12 minute read
Sports
SPECIAL EVENT
A round the Hilltop Tour: Mt. Morris Back Roads returns on Sunday, Aug. 28
The Mt. Morris/Encore! Tourism Committee’s 2022 Straw Fest Sunday Afternoon campus event includes three free, narrated minibus tours around the countryside perimeter of Mt. Morris.
The bus boards at 1 p.m., 2, p.m. and 3 p.m. and tours the country back roads and sites around the town, located on one of the highest hills in northern Illinois.
“Join us to sightsee through the rolling prairies, hills, farmlands, woods and streams of the northern Illinois hill country,” said Sarah Gray, one of the event’s organizers.
The hilltop tour heads south on McKendrie, out to Oregon Trail Road, on to Valentine Road, crosses Route 64 and continues past Barnacopia and the West Branch Church of the Brethren.
It then heads eastward, and traverses West Grove, Maple Grove and Willow Roads prior to returning to Mt. Morris. The route is subject to minor changes and the tour takes about 45 minutes, Gray said.
“Seats are limited, so come early and make your reservation. Feel free to wander around the campus until your tour boards,” Gray said. “Masks are recommended inside the bus. If you need wheelchair space, please contact the concierge and Information Table near the flagpole early in the afternoon. The table is located on the corner of Wesley Avenue and Front Street.”
Sunday is also the last day of the 2022 U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition in Mt. Morris.
“Come and stroll through our campus collection of 14 outstanding sculptures in straw, including the new ones and winners of this year’s competition,” Gray said.
The Old Sandstone Art Gallery, just southwest of the band shell, is open from noon until 4:30 p.m.
Sunday is the final day of the ‘Small Town Livin’ exhibit, which features the work of 17 area artists and their interpretation of the theme in various mediums.
“The annual and popular campus Scavenger Hunt lasts the entire afternoon, begins just south of the bandshell, and is designed to be a fun and adventuresome challenge for families and people of all ages. Participate in the free audio Historic Campus Facts Audio Tour to receive a free ice cream sandwich,” Gray said.
Maps and information sheets about the area’s rural natural resources, n e a r b y s t a t e p a r k s , B e r r y V i e w Orchard, Hough’s Maple Lane, Bald Hill Prairie and the biggest tree in Illinois, and the websites of pork and beef producers will also be provided for self-guided auto tours.
“Sunday Afternoon music is provided for your pleasure on the Straw Jam stage north of the straw sculptures.
Light snacks and soft drinks will be available,” Gray said.
“A short history of the Price Fountain on the south campus will be presented at 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. The Veterans Memorial Fountain history will be shared at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the north campus. Both fountains are nearly 100 years old and the Price Fountain is newly renovated.
“Visit the concierge and Information Table for tour reservation tickets and more detailed information about campus events and tours. We appreciate all donations.
Bring lawn chairs if you wish for the music and the historic fountain presentations. Use sunscreen, wear hats or bring umbrellas, too,” she said.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
College volleyball
Sauk Valley splits to open season: The Skyhawks went 2-2 at the Opening Week Tournament in Rockford on Friday and Saturday.
Sauk, ranked fifth in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll, defeated Southeast Michigan 25-22, 25-14, 27-25, then fell to No. 8 Kirkwood 25-21, 25-21, 25-14 on Friday. It lost 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 to Mineral Area in Saturday’s first match before bouncing back to win the finale 25-16, 20-25, 25-18, 25-20 over Glen Oaks.
Nicole Boelens, a Polo graduate, led the Skyhawks with 48 kills and 51 digs, and Tiana Tichler added 36 kills and 11.5 blocks.
Boys Golf
Oregon 199, West Carroll 237: The Hawks shot the five lowest scores in a nonconference dual at Silver Ridge.
Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media Ella Dannhorn of Oregon took third in the Rock Falls Rocket Run at Centennial Park on Tuesday clocking a 20:00. The Oregon girls finished fourth as a team with 82 points.
Dom Terlikowski was medalist with a 48, and Kylar Early was runner-up with a 49 for Oregon. Brady Davis fired a 50, Brogan Wilkinson shot a 52, and Logan Sarver added a 53.
Forreston 198, West Carroll 237: Led by medalist Kaden Brown’s round of 41, the Cardinals downed the Thunder in a NUIC dual.
