Charred remains of a downtown Mount Morris building destroyed in an April 16 fire are still standing / 5
Children enjoy the Splash Pad and a pop-up and play event / 17
Family, friends of Chana teacher ready to hit the trail at June 8 benefit / 9
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Summer Reading Program, 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays, June 13 through July 18
Each week of our Summer Reading Program will take you on a new adventure. Will you be in outer space or underwater? Come find out.
A to Z Reading Challenge
We’re almost halfway through the year! Are you halfway through your A to Z Reading Challenge?
June Book of the Month
Vicki is sorting through the news of a newly discovered illness. Brenda has lost her job because of improper relations with a student. Melanie discovers she is finally
Summer Reading Program
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” with our summer reading program that starts Wednesday, June 12. Toddlers and preschoolers will meet at 9:30 a.m. that day. Those in kindergarten and older will meet at 10:30 a.m. We’re excited to share stories, crafts and games as our adventures take us
Post meeting is June 11
Forreston American Legion Post 308 will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. The meeting will be at the Forreston library. All veterans are welcome to attend.
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center News
Diamond Painting, 11 a.m. June 7: We will have choices of paintings for sale (ranging in price from $3 to $10). No skill is involved so feel free to join us.
PorchFest, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 8: The Center will be providing tacos, popcorn, drinks and more.
Toenails at the Center, Monday June 10: Starting at 10 a.m. Schedule for a half hour or an hour. Cut only (30 minutes) is $20. Cut and polish (1 hour) is $30. You must schedule a time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call the Center or stop in to schedule your time.
Flag Day, June 14: Join us at 10:30 a.m. for a flag ceremony
pregnant and her husband is having an affair. The three escape to Nantucket for the summer to relax and find peace. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your copy of “Barefoot” by Elin Hilderbrand.
June Craft
It is a simple to make lantern. Kits are available at the circulation desk.
Card Making
Card making supplies are always available. Call ahead for room availability.
Plastic Recycling
We ask that you make sure plastic is clean with no debris in the donation. No animal feed bags are allowed. Also
with Veteran Honors featuring Illinois Republican Leader Tony McCombie, the state representative for the 89th District. Music will be by Denny Jacobs and Mike Bratt and lunch is from St. Corix Hospice.
Community Game Night, June 27: Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center has been rebranded to include the entire community. Come play games on Thursday, June 27, with other members of the community. Popcorn will be provided but feel free to bring a snack to share. Games start at 6 p.m. Upcoming bus trip
Are you interested in our upcoming bus trip?
We will be taking a trip to New Orleans from Nov. 3-9. It’s seven days and six nights including four consecutive nights in the New Orleans area. Guided tours and a riverboat cruise are just a few of the events.
For information or to sign up, call Melissa at 815-734-6335.
please remove any ziploc-type seals and paper/sticker labels. Thank you for your cooperation.
New Releases Adult Books
“Think Twice” by Harlan Coban
“The 24th Hour” by James Patterson Chapter Book
“Oregon Trail: The Race to Chimney Rock” by Jesse Wiley
“Flat Stanley’s Adventures in Classroom 2E: Class Pet Surprise” by Kate Egan Picture Books
“What’s New Daniel?” by Micha Archer “Pie Rats!” by Lisa Riddiough
around the world, back in time and even into space.
Community Room
Looking for a place to hold your event? Our community room with a small kitchenette is available for meetings, parties, showers, family reunions and more. For more information, call the library at
Accuracy is important to the Forreston Journal. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
815-938-2624.
Soft Plastic Recycling
We are 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.
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LEAF RIVER – Rain put a bit of a damper on one day of Leaf River Daze, causing the tractor and truck pulls to be canceled, but the skies cleared Sunday for the parade and a performance by the Peterson Farm Bros.
The Farm Ministry at Leaf River
Baptist Church sponsored The Peterson Bros. event.
The Farm Ministry at Leaf River Baptist Church aims to support agriculture by providing events, training, education and fellowship meals to local farmers and agribusinesses throughout the year.
The grand parade concluded the festival Sunday.
MIDDLE
Photos by Tanya Koper for Shaw Local News Network TOP LEFT: Greg Peterson from the Peterson Farm Bros. has kids dancing to their YouTube parody hit “Farmer Style” (a “Gangnam Style” parody) during Leaf River Daze on June 2. TOP RIGHT: Drummers march with the Forreston High School Band in the Leaf River Daze parade. ABOVE: The Rock River Riders Motorcycle Club advertises upcoming events on their float in the Leaf River Daze parade. LEFT: Fire departments take part in the parade. LEFT: The Ogle County Farm Bureau’s entry moves along in the Leaf River Daze parade.Memorial Day morning I headed for Polo Fairmount Cemetery and put flowers on the family graves before the program started. I had forgotten a flag for my sister’s grave since she was a veteran of the Korean conflict. I would have to take one there later. There were a number of people doing the same thing that I was doing and I quickly decided that I needed to park my car. Driving around in close quarters is tricky if you meet a car since the driveways are not made for two-lane traffic.
I walked to where I wanted to be for the Memorial Day program and waited for the parade to arrive at the cemetery. It was rather breezy but the sun was shining and that helped. It was nice to see so many people arriving to honor those who had given their lives so many years ago. Linda soon joined me and it was not long before the parade arrived
and Charlie had ridden on the trailer provided for veterans to ride rather than walk. Mardie in her white uniform was walking with all the veterans and she looked so grand and tall. I was proud to have had her in first grade. The years have gone by swiftly and she has served her time in protecting our country.
When they read the names of those who had given their lives, they gave more than just a name. They told where they had served and in what branch of the armed forces. They told where they had given their lives and where they were buried. Patrick Fagen is always the first name to be read since he lost his life in World
War I. He was the only one killed in World War I from Polo.
When they read Chester A. Bennett’s name I always swallow hard. I was just a kid in the Lutheran church when they announced his death that Sunday. The Bennett family always sat right in front of us in church every Sunday. I stood there and thought to myself that those three children have just lost their father. He is never coming back and it made an impact on me for the rest of my life. I listen for his name every year on Memorial Day at the cemetery.
The main speaker Becky was very good and she made us think how lucky we are to live in a country where we can be very thankful to have servicemen and women who will keep us safe. I am always glad to see our high school band marching and playing.
Our daughter, Krista, played taps on many occasions at the cemetery
and she had numerous stories of when it would be cold or rainy. She always felt good about being a part of a military service where she could use her skills as a musician.
When the program was over, Linda, Charlie, Kevin and I walked to see Solomon Shaver’s gravestone. He was part of the Underground Railroad. His stone is very unusual and they did not know where it was.
After the service, several of us from the Polo Historical Society had lunch together in Polo. It is great to see the flags flying up and down Main street honoring those who are not with us today.
We must never forget those who gave their lives for their country. Someday we will meet again.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
The following story was written by Jane Shoemaker and appeared in her book “Pine Creek Recollections – a Storytelling Book” in 2001. – Otto Dick
By JANE SHOEMAKERThe plank was hewn from one large tree trunk and, in truth, was more like a log cut flat on one side. It was thrown over Pine Creek and used as a foot bridge. It connected the neighbors on the next hill.
Traveling around the road to reach that neighbor’s farm was about five miles. Across the plank, it was only a few hundred yards. The plank lay below the house over a shallow area of the creek. Sitting on the plank as a child, I could watch minnows
and tadpoles swimming around. An occasional turtle would drag itself ashore and if all was quiet, sun itself on the plank, hitting the water if we approached.
Every spring the snow melted above the farm, sending rushing water cascading down the narrow valley, pushing ice and debris in its path. The plank always was a victim of Mother Nature’s spring prank. Carried downstream, it would be located usually buried under mounds. When the weather warmed and ice melted, my brothers would drag the plank back and replace it carefully over the creek.
