Issuu

VOLUME 155 NO. 46 • SERVING THE FORRESTON AREA SINCE 1865

Friday, March 12, 2021 • $1.00

FIELD PREP

COUNTY NEWS

And...Action

A ﬁlm crew shoots scenes at two Oregon locations. / 5

LOCAL NEWS

Cleanup Continues

Demo crews are busy cleaning up at the Kable plant demolition. / 4

Investigation Ongoing Police

are still investigating the death of a 7-year-old Oregon boy. / 3

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

Brent Smith was busy tending to the football field at Forreston High School on Tuesday. The Cardinals’ boys basketball season ended last week due to COVID-19. The first game of the football season was also cancelled. Story on page 10.

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 8 Birthday .................... 9 Business News......... 4 Classiﬁeds ........ 18-20

Colbert Column ....... 7 Oregon Police..........13 Otto’s Column .......... 6 Polo Chamber .......... 6

Property Transfers..15 School News ............ 9 Sheriff Activity........13 Sports...................... 10

DEATHS Published every Friday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Kenneth James Green, Velva R. Unger, Page 15

Forreston Journal / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

FORRESTON BEAT

FORRESTON WOMEN IN HISTORY oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 815-632-2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County. Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-732-2520 MondayFriday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com. You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe. CLASSIFIED SALES 815-632-2554 ksauer@shawmedia.com

OBITUARIES 815-632-2534 phartman@shawmedia.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition LEGAL NOTICES 815-632-2565 khoffmiller@shawmedia.com SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com News Editor Jeff Helfrich 815-632-2590 jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Rickstie Koper farmed, drove, taught and ran a dry goods store with her sister

Editor’s Note: In conjunction with March being Women’s History Month, Kathy Pasch has written a series of articles on women in history from Forreston. This is her first submission.

BY KATHY PASCH Rickstie Koper came into the world on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 1889. As she was predicted to be a stillborn, the three Forreston doctors present focused on the mother as there already were five children in the family and the father said he needed his wife most. When Dr. Winston finally blew three breaths into the baby’s mouth, she gave a little squeak and so life began for Rickstie. Rickstie was destined to go it alone. She graduated from Forreston High School in 1906 as a class consisting of one student. During WWI when her older brother Menno left on the troop train for Camp Grant, he said, “I’ll have to leave Ma and Jennie in your care, I thought I’d always be here and you could get married, but I won’t be back.” His premonition was true, and shouldered with the responsibility of a farm, sister, and elderly mother, Rickstie never married. She milked cows, cleaned barns, shocked oats, picked corn, pitched hay and hitched broncos. Rickstie’s mother died on her birthday

AT LEFT: Rickstie Koper holds her high school diploma in this 1906 photo. ABOVE: She is shown in an undated photo. in 1923, leaving her and younger sister Janna remaining at home. Together they ran a dry good store commonly known as “The Marshall Field’s of Forreston” as it carried everything from “soup to nuts”. The sisters were often known to say, “We have it, if we can find it.” Their cash register was a teacup behind the counter filled with change. A long bench was the gathering place for the children as they listened to Rickstie’s stories. Those stories are what set her apart from other teachers. Her original “Bunny Hare” tales would often extend recess well into the afternoon. Her stu-

dents called her Rickstie, never Miss Koper. She taught for nearly 40 years at numerous country schools including Marr, Maple Hill, Chambers Grove and Gravel Pit. Rickstie lived through WWI and WWII and was an active member of the Women’s Relief Corps. Rickstie had her own car at a time when many women did not even drive. She touched the lives of many. A former student described her as the first real career woman they ever met. Rickstie died in 1963 at the age of 74.

Advertising Sales Patty Bridgeman 815-632-2555 pbridgeman@ shawmedia.com

Forreston Journal, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times,

Oregon Republican Reporter, and Polo’s Tri-County Press.

The FORRESTON JOURNAL (USPS No. 205-520) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Forreston, Illinois. POSTMASTER Send address changes to FORRESTON JOURNAL, P.O. Box 237, Forreston, IL 61030. Phone 815-732-2520. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021

Photos supplied by Kathy Pasch

This is an old photo of what the inside of Koper Dry Goods in Forreston looked like. Rickstie is on the left and her sister Janna on the right. The store was on Walnut Street around where the parking lot for Solutions Bank of Forreston is now located.

COUNTY NEWS

Sheriff: Water searches to begin weather-permitting BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Multiple agencies searched more than 100 acres near the Rock River and Illinois Route 2 March 5 for a missing Byron man, but turned up no leads, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. Brandon Cuddy, 27, went missing the night of Dec. 26. His snow-covered car was found damaged on a steep riverbank 11 days later, in the 9000 block of Route 2 in rural Byron. Two days of searches immediately afterward by law enforcement and the family also came up empty. “Today we have Illinois-Wisconsin Search and Rescue and the Illinois Search and Rescue Coalition doing a ground search,” said VanVickle, who organized the effort. “We had discussions over a couple months, and they searched a wooded area west of the crash site, about 100 acres.” About 50 people and 12 dogs conducted the search, which included areas north and south of the crash site. After searching the initial planned area, additional searching was done north and south of the crash site. No other ground searches are planned at the moment, but river searches by the sheriff’s office and Christian Aid Ministries will take place next week, weather permitting, VanVickle said. Possible rain or high water levels could change that plan, which calls for searchers to begin near the crash site and work south. When Cuddy’s car was found, officials said they feared he may have ended up in the river. Low temperatures and the large amount of snow and ice prevented search efforts it recent weeks; last Friday was the first day the weather made searching possible, VanVickle said. “There’s still quite a bit of snow in the woods,” he said. “They were looking through drifts by hand with poles. Searchers were 16 feet apart. It was tedious. It was part of the plan from the beginning.” Ogle County is part of the Illinois Search and Rescue Coalition, which is made up of different agencies from all over the northern half of Illinois, including McHenry, LaSalle and Kendall counties and the Quad Cities. Cuddy’s family members have been searching the area on their own when weather allowed since he went missing. After being critical of law enforcement’s lack of searches during the winter, his brother, Billy, thanked the sheriff’s office on Facebook Friday for searching. “Brandon Cuddy has been missing for 69 days,” Cuddy’s Facebook post said. “Today, multiple agencies are conducting a search in the area where we found his vehicle. A big thank you to Ogle County Sheriff’s Office for organizing the search. “If you’re out there, B, we’re going to find you.”

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Search crews gather before heading out to look for Brandon Cuddy on the afternoon of March 5 north of Byron. The 27-year-old went missing Dec. 26; his car was found, damaged and covered in snow, 11 days later north of Byron, on the west bank of the Rock River.

Friends and family of Brandon Lynn Cuddy have posted information on this flyer as they search for him following the discovery of his car along a steep bank of the Rock River, north of Byron.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

Multiple agencies conduct ground search for missing Byron man, but turn up no leads

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

COUNTY NEWS

Investigation continues into 7-year-old’s death Update could come in 1-3 weeks after all autopsy results are in BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville says that the investigation into the death of seven-year-old Nathaniel Burton is ongoing and an update will come following a full autopsy and toxicology report in 1-3 weeks. On Feb. 17, Burton, son of Bryan E. and Sarah L. (Safranek) Burton, was pronounced deceased after OPD responded to a 2:35 a.m. 911 call for a

seven-year-old that was every day. The Sheriff’s not breathing at a residetective division has dence in the 400 block of done a couple follow ups with peripheral parts of South 10th Street. After the investigation,” MelCPR attempts, Burton was transported to KSB ville said. Hospital in Dixon where Melville said his he was later pronounced department has spodeceased. ken to the Department No arrests have been of Children and Family Services about the made, and the investiNathaniel Burton gation into what officials case and DCFS is aware have confirmed as a of the investigation. He potential homicide continues. declined to say what those conversaMelville said OPD is the lead tions consisted of. agency on the investigation and he’s Oregon Police has had experiencbeen working with the Lee County es in the past responding to calls at Coroner’s office and the Ogle Coun- the home where Burton was found deceased. ty State’s Attorney. “We meet with them pretty much “We’ve had experiences in the

past with the family,” Melville said. “Numerous calls to the residence. I don’t want to say what they’re in reference to because a lot of it is juvenile and medical information.” A vigil was held the night of Feb. 23 in honor of Burton. “Whenever you have a child die in a small town, all the kids know him and a lot of the parents do too,” Melville said. “It’s tough. A couple hundred people attend a vigil. It’s a tough situation and our guys are working hard. We’ve gotten the help we’ve asked for from everyone. It’s not easy.” Melville said to expect further details in the coming weeks. “After the autopsy is complete you’ll hear from us,” Melville said.

