Forreston Journal

VOLUME 155 NO. 33 • SERVING THE FORRESTON AREA SINCE 1865

COUNTY NEWS

Friday, December 11, 2020 • $1.00

GRINCHY GRAB

Jail Tours

Area residents take a tour of the new Ogle County Jail. / 3

SPORTS

Hall of Fame

A Forreston referee is headed to the IBCA Hall of Fame. / 25

Case Continued Double-murder

case of a mother and child has been continued to Feb. 8, 2021. 23

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Grinch of Whoville tries to swipe the crown of Sunburst Queen Jessica Boren of Polo while at the Forreston Subway shop during Christmas in the Country on Dec. 4. Boren, Ms. Sunburst 2020, retained her crown. More photos inside

One Section • 28 Pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 8 Church News.......... 27 Classifieds ..............28 Colbert Column ....... 9

County Courts........ 23 COVID-19................4-5 Library News .... 19-20 Otto’s Column .......... 9

DEATH Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Carol V. Long, Page 24

Property Transfers. 24 Public Voice.............. 8 Sports................ 25-26 Sheriff Activity....... 23

MT. MORRIS

Forreston Journal / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

FORRESTON BEAT

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Village Board approves tech upgrades

New iPads coming for government officials

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Mt. Morris Village board unanimously approved a plant to upgrade its technological hardware at a cost not to exceed $12,000 at its Tuesday meeting.

The plan includes iPads for the village president, clerk, treasurer and trustees as well as software including Microsoft 365 programs.

“It’s providing remote access,” Trustee Phil Labash said. “There’s software and hardware solutions. During COVID19, we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to meet in person or with employees. We

can share files and collaborate and eliminate hard copies. There’s access to past meeting content. We’ll have village-specific email addresses.”

The iPads will be provided to the offices, not the officials themselves. Once a new official comes in, they’ll receive their predecessor’s iPad. Other hardware like chargers, OtterBox cases and digital pens are included in the plan.

The iPads will be 32 GB and WiFi only. $6,254 is the total hardware cost. $2,876 will be paid per year in software. There is also a consulting expense of $1,400.

The total estimated cost is $10,529.32.

“This was priced through CDW Computer company,” Labash said. “It’s higher than pricing all of this on Amazon. I prefer CDW because they’re a computer company with government contracts and it would be easier if we had issues.

At a little bit of an additional cost.”

Labash expects the program to go live in January or February after training with Village IT Consultant Ed Handschuh.

The project is expected to be paid for by submission to the Local CURE program, which is a grant that pays for COVID-19-related expenses. The grounds for submission is the iPads would help the village work remotely in emergency situations.

If the expense isn’t approved by the CURE program, Labash said he’d submit it as a village capital project for next year.

“I feel comfortable with what we’ve submitted so far and if it will get us to the 21st century, we agreed to take advantage of it,” Village Clerk Paula Diehl said. “And the $10,000 is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.”

Christmas in the Country

SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-732-6166, ext. 2591 ehinton@oglecountynews.com Editor Jeff Helfrich 815-732-6166, ext. 2590 jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Advertising Sales Patty Bridgeman 815-632-2555 pbridgeman@ oglecountynews.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.

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Copyright 2020

Forreston held its annual Christmas in the Country on Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5. ABOVE: Parker Brown, 7, of Forreston, fist bumps with Santa as his brother Lincoln, 5, watches following their chat by the fireplace on Dec. 4. FAR LEFT: The West Branch Brethren Church held a live nativity scene on Dec. 4. LEFT: Quixton Atlee of Byron and his grandmother, Renee, pet the donkey at the live nativity scene.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

COUNTY NEWS

Sheriff gives public a tour of the brand new facility in Oregon

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com It took 92,000 blocks and the closing of one city block in Oregon to build the new Ogle County Jail.

Construction on the officially-titled Ogle County Judicial Center Annex has all but concluded in recent weeks, and Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVIckle led the community on tours Dec. 3 after a ribbon cutting to show taxpayers what their money has yielded.

The jail is slated to open sometime in January 2021, with staff training still in process.

The 42,000 square-foot, 154-bed facility consists of multiple housing blocks utilizing direct supervision methods for both males and females in custody. Areas in the building include public waiting and visitation, video visitation, facility administration, holding and intake, medical, kitchen, laundry, inmate property storage and a vehicular “sally port” for bringing in and moving inmates safely.

VanVickle said the jail was designed with previous practices in mind to keep continuity for personnel.

“For the most part the operations are identical and that’s how we designed it,” VanVickle said. “Even the lobby is the same. When we worked with designers and architects we said, ‘This is how we do it, if there’s a better way, tell us.’ And we came back with the same ones that work for us.”

The project, constructed by Gilbane Building Company, is down to less than 100 items on its punch list after starting out with 700 to do, VanVickle said. Those that toured the facility Thursday were impressed with its size and amenities, the Sheriff said.

Three officers will cover the operations at a time, the same workforce level that covers the old jail. The old jail has 109 beds, 45 less than the new facility. The kitchen is made for 240 inmates, due to it being the hardest part of a facility to remodel if needed.

The average stay at the jail depends, VanVickle. It’s currently shorter due to COVID-19 concerns.

There are 254 cameras in the jail.

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle gives a tour of a general population pod at the newly finished Ogle County Judicial Center Annex. After a ribbon cutting dedicating the new facility, the office opened it up to guided tours. BELOW: The new jail has men and women general population pods, isolation pods and an area for less-risky detainees. BOTTOM: The jail came in under budget.

The rigorous door system allows for only certain gates to be open in specific situations. There’s a fullbody scanner in the intake room to alleviate body searchers. An indoor, vented recreation room allows for fresh air for inmates.

The project came in $800,000 under budget with no delays, even with COVID-19, VanVickle said. The sheriff has been in office for the entirety of the building’s construction. He said it’s consumed a lot of time, but he’s proud of what’s been accomplished.

“We have a building that a lot of people don’t even realize is a detention center, which I think is important in the community,” VanVickle said. “When you’re in other places and you see buildings stick out, it makes us proud to incorporate it into our campus plan and have it look like the other buildings in town.

“More importantly, it allows us the ability to provide services to inmates and give our deputies a good working environment.”

The new facility is connected to the Ogle County Judicial Center, where court cases are heard, and required the City of Oregon to close the 100 block of South Sixth Street for that construction.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

New county jail to open sometime in January

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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COVID-19 UPDATE

Health official reacts to dramatic uptick in deaths

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Health Department used to announce a COVID-19-related death once every month or two.

In recent weeks, the OCHD has been announcing 2-3 deaths per day as cases have dramatically risen in the area.

“It’s concerning and frustrating,” Auman said. “I wish there was something else we could do. A lot is in the community’s hands. Being in my seat is challenging, frustrating and disheartening.”

Auman said area hospitals are seeing higher COVID-19 admission numbers, with several at capacity, which he called concerning. The region is at 20 percent availability for beds, which is a bad spot to be in, he said.

Some hospitals are utilizing crisis management tactics, with six patients assigned to one healthcare worker, who spends their entire shift stabilizing patients. That workload can be taxing, he said.

“Our local hospitals have been relatively full for several weeks and staff is stressed,” Auman said. “A lot are trying to find additional workers and relief. That comes at a premium right now. People sick with COVID-19 are uninsured. There’s cash flow issues.”

Auman said Ogle County nursing homes are starting to see cases in

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Workers were busy earlier this month running the COVID-19 testing site in the parking lot of the Ogle County Health Department. their facilities. Many are working through “complicated situations” including workforce issues. Patients without COVID-19 still need care, and workers are being knocked out by quarantines.

The OCHD recommended last month that schools close through the end of the semester to avoid COVID-19 spread brought on by holiday gatherings and increased community spread. Many, outside of Rochelle and the Meridian School District, chose to continue in-person learning. Contact tracing within schools has been a challenge.

“The schools that went remote here significantly helped out and reduced our workload by half,” Auman said. “I understand the desire to stay in person. We’ll see

in the next couple weeks how things go.”

Auman said cases brought on by gathering over the Thanksgiving week by the county as a whole have largely yet to be seen. He anticipates a “significant impact” if residents didn’t follow guidelines.

The OCHD has seen reports of “packed, shoulder-to-shoulder” gatherings at bars from the night before Thanksgiving, a notorious bar holiday. Auman said he reached out to municipalities beforehand to plead with them to take action to prevent that from happening.

“That type of behavior will hurt our efforts and make things go from bad to worse,” Auman said. “We’ve had some things linked to businesses already. We could see a pretty

significant spike.”

The health department is still following up on complaints from that week, and still receives about 10 complaints a day about businesses not following the current state mitigations.

Auman said has “no clue” whether additional mitigations will come down from the state. He’s concerned about hospitals and said the county isn’t in the heart of flu season yet, which could put more strain on healthcare.

The OCHD has been told a vaccine could be in its hands as early as Dec. 14. The first round will go to hospital workers and first responders. Vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna are in the FDA approval process.

The OCHD would be in charge of distributing a vaccine in the county. Auman said Ogle County would get it at the same time as the rest of the state. He expects “some” by the end of the month. But, it will take months into 2021 for it to take effect on the county as a whole due to logistical issues.

“The common misconception is it’ll stop COVID-19 in its tracks,” Auman said. “It will be a slow process. It’s a large order for a staff of 13 to vaccinate 51,000 people. We’ll be doing COVID-19 stuff well into next year. And there’s people who don’t plan on getting it. That makes it difficult.”

EDUCATION NEWS

Byron’s DeVries wins National Teaching Award

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Jacqueline DeVries, a retired Byron Middle School teacher and Rockford University adjunct professor, received the National Association for Gifted Children’s 2020 Community Service Award in a virtual Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony during the NAGC 67th Annual Convention held in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 15.

Before retiring, DeVries worked as a mathematics teacher and taught math and reading for the academically-talented program at Byron Middle School, as well as an adjunct professor in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program at Rockford University.

She received several teaching awards. DeVries coached Mathletes, helped start and coached academic bowl for middle school students and developed and led an academically-talented advisory board.

After receiving her master’s degree, she developed two classes at Rockford University about

gifted children and education for teachers getting their master’s degrees.

