Forreston_Journal-09-15-2023

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Radostits, students visit White House event

2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year brought along two aspiring seniors, fellow educator

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – High school Spanish teacher

Kimberly Radostits once again represented the Oregon Community Unit School District at a national event, but this time she wasn’t the only person doing so.

Oregon Junior-Senior High School

Assistant Principal Shannon Cremeens and OJSHS seniors Marcus Gilberto and Nora Hammer accompanied Radostits as her “plus three” to an Aug. 26 back-toschool event at the White House. Gilberto and Hammer are aspiring teachers.

“It was fantastic,” Radostits said of the

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Forrestville Valley Youth Network hosting online auction

Forrestville Valley Youth Network is gearing up for its annual auction, which will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 5.

Auction items can be viewed online at www.32auctions.com/FVVYN2023. Items can be seen at the Forreston Library during normal hours on the above dates. All bids must be

FORRESTON LIBRARY

Library Card Sign Up Month

September is Library Card Sign Up Month, so stop in and get your card and start enjoying all your library has to offer.

Toddler/Preschool Story Time

Wednesdays, 10 a.m., beginning

BERTOLET MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Join Our Team!

Retired or have children in school? We have a position for you. We are hiring for a shift of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of each month. Stop in for an application. The deadline to apply is Sept. 18.

Youth Programs

Fall Story Time: 10 a.m. Thursdays. Join Miss Stacey for fun stories for your toddlers and preschoolers.

Fall Family Movie: 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18. Set aside Monday evening for a fun family movie, popcorn and drinks.

Adult Programs

Create-a-Card: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Make a few cards to share with friends.

trip. “The ability to see Washington, D.C., through the eyes of students was a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t be more grateful for that chance.”

Invitations to the private event were extended to the outgoing state teachers of the year. They were allowed to bring a few guests from their community, said Radostits, the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

Radostits was named one of five finalists for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year on Jan. 25, but the title went to Rebecka Peterson, a high school math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Other educators at the White House event included members of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, Radostits said.

“Getting to talk to all the teachers was a great experience,” said Gilberto, who

placed online. If viewing the items at the library, the bidder can use the library computers to enter a bid.

“Our annual auction helps support the mentoring program for students in second through eighth grade,” Jane Koeller said. “The mentoring groups meet at German Valley, Leaf River and Forreston Grade School and Jr. High. The money raised will be used to continue to

wants to teach history. “I learned that it is not super easy to be a history teacher because of how many of them there are.”

About 50 people were at the event, which included tours of the White House and a chance for guests to share why they’re optimistic about the 2023-24 school year, Radostits said.

The four went on a three-hour monuments by night tour after the White House event, Radostits said. They visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, she said.

On Aug. 27, they visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Radostits said.

“It was a whirlwind of 30 hours,” she said. “We got a lot packed in in such a short period of time.”

support the mentoring program, the annual scholarship for a graduating senior that was a mentee and cover the cost of our insurance.” Items this year include Rockford Ice Hog tickets, a three-person patio swing, gift cards and gift baskets.

“Forrestville Valley Youth Network is a 501(c) (3) organization, so bid early and bid often,” Koeller said.

Sept. 13

Story Time for our smallest patrons is back in session. Bring your favorite little person to share in this fun, relaxed program of stories, songs and crafts.  Community Room

Looking for a place to hold your event? The community room (with a small kitchenette) is available for meetings, parties, showers, family reunions and more. Call the library at 815-938-2624 for information.

Jessie will be here with her talent, tips and techniques.

Coffee With the Sheriff: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Come have a cup of coffee with Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, who will chat and answer questions about how his department keeps Ogle County safe for you and your family. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

September Book of the Month: “The Children’s Blizzard” by Melanie Benjamin is a novel based on actual stories from the blizzard on Jan. 12, 1888, that caused hundreds of deaths across the Great Plains.

Raina and Gerda are sisters and teachers and both must live with the consequenc-

es of their decisions during the storm. An emotional story of survival and death and a testament to the resilience of the immigrants who moved to the region at that time. Stop by the circulation desk and pick up your copy.

September Take & Make Craft: Welcome in fall with your choice of a suncatcher. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your kit while supplies last.

New Releases

Adult Books: “The Wife App” by Carolyn Mackler, “Payback In Death” by J.D. Robb

Chapter Book: “Time of the Turtle King” by Mary Pope Osborne

Picture Books: “Pick a Pumpkin” by Patricia Toht

DVD: “80 For Brady”

Malta man wants judge to dismiss 2020 double-homicide charges

Motion hearing set for Sept. 25 in Ogle County

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Defense attorneys for a Malta man charged with killing a Mount Morris woman and her unborn son in November 2020 are asking an Ogle County judge to dismiss murder and arson charges against their client because of a “pretrial delay” or reduce his bond from $10 million to $50,000 as he awaits trial.

Matthew T. Plote, 36, is charged with killing Melissa Lamesch, 27, and her unborn son Nov. 25, 2020, and then setting fire to her home in Mount Morris to conceal their deaths. Lamesch’s baby was due Nov. 27, 2020.

Plote is facing four counts of first-degree murder, three counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child and one count each of residential arson, aggravated domestic battery and concealment of a homicidal death. He appeared in court Sept. 7 wearing the standard orange jumpsuit and in handcuffs and leg irons. Several of his family members sat in one row of the courtroom’s public seating area. Lamesch’s family sat a row behind them.

Prosecutors have filed a response to the defense motion noting that the motion to dismiss is not warranted or supported by case law.

“We would ask to set that motion for hearing,” John Kopp, a defense attorney for Plote, said during the Sept. 7 status hearing. “We anticipate some live testimony on that motion. And we also have on file a motion to modify or reduce our client’s bond and, obviously, after Sept. 18, the pretrial SAFE-T Act will take effect.”

The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the controversial SAFE-T Act that allows defendants to be released on no-cash bond. Under the new law, judges still decide if a defendant is a flight risk or poses too much of a threat to one person or the community to allow release.

The SAFE-T Act was met with opposition from law enforcement and state’s attorneys across the state, including Ogle County.

“We may change our position on what we are asking for at that time and ask to be heard under the new law,” Kopp said. “At this point, we would ask for a hearing on the motion to dismiss.”

Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe said he would consider both motions at one hearing and set the next court date for 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25.

In their motion to dismiss, Plote’s attorneys, Kopp and Liam Dixon, argued that Plote has been in custody since March 9, 2022, and that before his arrest was interviewed at the time of “the unfortunate tragedy” with only one additional interview Aug. 28, 2021.

“There were 469 days between the events alleged against the defendant and his arrest,” according to the motion. “Approximately a year and a half passed before the defendant was charged and arrested, giving rise to a pretrial delay.”

The motion also claims that the defense should have been allowed to attend the two autopsies performed on the victims. Plote has not demanded a

speedy trial, but the motion argues that he was not “given an opportunity to conduct his own investigation of the fire that occurred on the scene and must now rely on the evidence as it was gathered by state agents.”

Defense attorneys also argued that Plote was not given an “opportunity to conduct a medical examination of any clinical evidence gathered” and must rely, again, on evidence gathered by prosecutors.

Prosecutors have countered that case law does not support a “pre-indictment delay” and there is no clear showing of “actual and substantial prejudice.”

“Irrespective of when the defendant was charged, he would not have had defense experts at the fire scene or at the autopsies as it had not yet been determined that a homicide even occurred until after those examinations were complete,” State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in his response.

Rock also noted that a “15-month delay between the commission of the crimes and the return of the indict -

ment is reasonable given the seriousness of the crimes with which he is charged, including first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, residential arson and concealment of a homicidal death.”

Rock’s response also said that Plote, since his arrest, has appeared in court numerous times with his attorneys.

“Future court dates have been set by agreement without a speedy trial demand by the defendant. Further, the defendant has not alleged any prejudice as a result of a delay between his arrest and the matter being set for trial. Indeed, the defendant has not yet requested a trial date,” Rock said in the response.

The defense’s second motion to reduce bond asks the court to reduce Plote’s bond since he was a career fireman, has resided in DeKalb County his entire life, has strong ties to the community and has no criminal history or history of violence.

That motion also argues that Plote “does not pose a flight risk” since he remained in the area and was cooperative with law enforcement throughout their investigation.

“[The] defendant’s family can post up to $50,000 to secure his release and help to ensure his appearance at each court date,” according to the motion, which adds that Plote’s bond should be “reevaluated in light of the Illinois Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the SAFE-T Act and cashless bail.”

