I think $200,000 would be fair and we’d have $15,000 or so for renovations,” Busser said. “And if someone outbids us and buys the building instead, we get a new business in town.”

The city put out a possible floor plan for the CedarStone building on its Facebook page this week.

“The plans are to have the council chambers in the big banquet room,” Knapp said. “It will still be able to be used as a community room. We talked about making another room just for chambers, but we’re trying to keep the cost low.”

Knapp said at this time it doesn’t seem like moving the police department to the building as well would be “a good move” due to money that was recently put into its current police building.

Busser and Alderman Randy Schoon voiced concerns about letting the CedarStone building sit empty and deteriorate. Suits said he believes the bank would keep it in good condition for a future sale.

Issues with the current city hall were also brought up. Former City Clerk Susie Corbitt attended the meeting via Zoom and confirmed issues outside of a

deteriorating wall.

“It also has a roof issue,” Corbitt said.

“It leaked on my desk and computer.

There’s sewer issues, too. It’s not just the wall. People should be proud of city hall. And the current one is an eyesore.

Schoon said he’s heard concerns from residents about city hall moving out of downtown. Recent city discussions about moving elsewhere downtown have ended with saying it would be too costly to build or renovate the current city hall or another building.

“If we want to revitalize downtown, we’d have to take a lead role,” Schoon said. “To take the lead role, we’d have to tear things down. If we sell this, we need to make sure they do something with it.

For me, I could go either way. I see what it’s going to cost if we don’t do this. But do we need to be downtown? Probably.”

Alderman Justin Grobe agreed with Schoon about wanting to stay downtown, but called the CedarStone building the “way to go financially.”

At its Jan. 4 meeting, the council will have to come up with a final offer and when it wants to close on a potential sale. It will also have to decide on how it wants to pay. Paying in a lump sum or securing a loan have both been discussed in recent meetings.

from our typical yearly celebrations, Christmas still came with all of its glory.

Together or apart, we remember the birth of our Savior.

I spent the Christmas holiday at home.

I planned for a relaxing day of catching up on movies that I had been missing over the past few months. A quick visit from Don and Vicki Hay, text message from friends and family, and a phone call with my children rounded out the day.

My daughter, Stephanie, and her boyfriend, João, have started the trip back home to Houston after spending a week in Minneapolis with João’s family. A couple of their friends are traveling with them to spend some quality time in Texas.

My son, Matt, spent Christmas day with friends, while Clint was home after his plans were canceled. Our family is making plans to be together in just a few months. We are all excited about the chance to gather in person.

One thing I have missed over the past two years of work and school is making projects. Over the holiday, I promised myself I would take time to crochet again. I started a scarf pattern with a ball of colorful yarn. Soon, I could stitch along while watching the television.

After an hour or so, I checked my

progress. I held up the scarf to see the sides were completely uneven. Rather discouraged after the first night, I folded it up and put it aside. The next day, I picked it up again and started ripping out the stitches.

I started stitching again, using up the yarn that was pulled and placed in a neat pile next to me. Feeling proud and accomplished, I held it up again, only to see I made the same mistakes. So, I started pulling out the stitches once again.

This went on a couple more times before I started holding up my work after each row.

My frustration gave way to imagining my finished product. I would hope that’s how God sees us. When we make mistakes, He backs us up to start over, never losing sight of our potential.

No matter how many mistakes or wrong turns we make in this lifetime, God is there to help us get going the right way again. Even when we can’t see the finished project or our edges look crooked, God sees who we can be. He sent His only Son because He won’t give up on us.

Please join one of the many online services this next Sunday. This is a great time to get to know the one who knows you best. I would like to wish you all a wonderful and blessed New Year!

PINE CREEK NEWS

BY KAREN MERLAK We may have missed being together for the holidays, but the love we share travels the miles between our hearts.

His love shines in the conversations between family and friends like the sunrise on a new day. For the connections we share with each other, we thank Him. This morning, Pastor Charlotte is enjoying some much needed vacation time. There are many churches posting services for Sunday morning for our viewing. Charlotte will be back in a couple of weeks to resume Sunday services and a midweek devotion.

For Christmas Eve, Charlotte stopped by to visit after preparing the evening’s service for Facebook. I always enjoy our conversations that usually steer towards our love of movies. No matter the subject matter, we always share the hope of good things to come.

This past Saturday evening, I was invited to dinner at the home of my brother, Ben Bittinger, his wife, Jo, and their sons, Hayden and Garrett. Our cousin, Luke Sheely, joined us for dinner, gifts, and a night of board games, complete with lots of laughter.

Families gathered in small numbers for the holiday all through Pine Creek.

While the holiday was very different

BUSINESS BLAZE

$75,000 estimated loss, fire chief says

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com A Mt. Morris auto repair shop was a total loss after a structure fire late Sunday night, Mt. Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough said.

Fire crews were called to Lows Automotive at 311 E. Hitt St. at 11:43 p.m. Sunday and stayed on scene until 2:26 a.m. There were no injuries in the fire and two occupants were able to get out on their own near the start of it, Hough said. The structure was a residence as well.

The fire was “heavily involved upon fire crews’ arrival, Hough said.

“When we arrived there was heavy fire in the southwest corner venting from the building and heavy smoke,” Hough said. “Once we were sure everyone was out, we went to defensive operations and fought the structure from a distance back due to the age of the structure and a partial collapse.”

Firefighters had to deal with freezing temperatures and snow that had fallen earlier in the evening.

“It was a little icy and slick,” Hough said. “Water freezes and we worry about runoff and ice and slipping. The cold weather had its impact on people. We rotated guys around.”

Hough estimates the loss of the building and its contents at $75,000.

The state fire marshal was on site investigating Monday and its investigation is ongoing. Hough said no foul play is suspected.

Mt. Morris Fire was assisted by Byron, Oregon and Polo departments while Leaf River covered its firehouse.

Mt. Morris firefighters responded to this structure fire at Lows Automotive, 311 E. Hitt Street on Dec. 27. The building and its contents were a total loss.

Photo by RG Hough

SHOOTING VICTIM

Basketball community mourns loss of referee

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN

bweidman@shawmedia.com Don Cook wears many hats as a member of the White Pines Officials Association.

Assignment chairman. Referee.

Mentor.

On Sunday, the Forreston resident performed a duty he could only imagine on the worst of days – the

bearer of awful, tragic news.

Cook received a call from a basketball official he knew in Rockford.

It was about Dennis Steinhoff, a member of the White Pines Officials Association and a long-time basketball and softball official who worked games throughout northern Illinois.

On Saturday, the 73-year-old Steinhoff was one of three people killed by a gunman at Don Carter Lanes in

Rockford.

Cook found out the identity of one of the victims – Steinhoff – Sunday morning, from a fellow basketball official.

“He said, ‘Did you hear about that shooting?’ Cook said. “I said, ‘Yeah, I watched the news [Saturday] night.’

He said, ‘Well, Denny Steinhoff was one of them.’ I said, ‘Oh no, I sure hope not.’ He said, ‘Yeah, he was.’

Denny’s daughter had called him and told him.

“I got the word out to our other officials, the ones that had worked more games with him. This is just such a terrible loss. He was a Vietnam veteran. He got that Agent Orange and had cancer, and battled through that. He was just a heck of a

See SHOOTING VICTIM Page 4

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

Mt. Morris auto repair shop a total loss after fire

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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PLANT UPDATE

Kinzinger introduces legislation for nuke plant

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) recently introduced legislation that would establish an emissions avoidance program for certain nuclear reactors and authorize funding for nuclear closure communities such as Byron and the Sauk Valley.

The Preserving Existing Nuclear Energy Generation Act is the House companion to a bipartisan effort by the Senate. Exelon plans to close its Byron and Dresden (Morris) plants in September 2021.

Following introduction of the H.R. 9015 legislation with his colleague, Congressman Mike Doyle, Kinzinger released this statement: “The greatest source of zero-emission bulk power in this country is

• SHOOTING VICTIM Continued from Page 3

fine person who had been through so much. To have something like this happen, it’s a terrible shock.”

Amboy girls basketball coach Mike McCracken had gotten to know Steinhoff over the years at the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament, which the Clippers have participated in for a number of years. It turned out McCracken, Cook and Steinhoff had something that bonded them together – cancer.

McCracken and Cook have sons, Jaron and John, respectively, who are battling cancer, and Steinhoff lent his support. “[Steinhoff] had cancer and talked about it, and when he found out Jaron had it, then we talked back and forth quite a bit during that first year of Jaron’s cancer,” McCracken said. “You would never know he had cancer because he was so happy all of the time. Dennis sent Jaron a menu, some kind of a diet that he could eat better with, and Jaron used that for a while.”

Steinhoff, a worker at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere by day, was a respected hoops official for nearly 40 years. He received a 25-year service award from the Illinois High School Association.

“The biggest thing I remember is he was very professional,” Polo boys basketball coach Matt Messer said.

“He did his job as well as he could, but I also remember he was very easy to talk to. If you had a question about a call, he would come right over, talk to you and tell you what he saw, or maybe what his partner

slowly dying on the vine,” Kinzinger said. “In Illinois, 11 operating nuclear reactors — including eight in the 16th District — provide 88% of the state’s emission-free electricity.

