Serving the Forreston area since 1865
FORRESTON Journal October 20, 2016 Volume 154, Number 26 - $1.00
Cardinals Win
PAG Performs
Jail Plans
The Forreston Cardinals remain undefeated after picking up a win over EPC. B1
“War of the Worlds” will be performed in Mt. Morris. B3
The Ogle County Board looks over plans for a proposed jail in Oregon. B2
Former sheriff Michael Harn charged with theft By Rachel Rodgers rrodgers@saukvalley.com A former Ogle County sheriff has been accused of using county money to buy items for his own use while he was in office. Michael Harn, 54, was charged Oct. 12 with two counts of felony theft. According to court documents filed Oct. 12, prosecutors say he bought numerous items with
county funds, including electronic equipment, boat equipment, radiocontrolled toys, party tents, coolers, weapons, hunting guns, HarleyDavidson clothing and accessories, adult novelty items, and outdoor fountains. The list goes on to include auto maintenance for his personal vehicles, Apple iTunes products, and radio advertising. The total cost of the items falls between $500 and $10,000.
Current Sheriff Brian Va n V i c k l e said last week that the amount is in the thousands of dollars. Special P r o s e c u t o r Michael Harn Dave Neal, of the Illinois Office of State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s
Office, said the charges resulted from a two-year Illinois State Police investigation that began shortly after an internal audit of the office in December 2014 and January 2015. The thefts are said to have occurred between June 1, 2011, and Dec. 2, 2014. The felonies each carry a sentence of 3 to 7 years in prison. Harn is set to appear in Ogle County Court on Nov. 10.
Village annexes property
Residents want more information
Dollar General interested in building a store
By Vinde Wells vwells@oglecountynews.com Forreston Fire Protection District residents want more facts and figures before they go to the polls next month to vote on two referenda. The fire district board called the Oct. 12 meeting to explain why they are asking residents to approve two referenda — one for the fire department and one for the ambulance service — on the Nov. 8 ballot. Both referenda are seeking to hike taxes by 10 cents, from a maximum of 30 cents to 40 cents, per $100 of equalized assessed valuation (EAV). That means the annual real estate taxes on a $100,000 house would increase by approximately $33 for each levy or a total of $66 if both are approved. Fire board president Jack Daws told the audience of approximately 30 people that Forreston currently has the lowest tax rate of any fire district in the area, but an increase is needed to pay wages for the ambulance crew and buy equipment for both the fire and ambulance services. “We have the lowest tax rate of all the surrounding fire districts,” he said. “It’s nothing to be proud of but it helps the taxpayer.” However, he said current expenses and increasing costs make the tax increases desirable. “The ambulance was in the red by $40,000,” Daws said. “We can’t continue to operate that way. We’re going to be buying some equipment. It takes a long time to gather up $600,000 for a fire truck.” Marian DeWall asked to see the district’s budget. “We haven’t seen a budget,” she said. “Why hasn’t it been published in the paper like every
Harn served as Ogle County sheriff from 2010 to 2014 before being defeated by VanVickle in the 2014 Republican Primary. His salary was $87,000. Prior to being elected sheriff, Harn was an Ogle County deputy for several years. While in office, Harn stewarded a fund containing administrative tow fees and other money that was not included in the county’s budget. Turn to A3
Forreston Fire Protection District Board President Jack Daws, left, responds to question from the audience Oct. 12 at a meeting to discuss the two fire district referenda that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. Also pictured are fire district attorney Robert Britz and department chaplain Jim Stralow. Photo by Vinde Wells
By Zach Arbogast zarbogast@oglecounty news.com
The Forreston Village Board passed an annexation agreement and 50 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation other fire district’s?” talked about purchasing a parking Jennifer Timmer voiced concern over how (EAV) brings in about $300,000 per year. lot down the road. The 10-increase would add a total of the district is spending its money. Monday evening’s village board approximately $94,000 ($47,000 in each fund) “I’ve been here 20 years but I haven’t seen meeting began with a public hearing what it’s being spent on,” she said. “Has there to the district coffers, Daws said. regarding the annexation agreement EMT Jason Ludke said that with a $40,000 been an audit?” between Dave Vietmeier and the “There’s one being done now,” Daws replied. deficit in the ambulance fund, $47,000 doesn’t village, giving the public a chance Karen Ludke asked why the tax rate is so low sound like much. to offer input. “How does that solve the problem