For the Police

RALLY IN OREGON Residents turn out to show support for police

Around 50 people walk around Ogle County Courthouse

BY EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@oglecountynews.com

Around 50 people took to the sidewalks around the Ogle County Courthouse on June 20 to let local law enforcement officers know they have their support.

“We just wanted to show support for our police, fire, and EMTs,” said Diane Schrimpsher of Oregon, who suggested the event with her husband, Gary, on social media.

Those attending the “Police Appreciation Walk” walked around the historic courthouse square carrying signs that read “Ogle County Supports Our Police” and “We Support and Pray for Our Police.”

“I just mentioned it in on a Facebook group,” Gary said of the event. “I’m not an organizer. This isn’t by me – it’s by the community. You just see on TV everybody kicking the cops down and that’s not what average Americans want. We’re not disagreeing with anybody, except cop haters, the ones you see on TV throwing rocks and things.”

He said while there might be some “bad” police officers, the vast majority are not.

“There might be some that are bad, but they [protesters] make you think they are all bad, and it’s not that way,” Gary said. “We just started planning this a couple of days ago. It just goes to show that most of the community feels like we do.”

John Tuttle of Oregon said 99.9% of police “serve and protect.”

“That’s what they do,” Tuttle said. “I’ve always been treated well when

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

Diane Schrimpsher holds her sign in front of the old Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon on June 20. Schrimpsher, one of the organizers, is said she was demonstrating in support of law enforcement.

ever I’ve been stopped.”

Joy and Don Groenhagen, also of Oregon, took part in the walk to support local police.

“We think they need all our support now,” Joy said. “You can’t abolish cops. You have to have law and order, otherwise there’d be chaos.”

The Schrimpshers purchased 30 gift certificates from the Oregon Sunrise restaurant to give to local officers. They presented 9 of those certificates to Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville, who stopped by at the start of the walk.

“We love our community and we support our community,” Gary said. “I was so surprised by how many people drove by honking and waving.”

Gary Schrimpsher (left) poses with Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville and other marches at the start of the June 20 rally. Photo supplied

LOCAL HISTORY Buffalo Brook is very busy running under Polo

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society

Here we are to Father’s Day and it was to have been Town and Country Day’s Celebration in Polo.

Instead we are quietly celebrating at our homes with small groups of family.

I loved the picture on TV of many African American fathers with their children. We do not portray, in our nation, enough coverage of young African American father’s and their children. More emphasis needs to be made of how important fathers are to families.

Kenneth and I have been blessed with the help our children give to us.

When we moved it was our children who took over getting our needs accomplished. Susan handled the building of the handicapped ramp in the garage that has been a life saver for us. We do not even have to go outside.

Then Bruce took over the responsibility of putting in a whole new bathroom with a walk in shower and a heater in the ceiling. A warm bathroom is wonderful when you are ninety.

Then this week, Susan and Bruce supervised the third big project of a new driveway and sidewalks. The work that had been previously done in the fifties was now very dangerous for anyone walking on it.

Kenneth had added that to our list of what needed to be done immediately.

Monday morning Jim Ports started breaking up all the old cement. I got Kenneth seated at a window to watch all the activity.

The cat was on another chair by the front door since she was not about to miss what was going on.

She is a very observant cat and wants to see when anything is brought into the house or what is going on outside.

She does not want to go out but just keeps check on all outdoor activity.

Finally as the day continued, Kenneth eventually ended up in the garage observing all the hard work of breaking up cement.

When they reached the road, Jim found a mud hole which was very unusual since we have had a streak of dry weather.

What was a mud hole doing out in the street at the end of our driveway? Kenneth quickly said, “Betty can tell you why that may be there.” I was called to fill in some information.

When we moved into the house and had a sump pump running continually in the basement I said very casually, “That is because we have Buffalo Brook running along Colden Street on its way to Buffalo Creek out by Little Red Bridge.”

No one really payed any attention to what I said.

We were used to having a sump pump run continually because we had this in Eagle Point. We lived in a low area out there.

Well, Monday as I explained to the guys why the mud hole might be there, they had never heard of Buffalo Brook running along Colden.

In 1927 the new plant for Polo Cooperative Creamery had been built where the police department now stands.

They came out with a new butter and named it “Buffalo Brook Butter” after a small stream that flowed through the town.

In 2015 when I was writing about all the creameries we had in Polo, I mentioned the new butter named after the little brook.