But a combination of factors, including misguided fears about nuclear power, have hampered the political will to ensure this revolutionary technology continues to power our neighborhoods, schools, and communities.”

“I believe in a State’s right to determine its own energy portfolio,” Kinzinger said. “But what I’m seeing is massive public support across Illinois for nuclear being met with political gridlock in Springfield. So now, it’s time for a federal solution.”

The Preserving Existing Nuclear Energy Generation Act is designed to help save nuclear plants that are

on the chopping block, including Byron and Dresden, by providing financial credits through an emissions avoidance program.

It also seeks to soften the blow to local communities who suffer the most near-term damage from the closure of these plants by providing resources to help shore up immediate budgetary impacts of local governments so that essential municipal services and economic development can be preserved, Kinzinger said.

“This bill is only a first step, and I look forward to continuing our conversations on nuclear energy so that we may act quickly and decisively in the 117th Congress,” Kinzinger said.

saw. cool. He always stayed “Also, before and the same and was an after games, he was excellent official.” very personable and Former Oregon boys easy to talk to. Some basketball coach Quinn guys are so focused Virgil said he looked on what they’ve got forward to two games in to do, it’s hard to talk particular each season. to them before the One was against game. If you ran into Byron, the Hawks’ bighim before the game, gest rival, and the other he had no problem was against Rockford talking with you. To Lutheran, as Virgil me, he just seemed Dennis Steinhoff a local high attended that school. like a really good per- school basketball referee It was in a game against son. This is just such and a softball umpire, was the Crusaders that Virgil a tragedy, and when one of the victims of the remembers Steinhoff for you know somebody, his steady hand. mass shooting in Rockford. it hits home a little “As a coach, you can Photo courtesy of WTVO get kind of excited,” Virmore.”

McCracken said gil said. “At Lutheran one coaches and officials can sometimes time, I was probably the most out of have adversarial relationships, but line I’ve ever been as a head basketthat was never the case with Stein- ball coach. I thought we got the shaft hoff. on a couple of calls and I was letting “First of all, he was a nice enough him have it pretty good. Most offiguy that you wouldn’t want to yell cials would have come unglued on at him,” McCracken said. “He was me, but he had the patience to just one of those refs that you would say, explain to me what he saw and kind ‘You don’t think that my shooter of just shut me up. got fouled?’ He’d say, ‘Mike, you’re “At times like that, that’s what probably right. I just didn’t see it a veteran official does. He doesn’t well enough.’ He said that a lot of get in a crazy yelling match with a times, and that has a tendency to coach. [Steinhoff] was as polite as diffuse you. Refs can be bullheaded could be, and he always did a great just like coaches are, and he wasn’t job.” afraid to admit when he was wrong.”

Oregon Athletic Director Mike Cook guessed he worked with Lawton also knew Steinhoff a bit, Steinhoff about 12 to 15 games over and said he was one of the good guys the years, and assigned him to hun- in the refereeing community. dreds more.

“He worked a lot of our basketball “He was a very good person and tournaments here in Oregon and very level-headed as an official,” was well-respected,” Lawton said.

Cook said. “He never changed. I “He was one of those long-time guys never saw him get too upset when a that everyone was familiar with and coach got on him. He didn’t lose his when you saw he was working the

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Exelon’s Byron nuclear power plant is located northeast of Oregon on German Church Road. game, you knew you would likely have a smooth night – which athletic directors and coaches appreciate.”

Man Charged with Murders Active duty Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Duke Webb, 37, of Shalimar, Florida, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder for injuring three others in the shooting at Don Carter Lanes, in Rockford.

Webb was on leave in Rockford to visit family and according to Army service information, had four deployments to Afghanistan, the most recent once ending in July.

His lawyer, Elizabeth Bucko, said on Monday during a hearing in a Winnebago County courtroom that Webb appeared to have issues with memory loss.

Webb is a U.S. Army Special Forces assistant operations and intelligence sergeant was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

He joined the Army in 2008 and served on four tours in Afghanistan.

Three people were killed and three others were injured in the shooting, which broke out shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday at the complex with a bowling alley, bar and off-track betting site.

Most of the complex was closed because of COVID-19 safety protocols, but a second-floor bar and carryout service was open.

(The Associated Press contributed to this article)

FORRESTON

Decorated seat used to spread holiday cheer to riders

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The state’s COVID-19 guidelines say the seat behind school bus drivers must stay empty to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

Forrestville Valley School District driver Marsha Birkholz used that open seat to spread holiday cheer to riders in recent weeks. Each day the seat had a different Christmas theme grinch day, elf on the shelf, Christmas socks and plaid.

“The school spirit, we were trying to keep that up and make it fun for them,” Birkholz said. “I pick up my first kids at 6:25 a.m. They loved the lights on the bus. It would brighten up the seat and they’d smile. They wondered what I’d do the next day.

They just looked every morning at that seat.”

Before COVID-19, Birkholz had about 53 riders on her bus. This semester, she had 20 due to parents opting to drive their kids or families choosing to have their kids do remote learning. Under state COVID-19 guidelines, only 49 people can be on a bus including the driver.

Birkholz said the district has had to take other measures on its bus operations due to COVID-19. Extra cleaning has to be done each day.

Riders must use hand sanitizer before getting on the bus. Siblings are grouped together on the bus to minimize possible spread.

“We had to make sure they were wearing masks,” Birkholz said. “It was like teaching students, a classroom on wheels. Wear masks, wash hands and use sanitizer.”

Birkholz has spent less time driving her bus as a whole this past semester.

No sports meant no night trips to games or extra curricular activities.

Seeing less students has been hard, and seeing no students during the school shutdown in the spring was even harder.

“I’m very close to my students,” Birkholz said. “You miss the students. We’re the first and last person they see on school days. It’s good morning and have a nice afternoon and night.”

Birkholz said she’s seen students have a tougher time as weather got colder and outdoor activities with less restrictions became less possi-

Photos supplied

Forrestville Valley School District bus driver Marsha Birkholz put in the extra effort to decorate her state-mandated open seat during the holidays and COVID-19. Here are some of the decorations from the holiday season.

ble.

Students were unable to gather for larger holiday activities at school.

That’s why she tried to think outside the box to spread cheer.

This year is Birkholz’ 12th as a school bus driver. The occupation runs in her family. Her mother, husband, uncles and brother-in-law have all driven for the district.

There are a handful of things Birkholz is excited for when the pandemic ends.

“I’m most excited to not wear a mask so I can see,” Birkholz said.

“My glasses get fogged up. And to interact again with kids without feeling like it may be unsafe. Seeing kids get their lives back, they need each other and interaction.”

Forrestville Valley School District bus driver Marsha Birkholz poses with Forreston Junior Senior High School Principal Travis Heinz.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

School bus driver brightens bus for holidays

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LOCAL HISTORY

1872 Ogle County Atlas described as “splendid” Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK

T

he following article was printed on the front page of the Ogle County Reporter, Sept. 19, 1872. This was the year the C&I Railroad arrived in Oregon. “(A Splendid Atlas) The success of the new atlas of Ogle County is now insured. We have had an opportunity to examine quite minutely, a copy of this valuable work and are confident that but few of our citizens fully realize the great labor and expense connected with the publication of such a map.

“For at least one year a corps of men been constantly and persistently engaged in compiling material for its publication.

Whoever has taken the trouble to observe these men will agree with us that they are entitled to full credit for their faithful and persevering labor upon the details of this Atlas.

“We venture the assertion that there are few sections of land in this county that have not come under their personal inspection and their lines and location noted by actual observation.

“This will account for the almost surprising accuracy of the various township maps and the exact location of objects of even minor importance. We predict that very few complaints will or can be made against this map by those who have ordered copies in advance.

“In addition to its correctness the work is in every way finely executed, its maps being engraved, printed and colored in a superior manner and its views drawn upon Bavarian Marble with artis-

Supplied by Otto Dick

ABOVE: This shows the Railroad Addition in the 1872 atlas. BELOW: This notice, which appeared on the front page of the Ogle County Republican “Our Dunn Horse”, encouraged readers to pay for their newspaper subscriptions. tic skill, the whole neatly and substantially bound in cloth, with leather facings, marbled leaves and embossed title, making it a volume not only of great interest for its information and official uses, but equally acceptable for the parlor or library.

“This atlas contains one hundred pages, 37 maps and 242 lithographic views with a brief history of the county and its cities and villages. The delivery has already commenced and we trust that the publishers will meet with the success their work so justly entitles them to.”

In my research, this first Ogle County Plat Book provides several sketches of Oregon Township farms.

The Daniel Etnyre Farm located in Section 4, Oregon Township, shows his house, barn and in the field a boy leading a horse.

The Oregon City Map has

sketches of four buildings in the business district that have since been demolished. It also shows a sketch of the Lutheran Church located on the Courthouse Square.

The Hill Railroad addition EastWest Streets were named A, B, and C. When viewing this plot of Oregon Township and the City of Oregon it reminds me there were no cars in Oregon, the dirt streets were dusty during the dry season and muddy during the wet seasons.

Most Oregon residents had a milk cow.

This atlas also has a directory giving the names of the professional and business men in each city and village. I could find no women listed in these directories.

On the front page of the Ogle County Republican was a cartoon of “Our Dunn Horse”. Do you think you would see something like this in today’s newspaper?

