Property Transfers

STATE NEWS Grants are awarded to local fire departments

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Governor JB Pritzker have announced the recipients of the Small Equipment Grant Program.

A total of $3.5 million was awarded to 154 fire departments or districts and EMS providers. The OSFM received 540 applications, requesting around $12 million in funding during this grant period.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying. Local grant recipients and awards are listed below by county:

Carroll, Chadwick Fire Protection District, $24,550 and Savanna Fire Department, $26,000.

Lee, Compton Community Fire Protection District, $26,000 and Franklin Grove Fire Protection District, $23,317.

Ogle, Forreston Fire Protection District, $22,643.08; Leaf River Fire Protection District, $21,300; Polo Fire Protection District, $14,371; Rochelle Fire Department, $22,000 and Stillman Fire Protection District, $26,000.

Whiteside, Prophetstown Fire Protection District, $23,413.48.

• SUMMER ATHLETICS

Continued from Page 15

“When can we come back?” Zick said. “They all want to know.”

Forreston created a Google Classroom and shared workouts for at home with weight training. Kids text coaches when they’re done. Coaches send their own sport-specific workouts. Forreston usually does baseball, basketball and softball camp in the month of June, that won’t be able to happen, just strength and conditioning with restrictions.

“We’ll focus on getting them in for lifting first,” Zick said. “We have eight weight room racks. They can’t spot each other. They can’t use the water fountain we have.”

Zick will take any semblance of normalcy that he can get. And his kids will be preparing as if their seasons are on for the fall and beyond.

“The governor allowing 10 people for summer school was a big step,” Zick said. “It’s not a guarantee we’ll have fall sports. We’re all staying optimistic.”

POLO POLICE

These Ogle County property transfers were recorded for the week of June 19-25.

Warranty Deeds

• Cleo J. Straley to Chad D. Timmer and Cleo J. Straley, one parcel in Byron Township, $0. • Thomas J. and Cynthia J. Engelbrecht to Dorothy L. and Robert D. Joyce Sr., 109 Mississippi Drive, Dixon, $0. • JP Morgan Chase Bank to Sergio Vazquez, 5778 E. Hales Corner Road, Byron, $47,000. • Kevin M. and Jennifer L. Corcoran, also Herbst to Kristin M. Folk, 875 E. Etnyre Terrace, Oregon, $182,000. • Dale L. Merriman to Donald J. and Maureen Witte, three parcels in Leaf River, $9,500. • Tony and Roxanne Speed to Jacob and Kelsey Warren, 4189 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, $238,000. • Kirsten Crawford and Jolene Moroney to Scott and Jeffery Ragan, 7161 S. Riverside Drive, Grand Detour, $105,000. • Lisa Jacobs to Marcelino Millan, 7245 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon, $190,000. • Dallas and Nona Van Slyke to Mark and Margery Lukas, 604 W. Jennie Lane, Oregon, $248,000. • G&W Land Co. Inc to Robert C. and Andrea L. Baumann, one parcel in Timber Hill subdivision, Oregon, $26,000. • Daniel C. Miller to Brian W. and Caroline M. Ballard, 8060 W. Town Line Road, Leaf River, $162,000. • Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Kaitlyn Rippentrop, Scott Township third party, 8358 Canary Drive, Davis Junction, $135,000. • Steven R. and Kristi L. Coates to Allen M. and Sarah E. Neumann, 1551 Brentwood Drive, Byron, $330,000. • Joseph T. Edom and Virginia A. Spiegel to Nathan D and Amy L. Lewis, 9686 N. Blaine Drive, Byron, $324,900. • New Leaf Homes LLC to Christopher L. Lewis, 925 White Birch Lane, Davis Junction, $178,900. • Joshua A. Blumenthal to Jordan L. Gilmour, 871 Main St., Oregon, $142,400. • Gary R. and Christine M. Fowler to Aegis Construction Inc., one parcel on Blackhawk Vista, Oregon, $30,000. • Nathan D. and Amy L. Lewis to Adam C. and Amy K. Dach, one parcel in Byron Township, $75,000. • Teresa L. Peet to Paul L. Gabucci

Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood released the following police activity.