Once again the lives of the two farm families were connected. Once the task of returning the plank was
accomplished, men returned to the task of spring chores. But sometimes the women had other ideas. They would informally declare a “Plank Day” and set about planning a picnic at the plank. The first spring picnic! Each family would bring a couple of dishes to pass and a hayrack was supplied for sitting and serving, and winter now passed would be forgiven.
If this picnic occurred in late April or early May, then we were allowed to remove our shoes and sit on the edge of the plank, dangling our feet in the spring-cold water below. The menfolk stood around waiting for the women to spread the picnic fare on the faded tablecloths thrown on the back of the hayrack. And what a feast
it would be! “End-of-the-bin” scalloped potatoes, homemade oatmeal bread, savory baked beans, canned sweet pickles and perhaps if the rhubarb shoots were ready, a fresh rhubarb cake. Mom used end-of-the-bin potatoes, but you may use fresh ones from the supermarket.
A spring picnic in the woods by the creek would not be complete without coffee from the large galvanized coffee pot on the camp fire.
This was a simple time in an uncomplicated era, celebrating the return of spring and the ritual of the return of the plank.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
FORRESTON – The Country Crossroads Quilt Guild will present Lori Dickman, an educator, author and pattern designer. She will be the speaker at the Country Crossorads Quilt Guild meeting Monday, June 17.
Playing with fabric and color as well as teaching has been Dickman’s passion for more than 45
years. The art of “making” has been a wonderful creative journey for her. Her desire is to inspire others to learn to love the art of quilt making as much as she does. Her lecture is titled “Speedy Solutions to Cut/Organize Your Stash.”
The program will be followed by refreshments, a business meeting and Show and Tell.
Guild meetings are at the Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road in Forreston, on the third
Monday of each month (except December). Meetings are at 7 p.m. There is ample time to meet and greet members before the meeting. Visitors are welcome. A fee of $5 is accepted at the door. Membership dues are $20. For more information, call Program Committee chairs Shelly Holverson at 815-297-2381 or Karen Bolen at 815-233-9836 or Guild President Chyree Rohde-Lincoln at 815275-2759.
The Country Crossroads Quilt Guild meets monthly at the Forreston Grove Church. Visit countrycrossroadsquiltguild. com for more information.
Earleen Hinton file photo
MOUNT MORRIS – The charred remains of a downtown building destroyed in an April 16 fire are still standing, but its precarious condition has prompted village officials to cordon off the area around the structure as a safety precaution.
Village President Phil Labash said the village made the decision to block off a portion of Wesley Avenue, the street that runs along the west side of the former Sharky’s Sports Bar, and one lane of East Main Street to the north for fear that two remaining portions of the structure could fall.
“The walls are starting to lean significantly. Our concern is for public safety,” Labash said Monday night.
The Mount Morris Fire Department received a call at 1:33 p.m. April 16 after a resident reported seeing flames coming from an apartment in the building at 1 N. Wesley Ave.
When firefighters arrived at the location they saw heavy smoke and visible flames from the street-level windows of the downstairs apartment.
“There were several occupants exiting the building, as well as attempting to put the fire out,” Mount Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough said.
All occupants had exited the building and were accounted for, but the fire advanced rapidly, fueled by strong winds, age and condition of the structures. There was one injury reported, an occupant who reported smoke inhalation and was treated by EMS at the scene. Social media reports of several pets dying in the fire could not be verified.
Hough said fire crews “proactively evacuated” the building that housed Sharky’s Sports Bar and, as a precaution, Rockford Bell Credit Union located east of the fire at 4 E. Main St. The fire quickly spread because of the absence of a fire wall separating the two structures.
Several companies using multiple large-diameter
hose lines, ground monitors and three tower ladders brought the fire under control about 3:45 p.m.
The fire department along with the Mount Morris Police Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, as well as agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are conducting a joint investigation into the fire.
On Tuesday, Hough said the investigation had been completed but a written report was still pending.
Labash said the city still is waiting for that report from the state fire marshal’s office. He believes that report is necessary before insurance claims to clear the property can be authorized.
“We are at a standstill until then,” Labash said. “Our attorney has told us that it is going to take some time.”
Demolition cannot begin until the report is received and the insurance claim for Sharky’s is settled, Labash said.
“As far as the village is concerned, we wanted to make it as safe and secure as we can,” he said.
Labash praised the quick efforts of the fire department for stopping the fire from spreading to other nearby structures. The buildings are bordered by the Shell gas station on the north, separated by a parking area, and the credit union on the east, separated only by a walkway.
The importance of reading during the summer months has been studied extensively and results indicate that students who do not read in the summer lose skills, often falling below reading levels they achieved during the school year. It can be compared with an athlete who for some reason sits out a season and/or skips the offseason training. It takes time to get back to the same performance levels they had. For this month, we’ll look at several ways we can encourage our children and grandchildren to include some reading in busy summer schedules.
One consideration is that spending 15 to 30 minutes five days a week would be enough to prevent summer reading loss. The reading does not have to be completed all at one time. For example, we might help build routines that fit in two 10- or 15-minute times for reading several days each
Mary Gardner
week. Reading aloud to your children and grandchildren counts, too!
A second idea is to include all kinds of books, magazines, recipes and cookbooks, instructions or directions or web-based reading on internet sites. Books, of course, can be electronic versions that may offer more appeal. Trying to read a wide variety of genres is a good goal.
Any reading done for everyday events can count. Think about the reading you do in a program you receive at a baseball game or a play. Reading directions to put something together or rules for a game offer
another kind of reading. There certainly is reading when you cook with recipes. You might keep a log of all the different kinds of reading your family does over the summer.
We also need to be sure that reading materials are available for our children and grandchildren. Our local public libraries have excellent summer reading programs for all ages. This summer’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat.” Children need to sign up and set a goal for the number of books they plan to read. Your local library has engaging activities throughout June and July and often an end-of-program special event. You need to have a library card to participate in the library summer reading programs and registration is required for many of the activities. Stop in your local library for more details. Be sure to stop in one of the librar-
ies for more information and details about obtaining a library card if you do not already have one. Staff members also are happy to help you locate books for all ages and interests. Motivation and interest in reading are gifts we can pass on and the library is a great place to help promote those gifts.
Time spent reading plus reading all kinds and genres of texts (including digital and electronic versions) plus making sure reading materials are available equals a recipe for summer reading that will prevent a summer reading slide. Enjoy time this summer reading to and with your children and grandchildren!
• 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.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:
May 20
Deputies and the Byron Fire Protection District responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 10000 block of north Illinois Route 2 at 1:04 p.m. An investigation showed the driver, Mark Svoboda, 64, of Byron, was traveling south on Route 2 when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree. Svoboda was taken by Stillman Valley EMS to Javon Bea Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger, Colleen Svoboda, 64, of Byron, was taken by Byron EMS to Javon Bea Hospital with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Destini Evans, 25, of Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended after deputies responded to a disabled vehicle at Illinois Route 64 and Chana Road about 4:29 p.m. Evans was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
Christian T. Grogan, 34, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop near the intersection of Pleasant Avenue and Dixon Street in Polo about 7:44 p.m. Grogan also was cited for improper transportation of alcohol as a driver. Grogan was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
May 21
Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 5700 block of North Freeport Road about 10:52 p.m. An investigation showed Curtis F. Wade, 67, of Sterling, was driving a Ford F-150 and struck a tree that had fallen in the roadway. Wade lost control and entered the west ditch where the Ford came to rest on its passenger side. Wade was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Forreston Fire Protection District and EMS assisted at the scene.