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County.

Call 815-632-2518 to subscribe today!

LOCAL HISTORY

K

enneth and I were not very good about technology and figuring out the new TVs let alone all the stuff that went with

them.

When his eyes went, it left me alone to cope with the situation and that was rather hopeless.

We just used a small TV that you slid the DVDs into a small slot and that was that.

When our granddaughter Lori’s Loras College basketball games came over the Internet I did learn how to take my laptop and hook it up to the big screen TV. I prayed a lot and hoped each time it would all work.

We were lucky and most generally it all went smoothly even though it was better to go to the games in person!

Then the pandemic hit and we were forced to stay in our houses!! We had moved and by this time we had this enormous TV with all the bells and whistles so Kenneth could see all the scores on the games.

We did not handle that TV well but did learn how to poke in a few numbers to get the news and that was about it.

Then Zoom came into our lives and my meetings such as Polo Economic Development and my PEO meetings were by this new method over the Internet. I did learn how to do that so I could stay in touch with the world.

As the family Christmas loomed on the horizon, I began to hear rumblings of how it would be a Zoom Christmas. Kenneth and I were beginning to feel down right depressed at the idea of the family not all being together. Plus how were we to see

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

anything on our little Internet screen?

On the day of the Obendorf Christmas, our son Steve and grandson Daniel, from Naperville, came to our home as the “tech guys” to hook up an iPad to our big screen TV. Susan O’Connor, our daughter, who works for the extension office and University of Illinois, handled the zoom technical stuff.

Kenneth and I sat speechless as Daniel soon had the whole family on the big screen in front of us.

We had the Obendorf family in LaPort, Illinois, the Obendorf family in Mt. Morris, the Lichtenheld family in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Lichtenhelds in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Obendorfs in Naperville, the O’Connor family in Mt. Carroll and we had the Obendorf family from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the Obendorf family from Chicago in their cars traveling.

I do not know how the two cars managed that!

Eventually Andrew arrived in Mt. Morris and joined the family there.

In Polo was Steve, Daniel, Kenneth and I in our family room. All 36 of us together by Zoom.

We sang with Lori handling the music, we

Zoom, the video sharing program, offered the Obendorf family the chance to see each other on Christmas. played our Christmas bingo, MCAHNY, with Krista doing that, we had a trivia game, handled by Allen Obendorf with his math classroom skills, four-year-old Holly danced and sang in front of all of us, we brought all up to date on who had had the virus, and who was recently getting the vaccination, and just generally visited.

This went on for several hours with everyone in their own living rooms. We had a video of past Christmases and saw how the children had grown through the years. Bruce had put that together. Everyone seemed to have a part.

We made lemonade from the lemons the coronavirus had given us. Hopefully this summer all the family can get together in person in Polo for our 70th anniversary which is coming up soon.

The virus has changed our lives dramatically and technology is amazing!

SPORTS COLUMN

Parents should not obligate children to play sports O ver the holidays while watching my 7-year old twin grand-daughters shoot baskets at a junior-sized hoop and backboard, I thought about how cool it would be if they were continue in sports. That would provide a great amount of joy for me.

But, what if they weren’t interested in sports and choose not to play games as they got older?

How would I react as a close family member and one who appreciates sports?

I’d like to think I would be okay, but after covering sports for years, I have seen the emotional attachment parents and grandparents develop as their little ones begin to play ball.

Actually, I noticed it well before then. As a kid growing up, I could sense certain parents who were more demanding of their children than other parents.

The kids I felt the sorriest for were those whose dads had been big-time athletes. A footnote is needed here to explain this was before Title IX and moms usually didn’t have an athletic history.

I recall a particular kid who was out for youth football because his dad was a star player, but had no interest in it whatsoever.

It was if he was obligated to play it to appease papa. That’s never a good situation.

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

What’s even worse is the parent that attempts to train their kid above and beyond regular game practices.

It will certainly cause greater resentment by the kid and drive him or her even more away from a sport faster.

At the risk of sounding sexist, I think fathers want their children to play sports more than mothers do. I could be wrong, though.

I do think mom is more understanding if a kid doesn’t want to play.

The stakes get higher as a child moves from the ranks of grade school to middle school and on to high school.

As a parent, or perhaps a grandparent, your expectations move up a notch.

What happens then if your child has plenty of success in a sport and suddenly decides not to go

out their junior and senior year? That devastates many a parent.

Trust me, I’ve seen it played out over and over again at every school I’ve covered.

On the other side of the coin, plenty of families that have kids play sports and stay with it for the duration. After the last one leaves, many a mom or dad has told me about an emptiness they have.

At least they got to see it played out until graduation. The parents whose children quit sports have that same emptiness, but also a sense of unfulfilled dreams.

There can be some satisfaction in knowing your child, though not necessarily an athlete, turns out to be a good student or good citizen.

Still, academic honors usually pale in comparison to sport accolades in today’s society.

Again, much of what is being stated is generalizations about a parents. This is not meant to paint every parent the same way in regard to their expectations of their offspring playing or not playing sports.

I hope I can be one of those family members who are perfectly content with whatever my grandchildren decide to do and be supportive of it.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

It was a Christmas via Zoom for Obendorf family

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

REGIONAL NEWS

K9 dies after car crashes into Boone County squad Driver that caused accident has been charged with DUI The death of a Boone County police dog has prompted one not-forprofit organization with Ogle County ties to seek donations for the sheriff’s department as a memorial to the K9.

On Dec. 27, Loki was secured in the kennel of the squad car while a Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy was conducting a traffic stop at 1:36 a.m. on Interstate 90 at Irene Road in Boone County.

A preliminary investigation released by the state police said the deputy was stopped on the right shoulder of Interstate 90 and was outside of his fully marked squad car with emergency lights activated, when the squad was struck from behind by a 2013 Lincoln Limousine driven by Vincent Millare, 53, of Crystal Lake.

The impact forced the squad car forward causing it to strike the rear of the vehicle the deputy had pulled over. Millare and the driver of the pulled-over vehicle, Patricia Wheeler, 50, were transported by ambulance to an area hospital with nonlife threatening injuries.

The Boone County deputy was uninjured, but Loki was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment and later died due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Millare was cited for driving while under the influence, failure to yield upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle (Scotts Law), improper lane usage, driving on the shoulder, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

The Jaimie Cox Foundation, a local non-profit that supports first responders in the northern Illinois region, posted this on social media after the death of Loki.

“Boone County Sheriff’s Office lost K-9 Loki early this morning after a senseless incident involv-

Boone County Sheriff’s Facebook

Loki, a K9 with the Boone County Sheriff’s office, died of injuries he sustained when the squad he was in was struck from behind during a Dec. 27 traffic stop in Boone County. ing a suspected drunk driver. Our thoughts are with Boone County Sheriff’s Department and Loki’s handler. We will accept donations to this fundraiser (and the original post below) present them to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office along with a memorial piece for K9 Loki.

For those who do not know, we are a local non-profit supporting first responders in the northern Illinois region.”

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office posted this message: “On behalf of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, we want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support to our department on the loss of our K9 Loki. The Sheriff’s Office has received a tremendous amount of requests to donate to our K9 program. There have also been several individuals and organizations accepting donations on behalf of our K9 program.

“We appreciate the good intentions, but please know the department may not be able to verify the legitimacy of every account. The

How You Can Help

Individuals may send donations directly to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at 615 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008.

Sheriff’s office is not soliciting donations. However, due to the overwhelming plea to donate, individuals may send donations directly to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at 615 N. Main St. Belvidere, IL 61008.

“Please know 100% of the donations received on behalf of K9 Loki will go directly to our K9 program.

Thank you again for your unbelievable amount of support.

Jaimie Cox, was a 30-year-old Rockford police officer who died in 2017 after a scuffle during a traffic stop.

His grandparents, the late Don and Joyce Cox, were Mt. Morris

residents; his dad Jim grew up in town and graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1977; and Cox lived in town for a few months while training for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, where he worked before joining the Rockford department in 2016.

Cox was killed after stopping a pickup truck near East State Street and Dawn Avenue in Rockford.

Police believe he scuffled with the driver, became entangled with the truck, and opened fire with his sidearm. The truck crashed into a tree about two blocks north of the stop.

Cox, who radioed for assistance during the incident, was taken to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed he died of blunt force trauma, said the Winnebago County coroner, who ruled his death a homicide.

The driver died of a gunshot wound and also suffered blunt force trauma, his autopsy revealed.

The squad car did not have a dashboard camera.

Do you have a story or photo idea for us?

Email: news@shawnews.com

OREGON

BERTOLET LIBRARY

Winter Take & Make Crafts Winter crafts continue this month. Be on the lookout for snowflakes, melting snowmen, and more. Stop by each Monday to pick up your take & make craft kit for the week.

New Releases Adult Fiction: Tate by Susan May Warren, Hush Hush by Stuart Woods Juvenile Fiction and Non-Fiction: The Whispers In the Walls by Sophie Cleverly, A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes Children’s Fiction: A Is For Another

Rabbit by Hannah Batsel, Biscuit’s Snow Day Race by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Just a Snowy Vacation by Mercer Mayer Wednesday WhoDunIt Wednesday WhoDunIt will resume after the holidays. Put a new mystery title on your Christmas wish list!