BUSINESS NEWS

Kable Printing demolition is in cleanup phase BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The partial demolition of the old Kable Printing Plant in Mt. Morris is now in the “cleanup phase,” Village Trustee and former Kable Printing employee Jerry Stauffer said. “Everything coming down is down already,” Stauffer siad. “Now it’s cleanup work, separating metals from other materials and debris. They’ll be crushing the debris left and disposing of it. I would say they have another three weeks to a month. That’s just a guess. It’ll take a while to crush what’s left.” The demolition of roughly 25 percent of the plant at 404 S. Wesley Avenue is being done to upgrade the property for a future sale. The demolition has taken place over recent months. The property has been owned by Phoenix Investors of Milwaukee since 2018 when that firm purchased the 644,000 square-foot plant property for $200,000. Stauffer was an employee at the plant for over 20 years and said the parts demolished were remodeled too many times. “From a historical standpoint it’s sad,” Stauffer said. “But I’m looking at it as part of the rebirth of our community. They’re spending a lot of money to do this. I think when it’s cleaned up and repaired, it’ll be easier to find a tenant.” Stauffer said new gas and water lines will be run into the building and repairs will be done for the walls that are now exterior walls. “I’m very optimistic they wouldn’t spend all this without faith in a future lease,” Stauffer said. The village’s economic development group will be selling salvaged bricks later on for an undetermined cost, Stauffer said. Bricks will also be placed on a planter around the village’s new LED sign at Sterling Federal Bank as well as at Wesley 1895, a butcher shop and restaurant business that’s going into the

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

Johler Demolition workers of Arlington Heights were busy Tuesday separating metal from other debris at the old Kable Printing facility in Mt. Morris. downtown. “Some of the history will be salvaged,” Stauffer said. The plant was in operation for 114 years and shut down in 2013 after also operating under the names of Quebecor and World Color. Phoenix purchased the property from Mt. Morris Business Park LLC, Downey, Calif., which has no connection to the Village of Mt. Morris. Mt. Morris Business Park LLC bought the property in March of 2013 for $375,000. According to a 2018 article in the Milwaukee Business Journal, Phoenix Investors specializes in buying large, vacant industrial buildings, updating them, and leasing them to new tenants.

Quad/Graphics Inc., based in Sussex, Wisconsin, ceased production at the plant on May 13, 2011, ending 113 years of printing at that location. The business was originally called Kable Brothers Printing and was founded in 1898 by twin brothers Harvey and Harry Kable. For decades Kable Printing was the village’s largest employer, at one time providing jobs for more than 2,000 people. Quad/Graphics, Inc., acquired the Mt. Morris plant in January of 2010 when it purchased Worldcolor Press, Inc., for $1.3 billion. Johler Demolition, of Arlington Heights, is the company doing the demolition work.

SPECIAL EVENT

Christmas themed movie to use city’s name when released BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com After being taken down at the end of January, Christmas decorations had to be put back up late last month at Pinehill Inn Bed and Breakfast in Oregon. A made-for-TV movie, the name of which is still under wraps, was shot on site from Feb. 26 until March 1. Scenes were also filmed at Sinnissippi Trees Farm & Forest in Oregon for the holiday movie. “They found this location on the internet when searching for bed and breakfasts,” Pinehill Owner and Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said. “Boy meets girl at Christmas, they kiss under the mistletoe and they meet at a B & B. They thought Pinehill fit what they wanted and shot it here.”

Williams said there were 25-30 crew members and a small staff. They worked 12-hour days and shot inside and outside Pinehill. The shooting done at Sinnissippi involved the movie’s stars cutting down a Christmas tree. The crew waited to film outdoors until the weather was warm enough. Ari Golan, the film’s producer, called his time in Oregon “a great experience.” He and his crew had tried to find locations closer to Chicago, but landed on Oregon after seeing its qualities. “Looking for a victorian mansion surrounded by pine trees, Pinehill looked like it had been built straight from our script,” Golan said. “Sinnissippi was the epitome of a tree farm. It had a beautiful view and we took a great drone shot.” Golan said the network the movie will be shown on is yet to be determined. The movie will be shown domestically and internationally. “It was the quaint, picturesque town we were looking for,” Golan said. “The locations looked like they

See MOVIE, Page 16

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

Movie filmed at Oregon B &B, Christmas tree farm

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

LOCAL HISTORY

Rock River Trail follows river through two states Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK “The Rock River Trail offers 320 miles of beautiful river to discover, starting in Waupun, Wisconsin, north of the Horicon National Park Wildlife Refuge and ending where it flows into the mighty Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois.” The Rock River Trail is a system of recreational trails on and along the Rock River that goes through 11 counties in Wisconsin and Illinois. The Rock River Trail Association has established a 320 Mile Award for those individuals who reach the goal of doing the whole 320 miles of the Rock River Trail, whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling or driving. Beginning in the late 1980s Rockford native and Rock River Times newspaper editor and publisher, Frank Schier, spent much of his time studying the Rock River, canoeing as well as driving along its shores many times. In 2010, under his leadership, a group of public and private people from Rockford, Winnebago and Ogle Counties established the Rock River Trail Association. They obtained permission to use the Federal Shield of the National Park Service to frame the trail’s logo. The first Rock River Trail conference was held in Rockford in April of 2010. This trail initiative was embraced by city and county planners, park districts, conservation organizations, water sports suppliers and local, state and federal political leaders. There are several trails to explore at 25 locations along the Rock River Corridor. Trail routes listed are bike routes, hiking routes, horse routes, air route, art route, his-

tory route and chocolate route etc. One brochure is titled “Find Famous Art along the Rock River Art Trail.” “One of Wisconsin’s most hauntingly beautiful sculptures can be found in Waupun, Wisconsin at the Forest Mound Cemetery. Clarence Shaler commissioned Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft to create this memorial to his wife in 1921. Recording Angel, showing a seated angel with eyes closed contemplating the opened Book of Life before it, was the result. The nine-foot bronze rests against a 16-ton piece of granite at Blanche Shaler’s grave. This is the only Taft sculpture in Wisconsin.” The history route includes the following for the city of Oregon. “The city of Oregon was first organized under an act of the Illinois General Assembly which was approved on April 1, 1869. By the 1870s the town of Oregon and nearby area was home to around 2,000 people. “James Gale was elected the city’s first mayor on March 21, 1870 and four other men, Christian Lehman, W. W. Bennett, George M. Dwight and George Jacobs, were chosen as alderman. “On March 28, 1873 the city was reorganized because an act of the Illinois Legislature which allowed municipalities to incorporate as cities and villages. In 1920 the Oregon City Hall was constructed on the perimeter of the city’s commercial district and it has been the center of city government ever since.” Another Rock River Trail information bulletin lists the 17 Rock River dams, giving safety precautions about canoeing on the Rock River.

POLO CHAMBER CHATTER Downtown Project The Chamber is busy working on a project for our downtown area. Watch for details soon!! Garage Sales The All Town Garage Sales will be the last weekend in April. Save the Date Mark your calendars for “The Original Polo, Illinois 32nd Annual Car Show” on Aug. 14. Details coming soon. Business After Hours If you are interested and would like to host a Business after Hours or Breakfast before Business call the Chamber at 815-946-3131.

Images supplied by Otto Dick

Lorado Taft’s “Recording Angel” is located in Waupun, Wisconsin, where the Rock River begins. It is located at the Forest Mound Cemetery. Clarence Shaler commissioned Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft to create the memorial to his wife in 1921. It shows a seated angel with eyes closed contemplating the opened Book of Life before it. The nine-foot bronze is the only Taft sculpture in Wisconsin.

LIONS CLUB FUNDRAISERS Certificates of Recognition The Polo Chamber of Commerce would like to issue Certificates of Recognition to any Polo Chamber of Commerce business members who are celebrating five years of being in business, or those with five-year increments of being in business in Polo. Contact us so that we can announce your special business celebration during our Annual Dinner. Get the Word Out Contact The Polo Chamber of Commerce at (815) 946-3131, polochamber@gmail.com, or mail to P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064 if you would like to post your event on the Chamber Sign, Chamber Website (www.polochamber.org), Chamber Face Book Page and/or the Chamber Chatter.

Polo Lions Club offers roses, carnations The Polo Lions Club’s Annual Rose Day Sale is March 20. Roses are $20 per dozen and carnations are $10 per dozen. Pre-orders are encouraged by contacting a local Polo Chamber member or Lions member or by calling Chris Casper at 815994-0234.

Mt.Morris Lions Club selling roses, carnations The Mt. Morris Lions Club is selling roses and carnations. Roses will be $15 per dozen. Carnations are $12 per dozen. Flowers can be picked on April 24 up at Paul Smith’s office in Mt. Morris, 2 W. Hitt St. If flowers arrive early, pick-up will be April 23. Pre-ordering are encouraged. To order, contact Rod Avey, 815-734-3056, or Paul Smith’s office, 815-734-6250.

SPORTS COLUMN

hat do we take away from the Covid-shortened basketball season? Not much. Locally, it was rather a blasé affair. If you’re going to have as down year, this was the time to do it. Polo had solid girls team, but what hope is there when the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the state are not only in your conference, but also in the same division? Brutal. Here’s a neat story in boys basketball. On Saturday, Scales Mound (enrollment 61) beat the No. 2 team in 1A, Indian Creek, 96-86. Scales Mound has the potential to be another Ohio, which also had about 60 kids when it finished second in the state in 1986. Scales Mound, with the bulk of its scoring done by juniors, should be even better next season. Interestingly, Indian Creek came into the game with its only previous losses to powerhouses DeKalb and Rockford Lutheran. DeKalb, a few miles up the road from Indian Creek is undefeated in 4A. Lutheran is ranked No. 1 in 2A. Some schools have gotten very creative in taking on all comers, while other have relegated themselves to conference only games. Lutheran rolled through the BNC and the future looks bright with a star 6-foot-9 freshman making an impact. Not only that, but after being in 3A and 4A, the Crusaders have the good fortune of being in 2A

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

based upon the IHSA’s success formula. After Lutheran, there were about 6-7 teams fairly even and Oregon, North Boone and Mendota at the bottom of the pack. Winnebago and Dixon topped out the girls side, with Byron, Rock Falls and Stillman close behind.