May 22
Deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash in the 10000 block of north Illinois Route 2 about 6:21 p.m. An investigation showed Dawn Campbell, 52, of Machesney Park, was driving a 2014 Chevrolet north on Route 2 when it
struck a guardrail on the eastbound side of the roadway, causing the vehicle to overturn. Campbell was treated for minor injuries by Byron Fire Protection District EMS at the scene. Byron fire and police assisted.
May 25
Merissa Lynch, 24, of Rockford, was cited for driving while license suspended, no insurance and expired registration after a traffic stop at Harmony and Pines roads about 4:12 p.m. Lynch was given a future court date. Lynch’s vehicle was towed from the scene.
Terry L. Williams, 25, of Rockford, was cited for improper lane use, illegal transportation of alcohol, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after deputies and the Oregon Fire Protection District responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 1000 block of North Limekiln Road at 11:04 p.m. An investigation showed Williams was northbound on Limekiln Road when the vehicle left the roadway before overcorrecting and traveling into the west ditch and striking a tree. Williams was taken to KSB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Dustin Nelson, 40, of Byron, was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after deputies responded to a disturbance in the 3900 block of North River Road in Oregon about 11:30 p.m. The other party involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries and refused medical attention at the scene. Nelson was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
May 26
Nikolas Groves, 19, of Princeton, was arrested for illegal consumption by a minor after deputies responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of South Harmony Road in Oregon about 1:45 a.m. Groves was released on a notice to appear.
A juvenile was cited for improper lane use after deputies and Byron Fire Protection District responded to a three-vehicle crash in the 5000 block of north Illinois Route 2 about 2:40 p.m. An
investigation showed a red Chevrolet Silverado driven by a juvenile was southbound on Route 2 when the juvenile became distracted within the vehicle, causing it to travel into the southbound lane and strike the driver’s side of a northbound Honda Civic. A northbound black Chevrolet Silverado traveling behind the Honda was struck on its rear passenger side by the red Chevrolet driven by the juvenile. The driver of the black Chevrolet was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon for treatment of suspected minor injuries. All vehicle were towed because of disabling damage.
May 27
Vincent Kuczynski, 25, of Rochelle, was arrested for battery after deputies responded to a disturbance at FatCats Bar in Hillcrest about 12:18 a.m. Kuczynski was taken to the Ogle County jail and booked. He was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
James Jefferson, 37, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of north Illinois Route 2 at 2:39 p.m. Jefferson also was cited for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Jefferson was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
May 28
Michael Roberts, 34, of Davis Junction, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at Rolling Meadows Road and Illinois Route 251 at 6:56 p.m. Roberts also was cited for inadequate splash guards. Roberts was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
May 29
Erin Chapman, 44, of Machesney Park, was arrested for driving while under the influence (combination of drugs and alcohol), theft of a motor vehicle (Class 3 felony) and possession of a stolen vehicle (Class 2 felony) after deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash in the 10000 block of North Kennedy Hill Road where a female was seen walking away
from the scene about 6:43 a.m. Chapman also was cited for improper lane use, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and operating an uninsured vehicle. Based on the crash scene, deputies determined Chapman was northbound on Illinois Route 2 near North Kennedy Hill Road in a Chevrolet S10 truck when she struck a guardrail off the east side of the roadway. The truck came to rest in the southbound lane and the vehicle suffered disabling damage. Chapman was uninjured in the crash. Chapman later was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
May 31
Michael K. Holland, 55, of Rochelle, was arrested for domestic battery after deputies responded to a domestic battery in the 11000 block of East Lincoln Lane in Rochelle about 6:09 p.m. William W. Clark II, 44, of Rochelle, also was arrested. Clark was arrested for an Ogle County warrant (possession of methamphetamine), no bond warrant and resisting a peace officer. Holland and Clark were taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
June 2
Duane A. Jacobson Jr., 53, of Davis Junction, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of north Illinois Route 251 at 6:05 p.m. Jacobson also was cited for suspended registration and a defective windshield. Jacobson was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date. Jason Grenoble, 41, of Polo, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop near the intersection of Freeport and Springdale roads about 10:15 p.m. Grenoble also was cited for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. A passenger in the vehicle, Leslie Brashaw, 46, of Oregon, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Grenoble and Brashaw were taken to the Ogle County jail and both were released on a notice to appear.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
May 13
At 2:56 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of North Fourth and Fair streets involving a 1996 Chevrolet driven by Aleksander J. Zydek, 20, of Dixon, and a 2018 GMC driven by Christopher D. Dopkins, 52, of Belvidere. Zydek was
issued citations for improper use of an electronic communication device and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
May 14
Kristopher M. Mockovak, 23, of Rockford, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for
harassment. Mockovak was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was left in the custody of the corrections officers.
Justin L. Lahman, 35, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 11:35 a.m. for violating the city ordinance of having a dog running at large. The violation occurred in the 400 block of South
10th Street.
Brandon C. Eder, 26, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 1:12 p.m. for violating the long grass ordinance on a property in the 300 block of North Fifth Street.
See OREGON POLICE, page 15
OREGON – A former school bus driver admitted May 29 that he sexually abused a teenage girl in May 2016.
Michael A. Gaston, 68, pleaded guilty to the Class 2 felony offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse as he appeared with his attorney, Aaron Buscemi, in front of Judge John Redington.
Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Leisten told Redington the state would dismiss six counts of criminal sexual assault – Class 1 felonies – in return for Gaston’s plea of guilty to a seventh charge that was filed May 29.
In that count, Gaston was charged with committing a sexual act for his own gratification with the girl, who was between the ages of 13 and 17.
Asked by Redington if he had agreed to plead guilty, Gaston replied, “Yes, your honor.”
Gaston was a bus driver with Forrestville Valley School District 221, but was fired March 1, 2023, according to school board meeting minutes.
Buscemi said Gaston and the girl knew each other at an “area school.” He said Gaston had no other criminal
history, except the charges he was facing.
Valerie Letko, a Chicago attorney representing the victim, read a statement from the girl to the court. In that statement the girl said Gaston first sexually abused her seven years ago while on a camping trip and had groomed her when she was a vulnerable teenager.
“He came into my life when I needed a father figure the most and, unfortunately, he took advantage of that while teachers and school administrators turned a blind eye to every red flag,” Letko, an attorney at Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, read to the court.
“The trauma I endured will haunt me for the rest of my life,” Letko said, reading from the victim’s statement. “I was brave enough to find my voice and speak out.”
Redington agreed to sentence Gaston to 48 months of probation with several conditions, including that he successfully complete specialized sex offender therapy as ordered by the court and the Ogle County Probation Department. Gaston had agreed to a sex offender evaluation by a licensed counselor with the Sex Offender Manage-
ment Board in October 2023. That evaluation was not made public and was sealed in court records.
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, the board was created “to standardize the evaluation, treatment and management of sex offenders at each stage of the criminal, juvenile justice or mental health systems so that those offenders will curtail recidivistic behaviors and the protection of victims and potential victims will be enhanced. The board provides education and training to parole, probation, law enforcement, treatment providers and others involved in the management of sex offenders.”
Redington also instructed Gaston to have no contact with the victim without consent of the probation department and pay any and all costs related to the evaluation and/or treatment for himself as well as the victim.
A sentence of 180 days in jail was delayed until May 2028 at the end of the probation period. If Gaston completes the probationary period without any violations he will not have to serve the jail time.
Redington also ordered Gaston not to enter into any employment that allows him access to minors under the age of 18 without approval of the probation department. The judge barred Gaston from having any contact with minors without the consent of the court
or probation department.
Another condition of his probation forbids him from possessing any sexually explicit materials including books, magazines, videos or computer transmissions as well as any such information stored on electronic devices. Gaston also must submit to any examination of any of those devices or platforms as requested by the probation department. He also must complete HIV and STD testing and DNA indexing within 45 days and pay $250 to the Illinois State Police Offender DNA Identification Fund.
