Colbert Column

BUILDING UPDATE Polo votes to make a new offer on building

$175,000 offer has yet to be accepted

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Polo City Council voted Monday to make a $175,000 offer on the CedarStone building at 610 S. Division Ave.

The city was under contract to purchase the property for $229,000 late last year before the deal expired due to the building being tied up in bankruptcy proceeds.

In recent weeks the city looked into leasing or buying other locations closer downtown due to opinions heard from citizens.

At its Jan. 4 meeting, Dustin Finkle addressed the council and offered to build a city hall that the city would lease at 107 W. Colden St. The council also discussed purchasing and tearing down the Daws buildings at 108, 106 and 104 W. Mason St. and building on the site.

“We got costs for those and they were unattainable,” Mayor Doug Knapp said. “When we looked at figEarleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Polo City Council has made a new offer to purchase the former CedarStone banquet hall at 610 S. Division Ave. for a new City Hall and possible police station. The property is currently tied up in bankruptcy proceedings.

ures on going the leasing route, we thought we’d get friction with possible unions. [Finkle] building it for us to lease is kind of a gray area. The lease wouldn’t have gone towards a potential purchase price.”

The leasing route would have cost the city around $25,000 a year, according to figures thrown out at a recent meeting. The Daws route would have cost $120,000 to buy those buildings before demolition.

Knapp said he’s unsure if the CedarStone offer will be accepted. In the latest offer, the city opted for a later closing date in May. Previous offers were set to close within a month. Knapp said the city wants to make sure everything is in line, especially if there’s bankruptcy paperwork left to do on the seller’s side.

The city has discussed multiple options of paying for CedarStone, including all of it coming out of the general fund, splitting the cost between all funds and taking out a loan. Knapp said he doesn’t anticipate the city will take out a loan.

The city plans to send its engineers to Cedarstone to do an inspection in coming weeks.

At the Jan. 4 meeting, Alderman Justin Grobe said he’d heard that there may be another buyer for the building to potentially put a business in it. Knapp said he’s unsure of that.

“It is for sale and we didn’t want to be challenged on it,” Knapp said. “Maybe we went into it too quickly the first time. We’ll have more caution this time.”

SPORTS COLUMN It’s not looking good for prep football, basketball

Last week, the IHSA and IESA (junior high) met with the Illinois Department of Public Health and a representative from the Governor’s office. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the feasibility of getting sports up and running.

The IHSA and IESA presented its case for reintroducing sports. It also asked the public health department to lower the risk level on some sports.

“We believe that there is both data and science that validates the idea that we can safely conduct sports,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We have seen it work in other states and believe it can in Illinois if we utilize the mitigations provided by IDPH and the IHSA SMAC. Students are already leaving or participating outof-state on weekends. We believe that competing for their high school remains the safest venue for participation.”

All IHSA sports remain on pause at the moment. Low risk sports may not begin until the state returns to Phase 4 in the All Sports Policy.

The IHSA Board of Directors are scheduled to meet again this week.

Basketball and football, long the primary sports for the IHSA, are considered high risk and look to be in big trouble.

As Anderson says, “With the calendar shrinking, putting together a puzzle that allows for all COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

sports to be played becomes increasingly improbable.”

Indeed, time is running out. Football blew it when they opted to move the season to spring instead of playing in the fall like neighboring states did.

Likewise with basketball being shelved.

“We have seen it work in other states and believe it can in Illinois if we utilize the mitigations provided by IDPH and the IHSA,” Anderson said. “Students are already leaving or participating out-of-state on weekends.

“We believe that competing for their high school remains the safest venue for participation.”

Back in October, basketball and other winter sports were given the green light by the IHSA to begin play.

Shortly afterwards, the plan was changed to make it a school-by-school decision after pressure from the IDPH and Governor Pritzer.

On Nov. 17, winter sports were put on a “pause” by the IHSA will no timetable for starting up.

If the IHSA truly believes it can conduct winter sports like other states are doing, why aren’t they?