OHS Bowlers State-Caliber The most distinguished sport accomplishment this winter was by the Oregon girls bowling team, a genuine state-caliber program. Most of the elite were assembled for an unofficial state tournament in Rockford a couple weeks ago and the Hawks took third to Lockport and Harlem, with Rebecca Meyers (1,305) only three pins away from the individual championship. Oregon added to their resume with a win in the 9-team Dixon Invite, with Alysa Conley leading the way with a 6-game series of 1,245 to claim first. This would have been the year for the Hawks to

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Football Games Next Week The first football games will kick off next weekend. One casualty is the Dakota-Forreston game because of Covid, which also shut down Cardinal basketball. To allow plenty of time between basketball and football, the BNC will start a week later on March 26 and only play five games instead of the allotted six. With natural grass conditions as they are, several BNC and NUIC teams are playing games on artificial turk in places like Freeport, Harlem, Auburn and Sterling. Galena is headed out of state to Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Good to hear that the state is going from 50 people per sporting event to 20 percent capacity. Curious how capacity will be determined at various playing fields when bleacher and natural standing areas are combined.

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make a run for a state trophy, with a senior-laden group of Conley, Hannah Kaltenbrun and Rebecca and Sammatha Meyers. Credit to coach Eric Carlson for the excellent job in leading the way. And, it is tough being a coach in a sport that is in a decline. A recent article in the Sauk Valley paper told of the Morrison bowling alley closing after 70 years because of declining play. In the early 90s, there were 525 league bowlers. Now, there is less than a 100 and most of those are advanced in age.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

COVID-19 basketball season was a “blasé” affair

LOCAL HISTORY

The Making of the Bomb in Oak Ridge - Part 5

On Aug. 21, 2020 I wrote an article about the involvement of my aunt and uncle in the making of the atomic bomb at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I received several comments from others how they too had family members taking part in that Manhattan Project. A number of weeks later my cousin sent me a picture of my aunt in the nursing home beside her bed that had a beautiful quilt on it. On the quilt was a book titled, “The Girls of Atomic City.” While the snow and ice makes it treacherous for me to get out, I am going to give you numerous details of what it was like to be a part of that time in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The book answered many questions for me and you may be interested in what I found out as I read this book published in 2013 by Denise Kiernan. The storyline follows 16 women and 12 men who played a part in their lives. The author called them the “principal cast of characters.”

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

This New York Times bestseller tells the true story of the top-secret World War II town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the young women brought there unknowingly to help build the atomic bomb.

t was August of 1945 and a torrent of secrecy came flooding out. The words that had been contained for months echoed across the Oak Ridge complex. Toni at her job as secretary found the phone ringing incessantly as women babbled across the phone lines. Katie at her job as a janitor now felt she knew what the building she had been cleaning was used for. Toni finally had to call her husband Chuck to see what was going on. Surely he would know what was happening but he hung up on her after she uttered the words, “It’s a BOMB!!!” Virginia, who had been a chemist, and had worked in the chemical department, had been ready to go on vacation when she was told to cancel it. “You might not want to go anywhere right now” she was told. “Whatever it is” they continued, “it’s about to happen.” Puzzled, she wondered what is going on! Rosemary, a nurse in the clinic, had been gathered around Dr. Rea’s radio in the clinic at eleven o’clock along with other medical personal. Rosemary thought it must be something important. That day in August had been like any other hot day in the summer until the radio started broadcasting. It was President Truman. Hours before an atomic bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima and the news came out that would shock the entire world. The president continued

Photos supplied by Betty Obendorf

This is the caption that accompanied the images in “The Atomic City” book. “Billboards and posters extolling patriotism and discretion were found throughout the United States during World War II. Images throughout Oak Ridge reminded residents to work hard and keep quiet about what went on inside their fences.” in his address to the people and eventually he mentioned Oak Ridge as a site where parts were made for the bomb. When the words Oak Ridge came out, it was not any longer about a bomb. It was about a secret that had just been revealed. No longer was the secret to be kept. It was out in the open what the Manhattan Project was all about. People ran for phones, windows were thrown open, and shouts could be heard. Many remained stunned as they attempted to process what they had heard and that they were part of making an atomic bomb. Some of the women had already guessed it but the men that day remained quiet and pensive. My uncle was one of those. He simply never spoke

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of it and never told what he did. In fact, he made light of what he did and told my aunt he just played cards with the guys. My aunt was one of those who watched the dials on machines and perhaps recorded what they said. She had several places that she would check. Years later at the age of 95 she spoke of it to her daughter when my cousin Doris questioned her about her work. We were at war and men were dying. Pearl Harbor had made a lasting impression and my aunt had brothers in the service. The women were all working for a cause and that was to end the war.

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Dated this 25th day of February, 2021. Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk

COVID-19 & SCHOOLS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Oregon School District Superintendent Tom Mahoney said Tuesday night that the district will be utilizing an extra remote learning day Wednesday after staff members got their second round of COVID-19 vaccinations Monday. “Unfortunately, there is a significant portion of our staff who are still experiencing side effects

from the second dose of the vaccination and will not return to work tomorrow,” Mahoney said. “Without these staff members, we cannot adequately staff our buildings, and as a result, tomorrow will be a remote learning day. Each building principal will be communicating with families this evening with more detail.” Mahoney apologized for any inconvenience to families via

Facebook on Tuesday. The district had no school in-person or online when it received the vaccines Monday and had a remote learning day Tuesday. OCUSD staff got its first round of vaccines on Feb. 8. 163 of 230 district staff members participated in the vaccine clinics, which were put on by the Ogle County Health Department at the Blackhawk Center.

CHURCH NEWS

Caldwell installed as new pastor at Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren

The Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren held a Service of Installation on March 7 for their new Pastor, Rev. Rodney Caldwell. Rev. Jonathan Shively, a representative of the Illinois & Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren, officiated. Caldwell grew up on a farm in west central Illinois and is a graduate of Western Illinois University. While studying agriculture he felt called to ministry through experiences in campus ministry and a shortterm mission trip to East Central Africa. He attended Moody Bible Institute and earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado. He has been an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren for 30 years and has served several churches in Northern Illinois. He also has experience in social services, having been an addiction counselor for many years. He has served as Chaplain of Pinecrest Community (formerly Brethren Home) in Mt. Morris for the past 6 years and will continue in that position. Pastor Caldwell has a passion for the church as the body of Christ and seeks to share with others the good news of God’s love and grace proclaimed in the Bible and experienced in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Rodney Caldwell and wife, Denise pose with their children, Kathryn, William, Rebecca and Larry. The Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren is pleased to Welcome Pastor Rodney, his wife Denise and their children, Katherine, Larry, William and Rebecca to the church and the community. The church is located at 409 W. Brayton Road in Mt. Morris. You may contact the church at (815) 734-4573 for more information. Caldwell may be contacted via email at: mmcobpastorrodney@gmail.com.

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Dorothy Clothier of Polo will celebrate her 90th birthday March 19. She was born to Edward and Gertrude (Marschang) Vock on March 19, 1931, in Milledgeville. She was married to the Dorothy Clothier late Donald Clothier. She has four children, Jean (Dave), Jeff, Charlie (Kris), and son, Courtney (deceased). Her five grandchildren, Joe (Amy Sue), Julie (Scott), Amy Lynn (Ian), Kara (Rob) and Calvin (Kristin), great-grandsons, Casey, Tyler and Carter, and great-granddaughter, Kyah, complete her family. A family celebration will be held at a later date. Cards may be sent to 207 N. Congress Ave., Polo, IL 61064.

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Ogle Democrats turned holiday dinner into meals for many Ogle County Democrats usually gather for their annual holiday dinner in December but because of the pandemic and with food insecurity at a record high, instead of gathering together, members voted to help feed those in need. The vote was unanimous; money that members typically spend on that dinner has been donated to Ogle County Food Pantries.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

Remote learning day after vaccinations Clothier to

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

SPORTS & COVID-19

Remainder of Forreston boys basketball cancelled First football game also falls victim to COVID-19

Saturday we’ll be testing more to make sure we’re safe. We don’t want individuals to feel bad.” Smith’s letter said multiple individuals involved with boys basketball and football tested positive and a total of 26 student athletes were identified as close contacts. Zick described having to cut the basketball season short as “heartbreaking.” Forreston got 10 games in during the already-shortened season. “We plan to get five football games in,” Zick said. “The motto is play every game as if it were your last.” Zick, who is also Forreston’s head football coach, said his team will still be ready despite calling the later start “unfortunate.” The lack of preparation for all area teams will level the playing field some, Zick said. “Every team will have rust,” Zick said. “We’ll come together as a team and make it work. The hope is we only miss one game. We’ll have enough practices for week two on March 26 unless we’re thrown

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Forrestville Valley School District Superintendent Sheri Smith said in a March 4 letter that the remainder of its varsity boys basketball season would be canceled due to individuals testing positive for COVID-19. “Today, March 4th, we became aware individuals involved with our boys’ basketball and football programs, tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results. As a result of the known positive test, administration and Nurse Nelson worked through the list of close contacts and immediately separated the individuals from the classrooms. As we are currently in overlapping sports seasons, a total of 26 student-athletes were identified as close contacts and are required to

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

Forreston’s Tommy Appel puts up a shot between Eastland’s Drew Burkholder, Kellen Henze, and Jaxson Sturtevant during a Feb. 20 game in Forreston. quarantine as determined by IDPH guidelines,” she said in the letter. Forreston’s football season start will be delayed as well. Athletic Director Kyle Zick said on Tuesday that the current plan is for Forreston to start its season against Milledgeville on March 26 after canceling

its first game against Dakota. “We ended up with several kids affected,” Zick said. “We had to quarantine enough players that it wouldn’t be safe to do week one of football. We don’t want to disclose the number of positives. We’re offering a lot of tests to a lot of kids and

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another curveball.” Zick said that due to protocols in place, in-person school was never in jeopardy due to the COVID-19 situation. “We couldn’t finish basketball, but we’re able to practice with the available players,” Zick said. “We’ll get the majority back this week. The thing is, with eight kids or 45, it’s still football.” “COVID-19 has created many obstacles throughout the past year and adding athletics to our calendar has created another challenge. We remain committed to participating in our sports seasons, knowing a situation like this is always possible. While I am very sorry for our affected student-athletes, coaches, and families, I am grateful for the opportunities and willingness for everyone involved to follow the parameters as required. Our desire to keep our students and staff healthy will remain our priority as we continue navigating the weeks ahead,” Smith said in the letter.

