Library News

Library Closure and Appointments

While the library is still closed, anyone needing to send a fax, make copies, or use a computer may call the library and schedule an appointment to come in. Anyone can call or message the library to schedule a time to come in to browse and check out materials. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask. Please call the library for more information or if you have any questions.

Curbside Pickup

is that this passive program can be used by all ages, groups, families and the Oregon School District.

Thanks to the generosity of Etnyre Foundation and collaboration with Oregon Park District, the Oregon Public Library is presenting its first story, A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni, on the path beginning at the main parking lot.

Yoga With Jennifer is Back! - Start

Pick up times for curbside pickup will be scheduled when you place a request. Interlibrary loans have resumed so you may also request items from other libraries. Due to quarantine policies, delivery may take longer than usual. Please call, Facebook message, or email us at forrestonpubliclibrary@ gmail.com for assistance or if you have any questions.

Voter Registration

Voter registration is now available at ing Sept. 12

Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.- only 5 spots available. Registration required 815-732-2724

Illinois Cemetery Safari - Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

Join us for a slideshow journey around our state to see the final resting places of famous, infamous and obscure people and animals. You’ll see unique headstones and burial sites and visit the graves of Burl Ives, Chester Gould, Kathy Sh-Boom and Dorothy Louise Gage.

Don’t know some of these names? the library. Just call for an appointment to come in and get registered. You will need two forms of identification, one of which has your current residence address, and you must be registered before Oct. 6 to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

eBooks/WiFi

As always, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360 and Biblioboard. If you would like more information on creating an account, please let us know and Join us to find out. Registration required at 815-732-2724.

Library Book Clubs

The 2WBC meets Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

The Afternoon Book Club meets Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. to discuss This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

Books on Tap Book Club meets on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at Cork n Tap to discuss The Grace Year by Kim Liggett. we’ll be happy to help you get set up. Internet can be accessed outside the library by connecting to the WiFi. No password is required.

Library Updates

Like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the most current information on our plans and activities. Contact the library by email, forrestonpubliclibrary@ gmail.com, Facebook messenger, or call

• OREGON LIBRARY Continued from Page 7

815-938-2624 for more information..

DNA and Genealogy Research: Sim

plified – Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. via ZOOM

DNA testing has become a popular topic. Did you get your results and now you don’t know what to do with them?

This program will discuss the different DNA tests and compare the major testing companies. Learn to use your genealogy skills to unravel the mysteries of your DNA results.

Join our Zoom call with Steve Szabados, Genealogist. Register at 815-732- 2724. Registration required.

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Closed Labor Day

Bertolet Memorial Library will have the parking lot seal-coated over Labor Day weekend. The library will be open Saturday, Sept. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. Patrons will be asked to park on Main St., as the lot will be closed to public access.

Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Wednesday WhoDunIt

The library has a ‘Wednesday WhoDunIt’ book discussion group. It’s Reader’s Choice month: Pick any mystery book to read this month and be ready to share your recommendation at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. We will meet outside if weather permits; if not, the discussion will be held socially-distanced in the library meeting room. Masks will be required, bring a friend.

POLO LIBRARY

Operating Hours

The Polo Library is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The library is closed on Sun

Family Story Time

We now have time slots available for families to sign up for a private Story Time session with our new Youth Director, Jana Schlukebir. These sessions are held weekly and will be 20-30 minutes long.

Each week will include a story and an art project. Here is what to expect: Registration is required to reserve your time slot each week.

Register through the Sign Up Genius link on our website, bertoletmemoriallibrary.org/ or call 815-738-2742.

Masks will be required for everyone three and older who is medically able to wear one, and when you show up for your session, we will do a quick temperature check.

We will be outside when possible or

in the back room when the weather days.

The library building will be open for patrons to come in, browse, and check out items. We will continue to have curbside delivery available if you prefer

MEGAN MATTERED TO SO MANY InLovingMemory

Megan(Swaziek)Wells Precious Life Taken on 6/24/2016

REMEMBERING YOU IS EASY - WE DO IT EVERY DAY MISSING YOU IS A HEARTACHE THAT NEVER GOES AWAY

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Amos shows off his starfish in the ocean after listening to Miss Jana read a story about summertime on the beach at Bertolet Library in Leaf River.

requires it. Dress your kids in clothes that are appropriate for the weather and that can get messy.

There will be two projects for you to to not enter the building or are unable to wear a mask. You can place an order by calling 815-946-2713, emailing library@ pololibrary.org, or through yourPrairieCat/Encore account. choose from, one project per family. There will be a craft project and a painting project.

