Mt. Morris Times

MT. MORRIS TIMES VOLUME 53 NO. 51 • SERVING THE MT. MORRIS AREA SINCE 1967

LOCAL NEWS

Friday, February 19, 2021 • $1.00

TO THE FLOOR

On the Job

School nurses talk about their experiences during COVID-19. / 3

COUNTY NEWS

New President

Brian VanVickle is the new president of the sheriff’s association. / 5

SPORTS Find out how Polo, Forreston, and Oregon basketball teams fared last week. / 10-13

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

Oregon’s Issac Nelson comes up with a loose ball as Millegeville’s Kieren Harris gives the jump ball signal and Treyton Selman watches during Feb. 13 action at the Blackhawk Center. Story on page 10.

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 7 Business Brief .........16 Colbert Column ......14 County Board ........... 2 Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Classifieds ........ 18-20 Oregon Police..........16 Otto’s Column .......... 6 Polo Police ...............16

Property Transfers..17 Reading Matters...... 9 Sheriff Activity........17 Sports................. 10-13

DEATHS Marquita Butterbaugh, Edith A. Edwards, Brian E. Haijenga, Page 14

MT. MORRIS TIMES COUNTY BOARD T. MORRIS TIMES

Mt. Morris Times / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

MT. MORRIS BEAT

2

oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 815-2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County.

Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-632-2590 Monday-Friday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com.

You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.

CLASSIFIED SALES 815-632-2554 ksauer@shawmedia.com

OBITUARIES 815-632-2534 phartman@shawmedia.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition LEGAL NOTICES 815-632-2565 khoffmiller@shawmedia.com SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com News Editor Jeff Helfrich 815-632-2590 jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Advertising Sales Patty Bridgeman 815-632-2555 pbridgeman@ shawmedia.com

Mt. Morris Times, 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 MT. MORRIS TIMES (USPS No. 365-440) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media.

Periodical postage paid at Mt. Morris, Illinois.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to MT. MORRIS TIMES, P.O. Box 8, Oregon, IL 61061.

Phone 815-632-2520 All rights reserved.

Copyright 2021

Back the blue ordinance put on hold Over $900,000 saved on new jail construction

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Board opted to hold off on voting on a “Back the blue” ordinance “guaranteeing qualified immunity” to employees of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office at its Tuesday meeting — until its insurance carrier could give feedback on it.

Vice-Chairman Patricia Nordman said the item will be put on the agenda for a vote next month after the board has a clearer direction.

House Bill 3653 concerns police reform and currently sits on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle has various concerns about the bill, which includes eliminating cash bail within two years, allowing the use of deadly force only when an officer acts in self defense or defending others from bodily harm, making it easier to decertify officers by eliminating signed affidavit of complaint and mandating the use of police body cameras for all officers by 2025.

Part of the proposed ordinance reads as follows: “The County Board recognizes the lawful right of Ogle County Sheriff’s Office employees to qualified immunity and indemnification when they act within the scope of their employment and are subjected to any civil cause of action brought against an employee resulting from or arising out of the performance of their duties, whether the employee was on or off duty at the time of the incident.”

The ordinance would have the county protect Sheriff’s office employees who are subjected to civil causes of action

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

Prisoners were moved into the new Ogle County Jail on the night of Feb. 10. The new jail is officially called the Ogle County Judicial Center Annex. Story on page 4. brought against them, when the employee is acting within the scope of their employment.

When the employee would qualify for indemnification, the County Board would agree to handle it by holding employees harmless from and pay damages or moneys which may be adjudged, assessed, or otherwise levied against any employee.

Employees could also be granted legal representation throughout the course of any civil cause of action brought against them at the cost of the County Board and would have the ability to choose their legal counsel upon mutual agreement with the County Board.

Employees of the Sheriff’s Office who act outside the scope of their employment or commit acts of willful misconduct would not qualify for this type of legal immunity or indemnification.

Legal protection of Sheriff’s Office employees would only discontinue upon

the removal of the proposed ordinance by two-thirds majority vote.