Bob Karrow asked me if I knew about the little brook that ran through Polo and I did not know about where this little brook ran.

Bob said it started north of the VFW by the railroad tracks and ran underground under Polo. It created problems every now and then so they decided to straighten it.

They brought it down to Colden Street near the fire station and then brought it along Colden Street to Buffalo Creek west of Polo and tied it into the creek there.

Bob took me down in the basement of I think the fire station and then we went down another level and there was the little brook running merrily along underground.

It was very cold as spring water is.

The men working at our house this week had never heard of such a little brook, but our daughter, Krista, remembers me telling about the experience.

Does anybody else remember little Buffalo Brook running under Polo?

LOCAL HISTORY Oregon came out to celebrate 150 years in 1986

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

In 1986 the Oregon Coliseum sign read “Happy Birthday Oregon, 150 years, 1836-1986.”

Many activities were planned beginning with a historical dinner on Sept. 20, 1986 put on by the Oregon United Methodist Church Women with close to 800 attending at three seatings.

The next event was a Sesquicentennial Ball held at St. Mary’s Community Center. The ladies dressed in old-fashioned clothes with Bob Kevern and his band entertaining.

Bette Landers wore a beige chiffon (Roaring 20’s) dress that belonged to her husband Tim’s mother. It was at least 50 years old and still very beautiful.

On Sunday Sept. 18, a breakfast was held at the VFW Post 8739. In the afternoon events were held on the Ogle County Courthouse Square. The afternoon events included a Lions Club Barbecue, an ice cream social sponsored by the Oregon Bible College, a square dance and a beard judging contest.

In the evening a Heritage of Faith Worship Service was held at the Coliseum. The Kings Men Four Gospel Quartet from Rockford entertained over 100 people. Many wore old-fashioned outfits.

Living on the River opened Oct. 2

This commemorative plate was offered in recognition of Oregon’s 150th sesquicentennial celebration in 1986. Photo provided by Otto Dick

and ran for six performances at the Nash Rec Center.

The cast of 75 brought to life the 150 years of Oregon History. John Lindhorst was the director with an attendance of about 2,000.

On Friday night the Olde English Banquet at Stronghold Castle with Kathryn Landers as the guest of honor.

The burying of the Time Capsule on the Coliseum lawn on Oct. 12, climaxed Oregon’s 150 th anniversary.

The vault was donated by Neil Holland of the Farrell Holland Funeral Home and was filled with mementos from many Oregon families. The school children packed boxes and the “Capsule” will be opened in 50 years.

“This probably was one of the most exciting and emotional things to take place during our week’s activities. Many of us will not be around in the year 2036, but we hope what we sealed in our envelopes will inspire those who open them, to carry on our hopes, wishes, dreams and goals for a safe, prosperous Oregon, and perhaps they’ll think back to Oct. 12, 1986 with the 40 degree temperature and the dreary day when about 50 of us gathered together with tears in our eyes and lumps in our throats as we passed on parts of our lives and family history to those who will carry on tradition and heritage. Love joins our present with the past and the future.”

Harry Nurmet designed the cancellation stamp scheduled for Oct. 4, during the Autumn on Parade festivities.

He said “this stamp will help create more interest for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.”

The Oregon Postmaster said we are hoping to have extended hours at the post office to handle the traffic. This special stamp is a one day stamp. It is like a proof of purchase seal and the stamp cancels the postage stamp in the upper right hand corner of a letter or post card.

All of the above information was written by Bette Landers in the Story of Oregon, Illinois.

This book was dedicated to Charles W. Mongan.

POLO LIBRARY

Library Building Reopening - July 1

Starting Wednesday, July 1, the Polo Library building will be open for patrons to come in, browse, and check out items.

Our hours for the month of July will be Mondays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Thursdays 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

We request that you wear a mask when entering the building. For those unable to wear a mask or who prefer not to enter the building, we will continue to offer curbside delivery. You can place an order by calling 815-946-2713, emailing library@pololibrary.org, or through PrairieCat/Encore online ordering.

We ask that you continue to return items, as you are done with them, through the book drop that will continue to be open 24/7.

2020 Outdoor Concert Series -

July 11 - 6 p.m. - Polo Library Pavillion

We will be kicking off our 2020 Outdoor Concert Series with The Beaux, a classic rock (1960s-1990s) cover band. The concert starts at 6 p.m. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

You’re welcome to bring a picnic to eat while you enjoy the music! There is plenty of room to practice safe social distancing.