Redington said fines and costs totaling $2,809 would be covered by Gaston’s bond that he posted after his arrest in 2023.
Gaston initially was charged May 1, 2023, with six counts of criminal sexual assault. According to those court documents, the incidents occurred in May and December 2016 as well as January, February and March 2017. He pleaded not guilty to the charges May 26, 2023, and had requested a jury trial.
The charges came after Forreston police received a report of a sexual abuse incident and began an investigation, Chief Chris Thiel said in a 2023 news release.
Gaston was released from custody after posting 10% ($10,000) of a $100,000 bond and remained free as his case progressed through the court system.
OREGON – A Rochelle man was found guilty May 24 of the sexual exploitation of a child in 2022 after a one-day bench trial in Ogle County.
Dennis A. Sage, 68, will appear in court again at 10 a.m. June 18 for a post-trial motion hearing in front of Judge John “Ben” Roe, who found Sage guilty of the felony offense after reviewing testimony from a May 1 bench trial.
Sage was charged with knowingly enticing, coercing or persuading a girl to remove her clothing for his own sexual arousal or gratification on or about June 1-June 30, 2022. Roe found Sage not guilty of three similar charges on different dates in 2021 and 2022.
In June 2022, the Rochelle Police Department investigated a sexual exploitation complaint made by a minor female against Sage, according to a news release from Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock.
During the May 1 trial, the girl, who was 9 at the time of the alleged offense, testified Sage told her he needed to examine her to see if she was cleaning
properly after using the bathroom. “He said he wanted to check to see if I was clean and to keep it a secret,” she said.
Rochelle Detective Elvis Baneski interviewed Sage in July 2022. In one of the recorded interviews, Sage said he was trying to teach the girl proper hygiene.
“I would check her once in awhile. If she wasn’t clean, I would go make her clean,” Sage said. “I wasn’t touching her or anything.”
Sage said he did not raise his concerns of her cleanliness with her mother, aunt or grandmother, but did admit he became “semi-aroused” once, but immediately “shut it down.” He said he didn’t bring up the issue with any other family members because he was concerned his “intentions would be misunderstood.”
Baneski said he also watched the interview with the girl at the Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center in Dixon, an agency that investigates allegations of physical or sexual abuse. Shining Star conducts forensic interviews in an “age-appropriate manner while utilizing trauma-informed techniques to ensure trauma is not endured
by the child,” according to the organization’s website.
Under cross examination by Brandon Gecan, Sage’s attorney, Baneski said the initial complaint against his client came from a Department of Children and Family Services report.
“Mr. Sage was consistent his concerns were about hygiene, correct?” Gecan asked.
“Yes,” Baneski replied.
Sage testified in his own defense, again insisting he was only concerned about the girl’s hygiene.
Under cross examination, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten asked why Sage didn’t have a female relative check the girl.
“I was the only one there so I took the responsibility,” Sage said.
Gecan argued that prosecutors had not proved that Sage had done anything for his own sexual gratification.
“His only purpose was for hygiene,” Gecan said. “There are no photos, no history, no evidence.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss disagreed.
“The reasoning he gives is not reasonable. He tells her to keep it a secret.
It is a cover story that does not make sense. This is a sick, twisted way to gaslight a victim,” Voss said, claiming Sage used “calculated coercion.”
Gecan said Sage had been consistent in police interviews and in his direct testimony that his sole concern was about the cleanliness of the girl. He said the Shining Star interview contained nothing about touching or any physical evidence of any sexual conduct.
“Predators take pictures. ... They record, search the internet. ... There is none of that here,” Gecan argued. “No touching. No one even alleges that. Did he handle this correctly? No.”
Leisten pointed out that Sage was “not charged with child pornography. This is child exploitation, nothing more or less. Hygiene was used as a cover. He wanted this to be a secret.”
Rock said sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to one to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, but also is punishable with a sentence of probation.
“The conviction does require sex offender registration,” Rock said.
Michael A. GastonSHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Ogle County property owners are reminded that the first installment of their property tax bill is due Monday, June 10.
Payment methods include cash, check (payable to Ogle County Collector) or credit card. In-person payments can be made at the treasurer’s office located in the old Courthouse at 105 S. Fifth St. in Oregon or at any bank in Ogle County. Office hours for the clerk’s office are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The office’s 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% a month or part of a month after the due date and must be remitted by mail or at the Collector’s office, Ogle County Collector Tiffany O’Brien said in a news release.
O’Brien’s office is offering the option of online payments.
“You may get to this site by going to www.oglecountyil. gov and then selecting the Treasurer’s department. Choose the Online Tax Payments link and click the Pay Now button. Fill in the information as prompted. Be sure to receive a payment confirmation for your records. Please note that this service carries a fee; review the convenience fees prior to making payment,” O’Brien said.
Tanya Koper for Shaw Local News Network
CHANA – Participants at this year’s Infinity Event, held in memory of Maggie and Amos (Rosko) Meyer, will be running, walking, eating and having plain old fun at a new location.
The popular event is Saturday, June 8, at the Rochelle Wildlife Conservation Club, located east of Chana at 3501 S. Sweeney Road. Previous Infinity runs had been held in Chana next to the Chana Education Center, where Maggie was a teacher.
Hosted by The Maggie & Amos Foundation, this year’s event includes live music, a bags tournament, live and silent auctions, free kids activities, a scavenger hunt, beer garden and a trail run.
The Maggie & Amos Foundation was created in 2017 after the deaths of Maggie and Amos (Rosko) Meyer in October 2016.
“Maggie, a special education teacher at Chana Education Center, used her creativity and imaginative personality to engage students in outof-the-box learning in her classroom. Students never knew quite what to expect coming to her classroom every day, but they did know they were loved and cared for in her classroom. Threeyear-old Amos had the adventurous heart of his mom and was eager to join in on any spontaneous adventure with curiosity and enthusiasm,” said Lynn Kalnins, a coworker of Maggie’s and assistant principal.
Maggie, 31, died in a house fire Oct. 19, 2016, in Byron, along with her 3-year-old son Amos. Duane C. Meyer, Maggie’s ex-husband and Amos’ father, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. His case is pending in Ogle County court.
Shortly after their deaths, Maggie’s friends and coworkers formed The Maggie & Amos Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization, to keep their memories alive and help other schools and agencies with youth-related projects.
Stephanie White, another coworker, said Maggie loved to run races.
“Whether it was a 5K or a triathalon, she just ran,” White said at the 2023 event. “We want to keep happy memories of Maggie and Amos alive and seek all that was good about Maggie and Amos.”
Kalnins said the nonprofit foundation was formed to carry on the legacy
5K runners start the Maggie & Amos Foundation’s
and her son Amos, 3, who died in October 2016 in Byron.
of innovation that Maggie sparked in her classroom.
The foundation has funded more than $48,000 in educator grants, library sponsorships and scholarships.
8 a.m. – Breakfast at the club featuring biscuits and gravy, pancakes and sausage or breakfast sandwich
10 a.m. – Bags tournament registration. 11 a.m. is the official start time.
11 a.m. – RWCC serving up grilled favorites, free bounce houses, free face painting by Ms. TwistyPants, silent auction, beer garden opens, dunk tank and more
12:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Live music by The Killer B’s
1 p.m. – Orb Treasure Scavenger Hunt
4 p.m. – Trail Run, Family Fun Run and Kids’ Hill Climb
5 p.m. – RWCC steak fry (reservations should be made by calling 815622-8940 by 5 p.m. Friday)
6 p.m. – Live auction
7 to 10 p.m. – Live music by Burn N’ Bush
Earleen HInton file photo
Infinity Run + Family Fun Event in 2023. The event is held in memory of Maggie Meyer (Rosko)
This year’s event is Saturday, June 8, at the Rochelle Wildlife Conservation Club.
