Forreston_Journal-05-12-2023

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Forreston seeking public input on chickens

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – Forreston village officials are considering whether to allow residents to have chickens.

A poll posted on the village’s Facebook page May 2 had received 382 votes as of 12:45 p.m. Tuesday. The majority of voters – who are not limited to Forreston residents – were in favor, with 311 votes, or 82%.

“The whole idea with putting it online was to see if there was interest,” said Trustee Ken Vinnedge, who also chairs the Ordinance Committee. “Now they know there’s interest. The next step is to make sure the ordinance is the way we want it and to put it out [for residents to respond to] at a public meeting.”

Trustees still are working on drafting an ordinance, he said. Vinnedge said they are reviewing similar ordinances from places such as Lanark and Pearl City.

“If I look at the ordinances from Lanark and Pearl City, they’re pretty restrictive,” he said. “They limit how close they [chicken coops] can be to other people’s buildings and houses and stuff. It eliminates a lot of people from having chickens and what they’re going to do.”

The next Forreston Village Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 15. Vinnedge said he does not expect any decisions regarding whether to allow chickens to be made at that meeting.

The board agendas usually are posted at Forreston Village Hall and the village website the Friday before a meeting.

FORRESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

Preschool storytime – 10 a.m. Tuesdays

Bring your favorite toddler or preschooler for a time of stories, songs, crafts and fun. This relaxed program is a great way for little ones to meet new friends and discover the joy of reading. Please call the library to register or if you have any questions. Final storytime for this school year will be May 23. The Summer Reading Program for this

age will begin Tuesday, June 13.

New materials

New adult fiction titles include “The Loner” by Diana Palmer and “All the Days of Summer” by Nancy Thayer.

Community room

Looking for a place to hold an event? The community room (with a small kitchenette) is available for meetings, parties, showers,

BERTOLET MEMORIAL LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Story time

Miss Jana will have stories and crafts for toddlers through kindergarten-age kids, 10 a.m. Thursdays.

May take and make craft

Welcome in spring with this simple flower craft. Stop by the circulation desk and pick up a kit while supplies last.

May book of the month

“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. In a nice neighborhood of Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, trouble brews. Elena

Richardson feels everything should be just right and her new tenant Mia Warren is more of a free spirit. Explore how having secrets and wanting to know other’s secrets can harm the families involved in “Little Fires Everywhere.” Stop by the circulation desk to pick up a copy.

Card making

Design your own card for that special dad in your life for Father’s Day, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 20. All supplies provided, or you may bring your own.

family reunions and more. Call the library at 815-938-2624 for information.

Soft plastic recycling

Library is collecting film-type plastic for recycling. This includes plastic bags, zipper-type baggies (with the zip portion removed), cereal/snack bags, bubble wrap and other soft plastic. Please make sure bags are free from debris.

Plastic recycling

Make sure plastic is clean with no debris in the donation. Also, please remove from plastic bags any press-type seals and any labels made of paper or stickers.

New releases

Adult Books: “Happy Place” by Emily Hentry, “Under the Starry Skies” by Tracie Peterson and “Fields of Bounty” by Lauraine Snelling. Picture Books: “Being a Cat: A Tail of Curiosity” by Maria Gianferrari and “Going Places” by Jody Hildreth.

Shaw Local News Network file photo Forreston village officials are considering whether to allow residents to have chickens.

Judge hears motions in double-murder case

Duane Meyer, 41, of Stillman Valley, is charged with killing his ex-wife and 3-year-old son

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An Ogle County judge heard several defense motions May 4 in a three-hour hearing for a Stillman Valley man charged with killing his ex-wife and their 3-year-old son in 2016.

Duane Meyer, 41, of Stillman Valley, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead and their son, 3-year-old Amos Meyer, died.

During the May 4 hearing, defense attorney Christopher DeRango of Rockford asked Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe to exclude information gathered by the prosecution from being presented to a jury arguing some of it was “irrelevant” or would be “prejudicial” to his client.

In January, DeRango entered 21 motions in limine and asked that they be sealed prior to debate in open court.

Motions in limine are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. The motions are made by attorneys when seeking to exclude certain evidence from being presented to a jury.

On May 4, DeRango and his co-counsel, Patrick Moore, presented their arguments on at least six motions as to why certain evidence should be excluded while Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten made counter arguments to allow the evidence to be presented at trial.

Some of the motions in limine made in this case pertain to crime scene photos, autopsy photos, internet searches,

cellphone photos, text messages between Meyer and others, surveillance videos of vehicles and comments made to police officers during the investigation.

DeRango argued that some comments made to police were hearsay and should not be allowed to be referenced during the trial. He characterized internet searches, which he said the state alleges were made by Meyer before the deaths, as “dubious” evidence that would be “prejudicial” to his client if allowed at trial.

He argued that the prosecution should not be given a “blanket pass” to get evidence shown at trial.

Leisten argued that the evidence

was relevant and, based on case law, should be allowed.

“The jury can weigh the evidence,” Leisten said, noting that defense would be able to cross-examine any witnesses during the trial.

“There are 6,000 pages of discovery and over 1,000 text messages between these two,” DeRango said, referring to texts the state allege were made between Meyer and a friend before the deaths. “These were made in the midst of a contentious divorce.”

He argued that some of the messages were taken out of context and should not be allowed as evidence.

Leisten disagreed, arguing that, “This was a planned homicide. These show what was going on in the defendant’s mind.”

Roe took all the arguments under advisement and said he would rule on the motions at Meyer’s next hearing, which is set for 9 a.m. June 15.

He reiterated DeRango’s request that the motions remain sealed.

Maggie (Rosko) Meyer, a teacher at the Chana Education Center, filed for divorce in 2014. Court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

The May 4 hearing was one of several since the murder charges were filed in October 2019.

In November 2022, Roe ruled Duane Meyer’s cellphone records would be allowed as evidence at the trial.

Meyer remains in the Ogle County Correctional Center on a $10 million bond.

Plote’s defense team receives medical records in murder case

cidal death.

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Defense attorneys for a Malta man charged with killing a Mt. Morris woman and her unborn son in November 2020 have received copies of her medical records after asking for them for six months.

Liam Dixon, a defense attorney for Matthew T. Plote, 35, received the medical records of Melissa Lamesch, 27, of Mt. Morris, from DuPage Medical Group after Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe reviewed the records in his chambers.

Plote is charged with killing Lamesch and her unborn son on Nov. 25, 2020, and then setting fire to her house to conceal their deaths.

Lamesch’s baby was due Nov. 27, 2020.

Plote faces four counts of first-degree murder, three of intentional homicide of an unborn child and one each of residential arson, aggravated domestic battery and concealment of a homi -

In April, Dixon said efforts to secure Lamesch’s medical records from DuPage Medical Group through subpoenas and a court order had been unsuccessful since attempts first had been made in November 2022.

At an April hearing, Dixon asked Roe to hold the medical group in contempt until they provide the records.

On May 4, a representative of the medical group appeared via a video conference as the records were given to the defense.

“We did receive the documents as requested,” Roe said. “The court did an in-camera view. To be consistent with confidentiality, we will be turning these over to Mr. Dixon.”