DeVries has received the Byron Middle School Educator of the Year award and was recognized by the ISPE Rock River Chapter for her 29 years of dedication to the MathCounts program.

She previously received the ISPE Joint Honors Award for Illinois and the Rock River Chapter.

While at Rockford University, DeVries received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award and was chosen to represent the university in a national Celebrating Service campaign.

The National Association for Gifted Children annually presents the Community Service Award to an individual or group that has made a contribution that benefits the development of gifts and talents in young people.

This contribution must affect the larger community, state or nation and has made a significant contribution to education in a way that benefits the development of gifts and talents in young people.

Jacqueline DeVries, retired Byron Middle School teacher and Rockford University adjunct professor, recently received the National Association for Gifted Children’s 2020 Community Service Award. Photo supplied.

COVID-19 UPDATE

10 deaths, 318 cases in a week

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Health Department reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, Dec. 8, totaling 3,212.

One hundred and thirteen cases were reported over the weekend. 318 new cases have come in the past week. Ages and locations of the individuals that test positive are not being released to protect their privacy.

The OCHD has reported 10 new deaths in the past week. Ogle County has seen a total of 44 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Recoveries of documented cases stand at 2,484, with 27 new ones reported Tuesday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 1,045 cases in the zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White Rock.

Stillman Valley has 184 cases, Byron has 592 cases and Davis Junction has 205 cases.

Oregon and Mt. Morris have 389 and 178 cases, respectively.

Polo has 175 cases, Leaf River has 76 cases and Forreston has 124 cases.

The Sauk Valley as a whole saw four deaths and

73 new cases Tuesday.

The Whiteside County Health Department announced three COVID-related deaths on Tuesday of people in their 60s, 70s and 90s. There were also 30 new cases involving eight people younger than 20, three in their 20s, four in their 30s, one in their 40s, three in their 50s, four in their 60s, three in their 70s and four 80 or older.

Lee County reported an additional COVID-related death on Tuesday of a resident in her 80s.

There were also 10 new cases of COVID-19, one from Dixon Rehab and four from Liberty Court.

The other new cases involved one person in his or her 20s, two in their 30s, and two in their 40s and 60s.

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Whiteside County has had 4,208 cases and 102 deaths. Lee County has had 2,076 cases, 1,296 recoveries and 33 deaths. Carroll County, which did not report updated statistics on Tuesday, has had 1,173 cases, 1,074 recoveries and 27 deaths.

The North region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties) has seen zero consecutive days under the 12% threshold to return to Tier 2 mitigations. The region’s positivity rate increased to 14.9%. Currently, 25.7% of medical/ surgical beds are available and 22.7% of ICU beds.

The region has 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for ICU bed availability, and 11 consecutive days above the 20% threshold for medical/surgical bed availability.

Region 1 has a rolling, seven-day average of 235 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hospitalizations have decreased 10 out of the past 10 days in this region.

Within this region, DeKalb County’s positivity rate decreased to 13.8%, Lee County’s rate jumped from 11.4% to 13.3% and Whiteside County’s rate went to 13.1%.

Illinois on Tuesday announced 7,910 new cases and 145 deaths. There have been 804,174 cases and 13,487 deaths statewide.

Sterling has had 11,933 tests and 1,548 cases.

Rock Falls has had 5,918 tests and 913 cases.

Dixon has had 14,232 tests and 1,473 cases.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Ogle County cases climb to 3,212 as of Dec. 8

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

Let the Season Begin!

Earleen Hinton & Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

Forreston and Polo kicked off the Christmas season last weekend. ABOVE: Santa Claus raises his arms as the decorated Christmas trees are lit in the Warren Reckmeyer Bandshell in Mt. Morris. CENTER LEFT: Lauri Plambeck of Forreston checks out some of the Christmas items for the sale at Otter Creek Craft Market in downtown Forreston. CENTER RIGHT: The Grinch stands with Kaiden Johnson, 8 of Polo, Avery Kochsmeier, 5, of Polo; and Waylon Smith, 7, of Oregon at the Forreston Subway. BOTTOM LEFT: A horse drawn carriage turns onto Mason Street near the Polo Public Library. BOTTOM RIGHT: Wesley Diehl, 5, of Polo, and his dog, Toby, take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Polo.

SPECIAL EVENTS While 2020 has been a challenging year with gatherings and singing during church, one Polo church has a remedy.

The Pine Creek Christian Church is hoping to bring some joy into Christmas by caroling with your area households in the comfort of their own car.

“We invite one and all to join us for ‘Parking Lot Caroling’’, said church member Sheryl Hopkins. “This will take place Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. in the church parking lot, 8110 W Penn Corner Road, Polo. We have lots of space for many cars.”

3D Sound is providing the technology to transfer music to each visitor’s vehicle radio.

“Station info will be posted when arriving Dec. 20. We hope you will join us!,” Hopkins said.

Oregon VFW seeks donations for Christmas Food Basket Drive Once again the Oregon VFW post 8739 will be assembling and delivering food baskets for Christmas to families and individuals who are in need in the Oregon area.

“This has been a tough year for everyone with the COVID-19 which has led to lost jobs and sick families,” said VFW Commander Bob Coulter. “We are asking those who donate to this purpose to please be generous this year.”

Coulter said the Post normally provides at least 120 baskets.

“We feel the number will be much larger this year,” he said. “We want to send a heartfelt thanks to those who donate. It truly makes people happy.”

Families or individuals in need must call the VFW Post (815-732-6851) between 3 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Each individual or family representative must call for themselves.

“Even if you have called in the past, you need to call this year to update your information and make sure you are on the list,” Coulter said. “We will only ask for your address, phone number and the number of people living in your household. Please do not call on Fridays as our phone and people are busy with other work.”

An adult must be home on Dec. 19 to receive the basket. Deliveries will start around 8:30 a.m. and should conclude by noon.

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Nov. 16,” Coulter said. “We ask you to please be patient. We know this important.”

The VFW Post is also seeking volunteers to help deliver the baskets. Call 815-732-6851 to volunteer.

Oregon church offers free gift wrapping If you need some help wrapping Christmas presents this year, an Oregon church can help.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon is offering free gift wrapping on Saturday, Dec. 19 starting at 9 a.m.

“This year we will require that you reserve your spot by calling,” said Sandy Strohecker, church member. “Wrapping will be done in the fellowship room to allow for social distancing and masks will be required for everyone. No gift is too big or too small.”

Freewill donations will be accepted.

To schedule a wrapping, call Strohecker at 815-441-4128.

“Call early to reserve your time slot,” said Strohecker.

Mt. Morris seeks toy donations The Mt. Morris Police and Fire Depart-

ments have begun the annual “Toys for Kids” campaign.

The program provides Christmas gifts for the less fortunate children in the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District.

Cash donations and checks payable to Mt. Morris Fireman’s Association will gladly be accepted at the Police Department or Village Hall at 105 W. Lincoln St. Names, ages and addresses of needy children within the Mt. Morris Fire District can be left by calling 815-734-4106.

Chris Corcoran of Mt. Morris stands by the little blue spruce tree that is decorated in memory of his brother, Michael, who died in 1999. “We decorate it every year,” Corcoran said.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Polo church offering Christmas caroling in your car on Dec. 20

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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LOCAL HISTORY

Antique Christmas ornaments need to be passed on W hile the business in Spokane, Washington was sending out hand blown German ornaments to various businesses in the area, other German businesses were starting to flourish in the United States.

The Krebs Family had settled in Rosenheim, Bavaria, West Germany and they continued the art of hand blowing ornaments. They even started a factory in Roswell, New Mexico. A crown topped their ornament.

In 1992 after the reunification of Germany, all in the hand blown ornament area seemed to be up for grabs. The ornaments that said at the top, “West Germany” were now defunct and they soon became collector’s items.

The Krebs Family went back Lauscha area in Germany where they built a large factory. They started selling to many department stores in the United Stated such as Sears, Kohl’s, K-Mart, and Penney’s.

Heinz Muller-Blech also moved back to the Lauscha area and his grandson entered the business. The younger people had different ideas and soon they decided to cut out the middle man.

They wanted to sell directly to the large stores such as Macy’s in New York. Their ornaments would now be called “Inge Glas.”

The Spokane Washington business took on a new look. The “Old World Christmas” ornaments were no longer being made in Germany. Now they were being made in China and they looked a little different. This all happened around 2000.

I had gone to DeKalb to a small store and had gotten a box of “Old World Christmas” for quite a reduced price. As I was putting the schoolhouse ornament on my tree I noticed that it had more glitter on it that they usually did not have and the star on the top was missing. It had a heart on it.

I got the magnifying glass and read on the top, “Made in China.” I knew right away that something was different. I also was becoming more versed in the history of the glass blowers and getting so I could recognize some of the older ornaments from Germany before the era of the Berlin Wall.

I had never read where glass blowers went to China. I did later read where some went to Japan.

My sister had become good friends with a lady

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

in Appleton, Wisconsin and her antique shop.

That lady filled us in on the lawsuit between Spokane and the Inge Glas people in Germany.

Spokane could never again have their ornaments made in Germany and they could not use the star at the top. They could continue to use the name “Old World Christmas” and the little story that went with the ornament and that was about it. They had to find other glass blowers and they went to China.

Inge Glas ornaments are difficult to find and you have to order them on the Internet. I am now giving them to my great-grandchildren as keepsakes.

Last year I even ordered Pinocchio and his long nose for a great grandson in Winston-Salem. It arrived safely and his family found the ornament very unique. They get excited to see each year what is coming.

Other old Christmas ornaments are Shiny Brite. Max Eckardt in the United States had been ordering glass balls from Germany since 1907.

In 1937 he began to see the wars coming on and ordering might be difficult.

He established Shiny Brite and worked with Corning Glass Company in making ornaments in this country. They stressed “American Made” during World War II. My Christmas tree is filled with Shiny Brite balls along with those made in Germany. The Heinz-Inge hand blown ornaments do not go on my big tree especially since we have had the cat.

Sometimes they ended up on the floor in pieces.

The family members come to me when they want decorations at Christmas and I am now glad to pass the vintage ones on to the next person to enjoy and I send along a little history to go with them.

Clare O’Connor’s tree has white hand blown ornaments from Germany. One of the Old World Christmas ornaments is the nutcracker.