Roe declined a similar bond reduction request in April 2022, noting that even though a bond report had indicated Plote was “low risk” and had “little or no criminal history,” the nature of the charges weighed heavily in his decision.

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

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

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

Prosecutors have yet to offer a possible motive in the case but have said Lamesch and Plote knew each other before the killings.

Earleen Hinton

Matthew Plote, 36, of Malta, is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom by Ogle County Court Security Officer Dan Daub on Sept. 7.

Melissa Lamesch

Plaza around base of iconic Taft statue nearing completion

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The digs around Lorado Taft’s iconic Eternal Indian statue are almost done.

Stone work around the base of what residents call the “Black Hawk Statue” started in June and is now complete. Finishing touches such as landscaping around the 48-foot-tall statue in Lowden State Park remain on the to-do list.

“The landscaping hasn’t started yet,” said Quentin Snook, site superintendent for Lowden State Park. “Hopefully, they’ll be starting that very soon.”

Snook said the three memorial benches that were situated around the statue will be reinstalled.

“They will be installed back in the plaza area,” he said.

Workers from O’Brien Civil Works Inc. in Mount Morris began laying the large “dry wall” stones around the base of the statue three months ago, which marked three years after the project’s initial conception.

Jake Meyers, Matt Ewald and Troy O’Brien of O’Brien Civil Works measured and examined the large stones before carrying the 40-plus-pound beasts to the base of Taft’s creation.

Oregon residents, under the direction of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources landscape architect, brainstormed the idea for the plaza area in 2019, advocating for a new landscaping scheme, which included native plants and a more “user-friendly” atmosphere.

Time and weather prompted numerous repairs and fundraising drives to

maintain the 113-year-old concrete statue, with its last restoration being completed in 2020. The statue is owned and maintained by the IDNR.

Snook thanked the residents and benefactors who helped raise money and awareness through the years for repairs to the historic statue.

“I just want to thank the graciousness of all the local people who donated to the restoration effort,” Snook said.

“As a local resident, I definitely appreciated all the work everyone has done.”

The statue was created by Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft in 1910. Unveiled in 1911, it’s situated in Lowden State Park north of Oregon on a high bluff overlooking the Rock River. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Known as one of the largest concrete monolith statues in the world, the

statue was created by Taft as a tribute to Native Americans such as Black Hawk, a war captain of the Sauk tribe who was born in 1767 in Saukenuk, Illinois, according to historical documents.

Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-shekia-kiak, is remembered principally for his role in the Black Hawk War and his efforts to reclaim land in the Rock River Valley.

Lawmakers seek investigation into Thomson prison abuse claims

Four federal lawmakers recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and others seeking information about allegations of abuse at the U.S. Penitentiary Thomson in Illinois.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois; U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois; U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois; and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, signed the letter to Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters asking for the investigation.

Durbin is the Senate majority whip and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Grassley also is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Recently, the Washington Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs published a report titled “Cruel and Usual: An Investigation into Prison

Abuse at USP Thomson.” As part of its investigation, WLC collected accounts of extreme physical and psychological abuse from more than 120 incarcerated people in the former special management unit at USP Thomson, according to a joint news release issued Wednesday by the four lawmakers.

According to the release, the accounts detailed potential criminal and civil rights violations, including abusive use of restraints, dangerous celling practices, inappropriate responses to mental health diagnoses, sexual assaults, racist verbal abuse and interference with access to counsel and the inmate grievance process.

In addition to WLC’s report, last year NPR and The Marshall Project reported extensively on the deaths of seven incarcerated men and serious alleged abuses by USP Thomson staff, according to the release.

At the request of Durbin, Duck -

worth and former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Illinois, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General agreed to review the inmate deaths and include the prison in a broader report on deaths that have occurred in BOP custody. The OIG’s report is pending.

As of the writing of the letter, the DOJ and BOP have issued no public findings holding perpetrators of misconduct accountable or, on the other hand, declaring that the USP Thomson allegations are unfounded, according to the release.

“We are extremely concerned by [the BOP Office of Internal Affairs’] slow response to allegations of employee misconduct,” the lawmakers wrote. “The safety of incarcerated individuals and BOP employees, as well as public confidence in our criminal justice system, depend on both timely investigations of employee mis-

conduct and appropriate corrective action. BOP must devote more of its $8 billion budget to timely processing [of] misconduct complaints.”

The lawmakers’ letter continues, “As we communicated to each of you when you took office, the safe and effective operation of BOP facilities are one of our top priorities. We implore you to act swiftly to ensure that any BOP employee who has violated federal criminal or civil rights laws be held accountable.”

In April 2021, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a BOP oversight hearing to address chronic understaffing issues and other concerns. In September 2022, the committee held its second BOP oversight hearing under Durbin. The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing titled “Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons” for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building.

Earleen Hinton

The plaza surrounding the “Black Hawk Statue” is nearing completion.

Grand Detour Arts Festival held under sunny skies

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

GRAND DETOUR – Wood, metal, oils on canvas – the 74th Grand Detour Arts Festival had it all on Sunday.

The juried event, open to all artists and artisans who exhibit work of original concept, design and execution, was held under sunny skies at the John Deere Historic Site.

Artists showcased their works in 48 booths located on the grounds surrounding John Deere’s blacksmith shop and home.

Peter Bell of Oregon was one of those artists, selling his “rustic wood creations” featuring benches, stools and other types of furniture.

“It’s all local wood that I have or my neighbors have,” he said, using a small circle of wood as his official business card.

Carolyn McBride, a volunteer with Serenity Hospice & Home, adjusted handmade cards featuring pressed flowers at the “Petal Pushers” booth.

“Nine of us meet at the Lutheran church in Dixon to make the cards,” she said. “Its a fundraiser for Serenity Hospice & Home.”

Results of the juried show were unavailable Monday. For more information on the Grand Detour Arts Festival, visit facebook.com/grand detourartsfestival.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Country Crossroads Quilt Guild to meet Sept. 18

FORRESTON – Country Crossroads Quilt Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18. The speaker will be Vicki Hodge, designer and author of Button Box Quilts

– two-sided quilts. Learn about her techniques, tips and advice to create a reversible quilt. She’ll walk the group through her creative process, addressing harmonizing colors, motifs, scale, machine quilting and fabrics.

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

pay a $5 fee at the door.

For more information, call Program Committee chairs Dawn Vehmeier at 815-291-4592 or Ann Tully at 815-2382218 or Guild President Shelly Holverson at 815-297-2381.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Carolyn McBride, a volunteer for Serenity Hospice & Home, adjusts some of the “Petal Pushers” items for sale Sept. 10 at the 74th Grand Detour Arts Festival at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour.

ABOVE: The 74th Grand Detour Arts Festival takes place Sept. 10 at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. RIGHT: Anderson Carroll, 2, of Grand Detour runs past some of the items for sale at John Carroll’s booth at the 74th Grand Detour Arts Festival.

Eagle Point woman made fried chicken, then Dr. McPherson delivered her baby

Recently, Linda and I got out all the Eagle Point history and it is spread all over the table in the research room. After one of the class reunion tours, someone had questions about Eagle Point. It was time to once more pull out all that information.

Linda is just learning about Eagle Point history and I had forgotten what we had in our files. It is good to get it out and refresh one’s memory. We once more were amazed at Caralee Aschenbrenner’s writings and really amazed at Dr. C. Walter McPherson’s book on births in the area and the pictures we managed to dig out.

Caralee’s articles called “Please Don’t Quote Me” were great. She gave us the history of the area and we have managed to save many of them. She spent hours and hours reading past histories in order to do her column in the newspaper in Carroll County. She has left a lot of

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

big. He was the town’s doctor and he may have had his practice in part of the house.

information.

Linda then started pulling out the histories of the doctors in Eagle Point and Hazelhurst. Dr. Mason Crary McPherson was born in Pennsylvania in 1830. He came west in fall 1854 and practiced first in Grand Detour. He came to Eagle Point in 1856 and married Mary Shoemaker in 1857. He built the big house that is still standing on the corner of Eagle Point and Brookville roads.

Someone wondered if it had been a stop on the stage coach trail, but I have not found any information connecting it with a stage coach trail. Probably the fact that he and Mary had 12 children might have been the reason the house was so

The Geary family owns the house and the last time I was in the house was in 2015. Lillian Geary Forsch had invited us to a picnic supper and we all sat around the big table. Stepping into the house was a walk back in time. I had been in the house many times during the time we lived in Eagle Point.

When Mason McPherson and his wife Mary died, they had their services at the Brick Church. There were so many people that they all did not fit into the church.