Through a protective order, the

records only will be released to one expert, Roe said.

Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said the prosecution also will have an opportunity to view the records.

How much, if any, of the records can be used in the trial phase is yet to be determined.

Roe set the next status hearing for 1:30 p.m. June 1.

Plote has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since his March 9, 2022, arrest. His bail is set at $10 million.

Lamesch was found about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 2020, after firefighters responded to 206 S. Hannah Ave., Mt. Morris, where they encountered heavy smoke and blaring smoke detectors. She was found on the kitchen floor and pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving measures.

She was a 2011 graduate of Oregon High School and an EMT at Trace Ambulance Service in Tinley Park.

Maggie and Amos Meyer

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

An Ogle County correctional officer secures handcuffs on Duane Meyer after his motion hearing May 4.

Malta man is charged in the deaths of Melissa Lamesch and her unborn son

Melissa Lamesch

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local Matthew T. Plote is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom for a status hearing May 4.

New format for meetings is on the horizon

Last week was a very busy and interesting week. We gathered at the museum earlier in the week to get ready for a May 3 meeting. I am sorry I did not get it in the paper for our Mt. Morris and Oregon friends. We can chalk it up to being 90! We did get it on Facebook.

Our format for our meetings is going to be changing. Our board meetings will not be the same day as our programs. We will have our board meetings on the off month. That way we can do some things in the museum that need to be done when the board is there.

On the days we have our programs, we will start at 6:30 p.m., have refreshments at that earlier time and visit. At 7 p.m., we will have our program, and after our program we will be ready to go home a bit earlier. We will see how that works out.

Our next program meeting will be

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

July 5 and Donna will give the program on Hamilton Airport. How many of you remember when Polo had an airport right here close to town? We will find out all about it in July.

While we were straightening up and getting ready for our meeting, Linda from Oregon stopped by the museum with vintage things from the Robert Pollack family. I remember Robert Pollack in the Polo Post Office years ago. His daughter, Barb, was a year behind me in school and they lived next to Aplington School, which was the high school in those days.

Linda brought into the museum a practice postal exam box. You open it up and it looks like a mini post office

with names of places over each little cubby hole. Postal workers had to take an exam every so often to keep their jobs. This one is from 1939-1940.

There also was a chair with Strickler’s name on the bottom, a letter sweater, a picture of the last passenger train on the Illinois Central and school memorabilia. It was an interesting showing of these wonderful treasures to everyone at our meeting. We never know what is coming through the doors of the museum.

At our meeting, Rob Hough and his wife, Lynette, gave us a most interesting program on the history of Hough Hardware and the making of maple syrup. Hough Hardware eventually had stores in Oregon, Mt. Morris and Polo.

It was great hearing the history of how a family business developed over the years. Also the story of how making maple syrup has changed was interesting.

I remember standing out in the cold over at Lowden Park while they boiled down the sap and now they do it while in an enclosed shelter. Technology has come to the making of maple syrup.

We had a great turnout and if you want to be on the list of people I call, just let me know. It is easy to forget.

This week, I had a call from Bernadyne who had enjoyed the memories of giving out May baskets in our childhood. She remembered making more than 30 May baskets and delivering them in a little red wagon.

She also had special friends in other towns and she would remember them with a May basket. It is pleasant reflecting back on our childhoods about the neat things we did. Too bad that idea has gone by the wayside.

• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and a volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Eight-wheeled car visited Oregon in 1935

By OTTO DICK

This is just one interesting entry I found while examining a 1935 Oregon newspaper. 1935 also happens to be the year I was born.

Oregon Republican Newspaper, 1935:

“Car with eight wheels makes debut. Herr Gotthardt Rimmek, Berlin automobile engineer, is shown here with the new eight-wheeled passenger car, which he has designed. He claims the car offers greater security and is better equipped to take bumps. He explains this by the fact that the wheels of the car do not go through the depressions but pass over them. Furthermore, a breaking of the axles or a blow out of a tire will have no serious effect since the car will continue

on seven wheels.

“The Simonize Company also advertises to always simonize a new car. New or old, the sooner you do it the better. If dull, first use the wonderful Simonize Cleaner, which restores the luster quickly and safely. Then Simonize. It, too, is easy to apply, but hard to wear off.”

Huebacher of Minneapolis shows a speed control device for autos. A white light gives the proper speeds and a red light flashed when the speed is over the limit.

Both 1938 Oregon newspapers contained several ads concerning cars, tires and repair shops.

A reminder: The first car passed through Oregon in 1900.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.

Photo provided by Otto Dick

This is a photo from the Oregon Republican Newspaper that shows the 8-wheel car when it visited Oregon in 1935. The first car passed through Oregon in 1900.

Randi Webb is new assistant principal for Oregon Elementary

OREGON – Randi Webb has been hired as the new assistant principal of Oregon Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year.

Webb will take the place of Ryan Huels, who is transitioning to the principal role at OES next school year following the resignation of Kelli Virgil.

Virgil has taken an assistant superintendent job in Streator.

Webb is in her fifth year as a fourth grade teacher at Oregon Elementary School. She has previous experience in the Rockford Public Schools.

“Randi stood out among a large applicant pool as someone who is student centered and has a proven track record of leadership in our building in her current role as a classroom teacher,” Huels said. “We are thrilled to have Mrs. Webb transition to a new role as assistant principal and I am

Randi stood out among a large applicant pool as someone who is student centered and has a proven track record of leadership in our building in her current role as a classroom teacher.”

confident she will help us achieve our district’s goals of improving academic outcomes and continuing to create a positive school culture.”

Webb has two master’s degrees in educational leadership and as a reading specialist. She serves as a member of the Oregon Elementary School Lighthouse Team charged with implementing “The Leader In Me” leadership training program for students and school improvement efforts.

Oregon Rotary Club Foundation announces scholarship recipients

By HOLLIE J. GUIST JR. Oregon Rotary Foundation President

The Oregon Rotary Club Foundation board members appreciate the many applicants to the scholarship program. We are fortunate to have so many scholars of distinction in our district. We would like to thank all the candidates for taking the time to apply and for sharing their talents and leadership in our community.

The Oregon High School seniors whom the board agreed best upheld the ideals of the Oregon Rotary Foundation for 2023 are Alexys Davis, Kendra Ehrler, Orion Gallentine, Valerie Nyderek, Ethan Schafer and Grant Stender.

Additionally, Gallentine and Schafer have been given the further distinction of being named the 2023 Catherine Ehnen co-scholars.

Each scholarship recipient will have a check mailed directly to the college they are enrolled at in the fall.

Our hope is these financial awards will help students pursue their college education and enable them to continue to support our fine community.

A separate scholarship opportunity will be given to individuals who have

completed at least one full year at a college or trade school.

Over the course of the past 39 years, this program has awarded more than $400,000 to more than 200 area students who exhibited the ideals of Rotary International.

Each year the Oregon Rotary Club Foundation Board selects recipients whom the board feels meets the principles of Rotary International.

The annual decision process is a difficult, yet rewarding, experience. The Oregon community should be very proud of these individuals who are not only excellent students but participate in activities geared toward helping others as well.