According to Christmas Ornament Legends, Old World Christmas: Nutcrackers were traditionally dressed as soldiers and kings. It delighted villagers to see these authoritarian figures doing menial tasks such as cracking nuts. A bowl of Christmas nuts was just not complete without a colorful German nutcracker standing at attention nearby.

PUBLIC VOICE Polo’s 2nd Annual Christmas Festival was a success To the Editor,

The Polo Christmas Festival Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to all of those who attended the 2nd Annual Polo Christmas Festival.

Despite not being able to have many of the activities that we wished we could have, we were very impressed with the turnout for this event.

We would like to thank our donors for their generosity, for without them we could not make this event happen. We

look forward to seeing everyone next year for what we hope will be our biggest and best event yet!

If you have questions, comments, or are interested in making a donation or being a sponsor for next year’s event please contact us at polochristmasfestival@gmail.com.

DJ Sanders

President, Polo Christmas Festival

Food pantry directors say thanks To the Editor,

We would like to thank the commu-

nity for their ongoing support of the Loaves & Fish Food Pantry.

Special thanks to Sullivan’s for their fall “leaf” donations and pre-packed food bag sales; to the Boy Scouts for a wonderful food drive Dec. 5; to everyone who contributed to the holiday meals (turkey and ham dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas); to Jerry Stauffer for the donations from the light show; and to everyone who has given monetary and grocery donations!

Thank you, also, to all who have donated hats and gloves as well. We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our

community!

Just a reminder – Loaves and Fish Food Pantry is located on the lower level of Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren.

Distribution dates are the first and third Thursdays from 4:30-7 p.m. and the second and fourth Mondays from 2-4:30 p.m.

No proof of income or residency is required. Food is available to anyone in Mt. Morris and Leaf River who needs it!

Jan Francis and Barb Diehl

Loaves & Fish Mt. Morris Co-Directors

LOCAL HISTORY

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

O

regon residents obtained the arrival and departure times of stagecoaches in Oregon by reading the Ogle County Gazette newspaper published in Oregon by R. C. Burchell.

Stagecoaches passed through Oregon over dirt roads 15 years after Oregon was founded, 21 years before Oregon’s first train and 51 years before the first car drove through Oregon.

The three stagecoach lines were the Chicago and Rock Island, Dixon and Janesville, and the Oregon-Freeport.

Oregon’s founder John Phelps came to Oregon on horseback and observed stagecoaches passing through Oregon. Friends came to Oregon arriving at the Oregon Depot for his funeral.

Before researching for this article my knowledge of stage coach travel came from the wild west movies.

In 1744 stagecoaches began to be used to carry passengers between cities and towns within New England and between New York and Philadelphia in 1756.

In 1892 Boston was the hub of 77 stagecoach lines. During the Civil War a stagecoach line ran from St. Louis to San Francisco. The last American stagecoach line was a route to Arizona around 1900.

These Wells Fargo rules were posted in each coach for passenger behavior.

“Abstinence from liquor is requested, but if you must drink share the bottle. To do otherwise makes you appear selfish and un-neighborly.

If ladies are present, gentlemen are urged to forego smoking cigars and pipes as the odor of same is repugnant to the gentler sex. Chewing

TOP LEFT: This sign is located on Brick Road near Paynes Point. Photo by Otto Dick TOP RIGHT: This is a photo of a Concord Stagecoach. The leading horses are known as the lead horses. The wheel horses or wheelers are the back pair nearest the coach’s wheels. The number of horses, usually four or six, could be even more. Photo from drloihjournal. blogspot.com. tobacco is permitted, but spit with the wind, not against it.

Gentlemen must refrain from the use of rough language in the presence of ladies and children.

Buffalo robes are provided for your comfort in cold weather. Hogging robes will not be tolerated and the offender will be made to ride with the driver.

Don’t snore loudly while sleeping or use your fellow passenger’s shoulder for a pillow, he or she may not understand and friction may result.

Firearms may be kept on your person for use in emergencies. Do not fire them for pleasure or shoot at wild animals as the sound riles the horses.

In the event of runaway horses remain calm.

Leaping from the coach in panic will leave you injured, at the mercy of the elements, hostile Indians and hungry coyotes.

Forbidden topics of conversation are: stagecoach robberies and Indian uprisings.

Gents guilty of un-chivalrous behavior toward lady passengers will be put off the stage. It’s a

long walk back. A word to the wise is sufficient.

Articles written about transportation in Ogle County focus on horses, railroads, cars, airplanes etc., however very little about the three stagecoach routes through Oregon .

I could find no information of a stage station or post in Oregon.

SPORTS COLUMN

Creativity proves to be crucial for a sports columnist U pon walking into church on Sunday, greeter Mark Ebert of Polo commented to me on the creativity needed to write a high school sports column without sports going on. Thanks for the sympathy, friend.

Here is what I have to work with this week – badminton. No, I am not making a joke.

In a statement issued by the IHSA, they have no intention of starting winter sports prior to January. After that, it is anyone’s guess.

However, the IHSA said it is possible girls badminton could be moved from spring to winter, because of its status as a low risk sport.

As a challenge, I thought perhaps I could enlighten readers on the world of high-school badminton, which has been strictly the domain of upscale suburban schools.

Unless you count backyard shuttlecock play

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

from days long ago, I have never seen an actual badminton game.

Then I thought, maybe I could regale you with tales of running a 32-mile race last Saturday through the townships of Buffalo, Woosung and Pine Creek. Chris Remhof of Byron sets the course up each year, seeking out the last remaining gravel roads in Ogle county to run on. Last year, his route was near the Adeline area, as

the western part of the county has far more nonpaved roads than the eastern section.

But, there’s been an overload of running stories already.

Okay, no badminton or running. What else?

How about a treatise on holiday basketball events? After all, the most endearing of these, the Forreston Holiday Tournament, would be kicking off this month.

Just not feeling it, though. Lately, my emotional judgment has been clouded by the emptiness of not being at sporting events. It would likely be more whining than anything else and that’s not healthy for any of us.

Perhaps I could tie a column in to my tour of the new Ogle County Judicial Center Annex.

See COLBERT COLUMN, Page 10

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Three stagecoach lines traversed across county

9

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

BRIEFS Forreston police officer fires near armed man during disturbance call A Forreston police officer fired his gun near an armed suspect while responding to a domestic disturbance Thursday night, according to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department.

At 9:20 p.m., officers responded to 118 First Ave. in Forreston and found an armed man standing in the doorway of the home. The officer then discharged his firearm and struck a wall near the doorway. The man then put down his weapon and was taken into custody

• COLBERT COLUMN

Continued from Page 9

Sports are so encompassing, that there must be some kind of connection.

Let’s see, Sheriff VanVickle has a daughter who is into volleyball big time. That could be a human-interest piece; except my knowledge of volleyball is so limited I could not do justice to it.

Juicier would be former prep stars

without incident, according to a news release.

Sheriff’s deputies investigated the original disturbance and arrested Jeffery L. Slick, 31, of Forreston, on aggravated assault charges and Colton Moser, 18, of Leaf River, for domestic battery. Both were taken to the Ogle County Jail.

Per procedure, Illinois State Police will investigate the shooting.

Deadline for Polo candidate petitions announced

through Dec. 21, are the candidate filing periods for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Elections.

Petitions are to be filed in Polo City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Avenue. City Hall office hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) and 1 - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Offices to be elected for a four-year term are: Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, Alderman for Ward I, Ward II, and Ward III. The office to be elected for a two-year term is Alderman Ward II.

Ogle County Clerk Laura Cook has issued the following marriage licenses.

Sydney Bartelt, Polo City Clerk reminds citizens of Polo that Dec. 14

Marriage licenses

Dec. 3 Levi Russell Meurer of Ashton and Jenna Nicole Harvell of Maple Park.

that have ended up in the county jail and what caused their downfall. Except that privacy/legal issues might get in the way. Scratch that idea.

By the way, kudos the Ogle County Long Range Planning Committee and the Ogle County Board for bringing this project to fruition. Impressive facility, without all the expensive bells and whistles. Efficient is the one word that comes to mind in describing it.

What about my Friday night trip

to see a gospel concert in Rockford?

Maybe that could be brought into a discussion on limitations of fans at sporting events.

Better not. There seems to be two camps on this subject and no use in offending half of you.

I will say it was a pleasure to see live entertainment in person, especially a group as proficient as the Tribute Quartet. The last time I saw anything live was in August at Chana Tap’s end of summer bash with two good bands playing outdoors.

One final grasp at a column idea inspired by the Clark Griswold worthy Christmas decorations put up by my next-door neighbor Josh Messenger. Certainly there has to be a correlation to how schools decorate their gyms and playing fields.

But, a full column on decorations?

After struggling to even unpack the copious boxes of holiday adornment left by my deceased wife Kathy, this is not my domain.

Maybe I should have stuck with the badminton idea.

Nov. 30 David Michael Wesson and Donna Lee Gavin, both of Leland.

Dec. 2 Mitchell Stafford Bratina of Leaf River and Naeva Elana Groenewold of Forreston.

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SECTION V. The Trustees shall have the power and authority during the aforesaid Fiscal Year from time to time, as in their judgment may be necessary, to make transfers among the various line item appropriations for the purpose of meeting exigencies that may arise during the year to the extent permitted by law.

SECTION VI. This Ordinance shall be known as Ordinance No. 2020-0001 and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, Ogle County, Illinois, within thirty (30} days of the date hereof.

The newspaper shall furnish a certificate of publication to the Secretary of the Fire Protection District, which certificate shall be placed in the official records of the Fire District and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ten (10) days of its publication.

PASSED by the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District of Ogle County, Illinois this 16th day of November, 2020 and filed with the Secretary of the said Fire Protection District the same date.

Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Marjie Lindquist, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District

Approved by the President of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District of Ogle County, Illinois, this 16th day of November, 2020.

