Serving the Forreston area since 1865
FORRESTON Journal
February 15, 2018 Volume 155, Number 43 - $1.00
Season Ends
Benefit Auction
Who Killed Jackson?
Lady Bulldogs dash hopes for both Forreston and Polo girls at Regional. B1
A benefit for Relay For Life is Sunday, Feb. 18. A7
The sheriff’s department is investigating who shot and killed a family dog. A7
Community has few concerns about TIF By Zach Arbogast zarbogast@oglecounty news.com
Alumni Basketball Saturday’s Forreston Alumni Basketball games gave graduates young and old a chance to return to the court of their alma mater, and maybe even live out some dream teams and match-ups that weren’t possible before. Above, Kersei Davis, Class of 2012, dishes out a pass through the defenses of Katie Person, 2016, Lane Henneman, 2017, and Courtney Wolf, 2016, during the Co-Ed game. Below, left: Anna Drake, class of 2013, looks for a pass around Courtney Wolf, Class of 2016, during the girls’ game. Below, right: Logan Rogers, Cass of 2016, goes for a layup as Paolo Maniscalco, 2011, and Matt Hoeft, 2010, watch. Photos by Zach Arbogast
Forreston citizens had a few questions, but relatively little concern, over a proposed Tax Increment Finance District. About 14 citizens and taxing body representatives attended a special public hearing Monday evening about the proposed TIF district, which is expected to be implemented on March 5. While a few questions were asked on the technical aspects, nobody from the public expressed personal concern, which Village President Mark Metzger attributed to the village board’s approach in being transparent with the process and intentions of the TIF. “I would say it’s been us being forthright and letting everybody knowing what’s going on, so there’s not any ambiguity,” said Metzger. Sharon Pepin, Community Funding & Planning Services consultant, and attorney Kathleen Orr, presented the aspects of the TIF to the public, including its function of distributing tax funds towards improving infrastructure, 23year longevity, the 209 parcels included within the district, and rules and regulations involving voting members owning property within the TIF. Orr said that as TIF districts have become more popular in surrounding communities, Forreston is pressured into adopting one itself, in order to compete with the market for economic development.
“Our problem in Forreston is, just about all the towns around us have a TIF,” said Orr. “It is a very, very serious problem, and fortunately [the village board has] come to the table recognizing doing something about it.” Metzger said the initiative to establish a TIF came from looking at ways to keep Forreston able to grow, combined with complications in bringing in businesses without the TIF. “I can tell you that at one point, even getting Dollar General here, we had to make a huge, sizable investment just to get them into town — not so much for them, but just for the infrastructure,” said Metzger. “It was really close to us not being able to do it, so that’s what really put the light bulb in for us: how can we grow the town, and bring people, and survive, if we [had difficulties with] this project, here.” Some questions regarding the TIF included: What if a municipality just sits on the money generated? TIF money must be spent on improvements within he district. If a municipality isn’t spending TIF money within seven years, the TIF is abolished. TIF money can be saved specifically if a big project is in the plans, but the municipality must keep the state in the loop on why. Can a TIF be added onto in the future? Technically yes, but the six Turn to B2
Oregon’s newest pub taps into regional beer, wines Historic downtown building houses the new business By Chris Johnson cxjohnson@saukvalley.com The owner of a new pub is raising her glass to regional brewers and vineyards. Cork & Tap owner Carrie O’Neil, 32 of Oregon, and general manager Nicole Pecen eschew national brands of beers in favor of wines and brews by regional craftsmen. “We are serving unique cocktails and featuring regional Midwest wine and beer,” Pecen said. “We have wine from Cedarville, Bollingbrook, and North Utica. Supporting local craftsmen makes us unique.” Drink selections include wines such as August Harvest Winery’s August Infusion and Sweet Catawba and ISC’s Brut Ombre Rose and Demi Sec Rose. Brew connoisseurs can find Pig Minds Brewing’s Vanilla Slap, Lakefront’s River West Stein, Wisconsin Brewing Co.’s Chocolate Lab porter, and Potosi’s Cave Ale amber ale among the 14 on tap. Not sure which draft beer to pick?
The bar offers a flight of 9, which is a sampler of some of its selections – and what’s on the flight deck will change based on season and availability. Sometimes a brewer will run out of a batch, or a vineyard will have a bad year, limiting certain supplies. That’s OK with them. “This gives us a chance to rotate the selection and try something new,” Pecen said. “Spring selections will include light and fruity selections and the heartier wines and beer will be available in winter.” The business, in a historic downtown building on Washington Street that once housed a department store, has a rustic yet contemporary decor. It features a bright, two-story open space with the original tin ceiling on the main floor, a couple of
In This Week’s Edition...
Church News, A5 Classifieds, B6-B8 College News, A4 Entertainment, A6
Cork & Tap has opened in downtown Oregon at 305 W. Washington St. The building is owned by Merlin Hagemann (left) and the business is owned by his daughter Carrie O’Neil (center) and the general manager is Nicole Pecen. Photo by Chris Johnson, Sauk Valley Media
intimate seating areas on the second floor, and space for an art gallery and events on the third floor. “There is nothing like this in Oregon,” said O’Neil, whose father, Merlin Hagemann, 64, of Byron – owner of Merlin’s Greenhouse in Oregon – bought the building and fixed it up over the past year.
Oregon Police, B4 Property Transfers, B5 School Menus, A3 Sheriff’s Arrests, B4
“We do not want a bar atmosphere. We want a space to come out, relax, and socialize with friends,” she said. That’s evident by what’s missing: The only TV in the business is used to display the drink menu. Bar games include cards, checkers, and chess – just don’t look for no darts or billiards. “We hope people will come here for
Social News, A4 Sports, B1, B2 State’s Attorney, B4
the experience and socialize,” O’Neil said. An appetite for partnerships For non-brew lovers, the Cork & Tap offers soda. No food is sold on site, but Hazel’s, the former Conover Turn to B3
Deaths, B5 Jay A.E. Dillon, Lorna “Denise” Smith, Jacquelyn L. Terry, Gerald E. Woodin
Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com