Photo provided
Maggie (Rosko) Meyer holds Amos after one of the races she competed in. The Infinity Run is held as a fundraiser for the Maggie & Amos Foundation in their memory.
POLO – The 1,200-square-foot mural at Louise A. Quick Park in downtown Polo should be completed this week, a city official said.
“It’s just to beautify that park and to educate people on the history of Polo,” Mayor Doug Knapp said of the
city’s reason for commissioning the mural.
Louise A. Quick Park is located at 102 W. Mason St. in downtown Polo. It is the location of some of the Movies in the Park and Polo Area Community Theatre events.
On March 18, Polo City Council members voted unanimously to hire Nick Gjonola, of Midwest Murals, for
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MOUNT MORRIS – The Kable Concert Band will return to the downtown band shell for its 128th season.
The first concert will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.
Concerts are each Wednesday night through July 31.
“Bench seating is provided on the Campus or bring your folding chairs. Come and enjoy an ice cream social prior to the concert at 7 p.m. provided by local organizations,” said Sylvia Saunders, a band member. “The Kable band will entertain you with a variety of crowd-pleasing musical selections for all.”
A patriotic concert will be at 8 p.m. July 4 behind the former David L. Rahn Junior High on Brayton Road before the fireworks display.
just under $15,000 to paint the mural on the brick wall at Louise A. Quick Park.
“Different people were throwing the idea [of a mural] around,” Knapp said. “When we started looking into artists and got Nick, he came up with the design.”
The mural’s design contains historic images, including portraits of President Abraham Lincoln and Zenas
Aplington, the founder of Polo, on a background of a map of Buffalo Township. There also is a steam locomotive and train station and rural farmland.
The words “Est. 1857” might be included, Knapp said.
The $15,000 for the mural was donated by the William and Beverly Burkardt Family Foundation, Knapp said.
MOUNT MORRIS – There will be plenty of tunes to hear and porches to visit during the seventh annual Encore! PorchFest in Mount Morris on Saturday, June 8.
“PorchFest is the ultimate grassroots community music festival,” said Jeff Bold, one of the event’s organizers. “Many favorites from past years along with some new musicians will perform 45-minute sets on community porches and lawns throughout the festival area between 1 and 5 p.m. The audience picks their choices from a schedule and moves from location to location. Bring your lawn chairs or sit in the grass, walk or ride your bike.”
This year’s schedule
1 to 2 p.m.
Goin Postal Unplugged (Dan Elsasser): Classic rock, ballads, country and more. Kalnins’ porch, 111 W. Main St.
The Magtones: Husband and wife duo who enjoy playing acoustic pop music in an entertaining style, Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 E. Brayton Road
Children’s Dance and Singing Troupe: Indian, German and Flamenco dance, country and contemporary music, The
Who Drank All the Tequila (Steve Catron and friends): Acoustic rock with a bluegrass vibe. Guitar, bass and mandolin, Bold’s, 109 E. Front St.
2 to 3 p.m.
Well Strung: Four-member band playing blues, rock ’n’ roll, country and bluegrass, Labash’s, 305 E. Brayton Road
Denny Jacobs: Easy listening to oldies. Guitar and vocal folk and blues singer, Collins’, 401 E. Brayton Road
John Sabaduquia: Singer/songwriter, Americana, alt country, Midwestern roots rock, Markle’s, 209 E. Front St.
The Newtonians (Chris Kolling and Kevin Oppendike): Two old friends, they are an instrumental duo with a rock edge and other musical styles. Guitar and percussion. Mount Morris Library, 105 S. McKendrie Ave.
3 to 4 p.m.
RuthAnn Lillstrom: Folk, pop and originals singer songwriter. Guitar and vocalist. Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 E. Brayton Road
Crosswind Landing (Harold Harrison and Lowell Harp): Folk, country and original songs. Guitar and percussion. Bold’s, 109 E. Front St.
Korey Pepper: The gritty areas of 1990s grunge and alternative rock. Guitar, singer songwriter. The Center, 109 E. Front St.
Louise Price and John Dickson: Acoustic duet and solo artists playing Irish, Spanish and traditional folk music. DeWolf’s, 105 E. Center St.
Larry Lambe and Randy Holland: Anything from the 1930s and on. Guitar and harmonica. Hollifield’s, 305 W. Lincoln St.
Denny Diamond: Known for performing the music of Neil Diamond. Mixes in other great classic songs along with a few originals. Allure-Pinecrest Gazebo, Brayton, east of Wesley Avenue
Acoustic Axis: Two acoustic guitars and a drummer, singing classic rock, blues and a couple of classic country tunes. Collins’, 401 E. Brayton Road
Greg Crull: Blues, country, classic rock, beach music. Ward’s, 103 S. Clark Ave.
Schedules with map, porch locations, music and food information will be available online at EncorePorchFest.info. For more information about Encore! and Mount Morris activities, visit EncoreMtMorris.com.
MOUNT MORRIS – Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Jamboree Music Series.
“The Wild Ones band was formed in 2000 by veteran vocalist Rick Lindy after a five-year stretch as the lead singer for Big Guitars from Memphis. He brought along their drummer, Mike Hosman, and added Malcolm Didier on bass and Ray Kainz on lead guitar,” Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben said. “They released their first CD, ‘Wild Side of Town’ in 2001 and toured Europe that spring, landing a record deal with Flipside/Amigo Records in Oslo, Norway, leading to another European tour in 2002.”
Ubben said the band performs rock ’n’ roll hits of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, as well as surf, rockabilly and original songs.
“Many people in the area are well-acquainted with Rick and the band from their many years of appearing at the White Pines Lodge, and since he won’t be there this year, we’re very happy to be bringing him to our historic campus for a two-hour free concert,” Ubben said.
Concessions for the evening will be provided by the Mount Morris Public Library, serving Italian sausages and hot dogs. Bill’s Famous Lemonade stand also will be there. Concessions start at 6 p.m.
Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the Campus from 5 to 8 p.m.
“Please bring a blanket or chair or enjoy the new benches and join the fun on our beautiful, historic campus in the center of Mount Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free classic rock ’n’ roll concert,” Ubben said.
Brass from the Past on June 7
Brass from the Past, a tribute to the legends of rock and soul music, performs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Mount Morris Bandshell to open the series’ 12th season of free concerts on the Campus.
“Brass from the Past will take our audience on a musical journey from the late ’60s into the early ’80s and
touching on a few ’90s and 2000s to end the show,” Ubben said. “Featuring an unstoppable six-piece horn section, tight four-piece rhythm section and five powerful singers who command the stage, this is no ordinary band.
Brass from the Past plays the music of Stevie Wonder, Four Tops, Temptations, Michael Jackson, Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Prince, Aretha Franklin,
James Brown, BS&T, Patti LaBelle, Bruno Mars, Chaka Kahn, The O’Jays, Tower of Power and more.”
Concessions starting at 6 p.m. will be provided by the Mount Morris Moose Lodge. Just 4 Fun Ice Cream also will be there. Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats from 5 to 8 p.m.
Photo provided by Larry Ubben
Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will make their debut Friday, June 14, at the Jamboree Music Series in Mount Morris.
Photo provided by Larry Ubben Brass from the Past will open Mt. Morris’ Jamboree Music Series on Friday, June 7.
OREGON – Early discussions by an Ogle County Board task force dedicated to ensuring the future financial stability of the county have centered around increasing landfill revenue and decreasing Ogle County jail expenses, possibly by closing the jail.
Closing the jail is one of many options being explored, but no decisions have been made, said Jeff Billeter, the Ogle County Board member who chairs the Finance Task Force and the Finance, Revenue and Insurance Committee.