Crafts are perfect for kids 3 and up; painting projects are best for kids 6 and up.

Have a family member 16 years or older available to assist kids under the age of six with their project.

New Releases

Adult Fiction: Whirlwind by Janet Dailey, Bitter Pill by Fern Michaels

Large Print: The Friendship List by Susan Mallery

Young Adult Fiction: The Opposite of Falling Apart by Micah Good

Juvenile Fiction: The Wind Called My Name by Mary Louise Sanchez

Children’s Fiction: Yasmin the Friend by Saadia Faruqi, Race For the Ring with

PJ Masks

Masks are required for patrons to come into the library. We have disposable masks available to purchase for $1

See POLO LIBRARY, Page 10

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Curbside Pickup, Inter Library Loans

Curbside pickup is during the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Starting Sept. 5 we will again be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours are subject to change based on demand and public health. We will notify of all changes as they come. Inter-library loans are available.

Mt. Morris patrons can place holds through the catalog or by calling or emailing. 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. New library cards: patrons can call or email the library to renew or receive new library cards. Contact the library at 815- 734-4927 or mmlib@mtmorris-il.org

Browsing by Appointment

We are now taking appointments for people to come into the library to choose books. Be aware that there are rules and limits. Contact the library to make an appointment. Please follow the guidelines.

You will be required to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer upon entering the building. Children will not be allowed in the library unaccompanied. Consideration will be given to special circumstances, but you must contact the library to discuss that with staff. We ask that patrons make their selections in a timely manner. Loitering is discouraged.

Computer Use by Appointment We are allowing patrons to use the computers by appointment. If you would

• POLO LIBRARY

Continued from Page 9

if you need one.

We have two computers available for patron use that are over 6 feet away from each other and cleaned between uses. There is a one hour time limit for the use of either computer. If you’d like to make sure there is a computer available, please call 815-946-2713 to reserve a computer. You can also fax, copy and print as needed.

Library Closed for Labor Day

Polo Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 7. We will still be open Sept. 5 and 8. like to reserve a computer please call the library. Please follow the guidelines for computer users.

Only one person per computer. Please do not bring children with you. Masks must be worn in the library. You will be asked to use hand sanitizer when you enter the building before getting on the computer. You are here for the computer use only. You will not be allowed to stay all day. You are allowed one hour unless approved by the director for job training, job search, or class work.

Honor JoLynn Ward

At the end of the school year, a number of long-time employees retired. At the end of a normal year, there would have been parties and recognition ceremonies, but 2020 is not a normal year. JoLynn Ward has been an instructional aide with the Oregon School district for a long time.

She was in Mt. Morris at the elementary school until the fire, and went with her students to Oregon. In the time I have known her, she has been an instructional aide for the English Language Learners. For the library, she has been a Trustee for a long time, helped when the new addition was being built, and is currently our board secretary.

Mrs. Ward, as the children know her, has spent her time recently making masks for people in the community, including library staff. We want to honor her in her retirement, and for her good works. A fund has been established in her name. We will be purchasing library materials in her honor. If you would like to join us in thanking her for her service to the children of the district and her work in the community, you may send a donation with the notation that it is in her honor.

Coffee with a Cop, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, weather permitting Library Pavilion - Join us for an outdoor, socially distant Coffee with a Cop. If the weather is questionable, please call 815- 946-2713 before leaving home to check on the status of this program. 2020 Outdoor Concert Series, 6 p.m. Sept. 12, Polo Library Pavilion

We’ll be wrapping up our 2020 Outdoor Concert Series with Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers, playing classic country music.

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.

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To be eligible:

Your household income before March 1, 2020 was within the allowable limits. You, or an adult member of your household, suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19. You missed a mortgage on or after March 1, 2020

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Si su ingreso familiar antes de 1 de marzo 2020 fue dentro de los limites admisibles. Si Ud. o un miembro adulto de su hogar sufrió una pérdida de ingreso causado por COVID-19. Si Ud. no pudo pagar su cuenta hipotecaria desde el 1 de marzo 2020.

No espere, aplique hoy día: ema.ihda.org Si tuviera preguntas, favor de llamar: (Local) 312.883.2720 (llamada gratuita) 888.252.1119

CRIME WATCH Impersonator accused of possessing child porn

Leaf River man is also charged with disseminating porn

BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ Shaw Media

FREEPORT – Nationally known Abraham Lincoln impersonator George Buss of Freeport is facing felony charges of possessing child pornography video and patronizing a prostitute.