One of their sons was Dr. C. Walter McPherson, who practiced medicine in Hazelhurst. He kept a large ledger on all the babies he delivered. This was before the time when births were recorded. This priceless book is now at the Polo Historical Society and is most interesting.

I remember Wayne Pierce telling

me how he was born across the road from where we lived in Eagle Point. You could still see the road as it ran up the hill along the trees.

The day his mother woke up and realized she would be having the baby, she notified Dr. McPherson in Hazelhurst and then got a fried chicken ready for lunch. When the doctor got there, they all had a meal of Susie Pierce’s fried chicken. That afternoon, Dr. McPherson delivered Wayne.

When we checked in the big book, sure enough, there was Wayne’s birth recorded on Sept. 11, 1917. Wayne later married Wilma Reynolds of Polo. They eventually would live in Mt. Morris.

I loved the story of Wayne’s birth and that Dr. C. Walter McPherson was the doctor.

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

Joseph Ogle fought in the Revolutionary War and defended Fort Henry

SUBMITTED BY OTTO DICK

This article appeared in the Illinois Congressional Record on Sept. 24, 2015.

By U.S. Rep. Mike Bost

I rise today in honor of a great American from my home state of Illinois, Captain Joseph Ogle.

Joseph Ogle was born in 1737 and raised in Frederick County, Maryland. Later, he was one of the first to take up the standard and volunteer in the fight for our nation’s freedom and

independence in the Revolutionary War.

His military career was proud and long. He served as a commander at Fort Henry, defending that fort during two brutal attacks, one in 1777 and a second one in 1782.

After the Revolutionary War, he arrived in Illinois in April 1802. He settled in Monroe County before moving to St. Clair County, where he remained until his death in 1821 at age 84.

Joseph Ogle founded the First Methodist Church in Shiloh, located near St. Louis, in 1807, which is still

standing.

He is the father of nine children, many of whom lived in St. Clair and Monroe counties.

A new monument will be dedicated to Captain Ogle in Shiloh, Illinois. The dedication is due to the ongoing efforts of the Ogle Family Association with the support of the Bellville Illinois Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“We are all dedicated to the service, the spirit and the residence of pioneers like Captain Ogle and his fellow New Americans. These men and

women helped lay the foundation on which America was built. I urge all of my colleagues to join in recognition of this great American and Illinoisan.”

Ogle had a son who also was named Joseph Ogle. His son was involved in the Black Hawk War and died in 1846. Ogle County, Illinois, was founded in 1836. The name Ogle was suggested by Illinois Gov. Ford, who lived in Oregon.

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

Live virtual tour of Auschwitz offered at the center Oct. 17

MT. MORRIS – The Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center will host a live virtual tour of Auschwitz at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17.

“We will use the new interactive display at the center to connect with our tour guide in Poland,” said Melissa Rojas, director of the Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center. “We will be taken through Auschwitz and we will be able to ask questions and interact with our

guide. This once-in-a-lifetime tour will cost $15 per person and will last about two hours.”

To register for the program, call the center at 815-734-6335 or stop by the center at 9 E. Front St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Here is what some people are saying about the tour:

“It literally left the participants, myself certainly included, speechless. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated. I will never forget this. And that may be the most

important takeaway – never forget. While I’d like for as many as possible to experience this presentation in the intimate, interactive way that we were able to, I do want to encourage this to be brought to as many people as possible, especially the younger generations who shockingly are living in a newly reignited era of anti-Semitism and pro-Nazism.”

“Very powerful. It will take days to fully absorb what I heard and saw.”

“I’m a third-generation survivor

who does school assemblies on Holocaust education and this presentation was hands down the most informative and modern presentation I’ve seen.”

“It was especially meaningful to me since my grandmother survived Auschwitz-Birkenau. I hope to travel to the actual site one day. Thank you for providing this program.”

“Even though I’ve been to Yad Vashem and the U.S. Holocaust Museum many times, this was still an excellent experience.”

Bison tours taking place Saturday at Autumn on the Prairie

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

FRANKLIN GROVE – If you haven’t had a chance to see the Nachusa Grasslands’ bison herd, your chances will be much improved Saturday.

Wagon rides on the prairie are one of the educational activities offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Autumn on the Prairie.

Held at the Grasslands’ Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road, the annual event offers activities for the whole family, including 12 guided hiking tours that feature scenic photo locations, grassland birds, dragonflies, preserve hideaways, autumn wildflowers and small mammals.

Hiking tours will depart from 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the Hiking Tours Tent at least five minutes before the scheduled departure. The tours will range from 60 to 90 minutes.

A shorter hike is the Visitor Center Trail, a .4-mile distance along a mowed path. This is a self-guided walk that has plant ID signs along the trail and a QR code that can be scanned to learn more about the plants.

Additional attractions include a

Discovery Tent and live birds of prey displayed by the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education. Headon’s Fine Meats food truck will be on-site for food and drink.

Parking is $5.

Donations will be accepted at the Welcome Pavilion and the Bison Tours tent.

Tickets for the Bison Tours are

obtained in person Saturday. Each person takes a number at the Bison Tours tent and can join a tour anytime their number is less than the one posted on a sign by the tent. Finding bison is not guaranteed, according to the news release.

The 4,100-acre Nachusa Grasslands is owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy.

The Friends of Nachusa Grasslands is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 by volunteers dedicated to providing for the long–term care and management of the Grasslands.

“It consists of large remnant prairie, woodlands and wetlands being reconnected through habitat restoration to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois. Working hand in hand with Conservancy staff, a dynamic community of volunteer stewards collect and plant seeds, manage invasive species, repair wetlands and conduct controlled burns in order to preserve, protect and share this precious endangered ecosystem,” the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands said on its website.

For more information, visit https:// www.nachusagrasslands.org.

Earleen Hinton

A portion of the bison herd with their calves rest on a hill at the Nachusa Grasslands. Sometimes the conservation herd can be seen along Lowden or Stone Barn roads surrounding the preserve. Wagon rides on the prairie will be offered Saturday during Autumn on the Prairie.

OBITUARIES

HELEN R. “SKIP” JOHNSON

Born: August 28, 1930 in Oregon, Illinois

Died: September 1, 2023 in Oregon, IL

Oregon, IL – Helen

R. “Skip” Johnson died Friday, Sept. 1st, 2023 at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. She was born on August 28th, 1930 and raised in Oregon, Illinois, the daughter of Irvin and Jane (Schier) Gocken. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1948. She then attended Northern Illinois State Teacher’s College in DeKalb, IL. She married Frank “Reed” Johnson on June 23rd, 1951 in Oregon, IL at the Lighthouse Church. Skip left Northern

DON EVERETTE HENDERSON

Born: February 15, 1937 in Rockford, IL

Died: August 22, 2023 in Oregon, IL

Don Everette Henderson, age 86, passed away at Serenity Hospice in Oregon, IL on August 22, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. Don was born February 15, 1937, in Rockford, IL the son of Everette Raymond and Lovita Pauline (Sisk) Henderson. He grew up in Mt. Morris, IL, and graduated from the former Mt. Morris High School in 1955. While in high school he played football, basketball and ran track. Don held a 2:05.9 school record for the 880/half mile for 12 years. He also was a pretty good ice and roller skater. After high school graduation, he continued his education at Cornell College on a track scholarship, was a member of the Alpha Chi Epsilon fraternity, and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Economics and Business Administration and Sociology. While at Cornell he met Jean Cox who he married in 1961. The two of them had three children, Eric of Golden, CO, Rob (Jana) of Grand Junction, CO and Darcee Henderson of Lake Wood, CO. Don also has two grandsons, Harper and Bryson Skulavik of Lake Wood, CO.