Judicial Center Annex Jeremy Roling of Gilbane Construction made his usual presentation on the progress of the new Ogle County Judicial Center Annex (county jail) which became occupied last week.

Roling said over $900,000 was saved during the process of construction, which is 100 percent complete.

“Being able to come up with that amount of savings shows how we were wise with decision making and we got the best bang for the county’s buck and spent its money wisely.”

The new jail will be fully-completed when a final inspection of the roof can be done after snow and ice melts off of it.

County Board Member Don Griffin said an estimate will be made on demolishing the old jail in March.

SPECIAL EVENT

Mobile food pantry coming to Mt. Morris on Friday, Feb. 26 Loaves & Fish Food Pantry alongside Northern Illinois Food Bank is hosting a Mobile Food Pantry on Friday, Feb. 26, from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

The truck will be located at Mt. Morris Moose Family Center, 101 Moose Drive, Mt. Morris. This mobile pantry is open anyone in Ogle County.

This is an “extra” food distribution.

Loaves & Fish Pantry clients are still eligible to receive their normal monthly food

allotment. The pantry is open on the first and third Thursdays from 4:30 – 7 p.m. and second and fourth Mondays from 2-4:30 pm.

Anyone in the Mt. Morris/Leaf River area experiencing food insecurity is eligible to receive food. You do not need to have a referral, and no proof of income is required.

The pantry is located in the lower level of the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren, 409 W. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris.

For more information, call 815-734-4250 or 815-734-4573 and leave a message.

Drifts of snow cover the base of the Memorial Mountain in downtown Mt. Morris. The memorial was constructed in 1926 by the American Legion.

COVID-19 & SCHOOLS

‘My goal never changed. What it took changed’ - Nelson -BY JEFF HELFRICH

’jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Jennifer Nelson never thought she’d cherish the time she spent as a public health nurse.

It’s come in handy for the Forrestville Valley School District nurse.

She worked at a health department and it has aided her in keeping COVID-19 out of Forreston’s schools.

“It’s come in super handy,” Nelson said. “A lot of it has come easy to me. I’m a mother of four. I jokingly say everyone needs 800 kids. I want parents to feel their kids are taken care of here. That’s what I want for my kids. My goal never changed.

What it took changed.”

The past 10 months have seen Ogle County school nurses take the lead on implementing measures to prevent COVID-19 in schools. When the Ogle County Health Department got overwhelmed, nurses had to take over nearly all contact tracing for their districts.

Polo School District Nurse Brenda Rhodes said she spends more time tracing than anything else. It’s changed her job tremendously, she said.

“I used to spend more of my day on runny noses or bumps and bruises or even kids that just need a break,” Rhodes said. “We love seeing the kids face to face. This year we go to the classrooms instead of kids coming to us. We still see them, but more is handled by teachers in the classroom.”

Back in the fall, Rhodes was concerned about returning to in-person learning. Now, she’s more comfortable with transmission largely unseen in schools lately. She believes schools are a safe place

Polo School District Nurse Brenda Rhodes

Forrestville Valley School District Nurse Jennifer Nelson

Oregon School District Nurse Sharon Hoover

right now.

One challenge Rhodes has dealt with is getting some in the community to take the pandemic seriously.

“It can be tough trying to get people to get people to buy into the fact that COVID-19 is out there and real,” Rhodes said. “Educating people and I’m asking for their kid to stay home because it’s real and dangerous. People get upset.”

Polo Superintendent Kelly Mandrell, in her first year in the position, formed a committee that included Rhodes, teachers and administration to tackle work related to the pandemic, Rhodes said. That made dealing with COVID-19 easier.

In the beginning, Rhodes said it was like starting a new job. She believes it will be “awhile” until things go back to any semblance of normal. And some of the changes may stick around.

“As a small school you always do things until something big shakes it up,” Rhodes said. “Some things will be kept. We’ll keep new strategies.

I’m just not seeing the number of kids out or home sick. Attendance has improved.”