June 22

Sherri Goodpaster, 36, of Polo, was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident. She was issued a notice to appear.

June 26

Tomasz Mis, 64, of Chicago, was issued a city citation for high weeds. Jr., 1279 S. Blackhawk Road, Oregon, $160,000. • Rachel E. Fiorenza to Brett Leigh and Rachel Runyard, 6526 N. Marrill Road, Stillman Valley, $307,500. • Brett Leigh and Rachel Runyard to Jacob M. Hobby, 122 Parkview Drive, Davis Junction, $240,000. • Gregory N. and Kari L. Ebens to Garrett William Henderson, 431 N. Mineral St., Stillman Valley, $114,000. • Amy E. Johnson to Antonina M. Costa and Sean A. Croke, 201 W. Log Cabin Drive, Oregon, $129,900. • John W. and Lisa M. Tallman to Christopher G. Menken, 8403 N. Pheasant Trail, Byron, $460,000. • Dirk W. and Kimberly D. Miller to Curtis B. and Amber L. Roberts, 8617 N. Yosemite Drive and 8634 N. Olympia Drive, Byron, $172,500. • Larry G. McCormick to Jose M. Aguilera, 11084 E. Lincoln Lane, Rochelle, $4,200.

Quit Claim Deeds

• James T. O’Connor to East End LLC, 107 E. Mason St., Polo, $0. • Richard M. Edlund to Fare Enough Farm LLC, 3626 S. Prairie Road, Chana,

General calls for service for the weeks of June 1-28

Citizen Complaints/Assist ..........62 Juvenile............................................. 2 Animal Complaint..........................13 Disturbance/Domestic .................. 5 City Ordinance..................................1 Fire/Medical Assist ........................9 Alarm/Open Door ...........................8 Lock out............................................ 2 911 Hang Up......................................1 Traffic Stops .................................. 14

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

County Assists ...............................11 $0. • Timothy D.K. Ngo to Kieu T. Nguyen, 407 W. Phyllis Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Trustee’s Deeds

• McAnarney Family Trust, Linda M. and Larry F. McAnarney, trustees, to Kali M. Lamb, 15701 E. Eddy Road, Davis Junction, $0. • Joseph J. and Barbara A. Cozzone Achino, Joint Tenancy, Joseph J. and Barbara A. Cozzone Achino, trustees, to Le Ann Brandenburg and Lisa Hudson, 203 Woods Drive, Oregon, $257,000. • Mark E. Hochleutner and Cindy K. Bussey Trust, Jeff Hochleutner, trustee, to Barbara A. Netter and Sandra M. Anetsberger, 8673 N. River Road, Byron, $95,000. • Cindy Anne Holloway Revocable Trust, Cindy Anne Holloway, trustee, to Tyler Bargman, 310 W. Merchant St., Byron, $77,000.

Executor’s Deed

• The late Helen M. Boyden by executor to Steven J. and Bradley L. Boyden and Marilyn J. Gieken, two parcels in Oregon-Nashua Township, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

OUTDOOR RECREATION Don’t shoot off fireworks at fish and wildlife refuge

Bangs and booms can disturb nesting birds, other wildlife

STAFF REPORT

THOMSON – Those heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip should be aware that while most of the Refuge land and water is open for public enjoyment, offices and visitor centers will remain closed until further notice.

Fireworks are not allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge due to their disturbance to wildlife and the litter they leave behind.

The abrupt lights and sounds are often seen as a threat by nesting bald eagles and easily startle great blue herons and other colony nesting birds.

The shock of fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, flying into buildings and other obstacles, and even abandoning nests, leaving young vulnerable to predators. Also, litter from firecrackers, bottle rockets and other explosives can be choking hazards for wildlife and may be toxic if ingested.