President CERTIFICATE The undersigned Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, certifies that on the day and date hereof, she was the duly appointed, acting and qualified Secretary of the said Fire Protection District; that in her capacity as Secretary she is the official keeper of the records, minutes and resolutions of said Fire Protection District and that the document attached hereto is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 2020-0001 entitled: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING September 1, 2020 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2021. the original of which is part of the official records of the said Mt Morris Fire Protection District. Dated this 16th day of November Marjie Lindquist, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District The undersigned certifies that on the day and date hereof, he was the duly appointed, qualified and acting President of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District; that on the day and date here of MARJIE LUNDQUIST was the duly appointed, qualified and acting Secretary of the said Mt Morris Fire Protection District and in such capacity was the keeper of the official records, minutes and resolutions of the said Fire Protection District.

Dated this 16th day of November, 2020 President of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District The undersigned, being the duly appointed and acting Treasurer of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, as chief fiscal officer of said District, certifies that the estimate of receipts set forth above in Ordinance No. 2020-0001, being the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2021 correctly states the revenues, by source, anticipated to be received by the said Fire Protection District for the fiscal year indicated. This certification is made in compliance with the provisions of 35 ILCS 200/18-50.

Dated this 16th day of November, 2020 Treasurer, Board of Trustees Mt Morris Fire Protection District December 11, 2020

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11 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-0001 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2021.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District General Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2021: Expected Cash Balance-Fire-Sep 1, 2020 $ 364,210.00 Expected Cash Bal-Ambulance-Sep 1, 2020 56,790.00 Real Estate Property Tax Receipts-Fire 221,500.00 Real Estate Property Tax Receipts-Ambulance 221,500.00 Real Estate Property Tax Receipts-Rescue 27,687.00 Interest Income & Replacement Tax 21,000.00 Fee Income-Ambulance 285,000.00 Total Estimated Receipts and Fund Balance $1,197,687.00 SECTION II. That the following sums of money be and they are hereby budgeted and appropriated for corporate purposes for the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Mt Morris Township, Ogle County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2021 for the following purposes: 1. Salaries, Firefighters $ 87,250.00 2. Salaries, Trustees 5,750.00 3 Salaries, Ambulance Personnel 383,750.00 4. Operating Expense 15,500.00 5. Attorney and Auditor Fees 8,000.00 6. Travel Expenses 500.00 7. Firefighter/Ambulance Training Expense 10,000.00 8. Office Expense 14,750.00 9. Utility Expense 17,000.00 10. Building & Grounds Maintenance 25,000.00 11. Publication of Ordinances 1,250.00 12. Contingencies 1,500.00 13. Dues & Licenses 3,000.00 14. Prevention/Education/Health & Safety Programs 1,000.00 15. New Tools & Small Equipment 32,000.00 16. Rural Fill Sites 750.00 17. Billings & Collections 15,000.00 18. Medical Supplies 15,000.00 19. Vehicle Repair & Maintenance 44,250.00 20. Fire/Rescue Apparatus Replacement 62,937.00 21. Ambulance Replacement 32,500.00 22. Loan Repayment 0.00 TOTAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION - ALL FUNDS $ 776,687.00 ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - ALL FUNDS AT AUGUST 31, 2021 $ 421,000.00 SECTION III. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District Insurance Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2021: Estimated Cash Balance at September 1, 2020 $216,258.00 Real Estate Property Tax Receipts 93,086.00 Total Estimated Receipts and Fund Balance $309,344.00 SECTION IV. That the following sums of money may be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the Mt Morris Fire Protection District's Insurance Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2021, for the purpose of paying insurance premiums: INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Insurance Package Premiums for General and Vehicle Liability, Casualty to Fire Trucks; Bodily Injury and Property Liability; Multi-Peril Vehicle and Property Damage; Casualty and Bodily Injury Insurance Coverage; Extended Coverage at Firehouse and Errors and Omissions Professional Liability Coverage $25,000.00 Insurance Premium for Worker's Compensation 50,100.00.

Insurance for Full Time Paid Fire Fighters, Full and Part time paid Ambulance Personnel and Reserve Fire Fighters 12,500.00 Insurance Premium for Accident Policy for Reserve Fire Fighters 2,000.00 Contribution to Illinois Department of Employment Security for Unemployment Compensation for All Personnel 2,000.00 TOTAL INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION $89,600.00 ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - INSURANCE FUND AT AUGUST 31, 2021 $216,258.00

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12

HANDS ON IN OREGON

City, group come together to renovate a home Hands On Oregon, city officials happy with the outcome

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The first agenda item at Tim Krug’s first Oregon City Council meeting as a commissioner was to tear down Paul Shaffner’s home and evict him.

He couldn’t vote for it.

“I said wait a minute,” Krug said.

“The back wall was missing. They couldn’t get him to fix it or accept help. I tabled it and talked to him. I learned his story. He had no family or savings. He lived off the grid. No phone. He said he couldn’t get contractors. I started making contacts and moves. I told the council I had people on board.”

A tree fell on Shaffner’s home five years ago and damaged it. Weather damage has ensued since. Krug and Hands On Oregon recently finished renovating Shaffner’s home using a $10,000 USDA grant and Shaffner will soon move back in after being put up at an apartment.

The process started in May 2019.

Along with fixing the wall, a new furnace was put in and plumbing work was done. Volunteers helped with the labor and materials were donated like a $6,100 roof from Tip Top Roofing in Sycamore.

The project wasn’t what Krug expected to work on as a commissioner, but after coming from a family of contractors and a career fixing cars, he didn’t see the home as totaled.

“I’ve been a businessman in Oregon for 30 years,” Krug said. “I fix things that are broken and that’s how I looked at it. People said it was beyond repair. The right bridges weren’t crossed to find help. People said it was fixable. The guy just didn’t have the means.”

Shaffner has lived in the home since 1962, Krug said. At one point he stopped paying for utilities and used a wood-burning stove to keep warm.

“The biggest change for me, I will be enjoying the place and what they’ve done to it,” Shaffner said.

“They’ve done it about as good as anyone could do it.”

Rick Ryland of Hands On Oregon agreed to take the lead on the project and enjoyed seeing the community come together. He never thought the project would be as large as it was.

“When I opened the door and the whole wall moved, I wondered what I’d gotten myself into,” Ryland said.

“The tree destroyed a third of his house. Now he has a nice winterized house.”

Ryland called it “a wonder” that Shaffner was able to live in the home in its condition before the work began.

“The back end of his home was

open,” Ryland said. “He would’ve been asphyxiated if not for that.

Fumes were coming into the house.

Vents were rusted. The heat turned the walls black with soot. It’s a wonder it didn’t burn down. The wall being out saved that.”

Krug is thankful for Hands On Oregon and the way the community came together. He called the project a win for Shaffner, the city and

the neighbors. He recalled his first meeting with Shaffner and knowing there was a chance they could get something done to save his home after meetings with others didn’t yield that feeling.

“We moved him into the 21st century,” Krug said. “He was in pilgrim days. He’s 78 years old. I never knew him. That’s all he knew. He became accustomed to it.”

Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

Oregon city representatives, volunteers and more pose for a ribbon cutting in front of Paul Shaffner’s newly-renovated home.

Pictured are Penny Miller, Commissioner Tim Krug, Rachel Brunner and child, Bones Hadick, Paul Shaffner, Lee Hadick, Kim Krug, Karly Spell, Jeff Hallock, Marcia Behrens, Darin DeHaan, Liam Dickson-Harriett, Lou Vanderwyst, Shawn Lieb and John Dickson.

ABOVE LEFT: Volunteers Casper Manheim, Tim Krug, Lou VanderWyst, Rick Ryland, Lee Hadick and Liam Dickson-Harriet work on the renovation of Paul Shaffner’s home in Oregon. ABOVE RIGHT: The kitchen wall of Paul Shaffner’s home in Oregon before it was repaired by the city and Hands On Oregon. Photos supplied.

13

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• Shop online. Avoiding crowds and busy places may be wise until a vaccine is developed. By early summer, many retailers were allowed to reopen if they implemented strict policies about workers and customers wearing masks and cutting store capacities by a certain percentage. Shopping online enables you to stay closer to home and have gifts either delivered or made available for curbside pickup. Many retailers, including small mom-and-pop stores, have implemented new e-commerce options to increase their online shopping capabilities.

• Stay well fed and hydrated. Marathon shopping sessions at the mall may get your gift list checked off, but you may feel ill if you don’t eat and drink. Stop for a healthy snack, and drink plenty of water so that dry, indoor air doesn’t contribute to dehydration.

• Alleviate back pain. Heavy bags, lifting and inspecting items at arms length from racks or shelves and wearing a heavy purse can contribute to back pain. Minimize such movements to ensure a shopping trip doesn’t end with some aches and pains.

• Touch only what you plan to buy. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations have said it is unlikely that people can contract COVID-19 from handling packaging, do not pick up products and put them in your cart unless you plan to buy them. Compare items with your eyes, not your hands.

• Wash hands frequently. Remember to frequently wash hands during shopping ventures or when returning from the store. In the absence of a sink, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol to prevent the spread of germs.

Staying healthy this holiday shopping season means taking a proactive approach to avoid germs and illness.

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COVID-19 is just one factor shoppers should consider if they plan to make healthful changes to the way they prepare for the holiday season. These health-minded tips can ensure the holidays are full of joy and personal wellness.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

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recent survey from the cloud-based voice and analytic supply chain solutions provider Voxware found that consumers were planning to change their approach to holiday shopping as early as June. The survey, which included 500 consumers in the United States and sought to determine how holiday shopping behaviors may be altered due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus, found that 76 percent of respondents intend to purchase more than half of their gifts online in 2020. With that in mind, small business owners can work to build up their e-commerce and delivery capabilities so they are in position to capitalize on a retail season that, while different, can still prove lucrative. In fact, the earlier businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season, the more lucrative it may be, as 51 percent of respondents to the Voxware survey indicated that they expect to begin holiday shopping earlier than normal this year. In addition, 62 percent of respondents indicated they plan to purchase more stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts online. Small businesses can capitalize on that likelihood by offering free shipping on orders that exceed a certain amount. Such offers may compel consumers to more thoroughly peruse small businesses’ online offerings as they look to find everything from big gifts to stocking stuffers in the hopes of earning free shipping.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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15 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

tempting, such a bounty should never result in financial peril. These six strategies can make it easy to establish and stick to a budget this holiday season.

1. Budget for everything. When working out holiday spending plans, factor in all of the expenses associated with the holidays — not just the most obvious, like gifts. Costs for gas, parking lot fees, greeting cards, postage, travel expenses, and much more should be included in your final number.