Since the beginning of the pan-

demic, all Ogle County school nurses get together via Zoom on Thursday afternoons to lend support and ears to listen. Rhodes said that’s been one of the best things about the pandemic. Being the only nurse in Polo’s district, she sometimes feels like she’s on an island.

Oregon School District Nurse Jennifer Hernandez assisted in administering the first found of the COVID-19 vaccine to staff members on Feb. 8. Between shots, she said her job has undergone a “tremendous” change.

“It used to just be simply about making sure kids were healthy,” Hernandez said. “It’s totally COVID19-based now. We’re centered around if someone has symptoms or has been sent home and we’re monitoring them and those that were around them. It has basically taken over our entire operation.

Nelson said the pandemic has “definitely” required more work on a lot more angles. But, it’s a joint effort with the rest of her district.

She’s become proud of how everyone has pulled together.

Towards the beginning, the worst part was the uncertainty and the

change in what normal school looked like, Nelson said. The increase in communication among staff members and with parents has been exponential. Nobody could handle the job alone, Nelson said.

“I know when I do this I feel responsible for everyone,” Nelson said. “But I felt that way before COVID-19. The policies in place, no district will ever catch every case.

But the responsibility is huge. A supportive administration makes it bearable. But it’s a lot.”

Two experiences during the pandemic stand out in Nelson’s memory. The first and most recent was hearing basketballs bounce in the gym after school again after sports started back up last month. She found it odd over the months leaving school and seeing students’ cars not in the parking lot.

The other memorable experience came last fall.

“The day they walked in the door for the first day of school,” Nelson said. “Planning all summer and one day they just walk in. To do it every day, it’s something we completely took for granted. It was the best first day of school ever.”

COVID-19 UPDATE

Ogle County at 1.8 percent COVID-19 positivity -BY JEFF HELFRICH

’jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ogle County Health Department Public Administrator Kyle Auman told county officials on Tuesday that the region’s COVID-19 positivity

rate is at 3.4 percent and Ogle County is down to 1.8 percent, which he said bodes well for the area.

However, hospital bed availability has worsened in the past week and went from 32 to 27 percent, he said in a presentation to the Ogle County

Board.

“We’re hoping to see that improve,” Auman said. “We’re moving forward with vaccinations.

We’re keeping our eye on variants and keeping tabs on all that. Our main focus is vaccinations. This

week we have four clinics at the OCHD, two at Rochelle Community Hospital and one at KSB.” Auman said the county has seen a decrease in allocations from the

See COVID-19 UPDATE, Page 4

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Ogle school nurses describe COVID-19 experience

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

COUNTY NEWS

Prisoners moved to the new Ogle County jail

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Inmates were moved across the street to the new Ogle County Judicial Center Annex starting at 9 p.m. on the night of Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Operations at the new jail began at 5 p.m. that day and the old Ogle County Jail was officially closed at midnight, said Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle.

The opening of the new jail concludes a 5-year process that began in June 2015.

“We had a fairly long phasing process to prevent issues,” VanVickle

• COVID-19 UPDATE Continued from Page 3

state this week and will for the next two weeks. One vaccination clinic had to be rescheduled. The county’s main focus is currently on second doses.

“We’ll hold off on first doses until we know we have plenty available,” Auman said. “We’ve done 8,000 doses so far and 1,700 are fully-vaccinated, 3.1 percent of the population. We’re

said. “It went according to plan and took us about four hours to transfer all of the inmates. All the hard work our staff has done made it possible.

There’s always things to do after moving into a new house. We still have work to do.”

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.

The new jail was designed with previous practices in mind to keep continuity for personnel.

“You never know what to expect until you actually move in and get going,” VanVickle said. “I went over and checked on them this morning and everyone was doing well.

They’ve done their jobs a long time.

They’ll learn and make it more efficient as they go.”

VanVickle said staff has “bent over backwards” to make the change

happen and put in extra time moving equipment over.