Because there are political and legal ramifications in this state that have stymied the IHSA, who are damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

The IHSA is making every effort possible on behalf of the student athletes of Illinois and credit to them for doing so.

Even in a normal year, this organization feels tons of pressure.

Bottom line, it ain’t looking good folks. January 2021 isn’t any different than the start of the school year in August.

When football was postponed, decision-makers in Illinois gambled on COVID-19 being less of a problem later in the school year. Wrong.

One ray of hope is that baseball, softball, and track could be contested, much the same way low risks like golf and cross country were in the fall. Other activities are medium and high risk and on shaky ground.

That would be some sort of poetic justice, in that those three spring sports didn’t get a chance last year.

In 1858 Rev. William E. Holyolk accepted the call to the church and his work began. He would be there seven years. By 1859 the pew rent receipts were $100 for William E. Mason. It did not specify how long the rental fee was good for.

In the fall of 1860 a new bell was selected for the church in Polo and it was placed in the proper spot on Nov. 6 which happened to be Election Day. When the news arrived in Polo concerning Abraham Lincoln’s election, the bell rang publicly for the first time.

This seemed fitting for a church that was so against slavery. It would later toll for the death of President Lincoln.

One other item I found in the box was a large piece of very old wall paper that had been saved all these years. Obviously it had been saved for a reason and I am waiting for a time when I can walk through the church to see where wall paper might have been used.

I miss Christina and our talks about the history of the church.

REGIONAL NEWS Kinzinger to vote for impeachment

Congressman says President “broke his oath of office ”

BY KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, said Jan. 12 that he will vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump on the grounds that the president “broke his oath of office” and “incited this insurrection” when a mob of pro-Trump rioters sieged the Capitol building Jan. 6.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the President of the United States broke his oath of office and incited this insurrection,” Kinzinger said in a statement.

With his announcement, Kinzinger became the third House Republican to state their support of impeachment proceedings brought against the president.

The House is set to start impeachment proceedings against Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The president faces a single impeachment charge, incitement to insurrection, for his actions surrounding the mob attack on the Capitol, the worst domestic assault on the building in the nation’s history.

Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the third-ranking House Republican, and Republican Rep. John Katko of New York said earlier on Tuesday that they would vote to impeach Trump.

Kinzinger also was the first Republican in Congress last week to address Trump’s insurrection as

U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, said he will vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump on the grounds that the president “broke his oath of office” and “incited this insurrection” when a mob of proTrump rioters sieged the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

an act worthy of implementing the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, by which the president would be removed from office, with Vice President Mike Pence assuming the role until President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated Jan. 20.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve sought to do the right thing for the good of the people I represent and for the country as a whole,” Kinzinger said. “We are in uncharted waters here, and in a moment in history we have not experienced in modern times.”

Liberty Village i s de di c a t e d to

Elegant Retirement Apartments

• Month to Month Rental • No Endowment Fees • All Utilities Except

Telephone • Weekly Housekeeping • Buffet Dining

LIBERTY ESTATES

Simply

in retirement lifestyles. Liberty Village offers a neighborhood village concept and strives for the highest of quality throughout the campus.

the Finest Liberty Village

of Freeport

Now Accepting Residents

Alzheimer/Dementia Unit

• Safety, Security & Dignity • Nutritional Management • Activity Based Program • Individualized Stimulating

Activities • Individual Staff, trained and experienced Management • Respite and Hospice Care

GARDEN COURT

Assisted Living Center

• Spacious Suites • Privacy and

Independence • Weekly Housekeeping • Restaurant Style Dining • Recreation & Social

Events

HAWTHORNE INN

Nursing Center Single Family Villas or

• Skilled Nursing Duplex Villas • Rehabilitation of the • 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Older Adult • Geriatric Nutritional • Now Available Purchase for Call 297-9902 Management • Ground Maintenance For more information • Respite Care and Hospice • Call System • Beautiful Setting 2170 NAVAJO DRIVE MANOR COURT LIBERTY VILLAS FREEPORT, IL 61032

w ww . L i be rt yV i ll a ge of Fr ee po rt .c om

BUSINESS Officials, residents working to save Exelon plant

Additional economic impacts come to light

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The number of “Save the Plant” signs around Byron has made Mayor John Rickard more confident about his community’s future.