Rotary is a service club whose mission is to provide community service, both locally and internationally. Becoming a Rotarian provides the opportunity to do something for someone else and to sense the highly rewarding self-fulfillment that comes with the process.

Oregon Rotary Club always is looking for new members.

For additional information or to apply for membership, visit their website at portal.clubrunner.ca/5761 or email Rotary Club President Erin Folk at Erin@oregonpark.org.

Randi Webb

Ryan Huels, OES assistant principal

One size does not fit all when it comes to teaching children

Our children and grandchildren are each different. They like different foods, different colors and different games to play. They also will be different in many aspects of their literacy learning. For this month, let’s consider some ways that they may vary and ways we can support them learning to read that respect their differences.

Just as children have different likes in foods, they also develop individual preferences for the kinds of books they prefer to read or have read to them. They might choose fiction over nonfiction, for example, and specific favorites within each of those categories. Favorite authors develop as well. Today, children also develop preferences for the format of the texts they read. Some prefer online reading or e-readers. Some like hard copy books or magazines from the library or bookstore. Others like graphic novels. We can support our children and grandchil-

NEWS BRIEF

Ogle County Historical Society’s monthly meeting is May 22

The Ogle County Historical Society’s

READING MATTERS

Mary Gardner

dren as they develop reading preferences by offering a wide range of text topics and formats. We should then note the things they particularly like and look for more of that kind of text. Your public librarians are happy to help you find materials.

There also are differences in how and where our children and grandchildren prefer to read. Some like to read alone in a favorite chair. Some like to be under a table with a pillow. It does not matter really, although there should be enough light. Some choose to read with music on their headphones, while others like it quiet. Many prefer to partner read with someone and being read to rather than reading

monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the carriage house annex behind the Nash House Museum

alone. There is no right or wrong way. We can support these choices by providing many different reading locations and experiences so that our readers can learn what they like the most. We surely enjoy the years when they love to cuddle on our laps to be read to!

Something we call reading stamina also is a way children are different. Some can sit and read for long periods of time, while others have difficulty sitting still that long for one activity. Students are expected to be able to read for longer periods of time as they go through school. Stamina is something that builds over time. We can encourage growth in reading stamina by expecting and supporting a gradual increase in the number of minutes our children read. It also will help if we are by their side as they work to build reading stamina, giving encouragement as needed.

Of course, one of the most noticeable differences is the age or grade

at 111 N. Sixth St. in Oregon. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. Museum hours are 3:30 to 6 p.m.

level at which children learn to read, as well as the ease or difficulty in learning to read. Reading is a complex process. There are many areas that may break down and cause a child difficulty in learning to read. Next month’s column will explore reading difficulties and possible ways to support struggling readers.

Finally, attitude and motivation are a big part of learning to read. It is vital to keep reading a positive experience. We can do this by giving choices whenever possible in reading texts and formats. Our attitudes toward books and reading do matter, so enjoy time spent reading with your children and grandchildren whenever you can!

• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays from May through September.

We pick you up at your home, office or any other location and deliver you right to your destination.

LEE-OGLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IS

GETTING YOU WHERE YOU NEED TO GO!

Whether you need to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor appointment, or another location in Lee or Ogle Counties, we’ll help you get there!

Elementary students enjoy Oregon FFA petting zoo

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Timmy didn’t mind all the extra chow May 4 or all the attention showered on him. In fact, he encouraged it.

“He works with special needs kids, so he’s used to a lot of attention,” said Molly Ziegler, a junior and FFA member at Oregon Junior-Senior High School. “He’s a rescue, so we’re not sure how old he is, but we think he’s 9.”

Ziegler and Timmy, an Arabian horse, were part of the FFA chapter’s petting zoo that offered elementary students a chance to see, pet and – in Timmy’s case –feed animals owned by FFA students, as well as to climb on some real farm tractors.

A steady stream of kindergartners from Oregon Elementary School made sure Timmy ate well, shoving hay into his mouth as they stroked his mane.

“We had around 605 kids come through today,” OJSHS ag teacher and FFA adviser Chelsea Eden said. “Some of the junior high ag kids were here today, too.”

ABOVE LEFT: Oregon kindergartner Jonas Kalnins feeds Rex, a donkey, during the Oregon High School’s FFA petting zoo May 5. OHS FFA members brought their animals and tractors to the event to share with Oregon elementary students.

ABOVE: Seventh graders Teagan Harrolle and Savannah Nagy pet Penelope and Autumn, goats owned by Molly Ziegler, a high school junior. FAR LEFT: Oregon High School FFA member Hailee Taylor shows her duck Kevin to Juan Reyes and Lola Arias, kindergartners from Oregon Elementary School. LEFT: Dawson Berg holds his chicken, Yin.

Photos by Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

Oregon Park District gets $3M grant for shared-use path

Rock River Heritage Trail will run from downtown Oregon to Lowden State Park

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON — The majority of a $3.5 million Oregon Park District shared-use path project will be paid for with a state grant.

The 1.88-mile Rock River Heritage Trail will provide access to the Lowden State Park and downtown Oregon via Illinois Route 64 for residents and visitors. It will run along the eastern shoreline of the river within the right of way of the unmarked state highway, River Road and within Lowden State Park, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“This trail has been a passion project for the Oregon Park District, city of Oregon and residents for over a decade,” OPD Executive Director Erin Folk said in an April 11 news release. “We couldn’t be happier to see this project coming together after such dedication from community leaders.”

OPD applied for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant in September 2022, Folk said.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the 2023 ITEP grant recipients April 7. The Oregon Park District

received a $3 million grant for the Rock River Heritage Trail.

The grant application required the project’s phase 1 engineering be complete and the project development report approved by IDOT.

The cost of phase 1 engineering was split between the park district, which contributed $73,000, and the city of Oregon and Ogle County, which each supplied $19,000.

The total estimated cost of Rock River Heritage Trail is $3,588,464 and includes phase 2 engineering, construction engineering and construction. OPD is responsible for 20% of that cost.

Phase 2 engineering and construction engineering are tentatively planned for completion between this June and January 2024, with construction scheduled for June 2024.

They expect to seek bids in late winter or early spring, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2024, Folk said.

“This trail has been a long time coming,” Folk said. “We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to providing recreational access between Lowden State Park and the city of Oregon.”

She credited the work and support of the OPD commissioners, Oregon city employees, Oregon Mayor Ken Williams, Ogle County Board members, IDOT and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for making the trail possible.

Country Crossroads

Quilt Guild to welcome musical guest ‘Lil Rev’

FORRESTON – Country Crossroads

Quilt Guild will have a special musical entertainment program featuring “Lil Rev” Marc Revenson on May 15.

Revenson puts on “a heartwarming, one-man show that weaves a unique tapestry of songs, stories, poems and quilting lore,” according to a news release. “He dedicates his program to the millions of quilters whose gifts of patience have kept the world warm in the thick of winter, brought a piece of home to the thick of war and showered daily lives with a love that is unique to all who strive to let their stitches tell the story. You won’t want to miss this fun evening.”