Illinois State Teacher’s College to join her husband while he served his country in the United State Marines, but returned to college in her 50’s to complete her degree. Skip was very active in her community. She was a member of the Oregon United Methodist Church. She was an entrepreneur having coowned Johnson’s Appliance with her husband Reed. In 1981, she established Skip’s Shape Shop bringing the first fitness center to the area. Later she worked many years for the Oregon Park District by managing the fitness area and teaching aerobic classes. She loved to play cards with her friends, especially Bridge. During the pandemic, Skip and her friends would gather for coffee and conversation at a picnic table near the Oregon Dam, thus forming the “Dam Coffee Club”. Skip regularly volunteered in her community

including at Lifeline Food Pantry. She was an original group member and driving force instrumental in the restoration of the Oregon Depot Museum. Skip enjoyed reading and was a member of the Oregon Book Club. Skip was best known for her infectious smile and cheerful disposition. She was predeceased by her parents, Irvin and Jane Gocken, husband Reed Johnson, sisters Marian Gocken and Kay Altenburg. She is survived by her sister Lorena Robinson of LaSalle, IL, her 3 daughters: Sandy Joyce of Palatine, IL; Lori (Steven) Cromie of Elgin, IL; and Linda Magnuson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 7 grandchildren: Jennifer Magnuson Biewen, Nate Magnuson, Kyle Magnuson, Tara Joyce Schobert, Tim Joyce, Colin Cromie, and Brendan Cromie; 6 great grandchildren: Grady Biewen, Molly Biewen, Payton Schobert, Henry Schobert,

Tucker Magnuson, Jazmyn Dawson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 8th from 5-8 PM at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th St. in Oregon, IL. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, Sept. 9th at the Oregon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Megan Smick officiating. Burial will be at the Riverview Cemetery just north of Oregon. A celebration of her life will be held at the riverhouse at 3 pm on Saturday (4883 S Hidden Heights Rd, Oregon). A memorial fund is established in Skip’s name for the American Cancer Society and the Serenity Hospice and Home.

Don landed his first job at State Auto Insurance in Greenwood, Indiana and later returned to Mt. Morris with his family in 1965 and worked as a salesman for Kable Printing Company. He also partnered with his Dad at Henderson Real Estate. After Kable’s went on strike in 1974, Don and his family moved to Waseca, MN where he was Vice President of Brown Printing until his retirement in 2000. He and family enjoyed many years living on Clear Lake fishing and boating.

Don moved back to Mt. Morris for a short period of time, met Judy Ciaccio, and eventually moved to Rockford where the two of them resided until Don’s health declined.

Don was preceded in death by his father and mother and is survived by his three children, two grandchildren, Judy Ciaccio who shared life with him for the past 23 years and brother Gary (Melody) of Byron, IL.

Visitation will be held on September 30, 2023, at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. and a Celebration of Life following with Don’s brother, Gary, speaking. A luncheon will follow at the Brethren Church in Mt. Morris. Burial was held in Willwood. Burial Park in Rockford, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charities that Don contributed to: Wounded Warriors Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Red Cross, or Serenity Hospice in Oregon, IL

Ogle County’s drop-off recycling program doing well, official says

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Almost two months into the resumption of a drop-off recycling program in Ogle County, officials are giving it a “thumbs up.”

“The program has returned on a trial basis in the hope that the bins and the host locations are not misused,” Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department Director Paul Cooney said. “The program restarted on July 10 with two locations for county residents to drop-off their recyclables and has been running successfully so far.”

The recycling bins are located at the Ogle County Farm Bureau parking lot, 421 W. Pines Road, Oregon, and the Byron Forest Preserve Maintenance Facility parking lot, 6845 N. German Church Road, Byron.

There also are two other recycling bins in the county. Waste Management provides one at the Orchard Hills Landfill, 8290 Illinois 251, Davis Junction. Republic/Moring provides a recycling bin in Polo at the lot on the corner of North Franklin Avenue and East Locust Street.

Earleen Hinton Ogle County’s Solid Waste Management Department has drop-off recycling containers for community use in Oregon and Byron. This recycling station is located in the Farm Bureau parking lot at 421 W. Pines Road.

Mt. Morris Police Chief Michael Cicchetti reports the following police activity.

Aug. 24

About 6:15 a.m., police were called to the 200 block of West Lincoln Street for a report of a dog in the area that had attacked another dog. After an investigation, Jennifer L. Blake was issued a village citation for dog running at large. Ogle County Animal Control was contacted and also responded to the scene.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:

Sept. 8

Christopher A. Joseph, 22, of Streamwood, was arrested for possession of cannabis over 100 grams and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver after a traffic stop for suspended registration in the 500 block of north Illinois Route 251 about 9:28 a.m. Joseph also was cited for a suspended driver’s license and suspended registration. The passenger, Anasia L. Bullock, 22, of Rockford, was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Joseph and Bullock both were

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Sept. 1-7

Warranty deeds

Dennis W. and Vicky J. Green to Gregory C. Davis, 327 S. Main St., Rochelle, $145,800.

Colleen L. Stauffer to Tiffany Cravatta, 511 E Buffalo St., Polo, $11,000.

• RECYCLING

Continued from page 8

“Both of these recycling bins are free for county residents to use,” Cooney said in a news release. “Residents do not need to drive over the scale at Orchard Hills to use the recycling bin. However, the bin is for recyclables only. Residents who wish to dispose of garbage at the landfill will have to pay the disposal fee and use the scale.”

Materials accepted at the bins include:

• Clean and dry paper products, including newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard and paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes). No items contaminated by food (e.g. pizza boxes).

• Plastic containers labeled with recycling symbols No. 1 through

Aug. 25

About 2 p.m., police were notified about a garbage/dumpster complaint in the 10 block of South Seminary Avenue. Sandra Guglielmo of Orland Park was issued a village citation for accumulation of trash/rubbish.

Sept. 3

About 8:15 p.m., police were sent to the area of the 100 block of South Wesley Avenue for the report of a stolen bicycle. After a brief investigation,

Marcello Castillo, 31, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with theft. Castillo was transported to the Ogle County jail, where he was held in lieu of bond.

Sept. 5

About 11:45 a.m., police were sent to the area of the 10 block of West Center Street for the report of a noise complaint. After an investigation, Ernest J. Munyon, 32, of Mt. Morris, was issued an ordinance citation for excessive noise.

Sept. 7

About 7:05 p.m., police were sent to the 100 block of East Hitt Street for the report of a female trespassing at a business. After an investigation, Jessica C. Engelkens, 38, of Mt Morris, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass to land. Engelkens was transported to the Ogle County jail, where she was held in lieu of bond. Charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty.

taken to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond.

Sept. 9

Deputies responded to a motorcycle crash in the 2000 block of east Illinois Route 72 about 8:07 p.m. An investigation showed David W. Anderson, 43, of Genoa, was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle east when it struck a deer in the roadway. The motorcycle turned onto its side before coming to rest. Anderson and a female passenger, Emily Nicholson, 39, of Genoa, were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The Byron Fire Protection

District and Byron Police Department assisted at the scene.

A 16-year-old female from Winnebago was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after deputies and Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Protection District and EMS responded to a two-vehicle crash at Illinois Route 251 and Big Mound Road at 11:37 p.m. An investigation showed the 16-year-old was driving a black Lexus Rx350 north when she struck the rear of a Jeep Wrangler driven by Robin Mattison, 50, of Davis Junction, which was turning west onto Big Mound Road. The 16-year-old and an occupant

of the Jeep Wrangler were taken to area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Sept. 10

Brett Ellinor, 41, of Polo, was arrested for battery after deputies responded to a disturbance in the 1000 block of South Union Road in rural Polo about 8:08 p.m. Ellinor was taken to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond. The Polo Police Department assisted.

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

Patrick and Kara Erickson to Alyssa J. Waters, 101 N. Main St., Chana, $77,000. Gloria A. Herring to Sandra L. Malahy, 5049 S. Hidden Heights Road, Oregon, $275,000.

Cheryl A. Price to Richard Randecker, 2190 N. Everett St. and one other parcel

Nos. 5 and 7, such as beverage bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles and plastic food containers.

• Glass bottles and jars, which should be rinsed and free of any lids or caps.

• Metal cans, including aluminum and steel cans, and aluminum foil.

“The recycling guidelines are also posted on the decks next to the bins,” Cooney said.

To ensure the success of the program, flatten cardboard boxes, rinse containers and place the materials into the bin loose, not in plastic bags. Items that are not listed on the recycling guidelines should not be placed in the bin. While an item may have a recycling symbol on it, it does not guarantee that it is able to be recycled in this program.

“An example of this would be used motor oil containers. While a

on Everett St., Mt. Morris, $9,000. Jennifer R. Squires to Colt Preston and Merinda Hicks, 1118 N. Shadow Wood Drive, Byron, $254,000.

Paul Ernest and Tabitha Hayenga to Richard G. Bicker, Jr., 505 W. Center St., Mt. Morris, $139,900.

plastic container can be recycled, the residual oil left in the container will contaminate the other recyclables in the bin, so they should not be recycled in these bins,” Cooney said. “Reducing the amount of contamination in the recycling bins from garbage will help maintain the integrity of the recycling process and keep this program sustainable. Ogle County residents are encouraged to come together as a community to embrace this program and make a positive impact on the environment through responsible recycling. Together we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for Ogle County.”

For more information about the Drop-Off Recycling Program, including specific guidelines and updates, visit www.oglecountyil. gov or call the OCSWMD office at 815-732-4020.