Family Story Time Family Story Time will resume after the holidays.

Reminder: We are unable to collect soft plastics at this time. Also, we regretfully cannot accept book donations right now. We apologize for the inconvenience. We ask that you refrain from depositing your plastics and book donations unattended. Thank you for your cooperation.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY Holiday Closures We will be closed Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1 for New Years.

Adult Book Club Adult Book Club will be the 4th Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. starting Jan. 25. (Currently via Zoom.) Please email Dawn Winters at dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to sign up (Zoom link will be sent via email). Copies of the book (News of the World by Paulette Jiles) are currently en route so she will set you up with a book as well. (Regular print, large print and audio coming.) Or feel free to grab a copy digitally!

Free Library Cards for all OCUSD 220 Students Mt. Morris Public Library and Oregon Public Library, in conjunction with OCUSD 220, are partnering for a pilot program where all students qualify for a free library card. Information and forms will be sent home from the school. Contact the library at 815-734-4927 for more information.

Family Storytime In-person family storytime is available on Fridays by appointment and for one family at a time. It will last approximately 30 minutes and will include books, rhymes and a craft. Masks will be required for ages 3 and up and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry to the library. Call the library at 815-734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to register.

Browsing & Computer Use By

Appointment We are open for browsing and computer use by appointment; call they library to schedule a time. Masks are required and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the library.

No unaccompanied children are allowed in the library at this time (do not bring your children if you will be using the computer). Browsing is limited to 30 minutes and computer use to one hour.

Lower temperatures at Nash due to faulty boiler

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Oregon Park District pass holders will be experiencing cooler temperatures inside Nash Recreation Center in the near future due to a faulty boiler system, a letter to pass holders said last week.

“While the facility will remain open for fitness center reservations, the facility will be operating at lower temperatures,” the letter said.

“We encourage patrons to dress appropriately and understand if you choose to skip your scheduled use of the facility.”

The district hopes to have the boilers replaced and heating as normal-

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Nash Recreation Center is located at 304 S. Fifth Street in Oregon.

ly scheduled by the new year.

Those with questions are asked to call the Nash Recreation Center at 815-732-3101.

OREGON LIBRARY Holiday Library hours The Oregon Public Library will be closed New Year’s Day. Have a safe holiday and keep reading!

New Library Procedures Oregon Public Library has shifted to touch free services due to the Tier 3 mitCurbside Pickup, Interlibrary Loans, igation. We will only be offering curbside pick up and appointments for computer Library Cards use, printing or faxing.

Curbside Service and Interlibrary If you are interested in curbside pick Loans are available during regular business hours. Mt. Morris patrons can place up or a computer reservation please call 815-732-2724. Holds can be placed three holds through the catalog, by calling or different ways: emailing. Library staff is quarantining Online through the catalog: all returned items for a period of time.

Recently returned materials may remain http://search.prairiecat.info/iii/ encore/?lang=eng on your account longer than usual. No Over the phone with Library staff overdue fines will be charged. New at 815-732-2724, or through our NEW library cards: Patrons can call or email mobile App - PrairieCat Mobile. the library to set up an appointment Log into your library account with to renew or receive new library cards. your library card number and PIN (last Please bring a photo id and a second form of id with current address. Contact four digits of the library card number).

Once your requested items are availthe library at 815-734-4927 or mmlib@ able for pick up you will receive the mtmorris-il.org. automated notification from PrairieCat. Call us at 815-732-2724 after you receive Library Board Meeting this notice to schedule your curbside Our next Board Meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. This meet- pick up.

Remember to check our Facebook ing is open to the public. posts or the local papers for new releases! You can also talk to the librarians Open Trustee Positions We have two Trustee positions expir- for book recommendations and to place items on hold. ing. If you are interested in being in the Spring elections, packets are available Book Bundles at the library for pickup from Village Hall.

We have librarian created book bundles. Each bundle has 3-4 books, we have bundles of mysteries, holiday books, fiction, non fiction, assorted and even a trilogy from a local author.

Library Book Clubs Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m., “The Giver of Stars”

by Jojo Moyes. Books on Tap Book Club meets on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.

Oregon Writer’s Group, 10 a.m. second Tuesday each month The OWG is a gathering of writers or writer-wannabes who meet to support each other and to further their own writing. The purpose of the group is to help and encourage you in your writing. If you need brainstorming ideas, we can help suggest ideas or aid with the creative process.

Try It Tuesdays Watercolor Lantern Craft kits will be available for pick up on Tuesday, January 12 (2nd Tuesday of the month). Kits vary and are first come, first serve.

In the Belly of the Best: King in Chicago 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, virtual program On his way to the Mountaintop, Dr. Martin Luther King trod many miles and visited many cities including Chicago. The extraordinary work he did here is largely forgotten by See OREGON LIBRARY, Page 13

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

Hat and Mitten Tree Thank you so much for filling our Hat and Mitten Tree. We will be delivering the gifts to the New Life Community Center in Forreston for distribution.

9

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

BUSINESS NEWS

Local tree farm saw ‘significantly higher’ sales

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Families looking for a COVID-19friendly holiday activity in December found one at Oregon’s Sinnissippi Tree Farm.

The tree farm, located southeast of Oregon on Lowden Road, had “significantly higher” sales numbers of live Christmas trees, owner Doug Conroy said.

Numbers almost doubled last year’s total and over 1,200 trees were sold as of the week before Christmas.

“We got a lot of traffic out of the suburbs,” Conroy said. “We have open space. Acres and acres of open ground to walk.”

There’s a nationwide shortage of live Christmas trees, Conroy said.

Sinnissippi sold out of its fresh cut trees in a week and half. Luckily, the tree farm had a large supply of choose-and-cut trees.

A lot of other growers ran out of trees, Conroy said. His supply of choose-and-cut trees was plentiful and will “hopefully” be for years to come. Conroy saw the high demand this year coming.

“There’s been a resurgence in people wanting real trees for 8-9 years,” Conroy said. “Artificial trees put a lot of growers out of business. But then things changed. A lot of growers got out and now there’s just not a lot available.”

Sinnissippi Tree Farm was told to expect large crowds and interest during the season. Conroy wanted to make sure the numbers could be controlled.

It followed all of the National Christmas Tree Association and state health guidelines and recommended patrons wear masks within six feet of others and workers. Plexiglass and handwashing stations were installed.

“Busy is nice, but exposure made us nervous,” Conroy said. “The first couple weeks were nerve racking.

We did curbside pickup and service.

We did all we could. We had quite a few do pickups.”

Sinnissippi was the first and largest tree farm in the state. It was developed at the turn of the century when acreage along the Rock River was developed for forestry. The area was ideal for white pine trees.

After hearing from patrons this season, Conroy is optimistic the holidays will be fruitful for years to come.

“I heard a lot of just how grateful they were for trees,” Conroy said.

“Just how nice it was.”

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Oregon FFA member Zander Downs and tree farm owner Doug Conroy, carry a live wrapped tree to a customer’s car at the Oregon FFA Christmas Tree Farm. BELOW: Saws awaited customers at the tree farm where Oregon FFA members tend to the trees during the year and then help run the lot in December.

BUSINESS NEWS

An Oregon salon owner has founded a new group and a local food pantry recently received its first donation.

When w@sh salon owner and Oregon native, Meggan Dickson-Grennan, realized that Oregon did not have a group dedicated to female entrepreneurs she decided to form one.

“I’ve taken it upon myself to connect the strong “womxn” business owners in our area! Why “Womxn” ?? This is a female group for Womxn of all kinds,” she said.

Womxn in Business (Oregon area) is for serious business owners, she said.

“In this group we’re creating a network of hard working entrepreneurs to have space to connect, find support, and build relationships with other people who recognize the hard work it takes to gain success,” she said.

Recently, member Randee Mennenga, of R.F.M. Creations, suggested a holiday gift basket.

“This idea morphed into the Womxn in Business Christmas Raffle 2020. Nine of our group members

Supplied

Pictured left to right are Randee Mennenga (R.F.M. Creations), Monica Putnam (Hidden Timber Gardens), Sharon Wallace (co-President Lifeline), and Meggan Dickson-Grennan (w@sh). generously donated to the raffle, which ran Dec. 3-21. Participants included Hilltop Wildflowers, w@ sh, R.F.M. Creations, Blackhawk

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Knowing so many organizations benefit from donations, Grennan-Dickson chooses to use her business’s position in the public eye as a way to involve the community and give to those organizations in a bigger way than a single person might be able to, so w@sh hosted the Womxn in Business Christmas Raffle.

“We were able to raise $425! All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Lifeline Food & SelfHelp Project,” she said.

Located inside historic Conover Square Mall the Lifeline Food & Self-Help Project (201 N. 3rd Street) began in 1982.

The project began as a food pantry; with clothing following a few short months later. Lifeline is run on clothing and monetary donations. Clothing sales fund the food pantry and utility bills. Their store is open Tuesday-Saturday.

For more info on Lifeline, call (815) 732-7891.

For more information on Womxn in Business, email wash.salon815@ gmail.com.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

Womxn in Business group donates to food pantry

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Ukulele Station one of Top 100 music stores Ukulele Station America named for fifth year in a row

Ukulele Station America in Oregon, has been named a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music products and music retailers.