Story Time with Ms. Phyllis

At 10:30 a.m. every Saturday through June and July, Ms. Phyllis will be reading a picture book on Polo Library’s Facebook page - facebook.com/pololibrary

Need a Library Card?

If you are new to Polo and haven’t had a chance to get a library card, or maybe you aren’t normally a reader but would like to try ebooks during this time, we will be issuing temporary library cards for people in Buffalo Township. If you are interested in this, please email library@ pololibrary.org for more information.

June 1 - July 31 - “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover!” Our 2020 Summer Reading Program has gone digital! We have programs for all ages. Visit our website, pololibrary.org, to register.

Wi-Fi Access

Wi-Fi is still available outside of the library building by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password.

Questions?

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815- 946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary. org.

Curbside Pick-Up will be sent. We will call to notify them

We are offering curbside pick- up when their items are ready for pickup. now! Hours for curbside will be Monday Please update your contact information - Thursday 10 a.m. -6 p.m. and 10 a.m.- 2 if needed. p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. You can Library staff is quarantining returned put holds on items in items for a period of time. our Library through our Recently returned matecatalog or by calling the rials may remain on your library at 815-732-2724. account longer than usual. Please leave a message When checked in, library if we do not answer and staff will backdate matewe will get back to you rials. No overdue fines will as soon as possible. NO be charged. returns will be accepted All patron cards that in person, these items have expired in March, must be placed in the April and May have been book drop. We look forrenewed through July 1. ward to seeing you all soon! New Library Cards

We are fine free so Patrons can call the anything checked in will library or complete the not have a fine. Patrons online form on our webcan place their holds on site. all materials. Interlibrary Delivery will be resuming 2020 Summer Reading at the end of June. Please Program – Dig Deeper, be advised that there Read, Investigate, Dismay be delays. All notices cover! for holds will come from Join us this summer library staff members. for our virtual summer PrairieCat has turned Mystery Photo #4: Identify reading program! Due to OFF all notifications. We do not have an option to turn them on for only our library. We will call the Mystery Photo and post your answer on your READsquared account or call/email your answer to the Oregon Public Library. COVID-19 constraints the summer reading programs at Oregon Public Library will be a bit different from or email all patrons to Be sure to include your previous years, but it will notify them when to name, what it is, where it go on. pick up their items. No is located and a You may now register overdue or bill notices phone number. for READsquared at http:// oregonpubliclibrary.readsquared.com/ . Please answer the registration questions and complete the form to be placed in the appropriate group.

We will be communicating with our participants throughout the summer as this is a new online program and we are creating things as we go.

Missions and events will also be activated on READsquared for participation. If you do not have internet access, please call the Library and leave a message with contact info and one of the staff will contact you to register.

Looking forward to a unique summer and thank you for your patience with this new way of summer reading! You can also email us at oregonlibrary.SRP@ gmail.com with questions about all things related to Summer Reading! Registration is ongoing for the Youth and Adult Summer Reading Program

Week of June 29

Monday, June 29 - New Trivia Questions Available

Monday, June 29 - Kaleigh Rogers Magician Show

Tuesday, June 30 - Oregon Writers Group

Wednesday, July 1 - Deadline for “Up in the Garden” program

Wednesday, July 1 - Absolute Science “Laser” Show (online)

Thursday, July 2 - Video Story Time via Facebook, 10 am

Thursday, July 2 - Oregon Park West Discovery Walk available

Friday, July 3 Mystery Photo #5 available

Up in the Garden - Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. Zoom link (5-12 years old)

Join Melinda Charbonneau, University of Illinois Extension, present a virtual program on the different mouth parts of insects. Register by calling the Library no later than July 1, so you can receive the “ag bags” for supplies and the Zoom link for the participation.

DNA and Genealogy Research: Simplified – July 7 at 2 p.m. via ZOOM

DNA testing has become a popular topic among professional genealogists and everyday family researchers. This program will discuss the different DNA tests and the reasons to take each type.

It will also compare the major testing companies. DNA can be a powerful

See OREGON LIBRARY, Page 9

• COVID-19 CASES Continued from Page 3

White Rock.

Stillman Valley’s zip code, 61084, has nine cases in it according to the IDPH site. Byron’s zip code, 61010, has 20 cases. Davis Junction (61020) has 16 cases.

The zip codes that house Oregon (61061) and Mt. Morris (61054) have 10 and seven cases, respectively.