“We’ve got a financial challenge that we’ve got to come up with answers,” Billeter said. “You want to make sure you come up with the right answers and, to do that, you have to study all the possibilities to the best of your abilities.”
Task force members have varying opinions, but all are trying to be proactive and are willing to look at what other counties have done, including merging services, he said. Billeter added that they are looking to do “whatever we can do to get a balanced budget and not reduce services and not increase taxes. It’s a mighty challenge.”
The jail, located at 601 W. Washington St. in Oregon, opened in early 2021.
The Ogle County Correctional Center is located at 601 W. Washington St. (state Route 64) in downtown Oregon. It is connected to the Ogle County Judicial Center, which sits on the east side of the facility.
It has 157 beds and an average daily census of about 40 inmates, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. The census is taken at midnight and does not account for people who come in or go out during the rest of the day, he said.
The jail costs a little more than $2.09 million annually to operate, VanVickle said. The Stephenson County and Boone County jails both cost about $3.05 million annually to operate, he said.
“We’ve been very responsible with the tax dollars,” VanVickle said. “While we’re open for conversation, if there’s a
OREGON – A homegrown Major League umpire is getting a local baseball field named after him.
The Oregon Park District will host the Larry Young Field Dedication and Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Lions Park, located on Webster Street just east of 10th Street on the southwest side of the city.
Young is an Oregon High School graduate who started umpiring games in town at age 13. He worked in the Big Ten and the Alaskan Baseball League before joining Major League Baseball in the American League in 1983. He served as an MLB umpire until his retirement in 2007.
His MLB career is highlighted by two World Series and All-Star Games in addition to several Division and League Championships. Since his retirement, he has worked as a supervisor and represented MLB at each of the World Baseball Classics.
Before the June 14 celebration, Young will teach a free youth coaching clinic from 3 to 4 p.m. Register online
at oregonpark.org, call 815-732-3101 or stop by Nash Recreation Center in Oregon to register for the clinic.
“Any age is welcome for this fun clinic where you will learn more about becoming an umpire and receive practical experience in both base and plate work. No special equipment is needed,” according to the park district news release.
After the dedication ceremony, a minor boys baseball game will be held at the park.
better way to do things I’m not sure housing them [inmates] in a different facility is a better option. Especially in light of having a brand-new state-of-theart facility.”
Reducing spending related to the jail isn’t the task force’s only focus, but it is a large part of their discussions, Billeter said.
“When it’s that big of a piece, you look at that first,” he said of county expenses. “You go from the biggest to the smallest. You can save on all the paperclips you want, but it’s not going to
Born: November 16, 1928 in Polo, IL
Died: June 3, 2024 in Dixon, IL
Lola Jeanne Brantner, 95, of Dixon, IL, formerly of Polo, IL, passed away June 3, 2024, at Heritage Square.
Lola was born on November 16, 1928, in Polo, IL, the daughter of Ralph C. Keckler and Viola (Adams) Keckler. On December 14,1947, in rural Polo, IL she was united in marriage to Willis “Bill” Brantner.
Lola Jeanne treasured her children and grandchildren as they came first in her life, she had a golden heart and caring spirit. She and her husband Bill had a loving and full marriage. Lola Jeanne enjoyed playing golf in her retirement years, gardening and attending her grandchildren’s events. She
Patricia Dell Bronkema, 86, of Forreston, IL, passed on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Arrangements entrusted to Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Fulton, IL. Additional information: www.bosmarenkes.com.
change anything.”
The county has about $8.4 million in bonds left to pay off on the jail’s construction in addition to other expenses, such as day-to-day administrative costs, Billeter said. There is money set aside to pay what’s owed on the bonds in fiscal 2025, but there’s still three more years of payments after that to consider, he said.
Historically, Ogle County pays for its bonds using revenue from tipping fees generated from Orchard Hills Landfill, Billeter said. That revenue has diminished in recent years, he said.
Tipping fees are the fees garbage companies pay to Ogle County and Davis Junction – where the landfill is located – to dump their trash, Billeter said. The county and Davis Junction split those profits, he said.
Billeter did not know how much revenue tipping fees have generated in recent years.
Negotiations with Waste Management, which owns the Orchard Hills Landfill, are ongoing, Billeter said. If the county can get a longer-term agreement for tipping fees, it would “help things quite a bit,” he said.
“It’s the age-old problem and it’s a problem a lot of counties in Illinois are facing and that’s not enough revenue and too many expenses,” Billeter said.
was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Polo, Polo Womens Garden Club and the PEO Chapter DW.
Survivors include sons, Jerry (Nancy) Brantner of Sycamore, IL, Rick (Lee Ann) Brantner of Dixon, IL, Jim (Sue Mullens) Brantner of Polo, IL, grandchildren, Chad (Kylene) Brantner, Betsy Brantner, Andy (Amanda) Brantner, Tim (Audrey) Brantner, Josh (Kristina) Brantner, Ben (Hailee) Brantner; 13 Great-Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband Bill; sister Dorothy Scholl; brother-in-law Russell Scholl.
11, 2024, at Faith United Methodist Church in Polo from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. The funeral will begin at 11:00 AM with graveside services to follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
send condolences.
established at Polo Food Pantry, Faith United Methodist Church and Heritage Square.
Earleen HintonOREGON – The 2024 Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Pork Chop Dinner and Auction is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds. A live auction of items follows the dinner.
The ticket price for a onepork chop dinner remains $10 and the price for a two-pork chop dinner remains $13. Tickets for the event are available by calling Alumni President Jon Sheely at 815-978-2264.
Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event, but the price of the onechop dinner will increase to $12 and the price of the twochop dinner will increase to $15.
Carryout dinners will be available.
Open mic at the VFW on June 7
Many of the auction items are viewable at facebook.com/ MtMorrisOregonFFAAlumni, the Alumni’s Facebook page.
The pork chop dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Association, which helps fund activities in conjunction with the OHS FFA chapter, including providing funds to help OJSHS students participate in FFA activities and scholarships for OHS students continuing their education after high school.
Anyone unable to attend the dinner and auction may contribute by sending a monetary donation to the Oregon FFA Alumni, care of Oregon Junior Senior High School, 210 S. 10th St., Oregon, IL 61061.
The First Fridays Open Mic will present its monthly show Friday, June 7, at the Oregon VFW.
The event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.
The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, although a jar is available for donations.
“Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier,” said Lowell Harp, one of the event’s organizers.
The VFW is located at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon.
There is ample parking, along with a restaurant and bar within the building. A fish fry is offered at the VFW from 4 to 8 p.m.
For more information, call Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.
Earleen HInton file photo
Gavin Anderson and Eric Bocker put a rack of pork chops on the grill at the 2023 Oregon FFA Alumni dinner. This year’s fundraiser is Saturday, June 8, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
Continued from page 6
April A. Breeden, 36, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 5:04 p.m. for violating the city ordinance of allowing a dog to run at large. The violation occurred in the 500 block of South Fourth Street.
May 15
Anthony J. Cisketti, 18, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 2 p.m. for illegal squealing of tires. The violation occurred in the 1100 block of Jefferson Street.
May 16
At 8:14 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 1400 block of Koontz Place involving a 2015 GMC driven by Daniel R. Dietrich, 45, of Mt. Morris, and a 2018 Range Rover driven by Marianna Alfano, 44, of Oregon. No citations were issued.
At 8:25 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of South Fifth and Webster streets involving a 2015 Nissan driven by Melissa A. Taylor, 27, of Leaf River, and a 2013 Hyundai driven by James G. Pontnack, 59, of Byron. No citations were issued.
May 17
Tina M. Clement, 44, of Evanston, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for criminal damage to property. Clement was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was left in the custody of
the corrections officers.