The award honors retail music dealers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their stores, neighborhoods, and customers and share a vision to create a more musical world through their local communities.

The award will be presented in January during NAMM’s Believe in Music Week, the online global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world.

“It is an honor to have been named a Top 100 music store for the fifth year in a row” said John Lindhorst, owner of Ukulele Station America.

“I am grateful for the continued support I receive from the local community.”

NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer Awards spotlight the industry’s very best music product retailers.

To determine the list, an independent panel of judges reviewed hundreds of submissions rated across

tion America is encouraging all fans and local community members to vote for the store in the “Top 100 Customers’ Choice Award,” a special award given to the recipient of the most votes from their community. Vote for the store here: TopDealer.NAMM.org Believe in Music is the online, global gathering to unite and support the people who bring music to the world. Held over the week of Jan. 18, the gathering will feature a mix

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-forprofit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.

NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music-making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,400 Member companies located in more than 104 countries.

John Lindhorst rehabbed an old gas station and now sells ukuleles out of the stone building. He is currently constructing a new building behind the original location. categories that include customer service, innovation, music advocacy, store design, marketing, and sales promotions and are scored in accordance to determine the Top 100 list.

As part of the awards submission process, Ukulele Station America’s entry will be evaluated for one of several awards, including the “Innovation Award,” “Best Community Retail Store,” and the coveted “Dealer of the Year” Award. Ukulele Sta-

IN BRIEF

Kathleen Isley named Chief Public Defender for Ogle County Kathleen Isley has been named chief public defender to the newly developed Ogle County Office of Public Defender.

The public defender’s office is a county department that will provide direct legal counsel and representation to indigent defendants in criminal and juvenile cases.

Isley is working to form the office which is

About NAMM

located in the Ogle County Judicial Center.

She will be working to expand the office and develop a full-time staff to serve the needs of all indigent defendants in all courtrooms.

Kathleen Isley

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of comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers – all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event will also offer live music, content and product discovery for all who believe in music, helping connect music makers and enthusiasts across the world.

To learn more about Ukulele Station America, visit UkuleleStationAmerica.com or visit the shop at 1000 Washington Street, Oregon.

To learn more about NAMM and the Top 100 Dealer Awards,visit: www.namm.org/believe-in-music-week/top-dealer-awards.

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POLO LIBRARY

Additional Curbside Services We are still offering copy/print (.25/ Black and White .50/Color) and fax ($1/ page). We also offer home delivery at no extra charge for patrons who are unable to use curbside pickup. Please call 815-946-2713 for more information and to schedule an appointment or home

• OREGON LIBRARY

Continued from Page 9

those who were there or unknown to those too young. To learn more about this remarkable man and this remarkable time, please join musician/historian Clarence Goodman for “In the Belly of the Beast: King in Chicago.” Registration required 815-732-2724.

Museum of Bad Art 101, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, virtual program The world’s only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and celebration of bad art in all its forms.

The growing collection of works of bad art awaits your discerning eye. Join Louise Reilly Sacco, founding member of the Museum Of Bad Art in 1993, as she shares this introduction to the collection. Starting as the Director of Financial Enablement, she has risen to Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director. Louise retired from a career in marketing and now works summers as a Fenway Park usher. Registration required 815-7322724

delivery.

Long Overdue Items Do you have an item from Polo Public Library that you’ve had for a long time? Maybe you’ve already received a bill notice for it or you’re afraid of how much you’ll owe when you bring it back. Any library item that is returned, in good condition, will be checked back in and the bill will be removed from your account, no fees. If you have any questions about this, give us a call at 815-946-2713.

Winter Reading Programs - All Ages - Jan. 4 - Feb. 28 This winter, travel through reading.

There is a “Passport to Reading” program, recommended for kids and students ages 0 - 6th grade, or the “Travel the World through Reading” program for everyone else, 7th grade and up.

For more information about the programs and to register, Visit pololibrary. readsquared.com. If you have any questions, or are unable to register online, please call 815-946-2713.

Book Subscription Box - Grades 6-12 The book subscription box contains one book to read and some goodies.

You pick the genre, we supply the book!

Email library@pololibrary.org and ask New Library App This allows patrons to check library accounts, search for items, place holds, and see library events from a mobile device. Download the PrairieCat Mobile app today! Search for PrairieCat Mobile on your device’s app store, connect with your Oregon Public Library card and you are all set.

Friends of the Library Grab Bag Sale This is an ongoing sale and the bags are in the library labeled by genre. Bags are $5. There are approximately 8-10 books in each bag.

New Children-Youth Releases Fowl Twins: Deny All Charges by Eoin Colfer The Magic In Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney Green Lantern Legacy by Minh Le Tristan Strong Punches a Hole by Kwame Mbalia The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer Nielsen

for a Book Subscription Box form, fill it out, and we’ll call you to set up a pickup time when your box is ready.

Read the book while you enjoy some treats, then return the book in the book drop.

Book Clubs The Polo Library currently has two traditional book clubs meeting via Zoom, one on the fourth Monday of each month and one on the fourth Friday of each month, both at 1:30 p.m.

In January, we will be starting a third book club that will be a books to movies group that will meet on Zoom on a weekday evening (exact day and time to be decided by people interested in joining the book club).

If you have any questions or are interested in joining any of the book clubs, please email: carlap@pololibrary.org Library Cards Did you know that if you live in the Polo School District and are under the age of 18 you qualify for a free library card?

Any person of student age (4-18 years old) living in the Polo School District qualifies for a free Polo Library card, whether you attend Polo Schools, private school, or are home schooled.

Family cards, which parents can use too, Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey Gordon: Bark to the Future by Ashley Spires Three Keys by Kelly Yang Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia Show Me A Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte Skyhunter by Marie Lu Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy The Talk Conversations about Race, Love & Truth by Wade Hudson Into the Forest by Christiane Dorion Pretty Tricky: The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive by Etta Kaner Welcome to Ballet School by Ashley Bouder If You Come To Earth by Sophie Blackall Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper Dear Earth…From Your Friends in Room 5 by Erin Dealey Stand Up! Speak UP! A Story inspired by the Climate Change Revolution by Andrew Joyner The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts by Trudy Ludwig

are only $20 a year if you live outside of Buffalo Township and have a student living in your household. As always, if you live in Buffalo Township, you are able to get a Polo Library card for free.

Stop by the library today to sign up for a card or, if you’ve lost your card, pick up a new card. Call 815-946-2713 or email library@pololibrary.org with questions.

Biblioboard - eBooks available to anyone in Illinois, with or without a Library Card. Everyone in Illinois now has access to thousands of e-books and more, without the need of a library card. Public libraries statewide offer free e-books for the over 12 million Illinois residents and anyone else in the state, through a partnership between the Reaching Across Illinois Library System and BiblioLabs.

The e-book service, called BiblioBoard, has nearly 40,000 items available at any time to anyone in the state, and the items are always available.

Potential users of BiblioBoard have easy access to available content through links on libraries’ websites, or by going to illinois.biblioboard.com.

Content includes local community histories, self-help resources, cookbooks, classics with beautifully reimagined covers, kids’ books, community collections by RAILS libraries, books on equity, diversity, and inclusion, graphic novels, and much more.

STATE POLICE

Man arrested for weapon charge on I-39

A Cahokia man was arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon after he displayed a handgun while traveling on Interstate 39, Illinois State Police said.

Jalen D. Kizer-Watson, 19, of Cahokia, was arrested on Dec. 28 at approximately 9:53 a.m. after the ISP Communications Center in Sterling ved an anonymous report of a subject displaying a handgun while traveling in a vehicle northbound on Interstate 39 in Lee County.

A District 1 Trooper located the suspect vehicle on Interstate 39 northbound near milepost 112 and stopped the vehicle after observing violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code

See ARREST, Page 14

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

Curbside Pickup Mondays - 2-6 p.m.; Tuesdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Wednesdays - 2-6 p.m.; Thursdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Fridays - 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; and Saturdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Step 1 - Log in to your PrairieCat/ Encore account and request items for pickup. You can also call 815-946-2713 or email library@pololibrary.org at least one business day in advance of preferred pickup day with a list of items you would like to check out.

Need a suggestion? Library staff are happy to select several books for you to try.

Step 2 - Call 815-946-2713 to schedule a date and time for your contactless pickup Please remain in your car and allow library staff to place your items in your trunk or back seat.

Step 3 - Drop items off as you are finished with them. Our book drop, located to the left of the Congress Street door, will continue to be open 24/7.

13

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

OBITUARIES EDITH A. EDWARDS POLO – Edith Ann Edwards, 61, of Polo, passed away of diabetic complications on December 22, 2020, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Edie, as she was known to friends and family, was born on March 24, 1959 in Dixon to Phyllis (Garman) and Ernest Bornemeier Sr.

SAMANTHA R. GILMOUR MT. MORRIS – Samantha Rae Gilmour, 27, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at home, with her parents by her side.

She was born on June 21, 1993 and her parents were so excited to welcome her into this world. After enduring over 15 years of gastrointestinal problems she was ultimately diagnosed with chronic global neuromyopathic gastrointestinal dysmotility, a rare digestive disorder including malabsorption.

Samantha always had a love for books ever since a young age and looked forward to the summer reading program at the library each year. Her love for books continued on through her entire life as it became a loved passion.

