Serving the Forreston area since 1865
FORRESTON Journal May 14, 2015 Volume 153, Number 3 - $1.00
College Athletes
Graduates
Regional Schedule
Three Forreston athletes sign to play at Division 3 colleges after graduation. B1
Take a look at the Class of 2015 in a special section. C1-C10
The schedule for the baseball and softball Class 2A regionals has been announced. B1
No charges yet for man who led police on chase Driver remains hospitalized By Vinde Wells Editor Minimizing the danger to the public was paramount for area police officers when a Peoria man tried to hit oncoming traffic during a high-speed chase that ended safely on the Ill. 64 bridge in Oregon last Wednesday afternoon. Felony charges are pending for Daniel H. Swisher, 40, Peoria, the driver of a 2015 Porsche that hit several Ogle County Sheriff’s vehicles after he fled from police at Castle Rock State Park. Deputies continued the pursuit because of Swisher’s behavior, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “His erratic driving and his willful intention to try to hit other vehicles were why we took that action,” VanVickle said.
Several police vehicles chase a 2015 Porsche as it travels west on Ill. 64 after first heading east on the state highway on May 6. Photo by Earleen Hinton
Ogle County State’s Attorney Eric Morrow said he will decide by the end of the week whether or not charges will be filed against Swisher. He said he would meet with Ogle County deputies May 13 to go over their reports about the chase and Swisher’s capture. “We expect to make a decision in the next couple of days,” Morrow said. He said Swisher remains hospitalized. He was taken
by Oregon ambulance to KSB Hospital, Dixon, for evaluation after the chase ended and was later transferred to another medical facility. The incident began when deputies responded to a welfare check call at the overlook at Castle Rock State Park, located two miles south of Oregon on Ill. 2. According to a press release issued by Ogle Turn to A3
Pam Bardell is named Postmaster of the Year By Vinde Wells Editor
Pam Bardell was “totally surprised” last month when she attended the state postmasters’ convention at Effingham. As president of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Postmasters in the United States (NAPUS), she was part of the planning for the annual event, but had no idea she would receive a major award there. Bardell, Officer-in-Charge at the Forreston Post Office, was named the Postmaster of the Year on April 25. “I was totally surprised. I had no clue,” she said. “It was quite an honor.” Bardell, who has been the Savanna Postmaster for the last eight years, has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years. She started as a city carrier Two Ogle County deputies examine the Porsche after it was stopped in the eastbound in Freeport and moved up to lane of Ill. 64 in Oregon following a high-speed chase on May 6. Photo by Earleen supervisor there. Hinton She served as Officer-inCharge at the Oregon and Rock Falls Post Offices. She was then named Lanark Postmaster before Sixty-six Forreston High exercises on Sunday, May 17 Students, families, and going to Savanna. “It’s been a excellent job,” School seniors will receive at 2 p.m. in the high school community members are Bardell said. “I love my job.” their diplomas at graduation gym. invited to attend.
FHS graduation is Sunday
Forreston Officer-in-Charge Pam Bardell holds the plaque she received recently when she was named Postmaster of the Year by the National Association of Postmasters in the United States. Photo by Vinde Wells
AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree will be held May 16 Preparations are underway for the 6th annual AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree on Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1675 S. Columbian Rd., rural Oregon. “As the weather has warmed over the last week or so we are all looking forward to another fun and exciting day,” said organizer Lisa Hinrichs. The Hinrichses’ family property offers plenty of room for parking and garden tractors. Last year more than 300 garden tractors were on display and more are expected this year. Collectors from all over the Midwest bring their tractors out for a chance to share their enthusiasm for these pint-sized pieces of
history. “We have had people come from as far away as Minneapolis, Minn., and tractors from as far back as the 1940s” said Andy Hinrichs, Lisa’s husband. “There is something for everyone to enjoy at the show.” Along with the usual events including the Garden Tractor Parade, various vendors, and Garden Tractor Games, plowing demonstrations are held. Visitors have plenty of opportunities to talk to collectors about their collections. This year participants will also be planting corn with the garden tractors and antique two-row planters. “We even have a garden tractor teeter totter, slowest
In This Week’s Edition...
tractor race, and awards for most tractors on one trailer, longest distance traveled, most tractors owned by one person, and a few more,” Lisa said. The Blackhawk Crossing 4-H club will be on hand to help with the festivities and to offer entertainment for young and old. They will have free games for the kids. The show even has some items that will be auctioned off, and all funds raised will be donated to the 4-H club. “The food stand will be open again this year with our famous brats, pork chop and steak sandwiches,” Lisa said. Admission is $5 per person for ages 5 and older. For more information call Andy or Lisa Hinrichs at The slowest tractor race, where the last one to cross the finish line is the winner, has been a popular event at the annual tractor jamboree. Photo supplied 815-298-8009.
Birth, A4 Church News, A5 Classifieds, B8-B12 Entertainment, A6 Fines, B7
Guest Column, A9 Marriage Licenses, A4 Oregon Police, B6 Public Voice, A9 Property Transfers, B6
Sheriff’s Arrests, B3 Social News, A4 Sports, B1-B2 State’s Attorney, B3
Deaths, B5 Lyman F. Erickson, Marian E. Gray, Albert E. Snapp, Dr. William Snook, Joan K. Speck, Wallace G. Steed
Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com