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11 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

March 2 Boys basketball Milledgeville 51, Polo 39: The Missiles used a 15-2 scoring edge in the third quarter to pull away for an NUIC South win at home over the rival Marcos. Treyton Selman scored 29 points for Milledgeville, which led 25-20 at halftime before stretching the margin to 40-22 after three quarters. Kieren Harris finished with 11 points. Tyler Merdian’s 16 points paced Polo, and Gavin Zell added eight. Forreston 55, Amboy 52: The Clippers dropped a tight NUIC South contest at home. Trevor Vaessen had 13 points, shooting 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, and Preston Henkel scored 12 for Amboy, which trailed 28-24 at halftime and 39-37 after three quarters. Connor Simpson finished with 10 points, Tucker Lindenmeyer had nine, and Brady Jones added eight for the Clippers, who shot 20-for-22 from the foul line as a team. Boys bowling Oregon 3,468, Erie-Prophetstown 2,843: Led by medalist Kyle Strite’s 653 Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media series, the Hawks topped the Panthers Polo’s Bennet Soltow tries to collect a loose ball against Fulton during Saturday action

Continued from Page 10

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

dropping the opener 1,111-1,104. Tori Baker rolled games of 202, 223 and 215 for a 640 series, and Kaylie Yocum had a 202 second game and 225 third in her 606 series for Dixon. Leslie Pettorini opened her 585 series with games of 206 and 201, Grace DeBord started her 548 series with a 201 game, and Tianna Bryson closed her 533 series with a 203 game. Alysa Conley bowled a match-high 668 series for Oregon, opening with a 264 game and closing with a 213. Sammantha Meyers and Rebbeca Meyers both rolled 616 series; Sammantha had games of 210, 202 and 204, while Rebbeca closed with games of 220 and 223. Ava Wight added a 522 series.

• SPORTS ROUNDUP

Continued from Page 11

in a dual at Town & Country Lanes in Mt. Morris. Lucca Sweetser led EP with a 604 series, and Michael Miner added a 553. March 3 Boys basketball Dixon 72, Oregon 44: A strong second and third quarter led the Dukes to a win at the Blackhawk Center. Jacob Gaither scored 22 points, 16 of those in the second. Riley Abell and Drew Roby then took over in the third, scoring six points each in that period. Abell finished with 13, and Roby had nine. Joey Gelander led the Hawks with 11 points. Owen Ketter added eight. Oregon led 12-11 after one, but the Dukes scored 30 points in the second quarter to take a 41-30 lead into halftime. Dixon then tacked on 18 points in the third. Girls basketball Amboy 50, Forreston 21: The topranked team in the state in Class 1A picked up another NUIC South win at home. The Clippers got 14 points and four assists each from Mallory Powers and Abi Payne, with Powers adding six steals and Payne nabbing five. Gabby Jones had eight ponts and six rebounds, Olivia Dinges finished with six points and eight rebounds, and Brianna Blaine had four points and also grabbed eight rebounds. Madelyn McLaughlin pulled down five rebounds and dished four assists for Amboy. Amboy held the Cardinals to two points in the first quarter, taking a 16-2 lead, then led 33-6 at halftime and 44-12 after three. Polo 54, Milledgeville 40: The Marcos went on the road and won the Battle of the Blacktop matchup.

Boys swimming Byron 101, Auburn 85: The Tigers won nine of the 12 events in a no-relay meet in Rockford. Dixon junior Carson Faley won the 50 freestyle (22.77 seconds), the 100 butterfly (54.12), the 100 free (49.05) and the 100 backstroke (56.56) for the Byron co-op. Adam Goelitz and Nathan Bell were double-winners, with Goelitz taking Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media the 200 freestyle (2:00.43) and the 50 Polo’s Joey Bardell rebounds against Fulton on March 6 in Fulton. butterfly (27.17), and Bell winning the 200 IM (2:06.10) and 100 IM (58.05). Polo broke a 12-12 tie after one quartime lead before using a 14-6 third-quarAndrew Juric added a victory in the 50 ter with a 19-point second quarter to ter surge to take control in an NUIC breaststroke (35.79). lead 31-21 at halftime, then led 44-29 South rivalry game in Milledgeville. March 6 after three. Treyton Selman poured in 32 points Boys basketball Alex Dusing led a balanced Marcos for the Missiles, hitting all 10 of his free Fulton 66, Polo 46: Connor Barnett attack with 13 points. Becca Wagner throws. Kieren Harris added 13 points, scored 25 points to pace Fulton in a added 10, Lindee Poper scored nine and and Nicholas Smith had five. 66-46 win over Polo on Saturday. PatMarah Blake added eight. Tyler Merdian paced Polo with 15 rick Wiebenga added nine. The Steamers Adriana Miller led the Missiles with 20 points, Logan Kindle scored seven, and improved to 11-1 for the season. points, getting eight of those in the first Gavin Zell, Parker Wolber and Cooper Girls basketball quarter and six more in the second. Ali Blake all pitched in with six points Aquin 64, Forreston 33: Forreston Mertz added 11. apiece. fell to Aquin in Freeport. Paityn Broshous March 4 Girls bowling led Forreston with 12. Maddie HildebBoys basketball Dixon 3,283, Oregon 3,245: The rand led Aquin with 20 points. Milledgeville 58, Polo 48: The MarDuchesses pulled out a close dual victocos led 16-15 after the opening quarter, ry over the Hawks at Plum Hollow, winSee SPORTS ROUNDUP, Page 13 but the Missiles grabbed a 29-25 halfning the second and third games after

“Your Next Fence”

The Family of Donald E. Ebens Would like to thank family and friends for the heartfelt sympathy, phone calls, cards with comforting, kind words and memorial contributions. We would also like to thank the Ogle Co. Sheriff’s Dept., Ogle Co. Coroner, and Oregon EMT’s.

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• SPORTS ROUNDUP Oregon 47, North Boone 25: The Hawks beat the Vikings in the consolation round of the Big Northern Tournament. Hadley Lutz led the Hawks with 14 points. Elizabeth Mois added 11. Lily Gillingham scored eight. March 8

Trish Patterson/Photo

Polo’s Lindee Poper fights for the ball during action against Milledgeville.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity. March 1 At 9:21 a.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 310 building of the Lover’s Lane apartment complex resulting in the arrest of Alexander L. Pierce, 25, of Oregon. Pierce had left the scene and was subsequently stopped in the 800 block of S. 10th Street where he was charged with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic battery. Pierce transported to the Ogle County Jail. March 5 Christy M. Oleson, 30, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 6:09 p.m. for oper-

The Hawks closed out their season with a dramatic double-overtime win in Big Northern Conference Tournament consolation pool play. Liam Dickson shot 13-for-17 from the free-throw line and led all scorers with 22 points for Oregon (4-13), which led 24-19 at halftime and 36-34 after three quarters before the teams went into overtime tied at 47-all. Owen Ketter scored 19 points, and Joey Gelander

added 11 for the Hawks. Girls basketball Oregon 34, Mendota 33: The Hawks won at the Blackhawk Center in their season finale, rallying from a 26-23 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Hadley Lutz had nine points, and Mariah Drake scored seven for Oregon (6-10), which led 21-16 at halftime. Ella Martin scored six, and Liz Mois finished with five.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Oregon’s Joey Gelander comes down with the ball between Dixon’s Ryan Pitzer and Beau Evans during the March 3 game at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF ating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred in the 200 block of East Washington Street. One parking ticket and three verbal warning issued March 1-7.

Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. General Calls for Service Through dispatch March 1-7 Checking a Subject / Vehicle .......... 6 Citizen Complaints ............................ 2 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem.......... 8 Assist EMS / Other Department ......1 Disturbance / Domestic Battery..... 4 Vehicle / Building Lockout................3 911 Hang-up / Open Line...................1 Traffic Stops ..................................... 10

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity. March 2 At 9:54 a.m. deputies along with the Forreston Police Department, Forreston Fire and the Forreston Ambulance responded to a two-vehicle accident with injuries on Illinois 26 at Coffman Road. A Ford F-250 pulling an enclosed trailer was following a red Ford Fusion southbound on Illinois 26. The Ford Fusion slowed to make a left turn onto Coffman Road when the Ford F-250 failed to yield to the Ford Fusion. The Ford F-250 rear ended the

Ford Fusion causing the Ford Fusion to cross over Illinois 26 and come to a stop in the east ditch. The Ford F-250 came to a stop on the roadway. The driver of the Ford Fusion, Roger F. Kilker, 84, of Forreston and his passenger, Audrey R. Kilker, 83, of Forreston, were transported to Freeport Memorial Hospital by Forreston EMS and Freeport EMS with minor injuries. The driver of the Ford F-250, Daniel P. Reif, 54, of St. Paul, Minnesota refused medical attention. Reif was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. See SHERIFF ACTIVITY, Page 14

13 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

Continued from Page 12

Boys basketball Stillman Valley 57, Rock Falls 44: The Rockets were outscored 37-25 in the second half of a Big Northern Conference Tournament consolation semifinal on the road. Luke Akerman poured in 20 points to lead Rock Falls, and Gavin Sands hit three 3-pointers and finished with 12 points. Oregon 64, North Boone 58, 2OT:

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

IN THE COURTS

Rochelle man pleads guilty to wire fraud BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com A Rochelle man pleaded guilty Tuesday to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining at least $150,000 from a non-profit business association, a United States Attorney press release said. Scott Koteski, 58, a former employee of the City of Rochelle, was selected by the city to sit on the board of directors of a non-profit business association that provided broadband internet technology to smaller municipalities in northern Illinois. According to the written plea agreement, starting in 2011, Koteski was selected as the treasurer of that

• SHERIFF ACTIVITY

Continued from Page 13

Kelly Truell, 31, of DeKalb, was arrested at 1:53 p.m. for driving without a license and speeding after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 20,000 block of East Illinois 64. Truell was given an I-bond for his citations and was released from the scene. At approximately 2:51 p.m. deputies responded to the 5,000 block of South Lowden Road in reference to a traffic crash. A S-10 truck driven by Tobias Knapp, 21, of Sterling was northbound on South Lowden Road approximately a half mile south of Lighthouse Road. He was attempting to pass another vehicle in a double yellow no passing zone and struck a 2,500 Chevrolet truck head on that was traveling southbound, driven by James Bertsch, 61, of Oregon. Neither driver sustained injuries. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Knapp was cited for improper passing and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and given a March 31 court date in Oregon. Deputies were assisted by Oregon Fire and ambulance. March 3 Steven Croffoot, 26, of Pearl City was arrested at 10:15 p.m. for disorderly conduct and resisting a peace officer after deputies responded to the 500 block of South Ash Avenue in Forreston in reference to a disturbance. Croffoot was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released to correctional staff and held in lieu of bond.

association. As treasurer, Koteski handled the invoicing and billing of the member municipalities, and as of February 2012, Koteski had signatory authority on the association’s bank account. From September 2012 through April 2018, Koteski fraudulently obtained at least $150,000 from the association, which he used for his own benefit without the association’s knowledge or consent. Koteski wrote numerous checks to himself from the association’s bank account, which he deposited into his personal bank account for his personal benefit. Koteski concealed his acts by writing false information on the memo line to make it appear

March 4 Jody T. Willis, 44, of Hillcrest, was arrested on an Ogle County arrest warrant for five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, class X felonies. The arrests stem from an investigation the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office began in Aug. 2020 in which Willis is alleged to have had sexual contact with a female minor. Willis’ bond was set at $500,000 (10 percent applies). Rueben C. Burgess, 31, of Rochelle was arrested at 9:30 a.m. for defrauding a drug and alcohol screening test after deputies responded to the Ogle County Probation department. Burgess was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond. March 5 Keith Harrod, 56, of Byron was arrested at 1:02 p.m. for driving while license revoked after deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Front and Union Streets in Byron. Harrod was additionally issued citations for no valid registration, illegal transportation of alcohol and operating an uninsured vehicle. Harrod was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond. Antaas Porte, 25, of Rockford was arrested at 10:43 p.m. for driving on a revoked license and improper cannabis container-driver after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Impala in the 20,000 block of East Illinois 64 for an equipment violation. Porte was trans-

the checks were for reimbursement of personal monies Koteski spent for the association when, in fact, Koteski was not entitled to reimbursement. Additionally, according to the plea agreement, in 2018, Koteski made online payments from the association’s bank account to a credit card company to pay for balances on his personal credit card and to an online loan financing company to pay for balances on Koteski’s loan. Koteski faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or gross loss result-

ing from that offense, whichever is greater. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing for Koteski is set for June 29 at 10 a.m. The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Emmerson Buie, Jr., special agent-in-charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Illinois State Police assisted in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Paccagnini.

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

complaint on a Chevrolet Silverado that was reported to be driving all over the roadway. Deputies located the vehicle at Illinois 64 and Church Road in rural Rochelle. Massolle was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Hannah Rothermel, 33, of Woosung was arrested at 5:34 p.m. for no valid driver’s license after deputies initiated a traffic stop in the 5,000 block of South Lowell Park Road. Rothermel was also cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Rothermel was released on an individual bond at the scene.

March 6 Rogelio Ibarra, 31, of Rockford was arrested at 12:50 a.m. for driving whilr under the influence, unlawful possession of cannabis over 30 grams and improper lane usage after deputies stopped a vehicle in the 6,000 block of North Stillman Road in rural Stillman Valley for a traffic violation. Ibarra was confined at the Ogle County Jail in lieu of bond. Megan Bushland, 24, of Oregon was arrested at 10:13 a.m. for driving while license revoked after deputies performed a traffic stop in the 2,000 block of South Illinois 2. Bushland was additionally issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle. Bushland was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was held in lieu of bond. Tykee McDonald, 20, of DeKalb was arrested at 7:55 p.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Illinois 64 and Mulford Road for a speeding violation. McDonald was issued citations for speeding, no insurance and driving on a suspended license. McDonald was released on a notice to appear with a court date of March 31 at 9 a.m. Daniel L. Massolle, 54, of Oregon was arrested at 8:16 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage after deputies were dispatched to the area of Illinois 64 and Esmond Road to investigate a driving

Kandras Martin, 23, of Dixon was arrested at 9:25 p.m. for no valid driver’s license and on an outstanding Lee County warrant after deputies initiated a traffic stop in the 1,000 block of South Ridge Road in rural Oregon. Martin was also cited for speeding. Also arrested was passenger Nicholas Maxey, 21, of Loves Park for possession of a controlled substance. Martin and Maxey were both transported to the Ogle County Jail where they were held in lieu of bond. March 7 James Stinnett, 42, and Stephanie Smith, 34, both of Rochelle were arrested at midnight for domestic battery after deputies with the assistance of the Illinois State Police responded to the 6,000 block of South Joanne Avenue in rural Rochelle for the report of a domestic disturbance. Stinnett and Smith were transported to the Ogle County Jail where they were held without bond pending a court appearance.

Kenneth James Green, died Thursday March 4, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born July 9, 1937 in Mt. Carroll, the son of Cecil J. and Elnora A. (Kness) Green. Kenneth graduated from Stockton High School in 1955. He was married to Jane Carroll in 1955 and had four children. He married Shirley Hoffmann Schurbon, and her five boys, in June of 1968 they had another daughter and son. Kenneth is survived by 11 children, three daughters, Sherry (Bob) Worley, Susan (Tom) Slater, and Renee (Jon) Ludwig; eight sons, Scott (Lana) Green, Eugene (Kathy) Green, Robert (Angie) Green, William Green, Steven (Kathy) Green, Ronald (Laura) Green, Kevin (Sonia) Green, and Patrick Green; two brothers, Jerry Green and Dennis (Mary) Green; one sister, Carol (Dell) Cross; brothers-in-law, David Kaiser, Joe

(Doris) Hoffmann; sisters-in-law Verna Powell, LaVonne Tillis, Janis (Jerry) Burken, and Connie (Julius) Kuberski; 35 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; sister, Connie Kaiser; sisters-in-law, Reta Green, Phyllis Berthel, and Lois McClimon; brothersin-law, Gerald Hoffman, John Berthel, Gerald Berthel, Jack Tillis, and Lawrence Powell and Rae McClimon. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, helping on the farm, going to the casino, Casey’s Donuts, sitting at the “Table of Knowledge”, and spending time with friends and family. A private family mass will be held Friday March 12 at 10:30 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Freeport. A visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday March 11 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Burial will be in St. Wendelin Cemetery in Shannon. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Forreston Lions Club

Summer Ball Program and the Forreston New Life Center Food Pantry in Kenneth’s memory.

H. Reed and Debbi C. Dennison, 5600 E. State Route 64, Chana, $516,500. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to His Corner LLC, 713 Franklin St., Oregon, $54,148. Charleys Pharmacy Inc. and Haisch Pharmacy Services PC to Silsbee Group LLC, 110 E. Mason St., Polo, $11,500. Rachel S. Greer to First Choice Rentals LLC, 153 N. Perene Ave., Byron, $125,000. Brandi Everling and Chad Carter to First Choice Rentals LLC, 1028 N. Kingsway Lane, Byron, $129,936.

and two parcels in Buffalo Township, $0.