Guild meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road, in Forreston. There is ample time to meet and greet members before the meeting.

Visitors are welcome. There is a $5 fee at the door for visitors. For information, call Program Committee Chairpersons Dawn Vehmeier at 815-291-4592 or Ann Tully at 815-238-2218 or Guild President Shelly Holverson at 815297-2381.

Shaw Local News Network

‘Lil Rev’ Marc Revenson

Ogle County tax bills mailed; first payment due June 8

Property tax bills for Ogle County land owners were mailed May 5. The first installment is due Thursday, June 8, and the second on Friday, Sept. 8.

“This single document will contain tax information and payment stubs for both installments,” Ogle County Collector Tiffany O’Brien said in a news release. “Therefore, property owners need to save this bill as no additional notice will be mailed prior to the second installment.”

Acceptable payment methods include cash or check made payable to Ogle County Collector. In-person payments can be made at the Ogle County treasurer’s office or at any bank in Ogle County.

The treasurer’s office is in the historic Ogle County Courthouse, located at 105 S. Fifth St. in Oregon. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Monday

through Friday, excluding holidays. The mailing address is Ogle County Collector, P.O. Box 40, Oregon IL 61061.

Mailed payments must be postmarked by the due date to be considered timely. Late payments will incur a fee of 1.5% per month, or part of a month, after the due date and must be remitted by mail or at the treasurer’s office.

O’Brien’s office also is offering the option of online credit card payments.

To pay online, visit the Ogle County website at www.OgleCountyIL.gov, go to the Departments dropdown menu and select the Treasurer’s office. Choose the “Online Tax Payments” link and then click the “Pay Now” button. Fill in the information as prompted.

“Be sure to receive a payment confirmation for your records,” O’Brien said. “Please note that this service carries a fee. Review the convenience fees prior to making payment.”

Polo man dies in fire May 6

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – A house fire that drew more than a dozen fire departments to rural Polo on Saturday claimed the life of a 68-year-old man.

Frank L. Hatch was found dead inside the home at 7029 W. Penn Corner Road, Polo, about 10 p.m., according to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office May 9 news release. The home is located about five miles southeast of Polo, five miles southwest of Oregon and five miles north of Dixon, on the southwest corner of the intersection with Anterior Road.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s office 911 Center received a 911 call at 2:32 p.m. May 6 in reference to heavy smoke coming from the house, according to the news release.

“While en route to the location, fire personnel observed heavy smoke from

a distance and requested a second alarm,” according to the release. “Once on scene, it was determined the occupant of the residence was likely still in the residence. Additional manpower was requested and the incident was escalated to the fourth alarm.”

Fire personnel remained on the scene until 11:30 p.m.

“The investigation of the cause of the fire is being conducted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the death investigation is being conducted by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office,” according to the release. “No foul play is suspected at this time.”

The Polo, Mt. Morris, Oregon, Milledgeville, Forreston, Leaf River, Franklin Grove and Byron fire protection districts, the Dixon Rural, Sterling, Amboy, Chadwick, Rochelle and Freeport Rural fire departments, Advanced EMS, ComEd and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Happy Nurses Week!

All year long, CGH nurses go above and beyond to care for patients and families and improve the delivery of healthcare.

During National Nurses Week, CGH Medical Center is proud to honor and celebrate the dedication these caregivers show every day in our hospital, clinics and in our communities.

From helping with crises in the emergency room... to easing a child’s fear in an exam room... to holding a patient’s hand who’s in pain... nurses truly “Make a Difference” throughout each patient’s healthcare experience.

To all of our CGH nurses – Thank You!

Your dedication, commitment and tireless effort does not go unnoticed.

Oregon Woman’s Club donates books for girls to library

Shaw Local News Network

OREGON – In honor of National Library Week, April 23–29, the Oregon Woman’s Club donated one dozen books to the Children’s Room at the Oregon Public Library.

The books were chosen by Debbie Herman, the children’s librarian, specifically with the goal of inspiring and empowering girls. They cover a diversity of topics and many are colorfully illustrated. They are appropriate for a wide variety of readers, ranging from board books for pre-readers to those suited to girls in junior high school.

The titles include “Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women” by Catherine Thimmesh; “Maybe” by Kobi Yamada; “Finally Seen” by Kelly Yang; “Sincerely Sicily” by Tamika Burgess; “My Powerful Hair” by Carole Lindstrom; “She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch” by June Smalls; “Kindness Makes Us Strong” by Sophie Beer; “You’re

Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For” by Emily Ley; “Nell Plants a Tree” by Anne Wynter; “The Courage of the Hummingbird: A Tale Told

Around the World” by Leah Henderson; “Strong Girl, Strong Girl: You Were Meant to Be” by Heather Lean; and “How Do You Spell Unfair? Mac-

Nolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee” by Carole Boston Weatherford. All of the books are in circulation and available to readers at the library.

One dozen books meant to inspire girls to be their best selves donated in honor of National Library Week

Photo provided by Nancy Bartels

Members of the Oregon Woman’s Club presented a dozen books to the Oregon Public Library’s Children’s Room. Pictured in the front row (from left) are Debbie Herman, children’s librarian; Valdean Fletcher and Sharon Lung. Back row: Maja Shoemaker, Linda Arnold, Sandi Chasm, Christa Young, Johanna Hahne and Jan Steward.

Postseason is heating up for spring sports

This upcoming week marks the time that spring sports heats up in regard to the postseason. Baseball and softball regionals will be in full swing, soccer sectionals are going on and track and field is entering their state series.

In a remarkable achievement at the BNC girls track and field meet, records were broken in all four relays – the 400 and 800 by Rockford Christian and the 1,600 and 3,200 by Winnebago. Look for each of those quartets to contend for 1A state titles.

Oregon, with individual champs Sonya Plescia (pole vault) and Hadley Lutz (long jump), had a strong showing with a runner-up finish to champ Winnebago. Look for the Hawks to send plenty of athletes downstate.

Heading into the sectionals, Oregon’s 4x400, 4x200 and 4x100 are all ranked in the top 10 in 1A. Relays are a juggling act and the most difficult job for coach Nick Schneiderman will be slotting the right mix into each one.

Likewise with RC and ‘Bago in terms of individuals competing separately and/or on relays. Winnebago is loaded with talented seniors and this

will be their last year to contend for a 1A team title.

Stillman Valley plays a tough nonconference softball schedule, so don’t let its .500 record fool you. Last week, Stillman Valley took on NIC-10 leader Hononegah (18-5, 12-0) and came away with a 10-9 win.

In the BNC standings, Rock Falls and North Boone remain 1-2. Forreston is unbeaten in their division of the NUIC.

Dixon and RC head up BNC baseball standings, with Byron and SV close behind. In the NUIC, Forreston is holding its own in a wide-open conference race.

Baseball and softball regionals begin this week. One potential final that would be enticing is North Boone and Byron in baseball. Another scenario to anticipate is Forreston softball being an odds-on favorite to

Take the Ogle County Health Department Survey for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card!

Built Environment in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties

The Ogle County Health Department was awarded a grant to create a plan to target the built environment and the relation to chronic disease throughout Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.