She had a collection of well over 400 books which will be donated to TLC Living Community in Machesney Park for their library.

She graduated from Oregon High School in 2011 with her last 2 years being home schooled due to her ongoing medical condition. We were proud of the dedication that she put forth to accomplish this goal as it was not always an easy task.

Samantha was a beautiful young woman whose life was cut too short.

She lived with a strength that was beyond her years. We admired her every

In June of 1981 she was united in marriage to John Edwards. Edie was a fan of Polo youth sports, and an avid supporter of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Survivors include her daughters, Tasha Edwards, Angelisa Bowman (Edwards) and Shari Edwards; son, Robert Edwards; sisters Beverly Bolen of Polo, IL and Lisa Bornemeier of Polo;

brother, Ernest Bornemeier Jr. of Monroe, Wisconsin; her half sister, Dorothy Nilles of Oswego; 11 grandchildren, Stanley and Wesley Karpinski, Cassaundra, Sabrina (LaBlance) and Hayley Smith, Marie, Kathryn, and George Mercurio, Cheyenna Wilkins, Serinity Carlson and Sawyer Edwards; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Willman, Hunter LaBlance and Johnathon Smith; four nieces; and

seven nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Edwards; mother, Phyllis (Garman) Bornemeier; and father, Ernest Bornemeier Sr. Cremation rites will be accorded, with a celebration of life at a later date.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

single day she was with us.

She had strong convictions for what she believed in whether it was injustice to others or to animals.

She loved all cats, especially her beloved Biscuit, who helped her in so many ways.

We as parents were proud of her for what she did accomplish in her short time with us. She did things full force and attacked each project with a vengeance. She left us with many items that she had made that will always be a reminder of her abilities and passions.

One could say that she decorated our life with her outpouring of love in the items that she produced.

She was able to face her daily challenges and fears as she knew that she would ultimately be reunited with her beloved cat Biscuit (07/19/2017) on the Rainbow Bridge. It was her one solace knowing that there was a loved one waiting for her when the time came for her to depart this physical world.

Watching her on a daily basis we learned just how strong she was and it was inspirational to say the least. It certainly made one question themselves as to how they would be able to handle such a situation? In spite of the pending situation how does one carry on?

It is something one so young should never have had to face. She taught us so

much in how to face adversity with her will to live life each day. If she wanted to experience something she went for it and didn’t put it off as she wanted to live each day to the fullest.

One never knows what challenges you will face in life that molds you into the person you ultimately become. One thing we are sure of is the fact that Samantha had a huge effect on our lives and we were glad to have been her parents.

Samantha’s journey was a long one, and we would like to acknowledge our appreciation to Serenity Hospice for the memorable trip we were able to take in 2018 to see The Lion King on Broadway.

New York was an amazing opportunity for her and one that she never forgot.

We want to thank her many doctors who helped with her care over the years. Also a special “thank you” to Unity Hospice for their compassion with her end of life care including Raeann, Kim, Tess, Connie and anyone else whom we may have forgotten.

We would especially like to thank Kiwi, her nurse practitioner, who truly listened to Samantha. Kiwi will always have a special place in our hearts for her understanding the specific nature of the illness that was involved. We are so grateful to have met you all.

She is survived by her parents, Patrick

& Nancy of Mt. Morris; sister, Danni (Melissa O’Shea) Gilmour of Midlothian, brother Timothy (Claire) Gilmour and niece Beatrice and nephew Ephram Gilmour of Galesburg; grandparents, Rae Rothermel, Machesney Park, formerly of Polo, Jack Gilmour of Mesa, Arizona.; and eight aunts, Vicky (Bob) Bray, Brian (Karen) Rothermel, Margi (Bruce) Gilmour-Washington, Steve (Tammy) Gilmour, Cathie Gilmour, Mary (John Manning) Rogers, Greg Gilmour, Karen (Terry) Estep, Sarah (Rob) Klosa, Jason (Kim) Berg and Cody (Kristin Truemper) Rothermel along with numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by three grandparents, Barbara Gilmour, Mary Lynn (Buck) Gilmour and Sandi Rothermel.

Finch Funeral Home at 405 E Hitt St., Mt. Morris, IL will assist with Samantha’s wish to be cremated. Due to COVID-19 there will be no visitation at this time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 53, Mt Morris, IL 61054 for a donation in her name to an animal shelter to perpetuate her love for cats.

Samantha, fly high free from pain and finally enjoy that “blue box” of mac ‘n cheese! We will love you forever, our guardian angel.

• ARREST

Owner’s Identification Card, and illegal transportation of cannabis.

Kizer-Watson was transported to the the Ogle County Jail to await a bond hearing.

“We appreciate the person who called 911 to report the suspicious activity they observed which allowed us to further investigate the situation,” said District 1 Commander Captain Matthew Hodgdon.

“We rely on tips and information provided by the public in order to proactively prevent criminal activity and keep our roadways and communities safe; never hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious activity.”

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

Dec. 22 Donald Johnson, 24, of DeKalb was arrested at 8:20 p.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies stopped a 2006 Jeep for speeding on Interstate 39 at mile marker 109 north bound. Johnson was released on scene and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 3 at 9 a.m.

Dec. 24 John Kerr, 61, of Oregon, was arrest-

ed for trespassing on property on his dirt bike after deputies investigated a trespassing complaint in rural Oregon.

Kerr was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was processed and then released with a future court date.

Dec. 27 Kord Oltmanns, 22, of Byron was arrested at 12:59 a.m. for driving while under the influence after deputies conducted a traffic stop at Illinois 2 and Margaret Fuller Drive. Oltmanns was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Continued from Page 13 During the traffic stop investigation, troopers observed signs of criminal activity.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and illegal narcotics and a loaded weapon was recovered, a press release said.

Kizer-Watson, the passenger of the vehicle, was charged with three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of ammunition without a Firearm

OREGON POLICE

Dec. 15 At 11:18 a.m., police investigated a one-vehicle traffic crash where a 2019 Ford driven by Matthew P. Pendergrass, 40, of Byron, struck a median sign. Pendergrass was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Dec. 16 Shaun M. Harriett, 37, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 7:27 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred in the 1400 block of Pines Road.

At 9:17 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of S. 4th Street, resulting in the arrest of Timothy P. Prehn, Jr., 40, of Oregon, for resisting/ obstructing a peace officer. Prehn was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Dec. 17 At 4 p.m., police investigated a truck vs power line traffic crash in the 300

POLO POLICE

Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood released the following information.

Wanda L. Mon, 53, of Polo, was cited for speeding 49 mph in a 30 mph speed

block of Gale Street where a 2010 truck owned by Bellissimo Distribution, LLC and driven by Narciso Zamudio, 61, of Rockford, struck the guide wire to a utility pole, causing the transformer to spark. No citations were issued.

Dec. 18 At 10 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of N. 5th Street resulting in the arrest of Eric E. Brown, 25, of Oregon, for disorderly conduct and aggravated assault. Brown was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Street.

Dec. 22 At 6:25 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of S. 4th Street resulting in the arrest of Stephen M. Dexter, 25, of Oregon, for aggravated battery, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, and possession of a controlled substance. Dexter was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Dec. 19 Cristina Bushland, 43, of Rochelle, was issued a citation at 8:51 p.m. for disobeying a traffic control device. This violation occurred at the intersection of Webster and 10th Streets.

Dec. 24 At 12:35 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the drivethrough at the McDonald’s restaurant, located at 211 N. 4th Street, involving a 2015 Chrysler driven by Ethan M. Manson, 22, of Sterling, and a 2010 Mercury driven by Jeremy R. Irving, 49, of Polo.

No citations were issued.

Dec. 21 Brian L. Jordan, 38, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 8:43 a.m. for allowing a dog to run at large. This violation occurred in the 700 block of Jefferson

Dec. 27 At 4:07 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 400 block of W. Washington where a 2005 Chrysler driven by Hunter D. Furman, 21,

zone. She was released on an I-Bond.

General calls for service Dec. 14-27 Citizen Complaints-Assist.............11

Juvenile.............................................. 1 Animal Complaint ............................4 Disturbance-Domestic....................2 Fire-Medical Assist..........................6

of Stillman Valley, struck a 2013 Dodge driven by Mackenzie D. Graham, 27, of Oregon. Furman was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. A passenger in Furman’s vehicle, Nolan M. Wortman,21, of Stillman Valley, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of cannabis as a passenger.

Four verbal warnings were issued.

Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

General calls for service through dispatch Dec. 14-27 Checking a Subject / Vehicle ......4 Citizen Complaints ........................6 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem.....11 Assist EMS / Other Dept. .............7 Disturbance / Dom Battery ........7 Alarm Response / Open Door......5 911 Hang-up / Open Line..............2 Lockout Vehicle / Building...........7 Ordinance Violations..................... 1 Traffic Stops ...................................6

Alarm-Open Door............................. 1 Lock Out ............................................ 1 Traffic Stops .................................... 8 County Assists .................................2

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers Dec. 18-24 Warranty Deeds Atidze Alioska, also Aliu to Rose Barncord and James McClintock, 205 W. Logan St., Forreston, Byron, $100,000.