Brian and Dina Stupec to David Labash and LKBL Properties LLC, 211 W. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $2,500.

John E. and Carol J. Sudmeier to John K. and Jordan E. Abels, 7901 N Crestview Road, Byron, $350,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Oregon Ganymedes to play final games of 2023 season Sept. 17 and 23

The Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Base Ball Club will play the Creston Regulators Base Ball Club at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Creston Elementary School in Creston as part of Creston’s Annual Booster Days event.

Admission is free and spectators should bring their own chairs to watch the 1858 rules base ball contest.

The Ganymedes’ final base ball match of the season will be an away game at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, against the McHenry County Independants Base Ball Club at Prairie Grove Park in Prairie Grove.

The Oregon Ganymedes Base Ball Club is an all-volunteer educational outreach program of Oregon’s Chana School Museum that plays early rules base ball (circa 1858 to 1867) using vintage uniforms and equipment of the times. Visit the Oregon Ganymedes Facebook page for more information.

Give children, grandchildren opportunities to choose what to read

Being able to make choices for yourself is important on many levels. Consider the many choices you make in a single day. Think about even these few: what clothes to wear, what to eat for breakfast and what to pack for lunch, when to leave for work, what to fix for dinner and how to spend your evening.

Choosing for yourself is motivational. For young people, it is also a milestone in growing up and becoming independent. Being able to choose what you read – at least some of the time – is also motivational and a key part of becoming an independent reader.

For this month, let’s look at how we can give our children and grandchildren opportunities to choose what they read.

It is important for all readers to develop a sense of what they enjoy. By offering exposure to a wide variety of genres, we can help our children and grandchildren discover what they like to read or what they like us to read to

Mary Gardner

them. Be sure to include online websites and resources, magazines, poetry and all kinds of fiction and nonfiction books.

As preferences are developed, we can encourage our readers to talk about what they like and why. If they find a book they especially enjoy, you might try to find other books by the same author. They might enjoy reading more about an author. Many authors have websites full of information about themselves and their work. Include discussions about the illustrations, too. Perhaps they prefer photographs to paintings or drawings. Perhaps they like the comic book format of graphic novels. This is not about being right or wrong – it is truly

about personal preferences.

Young readers often want to read or hear someone read to them the same book over and over again. Parents sometimes become concerned about that. It seems there is something about that book that the reader is drawn to and that’s definitely what we want to happen. If we continue to offer and provide a wide range of texts, new favorites eventually will come along. If needed, we can offer controlled choice in these situations. We might say, “We can read your favorite book again, but let’s pick one new book to read, too.”

Our children need to know that there will be times when they are required to read something they may not like and they may not always have a choice. This most likely will happen in school at least occasionally. We can give plenty of examples in our own lives, such as reading our income tax forms. Knowing that there also are chances to choose what they read

helps make it easier to read things they don’t enjoy as much.

All children are capable of making their own choices about what they read. It is important in building a positive attitude about reading. Being able to choose also is key to staying motivated to read. If we always pick what we think our children and grandchildren should read, we are not allowing them to become independent readers. You might encourage them to start a journal listing all the books they read along with comments or notes about each book. Enjoy watching them as they choose books to read to or with you. Listen to them as they talk to you about what they do and do not like to read. Share your interests as well. After all, this is what readers do.

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

BOYS SOCCER: DIXON 2, OREGON 1 (PKS)

Short-handed Dixon fends off Oregon

Dukes win shootout after teams finish regulation, overtime tied 1-1

By TY REYNOLDS

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

OREGON – Another Big Northern rivalry game between the Dixon and Oregon soccer teams at Oregon Park West, another game decided by a penalty-kick shootout.

For the third straight time, the two Route 2 rivals played on the Hawks’ home field – the boys game in 2021 and the girls game last spring – and the two teams played through 80 minutes of regulation and 10 minutes of overtime with nothing decided.

And on Monday night, just like last spring for the girls game, even the PK shootout was still tied through the first round of five shots and had to be decided in sudden death.

Dixon defender Robby Ramirez scored the game-winner, blasting a shot into the upper right-hand corner of the net to give the Dukes a 2-1 victory. The senior stepped up when coach Josh Brigl asked who wanted to take the first sudden-death PK.

“I had the confidence. Hayden [Yingling] is a great shooter, Jack [Redell] is a great shooter – they can really hit it – but they were both nervous and shaking a little. I had the confidence and knew I needed to take it,” Ramirez said. “I stepped up there, I was looking right the entire time. I’ve worked on it so many times at practice, a short walk-up and just blast it.”

Oregon junior Gavin Morrow, playing keeper after starter Jameson Caposey was injured in a collision late in regulation, saved two PKs in the first round, but dived to his right as Ramirez’s shot ended up going to his left.

“It’s just a guessing game. There’s really no tells. You just kind of go with your gut, and if you guess right, great, and if you don’t, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Morrow said about the mentality as a keeper facing a PK.

“When [Caposey] went down, it was either me or Danny Chisamore to play goalie. He’s pretty good, but I played it last year, so it was just an in-the-moment decision. I just said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it, why not?’ I wasn’t really thinking about it coming down to penalty kicks at the end.”

Kristian Prather gave Dixon a 1-0 lead in the first half off a Ramirez assist, then the Dukes (2-5) were forced to play a man down after losing a player five minutes into the second half to a red

card for bad language after his kick went sideways. Dixon ended up outshooting Oregon in the second half and held its own for the final 35 minutes of regulation and all 10 of overtime.

In fact, another Dixon player was given a red card after yelling to a teammate after a mis-kick and the Dukes actually played two men short for the final few minutes of overtime.

“A couple men down [stinks], but we really just had to lock in and play good defense for the last five minutes and that’s what helped us secure the tie and get to PKs and then win in PKs,” defender Quade Richards said.

“We’ve been through this situation before – Faith Christian last year, we were down a player within the first five minutes and then played the last nine minutes down two, so we’ve done it before,” Ramirez said. “Josh told us to just park the bus in the back, keep them off the board and get to a shootout.”

A hand ball in the box with 8:47 left in regulation led to Oregon (5-7-1) tying the game as Steven Guardado punched his penalty kick through the outstretched

hands of Dixon keeper Rex Blackburn.

“It just showed us that we could actually score in this game, and once you score, it gets things moving a little bit and kind of gives you some life,” Morrow said about the equalizer. “It really helps once we get the first goal.”

After two scoreless five-minute overtime periods, Oregon won the toss and elected to kick first in the PK shootout. Guardado’s first shot was saved by Blackburn, then Morrow made a save on Prather’s kick to open the Dixon attempts. The Hawks’ Keaton Salsbury and the Dukes’ Jayvian Herwig traded goals, then Blackburn tipped Leo Cardenas’ shot over the crossbar before Dixon took a 2-1 shootout lead on Richards’ goal.

“The adrenaline’s pumping and your heart’s racing, and you go up there to kick it and your heart starts to beat even faster. You just have to slow it down and put one in the back of the net for your team,” Richards said. “And the goalie making saves is huge because that’s one less opportunity they have to secure a goal on us. Props to Rex. He did fantastic

back there and that fires us up.”

Chisamore tied it for Oregon with a goal, then Morrow made a save on Chris Osmer’s shot. But Morrow hit his PK attempt over the crossbar, and Dixon’s Billy Sullivan nearly finished it but saw his shot clang off the left goal post after Morrow dived the other way.

“The most important part is to put it on frame because even if it hits [the keeper’s] hands, there’s still a chance for it to go in,” Morrow said with a sheepish grin. “So all you’ve got to do is just put it on the goal and unfortunately, I shot mine over the goal, went a little football-mode there. Whoops.”

Cruz Hernandez was the first sudden-death shooter, but his shot just missed wide right. Ramirez then stepped up and knocked home the winner.

Both teams had near-misses in the final minutes of the second overtime period that would’ve ended the game. A shot by Dixon’s Prather missed just wide left with about two minutes to play, then Oregon had a look from in front of the goal with 45 seconds remaining that went just wide to the right.

Alex T. Paschal

Oregon’s Keaton Salsbury makes a pass against Dixon on Sept. 11 in Oregon.

Football is a strange game and strange things happen

This past weekend’s football road trip took me to Polo, site of the rivalry game with Milledgeville. It did not disappoint.

Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Part of the journey is to visit friends, where I hear things such as the big Hazelhurst sale coming up the next day and all the foods the Lions Club will be cooking.