Polo’s zip code, 61064, has 10 cases in it.

• Full Service Optical Lab • Contact Lenses (including bifocal & specialty lenses)

• Comprehensive Eye Health Exams • Diagnosis/Treatment of Eye Diseases • Great Selection of Eyeglass Frames

Closed July 4

Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Summer Reading Program

Calling all K-5th grade students! Stop in to the library each week to pick up a bag of take home crafts for our Summer Reading Program.

We miss seeing all of you at our Summer Reading Program. New craft bags will be available each week through July 20.

New Releases

We’ve got new reading material for you! Stop in to check them out or call us

FORRESTON LIBRARY

Library Closure

To help prevent the spread of COVID19, Forreston Public Library will remain closed until further notice. All programs/ activities are cancelled and all due dates have been extended.

Curbside Delivery

We are now offering curbside pickup! Pick up times will be scheduled when you place a request. Interlibrary loans will resume on June 29 so you may also

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Curbside Pickup and Inner Library Loans

Inner Library Loans return on June 29. There is no fine on previously checked out items.

All notices for holds will come from library staff members.

Curbside Pickup will happen during the hours of 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday. Please note that hours are subject to change based on demand and public health.

We will notify of all changes as they come. Mt. Morris Patrons can place holds through the catalog or by calling or emailing. We will call to notify them when their items are ready for pickup. Please update your contact information if needed.

Library staff is quarantining all returned items for a period of time. Recently returned materials may remain on your account longer than usual.

When checked in, library staff will backdate materials. No overdue fines will be charged. All patron cards that at 815-738-2742 to place a hold. Here are some of the many new titles we have for you:

Adult Fiction

Fog Island by Mariette Lindstein, A Long Way From Ordinary by Ann

Charles, 20th Victim by James Patterson, Hush by James Patterson, Bombshell by Stuart Woods, Hit List by Stuart Woods

Adult Non-Fiction

Plan Your Estate - Nolo

Juvenile Fiction

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, Diana Princess of the Amazons by Shannon request items from other libraries. Due to quarantine policies, delivery will take longer than usual. Please call, Facebook message, or email us at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com for assistance or if you have any questions.

eBooks/WiFi

Even though the library is closed, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360 and Biblioboard. If you would like more information on creating an account, renew or receive new Hale

Kids Picture Books

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson, Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest by Gerald McDermott, Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella by Tony Johnston

Insect: Friend or Foe:

On Thursday, July 16, Ag in the Classroom will be providing a virtual summer reading program called, “Insect: Friend or Foe.” Participants will hear “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner.

The garden is full of insects and their mouth parts. The program will conclude with participants completing a craft please let us know and we’ll be happy to help you get set up. You may also access the internet outside the library by connecting to our WiFi. No password is required.

Summer Reading Program

Registration is now open for “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover”! This year’s program is for children from preschool through 5th grade (completed) and will mainly be weekly grab and This summer we will showing the life cycle of an insect. This program will be held virtually on Thursday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Contact the library to register before July 8th and receive a Zoom link.

The week prior to the program, stop by the library to pick up your “ag bag” containing the supplies needed for the craft and activities.

Romance Books

A local resident has offered to give away her collection of 500 Harlequin Romance books to any who are interested.

These books are 3-5 years old. Please call the library at 815-738-2742 for her

contact information. go activities and challenges. Please call the library at 815-938-2624 for more information or to register.

Library Updates

Please continue to check our Facebook page for the most current information on our summer plans.

Also, if you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us through email, Facebook messenger, or

have expired in March, fun activities to do at April, and May have home or outdoors that been renewed through will earn you badges. July 1. New library Badges will earn raffle cards: Patrons can call tickets for prizes at the or email the library to end of the summer. library cards. Contact Sign up for Summer the library at 815- Reading Program - 734-4927 or mmlib@ Last Day to Register mtmorris-il.org June 30 by phone at 815-938-2624.

Summer Reading Tinley enjoys a virtual storytime be using a program Program! Summer Reading with her lightning bug craft at the Mt. Morris Library. called READsquared. You can use both the Program is upon us! website or the app Unlike years past we found in most app will have no in person programs. Instead stores. To register you or your child just we will be using an online resource to follow the steps below. track books, provide missions to comIf using the app: first download the plete at home, and track rewards. app then enter your library as Mt. Morris

We will have fun rewards for those Public Library, IL. Click register on the who reach goals at the end of the sumnext prompt. If using a web browser: mer. This will include Mary Cheatwood visit mtmorrisreads.readsquared.com dressing up as either a Princess, a then click register at the top right corner Clown, or a Dinosaur if we collectively of the page. Once in the app or website can read 1700 books! The missions are you will be guided through registration.