VELVA R. UNGER MT. MORRIS – Velva Rosalie Unger, 97, formerly of Dixon, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris. Velva was born on May 10, 1923 in Polo, the daughter of John & Neva (Coffman) Gatz. She graduated from Polo, High School class of 1942 and she attended Palmer Chiropractic School. Velva married Donald W. Unger on Sept. 10, 1942 in Dixon and he preceded her in death on July 3, 2007. Velva was a school bus driver for 16 years and Chief Deputy for the Lee County Housing Authority, but most of all, she was a homemaker raising her children.

She was a founding member of Open Sesame Childcare Center, Dixon, and she mentored many refugees. Velva is survived by her children, Jean (Tom) Johnson of Rockford, Dennis (Becky) Unger of Manchester, Indiana, and Ann Flessner of Winchester, Virginia; grandchildren, Dawn (Randy) Clark, Matthew (Lindsy) Unger, Amy (Kyle) Unger, Laura (Jeremy) Flessner, Chris (Beth) Flessner, and Clint (Teresa) Flessner; great-grandchildren, Alissa Clark, Erica, Nathan, Trent, Sara, and Chase Flessner, Lilly and Grayson Unger, and Ayla and Lennon Leffel; great-great-grandchildren, Rosalie Clark and Kevin McCallister; brother, Lorin Gatz; and several nieces and nephews. Velva is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; sister, Lila Kaufman; brother, Marvin Gatz; and infant brother, Irvin Gatz. Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Camp Emmaus, P.O. Box 128, Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS These Ogle County property transfers were recorded the week of Feb. 26 March 4. Warranty Deeds Yu Tan Zheng and Li Rong Lin to Heather C. and Rachael D. Bumber, 816 N. Third St., Rochelle, $97,000. David Scott Gatz to Andrew R. Wilt and Audrey Moon, 128 S. Fox Run Lane, Byron, $259,000. Davidson of Creston LLC to Amanda Z. Rocha, 101 N. Woodlawn Road, Creston, $144,000. Kevin Brockwell and Kenda Kersten to Johnson Lincoln Partners LLC, one parcel in Buffalo Township, $972,191. Eva A. Rainwater to Alan and Vicki Rainwater, 106 South St., Davis Junction, $119,000. Clarence W. and June C. Hasz to Philip W. Hasz, 10499 E. Shagbark Lane, Rochelle, $295,000. Chad H. and Ashley M. Hanson to Bradley J. and Cassandra A. Hartel, 749 N. Belair Drive, Byron, $226,000. John W. and Violet J. Ebens to Jason

Quit Claim Deeds Steven J. and Jennifer E. Sheaffer to Kyle W. and Amy K. Sheaffer, one parcel in Woosung Township, $418,067. The late Beverly J. Mezo by heirs to Connie S. Lipscomb and Brenda L. Morris, 107 N. Jackson Ave. and 412 E. Colden St., Polo, $0. Larry K. Moring to Larry Moring and LSFM LLC, 7230 N. Mile Road and 9027 W. Town Line Road in Forreston, one parcel on Town Line Road, Mt. Morris

Trustee’s Deeds Marilyn C. Goken Declaration Trust, Katherine King, trustee, to Luann Goken Marx, 1251 Springdale Drive, Rochelle, $0. Elizabeth Erdman Family Trust, Peter M. and Elizabeth V. Erdmann Trust and the late Elizabeth V. Erdmann, Peter M. Erdmann, trustee, to Aaron D. and Michael J. Book, 849 E. Lighthouse Road, Oregon, $880,000. Leroy A. Pederson Living Trust, Randal L. and Cynthia S. Pederson trustees, to Daren S. and Tonya J. Poppen, 4946 E. Ashelford Drive, Byron, $155,000. Kristie A. Logan Trust 2008, Kristie A. Logan, trustee to Brix M. and Emily A. Byers, 2671 E. Breckenridge Drive, Byron, $467,000. Williard G. and Evelyn L. Meyer Trust 1, Williard G. and Evelyn L. Meyer, trustees, to Benjamin R. and Heather J. Faivre, one parcel in Buffalo Township and 11866 W. Pines Road, Polo, $698,852.

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John D. and Pamela S. Lichty Declaration Trust, John D. and Pamela S. Lichty, trustees, to David N. and Jenny A. Farley, 19224 E. Quarry Road, Davis Junction, $540,000. Bieber Trust, Cathy L. Zimmerman, trustee, to Daryl and Melissa Butts, 307 N. Sixth St., Oregon, $144,000. Joseph H. and Amy K. Schumacher Trust, Joseph H. and Amy K. Schumacher, trustees, to Michael J., Todd M., and Timothy J. Greenfield, one parcel on Woodburn Road and three parcels in Byron Township, $2,399,769. Executor’s Deed The late Barton E. Payne by executors to Jeffrey C. and Melissa S. Wagner Payne, one parcel in Monroe Township, $0. The late Susan M. Benesh by executor to Dawn M. Jensen, 1176 S Daysville Road, Oregon, $110,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Email: news@oglecountynews.com

15 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OBITUARIES KENNETH JAMES GREEN

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

• MOVIE

Continued from Page 5 were right off the storyboard. We traveled farther than we anticipated to do it.” Sinnissippi Tree Farm Owners Doug and Julie Conroy called the day of shooting at their site fun and interesting. Despite some snow melting, it was still difficult getting the crew to their desired sites in the conditions. A lot of the Sinnissippi signage and equipment was already back in storage behind built-up snow, but the crew got what it was looking for. “It brought back all those happy feelings of the seasons and it was a joy to share in the production,” Julie Conroy said. Golan said he looked at several other tree farms before deciding on Sinnissippi. Doug Conroy called being chosen an honor. After a busy season, some trees in shooting areas were gone. The Conroys said it still turned out well and some of their favorite personal areas on the farm were chosen by the crew. “It’ll be a special feeling to see it,” Doug Conroy said. “Most of the cast and crew were from other parts of the country. But they were so nice and respectful. They were in and out of our personal home during the shoot. They were great and so coordinated.” Williams said he felt pride during the process as both Pinehill owner and mayor. “They’ll be leaving the name Oregon, Illinois in the movie,” Williams said. “Those people find love in Oregon. The crew ate at and patronized businesses in town. Oregon’s name

This is what some of the filming looked like when scenes were shot at Sinnissippi Tree Farm, southeast of Oregon. in the movie will show what a great town we have.” Golan said the movie was originally planned to be set in a fictitious town in another state. But he decided to keep Oregon’s name, feeling it fit well. There’s also a nod to Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville. The movie’s police chief will have his

last name. Williams said hospitality businesses like his have been among those hit the hardest during the pandemic, and he appreciated having a full house for four days. The entire crew was COVID-19 tested before the shoot and everyone on set wore masks with the exception of talent on camera.

Photo supplied

The filming was the first in the area since August 2018 when scenes for HBO’s Lovecraft Country series were shot at White Pines State Park and rural roads near Polo. “The community was very interested,” Williams. “We put a Facebook post up explaining the decorations. People drove by and took a look. They didn’t bother the crew.”

LEFT: An interior scene is shot at Pinehill Inn Bed and Breakfast. RIGHT: Members of the filming crew navigate through the snow at Sinnissippi Tree Farm.

Photos supplied

AGRICULTURE NEWS

Two local farmers have won awards in The National Corn Yield Contest, sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association. The contest recognizes farmers from across the country for their efforts and exceptional results. Melissa Yocum of Oregon, placed first in the state in the D:No-Till Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 307.3369 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was

AgriGold A6499 STXRIB. David Luepkes, also of Oregon, placed second in the state in the G:No-Till Irrigated Class with a yield of 303.9185 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was AgriGold A6579 VT2RIB. Yocum and Luepkes were two of 506 state winners nationwide. The 2020 contest participation included 7,844 entries from 48 states. Of the state winners, 27 growers – three

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from each of nine classes – were named national winners, representing 12 states. The average yield among national winners was more than 346 bushels per acre – greater than the projected 2020 U.S. average of 175 bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers’ overall production categories topped out at 476.9052 bushels per acre. The average yield among national winners was more than 346 bushels per acre – greater than the projected 2020 U.S. average of 175 bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers’ overall production categories topped out at 476.9052 bushels per acre. “In hindsight, 2020 looked much different for all of us. For farmers, the year brought unique challenges, true tests of their determination, grit and ability to persevere. As always, America’s farm families did not waiver in optimism or commitment. That dedication, along with eyes holding the future steadily in their gaze, allowed farmers

to find abundance, opportunity and success in an unforeseeable time,” said NCGA President John Linder, a corn grower from Edison, Ohio. “Farmers relied upon an innovative nature and ability to adapt practices while adopting technologies. They did more with less. They planned for the future, focusing on both environmental and economic sustainability. Drawing from knowledge rooted in tradition while exploring ever evolving choices, farmers used the best of both old and new to provide food, feed and fiber for the world.” Farmers are encouraged through the contest to utilize new, efficient production techniques.