Located between Polo and Milledgeville, the Hazelhurst sale grounds in far western Ogle County are a locale to see at least once in your life, though I learned the inventory of items offered has been reduced.

Sometimes shopping at an auction sale garners as much interest as football. There was plenty of interest and enthusiasm at the game, though, as fans from both towns ringed the field.

Give me an atmosphere like that over a sterile suburban stadium where everyone is relegated to the bleachers. The environment was akin to an auction sale as one could walk around and mingle with friends.

After the game, losing quarterback Brock Soltow could be found on the Milledgeville sideline, visiting Missiles quarterback Conner Nye and other Milledgeville well-wishers.

Remember when Polo and Milledgeville entered into a discussion about

Andy Colbert

co-op football? Those conversations never got too far and thankfully they didn’t.

Both towns have strong gridiron heritages and the game was a prime example of civic pride. Did you know that other than 1978 and 1979, Milledgeville has only had three head coaches (Les Snow, Gary Hartje and Jason Wroble) since 1958.

In laying the hammer on Polo, the Missiles set up the regular-season 8-man game of the year, Sept. 29, against Amboy at Milledgeville.

From kickoff to finish, ESPN lists win probabilities for ongoing football games. If the Oregon-Genoa-Kingston game had the same treatment, the Hawks likely would have been listed at about a 95% win probability with a firstand-goal late in the game and a 14-6 lead.

In a bizarre twist of fate, G-K managed to come out on top 20-14 in overtime, a result that has severely hampered Oregon’s playoff chances.

However, all is not lost in this saga. Oregon still can get in the playoffs, but the task became a lot tougher. A win over G-K would have set the Hawks up nicely for a Winnebago team that has struggled, along with likely wins over cellar dwellers Rock Falls and Rockford Christian.

Five wins and you’re in the playoffs and that is what it was looking like until the fourth-quarter shocker. But football is a strange game and strange things can happen.

That’s one of the reasons Americans love it so much. Did you know that the opening NFL game between Detroit and Kansas City drew the largest TV audience since (drum roll) the Super Bowl?

Friday morning before the G-K game, I happened upon Kip Crandall and shared with him my concerns about it. Though G-K had lost to North Boone by a wide margin and Oregon beat NB, it seemed like G-K was a trap game for Oregon.

I can’t explain it, but certain games elicit that gut feeling. Listening to Sam Ramirez describe the action on the radio, I kept waiting for Oregon to make big plays and clinch the victory. It almost came to fruition in that fateful fourth quarter, but eerily never did.

There was an upset in the making at

Byron, where hapless Rockford Christian took a 6-0 lead before the Tigers rebounded for a 70-14 triumph. Byron has outscored opponents 211-20 in three games.

No. 2-ranked Forreston passed three consectutive tests and now has the easy part of its schedule before ending with league heavyweights Du-Pec and LeWin.

A nonconference game of interest on Sept. 23 will be Le-Win at Decatur St. Teresa in a battle of defending 1A and 2A state champs.

Interestingly, Decatur (14-0 last year) is in danger of missing the playoffs with an 0-3 record. It has been forced to play a tough schedule as an independent after getting kicked out of its conference last year for being too dominant.

Stillman Valley had a statement win over Rockford Lutheran and looks to run the table before the season-ending game against Byron, a team it beat last year. Can Oregon give SV a game?

Well, it did play Dixon closer, but then again …

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 30 years.

Milledgeville hammers Polo for

By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent

POLO – With all the hype leading up to the 8-man football game between rivals Milledgeville and Polo on Sept. 8, numerous monikers were attached to it such as “The Battle of the Blacktop,” “No. 2 ranked vs. No. 3,” and “The Nye and Soltow Show.”

After the game was over, Polo coach Ted Alston had a different term for it and it was more of a statement of reality than of hype.

“It was a physical beating. We couldn’t get a stop to save our lives,” said Alston, whose team was on the receiving end of its worse loss ever in 8-man by a 58-22 margin.

With quarterback Conner Nye directing the Missiles on five first-half scoring drives, Milledgeville stunned and completely silenced a large Marcos crowd accustomed to state titles.

Five touchdowns weren’t as much of a stunner as only one score put up by the home team in the 36-8 first-half deficit. A scrambling Brock Soltow found Noah Dewey for a touchdown pass to pull the Marcos to within 14-8, but that was as close as it would get.

“Our No. 1 goal all week was to take Soltow out of the game,” said Micah Toms-Smith, who had two rushing and one receiving touchdown.

On Milledgeville’s opening drive, a fumble and penalty made it fourthand-11, but with Nye and Toms-Smith around, why worry. The pair connected on a 13-yard pass play to make the first down and on the next play,

90TH BIRTHDAY

CARD SHOWER

Barb Woodin will celebrate her 90th birthday. She was born September 20, 1933 in Sterling. She was married to late Don “Boney” Woodin for 64 years. Barb has three children, Lyle Woodin (Colleen) Lee Ann Brantner (Rick), Matt Woodin (Pam). Barb has 6 Grandchildren, Justin Woodin, Jared Woodin, Sarah Woodin, Andy Brantner, Tim Brantner, Sandy Wylie.

Barb graduated from SVCC Nursing Program at age 40 and spent 20 years at KSB Hospital working in Pediatrics. She also spent time working for Dr. Tim Appenheimer and Dr. Roger Hill.

90 years of Grace, Gratitude and Giving Cards may be sent to Heritage Square, 620 N. Brinton, Dixon, IL. 61021

they hit for a 22-yard scoring strike and 8-0 lead.

Bryce McKenna intercepted Polo’s Conner Meridian, who shared time with Soltow at quarterback. Keyed by a 51-yard run by sophomore Konner Johnson, the Missiles made it 14-0 on a 22-yard Nye touchdown.

A Johnson touchdown made it 22-8 after Polo’s score.

“We got in a hole and couldn’t get out,” Soltow said. “They pounded us and always seemed to know where we were going.”

Meridian and Soltow connected on fourth-and-12 to keep the next drive alive. On fourth-and-20, it was the same combo, this time for 30 yards. However, officials ruled offensive pass interference on Soltow and the drive ended.

With 1:10 left in the first half, TomsSmith capped a 54-yard scoring drive with a 7-yard TD after runs of 15, 10 and 18 yards in which Marcos players looked helpless to stop him.

Meridian had three straight completions, but was intercepted by Spencer Nye with 30 seconds left. Rather than taking the 30-8 lead into halftime, Milledgeville coach Jason Wroble went for broke.

Conner Nye found a wide-open Karter Livengood for a 59-yard touchdown and 36-8 lead on the next play.

“I knew we had an explosive offense,” Wroble said. “But what I was really pleased with was how we got them out of their game plan.”

See POLO on page 17

Earleen Hinton

Polo’s Noah Dewey tries to catch a pass Sept. 8 against Milledgeville.

Genoa-Kingston defeats Oregon in

Cogs storm back in fourth quarter for BNC victory

By SAM NATROP

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

GENOA – After running the ball 50 times – mostly up the middle and off the edges – Genoa-Kingston decided to try something different with the pressure on in overtime Sept. 8.

Quarterback Nathan Kleba, who carried the ball twice for nine yards during the game, scooted around right end for a 12-yard touchdown run on the Cogs’ second play in overtime, sending G-K to a wild 20-14 Big Northern Conference victory over Oregon at Cogs Stadium.

“It was a designed play,” an exhausted Kleba said after the game. “We had run that once before and it worked OK, but this one really worked.”

The run capped a frenzied fourth quarter and extra period. The Cogs tied the game with 1:31 remaining on a 1-yard run by Brady Brewick, who added the two-point conversion run to tie the game at 14.

On its possession in overtime, Ore-

gon (1-2, 1-2) got as close as the G-K 4, but then a low snap resulted in a loss of 13 yards. Quarterback Jack Washburn (10for-19, 178 yards) saw his fourth-down pass sail incomplete.

G-K (2-1, 2-1) started with a 3-yard run by Tyler Atterberry and after a false-start penalty, Kleba tucked the ball under his right arm and made it to the end zone, where he was mobbed by his

teammates as the Cog sideline exploded.

“That was unbelievable,” G-K coach Cam Davekos said, shaking his head. “We talked at halftime to keep grinding, keep pounding, and to trust one another. They trusted one another in that second half.”

G-K scored first in the first quarter on a 6-yard run by Nolan Kline, but the try for two points failed. Two plays later,

Oregon took the lead on a 64-yard toss from Washburn to Quentin Berry.

Oregon took the second-half kickoff 68 yards in 10 plays before workhorse Logan Weems (22 carries, 113 yards), who is a junior, scored on a 1-yard run for a 14-6 lead. The score stayed that way until the final dramatic drive.