Exelon plans to close the Byron Nuclear Plant in September, but community officials and residents have been working to change that. A committee composed of taxing body leaders was established and state representatives and Congressman Adam Kinzinger have been trying to change Exelon’s mind.

“It’s organized us to make our case,” Rickard said. “Rallying support for that has been easy. Action hasn’t happened in Springfield yet, but they had no fall veto session. We’re gearing up for legislative action in the spring.”

Illinois AFL-CIO, composed of 1,500 affiliated unions, recently released an economic impact analysis of closing the Byron plant as well as the Dresden plant in Morris. The report claimed the Byron and Dresden plants prevent 20 million metric tons of CO2 emission each year and closing prematurely as planned would cause Illinois consumers and businesses to pay $313 million more annually for electricity, or $3.1 billion more over a decade.

The report also said the Byron and Dresden nuclear power plants employ more than 1,500 full-time employees and 2,000 supplemental workers during refueling outages, most from local union halls.

COVID-19 UPDATE BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Ogle County Health Department reported 22 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, Jan. 12 totaling 4,405.

Seventy cases were reported over the weekend. 210 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 five new deaths in the past week. Ogle Coun-

“This new report shows what the Illinois AFL-CIO and countless other organizations have long known: nuclear plants are the backbone of communities throughout Illinois,” AFL-CIO President Tim Drea said.

The four Illinois nuclear plants, (Byron, Braidwood, Dresden and LaSalle) account for over 28,000 in-state jobs, contribute about $3.5 billion annually to state gross domestic product, maintain an estimated $149 million in annual Illinois state tax revenues and save consumers $483 million on their electricity bills every year, the AFL-CIO claimed.

“It affirms what we know,” Rickard said of the report. “The huge economic impact on the area as well as the CO2 impact making it more difficult for the state to meet its goals. The economic impact on COVID-19 deaths since ic.

Recoveries of documented cases stand at 3,781, with 139 new ones reported Tuesday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 1,432 cases in the zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White Rock.

Stillman Valley has 234 cases, Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Byron Nuclear Power Plant is located on German Church Road between Oregon and Mt. Morris.

Byron itself hasn’t been drilled down to, but it’s $38 million a year in Ogle County. 100 of those jobs live in Byron. Losing all those and their income and taxes they pay and money they spend, the economic loss to Byron could be significant.”

Rickard said the planned closure of the plant has been a wake up call and would be “detrimental” to Byron.

Ogle County Board Chairman John Finfrock said he hopes the state legislature sees its being shortsighted in allowing the plant to close. The county board recently passed a resolution in support of the plant staying open.

“We’ve done a study,” Finfrock said. “It’s going to hurt quite heavily. Monies we’ll be losing will be hard to replace. It’s a third of our revenue, $4.2 million yearly. A Byron has 826 cases and Davis Junction has 273 cases. Oregon and Mt. Morris have 556 and 229 cases, respectively. Polo has 240 cases, Leaf River has 122 cases and Forreston has 175 cases.

The Sauk Valley as a whole saw two deaths and 61 new cases.

The Whiteside County Health Department announced an additional COVID-related death on Tuesday heavy revenue hit.”

Finfrock said the county would have to look for new revenue to replace funds from the plant and it likely wouldn’t find it, which would force budget cuts. The recent completion of the Ogle County Judicial Center Annex may be the county’s last project for a while.

“We couldn’t keep doing what we’re doing now,” Finfrock said. “We’re not looking for bigger or large projects in the near future after this one.”

Finfrock said optimism on the plant staying open depends on who you talk to.

“People are saying it looks better because people are trying to save it,” Finfrock said. “Hopefully it will work. I don’t understand how you can take away two plants and meet

Ogle County cases are up to 4,405 as of Jan. 12

ty has seen a total of 59 the start of the pandem-

the goals the state wants to meet.” involving a person in his or her 60s, as well as 16 new cases and 200 additional recoveries.