Some temporary measures are still in place due to some things needing to be in use at the same time in both jails. A commercial fridge and computers are among things that still need to be brought over.

“We’ll get the rest of the equipment moved over at some point and we’ll shutter that building and get utilities turned off before working with the county board to eventually get that building removed,” VanVickle said of the old jail, which was built in the 1960s.

awaiting this week’s shipment and we’re down to about 20 doses. We had 200 people scheduled for a Wednesday clinic we had to cancel.”

One county board member asked Auman about the possibility of re-vaccinations down the road. Auman said there have been discussions about a booster in the future, but there are currently no plans in place.

There are ongoing studies looking at COVID-19 variants, which there are eight of in the country right now, Auman said.

Studies are being done to see if the current vaccine will cover those variants.

“It looks like they will at this time, but that could change,” Auman said.

Another county board member asked Auman about getting vaccinated at Walgreen’s, which some locations in the country are currently doing. Auman said Ogle County’s locations don’t have vaccines as far he knows and the OCHD is not involved with the federal program.

The OCHD is currently working on vaccinating the over 65 population, which is about 8,000 people in the county. There is no timeframe for people under 65, Auman said.

“We need more than 200 doses a week to move on that,” Auman said.

“We haven’t even been able to test the capacity of our hospitals. We can do 1,100 just as OCHD and I’d bet both hospitals could match that and we could do over 3,000 in a week if we had the doses.”

Find Your Dream Building Today!

BUILT LOCAL * WE DELIVER

Explore ClearyBuilding.com

FEATURING:

• ADVANCED SEARCH OPTIONS • VIRTUAL BUILDING PLANNERS • INFORMATION YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

WE SPECIALIZE IN PORTABLE STRUCTURES!

800-373-5550 ClearyBuilding.com

SM-ST1847880

STOP & SEE OUR DISPLAY MODELS Large or Small, You Name It, We Design It, We Build It...YOU LIKE IT!

Drive-Through St. Mary’s FISH FRY

Fried Cod, French Fries, Cole Slaw

10

$

CALL FOR A FREE LITERATURE PACKET

779-861-3542

SM-ST1852239

3500 S. CHANA RD., CHANA, IL 61015

Oregon, Illinois 815-732-9010 104.002640

Every Friday February 19 - March 26 4:30pm-6:30pm

CASH ONLY

St. Mary’s Parish Center SM-ST1857946

881 Morgan Drive, Rt. 64 W. Oregon, IL • 815-732-7383

COUNTY NEWS

Ogle sheriff continues work against police reform bill

BY JEFF HELFRICH

jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle was sworn in as Illinois Sheriffs’ Association president on Thursday, Feb. 11.

VanVickle has served on the ISA executive committee for six years. Executive committee members are responsible for directing the association in the development of policy and legislation encompassing all facets of law enforcement, corrections and court security as well as developing programs that encourage professional growth.

“It’s important to be a part of it and have that extra knowledge,” VanVickle said.

I didn’t come from a Sheriff’s office, so I’ve been able to bring some differing views and learn some. New ideas are important and I want to use them to help new sheriffs and my own office.”

VanVickle was nominated for the position by DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott, who has been Sheriff for over 30 years. He said that meant a lot to him and shows how willing the older generation is to work with younger officials like himself.

The position of president won’t mean extra work for the Ogle County Sheriff.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle was sworn in as president of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association on Feb. 11.

Photo supplied by the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Facebook page.

“It’s no more work than what I’ve done being on the executive board,” VanVickle said. “Now I’m just the face and voice. It’s not every week in Springfield. A lot is done by Zoom now too due to COVID-19.”

A lot of VanVickle’s work going forward with the ISA will involve House Bill 3653, which concerns police reform and currently sits on the Governor’s desk. He’s spent time in Springfield

testifying about the bill.

VanVickle has various concerns about the bill, which includes eliminating cash bail within two years, allowing the use of deadly force only when an officer acts in self defense or defending others from bodily harm, making it easier to decertify officers by eliminating signed affidavit of complaint and mandating the use of police body cameras for all officers by 2025.

