5 minute read
Library News
from Forreston Journal
by Shaw Media
HENDERSON, Nevada – Melvin “Mel” Paul Witmer Sr., 80, of Henderson, Nevada, formerly of Dixon, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He worked for Schwack at his retirement, and spent 42 years in graphic arts.
Mel was born May 18, 1940, in Polo, the son of H. Emerson and Mildred (Smith) Witmer. He married Theresa Long on March 14, 1959, in Chicago.
Mel was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon, and the Elks Lodge.
Mel had a passion for coaching at St. John of the Cross and had a competitive approach to making his basketball players great.
He loved the excitement of working in the city of Chicago and the beauty of the farm soil that was his heritage. Mel built his life on friendships and never passed the opportunity to make a new one. He enjoyed being the host of a party.
He loved seeing his family, especially grandchildren and great-grandson.
He loved talking to his friends and family on the phone. His greatest gift was the love and laughter he shared with others.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Theresa Witmer; two sons, Steven (Phyllis) Witmer and Melvin Paul (Deborah) Witmer Jr.; six grandchildren, Brandon Witmer, Drake Witmer, Chanell Witmer, Chase Witmer, Lance Witmer, and Morgan Witmer; one great-grandchild, Mason Freeman Witmer; and one sister, El Louise (Keith) Heitz.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents and both his brothers.
A funeral Mass was held on Monday, Feb. 1, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon.
Burial followed at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www. prestonschilling.com..
POLO LIBRARY
Library Open to the Public
The Polo Library building is now open for in-person browsing and computer use.
Curbside services will continue to be available during open hours. Masks will be required for entry.
Open hours will be Mondays - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesdays - 10 a.m. - 4.p.m., Wednesdays - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursdays - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fridays - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturdays - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Additional Curbside Services
We are still offering copy/print (.25/ Black and White .50/Color) and fax ($1/ page). We also offer home delivery at no extra charge for patrons who are unable to use curbside pickup. Please call 815-946-2713 for more information and to schedule an appointment or home delivery.
Long Overdue Items
Do you have an item from Polo Public Library that you’ve had for a long time? Maybe you’ve already received a bill notice for it or you’re afraid of how much you’ll owe when you bring it back. Any library item that is returned, in good condition, will be checked back in and the bill will be removed from your account! No fees! If you have any questions about this, give us a call at 815-946-2713.
Weather Closure Information
Polo Library does not follow Polo School District weather closures. Please check Facebook.com/pololibrary, WREX (TV), WLLT (107.7 fm - Radio), or call 815-946-2713 before heading to the Library in questionable weather.
Winter Reading Programs - All Ages Through Feb. 28
This winter, travel through reading! There is a “Passport to Reading” program, recommended for kids and students ages 0 - 6th Grade, or the “Travel the World through Reading” program for everyone else, 7th grade and up! For more information about the programs and to register, Visit pololibrary. readsquared.com. If you have any questions, or are unable to register online, please call 815-946-2713.
Teen Trivia Night on Zoom - Grades 6-12 - Wednesday, Feb. 17 - 6-6:45 p.m.
Get on Zoom with other teens to play trivia games on Kahoot! We will do Hamilton, Mean Girls, and Lasagna Making trivia games. First place winner gets a candy bar of their choosing! Register at pololibrary.org or on facebook.com/ pololibrary
TED Talk & Community Discussion
on Zoom - Thursday, Feb. 18 - 7 p.m.
Join with other members of the community to watch a short TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Talk together and share in discussion of the topic presented. No one will be required to share their thoughts or have their camera on in this no-pressure, laid back setting. Register in advance at pololibrary.org
Kids Trivia Night on Zoom - Grades K-5- Wednesday, Feb. 2 - 6:30 - 7 p.m.
Come to the Library after February 1st and pick up your “Trivia Night” kit then join Ms. Melanie on Zoom for some fun trivia. Everyone who participates will receive a prize!
Book Subscription Box - Grades 6-12
The book subscription box contains one book to read and some goodies. You pick the genre, we supply the book! Email library@pololibrary.org and ask for a Book Subscription Box form, fill it out, and we’ll call you to set up a pickup time when your box is ready! Read the book while you enjoy some treats, then return the book in the book drop.
Virtual Storytime - Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - Facebook.com/pololibrary
Every Saturday morning head over to Polo Library’s Facebook page or YouTube Channel (search “Polo Public Library”) to watch Ms. Melanie read a children’s story. They air each Saturday at 10:30am, but you can go back and watch them any time! If you have a book you’d like to hear read for Saturday Storytime, email Ms. Melanie at melaniew@ pololibrary.org.
POLO POLICE
Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood reports the following police activity.
Jan. 29
At 10:51 p.m. Gary Schreiner, 41, of Stockton, was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and a written warning no turn signal. Schreiner was released on an I-Bond.
Jan. 31
At 5:45 a.m., Erika Greenfield, of Polo, was issued a city ordinance ditation for a snow emergency parking violation.
At 5:45 a.m., Morgan J. Donaldson, 27, of Polo, was issued a city ordinance citation for snow emergency parking violation.
OGLE COUNTY ZONING
The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued in January.
James and Jeannette Richmond, Section 27, Flagg Township, agricultural storage building.
USCOC of Central IL, LLC, Section 27, Mt. Morris, remove, replace, relocate, and add equipment onto an existing telecommunications tower, $125,000.
Andrea Murray, Section 6, Oregon-Nashua, home occupation.
Ronald Weber, Section 11, Rockvale, replace residential accessory building destroyed by fire.
Randy Bulthaus, Section 2, Pine Rock, two private ground mounted solar arrays.
Better Place Forests, Co. Sections 27, 28, 33, 34, Rockvale, special use to allow Conservation memorial Forest in AG-1.
BP US Pipelines and Logistics, Section 22, Flagg, pipeline repair.