The new cases involve five people under 20, four in their 20s, three in their 40s, two in their 50s and two over the age of 80. The 442 current active cases in Whiteside County is the lowest since late October.

The Lee County Unified Leadership team reported a COVID-related death of a woman in her 50s. Lee County also announced 23 new See COVID-19, Page 11

REGIONAL NEWS L ocal sculptor creates snow mermaid in Rochelle

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Fran Volz can sculpt pretty much anything.

He competes yearly at Mt. Morris’ straw sculpting competition. His bills are paid by his work as a bronze sculptor.

Volz’ most recent work is a mermaid made of snow that resides inside the gazebo in downtown Rochelle. His snow sculpting experience spans 30 years in competitions in Rockford and Chicago.

“I was looking for a place with shade,” Volz said. “Once the sun hits it, it deteriorates. I got permission from the city. Since it was only 1.5 inches of snow, I wondered if I should even do it. Usually you need 3-5 inches. It’s all snow from the ground.”

Volz started on the sculpture on Jan. 3 and finished on Jan. 7. The mermaid was just constructed for entertainment and isn’t part of any competition.

The most recent snowfalls made for good sculpting, despite low accumulation. The snow and rain mix made for a barrier between the grass and the latest snowfall, which made for clean snow for Volz.

Volz’ process included packing snow into a plywood box coated in wax and making 30 15-inch cubes.

“I stacked them to her eight-foot height,” Volz said. “Then I start carving away. I use a lot of homemade tools as well as kitchen utensils and gardening tools.”

Volz came up with the mermaid idea after looking online. He custom made his own style and pose.

“I always come up with something,” Volz said. “I love the human form and sculpting the human body. The mermaid was fun. It’s fantasy and I can use my imagination.”

More information on Volz and his works can be found at franvolzstudios.com or at his Facebook page Sculptures By Fran.

ABOVE: Rochelle sculptor Fran Volz poses next to the mermaid sculpture he recently created in a gazebo in downtown Rochelle. (Photo supplied) AT LEFT: The mermaid sculpture stands in a gazebo

in downtown Rochelle. Photo by Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

• COVID-19

Continued from Page 10

cases Tuesday, four of which are from Dixon Correctional Center. Lee County also had 24 residents lifted off of isolation.

The new cases involve two children 12 and under, four teens, two people in their 20s, two in their 30s, five in their 40s, one in his or her 50s, one in his or her 60s and two in their 70s.

Carroll County did not report updated stats on Tuesday.

Whiteside County has had 5,240 cases, 4,650 recoveries and 134 deaths. Lee County has had 2,705 cases and 54 deaths. Carroll County has had 1,379 cases, 1,327 recoveries and 31 deaths.

Sterling has had 16,171 tests and 1,922 cases. Rock Falls has had 7,808 tests and 1,127 cases. Dixon has had 29,357 tests and 1,954 cases. Rochelle has had 9,450 tests and 1,432 cases.

The North region (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties) has seen 11 consecutive days under the 12% positivity rate.

The region’s positivity rate decreased to 9.1%. Currently, 28.4% of medical/surgical beds are available and 25.1% 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.

Within this region, DeKalb County’s positivity rate decreased to 11.2%, Lee County’s rate decreased to 2.3%, Ogle County’s rate decreased to 10.8%, and Whiteside County’s rate decreased to 8.0%.

Hospitalizations have decreased six out of the past 10 days in this region.

Finally, within this region, there are 51 available, staffed ICU beds out of 179 total, and 249 ventilators out of 343 available.

Illinois on Tuesday announced 6,642 new cases and 117 deaths. There have been 1,040,168 cases and 17,743 deaths statewide.

YOUR ENVIRONMENT Recycle your electronics on Jan. 29 in Oregon

Advance permits are required and there is also a limit on items

The first residential electronic recycling drop-off in Ogle County is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the County Annex Building, 909 Pines Road in Oregon.

Free permits are required in advance for this recycling event.

The permits may be obtained by calling 815-732-4020 or email solidwaste@oglecounty.org with your name, street address, and town.