2. Determine how much you can spend. Money for gifts and other holiday expenses should ideally come from your disposable income.

Look at your finances in advance of the holiday season and figure out how much extra cash you have for the holidays, and use that figure to determine how much you should spend. Find ways to make up any MCS deficit by curtailing expenses like dining out or entertainment extras.

Many people plan to use credit cards to pay now and worry about the aftermath later. Only use credit cards if you have the money in the bank and can pay off the entire bill when the balance due is in January.

3. Set a spending limit for individuals. Based on your numbers and how much you plan to spend overall, start allocating money to categories, including gift recipients. Come up with a spending range for each person and stick to it.

4. Pay in cash as much as possible. It’s easy to know what you’re spending when using cash as opposed to credit. There is some risk with carrying around cash, but that risk may be offset by the benefit of spending only what you can afford to spend. he holidays are an exciting, fun and joyful time of year. And for 5. Track all purchases. Save the receipts and keep a running total of many people, the holidays also are expensive. expenditures so you can see how your spending is measuring up to your budget. If necessary, scale back on one category if you’ve tipped the According to the Motley Fool Company, a financial wellness resource, the average American spent $882.45 on Christmas gifts, food, scales in spending on another. decorations, travel, and other holiday-related expenses in 2019. Around 6. Shop sales and deals. High-end stores may have the impressive tag, 56 percent of gift shoppers set a budget for holiday spending, but only but their prices can set you back. Instead, look for comparable gifts at 64 percent stuck to it. In addition, 21.5 percent of respondents went discount stores and other retailers. Also, if you must use a credit card, into debt due to holiday shopping. use one that earns you a cash-back bonus for added savings.

Who doesn’t want to have a super holiday with delicious foods on the A holiday budget is a must to avoid overspending and finding yourself in table and lots of presents to share with family and friends? While that’s debt early next year.

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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he holiday season is a busy time of year. People devote many hours to generating gift lists and planning their shopping excursions. Shopping can be allencompassing during the holiday season, but it is only half of the giftgiving equation. After all of those toys, articles of clothing and other goodies are purchased, those items will need to be wrapped and hidden away. Gift-givers may be looking for ways to make these tasks just a little MCS easier.

Shop early The sooner you begin shopping, the more time you will have to purchase everything you need and then get it prepared for giving. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales feature great deals, there are discounts to be had all year long if you keep your eyes open. Grab an item here and there when there is something that catches your eye and fits the needs of a gift recipient.

Shopping early also affords shoppers a greater buffer if they plan to do some of their shopping online. Shipping times have changed due to COVID-19, which has disrupted some supply chains and put added pressure on shipping companies. The U.S. Postal Service says products and packages may require more time to be delivered due to limited transportation availability, so shopping early can help ensure everything arrives on time.

Tackle the kids’ gifts first Watching children’s bright grins and all their excitement opening presents can make all the hard work worth it. Be sure that you shop for all of the gifts for children in your household first, especially if you play Santa’s helper. Use opportunities when the kids are in school or

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at daycare to bring gifts into the house and then wrap them. Wrapping as you go can help to ensure there are no “spoiler alerts” prior to the holidays.

Create a wrapping station A dedicated area for wrapping can streamline the process. Gift wrapping supplies can be tough to keep organized because they’re usually awkward sizes and can eat up a lot of space. That’s where a wrapping station can come into play. It can be custom-made or you can use items already around the house. A laundry room or a large closet can be the ideal location for a wrapping station. Because wrapping paper rolls are the most cumbersome wrapping supplies, find a way to corral them. A tall laundry hamper works, or consider hanging wrapping paper rolls horizontally on thin curtain rods attached to a wall or the back of a door.

Simply pull off the amount of paper you need and cut.

Organize other supplies in a nearby drawer or organizational caddy.

Store gift bags and tissue paper in a fabric tote bag. Having everything within arm’s reach cuts down on time spent searching for supplies.

It’s that time of year for shopping and wrapping. Ensure it is a low-stress experience with some time-saving tips.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Curbside Service

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

REGIONAL NEWS

Ogle is on the list to receive COVID-19 vaccine

BY RACHEL RODGERS

rrodgers@shawmedia.com Whiteside, Ogle and Carroll counties will be among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccine shipments in the coming weeks.

Gov. JB Pritzker said Dec. 4 that the very first vaccinations will go to the 50 counties with the highest death rates per capita.

On that list, Carroll County ranked third, Whiteside ranked 11th and Ogle ranked 46th.

Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine require two doses.

Pfizer’s is three weeks apart, while Moderna’s is four weeks apart. The

doses for the first and second shot are the same.

The state expects to receive 109,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from a federal supply, with 23,000 expected to go to Chicago and 86,000 set to go across the rest of the state.

The first vaccines are set to go to health care workers, hospital teams, first responders and long-term care residents. They will be restricted to those 18 and older.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to consider approval of the Pfizer vaccine for Cars line up at the Whiteside County Health Department in Rock Falls Oct. 25 for testing. emergency use on Dec. 10 followed Whiteside is one of 50 counties that will receive one of the first shipments of the COVIDby Moderna on Dec. 17.

19 vaccine in coming weeks.

SPECIAL PROGRAM

RE/MAX wants art for nursing home residents RE/MAX of Rock Valley in Oregon announced last week it is looking to spread Christmas cheer this holiday season.

The office is encouraging community members to color pictures or make their own festive artwork and turn it into the RE/MAX of Rock Valley office so that they can be delivered to residents

at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center and Pine Crest Manor in Mt. Morris.

Print off the coloring pages RE/MAX created.

Find them on RE/MAX of Rock Valley Facebook or Instagram page or pick-up the pages at RE/ MAX’s office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or create your own.

RE/MAX asks residents to color as many pages as they’d like.

Return the artwork, or mail it to the RE/MAX office by Friday, Dec. 11. RE/MAX will deliver the pieces of art to the nursing homes the week of Dec. 14.

BERTOLET LIBRARY

Winter Take & Make Crafts: Miss Jana will have craft kits to keep your kids from getting antsy as we lead up to Christmas. Stop by each Monday to

pick up your take & make craft kit for the week!

New Releases Adult Fiction: The Break Line by James Brabazo (Large Print); Lost Hills by Lee Goldberg; The Governess of Penwy the Hall by Sarah E. Ladd; Collision of Lies

by Tom Threadgill; Knox by Susan May Warren Juvenile Fiction & Non-Fiction: Space Case by Stuart Gibbs; My Survival: A Girl

of Schindler’s List by Rena Finder Children’s Fiction: Big Red School by Norman Bridwell; The Perfect Birthday Recipe by Katy Hudson; Good Night, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle Wednesday WhoDunIt Wednesday WhoDunIt will resume after the holidays. Put a new mystery title on your Christmas wish list!

Family Story Time

Family Story Time will resume after the holidays.

Reminder We are unable to collect soft plastics at this time. Also, we regretfully cannot accept book donations right now.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

We ask that you refrain from depositing your plastics and book donations unattended.

Thank you for your cooperation.

FORRESTON LIBRARY Santa’s Mailbox Children are encouraged to drop their letter to Santa in his mailbox at the library. No postage is required. Bring your letter (with a return address) in by Tuesday, Dec. 15 to receive a personal reply from Santa. Letters may also be put in the book drop when the library is closed.

Santa StoryTime and Craft Santa’s first book reading is now posted on our Facebook page. Stop in the library to pick up a craft that ties in with the story before you enjoy the video with your favorite little person. Santa’s reading of “The Night Before Christmas”

will be posted the week of Dec. 21.

Hat and Mitten Tree We are accepting donations of hats and mittens through Monday, Dec. 21.

All items will be given to New Life Community Center for local distribution.

Library Hours The library is open with the following hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m.

Monday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. We are closed on Friday and Sunday. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 and children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a responsible

party. Curbside pickup is still available for anyone who wishes to use it.

Library Board Positions Only a few more days remain to pick up nominating petitions and begin filing for anyone interested in running for the Forreston Public Library Board. There will be three positions open and they are each 6 year terms. Please call the library at 815-938-2624 or stop in for more information.

Preschool Activities Looking for fun, engaging activities for your preschooler? Our Grab n Go packets include a Scholastic story paper with

a different theme each month, accompanying worksheets-coloring pages, and a code to access online stories and activities. Call to reserve yours or stop in and pick one up for your favorite little person.

Library Updates Like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the most current information on our plans and activities and also check out our recently updated website at forrestonlibrary.org/. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us by phone at 815-938-2624, email at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail. com or through Facebook messaging.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY Santa Countdown Fun We have a “Santa Countdown” sheet available as a fun way to count down daily to Christmas. Call the library 815734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@ gmail.com to get yours.

Virtual CATCH Club CATCH Club (with the U of I Extension) is moving to virtual starting from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. This is suggested for grades 3 to 5. It will run Thursday the 3rd, 10th and 17th. Contact the library 815-734-4927 or email dawn. mtmorrislib@gmail.com to get the Zoom link. There will be a craft kit that you can pick up ahead of time from the library.

To-Go Craft Kits for All Ages Starting Saturday, Dec. 5 we will have the following to-go craft kits available: Kids: Bead Ornaments; Teens: Book Page Ornament; Adults: Red Napkin Poinsettia. Call the library 815-734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to get yours.

Free Library Cards for OCUSD 220 Mt. Morris Public Library and Ore-

gon Public Library, in conjunction with OCUSD 220, are partnering for a pilot program where all students qualify for a free library card. Information and forms will be sent home from the school.

Contact the library at 815-734-4927 for more information.

Virtual Storytime & To-Go Kits Virtual Storytime will be at 11:15 a.m. via Facebook Live every Wednesday. Weekly Storytime themed kits will be available and will include a free book, a craft, a letter book, stickers and tracing page. Call the library at 815-734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to pick up yours.

Family Storytime In-person family storytime is available

on Fridays by appointment and for one family at a time. It will last approximately 30 minutes and will include books, rhymes and a craft. Masks will be required for ages 3 and up and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry to the library. Call the library at 815-734-4927 or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to register.