Sue Gowers, 60, of Byron, was issued a city citation at 10:13 a.m. for violating the long grass ordinance on a property in the 600 block of Madison Street.
May 18
At 4:45 p.m., police responded to a one-vehicle traffic crash in the parking lot of the Dairy Queen restaurant, 210 E. Washington St., involving a 2023 Honda motorcycle driven by Jennifer L. Tutell, 41, of Bradford, Illinois. No citations were issued.
Robert D. VanDyke, 43, of Oregon, was arrested at 9 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant. VanDyke was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was left in the custody of the corrections officers.
Crystal A. Bobik, 27, of Oswego, was arrested at 11:52 p.m. for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol with blood-alcohol content greater than .08%. Bobik also was issued citations for improper lane use and illegal transportation of alcohol. Bobik was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear.
May 19
Paige N. Mitchem, 29, of Sterling, was issued a citation at 1:57 p.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street. Arpad Bartha, 66, of Chicago, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant. Bartha was
Warranty deeds
David L. and Carla J. Wagner to Patricia A. Bolin-Callahan, 304 N. Division Ave., Polo, $90,000.
Dane M. and Andrea L. Murray to Connie Guillien, 2 S. Gale Road, Oregon, $250,000.
Kelly J. Kempson and Kelly J. Wilson to Kelli P and Jacob M. Abell, 750 W. Sixth Ave., Rochelle, $156,000.
Diana A. Singleton, Diana A. Brizuela and Martin Brizuela to Juan G. Munoz, 800 W. First Ave., Rochelle, $130,000.
Bradley S. and Angela Johnson to Delaney Daly, 104 N. Sixth St., Oregon, $187,000.
Holcomb Bank to David and Ali Rossi, 10463 E. Deer Creek Court, Rochelle, $25,000.
Village of Forreston to Illinois Department of Transportation, 301 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $400.
Gary D. and Marcia E. Buss to Kay L.
transported to the Ogle County jail where he was left in the custody of the corrections officers.
Norma I. West, 37, of Freeport, was issued a citation at 9:23 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
May 20
Robert M. Disch, 53, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 11:42 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for contempt of court. Disch was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was left in the custody of the corrections officers.
May 21
At 9:35 a.m., police issued a 15-yearold juvenile female of Mt. Morris a city citation for violating the possession of tobacco products and alternative nicotine products. The violation occurred in Oregon High School, 210 S. 10th St., Oregon.
May 22
Jeffrey Beauchem, 61, of Stillman Valley, was issued a city citation at 10 a.m. for violating the long grass ordinance on a property in the 300 block of North Fourth Street.
Jason L. Lipe, 49, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 5:22 p.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver. The violation occurred in the 400 block of South Fourth Street.
Tayna P. Klenz, 26, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 6:07 p.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.
May 23
Jerry E. Drew, 78, of Dixon, was issued citations at 3:39 p.m. for disobeying a traffic control device and use of a cellphone while driving. The violations occurred at the intersection of South Illinois Route 2 and Pines Road.
At 4:49 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 300 block of West Washington Street involving a 2013 Ford driven by Daniel L. Hitchcock, 82, of Oregon, and a parked 2013 Ford belonging to Andrew J. Barker, 42, of Freeport. Hitchcock was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
May 24
Gloria J. McKenzie, 79, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 7:23 a.m. for violating the city ordinance of allowing a dog to run at large. The violation occurred in the 1000 block of South Second Street.
May 26
At 9:23 p.m., police responded to a disturbance call in the 300 block of South Second Street resulting in the arrest of Brittany A. Highbarger, 33, of Oregon, for criminal trespass to real property. Highbarger was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear.
Nineteen verbal warnings and one parking citation were issued May 13-26.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
Brooks, 205 W. Pine St., Forreston, $102,000.
Michale J., Todd M. and Timothy J. Greenfield to Lolas Farm Ii LLC, two parcels in Byron Township, $2,300,000.
Janet A. Stilson to Francisco and Beatriz Cadenas, 607 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $183,000.
Doyle Apartments Ltd. to Dlmj Investments LLC, 1 S. Ogle St., Mt. Morris, $370,000.
Yam Holdings LLC to Ronald M. and Melissa D. Moser, 1291 E. Kysor Dr., Byron, and 1241 E. Kysor Dr., Byron, $148,000.
Village of Forreston to Michael R. and Melissa J. Clark, one parcel, $35,000.
Quick claim deeds
Rocket Mortgage LLC and Quicken Loans LLC to Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corp., 745 Golden Prairie Dr., Davis Junction, $0.
Byron Fire Protection District to the
city of Byron, one parcel in Byron Township, $0.
Trustee deeds
Nsm Tr314 and Sandra K. and Neil A. Madlena, trustees, to Tyler R. and Sierra N. Inghram, 314 W. Main St., Mt. Morris, $190,000.
Richard D. and Catherine A. Collins, trustees, to Cracres LLC, two parcels in Eagle Point Township, $0.
Robert E. Lefevre, trustee, Connie L. Johnson, trustee, and Walter E. and Irene I. Lefevre Family Trust, to Robert E. and Crete E. Lefevre, trustees, and Lefevre Family Tr807, 4315 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris; one parcel on Midtown Road, Mt. Morris; one parcel on Midtown and Mt. Morris roads, Mt. Morris; 3215 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris; four parcels in Mt. Morris Township; two parcels on Leaf River Road, Mt. Morris; 2773 McKendrie St., Mt. Morris; 2773 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris; and one parcel in Oregon
Trail Road, Oregon, $1,551,000.
Brian D. And Shirley J. Hall, trustees, to Karen Hall-Stade and Gordon Stade, one parcel in Monroe Township, $250,000. Sheriff’s deeds
Ogle County sheriff and Rebecca J. Patton to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, trustee, and First Franklin Mortgage Loan Tr2006ff11, 205 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction, $0. Transfer death
Donald A. and Pamela E. Buse to Cody R., Dustin A. and Devon W. Buse, 6175 W. Lowell Park Road, Mt. Morris, $0. Cynthia S. Himes to Erin Horton and Melissa Kremske, 5101 N. Armour Road, Stillman Valley, $0.
Deeds in Trustee
Lawrence and Megan Elvin to Merla L. Brooks, trustee, 306 S. Barber Ave., Polo, $116,500.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
As someone employed in food service for most of my life, it is with much interest that I attend the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago each May. Although I am retired from the business, it is still fascinating to observe the latest trends and changes in the industry.
Lately, the focus has been on using technology to offset labor shortages, being more environmentally conscious and offering healthier food and beverage options. In terms of sports performance, I began to wonder how trendier food choices fit in.
If healthier food is more readily available, why is there more obesity among young people and a higher incidence of injuries and ailments among these same athletes? Shouldn’t everyone’s physical condition be improving as better food choices become available?
It’s been a mystery and perhaps there are other factors offsetting the nutritional gains. Certainly the fact that today’s youth are less active than previous generations is detrimental to overall well-being.
And what about these new things that we put into our bodies? The food show displayed many so-called energy drinks, which have become a hot commodity among teenagers.
Loaded with caffeine and sugar, how can these be promoted as a plus compared with good old-fashioned tap water, which doesn’t cost anything? Well, they are marketed to gullible consumers as more flashy than water and something that will give you that extra oomph needed to get through the day.
Even sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade can be abused if the intake is too high. They do serve a purpose by replacing electrolytes but should not be the sole source of liquid usage during workouts. Water should be the primary means for avoiding dehydration. Additionally, it doesn’t give your stomach “gut bomb” like electrolyte drinks may do and I speak from experience. In doing 50- to 100-mile races in warm weather, I tried the electrolyte drinks. For many others and myself, they created stomach distress. Eventually, I transitioned back to water alone with varying amounts of salt, depending on how hot/humid it was. That simple formula has served me fine.