The built environment includes all of the physical parts of where we live and work (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure). The built environment influences a person’s level of physical activity. Your input on this survey will help us identify disparities throughout the three counties and provide insight on changes that the community would like to see. We are asking for an email address to be provided in order to eliminate duplication of responses and your email address will not be shared. Your input and support are greatly appreciated. Survey ends May 28.

advance to its own sectional.

Bass fishing sectionals were held last weekend and mention was made of Polo having the largest bass (6 pounds, 6 ounces) caught among the 22 teams competing on the Mississippi River.

Unfortunately, that big fish could not put the Marcos over the top in advancing to Carlyle Lake, site of the IHSA state tournament.

Riverdale, Dakota and Fulton took the automatic qualifying spots with a total of 17 pounds needed to move on.

In reviewing the results closer, tiny Alden-Hebron crushed the field at the Chain O’Lakes Sectional with 14 pounds caught. The next closest team among larger suburban school was at 7 pounds.

Could Alden-Hebron rekindle the magic of 1952 when it won the state basketball title in a one-class system? Rarely do you see a team double up everyone else on poundage in bass fishing.

Did you know the IHSA has been contesting a girls state badminton tournament since 1977? Perhaps not because it has strictly been a domain

of Chicago-area schools.

As I sat in the backyard and looked over to the Park West softball fields on Saturday afternoon, it was a joy to see a good old-fashioned game going on between members of the Mennonite church. It was a co-ed affair, with females clad in full-length dresses and males in long pants and collared shirts.

It is not too often I see whole families getting together for an athletic contest and God bless these good people for maintaining their heritage.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Skip Gooch. Skip was a retired Rockford public school teacher/coach who helped out at Oregon as a teacher’s aide and with public relations for sporting events. Skip was always enjoyable to chat sports with and will be missed by all who had come in contact with him.

A little-known fact about Skip is he was an Iowa high school state champ in the long jump.

• AndyColbert,anavidrunner,has beenasportswriterforShawMedia andhascoveredhighschoolsportsin OgleCountyformorethan30years.

Poloseniorstocontinueathleticsincollege

May 1 was signing day at Polo High School for seniors who plan on playing athletics in college.

Pictured (from left) are Avery Grenoble, football, Loras College; Carson Jones, cross country, Sauk Valley Community College; Lindee Poper, basketball, Sauk Valley Community College; and Kamryn Stockton, golf, Coe College.

Photo provided by Polo High School

13 Oregon High School students plan to compete

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Thirteen Oregon High School athletes planning to continue to play sports when they enter college next year were recognized during a short presentation May 3.

Notable scholarships include AllState softball player Liz Mois, who will commit to Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida (NAIA); Olivia Wynn to the University of Tennessee-Martin as a member of their NCAA Division 1 equestrian team; and Ava Hackman, an All-Conference and state golfer committing to Carl Sandburg.

Other students recognized were Laila Anderson, Kishwaukee College, softball; Katelyn Bowers, Kishwaukee College, basketball; Mariah Drake, Kishwaukee College, basketball; Orion Gallentine, Kishwaukee College, E-Sports; Brenna Hietter, Scott Community College, soccer; Brian Immel, Kishwaukee College, bowling; Hadley Lutz, Sauk Valley Community College, basketball; Alyssa Mowry, Augustana College, soccer; Avery Salsbury, Kishwaukee College, volleyball; and Ava Wight, Sauk Valley Community College, volleyball.

Local Oregon High School students who are planning on continuing to compete in sports when they attend college next year were recognized during a special event May 3. Pictured (from left) are Brian Immel, bowling; Alyssa Mowry, soccer; Hadley Lutz, basketball; Katelyn Bowers, basketball; Laila Anderson, softball; Liz Mois, softball; Mariah Drake, basketball; Ava Wight, volleyball; Ava Hackman, golf; Orion Gallentine, E-Sports; Brenna Hietter, soccer; Olivia Wynn, equestrian; and Avery Salsbury, volleyball.

Rylee Broshous to

play softball

at University of Wisconsin Platteville

Shaw Local News Network

FORRESTON – Rylee Broshous, the daughter of Greg and Cori Broshous, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Broshous has played varsity softball for Forreston High School for four years.

She was a member of the softball team that finished in third place at the

IHSA state softball finals in 2022.

She earned Softball NUIC All-Conference First Team and Softball Second Team All State, along with Captain Award team honors in 2022.

“The administration, coaches and student-athletes of Forreston Jr./Sr. High School wish Rylee congratulations and best wishes for a successful academic and athletic career at University Wisconsin-Platteville,” athletic director Kyle Zick said.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw

Photo provided by Forreston High School

Rylee Broshous signs a letter of intent to continue playing softball in college. Pictured (from left) are Cori Broshous, Paityn Broshous, Rylee Broshous and Greg Broshous.

OBITUARIES

CHARLES ‘SKIP’ GOOCH

Born: January 22, 1947

Died: May 4, 2023

Charles “Skip” Gooch passed away on 5/4/23 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Jan Gooch, sister Susan Edgar, his children Renee Gooch, Chad Gooch (Melissa), Jennifer Gooch, stepchildren Brian Symons, Lori Haenitsch (Josh), grandchildren Gabe and Elena Gooch, step-grandchildren Eric (Cara) and Rachel Symons, Austin Haenitsch, step-great-granddaughter Adeline Symons, and niece Erin Schauer. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Cheri Lunders.

Born on 1/22/47 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Skip grew up in Mason City, Iowa. He was not only an accomplished athlete, but his skills and dedication in baseball, basketball, football, and track and field set him apart, earning him admiration and respect from his peers. Skip’s exceptional talents led him to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he excelled in track and field while pursuing a degree in Physical Education. In 1969, he proudly graduated and embarked on a career that would touch the lives of

DONNA M. WILLIAMS

Born: May 21, 1929 in Egan, IL

Died: May 3, 2023 in Oregon, IL

Donna M. Williams, 93, of Leaf River, died Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon. Donna the daughter of Herbert and Mary (Brookman) Tholen was born May 21, 1929, in her parent’s home in Egan, Illinois. Donna graduated from Leaf River High School in 1947. She married Robert R. Williams December 6, 1947, in Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley, where she became a member in 1951. Donna was a partner with her husband while farming in the German Valley and Egan areas for most of her life. Donna and Robert were married for 64 years before his passing on January 12, 2012. She enjoyed being a homemaker, seamstress, gardener, and interior decorator. Donna and her husband were members of the Silver Creek Engine Club. Donna also enjoyed helping her children with school, 4H and FFA projects. Donna is survived by two sons, Richard (Shelly) Williams and Robin (Annette) Williams both of

countless young athletes.

Skip’s coaching tenure spanned several communities, including Rockford, Franklin Grove, Paw Paw, and Shabbona. For 15 years, he passionately served as the boys’ golf coach at Auburn High School, inspiring and mentoring numerous students who still remember him fondly today. Skip’s impact extended beyond the sports field, as he also dedicated his time to teaching and making a positive difference in the lives of many young people.