John Morgan and Lynn K. Harris to Richard M. and Janet M. Reardon, 414 N. Birch Lane, Dixon, $360,000.

Steven C. and Sally E. Etheridge to Denniel Witkowski, 6834 E. Hales Corner Road, Stillman Valley, $378,500.

William G. Heal to Amy M. Glugla, 321 E Grant St., Creston, $54,000.

Heidi A. and David Gorr to Pablo A. and Blanca E. Silva, 10256 E. Branch Road, Rochelle, $217,000.

Iron Horse Acres to Ceres Farms Cropland Holdings LLC, Six parcels of farmland in Byron Township and 5783 E. Hales Corner Road, $1,279,473.

Blake Rhl Klosa and Lannette Herrera to Carl and Christine Richardson, 6730 N. Friday Road, Byron, $205,000.

Stanwich Mortgage Loan TRF, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, trustee to

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 1000 W. Lincoln Ave., Rochelle, $74,426.

Adam F. and Lauren L. Gura to Melissa A. Williams, 514 W. Third St., Byron, $162,000.

Phyllis L. Sigley to Roger Steder and Kari Paulson, 8540 N. Valley View Drive, Byron, $190,000.

The late Marjorie A. Adams to Zachary S. Cassidy, 321 N. High St., Kings, $151,000.

Stephania Flaszka and Tadeusz Madej to Andrew D. and Jaime L. Weilacher, 307 S. Congress Ave., Polo, $95,000.

Thomas M. and Deanna L. Hughes to Keith and Karen Ruter, 5550 Freeport Road, Polo, $87,750.

Gene Dambman to Bryan S. Helfrich and Cortney L. Fleming, 605 S Congress Ave., Polo, $7,000.

Greg W. and Sandra S. Cross to Danielle A. and James Ellis, 11015 W. Haldane Road, Forreston, $256,500.

Jane E. Slick, also Koeller to Robert C. Shenberger, one parcel on S. Walnut Ave in Forreston, $70,000.

Christopher M. and Dawn Dodge to Craig Grisolia, 6010 E. Hales Corner Road, Stillman Valley, $355,000.

Quit Claim Deeds Robert J. and Sheryl E. Piros to Jeffrey and Jennifer Winterland, one parcel in Pine Rock Township, $0.

Lynnette E. Burch Trust, Lynnette E. Burch, trustee to Renee H. Miller, 3458 Kilbuck Road, Davis Junction, $0.

Alan E. Albrecht to Lynnette E. Burch, 8876 E Gurler Road, Ashton, 9322 Gurler Road and one parcel in Rochelle, $0.

Petry Home Builders and Byard Home Builders LLC to PCO Homes LLC, 1107 Depot St., 1110-1112 Burlington Way, 1104 Illinois St., and 1101 and 1035 Northwestern Ave., Davis Junction, $0.

Ralph F. Pullin Jr. and NW NE 12 41 to Christine M. Hawkins, 14579 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, $0.

Trustee Deeds French Family Trust, Susan K. and Gary C. French, trustees, to Kenya J. Smith, 608 S. 10th St., Oregon,

$125,000.

Sharon L. Grot Declaration Trust, Sharon L. Grot, trustee to Earl Thomas, 107 Maple Lane, Dixon, $3,500.

Donald L. Miller Sr. Trust1008, Wendell L. Miller, trustee to Kim M. and Jon D. Miller, 602 S. Summerhill Road, Polo, $75,000.

Ruth E. Drake General Trust, Kathy L. Plecki, trustee to Lucas A. and Kara M. Robinson, 112 W. Meadows Court, Forreston, $148,500.

Swenson Trust 93, Dianne Kay Bailey and Gloria Lynn Stickler, trustees to Hether Wake, 10867 N. state Route 2, Byron, $150,000.

Executor Deeds Estate of Leota W. Cavanaugh, the late Leota W. Cavanaugh by executor to Wayne Platek, 308 N. Division Ave., Polo, $40,000.

The late Jude M. Ludewig by executors to Gene Daryl and Lynn Ludewig, 15555 W White Oak Road, Forreston, $349,427.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

15

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH 9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist.

815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Congress Ave. & Webster St. PoloCob3@rgmail.com

Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 416 Prospect St., Dixon

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

John Lewis, Pastor

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

815-677-9199

326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Josh Ehrler

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

ST. MARY CHURCH

301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo

308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

December 18, 25, 2020 & January 1, 2021

17 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS CAUSE NO. 2018TX11: TO THE FOLLOWING NAMED PERSONS (AND IF DECEASED, TO THEIR UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES), AND TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND TO ALL INTERESTED DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES THEREOF, INCLUDING AMONG OTHERS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL, ILLINOIS DEPT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC AID CONSULTANT, STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPT OF HEALTHCARE & FAMILY SERVICES (PUBLIC AID) GENERAL COUNSEL AND OGLE COUNTY CLERK, OGLE COUNTY TREASURER, OGLE COUNTY STATES ATTORNEY, CITY OF OREGON, VILLAGE OF DAVIS JUNCTION, COMMONWEALTH EDISON CO, LOST LAKE UTILITY DISTRICT, UNITED LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS, AND TO OCCUPANTS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND PARTIES INTERESTED IN THE PARCELS HEREINAFTER NAMED: Parcel Number Owners/Parties Interested Cert Number Street Or Common Address 02-05-232-008 CASTILLO, MICHELLE 2017-00002 100 N. MAIN ST. 02-05-232-008 REALTAX DEVELOPERS LTD RA: NICOLE HATCH 2017-00002 100 N. MAIN ST. 02-05-277-007 OLFGANG, VERONICA 2017-00004 S. MAIN ST. 04-36-478-002 WEBSTER, C A EST 2017-00028 SPOOR’S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER BARTON EST, JOSEPH J 04-36-478-002 SOLLAMI, JOANNE 2017-00028 SPOOR’S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER HEIRS AND DEVISEES 04-36-478-002 BARTON JOSEPH J 2017-00028 SPOOR’S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER HEIRS AND DEVISEES 04-36-478-002 BARTON RONALD 2017-00028 SPOOR’S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER HEIRS AND DEVISEES 04-36-478-002 BARTON GEORGE 2017-00028 SPOOR'S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER 04-36-478-002 BARTON WILLIAM 2017-00028 SPOOR'S ISLAND IN ROCK RIVER 09-11-328-005 HOWARD, OMEGA J 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. HEIRS AND DEVISEES 09-11-328-005 HOWARD, JAMES 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. 09-11-328-005 WHITMORE, JOANNA 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. 09-11-328-005 POSEY, LETRICIA 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. 09-11-328-005 HOWARD, OWEN 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. 09-11-328-005 CITY OF BYRON 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. 09-11-328-005 MUTUAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES CO, LLC 2017-00062 308 E. SOUTH PARK DR. PRES: GARY L HAMBURG 11-23-157-001 BUNGER, BRETT 2017-00077 101 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-001 BUNGER, JENNIFER 2017-00077 101 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-001 RESOURCE BANK, N.A. 2017-00077 101 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-001 MAAS LEGAL, LLC 2017-00077 101 S. UNION ST. RA: DEBORAH S MAAS 11-23-157-001 LARSON RICHARD D 2017-00077 101 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-002 BUNGER, JENNIFER 2017-00078 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-002 BUNGER, BRETT 2017-00078 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-002 RESOURCE BANK, N.A. 2017-00078 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-002 MAAS LEGAL, LLC RA: DEBORAH S MAAS 2017-00078 S. UNION ST. 11-23-157-002 LARSON RICHARD D 2017-00078 S. UNION ST. 22-08-128-017 CURTIS, RICHARD A 2017-00152 ST. FRANCIS DR. 22-08-128-017 SHAW, JENNIFER 2017-00152 ST. FRANCIS DR. 22-08-130-002 FRENCH, SYLVIA 2017-00153 NORTH FORK 22-08-151-015 MERCURIO, VICTOR J 2017-00155 BRIDLEWOOD CIR. 22-08-177-008 SELENIS, SCOTT 2017-00156 DEERPAINT DR. 22-08-177-009 SELENIS, SCOTT 2017-00157 DEERPAINT DR. 22-08-201-025 ROCHE, PATRICK B 2017-00158 MISSISSIPPI DR. 22-08-201-025 ROCHE, JOYCE M 2017-00158 MISSISSIPPI DR. 22-08-427-010 BOHNE, BRYANT 2017-00161 MISSISSIPPI DR. 22-08-427-011 BOHNE, BRYANT 2017-00162 MISSISSIPPI DR. 22-08-429-003 CLARK, JAMES M 2017-00163 OHIO CT. 22-08-429-003 CLARK, PENELOPE 2017-00163 OHIO CT. 22-08-433-003 BOROWIAK, CLARENCE C TRUSTEE OF THE CLARENCE C 2017-00165 VERMILLION LN. BOROWIAK AND CRYSTAL M BOROWIAK REV LIV TRUST 22-08-433-003 BOROWIAK, CRYSTAL M TRUSTEE OF THE CLARENCE C 2017-00165 VERMILLION LN. BOROWIAK AND CRYSTAL M BOROWIAK REV LIV TRUST 22-08-433-004 STINNETT, NATHAN 2017-00166 VERMILLION LN. 22-08-433-005 STINNETT, NATHAN 2017-00167 VERMILLION LN. 22-09-176-017 SHROYER, JARED 2017-00169 N. GREEN ASH DR. 22-09-176-017 JARED SHROYER 2017-00169 N. GREEN ASH DR. 22-09-351-023 BOELTER, ROGER W 2017-00172 MENOMINEE DR. 22-09-351-023 BOELTER, SANDRA 2017-00172 MENOMINEE DR. 24-28-151-001 LUNARDON AUTO WRECKING LLC 2017-00225 7491 S. THORPE RD. MGR: BRIAN LUNARDON TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ABOVESAID PARCELS WERE SOLD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2018, FOR GENERAL TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2017 AND PRIOR YEARS, AND THAT THE PERIOD OF REDEMPTION FROM SUCH SALE EXPIRES MAY 20, 2021. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT A PETITION FOR ORDER DIRECTING ISSUANCE OF TAX DEEDS HAS BEEN FILED IN THE ABOVE SAID CAUSE AS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED PARCELS BY OGLE COUNTY, AS TRUSTEE, AND THAT ON JUNE 10, 2021 AT 11:00 AM, SAID PETITIONER WILL APPLY FOR AN ORDER THAT A TAX DEED ISSUE AS TO EACH ABOVE SAID PARCEL NOT REDEEMED ON OR BEFORE MAY 20, 2021. /S/ OGLE COUNTY AS TRUSTEE, PETITIONER. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK ADDRESS: 105 S. 5TH ST STE 104, OREGON, IL 61061 TELEPHONE: (815) 732-1110