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OGLE COUNTY FARM BUREAU Serving Agriculture in Ogle County Since 1917 421 W. Pines Rd., Oregon, IL 61061

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

Two local farmers receive honors in state contest

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

101 p IN THE CIRCUIT Oregon-Nashua, COURT FOR THE County of Ogle and State of Illinois. FIFTEENTH D. A description of JUDICIAL the improvements CIRCUIT OGLE on the real estate COUNTY, is: Single family ILLINOIS UNION SAVINGS residence E. The time and BANK, Plaintiff, place of sale are: vs. RHONDA ROSE- April 23, 2021, at MARY RIESSEL- 10:00 a.m. at the deceased, Ogle County Public MAN, Building, LINDSEY KNOUP, Safety st BRENDON RIES- 202 S. 1 Street, Illinois SELMAN, UN- Oregon, KNOWN HEIRS 61061. AND LEGATEES F. The terms of the OF RHONDA R. sale are: 100% RIESSELMAN, UN- cash or certified KNOWN OWNERS, funds at time of UNKNOWN TEN- sale. Plaintiff asANTS, AND NON- sumes no responsibility for title exRECORD penses or closing CLAIMANTS, costs. Defendant. G. Title will be conNO. 20-CH-49 PUBLIC NOTICE veyed subject to all general real estate OF taxes which are a SHERIFF'S SALE Public notice is lien upon the real hereby given that estate, and subject in pursuance of the to special assessdecree entered in ments, if any, and this Court in the easements and restrictions of record. above-entitled cause on the 22nd H. If the sale is set day of January, aside for any pur2021, I, Brian E. pose, the purchasVanVickle, Sheriff er at the time of of Ogle County, or sale shall be entisuch other deputy tled only to a return as may be sitting in on the deposit his stead, shall sell paid. The purchasat public venue to er shall have no recourse the highest and further best bidder, the against the mortfollowing described gagor, the mortlands and premis- gagee or the mortes described in gagee's attorney. said decree, or so Dated at Freeport, nd much thereof as Illinois, this 2 day of March, 2021. may be necessary to realize the BRIAN E. VanVickamount due to sat- le, Sheriff of Ogle isfy said decree, County, Illinois upon the following This Notice preterms and condi- pared by: Stephen S. tions: A. The name, ad- Schmelzle Attorney dress, and tele- for Plaintiff 208 W. phone of the per- Stephenson Street, son to contact for Suite 201 Freeport, information regard- IL 61032 ing the real estate (815) 235-1188 is: Richard Wolfe, THIS IS A COMUnion Savings MUNICATION Bank, 223 W. FROM A DEBT Stephenson Street, COLLECTOR. March 12, 19, 26, Freeport, IL 61032; 2021 815-235-0800. B. The common IN THE CIRCUIT address of said COURT FOR THE property is: FIFTEENTH 405 S. 10th Street, JLJDICIAL Oregon, IL 61061 CIRCUIT C. The legal description of the OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS property is: Lot Ten (10) in Block Three SOLUTIONS (3) in Commercial BANK, f/k/a FORSTATE Addition to the City RESTON of Oregon; situated BANK, Plaintiff, in the Township of vs. LORAN M.

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MARCEAU, STEWART W. BETTNER, UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant. NO. 20-CH-52 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public notice is hereby given that in pursuance of the decree entered in this Court in the above-entitled cause on the 15th day of January, 2021, I, Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other deputy as may be sitting in his stead, shall sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder, the following described lands and premises described in said decree, or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said decree, upon the following terms and conditions: A. The name, address, and telephone of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: Carrie Haug, 996 W. Fairview Road, Freeport, IL 61032; 815-2352711. B. The common address of said property is: 203 Fourth Avenue, Forreston, IL 61030 C. The legal description of the property is: TRACT I: Lot Ten (10) in Block Six (6) in the Original Town of Forreston; situated in the Township of Forreston, County of Ogle and State of Illinois. TRACT II: The South 56 feet of Lot Eleven (11) in Block Six (6) in the Original Town of Forreston; situated in the Township of Forreston, County of Ogle and State of Illinois. D. A description of the improvements on the real estate is: Single family residence.

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E. The time and place of sale are: April 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ogle County Public Safety Building, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061. F. The terms of the sale are: 100% cash or certified funds at time of sale. Plaintiff assumes no responsibility for title expenses or closing costs. G. Title will be conveyed subject to all general real estate taxes which are a lien upon the real estate, and subject to special assessments, if any, and easements and restrictions of record. H. If the sale is set aside for any purpose, the purchaser at the time of sale shall be entitled only to a return on the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the mortgagor, the mortgagee or the mortgagee's attorney. Dated at Freeport, Illinois, this 2nd day of March, 2021. Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois This Notice prepared by: Stephen S. Schmelzle Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-1188 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. March 12, 19, 26, 2021

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HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KENT A. DEARBORN, JR., LISA GABRIEL AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF KENT A. DEARBORN, JR. UNKNOWN OWNERS and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants. No. 2021 CH 4 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF OGLE The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is given you, Rianon N. Rannow n/k/a Rianon N. Gendreau as mother and guardian of Zander Dearborn, Unknown Heirs At Law And Legatees Of Kent A. Dearborn, Jr. and Unknown Owners and Non-record Claimants, the defendants in the above-entitled action, that the action was commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, by the plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of it lien for dues and for other relief regarding the premises legally described as follows: Lot Eight (8) in Block Two (2) in the Town of Brookville, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book A of Plats, Page 305, in the Recorder's Office in Ogle County, Illinois, situated in the Township of Brookville, County STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE of Ogle and State CIRCUIT COURT of Illinois. P.I.N. 06-27-151OF THE 006 FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL COURT Common Address: 17944 West Young OGLE COUNTY FIRST STATE Street, Polo, IL BANK SHANNON- 61064 Date and place of POLO Plaintiff, recording: Decemvs. RIANON N. RAN- ber 21, 2018; Ogle NOW n/k/a RI- County Recorder's ANON N. GEN- Office, Oregon, IL 61061. DREAU, mother Identification of and guardian of recording: ZANDER DEAR- Document No. BORN, a minor, 201806942. UNKNOWN

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Summons was duly issued out of the court against you as provided by law and the action is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you one of the above-named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the action or otherwise make your appearance in the action, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Ogle County Judicial Center, Oregon, Illinois 61061, on or before April 12, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that date and a decree entered in accordance with the prayer of the complaint. Dated: March 3, 2021 Circuit Clerk Kipp E. Meyers Meyers & Shaulis, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff PO Box 114 Lanark, IL 61046 (815) 493-2334 kem@meyersand shaulis.com March 12, 19, 26, 2021 Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult) State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2020MR70 Request of: Katelynn Elise Grobe There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Katelynn Elise Grobe to the new name of: Tate Axel Grobe Court Date: March 25, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. At 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon Ogle County, Courtroom #202 Katelynn Grobe March 5, 12, & 19, 2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY OREGON, ILLINOIS Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. PLAINTIFF

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Vs. Danielle Koehler; et. al. DEFENDANTS No. 2019CH84 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 02/19/2021, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on April 9, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PART OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, IN TOWNSHIP 24 NORTH, RANGE 9, EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT 823 FEET WEST AND 226 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 26, THENCE NORTHERLY PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 156.03 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 99 FEET; THENCE SOUTHERLY PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 156.03 FEET; AND THENCE WESTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4, 99 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, IN THE VILLAGE OF

LEGAL NOTICES

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MOUNT MORRIS, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN 08-26-380-010 Improved with Single Family Home COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 410 Barbara St Mount Morris, IL 61054 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and 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. If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If the property is located in a common interest purcommunity, chasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any and assessment legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the

LEGAL NOTICES

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sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. 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: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Road, Frontage Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-19-09616. I3165056 March 12, 19, 26, 2021 Call 815-625-3600 to announce weddings or engagements in Celebrations!

VOLUNTEERS

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cause on the 22nd day of January, 2021, I, Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other deputy as may be sitting in his stead, shall sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder, the following described lands and premises described in said decree, or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said decree, upon the following terms and conditions: REAL ESTATE 200 A. The name, address, and telephone of the perIN THE CIRCUIT son to contact for COURT FOR THE information regardFIFTEENTH ing the real estate JUDICIAL is: Richard Wolfe, e CIRCUIT OGLE Union Savings / COUNTY, Bank, 223 W. ILLINOIS Stephenson Street, rUNION SAVINGS Freeport, IL 61032; BANK, Plaintiff, 815-235-0800. vs. B. The common RHONDA ROSE- address of said MARY RIESSEL- property is: deceased, 405 S. 10th Street, MAN, rLINDSEY KNOUP, Oregon, IL 61061 BRENDON RIES- C. The legal deSELMAN, UN- scription of the KNOWN HEIRS property is: Lot Ten fAND LEGATEES (10) in Block Three OF RHONDA R. (3) in Commercial RIESSELMAN, UN- Addition to the City KNOWN OWNERS, of Oregon; situated UNKNOWN TEN- in the Township of yANTS, AND NON- Oregon-Nashua, RECORD County of Ogle and CLAIMANTS, State of Illinois. Defendant. D. A description of NO. 20-CH-49 the improvements PUBLIC NOTICE on the real estate OF is: Single family SHERIFF'S SALE residence Public notice is E. The time and Fhereby given that place of sale are: Fin pursuance of the April 23, 2021, at decree entered in 10:00 a.m. at the this Court in the Ogle County Public above-entitled F

REAL ESTATE 200 g y Safety Building, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061. F. The terms of the sale are: 100% cash or certified funds at time of sale. Plaintiff assumes no responsibility for title expenses or closing costs. G. Title will be conveyed subject to all general real estate taxes which are a lien upon the real estate, and subject to special assessments, if any, and easements and restrictions of record. H. If the sale is set aside for any purpose, the purchaser at the time of sale shall be entitled only to a return on the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the mortgagor, the mortgagee or the mortgagee's attorney. Dated at Freeport, Illinois, this 2nd day of March, 2021. BRIAN E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois This Notice prepared by: Stephen S. Schmelzle Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-1188 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. March 12, 19, 26, 2021 CARS815.com Search for local cars