In recognition of his exceptional athletic achievements, Skip was inducted into the Luther Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he made during his college years. Golf held a special place in Skip’s heart from an early age. As a kid and young adult, he enjoyed the game, and it was during his late 40s that his love for golf truly blossomed, becoming an avid golfer. Skip spent decades playing golf at his favorite local golf course, Silver Ridge. Skip also participated in many golf tournaments over the years, many of which he won. He found joy and camaraderie on the fairways, cherishing the moments spent playing alongside his son and grandson.

A celebration of life service will be held at Silver Ridge Golf Course on May 15th from 5pm-9pm, where friends, family, and those touched by Skip’s vibrant spirit and lasting influence can gather to honor his memory.

Leaf River; two daughters, Shirley Poggioli of Leaf River and Lorraine Williams of Freeport; daughter-in-law, Cathy Williams of Byron; 15 grandchildren Justin (Janelle)Williams, Jamie(Shannon) Williams and their children, Owen and Paityn Williams, Andrew (Haley) Stark and their children, Kylie Schilling, Skylar Loring, and Trinity Stark, Nicholas Poggioli, Whitney (Andy)Mulrooney and their children, Mason and Callan Mulrooney, Ryan (Jennifer) Williams and their children, River and Junie Williams, Reid Williams, Ross (Hannah) Williams and their daughter, Luxdani Williams, Sage (Justin)Widmer and their children, Jonas and Lillie Widmer, Franklin Liska, Abby Liska, David Liska, Ashley Williams, Alex Williams, and Lacie Williams; Donna was also excited for an additional great-granddaughter who is expected in October. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, oldest son, Russell in 2010; her sister Carol Ryan in 2014 and her son-in-law Rodney Poggioli in 2019. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Donna’s memory. Donna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Serenity Hospice and Home for the compassionate and loving care they provided during the last month of her life.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Forreston-Polo, Oregon fare well in track and field action

The Forreston-Polo boys track and field team finished second with 101 points, just one point behind team champion Lena-Winslow/Pearl City (102) at the Milledgeville Missile Invite on Monday at Floyd Daub Field.

Host Milledgeville-Eastland took fourth (86), Newman finished fifth (84), and West Carroll landed seventh (34) at the eight-team meet.

Forreston-Polo finished 1-2-3 in the 800 as Carson Jones ran a 2:10.11, Payton Encheff ran a 2:12.33 and Ben Plachno ran a 2:13.78. Noah Dewey took second in the 100 meters (11.68 seconds), and Micah Nelson took second in the 400 meters (53.02 seconds). The 4x200 relay team of De’Angelo Fernandez, McKeon Crase, Dewey and Michael Taylor took second (1:33.61),

F-P’s Kameron Grobe took third in the 3,200 (12:22.27), Johnny Kobler took third in the shot put (12.92 meters), and Jace Engbert took third in the long jump (5.44 meters).

Girls track and field

Oregon Sectional Prep: Dixon and the host Hawks competed in a sectional prep meet at Landers-Loomis Field. No team scores were kept.

Sophia Stender (17.29 seconds) and Rylie Robertson (17.69) went 1-2 in the 100 hurdles for Oregon, and Skylar Bishop and Grace Tremble tied for

KEITH “ANDY” ANDERSON

Born: May 10, 1939 in Freeport, IL

Died: May 4, 2023 in Forreston, IL

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Keith “Andy” Anderson, 83 years old. Andy passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 4, 2023 after a brief illness. He was a lifelong resident of Forreston, Illinois. Andy was born May 10, 1939 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Velma (Butterbaugh) Anderson. He served in the US Army from 1957 to 1961 and was stationed at Camp Lariboisiere in Fontainebleau, France where he trained to be a diesel mechanic. While in Fontainebleau, Andy met Eileen Powell and they married on October 8, 1960. After returning home from France, Andy worked for Mack Truck of Rockford for several years which sparked his desire to become a trucking Owner Operator. Andy later worked 22 years for Rowley Interstate. His regular route was from Dubuque, Iowa to New York City. In 1986, he received his own authority

second in the high jump (1.32 meters). Sonya Plescia was runner-up in the pole vault (2.74 meters), and Alease McLain took second in the discus (26.93 meters) and teamed with Marin Sand, Gabriele Hoyle and Val Davis to place second in the 4x100 (58.29 seconds). Davis joined Piper Albaugh, Daleanah Koertner and Addison Rufer to run to second in the 4x200 (2:05.87), and Koertner added thirdplace finishes in the 100 (14.64 seconds) and long jump (3.87 meters).

to operate in multiple states under the name of his company, Anderson Transportation, Inc. Throughout his career, Andy logged over 2.5 million miles, mostly in his beloved 1969 Peterbilt, “Miss Eileen”. In 1993, he retired from over-the-road driving to manage his company which expanded to a fleet of 30 trucks. More recently, Andy started another family business in 2006, The Depot-Mobil Gas Station of Forreston where he was extremely proud to contribute to the community. Andy’s reputation can be summed up by his belief, “I’ve always believed that if you really like doing something, you will put the extra effort into doing it well”. He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Velma Anderson and sister Gloria Schniepp. He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Wayne (Carol) Anderson, daughter Tracey Anderson and Grandchildren Kaitlyn (Brad) Barker and Andrew Anderson Birkholz along with his faithful dog, Daisy. The family wishes to thank FHN Hospice, Mike, Cindy, Steph, and Dawn for the compassionate care they provided Andy. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm Friday, May 12, 2023, at Burke-Tubbs, Forreston. Funeral will be 11am Saturday, May 13, 2023 at First United Methodist Church Forreston. Andy will be truly missed.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media Oregon’s Sonya Plescia tries to push her pole away from the bar in the pole vault competition April 21 at the Landers-Loomis Girls Invitational in Oregon.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announces distracted driving enforcement results

Shaw Local News Network

OREGON – The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office issued 313 citations during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign.

“We strongly enforce traffic laws for

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:

May 2

James Watson, 73, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 100 block of Park Street in Davis Junction about 3:33 p.m. Watson also was cited for suspended registration, no insurance and illegal transportation of liquor. Watson was released from the scene and given a court date.

May 3

Jordan Coldren, 18, of Byron, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after deputies and Oregon Fire Protection District EMS responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 1000 block of North River Road about 3:20 p.m. An investigation showed Coldren was driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer south through a

one reason – to save lives,” Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.

“This increased enforcement was implemented to help motorists avoid the often deadly consequences of distracted driving with a simple reminder: Drop it and drive.”

curve when the vehicle exited the roadway and entered the ditch before striking a cluster of trees, causing heavy damage to the vehicle. Coldren suffered a laceration to his head and right knee and was taken to SwedishAmerican Hospital.

May 5

Anthony Q. Mayo, 32, of Polo, was arrested for driving on a suspended license after a traffic stop in the 2000 block of North Union Road at 1:02 a.m. Mayo also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Mayo was released on an I-Bond and given a court date.

May 6

Louquan Henderson, 21, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Illinois Routes 38 and 251 at 1:31 a.m. Henderson also was cited for suspended

Now Available

Citations issued included:

• 11 for hands-free law violations

• 88 speeding violations

• 11 driving while under the influence arrests

• 42 citations for suspended, revoked or no valid driver’s license

registration. Henderson was released on an I-Bond and given a court date.