Darin Greenfield and Kaden Ganz shot 52s, and Heath Schubert added 53 for Forreston. Kendal Erdman shot a 56, while Colton McGlynn posted a 68.
Girls volleyball
Oregon 2, Eastland 0: The Hawks swept the Cougars 25-16, 25-14 in a nonconference dual to improve to 1-0.
Oregon was led by Ava Wright with 10 digs, three kills and one block.
Girls golf
Oregon hosts West Carroll: Ava Hackman shot a 40 to lead the Hawks in a dual at Silver Ridge against the Thunder, who did not field a full team.
Lexi Davis fired a 56, Hailey-Jane Becker had a 58, and Kendra Ehrler and Aniyah Sarver both shot 61s as Oregon finished with a 215 as a team. Sarah Eckardt added a 52.
Victoria Reiland led West Carroll with a 52, and Carissa Andrews and Brianna Jensen both shot 67s.
Gregory Paul Ludwig, 74, loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Saturday August 20, 2022, at home. Greg was born April 4, 1948 in Freeport, the son of Donald and Betty (Bocker) Ludwig. He graduated from Forreston High School in 1966 and Central University in Pella, Iowa. Greg married Shirley Hinders August 14, 1971, in Forreston. Greg was a school teacher for Freeport School District 145 for 35 years touching the lives of thousands of students. He spent his entire career at the elementary level grades 1st- 5th firmly believing that is where he could have the greatest impact on children and our community. He also served on the Freeport Education Association board to ensure the best for all teachers. Greg always enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time on his own property from creating extensive trails through the woods to his one-hole golf course out front. He loved fishing, exploring, and sharing those outdoor joys with others. He was excellent at woodworking, building, and fixing anything that went wrong. Once retired, Greg and Shirley loved traveling around the world visiting 33 countries and 6 continents. When back in the states, one of his greatest joys was adventures with grandchildren especially at the lake and in nature as well as cooking with them and helping them make their ideas come to life in the most exciting and creative ways. He was a member of United Presbyterian Church and served on the board but most especially loved driving the church bus to pick up members who needed a ride. He was a constant helper for the good of others, never putting himself first, his entire life. He will be most missed for his sense of humor and belief that laughter could solve most problems. The greatest gift we can give those who left us is to live fully in their place. Surviving is his wife, Shirley Ludwig of Freeport; daughters, Maida (David) Parkins of Wisconsin, and Carrie (Tim) Petty of California; son, Christian (Teresa) Ludwig of California; grandchildren Niall, Maeve, Dain, Rhys Parkins; Kendall and Payton Petty; Bronsen Ludwig; as well as brothers Gary (Connie) Ludwig and Jon (Renee) Ludwig both of Forreston. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Betty Ludwig, and sister, Beverly. Visitation 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport. In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, Greg’s family has requested friends do what he enjoyed most, offering up their time or monetary donation to help a local service group or assist an organization that focuses on children and their development. Please sign Greg’s guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com
Russell Eugene Hoernecke, age 78, of Byron passed away on August 16, 2022 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford after suffering multiple long-term illnesses and a broken heart. He is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Russell was born on September 21, 1943 in Rockford, the son of L. Kruse and Ruth (Champlain) Hoernecke. Russ graduated from Stillman Valley High School Class of 1961. He then attended NIU where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He began his teaching career at Rock Falls High School before starting at the Oregon School District where he worked for many years prior to retirement and made an impact on countless students.
He married the love of his life Mary Elizabeth Rodeffer on October 2, 1965. Seven years later on their anniversary they adopted their daughter, Joanne. Russ was an active member of Middle Creek Presbyterian Church and volunteered at the nursing home. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He and Mary were active members of the Rockford Flatlanders Muskie Inc. Club. Fishing was Russell’s biggest passion. He loved going on trips to Canada to fish at Canyon Lake, a trip he had been taking over for over 50 years. In his spare time; he enjoyed shopping and sports. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. He also loved cheering on the Cubs, Bulls, U of I, and going to NIU football games with his brother Robert. He and Mary were known for always making the local sports game and supporting the Byron Tigers. If you ever asked what he was doing he would respond with “Out messin’ around”. He adored his family, friends, and cats. Russ was a genuinely good person who made you feel special anytime you were with him. He is going to be dearly missed. He is survived by his daughter, Joanne of Byron; brother, Robert (Patsy) Hoernecke of Oregon; brotherin-law, Gene (Debbie) Rodeffer of Cary, N.C.; niece, Tracy (Curt) Vache; special friend, Reese Young; cats, Blondie and Peppers; and many special nieces, nephews, friends, and students. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary, and sisters Mary Ruth and Dorothy. Visitation will be held on Saturday August 27, 2022 from 10am-12pm. The funeral and burial will be immediately following at Middle Creek Presbyterian Church, located at 12473 Montague Road, between Winnebago and Byron. In memory of Russ please dress informal and wear your favorite sports team or fishing shirts. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: Middle Creek Church and the Serenity Hospice and Home.