Buss, 63, who has been portraying Honest Abe for more than three decades at events in the region as well as nationwide, has been under investigation since February.

He was arrested Aug. 28 by Freeport police and is being held in Stephenson County Jail on $200,000 bond, Freeport police said in a news release.

Tyler Dotson, 22, of Leaf River also was arrested in the investigation and is charged with two counts of disseminating child pornography

George A. Buss

video and prostitution.

He also is being held on $200,000 bond.

Buss has performed as Lincoln for 34 years across the country, including yearly at the reading of the Gettysburg Address at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania and once before at the Nation

George Buss in his Abraham Lincoln attire.

al Archives.

Buss and Stephen Douglas reenactor Tim Connors were to hold their annual portrayal of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate last Saturday in Freeport.

That the event was planned online this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tyler A. Dotson

“The crimes George Buss stands accused of are heinous. I denounce him in the strongest of terms,” state Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said in a news release.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May their voices be heard and may justice be quickly served.”

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NEW BUSINESS Permit recommended for Better Place Forests

Memorial forest to sell trees to place cremated remains; 50 acres proposed for first site in the midwest

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

Ogle County may soon have a non traditional resting place near one of its most popular state parks.

The county regional planning commission recommended a special use permit at its Aug. 20 meeting for Better Place Forests, a business that plans to purchase just over 50 acres of forest along the eastern banks of the Rock River for a conservation memorial forest, where customers can purchase a tree dedication for the exclusive right to rest cremains there.

The land is located at 1950 N. River Road, just north of the Lorado Taft Field Campus located in Lowden State Park.

In June, Better Place Forests presented their concept to the Ogle County Planning & Zoning Department for their review. Staff advised that a Conservation Memorial Forest is a unique enough land use to warrant the County’s Special Use Permit procedure and BPF may operate on site with such a permit.

BPF’s request for a Special Use Permit received an unanimous recommendation for approval from the Ogle County Regional Planning Commission on Aug. 20. A hearing before the Ogle County Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled in September, with a final decision by the County Board to follow.

The recommendation came with a condition that the property’s current tax rate won’t be lowered under BPF’s ownership.

“At Better Place Forests, our mission is to inspire everyone to leave a meaningful legacy for the planet and the people we love,” Chief Real Estate Officer Mark Kehke said in an email. “Our company has built America’s first conservation memorial forest, a sustainable alternative to cemeteries for those who choose cremation.”

Better Place Forests has two sites in California and one in Arizona. The site in Oregon would be its first in the midwest. The site was chosen due to wanting to preserve the land and its importance to the river’s ecological corridor, Kehke said.

BPF is currently under contract to purchase the property and is working through land use approvals necessary to operate on site. If the business is able to move forward in Oregon, there will only be “minor site improvements,” Kehke said.

“These will include the renovation of the existing home for use as a visitor center, a small parking area, and restrooms,” Kehke said. “We intend to use design concepts and materials that are native to the Oregon area in order to enhance the beauty of, and cause minimal disruption to, the natural forest. It is our commitment to protect this oak forest along Illinois’ Rock River.”

Kehke said in a recent survey BPF found that

ABOVE: The proposed site for the Better Place Forests is located along the Rock River, north of Lowden State Park, along River Road. BELOW LEFT: Better Place Forests opened its third memorial forest just north of Flagstaff, Arizona. The site includes views of open meadows and ancient groves of quaking aspens. BELOW RIGHT: This is the visitor

center located in Better Place Forest’s Mendocino Coast in Point Arena, California.

cremation has become more popular than a traditional burial for nearly half of Americans. Over 60 percent of respondents expressed interest in an alternative burial option offered through cremation.

Kehke called BPF’s price point “approachable” and said that its average package is less than half the cost of a traditional burial. Gia DeBartolo, a BPF representative said at the regional planning meeting that a memorial tree would cost from $5,000 to $10,000.

As far as the economic impact of the business, Better Place Forests plans to hire a staff of local forest stewards and arborists.

“Additionally, we expect to spend millions of dollars on facility construction and ongoing forest maintenance with local contractors,” Kehke said. “This project will provide ongoing work in forestry and land management over decades to come while further protecting the forest along the Rock River corridor which provides critical ecosystem services.”

Kehke hopes to receive a permit to operate in early 2021. If that happens, the first “milestone” would be to open the forest for online tours. That has become important due to the pandemic, which could cause delays in opening the forest for in-person visits.