The Refuge includes most islands and beaches on the Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois. Check the maps located at www.fws.gov/refuge/Upper_Mississippi_River/map.to see where boundaries are.

Federal law enforcement officers will be patrolling the Refuge looking for fireworks as well as glass bottles, which are banned on Refuge beaches. The fine for glass bottles is $175; $225 for fireworks possession and use.

Officers also want to remind people of the importance of wearing their personal floatation devices (PFDs) while on the water.

Go to www.fws.gov/midwest/ news/IndependenceDay.html for more information.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

A great egret walks in the water near Lock & Dam 13 near Thomson.

POLO LIBRARY

Library Building Reopening - July 1

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

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

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

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Curbside Pickup, Inner Library Loans

Curbside Pickup will remain an option for patrons wishing to remain outside.

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

Mt. Morris Patrons can place holds through the catalog or by calling or emailing. We will call to notify them when their items are ready for pickup. Please update your contact information if needed. Library staff is quarantining all returned items for a period of time. Recently returned materials may remain on your account longer than usual. When checked in, library staff will backPrairieCat/Encore online ordering.

We ask that you continue to return items, as you are done with them, through the book drop that will continue to be open 24/7. After items are returned, they will still appear on your account while they are quarantined, then they will be checked back in and backdated to when they were returned.

2020 Outdoor Concert Series - July 11 - 6 p.m. Polo Library Pavillion

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

No overdue fines will be charged. All patron cards that have expired in March, April, and May have been renewed through July 1. Please contact us for further renewal.

Summer Reading Program!

Summer Reading Program is upon us! Unlike years past we will have no in person programs. Instead we will be using an online resource to track books, provide missions to complete at home, and track rewards.

We will have fun rewards for those who reach goals at the end of the summer. This will include Mary Cheatwood dressing up as either a Princess, a Clown, or a Dinosaur if we collectively come to bring a picnic to eat while you enjoy the music! There is plenty of room to practice safe social distancing.

Story Time with Ms. Phyllis

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

Online Resources

Download Axis 360, OMNI/Overdrive, Libby, and Biblioboard for books and audiobooks. Links to these resources are available at pololibrary.org.

2020 Summer Reading Program

June 1 - July 31 - “Dig Deeper: Read, can read 1700 books!

New Missions - Every Monday

Log onto READsquared for new missions every week. These Missions are activities you can do at home and may include take home materials you can pick up from the library with your books. Completing Missions earns you badges!

Take Home Materials

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

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

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

Our 2020 Summer Reading Program has gone digital! We have programs for all ages. Visit our website, pololibrary.org, to register.

Wi-Fi Access

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

Questions?

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

org.

End of Summer Virtual Talent Show

All summer long you can email pictures or videos of your or your child’s talent to cindy@mtmorris-il.org. Submissions will be accepted until July 25. A video compilation will be edited and added online on Aug. 1!

Position Available: Program Coordi

nator Responsible for children and adult programming, handling press releases and media- online and print, performing general library duties, and maintaining bulletin boards and displays.

This is a part time position. All interested applicants please send resume and letter of interest to Mary Cheatwood at mmlib@mtmorris-il.org.

LAVERNE J. DUITSMAN

LaVerne J. Duitsman, 77, of Forreston passed away June 25, 2020 at Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport.

LaVerne, nicknamed Vern by most, was born May 19, 1943 and grew up on a farm in Florence, Illinois with his parents, Emmert and Margaret (Pontnack) Duitsman, along with his younger sisters Diane and Rita.

Vern attended Forreston High School. After serving in the United States Army, Vern began working at Honeywell,

DIANE A. GORSKI

Diane A. Gorski, 86, of Oregon, formerly of Geneva, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020.

She was the daughter of Peter and Agnes (Grenda) Vainowski, sister of the late Robert (Marie), and the late Gregory (Helga).