REAL ESTATE 200

g IN THE CIRCUIT 996 W. Fairview COURT FOR THE Road, Freeport, IL 61032; 815-235FIFTEENTH 2711. JLJDICIAL B. The common CIRCUIT address of said OGLE COUNTY, property is: 203 ILLINOIS Fourth Avenue, SOLUTIONS BANK, f/k/a FOR- Forreston, IL 61030 RESTON STATE C. The legal description of the BANK, Plaintiff, property is: vs. M. TRACT I: Lot Ten LORAN MARCEAU, STEW- (10) in Block Six (6) the Original ART W. BETTNER, in UNKNOWN OWN- Town of Forreston; ERS, UNKNOWN situated in the TENANTS AND Township of Forreston, County of NON-RECORD Ogle and State of CLAIMANTS, Illinois. Defendant. NO. 20-CH-52 TRACT II: The PUBLIC NOTICE South 56 feet of Lot Eleven (11) in OF SHERIFF'S Block Six (6) in the SALE Public notice is Original Town of hereby given that Forreston; situated in pursuance of the in the Township of decree entered in Forreston, County this Court in the of Ogle and State of Illinois. above-entitled cause on the 15th D. A description of day of January, the improvements 2021, I, Brian E. on the real estate VanVickle, Sheriff is: Single family of Ogle County, or residence. such other deputy E. The time and as may be sitting in place of sale are: his stead, shall sell April 23, 2021, at at public venue to 10:00 a.m. at the the highest and Ogle County Public Building, best bidder, the Safety st following described 202 S. 1 Street, Illinois lands and premis- Oregon, es described in 61061. said decree, or so F. The terms of the much thereof as sale are: 100% may be necessary cash or certified to realize the funds at time of amount due to sat- sale. Plaintiff asisfy said decree, sumes no responupon the following sibility for title exterms and condi- penses or closing costs. tions: A. The name, ad- G. Title will be condress, and tele- veyed subject to all phone of the per- general real estate son to contact for taxes which are a information regard- lien upon the real ing the real estate estate, and subject is: Carrie Haug, to special assess-

REAL ESTATE 200

p ments, if any, and easements and restrictions of record. H. If the sale is set aside for any purpose, the purchaser at the time of sale shall be entitled only to a return on the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the mortgagor, the mortgagee or the mortgagee's attorney. Dated at Freeport, Illinois, this 2nd day of March, 2021. Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois This Notice prepared by: Stephen S. Schmelzle Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-1188 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. March 12, 19, 26, 2021

p a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 02/19/2021, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on April 9, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 08-26-380-010 Improved with Single Family Home COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 410 Barbara St Mount Morris, IL 61054 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied

against said real estate and 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. If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay assessment any and legal fees due under The Condominium Property 765 ILCS Act, 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The shall Purchaser have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale,

which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. bidProspective ders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. 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: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-19-09616. I3165056

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY OREGON, ILLINOIS Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. PLAINTIFF Vs. Danielle Koehler; et. al. DEFENDANTS No. 2019CH84 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to

March 12, 19, 26, 2021

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to ade vocate for children o in the Ogle County court system ine volved in abuse and neglect cases. r Your involvement t can impact a e child’s future. r Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar r roll.com a

REAL ESTATE 200

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, March 12, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305 ROCK FALLS 1 & 2BR Hampton Apts. 815-625-7043

STERLING Sinnissippi Townhomes Spacious 2/3BR 2 story townhomes Central air, Good location. Laundry hookup. (815)626-1130.

EMPLOYMENT

505

CDL DRIVERS Full time. Hourly pay with benefits. Contact Schoff Farm Service, Inc. Walnut, IL. 815-379-2777

LICENSED EXPERIENCED F/T NURSE 2-10 pm Please call for application: AVONLEA COTTAGE STERLING 815-626-5439

EMPLOYMENT

505

CDL TRUCK DRIVER

Winstead Pallet Salvage Hours are MonFri 6am to 3pm. Some days may be until 4:00. Deliveries are local. Please call 815-626-9545 to set up an appointment.

EMPLOYMENT

505

WANT TO BUY 795

MAINTENANCE PERSON

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, Antiques, etc. 24/7 779-245-2950

PART TIME St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Amboy 29 hours/week. Call Parish Office 815-857-2315 between 8am & noon to set up interview.

505

Position available Village of at Progress for nurse to work with adults having developmental disabilities. RN preferred but LPN will be considered. We are an experienced and dedicated staff serving the needs of adults with developmental disabilities in the Oregon area. You will be working in a team setting, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Primary responsibilities include: direct care and nursing which includes monitoring dietary needs and restrictions, blood pressure checks, med pass as needed, hoyer and standing lifts, safety orientation for new individuals, safety inservices, MSDS paperwork, case record paperwork, and charting. Submit resume and two letters of reference to Village of Progress, P.O. Box 418, Oregon, IL 61061 EOE

GREAT GARAGE SALES

IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Moring Disposal is accepting applications for CLASS “A” AND “B” CDL DRIVERS for waste collection routes. Ideal Class “A” driving candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of experience. Class “B” And limited experience Class “A” Candidates will be considered for commercial and residential refuse collection routes.All Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record as all positions require operating company vehicles. Moring Disposal offers an excellent wage and beneﬁt package including Medical, Dental, Optical and Life Insurance, and 401K.Also, crew members that perform at a consistently high level are rewarded with our weekly performance incentive bonus program. Apply in person at 2110 McNeil Rd., Rock Falls, IL 61071, between the hours of 8:00am & 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Moring Disposal conducts pre-employment and random drug screening.

LOOKING FOR QUALITY NEWSPAPER CARRIERS Routes Available Now Dixon

4th Ave, Graham, Hubbell (Rt. 3102 - 58 customers) 1st-4th Ave, Palmyra St, Hill Dr (Rt. 3107 - 83 customers) Marclare,Apple, Brinton,Washington (Rt. 3081 - 90 customers)

Sterling and Rock Falls

Several routes available! Call for more details.

Call for available Motor Routes!

est. 1851

CALL 815-625-3600 EXT. 5301 Telegraph • 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

840

DISABLED LIVESTOCK WANTED Top Prices Paid 815-871-2697 SCHAAP LIVESTOCK

The Top Selling Point In Real Estate is -

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Ogle County Classifieds is a great locations to place your Real Estate ad. Call 815-284-7653 or 815-626-7653 Now!

Inside Sales Representative Dixon, IL

Sauk Valley Media has a full-time opening for an Inside Sales Representative. Sauk Valley Media, part of Shaw Media, publishes two daily newspapers: the Telegraph and the Daily Gazette,nine weekly publications and also maintains a vibrant and timely online and social media presence. About This Opportunity: This position requires excellent relationship building skills, a positive team driven attitude, written and verbal communication skills, excellent phone skills, goal driven, multitasking ability, computer and typing skills, ability to manage deadlines, strong organizational skills, an eye for detail, and a proactive work ethic. About Shaw Media: Shaw Media publishes over 150 titles in Illinois and Iowa. Its holdings include websites, newspapers, magazines, a video production unit and a digital marketing services division. Founded in Dixon, Illinois, Shaw Media has been privately owned by the Shaw family since its inception in 1851. Enjoy the Rewards of WorkingAmong the Best: In return for your contributions to our success, Shaw Media offers a competitive benets package, including medical, dental, vision and 401(k) with company match, as well as opportunities to advance within the company. Apply Today! Please submit a cover letter and resume: Apply online: www.shawmedia.com/careers Or Mail to: Sauk Valley Media Human Resources 113 S. Peoria Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 est. 1851

Shaw Media is a Drug-Free Employer. Pre-employment background check and drug screen required. This posting may not include all duties of the position.

SEARCH FOR LOCAL CARS

EMPLOYMENT

505

EMPLOYMENT

505

POOL MANAGER ASSISTANT POOL MANAGER LIFEGUARDS

The Polo Park Board is now accepting applications for the positions of Pool Manager, Assistant Pool Manager, and Lifeguards for 2021. Desired qualifications and applications may be picked up at City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Avenue from 8am - 12pm (noon) and 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday or online at http://www.poloil.org/ Employment-Opportunities.html. Deadline for applications is 5pm on March 24, 2021 in City Hall.

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

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STERLING ROCK FALLS CHILDCARE

We are hiring! We are looking for Summer Help! We are looking for someone who: Loves being around children Loves interacting and teaching children new things Is a team player Someone who likes to have fun We are looking for Part or Full Time. We will be flexible with you and work with your schedule. If interested, email your resume & transcript (if available) to srfcc.center@sbmconnect.com or give us a call at 815-626-7397

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

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PARTS PERSON Sloan Implement at our LANARK location is currently looking for a Parts Person.

Some computer skills & machinery knowledge required. Please go online to:

www.sloans.com

to apply for the position and to see our Full Benefit package consisting of 401K, vacation & health insurance information.

26208 US HWY 52, LANARK, IL 815-493-2191 Sloan implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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OUTGROWING YOUR HOUSE?

Check Out The Great Houses Listed For Sale In Ogle County Newspapers’ Classified Ads.

Call 815-284-7653 or 815-626-7653 To Place Your Classified Ad