“It seemed like in the second half after that touchdown, we had chances to put them away, but we’d have a hold or a turnover that came up to bite us in the butt,” Oregon coach Broc Kundert said. “We couldn’t put them away. Maybe we are thinking a little too highly of ourselves, reading too many headlines. Nobody is going to roll over for us. Not in this league.

“Time to get back to work Monday. We’ve got Winnebago [on Friday] and that’s a team we can compete with. But it’s sure going to be harder after this one.”

The Cogs, who had 291 total yards (244 rushing, 51 passing), travel to Dixon on Friday. Peyton Meyer led the Cogs’ ground attack with 77 yards on 12 carries. Brewick added 65 yards on 14 totes.

Oregon finished with 310 total yards (178 passing, 132 on the ground).

Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Josh Crandall fights off a tackle by Dixon’s Carter Kibble in a Sept. 1 game. The Hawks travel to Winnebago on Friday, Sept. 15, for a Big Northern Conference game.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Volleyball

Polo 2, Ashton-Franklin Center 0: At Ashton, the Lady Marcos defeated the Raiders 25-14, 27-25 in an NUIC South matchup.

Leaders for Polo were Madison Glawe with 13 digs and five aces, Bridget Call with six kills, Camrynn Jones with 13 assists and Courtney Grobe with nine digs and three kills. Ellie Wells added 10 assists for the Lady Marcos.

Fulton 2, Forreston 0: The Steamers defeated the Cardinals 25-23, 25-15 in an NUIC South matchup.

Leaders for Fulton were Resse Germann with 12 digs, Brooklyn Brennan with six kills, three assists and three digs and Miraya Pessman with 11 assists.

Polo 2, Forreston 0: At Polo, the Lady Marcos defeated the Cardinals 25-10, 25-21 in an NUIC South matchup.

Polo was led by Bridget Call with 10 kills and 11 digs, Camrynn Jones with 11 digs, 11 assists and three kills, Madison Glawe with nine digs and Courtney Grobe with six kills. Ellie Wells added seven assists for the Lady Marcos.

Boys golf

Dixon 161, Oregon 189: At Timber Creek Golf Course, the Dukes topped the Hawks in a Big Northern Conference dual meet.

Dixon’s Steven Kitzman was the

medalist with a 37. Alex Harrison and Ben Oros shot 40s as co-runners-up. Mason Weigle and Max Kitzman added 44s.

Kylar Early paced Oregon with a 42, Nole Campos shot a 43, Dom Terlikowski carded a 51 and Jackson Mes-

senger tallied a 53.

Forreston 175, East Dubuque 185: At Lacoma Golf Course, the Cardinals edged the Warriors in an NUIC crossover matchup.

Forreston’s Kaden Brown and Kendall Erdmann were co-medalists with

41s. Darin Greenfield shot a 45 and Daylen Rahn added a 48 to the 10-stroke victory.

NUIC triangular: At Silver Ridge Golf Course, Eastland won the three-team event with a 196 score. West Carroll finished second with 236 and Polo was third with 238.

Eastland’s Braden Anderson was the medalist with a 43 and teammate Colton Hendrick was the runner-up with a 49. Harper Kiem shot a 51 and Cooper Dollinger added a 53 for the Cougars.

Polo’s Jackson Willis shot a 51, Aiden Messer fired a 55 and Caleb Sutton and Wyatt Brooks added 66s. Oregon 192, Winnebago 205: At Silver Ridge Golf Course, the Hawks defeated the Indians in a Big Northern Conference dual meet.

Oregon’s Kylar Early was the medalist with a 43. Nole Campos and Logan Sarver shot 49s, and Jackson Messenger chipped in a 51 for the Hawks.

Forreston 187, Aquin Catholic 243: At Sunset Golf Course, the Cardinals defeated the short-handed Bulldogs in an NUIC crossover matchup.

Forreston’s Kaden Brown was the medalist with a 43. Kaden Ganz shot a 46, and Kendall Erdmann and Heath Schubert tallied 49s for the Cardinals.

See ROUNDUP on page 16

Earleen Hinton Forreston’s Ennen Ferris bumps the ball during a Sept. 7 match at Polo.

• ROUNDUP

Continued from page 15

Girls golf

Dixon 192, Oregon 207: At Timber Creek Golf Course, the Duchesses defeated the Hawks in a Big Northern Conference dual meet.

Dixon’s Katie Drew was the medalist with an even-par 36. Reese Dambman shot a 45, Zoey Williams tallied a 50 and Saida Bajrami added a 61 for the Duchesses.

Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt was the runner-up with a 44. Aniyah Sarver fired a 47, Emma Schlichtmann totaled a 57 and Hailey-Jane Becker chipped in a 59 for the Hawks.

NUIC triangular: At Silver Ridge Golf Course, Eastland won the three-team event with a 232 score. West Carroll finished second with 254 and Polo competed with an incomplete team.

Eastland’s Belle Lego was the medalist with a 51. Ava Parkinson shot a 58, Jaden Brower chipped in a 61 and Kaya Van Meter added a 62.

West Carroll’s Karissa Andrews was the runner-up with a 52.

Corinne Krontz fired a 53, Caitlin Nolte carded a 69 and Riley Runions added an 80 for the Thunder.

Polo’s Alivia Schmidt shot a 57,

Avery Faivor tallied a 61 and Zoie Wyatt chipped in a 71.

Hawks top Indians: Oregon beat Winnebago at Silver Ridge Golf Course in a Big Northern Conference dual meet. The Hawks’ Sarah Eckardt was the medalist with a 43, while teammate Aniyah Sarver was the runner-up with a 46. Hailey Jane-Becker shot a 52 and Emma Schlitchmann added a 59 for the Hawks.

Boys soccer

Stillman Valley 4, Oregon 1: At Oregon, the Hawks fell to the Cardinals in a Big Northern Conference matchup. Leo Cardenas scored the lone goal for Oregon with an assist from Steven Guardado. Deryk Withers recorded 13 saves for the Hawks.

Winnebago 4, Oregon 3: At Winnebago, Gavin Morrow recorded a hat trick, but the Hawks came up short against the Indians. Keaton Salsbury assisted on two of the goals and Jackson Caposey also had an assist for Oregon.

Football

Forreston 30, Galena 16: Owen Mulder rushed for 86 yards and three touchdowns as the Cardinals defeated the Pirates to boost their season record to 3-0.

and Friend Emilio Daniel Campbell

Brother,

The FUNERAL SERVICE will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 at the Oregon Church of God at 12:00 PM (NOON).

Address for this location is: 860 W Oregon Trail Rd, Oregon IL, 61054

If you cannot attend the service, please join us afterwards, starting at 2:00 PM for his CELEBRATION OF LIFE, 7450 W. Pines Rd, Mt. Morris IL, 61054. We would like to honor Emilio by gathering together to eat, drink and share in the memory of him.

Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt chips on to the green during a Sept. 11 match at Silver Ridge Golf Course.

Continued from page 13

On Milledgeville’s first play of the second half, it was Nye and Livengood catching Polo out of position for a 45-yard touchdown pass and 44-8 lead.

If there was a positive for Polo, it was avoiding a running clock.

Soltow ran for a 27-yard TD to avoid that embarrassment before Milledgeville hit the 50-point mark.

“I’m surprised a bit. I didn’t think the score would be like this,” Nye said. “Our backs ran well and line blocked well. Even our JV guys played well.”

Milledgeville had 305 rushing yards, with Toms-Smith and Johnson both over 100. Nye needed only four completions for 136 yards passing and three TDs.

Soltow was impressive in the loss, tallying 100 yards rushing and 64 receiving yards on seven catches. Dewey had five balls for 109 yards. Meridian was 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards.

“They were more physical, more disciplined and beat us in every aspect of the game. We also made bad penalties and had too many mistakes,” Alston said.

Lila Lee Kirk Baker turned 100 on July 15, 2023.

Over 100 family and friends attended a reception and dinner at Barnacopia near Mt. Morris IL on July 15, followed by a “day at her farm” on July 16 with her large family. The photo here shows her three children (Barbara/Al Stephenson of Scottsdale AZ, Ed/ Molly Baker of Mt. Morris IL, and Francine Baker/John Jackson of Scottsdale, AZ.) and their families (Gretchen Baker/Greg Krogen and Svea, Grant Baker, Maren and Matt Swank and Willa, Hollis and Rian Swank and Mitchell Baker/Kali Moody and little Lila Baker).