Browsing & Computer Use

By Appointment We are open for browsing and computer use by appointment; call they library to schedule a time.

Masks are required and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the library. No unaccompanied children are allowed in the library at this time (do not bring your children if you will be using the computer). Browsing is

limited to 30 minutes and computer use to one hour.

Curbside Pickup, Interlibrary Loans, Library Cards Curbside Service and Interlibrary Loans are available during regular business hours. Mt. Morris patrons can place holds through the catalog, by calling or emailing.

Library staff is quarantining all returned items for a period of time.

Recently returned materials may remain on your account longer than usual. No overdue fines will be charged. New library cards: Patrons can call or email the library to set up an appointment to renew or receive new library cards.

Please bring a photo id and a second form of id with current address. Contact the library at 815-734-4927 or mmlib@ mtmorris-il.org.

Open Trustee Positions We have two Trustee positions expiring. If you are interested in being in the Spring elections, packets are available for pickup from Village Hall.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Hat and Mitten Tree Again this year, we are collecting warm hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens.

Hang your contribution on our tree by the end of the year. They will be distributed through the New Life Community Center in Forreston in January.

19

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

20

OREGON LIBRARY New Library Procedures Oregon Public Library has shifted to touch free services due to the Tier 3 mitigation. We will only be offering curbside pick up and appointments for computer use, printing or faxing.

If you are interested in curbside pick up or a computer reservation please call 815-732-2724. Holds can be placed three different ways: Online through the catalog: http://search.prairiecat.info/iii/ encore/?lang=eng Over the phone with Library staff at 815-732-2724, or through our NEW mobile App - PrairieCat Mobile.

Log into your library account with your library card number and PIN (last four digits of the library card number).

Once your requested items are available for pick up you will receive the automated notification from PrairieCat. Call us at 815-732-2724 after you receive this notice to schedule your curbside pick up.

December Distraction Until Saturday, Dec. 19. When Oregon Public Library District cardholders check out reading material, they may receive a scratch-off ticket for every 3 reading material items for a chance to win some readable prizes.

Scratch off your ticket and see if you win. Winning ticket holders may select one of the prize packages that are now on display at the Library. Ask one of our librarians for more info.

Zoom Story Time Dec. 17, 10 a.m.; register at least one week before to receive a craft kit and the Zoom link.

Video Story Time 10 a.m. Thursdays on the library’s Facebook Page.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt – Virtual Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.

Prizes to local shopping venues.

Scavenge around your house for various holiday items. Be the fastest and-or have the most items in your home and win. Go to ZOOM.com and enter the following: Meeting ID: 858 1160 3753 Passcode: 111976 Participation is open to everyone, but must show Oregon Library Card to receive prizes. Call for more information.

Ugly Sweater Contest Send pictures of you in your Ugly Christmas Sweater to be entered into our giveaway. Entries must be received

by 4 p.m. Dec. 18 and the winner will be announced Dec. 19 during Candlelight Walk. Send to cbergoply@gmail.com 1st Prize: $10 SuperValu Gift Certificate, 2nd Prize: $5 Village Bakery Certificate. Must be Oregon Public Library District Patron.

Paint Your New Year’s Eve Glass Make and Take Kits Available Dec. 28 Pick up your free kit to paint your wine glass and toast the New Year in style. Kits include wine glass, two paint markers, and stencils. Instructional video available on our website.

Registration for kits required, 815-7322724. Must be Oregon Public Library District Patron.

Library Book Clubs Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m., “A Christmas Blizzard,” by Garrison Keillor.

Books on Tap Book Club, Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m. at Cork n Tap, 305 Washington St., “One Day in December,” by Josie Silver.

2WBC Book Club, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m., “Mr. Dickens and His Carol,” by Samantha Silva.

Maker Monday’s, Take and Make Ages 18 and up. Registration required

at 815-732-2724. Kits are available.

New Library App This allows patrons to check library accounts, search for items, place holds, and see library events from a mobile device. Download the PrairieCat Mobile app today! Search for PrairieCat Mobile on your device’s app store, connect with your Oregon Public Library card and you are all set.

Friends of the Library Grab Bag Sale This is an ongoing sale and the bags are in the library labeled by genre. Bags are $5. There are approximately 8-10 books in each bag.

Storywalk The Oregon Public Library StoryWalk at Oregon Park West is now open! StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT in 2007, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Thank you to the Etnyre Foundation and the Oregon Park District for helping the Oregon Public Library present this unique reading experience. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka begins on the path at the main parking lot.

POLO LIBRARY Curbside Pickup Mondays - 2-6 p.m.; Tuesdays - 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m.; Wednesdays - 2-6 p.m.; Thursdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Fridays - 10 a.m.2 p.m.; and Saturdays - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Step 1 - Log in to your PrairieCat/ Encore account and request items for pickup. You can also call 815-946-2713 or email library@pololibrary.org at least one business day in advance of preferred pickup day with a list of items you would like to check out.

Need a suggestion? Library staff are happy to select several books for you to try.

Step 2 - Call 815-946-2713 to schedule a date and time for your contactless pickup Please remain in your car and allow library staff to place your items in your trunk or back seat.

Step 3 - Drop items off as you are finished with them. Our book drop, located to the left of the Congress Street door, will continue to be open 24/7.

Additional Curbside Services We are still offering copy/print (.25/ Black and White .50/Color) and fax ($1/

page). We also offer home delivery at no extra charge for patrons who are unable to use curbside pickup. Please call 815-946-2713 for more information and to schedule an appointment or home delivery.

Teen Trivia Night - Wednesday, Dec. 16- 6 p.m. Get on Zoom with other teens to play trivia games on Kahoot! The trivia subjects we will play are holiday, books, and movies. First place winner gets a candy bar of their choosing! To register, join the “Teen Trivia Night” event on facebook.com/pololibrary Ghosts of Christmas Past Zoom Program - Thursday, Dec. 17 - 7 p.m.

Join us as local author Kathi Kresol shares some of the strange stories she has found in her research that shows sometimes the “holiday spirit” can be more than we bargain for!

Visit pololibrary.org for more information Book Subscription Box - Grades 6-12 - The book subscription box contains one book to read and some goodies.

You pick the genre, we supply the book!

Email library@pololibrary.org and ask for a Book Subscription Box form, fill it out, and we’ll call you to set up a pickup time when your box is ready! Read the book while you enjoy some treats, then return the book in the book drop.

Library Petitions Available Nominating petitions for four board positions at Polo Public Library District are available for pickup at the library.

Please call 815-946-2713 to arrange a time to pick up your nominating petition.

Current board members are Dan Baker, Donna Baumann, Josh Faivre, Marie Monaco, Sarah Rowland, Julie Sanders, and Susan Zook.

Four of the seven positions will be open for election to four-year terms. The election will be held on April 6, 2021.

Library board members must be, on the date of the election, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, a resident of the State of Illinois and must have resided in the library district (Buffalo Township) at least one year at the time he or she files nomi-

nation papers.

To be considered for election, candidates must file a petition with 13 signatures of qualified voters who live within the library district.

The candidates must complete a statement of candidacy, a statement of economic interests, and may complete an optional notarized loyalty oath. All necessary forms are included in the candidate’s election packet available at the library.

The filing period is Dec. 14 through Dec. 21. Packets returned after Dec. 21 will not be considered for candidacy.

Packets may be obtained and filed during library hours: Monday – Thursday form 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wi-Fi Access Wi-Fi is available 24/7 outside of the library building, even outside of library hours. You can access the Wi-Fi by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password.

HONOR ROLLS High Honor Roll Freshman: Alex Albano, Isabelle Blumhoff, Landen Brooks, Ellia Escobar, Avery Faivre, DeAngelo Fernandez, Karlea Frey, Madison Glawe, Kailey Helfrich, Allissa Marschang, Piper MartinPressley, Gabriella Oliver, Sydnei Rahn, Elleanna Wells, Nathaniel Yingling.

Sophomores: Teah Almasy, Molly Blum, Cody Buskohl, Katie Cavanaugh, Ally Cytrych, Anna Faivre, Thomas Falk, Lindee Poper, Brogan Shank, Annalise Stamm, Kamryn Stockton, Cayden Webster, Payton Wells, Laura Wright, Rebekah Zeigler.

Juniors: Madissen Allen, Jasmine Badon, Kaylah Boelens, Breanne Cisketti, Blake Diehl, Maddi Jones, Oliver Kaczmarski, Morgan McBride, Natalie Nelson, Devion Sankey, Kadence Sheaffer, Linnea Sundmann, Faith Ukena, Braelyn Velez, and Taryn Zell.

Seniors: Joey Bardell, Marah Blake, Victoria Busser, Brady Clark, Harper Clark, Alex Dusing, Cole Faivre, Abby Gorzny, Katy Hess, Peyton Knight, Zane Lindstrom, Kaylee Lowry, Tyler Mathis, Emma Mooney-McCawley, Mallory Patterson, Teagan Prescott, Kassidy Scott, Izzy Sellers, Alyssa Wakenight, Gavin

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Polo High School Honor Roll

21

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

22

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

County board leaders reelected unanimously

Newly-elected board members sworn in

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ogle County Board Chairman John Finfrock and Vice-Chairman Patricia Nordman were unanimously reelected to their positions on Monday.

No other nominations were made for the positions, Ogle County Clerk Laura Cook said. Board members who were newly-elected or reelected last month were sworn in earlier in the day by Judge Robert T. Hanson.

Those sworn in include Dan Miller, David Williams, Tom Smith, Larry Boes, Don Griffin, John Finfrock, Zach Oltmanns and Marcia Heuer.

Cook said the board may be doing its Dec. 15 meeting via Zoom video chat. Past meetings during the pandemic have been conducted via conference call and some technical issues have come as a result.

Judge Robert Hanson swore in the Ogle County Board members elected in the General Election on Monday. They include Dan Miller, David Williams, Tom Smith, Larry Boes, Don Griffin, John Finfrock, Zach Oltmanns and Marcia Heuer. Photo supplied

POLO CITY COUNCIL

Feral cats again a topic at Polo council meeting

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Feral cats were again a topic during Polo City Council’s Monday meeting.

A long discussion was had by aldermen and residents in response to the reaction brought on by Project Humane Polo offering to provide shelters for feral cats in the community. The group was formed after the city made an ordinance limiting feeding and ownership of cats earlier this year after complaints from citizens.