Your age will automatically place you in the right group. Create a user name and password that is easy to remember and follow prompts. After you have registered feel free to explore the page!

There are places to log books, write reviews, see suggestions, view and complete missions, and even play games. New games will unlock for every 2 books read. Feel free to contact us any time for help with READsquared.

Though the library has been able to reopen for lending purposes we will not be having any in person activities this summer. To include those that will not be able to use an internet-based program, please call us at the library to state your goals and keep track of your reading and missions. Follow us on Facebook for more frequent updates and details about SRP.

New Missions - Every Monday

Log onto READsquared for new missions every week. These Missions are

See MT> MORRIS LIBRARY, Page 9

genealogical tool. Learn to use your genealogy skills to unravel the mysteries of your DNA results. A scientific degree is not required.

Join our Zoom call with Steve Szabados, Genealogist, by going to Zoom.com and entering the following: Meeting ID: 823 3547 8651 and Password: 792650

Trivia Night - The 80s!!

Wednesday, July 8 at 6 p.m. Go to crowd.live and type code O6W9Y

We will continue to use Crowdpurr. com for our Trivia format. You can play alone or send the link to your friends

• MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Continued from Page 8 activities you can do at home and may include take home materials you can pick up from the library with your books. Completing Missions earns you badges! Remember each badge equals one raffle ticket at the end of summer for those who reached their goals!

Take Home Materials

and create a team. You MUST send your Team Name to cbergoply@gmail.com to have it created before the 8 th of July. Any questions or for more information, email cbergoply@gmail.com or call the library.

The Black Hawk War and Indian Removal in Illinois - July 10 at 1 p.m.

Brought to you by our Friends of the Oregon Public Library

Call the library at 815-732-2724 and register for your spot on our ZOOM program.

In April 1832, a member of the Sauk nation named Black Hawk led a group of 1,000 Native Americans across the Mississippi into Illinois. Black Hawk claimed

The following Kits will be available to pick up from the library while supplies last. These can be picked up curbside along with books.

Starting June 8 - PreK: Lightning bug craft, Kids: Bug Catcher activity

Starting June 22- PreK: Dinosaurs in playdough, Kids: Dinosaur Dig kits

Starting July 6- All: Family Tree activity/craft, All: This is how I do it book

Did You Know?- Every Friday

Join Miss Kaitlyn for interesting facts his people had not been properly represented at treaty negotiations with the U.S. Government, and thus they retained rights to their ancestral lands.

The Governor of Illinois reacted to Black Hawk’s return as if it was an act of war.

The battles over the next three months would become the last in the state, a climactic time in the story of Indian removal in Illinois.

In this program we will take an overview of the “Indian problem,” from first interaction with the French voyageurs, attempts at assimilation and coexistence, and finally treaties and government promises broken.

We look at the Trail of Tears, the final about the weeks theme. We will post a video every Friday on both Facebook and YouTube.

You can mark that you watched the video in the Missions area of READsquared for badges.

End of Summer Virtual Talent Show

All summer long you can email pictures or videos of your or your child’s talent to cindy@mtmorris-il.org. Submissions will be accepted until July 25. A video compilation will be edited and war dance in 1835 Chicago, and the emergence of Native American casinos in the epic clash of cultures. It all happened in a land named for an indigenous nation of people, the Illinois.

New Releases

Normal People by Sally Rooney (Fiction)

Before Familiar Woods by Ian Pisarcik (Fiction)

Under The Rainbow by Celia Laskey (Fiction)

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend by Jenny Colgan (Fiction)

Eagle Station by Dale Brown (Fiction)

Walk The Wire by David Baldacci

(Fiction) added online on Aug. 1!

Get a Digital Card!

Big news! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mt. Morris and Oregon Public Libraries are temporarily waiving nonresident fees and offering that anyone living within the boundaries of the Oregon Unit School District can sign up for a temporary library card.

This special digital card will allow access to the library’s electronic resources for a limited time period.

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O M E

Grand Re-Opening Sale! June 20th - June 30th, 2020

$100 OFF all Sofa’s $75 OFF all Loveseat’s $50 OFF all Chair’s • Clearance Sale • Everything Goes • Includes Special Orders

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