This recycling event is for Ogle County residents only and proof of residency is required in addition to the free permit.

The permit is good for the event in which you sign up for, and allows a resident to bring in a maximum of seven large or bulky items for recycling. Limit one permit per residence per month.

This recycling event may be cancelled or suspended due to the pandemic, inclement weather, or staffing issues at the discretion of the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department (OCSWMD).

Items accepted at these recycling events include all residential televisions, computer monitors, computers, computer hardware and cables, printers, FAX machines, desktop copiers, VCR/ DVD players, satellite and cable boxes, video gaming equipment, remote controls (remove batteries), cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, radios, stereo equipment (no large wooden speakers), shredders, digital clocks, calculators, adding machines, phones and phone systems, rechargeable batteries, printer toner cartridges, CFL bulbs, extension cords, and holiday light strands.

Microwave ovens are accepted for $5 per unit, please attach the payment to the microwave.

Items not accepted at this program include dehumidifiers, air conditioners or purifiers, fans, heaters, lamps, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, bread makers, toasters, ovens, or any cooking ware, blenders, personal hygiene or medical equipment, smoke detectors, exercise equipment, toys or drones, power tools, and packaging such as Styrofoam, boxes, and plastic from your electronics.

Contact the OCSWMD prior to Jan. 27 to obtain a free permit for this residential electronics recycling event or if you have questions regarding electronics recycling in Ogle County.

BERTOLET LIBRARY

Wednesday WhoDunIt

What does a man do when he receives a mysterious email from his deceased wife? That is the premise of Harlan Coben’s novel Tell No One, Wednesday WhoDunIt’s book pick for January.

Join us Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss this terrific thriller. The discussion will be held in the Bertolet Library meeting room. No registration is necessary. Copies of the book will be available for loan at the library circulation desk. Come to one or all of our discussions...and bring a friend.

Family Story Time

Family Story Time resumes Thursday Jan. 21.Call to register for your family time slot or follow the SignUpGenius link found on our Facebook page. Miss Jana can’t wait to see all of you again!

New Releases

Adult Fiction: The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda Brunstetter; Spin by Patricia Cornwell; Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg; The Thief Of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd; The Art Of Falling by Danielle McLaughlin

Adult Audiobooks: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis; Backlash by Brad Thor; Near Dark by Brad Thor

Children’s Fiction: A Polar Bear In the Snow by Mac Barnett; Hello, Arnie! by Laurie Keller

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

Library Hours

The library is open Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. 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.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Instill a lifelong love of reading in your babies and young children with this easy incentive program. Just sign up at the library to receive information and a book log and then start reading! Prizes are awarded at various levels of completion.

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

Please 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

Space! The Cosmos for Kids: The Sun, The Earth, the Moon and Revolu-

tion & Rotation 4 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17 via Zoom. This technospace-dance-party for kids is designed to help them learn and have fun at the same time. Each song in Space. The Cosmos for Kids includes dancing, music technology, and information about our universe delivered with a thumping beat. Meet aliens from outer space, sing about the solar system, participate in a rap battle with the sun, and learn the difference between revolution and rotation, and still be home in time for dinner. Registration required.

Healthy Kids Out of School

New Program for 3rd to 5th graders. Healthy Kids Out of School, with the U of I extension office. This program focuses on how to be healthy and active. We will have a discussion, an art project and a fun way to be physically active. Thursday evenings from 6-6:30 via Zoom. Email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com for the link to join.

Virtual Pet Show & Tell

Let’s have some fun showing off our real (or stuffed) animals. All ages allowed. Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11:00 a.m. Event will be held via Zoom. Register by emailing dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail. com. The Zoom link will be sent out the Wednesday before the event to the email addresses provided upon registration.

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.

Going Fine Free

As of Jan. 2 the Mt. Morris Library wis officially be fine free. Replacement and damage charges will still apply.

Current 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.

Video Story Time: We’re back and with something new. Let us know in the comments where you think the video was filmed. Oregon Public Library cardholders have four days from the posting to guess and then your guess will be eligible to be entered in a drawing for a children’s book from our free book selections.