On the same token, I have discovered that simpler foods in my running diet do just as well as the upscale energy bars and gels. Give me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, salted potatoes and a banana instead.
There have been lots of fallacies regarding the best foods to eat for athletic performance. Generations ago, it was thought a big steak was best before going into competition. Then it was carb loading, such as eating a bunch of spaghetti the night before a marathon.
After awhile it can get confusing as to what fuel is best for us. I have come to the conclusion that the latest and greatest in diets or food trends isn’t always the best for us.
A simple diet of wholesome fare will suffice. Let’s add home cooked to that equation. Perhaps all the eating out or buying premade fare is a negative to the health of young athletes.
Ironically, that flies in the face of what the National Restaurant Show is all about. It exists to grow the business of eating out, be it fast food or fine dining.
Here’s another dilemma: Nationwide, efforts have been made to make school food service more health conscious. The problem is that kids often don’t want healthier options. Keep
the chicken nuggets and pizza, they say. I get it. As an older person, I enjoy foods that I would not have touched as a youngster.
One more thought on my day spent at the food show and how it relates to school sports.
A vastly unrepresented component of the food delivery business is a concession stand. With a captive audience of consumers, there is more potential than what schools may realize. For some, concession stands are an afterthought or even a nuisance to maintain.
I get that, too, especially with the heavy loads school personnel must bear. However, the amount of increased revenue from a concession stand can significantly impact one’s athletic budget.
Countless times I’ve been at high school sporting events only to see a concession stand run out of food items, forcing people to leave hungry and profits go down the drain.
Ideally, a school’s concessions would be run by a professional manager instead of by committee. Colleges and professional teams make loads of cash on concessions and, of course, offer many more options of food and drink. Could junior high and high schools do the same?
ABOVE: Adiline Nolasco, 4, of Oregon runs through one of the features at the Oregon Park District’s
on June 4. The park district hosted a pop-up and play event at Oregon Park West during the afternoon complete with a bubble machine and water guns. The Splash Pad is located next to the shelter and playground at Park West and there is no admission fee. ABOVE LEFT: Maelynn Morehead, 6, of Oregon sprays water into the air at the Splash Pad.
LEFT: Jacoby Morehead, 9 of Oregon sprays water at some of his friends.
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY
interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.
Christmas Cupboard
116 N Franklin. June 13-16 9a-5p Polo Town and Country Days.
Cabbage Patch, Air Fryer, car/truck cover, Vintage Jewelry, Loomed Rugs, Antique train cars, Local honey, Jelly, Mexican vanilla, Kirby, and Much More
Skid loader in any condit ion. Running or not. Call or text 563-212-7699
EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk 815-626-8790
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY
In the Matter of the Estate of MICHAEL W. HOWALD, Deceased IN PROBATE, NO. 2024-PR-3 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of Michael W. Howald, of Forreston, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on January 24, 2024, to Jacob M. Howa ld, of 405 W McDamyn Circle, Winnebago, IL 61088, as Independent Executor. The attorney for the estate is David D Shockey of Shockey & Cox, LLC, 208 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032.
In the Matter of the Estate of MICHAEL W. HOWALD, Deceased IN PROBATE, NO. 2024-PR-3
CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of Michael W. Howald, of Forreston, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on January 24, 2024, to Jacob M. Howa ld, of 405 W McDamyn Circle, Winnebago, IL 61088, as Independent Executor. The attorney for the estate is David D Shockey of Shockey & Cox, LLC, 208 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, 106 Fifth Street, Suite 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representatives, or both, on or before November 22, 2024, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18 of the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), whichever date is later. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney for the estate within ten days after it has been filed.
David D. Shockey, Attorney for the Estate of Michael W. Howa ld, Deceased
representatives, or both, on or before November 22, 2024, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18 of the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), whichever date is later. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney for the estate within ten days after it has been filed.
David D. Shockey, Attorney for the Estate of Michael W. Howa ld, Deceased
May 24, 31, June 7, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In the Matter of: SAMUAL R. GUZZARDO, Deceased No. 2024-PR-32 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of SAMUAL R. GUZZARDO of Holcomb, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on May 23, 2024 to KAY F. GUZZARDO, as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIA MS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105.
The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before December 9, 2024, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
KAY F. GUZZARDO Independent ExecutorJune 7, 14, 21, 2024
Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Mi nor Name Change)
In the State of I llinois, Ci rcui t Court, Ogle Coun ty 24MR21 REQUEST OF: Timothy L Flaharty TO CHANGE NAMES OF MINOR CHILDREN
There will be a court date on a Request for Name Change (Minor Children) for this child:
Current Name of Minor Child: Mia Rose Burns Flaharty Propos ed New Name of Minor Child: Mia Rose Flaharty
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:00p.m on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Adam & Leandra Ernst of 405 E Mason St., Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within two feet of the rear property line at 405 E Mason St., Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-231-005, otherwise known as 512 E Mason St., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sydney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk 6/7/24, 6/14/24
June 7 & 14, 2024
NOTICE
IN CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, I LLINOIS CCFM - BW-1, LLC, Plaintiff, v. KIPP E MEYERS AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY L THORP; KATHY A. THORP; DON HYLE; CITY OF OREGON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JEFFREY L THORP; UNKNOWN OWNERS; and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, 606 South 2nd Street Oregon, IL 61061 Defendants.
No. 2023FC75
NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to the following: KATHY A. THORP, General ly. Notice is hereby given to Defendant in the above-entitled suit that the abovenamed Plaintiff has filed its Complaint in said Court for Foreclosure pursuant to the mortgage foreclosure laws of the State of Illinois, of the lands and premises in the Complaint situated in Ogle County, State of Illinois: LOT NINE (9) IN BLOCK SEVEN (7) IN HILLS'S FIRST ADDITION TO THE TOWN, NOW CITY OF OREGON, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK A OF MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS, PAGE 126 IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS PIN: 16-03-333-010.
Common address: 606 South 2nd Street, Oregon, IL 61061. that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that said suit is now pending The said Complaint is for the foreclosure of the mortgage.
May 24, 31, June 7, 2024
Part-Time Position at Blackhawk Area Credit Union Polo Office
Regular work hours are Wednesdays & Fridays 8:45-4:45 and Saturdays 8:45-12:15. Must also be willing to travel between branches & available to work extra days. For details, con tact Samantha at: 815-946- 3660 - or - email: samantha.harazin@bacu. org
Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before December 9, 2024, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred.
The court date for the Request I filed is scheduled on: 7-17-2024 at 9:00 A.M. at 106 S 5th St., Oregon IL, Courtroom 304 /s/Timothy L Flaharty
May 31, June 7, June 14, 2024
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:00p.m on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in the Polo City Council room,
Curran Contracting Company is seeking IDOT approved DBE/MBE/WBE/V OSB/SDVOSB Subcontractors, Suppliers & Trucking Companies for the IDOT Letting on 6/14/2024 to quote Items 1262V07, 17-64R99, 24-64T19, 14485760, 149-87825, 151-87839. Plans & Specs are available at www.dot. state.il.us or by contacting 815455-5100. For assistance / questions or to submit quotes and executed SBE 2025 Forms email estimating@currancon tracting.com, An Equal Opportunity Employer
June 7, 2024
NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the said above-named Defendants, file your appearance in the said suit in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, on or before June 24, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint. Stephen G. Daday (3127015) Julie A Repple (6296271) Klein, Daday, Aretos, & O'Donoghue, LLC 1051 Perimeter Drive, #300 Schaumburg, I L 60173 (847) 590-8700 (847) 590-9825 (fax) sdaday@kdaolaw.com kdaonotices@kdaolaw.com I3244389
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