She was the devoted wife of the late Gerald “Jerry.” proud Mom of Donna of DeKalb, Geri of Aurora, and John

RONALD JOHN HAEDT

Ronald John Haedt of Fountain Hills, Arizona, formerly of Oregon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 with his wife Shirley by his side.

Ron was born Sept. 29, 1934 in Carrington, North Dakota. He grew up on farms in Cathay and New Rockford, North Dakota.

He graduated from New Rockford High School in 1952 and was a state champion in track and hurdles.

He received his undergraduate degree at Jamestown College, North Dakota.

He taught for two years at Bowbells and Portland Elementary schools before he left for Guam where he taught for four years.

After teaching in Guam, Ron completed his Master’s Degree at Northern where he would stay for 40 years until he retired.

Vern was an avid sports fan, and loved watching the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and sometimes even the Cubs.

He was the voice of the Forreston Cardinals football team for many years and loved the excitement of announcing the ball games.

Vern was a regular at local auctions, flea markets, and anywhere else where

he could look for antiques and collect(Martha) of St. Johns, Florida, and loving Grandma of Jack (Kelsey) Gorski of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lauren (Steven) Mencia, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Diane grew up in Chicago’s south side, attended St. Casimir-Maria High School. In 1954, as soon as Jerry completed his

duty in the Navy and Diane received her Colorado University. He continued his teaching career in Massachusetts and in the Chicago suburbs.

He culminated his more than 35 year of teaching in St Charles, Illinois as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Anderson Elementary and Wild Rose Elementary schools.

While teaching at Anderson Elementary, Ron met his wife Shirley who was employed by the district as a nurse. They married in 1981.

Ron enjoyed teaching (especially math), connecting with his former students, and spending time with his church communities in Fountain Hills, Arizona and Oregon, Illinois.

He was an active member and tuba ables. You would often see him driving around in his cargo van, looking for another treasure. Surviving LaVerne are his wife, Marcia of Forreston; three daughters, Lori Smith-Stuckenberg of German Valley, Angela “Angie” Walker of Rockford, and Lisa (James) Curran of Warren; sister, Dianne (Bruce) Freier of Freeport; brother-in-law, Chuck Pool; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and teaching degree from Mundelein-Loyola, they got married in St. Adrian’s Church and she began her career teaching first grade on the north side. After taking a 10-year hiatus to raise her children, the family moved to Geneva and she taught at Lincoln Elementary School in St. Charles for 22 years. In 2001 she and Jerry moved to Oregon player in various bands in both towns. He loved spending time with his three grandchildren, and was very close to his late brother’s children. He enjoyed playing his tuba, woodworking, and trips to his cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Socializing with his coffee buddies in Oregon was also one of his favorite pastimes.

Ron was a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and the North Dakota State University Bisons football team.

Ron is survived by Shirley - his wife of 39 years, daughter Susan Wassel (Craig) of Batavia, his sister Karen Dompier (Del) of Nobelsville, Indiana, three five nieces and nephews.

Preceding LaVerne in death are his parents; son, Billy Duitsman; and sister, Rita Pool.

Funeral services were Thursday, July 2 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Burial was at Florence Station United Methodist Church Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Please sign LaVerne’s guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.

com. where they enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, and volunteering in the local community.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, P.O. Box 462, Oregon, IL 61061.

As per her request, cremation rites will be accorded. The family was assisted by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.

com to leave a memory or condolence. grandchildren (Chase, Caitlin, McKenna), nephew Tim (Khris) of Wathena, Kansas, niece Jody (Bryan) also of Wathena, niece Diane of Kansas City, Missouri, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ron was proceeded in death by his parents John and Louise Haedt and his brother Milton.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of life service will be announced at a future date.

Donations may be made in memory of Ron Haedt to:

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc., 3006 Bee Caves Road, Suite D206, Austin, TX 78746

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 17444, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 114 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061

Obituaries continue on page 19

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