Isaiah Webster, 20, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 10000 block of north Illinois Route 2 about 2:18 a.m. An investigation showed Webster was driving north when he failed to maintain lane use and entered the oncoming lane of traffic. Webster’s vehicle collided with a guardrail on the west shoulder, sustaining major damage. Webster also was cited for improper lane use and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Orlando Dowell, 55, of Byron, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop

• 44 citations for no insurance

• 28 citations for suspended or revoked registrations.

The sheriff’s office joined forces with the Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and highway safety partners for this enforcement effort.

near the intersection of Illinois Route 72 and Mt. Morris Road. About 6:01 p.m., deputies responded to a driving complaint of a vehicle traveling west on Route 72 from the Byron area. Dowell also was cited for improper lane use. He was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

May 7

Darrell D. Reed, 35, of Byron, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop for a traffic violation in the 11000 block of east Illinois Route 28 about 12:07 a.m. Reed also was cited for improper lane use. Reed was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

Davis Junction man gets 12 years in predatory sex assault of a child

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A 25-year-old Davis Junction man was sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for predatory criminal sexual assault of

OREGON POLICE REPORTS

Oregon Police Chief Joe Brooks reports the following police activity.

April 27

Grady F. Richards III, 39, of Stillman Valley, was issued a citation at 6:25 p.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. This violation occurred in the 200 block of S. Second Street.

Jacob J. Conery, 41, of Rockford, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. for driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, improper cannabis container as a driver, aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and aggravated driving while license suspended. Conery was also issued citations for use of a cell phone while driving, improper lane usage, speeding, 41 mph in a 30 mph zone and operating an uninsured motor

a child.

Bryce A. Thomasson was sentenced May 4 by Ogle County Judge John B. Roe.

“In 2021, the Rochelle police department conducted an investigation regarding a minor who had been sexually assaulted by an adult male,” Ogle County

vehicle. Conery was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.

April 28

At 7:11 a.m., Oregon Police responded to the 700 block of Water Street for a traffic crash where a 2004 Jeep driven by Susan J. Holmquest, 66, of Oregon, struck a fire hydrant. No citations were issued.

Karen M. Jones, 49, of Byron, was arrested at 1:33 p.m. for no valid driver’s license. Jones was also issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. These violations occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street. Jones was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

APRIL 2023 MARRIAGE APPLICATIONS

The following marriage applications were filed in April 2023:

April 10

Christopher Wayne Douglas and Jennifer Ann Mullins, both of Minooka, Illinois.

April 11

Kent Meckenzie Jensen and August

Neal Vincer, both of Dixon, Illinois.

Frank Patrick Harenza and Shaylyn

Louann Ritt, both of Mt. Morris, Illinois.

April 14

Jonathan Fredric Grennan Smith, of Winnebago, Illinois, and Mycah Lyn

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

April 29-May 4

Warranty Deeds

Roger L. Adams to Andrea Garnhart and Mary Clark, 250 Creekside Drive, Byron, $148,000.

Konnie K. Peterson, Deborah L. Kosch and Richard K. Devlieger to J and W Properties, 604 N. Luther Drive, By-

Cornish, of Durand, Illinois.

Jacob Robert Hanlon and Gabrielle

Jeanne Lila Zamzow, both of Dixon, Illinois.

William Ryan Schmeda and Desiree Joy Lehua Bennett, both of Mundelein, Illinois.

April 17

Holden Douglas Lemke and Justina

Louise Jackson, both of Rockford, Illinois.

April 19

Joshua Thomas Traut and Gina Marie Danca, both of Aurora, Illinois.

April 20

Ian Daniel South, of Dixon, Illinois, and

State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in a news release issued May 5. “During the investigation, the defendant [Thomasson] was developed as a suspect. The case was reviewed by the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office and charges were authorized.”

Joseph S. Striblen, 25, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 7:37 p.m. for speeding 46 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street.

Sabrena M. Hicks, 25, of Milledgeville, was issued citations at 8:48 p.m. for speeding 46 mph in a 30 mph zone and operation of a vehicle with an expired registration. These violations occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street.

Felipe Serrano Guerrero, 24, of Rockford, was arrested at 9:03 p.m. for driving while license suspended. Serrano Guerrero was also issued a citation for improper lane usage. Serrano Guerrero was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 500 block of S. Fourth Street.

April 29

Kamaron L. Pullam, 30, Janesville, Wisconsin, was issued a citation at 1:49 a.m. for speeding 59 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street.

Shawn M. Parrish, 21, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 4:25 p.m. for operation of a vehicle with an expired registration. This violation occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street.

William R. Schafer, 17, of Oregon, was issued citations at 8:50 pm. for speeding 47 mph in a 30 mph zone and operation of a vehicle with an expired registration. These violations occurred in the 600 block of N. Fourth Street.

Note: Arrests listed are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

Emily Christine Miller, of St. Louis, Missouri.

Michael Robert Kresanek, of Dixon, Illinois, and Alexanna Louann Armbruster, of Polo, Illinois.

April 24

Kaleb Daniel Baker and Kaitlin Marie McBride, both of Springfield, Illinois. Austen Melvin Rex Farrell and Mary Elizabeth Anne Vowels, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

April 25

Christopher Anthony DiMaggio and Amanda Nichole Schmidt, both of Byron, Illinois.

April 26

Isaiah Justin Ramos and Desiree Sue Jacquelyn Morrison, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

April 27

Aaron Lee Michael Metz and Abigail Lee Akins, both of Polo, Illinois. Ryan Taylor Vegrzyn, of Naperville, Illinois, and Reilly Elise Wagner, of Rochelle, Illinois.

April 28

Austin Michael Rubeck and Abigail Mary Overstreet, both of Davis Junction, Illinois.

ron, $146,500. Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC to James Reno and Connie Whetsel, 203 W. Fifth St., Leaf River, $94,900. James E. and Louise E. Kronkow to Zachary and Morgan E. Hernandez and John C. and Shelly A. Hopp, 4933 N. Marrill Road, Stillman Valley, $416,900.

Charles K. and Margaret A. Kochsmier to Tomasa Cadiz, 204 S. Second Ave., Forreston, $97,000.

Mark and Anthina Nehrkorn to Caitlin J. Hendrickson, 3058 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $270,000.

Willis W. Russell to Samantha C. Dixon, 3649 W. Egan Road, Leaf River, $52,500.

John W. Sligar to Daniel J. Cook, 205 W. Avon St., Forreston, $90,300.

Betty G. Swalve to Travis T. Simerson, 205 E. Front St., Mt. Morris, $96,000. Marcelino Millan to John W. Sligar and Hannah R. Wolber, 4422 N. Union Road, Forreston, $250,000.

See PROPERTY TRANSFERS, page 17

Bryce Alan Thomasson

APRIL 2023 ZONING CERTIFICATES

The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued for April 2023:

Jeremy Whitehead; Byron Township; Section 22; agricultural storage building.

Ron Fowler; Marion Township; Section 34; agricultural storage building.