long compared to other fire districts. Vietmeier owns 17 acres at the District Chaplain Jim Stralow offered an term?” Ludke asked. intersection of Baileyville Road and “We don’t know yet,” Daws replied. “Time answer. Ill. 26 north of the current village will tell.” “The reason we’re lower than other limits. Questions were raised about the cost of departments is that we don’t spend money on Since no one from the public [dress] uniforms and other frilly stuff,” he said. outsourcing the ambulance service versus commented, the hearing was Melinda Bagley said she would like to see maintaining the current service. promptly ended, and the annexation Currently EMTs are paid but are not fullthe district hold open houses and raise money agreement passed. by holding suppers and breakfasts as others do. time. It required a two-thirds vote Ludke said he gets $3 per hour when he is “Ham suppers and pancake breakfasts don’t to pass, but the board voted raise enough to buy equipment,” said former on call. unanimously in favor. He asked what will happen to the ambulance board member Dave Drake. The next step, according to Derald DeVries asked Daws how much the service if the referendum doesn’t pass. president Mark Metzger, is waiting “We don’t know yet. You hope for the best,” district has in its reserves. for the final plat maps from Osage “About $200,000 between the two services,” Daws said. Equities, LLC – representing Dollar Daws assured the audience that the district Daws said. General. DeVries said he had looked it up on a would levy only the amount it needs to operate, The plat maps will deal with state website about fire districts that showed and may not tax to the 40-cent limit. the particulars such as boundaries, “If we tax to the maximum can you make it Forreston with more than $400,000 in reserve. easements, flood zones, roadway, on that?” asked DeVries. Daws admitted he was not sure about the and access rights of way, and the “Barely,” Daws replied. exact amount. board should have them by Oct. 31. He said the current tax rate of a combined Turn to A3 The board also discussed the parking lot between Subway and the Forreston Public Library, directly across from the intersection of First Avenue and East Main Street. The parking lot is not actually owned by the village, but rather leased from owners Marcia Kleve There also are 12 different working in dairy, the and Brian Nolting. sundae flavors, nine inspiration for opening an The cost is $1,700 for a two-year “special” sundaes, and 16 ice cream shop had little to lease, half of which is usually shared toppings for your “Moo- do with the past job, she said. by the Forreston Area Business Zard” - Johnson’s version of “There wasn’t one around. Association due to the widespread a traditional blizzard. I’m the only ice cream shop public use. If you’re in the mood for in town, especially now that Still, the village approached coffee, you could always try the Depot doesn’t sell ice Kleve with an interest in buying the a frappe – rather, a “Moo- cream anymore,” she said. lot. Pae.” Johnson someday wants to Kleve wished to enter another Johnson, Stillman Valley, move to a larger building that two-year lease agreement, but has opened “Moo-Licious” on she will own, and to open expressed open-mindedness toward June 17. Before that, she a second shop in Stillman coming to a deal. spent 18 years milking cows Valley. In another matter, the village will and performing other dairy “For now, it’s just a begin picking up leaves on Monday, responsibilities. matter of getting through Oct. 24. Leaves will be picked up “I’ve always been my own the winter,” she said. “I’d every two weeks throughout the fall. boss” Johnson said. “It’s like to start bringing in some Burning is not allowed in the always been hard for me to hot items, such as soups, Christine Johnson, owner of Moo-Licious ice cream village. try and work for someone chili, maybe sandwiches and shop in downtown Forreston, scoops up an ice The village board meets again on else.” pulled pork.” cream cone for a customer. Photo by Vinde Wells Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. Despite spending years
‘Moo-Licious’ treats served in Forreston By Zach Arbogast zarbogast@oglecounty news.com Christine Johnson, who spent nearly two decades working on a dairy farm, now owns the cow-themed Moo-Licious ice cream shop. Moo-Licious is a small shop at 18 First Ave., next to the Forreston Public Library, but the size of the building doesn’t limit the selection. Sixteen flavors of ice cream are available – from simple flavors like chocolate and vanilla, to the more popular black cherry or bear claw. There’s even a flavor affectionately called “CowTippin’.”
In This Week’s Edition...
Church News, A5 Classifieds, B6-B10 Entertainment, A6 Marriage Licenses, A4
Oregon Police, B4 Public Voice, A7 Property Transfers, B5 Sheriff’s Arrests, B3
Social News, A4 Sports, B1, B2 State’s Attorney, B4 Weather Forecast, A3
Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com
Death, B4 Donald L. Horst