The city decided at a recent meeting it wouldn’t be partnering with Project Humane Polo on a trap neuter release program due to liability concerns, but said it would refer citizens with feral cat problems to them.

“A complaint was made that said we’re going to be sheltering them,”

Another delay in closing on potential new Polo city hall Polo has hit yet another snag in its attempt to purchase a building for a new city hall and police department.

The CedarStone building, located at 610 S. Division Ave., is tied up in bankruptcy proceedings of the previous owner and the bank the city is working with has been unable to procure a clear title since the $229,000 purchase was unanimously approved at a special meeting on Oct. 9.

Alderman Troy Boothe said of the shelters. “We still want to relocate feral cats if they’re a nuisance and the project group will remediate the situation. It doesn’t have anything to do with making the situation more comfortable.”

Boothe said he’d recently spoken with Project Humane Polo Member Ashley Rinehart about the situation and that he wasn’t opposed to anything the group wants.

He agrees that the shelters are there to keep the cats where they’re wanted, not raise the population.

“If the cats have the little home, they won’t be going into yards and leaving waste,” Boothe said. “They can still be chipped and neutered and put back. We were called cowards for not endorsing it. We all want the population down. I’m in a good place with what they want.”

Alderman Randy Schoon disagreed and said the cats are wild

animals and can’t be expected to stay in one place.

He said those opposed to feral cats in town need to have their voices heard.

“You should have to tag and license every one of those cats,” Schoon said. “People don’t want these houses.”

Project Humane Polo Member Cheryl Galor said the group has found homes for nine cats so far over three months and has had one trapped, spayed and neutered.

She said the group has found the cats gather in one place at night, and is working on coming up with more ideas to remediate problems and reduce the feral cat population over time.

Alderman Keith Chesnut expressed skepticism of the trap neuter release program, saying it could encourage people to abandon their cats in town.

James Reynolds is one of the Polo residents that has become frustrated with feral cats.

“I have the right to enjoy my property,” Reynolds said. “Whatever you call the cats, my dogs are licensed and I want the ordinance to reflect responsible ownership of animals. I don’t want my grandkids to step in feces. My dog got colitis from eating cat feces.”

At the end of the discussion, Boothe asked City Attorney Tom Suits to look at revising the animal ordinance to reflect the feeding of cats only at one or two specific times a day for a later vote.

“Let’s do nothing about the houses for now and just approach feeding,” Boothe said. “One step at a time.”

“Houses were just meant to keep them where they’re wanted,” Rinehart said. “We’re trying everything we can.”

The sale was originally supposed to close on Oct. 29. An extension was agreed to by Mayor Doug Knapp with a closing date of Dec. 10, but that won’t be happening either.

The council will be meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in a special meeting to decide whether to extend the contract, attempt to renegotiate it or back out completely, Alderman DJ Sanders said Tuesday.

Alderman Randy Schoon expressed concern at a special meeting on Dec. 4

of Knapp’s decision to extend the original contract without a vote and how the building will be paid for.

“That extension should have been voted on,” Schoon said. “We’re spending money and changing dates. A lawyer told me that. How are we going to pay for this? We talked about having a fourth come out of each fund. We have sewer and sanitation expenses. And water. And if it all comes from the general fund, that’s a lot.”

Knapp apologized for making the

extension decision without a vote and said in hindsight he would’ve consulted with everyone on the council. He said the city plans to reassess the purchase due to the contract not being met this week.

Alderman Troy Boothe said the current city hall has structural problems and isn’t viable long-term. He’s heard residents say they want city hall to stay downtown, but there isn’t anywhere to go at the moment.

Jeff Helftich - Shaw Media

OGLE COUNTY COURTS

Mike Rock takes office as Ogle’s new state’s attorney

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com A Byron man accused of murdering his ex-wife and 3-year-old son had a status hearing in Ogle County court on Monday and another continuance was granted.

The continuance was agreed to for a pre-trial on Feb. 8, 2021 at 10 a.m., Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said.

Duane Meyer was charged with four counts of first degree homicide, two counts of aggravat-

ed arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death on Oct. 9, 2019. Maggie and Amos Meyer were killed in a fire in 2016 that was proved to be arson.

Rock said a large amount of pretrial discovery was the reason for the continuance.

“Police and forensic Duane Meyer reports, things like that,” Rock said. “Any time it’s a case with charges like this, it will take some time. Making sure both sides have all of the documents.”

The Feb. 8 date will consist of both sides seeing where they’re at with discovery, Rock said.

Meyer is currently being held in the Ogle County Jail on a $10 million bond.

Rock was sworn as state’s attorney on Dec. 1, taking over for Eric Morrow after defeating him in the primary elections earlier this year and running unopposed last Maggie and Amos month.

“It’s been good,” Rock said.

Meyer “Myself and three new assistant state’s attorneys started last Tuesday and divied up all the cases. It’s exciting to be back serving Ogle County.

Ogle County courts opened back up on Monday after a closure due to COVID-19.

SHERIFF ACTIVITY Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity Dec. 2 Adam Sherman, 27, of Rockford was arrested at 2:38 p.m. for aggravated battery after deputies responded to the report of a battery at 3890 North Illinois 251 with an injured male victim. Sherman was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held pending a court appearance in front of a judge. Stillman EMS also assisted with the incident and transported the victim to Swedish American Hospital.

Jamar D. Baker, 31, of Rockford, was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for driving while license suspended. Baker was issued a $1,000 recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 23 at 9 a.m.

Mark R. Much, 51, of Dixon, was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County

warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Much was unable to post the $5,000 or 10 percent bond and was scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Dec. 3 Alexandra Schaefer, 29 of Rochelle, was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for aggravated battery.

Schaefer posted the $5,000 or 10 percent bond and was released from the Ogle County Jail. Schaefer is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.

Kayla Martin, 30, of Ashton was arrested at 7:20 p.m. for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of East Illinois 38 and South Brooklyn Road. Martin was also issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Martin was released from the scene on an I-bond with a court date later next

An eye exam is a good idea, especially if things are starting to look a little fuzzy around the edges.

month.

Dec. 5 Jonathan Thurmond, 31, of Lockport was arrested for driving while license suspended on Interstate 39 near Rochelle after being stopped for speeding. Thurmond was released on an I-bond and will appear in court at a later date.

Jesus Orozco, 29, of Rochelle was arrested for domestic battery. Orozco was held in lieu of bond at the Ogle County Jail.

Dec. 6 Munyonge Tembele, 23, of Des Moines, Iowa was arrested for driving while license suspended on Interstate 39 near Monroe Center after being stopped for speeding. Tembele was released on an I-bond and will appear in court at a later date.

Latoya McHenry, 25, of Machesney Park was arrested for driving while license suspended on Interstate 39 near Illinois 64 after being stopped for speeding. McHenry was released on an I-bond and will appear in Ogle County court at a later date.

Dec. 7 Timothy Coleman, 34, of Madison, Wisconsin, was arrested for driving while license revoked on Interstate 39 near Illinois 72 after being stopped for speeding. Coleman was released on a I-bond and will appear in Ogle County court at a later date.

Jessica Lewis, 33, of Oregon was arrested for two outstanding Ogle County warrants for failure to appear ($944 full cash bond) and retail theft ($10,000 or 10 percent). Lewis was unable to post bond and was scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Meyer double murder case continued until Feb. 8

23

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

24

OBITUARY CAROL V. LONG OREGON – Carol Viola Petersen Knutsen Long of Ft. Worth, Texas, formerly of Oregon, was promoted to glory on November 28, 2020.

She was born Nov. 29, 1929 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the second of three children of Roy L. and Irene (Boettcher) Petersen.

She graduated valedictorian from Central High School in West Allis, Wisconsin at age 16 in 1946.

She later attended St. Olaf College, Northern Illinois University and graduated Sill Scholar from Rockford College in 1968.

She worked at Metcalfe Hamilton Kansas City Bridge Company in Reykjavik, Iceland and at Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Company from 1950 to 1953.

She then worked for 38 years (1955-

1993) at Wood Brothers Manufacturing Company (Woods Equipment Company) as assistant to the President, Keith S. Wood, and then as Controller.

In addition, she gave speeches for IBM and the American Production and Inventory Control Society.

Carol embarked on a second career from 1994 to 2008 as facilitator for Elijah House Prayer Ministry and Counseling Schools.

Carol married Arvid J. Knutsen in 1948 and lived in Norway and Iceland for two years before returning to the United States. He died in 1959.

She then married Robert D. Long in 1961, and they were married 51 years until his death.

She was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and briefly served as choir director.

Carol also served on the church council and was a member of Dorcas Circle and other prayer groups.

She served on the staff of Freedom House Counseling Ministry, Berwyn. She also completed Theophostic Ministry basic training, certification from John G. Lake Divine Healing Institute, a health minister certificate from Hallelujah Acres, and attended Vision Life.

She loved the Lord, her family, coworkers and friends with her whole heart. She prayed with and for many.

She is survived by her children, Vicki Davis of Ft. Worth, Texas, Steve (Ann) Long of Morrison, Jonette (Gary) Wood of Henderson, Nevada, Pamela (Kevin) Basham of Santa Clarita, California, and

Andrew Long of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Christopher Janssen, Jim Davis, Holly Harvey, David Long, Peggy Tiedemann, Darik Knutsen, Jaryd Knutsen, Raedun de Alba, Caitlin Basham, and Kieran Basham; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anita; brother, Bruce; husband, Robert, and her son, Arvid Knutsen, Jr. No services will be held at this time due to COVID restrictions. A celebration of life will take place later. Internment will be at Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Samaritan’s Purse or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements through Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home.

$50,000.

• Nitram Properties to Beverly A. Nicastro, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $182,000.

• Anita Grace to Walter W. Paul, one parcel in Maryland Township, $788,000.

• Thomas G. and Pamela L. Satchell to Stephen Hofmann and Rachel WalkHofmann, 9558 E. Marquand Drive, Rochelle, $284,500.

• Edward A. and Donna R. Weiler to Dallas and Hannah Hodges, 7596 S. Koch Road, Rochelle, $141,360.

