OGLE COUNTY
By ALEXA ZOELLNER
Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney (left) responds to a question from an audience member during the school board meering July 19 as school board member Corey Buck listens. Ogle County school superintendents said they will comply with the statewide mask mandate.
azoellner@shawmedia.com OREGON – Whether students must mask up in Ogle County schools is out of the hands of local leaders. On Aug. 4, Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order mandating that masks be worn in Illinois schools by students, staff and visitors age 2 and older who are medically able to tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. The order also applies to day cares, nursing homes and longterm care facilities. It brings the state in line with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. The mandate forced a swift change of plans for Oregon, Polo and Forrestville Valley school districts, all of which plan to obey the order, according to their respective superintendents. If a district doesn’t comply, it risks losing state funding and insurance coverage and is opened to additional liability. “In general, our families have been pretty good and understanding that this wasn’t a local decision,” said Tom Mahoney, Oregon Community Unit School District superintendent. “But, obviously, they’re frustrated with the sudden reversal. “They’re feeling unempowered because of the change that occurred from the governor’s office,” he said. Officials from Oregon, Polo and Forrestville Valley school districts in late July released back-to-school plans recommending – but not requiring – masks, except on district transporta-
Earleen Hinton file photo – ehinton@shawmedia. com
tion. The plans included COVID-19 mitigation measures that would be adjusted throughout the 2021-22 school year based on local data. As of Aug. 6, Ogle County’s seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 test positivity rate had increased to 4.5%, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The data is on a three-day lag. Pritzker’s order essentially takes away local control and the ability to use local data to determine what’s best
for an individual district’s students and community, Mahoney said. Now, a municipality’s positivity rate doesn’t matter – everyone is subject to the same restrictions, he said. Polo Community Unit School District Superintendent Kelly Mandrell said she has seen a variety of reactions to the executive order. “It’s been a mix,” Mandrell said. “However, our board understands – and we feel our community understands – there’s a point when it’s out of
our hands.” The main objective is to keep the children safe and educate students, which is what the district plans to do, she said. “We’re going to keep moving forward,” Mandrell said. “We really appreciate the community’s support during this time.” Forrestville Valley School District Superintendent Sheri Smith could not be reached for additional comment before deadline.
MT. MORRIS
Jamboree: Chicago Tribute Anthology to perform Aug. 20 The Bel-Airs Aug. 13
Missouri-based blues and rock band The Bel-Airs will make their debut at the Mt. Morris Jamboree on Friday, Aug. 13, presenting a free twohour concert starting at 7 p.m. Fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars, with Michael Cherry on drums, The Bel Airs play a danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul-and-rock ’n’ roll sound influenced by the likes of Wilson Picket, Slim Harpo, Howlin’ Wolf and Johnny Cash.
Chicago Tribute Anthology Aug. 20
The Chicago Tribute Anthology will perform a free two-hour concert on Friday, Aug. 20, from 7-9 p.m. In April 1969, a new rock ’n’ roll band burst onto the scene garnering
nationwide attention. Born in the Midwest and infused with elements of jazz, blues and Latin influences, the first album by “Chicago Transit Authority,” or CTA as they were commonly known, went double platinum. Such hits as “Beginnings,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Question 67 & 68” propelled the band to popularity. “With a rock rhythm section led by the brilliant guitarist Terry Kath, a powerful horn section, and unique vocals, the band now known simply as ‘Chicago’ released their second album in January of 1970,” Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben said. “Considered by many to be the band’s breakout album, Chicago 2 would also go platinum with hits like ‘Make me Smile,’ ‘Colour My World’ and ‘25 or 6 to 4.’ ”
Chicago became a dominant force in popular music during the 1970s, producing at least one new album each year. This period was marked by the release of classic songs like “Free,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Dialogue,” “Just You ’n Me,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” “Call On Me” and “Old Days,” to name a few. “CTA brings to life the ‘Golden Age’ of Chicago by meticulously recreating many of the great songs from the first 11 albums,” Ubben said. Members include Tom Anderson, Paul Bata, Terry Geraci, Paul Mabin, Chuck Parrish, Reed Pauley, Dan Peters and John Springbrunn. Concessions for the evening will be provided by the Mt. Morris Senior Center, serving pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, chips, soda, water and baked goods starting at
6 p.m. “The campus will be extra festive that evening as the 6th annual National Strawsculpting Competition continues, with new sculptures on display all around the south end of the Campus until Aug. 29,” Ubben said. The Radical Botanicals show continues at the Encore Art Gallery next door on the first floor of Old Sandstone, open from 6:30-9 p.m. Local small business vendors will often be joining us on the campus with fresh produce and crafts as well as Grandpa’s Ice Cream truck. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Pinecrest Grove Community Center, 500 Evergreen Lane, seven blocks south of Route 64 off McKendrie Street.
OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 13, 2021
Area superintendents: Mask rules ‘out of our hands’
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