Lila grew up in Dixon, graduating from high school in 1941. Married in 1944, she and her husband Francis Baker farmed the Baker farm (1839+) and raised their three children south of Mt. Morris.

Earleen Hinton

Polo’s Brock Soltow catches a pass as Milledgeville’s Konner Johnson defends Sept. 8. The play was negated by a penalty on Polo.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the interest of: Xenya Conti, a minor Case No: 2021 JA 40 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

To: Alysha Dwyer and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on June 6, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Xenya Conti, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on November 28, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights.

Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered Dated this 8th day of September, 2023 Kimbe rly A.

Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court

By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk

Clerk of the Circuit Court

By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk

September 15, 22, 29, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY, OREGON COUNTY, ILLINOIS THE CINCINATTI INSURANCE COMPANY A/S/O

NANCY K. RUSSELL, Plaintiff vs. CHRIS TOPHER M. MOSES, Defendant No. 2023LM1

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Notice is given to Christopher P. Moses that an action has been filed against you entitled “The Cincinnati Insurance Company a/s/o

Nancy K. Russell v. Christopher P. Moses”, Ogle County Case No 2023LM1 for which this case is to be heard before the court on pendency of publication on October 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. You may appear as you see fit or failure to appear at that time may result in the court taking further action for default as it deems necessary.

THE CINCINNATI INSURA NCE COMPANY A/S/O

NANCY K. RUSSELL, Plaintiff KGG, LLC

By: /s/ Lisa C. Holloway One of the Attorneys for Plaintiff

LISA C. HOLLOWAY, ARDC #6276518 KGG, LLC 111 North Ottawa Street Joliet, Illinois 60432 ( 815) 727-4511 lholloway@kggllc.com

Sept. 8, 15, 22, 2023 STATE OF

COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the E state of:

SAMUEL R. HEATH, Deceased 2023 PR 22

CLAIM NOTICE

on September 8, 2023, to SABRINA

HEATH, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEE NT H JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY - ORE GON ILLINOIS

Specialized Loan Servicing LLC

Plaintiff, vs. Aristela S. Villanueva; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claima nts Defendants Case No. 2022FC64 100 West Avenue G, Rochelle, IL 61068

Notice is given of the death of SAMUEL R HEATH. Letters of Office were issued on September 8, 2023, to SABRINA HEATH, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred

Judge John C. Redington NOTICE OF SALE

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate legal representative, or both 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on June 23, 2023, Brian E VanVickle will on October 13, 2023, at the hour of 10:00AM at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Administration Building, 103 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate legal representative, or both 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.

By: SABRINA HEATH

Independent Administrator

Commonly known as 100 West Avenue G, Rochelle, IL 61068 Parcel Numbe r(s): 24-25-278-008

The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence.

Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com

Sep. 15, 22, 29, 2023

By: SABRINA HEATH

Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The subject prope rty is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court. The property will NOT be open for inspection

Independent Administrator Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than the mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

tom@suitslegal com

Sep. 15, 22, 29, 2023

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For information call Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, One East Wacker, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone numbe r: 312-651-6700. Attorney file number: 22-031188.

I3228831

September 15, 22, 29, 2023

Turn those unwanted items into cash. Sell them in the Classifieds! They may be just the thing someone else is looking for.

from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later

Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate legal representative, or both

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.

By: SABRINA HEATH

Independent Administrator

Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C.

114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064

(815) 946-2276

tom@suitslegal com

Sep. 15, 22, 29, 2023

MONTANA 20th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, SANDERS COUNTY

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: ROXXAN

EVERLEE KUNTZCOOK, A minor child, by JENNIFER LYNN

MISENER, and ERIC KUNTZ, Co-Pet itioners.

Cause No. DA2023-03

ORDER SETTING

HEARING ON TERMINATION AND ADOPTION

MOLLY OWEN

This matter having come before the Court on Petitioner's Motion for Hearing on Termination and Adoption and good cause appearing therefor:

IT IS HERE BY

ORDERED , that a hearing is hereby set for the 24th day of October, 2023, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. in the courtroom of the Sanders County District Court in Thompson Falls, Montana. Any interested party may appear and show cause why the biological parent's rights should not be terminated and the Co-Petitioners should not be allowe d to adopt the child. Failure to appear at the hearing or otherwise respond constitutes

Montana. Any interested party may appear and show cause why the biological parent's rights should not be terminated and the Co-Petitioners should not be allowe d to adopt the child. Failure to appear at the hearing or otherwise respond constitutes a waiver of any intereted party's interest in custody of the child and will result in the court's termination of his/her rights to the child.

DATED this 19th day of July, 2023, /J. Manley District Court Judge for MOLLY OWEN

cc: Melissa Stones-Smith

Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OG LE COUNT YOREGON, ILLINOIS

Associated Bank

N.A PLAINTIFF Vs. Kenneth Hopkins II; Jennifer Nash; Heritage Credit Union; PNC Bank, National Association; Capital One, N.A.; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins;

Unknown Owners and Nonrecord

Claimants; Kipp Meyers, as Special Representative for Lesa K. Hopkins (deceased)

DEFENDANTS No. 2023FC39

NOTICE BY

PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Jennifer Nash

Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins

Unknown Owners and Nonrecord

Claimants

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit:

COMMONLY

KNOWN AS: 204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043 and w hich said Mortgage was made by:

Lesa K. Hopkins

Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No.

201201208197;

Lesa K. Hopkins Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No

201201208197; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Kimbe rly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 610611634 on or before October 2, 2023, A

DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED

AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiff

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(630) 794-5300

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

Our File No.

14-23-04179

NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector

I3228040

September 1, 8, 15, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC

PLAINTIFF, v.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF REX CORSON, DECEASED; DARREN CORSON; DAVID CORSON; DARIK CORSON; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; AMIR MOHABBAT, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF REX CORSON, DECEASED; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; DEFENDANTS

CASE NO.: 2022FC55

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 357 PHYLLIS AVE ROCHELLE, IL 61068

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: DARREN CORSON

UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS that Plaintiff commenced this case in the Circuit Court of Ogle County against you and other defendants, for foreclosure of a certain mortgage lien recorded against the real estate desc ribed as follows: LOT NINE (9) IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN EARL CLEVELAND SUBDIVISION NO. 3 IN THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 25 AND PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 25 IN TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK H OF PLATS ON PAGE 80A IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FLAGG, THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS Common Address: 357 PHYLLIS AVE ROCHELLE, IL 61068 PIN: 24-25-329-020

Said mortgage was executed by REX CORSON, as mortgagor(s) and MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA MORTGAGE LLC., as mortgagee, on 7/14/2021 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois as Document Number 202105614.

You have been sued. Read all documents attached to this Summons. To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Summons called an "Appearance” and a document called an “Answer/Response” The Answer/Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/Response on time, the court my decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case.

After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to electronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-fi le, you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/efiling If you cannot e-file, you can get a n exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail.

You may be charge d filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees.

It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case in-person or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visit the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this.

Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for information about going to court, including how to fill our and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Summons can be found at ilcourts.info/forms. Other documents may b e available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's office or website.

¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envie un mansaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833411-1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobra los casos de la corte y cómo completer y presenter formularios.

Unless you file your Appearance and Answer/Response in this case in the office of the clerk of this court by 10/01/2023 A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OR DECREEE BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED FOR IN THE PLAINTIFF'S COMP LAINT.

Paul Massey 6293311

Robertson Anschutz Schneid Crane & Partners, PLLC 205 N. Michigan Suite 810 Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: (561) 241-6901

E-mail: ILmail@raslg.com

File: 22-032762

THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR 8190-935615

September 1, 8, 15, 2023 935615

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEE NT H JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY - ORE GON ILLINOIS

Specialized Loan Servicing LLC

Plaintiff, vs. Aristela S. Villanueva; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claima nts

Defendants Case No. 2022FC64 100 West Avenue G, Rochelle, IL 61068

Judge John C. Redington NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on June 23, 2023, Brian E VanVickle will on October 13, 2023, at the hour of 10:00AM at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Administration Building, 103 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

All that certain parcel of land situate in the County of Ogle and State of Illinois, being known as Lot One in Block Six Vassar Addition to the City of Rochelle; Situated in the County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

Commonly known as 100 West Avenue G, Rochelle, IL 61068

Parcel Numbe r(s): 24-25-278-008

The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence.

Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The subject prope rty is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court. The property will NOT be open for inspection

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than the mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For information call Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, One East Wacker, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone numbe r: 312-651-6700. Attorney file number: 22-031188.

I3228831

September 15, 22, 29, 2023