Mmt 2017 09 28

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Serving the Mt. Morris area since 1967

MT.Times MORRIS September 28, 2017 Volume 50, Number 50 - $1.00

Volleyball News

Homecoming

Assessments

Two Oregon High School players have verbally committed to play at D1 colleges, B1

It’s Homecoming week for Oregon High School, A8

The Ogle County Supervisor of Assessments has released the latest property values. B4-B6

Campus comes alive for firstever Jam Fest Record heat doesn’t deter musicians By Jeff Bold Encore! Mt. Morris The first annual Jam Fest on Saturday featured a warm afternoon of live music, tasty food, local artisan businesses and family fun on the historic Mt. Morris campus. With the temperature at a record-setting 93 degrees, Rob Anderlik, Pat Otto, and Mike Church set the music benchmark high, as they opened Jam Fest 2017 on the historic bandshell. Their 90-minute jam-grass set expertly finessed a wide variety of favorite tunes played on dobro, mandolin, and guitar. Following A, O & C, the music moved to four campus jam stations with Aireloom’s Mary Ley leading a children’s show, Dennis Stukenburg heading the blues, Chris Kolling hosting the rock & roll zone, and guitarist Mike Bratt hosting the country and bluegrass Jam. Pickers and strummers from all around the area joined in to play while others sat back and enjoyed the community jam.

The Rock River Strummers, took the bandshell at 4 p.m. to kick off the Ukulele Jam, then handed the stage over to the Ukulele Club Players from Lindblom Math & Science Academy of Chicago. After a night at the castle, hosted at the Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, and a workshop with John Lindhorst owner of Ukulele Station America in Oregon, the students were eager to take the stage. Lindhorst and the Rock River Strummers joined the Lindblom Club Players on the shell to close out a crowdpleasing performance. Solar Pulse closed the festival with their high energy mix of jazz, funk, and rock with guitar licks, rocking bass, popping drums, smooth jazz piano, sax, and trombone. Not to be outdone by the music, the food and market choices jammed as well. Cheese and Jam Slam special grilled cheese sandwiches from Jen’s Artisan Breads and Conover Coffees & Chocolates Café filled the air with mouthed watering aromas. The aronia berry lemonade and apple cider slushies from BerryView Orchard as well as Barker’s Brew iced coffee were delicious and refreshing on a day when the

Saunders won’t run next year By Vinde Wells vwells@oglecounty news.com A longtime Ogle County Board member announced last week that she will not seek re-election next year. “I’m not going to run again,” Pat Saunders, a Republican from Polo, said Sept. 19. “I wanted to announce it early enough that anyone who wants to run for the seat has time to file for it.” Above, Mike Bratt hosts the Country and Bluegrass Jam Station Saturday on the Saunders, who will have campus at Encore! Mt. Morris Jam Fest 2017 while a crowd pulls up their chairs to served on the board for listen. Below, Cory Ellis and Anthony Mauer rock the horn section of Solar Pulse, 16 years when her term is closing out a great afternoon of music, food and fun. Photos by Jeff Bold up in November of 2018, represents District 8, which heat pushed into the 90s. covers Brookville, Buffalo, Cupcakes from Bassline Eagle Point, Grand Detour, Bakery were a hit as well. Lincoln, Pine Creek, Taylor, Dietrich Ranch and a great and Woosung Townships. group of area artisans She said she wanted to presented in the Discover allow plenty of time for Market. anyone interested in running Kerry Hughes from Living for the seat in the March 20 Hope Church and Aireloom primary election to circulate Music Studio teamed up for and file a nominating petition. a family fun afternoon for If no one runs for the post, the kids. the county board will appoint Bouncy houses, games, someone to fill it. and kids’ music were “I don’t want that to highlights at the Kids Play happen,” she said. “The Zone. voters should decide who Encore! Mt. Morris, a represents them.” cultural initiative of the “I would also like to see Mt. Morris Economic us implement terms limits,” Development Corp, is Saunders said. “I don’t think composed of volunteers anyone should serve more committed to developing than 20 years, but 12 or 16 Mt. Morris into a unique, years would be better. You thriving rural and cultural need fresh ideas and insights.” arts destination in northwest Nomination packets and Illinois. information for the March Learn more at EncoreMtMorris.com also Turn to A2 on Facebook.

Heat can’t beat 2nd annual TŌSOC biking event By Earleen Hinton ehinton@oglecounty news.com Temperatures in the 90s coupled with high humidity didn’t stop more than 300 bicyclists from taking part in the Second Annual TŌSOC (Tour of Scenic Ogle County) on Saturday. “The event went very well,” said Brion Brooks, executive director of the Village of Progress, the organization that hosts the event. “I think we had around 325 riders, which was a little higher than last year’s. The reviews we got were very supportive.” Proceeds from TŌSOC benefit the Village of Progress, a private not-forprofit corporation that was founded in Oregon in 1969 to meet the training needs of adults with disabilities who reside in Ogle County. Bicyclists could choose from three riding routes, a 10-mile, 32-mile, and 62mile. Riders started and finished their rides from the Village of Progress in Oregon. Most riders left early in

the morning to beat the day’s predicted heat. “I think the record high temps may have kept some people away,” said Brooks. “The people who participated really enjoyed the event. We had some guys ride that came to the ride who were from other countries. It was kind of neat to have that international flair.” According to the TŌSOC 2017 Facebook page, Dru Laws from Lake Mills, Wisconsin brought his business associates from Canada and South Africa to ride. Seven-year-old Rachel Drew was doing her part to help riders keep their cool by handing out wet towelettes at the rest stop at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. Riders were also offered orange slices, water, and baked goods from The Village Bakery. “Our bakery had cookies and cupcakes available at the rest stops,” Brooks said. Eric Nyman, president of the Black Hawk Bicycle and Ski Club, Rockford, said his Turn to A3

In This Week’s Edition...

Brian Miller, of Dixon, rides with his shirt unzipped as he nears the water station at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour during the TŌSOC bicycle ride on Saturday. Hot and muggy weather didn’t deter riders from taking part in the event. Photo by Earleen Hinton

Church Bells, A5 Classifieds, B6-B10 Entertainment, A6 Marriage Licenses, A4

Guest Column, A7 Library, A3 Oregon Police, B3 Pine Creek News, A3

Property Transfers, B6 Sheriff’s Arrests, B3 Social News, A4 Sports, B1, B2

Deaths, B3 Pamela S. Hammer, Clifford E. Knapp, Jim Stralow

Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com


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