Library Book Clubs

Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m., “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes. Books on Tap Book Club meets on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. to

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.

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,

You Thank

discuss The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.

Oregon Writer’s Group, 10 a.m. second Tuesday each month

The OWG is a gathering of writers or writer-wannabes who meet to support each other and to further their own writing. The purpose of the group is to help and encourage you in your writing. If you need brainstorming ideas, we can help suggest ideas or aid with the creative process.

Awaken: Motivating the Unmoti-

vated- 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 - Virtual Program

Despite the best intentions, staying motivated, positive, and energized during the COVID crisis is challenging. Similarly, trying to keep children, family, friends, or colleagues motivated is exhausting and regardless of the reward offered, the result is often less than desired. If

will continue to be open 24/7. Polo Library is a Fine Free Library.

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.

Do you need a library card?

If you live in Buffalo Township, you can get a temporary library card in just a few easy steps 1) Take a picture of your photo ID 2) Take a picture of a current utility bill or another proof of residence with your name and current address on it 3) Take a selfie 4) Email all three of those pictures to

A big thank you to all the Mt. Morris area Firefighters for saving my building on December 27th & 28th, located on East Hitt St. You were beyond professional, very helpful, and we appreciate everything you guys did inside and out.

you struggle to maintain a high level of motivation for yourself and others, especially now, this presentation will spark a fire and offer an opportunity to explore: the mystery of the peaks and valleys of motivation, one barrier that stands in the way of motivating others, how listening closely to your intuition can spark motivation, an ideal environment where self-motivation thrives, even during COVID, and simple strategies to awaken self-motivation right now. Registration required 815-732-2724

In the Belly of the Best: King in Chi-

cago - 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, virtual program

On his way to the Mountaintop, Dr. Martin Luther King trod many miles and visited many cities including Chicago. The extraordinary work he did here is largely forgotten by those who were there or unknown to those too young. To learn more about this remarkable man and this remarkable time, please join musician/ historian Clarence Goodman for “In the Belly of the Beast: King in Chicago.” Registration required 815-732-2724.

Museum of Bad Art 101, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, virtual program

The world’s only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and celebration of bad art in all its forms.

The growing collection of works of bad art awaits your discerning eye. Join Louise Reilly Sacco, founding member of the Museum Of Bad Art in 1993, as she shares this introduction to the collection. Starting as the Director of Financial Enablement, she has risen to Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director.

Louise retired from a career in marketing and now works summers as a Fenway Park usher. Registration required 815-732-2724

library@pololibrary.org. You will then receive the barcode number and pin for your temporary card, so you can use any of our online resources or order items for curbside pickup.

If you live outside Buffalo Township, you may purchase a library card. Call 815-946-2713 for more information.

Weather Closure Information

Polo Library does not follow Polo School District weather closures. Please check Facebook.com/pololibrary, WREX (TV), WLLT (107.7 fm - Radio), or call 815-946-2713 before heading to the Library in questionable weather.

Winter Backyard Birding - Thursday, Jan. 21 - 7 p.m., live on Zoom Join us as we host Gary Gordon of the Northwest Illinois Chapter of the Audubon Society. Gary will be sharing a program on Winter Backyard Birding. This program will be great for anyone to attend, whether you consider yourself an amateur ornithologist or if you are just looking to pick up a new hobby in the cold winter months while you’re stuck at home.

Book Clubs

The Polo Library currently has two traditional book clubs meeting via Zoom, one on the fourth Monday of each month and one on the fourth Friday of each month, both at 1:30 p.m.

We have started a third book club that is a books to movies group that meets on Zoom on a weekday evening (exact day and time to be decided by people interested in joining the book club).

If you have any questions or are interested in joining any of the book clubs, please email: carlap@pololibrary.org.

• Full Service Optical Lab • Contact Lenses (including bifocal & specialty lenses) • Comprehensive Eye Health Exams • Diagnosis/Treatment of Eye Diseases • Great Selection of Eyeglass Frames