GREGORY “GREG” PAUL LUDWIG
Born: April 4, 1948 in Freeport Died: August 20, 2022 in Freeport
Jenny Lee Schneider (Mackey) died at her home in Kirkland, Il on August 15, 2022. She was born on August 23, 1948 to John Benjamin and Vera LaVonne (Haas) Mackey. She is survived by her son Dwayne and grandson Leo, both of Kirkland, Il.
Also surviving Jenny are sisters Rita Taylor Bissell of Dakota, Il, Wanda Gudith (Dennis) of St. Augustine, Fl, LaDonna Bishop (David) of Dixon, Il, and Lorena Taylor (Roger) of Hastings, Fl.; brothers Kevin (Helen) of Freeport, Il, Joseph (Cindy) of Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., and Brett of Mt. Morris, Il; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jenny was a generous, caring, compassionate, and loyal friend and sister. She never met an animal she didn’t like or want to take care of. Jenny had a magical green thumb. Her African Violets filled tables and were lush and full and beautifully colored. She coaxed the most beautiful flowers out of hundreds of cacti, sized from a ping pong ball to a wash tub, year after year for decades. Viewing her flowering cacti was a garden walk destination for the public during the years she lived in Racine, Wi. Jenny spent much of her life cooking for others. She was a terrific cook although she never mastered Grammy Haas’ maldasha recipe much to everyone’s dismay.
In fulfillment of her wishes, her body was an anatomical gift to Science Care and no formal funeral services will be held. Family and friends will gather together for a send-off befitting her personality in the near future. Jenny would be very happy to know that donations were sent to local animal shelters instead of wasted on flowers for a dead person.
JENNY LEE SCHNEIDER (MACKEY)
Born: August 23, 1948 in Dixon, Il Died: August 15, 2022 in Kirkland, Il Harvey Earl Brown, age 85 of Polo, IL, passed away August 21, 2022 at the Serenity House in Oregon after a short illness. Harvey was born at home on July 13, 1937. He was the son of Earl and Marian (Weaver). He graduated from Polo High School in 1955. He farmed the farm that was homesteaded by his Great Great Grandfather Pearson Shoemaker in 1833.
He served in the US Army from 1960 – 1962. He was awarded Soldier of the Month twice at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
He married Susan Jennings on Oct 20, 1962. He was a member of Elkhorn Brick Church. He was active on many committees in the church. He also served on the Brick Church Cemetery Board for several years.
He was a member and active on the Ogle County FS Board for several years. He served on Polo School Board and a member of the Gideons International of Ogle County.
He is survived by his wife Susan, his twin daughters Lori (Ed) Gaul of Rochester MN, Lisa (Jim) Wilson of Springfield, LA and one son Darin (Shelly) Brown of Polo, IL. Harvey also has seven grandchildren Hannah, Sam, Michael, Mary, Victoria, Conner, & Kyle and one great grandson Ryker. His siblings include Elinor (James) Patrick of Sun City West, AZ; Marian (Donald) DeWall and Nina (Daryl) Moring both of Forreston, IL; and one brother Paul (Carol) Brown of Sun City West, AZ; and many nieces and nephews; and one sister-inlaw, Diane Brown.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Laurel Hippen and his brother Everett Brown, and one nephew.
Funeral service will be held Saturday August 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Elkhorn Brick Church 17022 W Brick Church Rd Polo, IL 61064. Following the service a luncheon will be at Crossroads Community Church, 205 N Jefferson Ave Polo, IL 61064. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Brick Church Cemetery or Serenity Hospice and Home. Memories will be shared at luncheon. Private burial will be at a later date.
HARVEY E. BROWN
Born: July 13, 1937 Died: August 21, 2022