Larry Palmer; Monroe Township; Section 19; addition to residential accessory building.

Bryan Mink; Pine Rock Township; Section 19; open, unenclosed pavilion/canopy.

RRD Holding Company; Dement Township; Section 21; change in use.

Gregory Smith; Woosung Township; Section 34; remove dwelling.

Andy and Lisa Hinrichs; Pine Creek

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Continued from page 16

Jeffrey Yount to Ted N. Gesin and Gesin Rentals, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township, $25,000.

Randall Lot 11 LLC to Agree Limited Partnership, 1076 N. Seventh St. with one lot in Rochelle, $1,750,000.

Flagstar Bank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 108 Hillside

Township; Section 10; temporary amusement.

Terrance L. Cores; Marion Township; Section 4; residential accessory building.

Shane and Stephanie Harvey; Marion Township; Section 32; residential accessory building.

Kristin Folk; Oregon-Nashua Township; Section 4; dwelling addition.

John G. And Mary Pieper; Lincoln Township; Section 24; special use.

Jeremy Coulthard; Forreston Township; Section 22; residential accessory building.

Nicole Jakubiak; Byron Township; Section 30; residential accessory building.

Gregory Smith; Woosung Township; Section 34; single-family dwell-

Drive, Polo, $0. Brian Keith and Kelly Patterson Duncan to Sarah D. Sundquist, one parcel in Buffalo Township, $480,000. Mary L. Bryant to Dustin T. Groen, 313 W. Third St., Leaf River, $55,000.

Quit Claim Deeds

The late Loren W. Wilken by heirs to Kathleen M. Wilken, 110 Main St., Leaf River, $0.

ing; $140,000.

Stuart White; Flagg Township; Section 16; residential accessory building.

Max Garibaldi; Marion Township; Section 25; residential accessory building.

Verizon Wireless; Rockvale Township; Section 15; upgrades to existing telecommunications site; $30,000.

Stephen and Shirley Gentz; Pine Rock Township; Section 3; single-family dwelling; $200,000.

Jordan Gilmour; Oregon-Nashua Township; Section 15; residential accessory building.

William Hammer; Buffalo Township; Section 15; residential accessory building.

Jeffrey S. and Will W. Love to J and W Properties, 604 N. Luther Drive, Byron, $0.

Patsy Smart Living Trust, Patsy J. Smart, also Byrd, trustee, to Clayton D. Smart, to Clayton D. Smart, 8983 E. state Route 38, Ashton, $0.

Patsy Smart Living Trust, Patsy J. Smart, also Byrd, trustee, to Clifford A. and Carrie L. Smart, 8983 E. state Route 38, Ashton, $0.

Jose Monarrez; Scott Township; Section 24; residential accessory building.

Ted Gesin/Wilken; Rockvale Township; Section 29; dwelling addition.

Bocker Ruff Grain; Buffalo Township; Section 8; grain tank; $1,345,000.

Jeremy Martina; Flagg Township; Section 8; above-ground pool.

Blake Vogeler; Flagg Township; Section 17; open, unenclosed deck with roof. Randall and Loris Blask; Forreston Township; Section 5; remove and replace residential accessory building.

Daniel and Arlette Senn; Grand Detour Township; Section 12; remove and replace back entrance.

Trustees deed

Butler Family 2004 Declaration Trust, Jill Fregeau, trustee, to Steven E. and Karen L. Bazzell, 8655 N. Byron Hills Drive, Byron, $290,000.

Deed in Trust

Bonnie Kay O’Connell to William C. and Mariles K. Davis Trust 981, William C. and Mariles K. Davis, trustees, one parcel in Pine Creek Township, $500,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Put Your Equity to Work…

CLASSIFIED

EMPLOYMENT

West Carroll CUSD #314 has the Following Vacancies for the 2023-2024 School Year

Primary School: Principal Tracy Rein, Phone 815-273- 7747

5th Grade Classroom Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Music Teacher

Support Staff:

Two Full Time Aides

One Cafeteria Aide - 3 hours per day

Middle School: Principal Brady Knop, Phone 815-244-2002

Grade 7 Language Arts

Grades 7/8 Science Teacher

Grades 7/8 Math Teacher

Physical Education / Health Teacher

Support Staff:

One (1) Full time Aide

High School: Principal Interim Deb Gunnarsso n, Phone 815-273-7715

Spanish Teacher

Math Teacher

Social Studies Position including government, economics, social science electives with computer science as a plus

Part time Social Studies Teacher including gover nment and economics

Chorus and Drama Teacher

Principal Special Education Teacher split position with Middle School Business Teacher including eco nomics, computer science, and business electives

Support Staff:

One (1) Full time Classroom Aide

Coaching Positions: Assistant High School Football Coach

District-wide: Full and Part time Bus Drivers

Director of Transportation and Student Services

Applications for all positions are due as soon as possible

Send or drop off letter of application and credentials to: Also candidates may email credentials to dgilliland@wc314.org or jkatzenberger@wc314.org

Julie Katzenberger, Superintendent - orDr David Gilliland, Interim Assistant Superintendent 642 S East Street, Mt Carr oll, Illinois 61053 Office Phone: 815-244- 2005 Dr Gilliland's cell phone: 815-297-2602

22-096582 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, ILLINOIS

EVERETT FINANCIAL DBA SUPREME LENDING

PLAINTIFF, -vs-

Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Udell A. Foss, Deceased; Brenda Sahlstrom; Brian Foss; Brent Foss; Julie Fox, as Specia l Representative of Udell A. Foss, Deceased; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 67

PUBLICATION NOTICE

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Udell A. Foss, Deceased; Unknown Owners and Non-Recor d Claimants; Unknown Occupants

Defendants in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle C ounty, by the said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclos ure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit:

LOT 21 OF VON-GLEN ACRES NO. 2 BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTIONS 3 AND 4, TOWNSHIP 24 NORTH, AND SECTIONS 33 AND 34, TOWNSHIP 25 NORTH, ALL IN RANGE 11 EAST OF THE 4TH P.M., ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK J OF PLATS PAGE 52 AS DOCUMENT #395967, IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S.

Commonly known as 5946 East Scott Drive, Byron, IL 61010

Permanent Index No.: 10-04-228-004

and which said Mortgage was made by Udell A. Foss Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorde r of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois , Document No. 202108497. And for other relief; that summons was duly iss ued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the sui t is now pending

Now therefore, unless you, the said above named defenda nts, e-file your answer to the Complai nt in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance there in, on or before the 30th day after the first publication of this notice which is June 12, 2023. Default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accord ance with the prayer of said Complaint.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-provid ers.htm to lear n more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourt s.gov/FAQ/get help.asp, or talk with your local circuit clerk's office

Clerk

LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGA TION 8190-932550

May 12, 19, 26, 2023 932550

IS hereb that the

May 1,

ending A 2024 is no and will b niently availa

TION at th of the Oregon F tection Distric South First Oregon, IL during offic from and date of pu hereof

be held o'clock June 14, 106 Sout Street, Or 61061, in Protection and that action on dinance taken by the of Trustee Oregon F tection Distric a meet ing to be held o'clock June 14, said location DATED DAY OF May,