• Christin M. Giedd to Philip J. and Marie D. Clarke, 100 and 102 Blackberry Circle, Dixon, $147,000.

• Kimberly S. Ghibellini to Mattie E. Detweiler, 15812 W. Robin Road, Polo, $125,000.

• Joanne A. Rogde to David and Lorraine K. Mayer, 1015 W. Sixth Ave., Rochelle, $121,000.

• Martin E. and Margie D. Bergmark to Ian A. and Kelly A. Nielsen, 9898 N. Woodgate Lane, Byron, $225,000.

• David A. and Lindy E. Meyer to Kurt Schroeder, 1394 N. state Route 2, Oregon, $146,000.

• Joseph R. Primrose to Angelkrishna Corp., 700 Carrie Ave., Rochelle, $249,000.

• Larry R. Ranken to Jonathan and Katlynn Tracey, 207 Jeffrey Ave., Rochelle, $93,500.

• The late Ariadne S. Morozov by heir to Grant S. Manning, 1018 Westview Drive, Rochelle, $58,000.

• Jeffrey S. Tilton to Cole M. Wells, 830 N. Woolf Court, Rochelle, $114,000.

• Brian and Marla Vanvickle to Edward L. and Sonya M. Gallegos-Kooken, 120 S. Sixth St., Rochelle, $65,000.

• Preston L. Turner to Elias D. Welch and Andrea M. Oleson, 714 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $92,000.

• Richard J. and Janaan K. Harms to Jarrod V. and Cassie Federoff, 9443 E. Oak Ridge Dr., Rochelle, $325,000.

• Thomas E. and Elizabeth A. Lynch to Dustin Champlain, 804 S. Second St., Oregon, $53,000.

Quit Claim Deeds • Roger W. Meyer to Patricia L. Meyer, 404 S. Congress Ave., Polo, $0.

• Derrick and Angela Palmer to Angela K. Palmer, 7368 E Vista Drive, Stillman Valley, $0.

parcel in Pine Rock Township, $95,000.

• First National Bank and Trust Rochelle Trust6002 and Central Bank Illinois Trust15001 to Mike and Joan Pfeiffer, one parcel in Pine Rock Township, $85,000.

• Janis E. Anderson Trust, Janis E. Anderson, trustee to Mario Perez and Maria Ceniceros, 7339 E. Wildwood Road, Stillman Valley, $425,000.

• J&J Trust, John F. and Jennifer B. Kruse, trustees, to Anthony P. and Joan M. Basile, 3517 N. Marrill Road and one parcel in Marion Township, $445,000.

• Charles A. and Kathleen M. Hanna Revocable Trust, Charles A., Kathleen M. and Mitchell Hanna, trustees to David A. and Lindy E. Meyer, 10219 N. Conger Road, Byron, $145,000.

• Wilson Family Trust No. 607, Kathleen Baringer, trustee to Richard C. and Lorraine P. Gann, three parcels in Leaf River, $961,729.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers recorded week of Nov. 27 - Dec. 3.

Warranty Deeds • Daniel D. Whalen to Jordan and Savannah Lopez, 2436 S. Ridge Road, Oregon, $155,500.

• Ranlife Inc. to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 2233 S. Second St., Oregon, $0.

• Blair J. and William Colquitt to Samantha L. and Matthew R. Harazin, 507 E. Mason St., Polo, $142,500.

• Neesa Miles and Roger L. Hoskin to Thomas M. and Deanna L. Hughes, one parcel in Brookville Township, $4,000.

• Dale Merriman to Gary G. Knaub, 311 W. Fourth St., Leaf River, $147,500.

• John E. and Cynthia L. Bacher to Andrew S. and Megan A. Smith, 1164 W. Second St., Byron, $137,000.

• Justin Rosecke to Francis E. Labay, one parcel on Spring Creek Road, Byron, $160,000.

• Francis Labay to Cara Ann Benson, 818 N. Fieldcrest Drive, Byron, $165,000.

• Donna M. Wells to Donna L. and Robert A. Gronewold, 208 Main St., Leaf River, $51,500.

• The late Donna S. Nelson to Diane L. Sandell, 207 W. North St., Polo,

Trustee’s Deeds • Chicago Title Land Trust Co. Trust 1090742, Chicago Title Land Trust Co., trustee, to Mike and Joan Pfeiffer, one

Executor’s Deed • The late Steven Egland by executor to Steven P. and Colleen S. Esterday, 850 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $56,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal

Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County. Call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518 to subscribe today!

BASKETBALL HONOR

Tyler Vogt has been hitting the officiating for 32 years

BY ERIC INGLES

eingles@shawmedia.com A 32-year long journey along the basketball courts, baseball fields and football fields is leading to the Hall of Fame for one Forreston man.

Tyler Vogt has been named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as an official.

He got the word on Tuesday.

“Shock is going to be the understatement,” he said about hearing the news. “It kind of made my heart stop just for a second. I thought guys were playing jokes on me when they were sending me messages.”

A 1986 Winnebago graduate, Vogt played baseball and basketball in high school and didn’t want to leave the game behind when his playing days were over.

See VOGT, Page 26

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Tyler Vogt referees a game at the boys state basketball tournament in 2018. He has been named to the IBCA Hall of Fame.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

Forreston referee headed for IBCA Hall of Fame

25

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

26

• VOGT

Continued from Page 25 It was Don Cook from the White Pines Officials Association, who approached Vogt about staying in the game as an official.

Cook remembered seeing Vogt play in high school and was looking for young officials.

“He seemed to fit the bill,” Cook said. “We got him going, and then he went from there. Once you get them started, they stay at it for a bit. He just was a nice, good, young fellow.”

After starting out working junior high and biddy basketball games, Cook, also of Forreston, and John Fritz, of Dixon, brought him along to work sophomore games, and he later worked with Milt Morris and Regis Craig out of Rockford.

Vogt has worked basketball, football and baseball over the years. Though retired from working basketball and baseball games, he is still working football games.

He got the call to work state finals in girls basketball in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and in boys basketball in 2014, 2015 and 2018.

Cook said it was good common sense that made Vogt a good official.

“There’s three things that an official needs: you’ve got to have the rules knowledge, you’ve got to have the mechanics and you’ve got to have good common sense on how to enforce the rules,” Cook said. “Tyler was one that really picked it up and did a good job at that.”

Through the years working fall, winter and spring, he said the thing that kept him doing it was the love of the game and how he loved being around the kids.

One of his inspirations was Frank Lee, a Sterling graduate and later Sterling coach who coached Vogt at Winnebago through his junior year.

“I didn’t get a lot of playing time, but just what I learned from him and learning the total aspect of the game and all the surroundings,” Vogt said.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Tyler Vogt referees a game at the boys state basketball tournament in 2018. Vogt, a Forreston resident, has been named to the llinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Hey Kids!

Enter to win our To our friends and neighbors, This year, UNION Savings BANK will unfortunately not host the annual Holiday Open House at the Mount Morris office. We will miss celebrating the holiday season with you!

As a community, the most important thing we can all do is focus on staying healthy and helping people. With that in mind, we will donate funds to the Northern Illinois Food Bank to help those in need this holiday season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at UNION Savings BANK!

Visit our office drive-ups for a coloring sheet or print your own from our website!

Member FDIC

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle Rockford • Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley

Member FDIC

2 W. Main Street Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Other locations: Rockford . Freeport . Belvidere

Like us on Facebook

Phone Number: 815.734.4116 www.unionsavingsbank.com

www.stillmanbank.com

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist.

815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

ST. MARY CHURCH

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Congress Ave. & Webster St. PoloCob3@rgmail.com

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 416 Prospect St., Dixon John Lewis, Pastor 815-677-9199

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH 326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris Pastor Josh Ehrler 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

How to submit church news Changes in church listings and articles about special church services and events can be emailed to news@oglecountynews.com.

For more information call 815-732-6166 ext. 2591.

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

27 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, December 11, 2020

CLASSIFIED

28

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LEGAL NOTICES

101

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LORRETTA S. WOLFE, a/k/a LORETTA S. WOLFE, Deceased.

No. 2020 P 83 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Lorretta S. Wolfe, a/k/a Loretta S. Wolfe.

Letters of office were issued on November 18, 2020 to Kenneth W. Wolfe and Keith E. Wolfe, of Oregon, Illinois as CoExecutors, whose attorney is Kim D. Krahenbuhl, WilliamsMcCarthyllp, 607 Washington Street, P.O. Box 339, Oregon, Illinois 61061.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both, within six months from the date of first publication of this notice, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

Dated this 25th day of November, 2020.

KENNETH W. WOLFE and KEITH E. WOLFE, Independent Co-Executors For the Estate of LORRETTA S. WOLFE, Deceased Kim D. Krahenbuhl Williams McCarthyLLP P.O. Box 339 Oregon, IL 61061

LEGAL NOTICES

101

g (815) 732-2101 kkrahenbuhl @wilmac.com Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2020 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: MARTHA JEAN WAGNER, Deceased.

2020 P 85 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MARTHA JEAN WAGNER. Letters of Office were issued on November 24, 2020, to MICHAEL C. BLUM, as Independent Executor, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be Claims barred. against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: MICHAEL C. BLUM Independent Executor Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason

LEGAL NOTICES

101

Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@ suitslegal.com Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2020 Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on December 4, 2020, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: A.L.E. Construction 800 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 Dated: December 4, 2020 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Dec. 11, 18, 25, 2020 Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on November 6, 2020, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Kwik Star #1530 1000 S. 7th St. Rochelle, IL 61068 Dated: November 6, 2020 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2020 2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION PRE-FILING NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that the office of Laura J. Cook, County Clerk and Recorder, will be open from Monday, December 14th to Friday, December 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Monday, December 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accept candidate petitions for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 6, 2021 for the following offices:

LEGAL NOTICES

101

g School Board of Education Trustees Multi-Township Assessors The County Clerk's Office is located in the Ogle County Courthouse at 105 S. 5th St Suite 104, Oregon, Illinois.

All other candidates are to file with their Local Election Authority/Clerk.

Dec. 11, 2020

VOLUNTEERS

126

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar roll.com

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NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes. The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

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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

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Austin

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Call 815-284-7653 or 815-626-7653 OGLE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS

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