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing In accordance with Section 17-20 of the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/17-20), notice is hereby given that a public hear-

101 p ing will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in the Offices of the Department of Revenue, 101 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, Illinois, for the purpose of taking evidence

101 g which may be pertinent to the Department's estimate of the percent to be added to or deducted from the aggregate assessment of locally assessed property in Ogle

LEGAL NOTICES 101 p p y g County for the assessment year 2020. This hearing is required by the Property Tax Code.

Based on the comparison of assessed valuations, the analysis of property transfers,

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

101

101

LEGAL NOTICES

101

LEGAL NOTICES

101

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LEGAL NOTICE State of Illinois Department of Agriculture NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following licenses have been voluntary surrendered and experienced failure on 11/30/2020 for Davidson Grain, Inc. Davidson Grain, Inc. has been ordered to cease and desist doing business as a licensed grain warehouse and dealer in the state of Illinois.

License Issued for Location Grain Dealer License #10507 Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 Warehouse License #1923 Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 Therefore, any person or producer of grain who has sold grain to the above company and has not been paid or received final payment, may contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Warehouses, State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281, (800) 654-0882.

All producers who have not been paid by Davidson Grain, Inc. must file a claim to be considered for payment. The claimant's claim shall be barred if not filed with the Department on or before the later of: (a) the claim date of 2/28/2021 or (b) 7 days from the date notice was mailed to a claimant if the date notice was mailed to that claimant on or before the claim date.

Claim forms and claims may be obtained and filed at Rt. 38 & Woodlawn Road Creston Illinois 60113 or the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Warehouses, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281.

Jerry Costello II, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture December 25, January 1, 8, 2020

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LEGAL NOTICES 101 p p y and other available information, the estimated percentage to be applied to the aggregate assessment of locally assessed property other than property assessed under Sections 10110 through 10140 and 10-170 through 10-200 of the Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/10-110 through 10-140 and 10-170 through 10-200) is 0.00%. Accordingly, the tentative equalization factor is 1.0000.

This meeting will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order #5 and pertinent state and federal laws upon notification of anticipated attendance.

Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodaLEGAL NOTICES

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ings measures at the District's facilia ties through guaranteed energy savings contract under 105 ILCS 5119b-1 et seq.

The Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is available for download on 1/4/21 here https: //www.illinois.gov/ cdb/procurement/ escos/Pages/ default.aspx. Proposals shall be received at the address above no later than 8 am (CST), on 2/3/21 at which time no further proposals will be accepted. All proposPublic Notice als will be opened Notice is hereby by a District Adgiven that Polo ministrator.

The Community Unit opening of the proSchool District posals can be #222 (“District”), at viewed by the pub100 S Union Av- lic at the time and enue, Polo, IL location listed 61064 , is request- above.

Direct ing innovative solu- questions and intions and propos- quiries exactly as als from qualified specified in the providers to ad- RFP. The criteria dress energy con- for evaluating the servation and sav-

101 g proposals are detailed in the RFP. By order of the District.

Jan. 1, 8, 2021

in the City of Oregon, Illinois.

The purpose of this public notice is to inform all interested parties about the public hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING and the proposal to vacate said pubON THE lic right-of-way bePROPOSED fore the City CounVACATION OF cil will consider an CERTAIN STREET ordinance to vaFOR THE CITY OF cate the property.

OREGON, To join the City of OGLE COUNTY, Oregon's virtual ILLINOIS Public Hearing on PUBLIC NOTICE January 19th, 2020 is hereby given at 5:30 p.m., look that a public hear- for the link at ing will be held be- https://cityofore fore the Oregon gon.org/planningPlanning Commis- commission-agen sion on January da-and-minutes/ 19th, 2020 prior to on the City's home the Planning Meet- page at Cityoforeing. This meeting gon.org. Persons will be held at 5:30 with disabilities or p.m. virtually due non-English speakto Covid-19 restric- ing persons who tions. This hearing wish to attend the is to consider the public hearing and vacation of a por- need assistance tion of Taylor should contact City Street, specifically Administrator Darin part of Taylor DeHaan 115 N 3rd Street adjacent to Street Oregon, IL Blocks 9 and 11 of 61061, 815-732Potter's Addition,

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tions should contact Charles Hulett, either by telephone (217/785-6619), email at charles.a.hulett @illinois.gov or letter (Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division MC3-450, 101 West Jefferson Street, P. O. Box 19033, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9033), by Tuesday, January 19, 2021, to inform of their anticipated attendance.

David Harris Director of Revenue January 1, 2021

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY HOLCOMB BANK f/k/a Holcomb State Bank, Plaintiff, vs. William B. Hagemann, Craig Hagemann, and Cindy Timm, as Executors of the ESTATE OF BERNICE A. HAGEMANN, THE DELONG CO., INC., BECK'S SUPERIOR HYBRIDS INC., and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants. NO. 2020-CH-25 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that in pursuant of the Decree entered in said Court in the above-entitled cause on the 24th day of July, 2020, I, Brian Van Vickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other Deputy as may be sitting in my stead, will on February 5, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Administration Building, 202 South First Street, Oregon, Illinois, sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder for cash the following described lands and premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois in said Judgment mentioned or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said Judgment with the terms and conditions as set forth herein: The name, address and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: JAMES E. STEVENS, Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108, (815) 962-6611 A. The common address of said property is: 7906 N. Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 (PIN 05-33-200-019) and legally described as: PARCEL 2: Part of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28; part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of Section 34 and part of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 33, all in Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, bounded and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 28; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR);thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 100.03 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence North 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds West, a distance of 870.19 feet; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 17 seconds West parallel with the South line of said Section 28, a distance of 840.71 feet; thence South 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds East parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 1064.76 feet; thence South 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds West, a distance of 338.26 feet to the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence South 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence South 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded) to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road; thence North 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds East along the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road, a distance of 1228.57 feet to the Point of Beginning, all situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois; EXCEPTING THEREFROM the following described tract: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR); thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 1199.60 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence continuing South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 129.00 feet to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road and the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence North 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds West along the centerline of said Hales Corner Road, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded); thence North 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence North 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 338.26 feet; thence North 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds West parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, a distance of 364.00 feet; thence South 43 degrees 43 minutes 34 seconds East, a distance of 1002.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

B. A description of the improvements on the real estate is: single family residence with 29.23 acres. The terms of the sale are: 25% down to the highest bidder by certified funds at the close of the auction; the balance, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to the quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.If the property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER) YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW, UNLESS, THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN JUDICIALLY FOUND TO BE ABANDONED. The judgment amount was $184,210.33. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file to verify this information. /s/ Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County JAMES E. STEVENS (3128256), Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, IL 61108, 815-962-6611 (jstevens@bslbv.com) December 25, 2020 & January 1, 8, 2021

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CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County f court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement k can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 e www.casaleecar roll.com r

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e NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a y childcare facility, may cause to be published any L advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes. The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c)) CARS815.com Search for local cars

ROCK FALLS 1 & 2BR Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

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WOOD / FUEL

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Silver Streak AG Services LLC 815-718-3414

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LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

840

DISABLED LIVESTOCK WANTED Top Prices Paid 815-871-2697 SCHAAP LIVESTOCK

AUTOMOBILES 905 '03 Acura RSX 2 Dr, 4 cyl automatic 147,000 mile, new breaks, runs good, $2495 1227 N. Vernon St., Princeton 708-752-3742

TRUCKS

910

For sale. 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500. 2WD, reg cab. 33,689 miles.

Call/text Christopher @ 815 535 8037 for pics and more details. Asking price $14K O.B.O

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Several routes available! Call for more details.

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19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 1, 2021

6321 no later than January 14th, 2020.

Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations for these persons.

January 1, 2021

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, January 1, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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