“We’ve developed a coalition and we’ll continue to have representation and discussion,” VanVickle said. “It’s vitally important to our community and I’ll keep fighting.”

VanVickle said the ISA has begun talks with the Republican Caucus about a trailer bill that would “fix some of the poor language” in it.

“We’ve found six pages of conflicting language that needs to be addressed,” VanVickle said.

Gov. JB Pritzker not signing the bill yet has brought about optimism for some opposed to it, but Pritzker has said in the past he plans to sign and VanVickle believes he will follow through and do just that.

VanVickle said he’s seen recent support from the community against the bill and of law enforcement.

“We’re very fortunate to live in rural Illinois,” VanVickle said.”The support for law enforcement here has never wavered. It’s increased since the bill. The community has found a new desire to be heard and show support.”

CUSTOM CABINETS FOR YOUR HOME

For all your senior living needs, choose the name you know and trust...

BUILT LOCALLY BY:

Liberty Village of Freeport

Handcrafted to last a lifetime.

KITCHEN, BATH, LAUNDRY, OFFICE & MORE!

2170 W. Navajo Dr., Freeport • 815-297-9902 www.LibertyVillageofFreeport.com

SM-ST1854591

The Area’s Premier Senior Living Facility Not-for-Profit Provider

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 2477 E. IL RT. 64, OREGON 815-973-9951 Eric Zimmerman, Owner

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

VanVickle named president of sheriff ’s association

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

LOCAL HISTORY

Pullman connection helped build Ogle County

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 The Pullman Car Company, founded by George Pullman, manufactured railroad cars and played an important role in the development of Oregon and the surrounding area.

In 1845 George Pullman and his father James helped widen the Erie Canal.

George took over the family business of moving houses out of the way for the canal.

This canal was used by many of our early settlers bringing their belongings and families to Ogle County.

Frank Lowden and his wife Florence Pullman left their footprints, still very visible today.

George Pullman’s two daughters Florence and Harriet both lived at the Sinnissippi Farms located near Daysville, southeast of Oregon. At the depot I remember African American Pullman Porters .

The following is a summary of the Pullman Car Company.

George Pullman, the son of a cabinetmaker, recalled an uncomfortable train ride from Buffalo to Westfield New York caused him to realize there was a market for a more comfortable train travel.

In 1857 he converted two railroad cars into comfortable sleeping cars.

When Pullman moved to Chicago he built the sleeping car Springfield and named it after the town it was built in and President Lincoln’s home town.

In 1868 he built the first hotel on wheels named the President. The President was a sleeper with an attached kitchen and dining car.

In 1870 he started leasing, not selling, Pullman Cars to railroads and provided complete service for the traveling public.

Pullman formed his luxury railcar manufacturing company in 1867.

Chicago, the railroad center of the country, was the perfect place for his national headquarters.

In 1880 he purchased 4,000 acres near Lake Calument some 14 miles south of Chicago on the Illinois Cen-

ABOVE: George Pullman founded the Pullman Car Company.

LEFT: This photo shows the inside of one of the Pullman sleeping cars in the heyday of train travel.

BELOW: This is the administration building in the Pullman District in Chicago.

BELOW LEFT: The hotel Florence opened in the Pullman community in 1881. It was used as a gathering place for friends, visiting dignitaries and clients.

Photos supplied by Otto Dick

tral Railroad for $800,000 establish ing the Pullman Factory and Pullman Administration Building.

He set aside 600 acres for housing, stores and recreational facilities for his employees. The hotel Florence opened in this Pullman community in 1881 and was used as a gathering place for friends, visiting dignitar-

ies and clients.

In 1892 the population of this industrial town was 14,702.

This Industrial City of Pullman contained a market, restaurants, hospital, bank, church, library, theater and a three-acre lake called Lake Vista.

This was one of the Nation’s first

planned communities, built as a self-contained industrial village or company town. In February 2015 the Pullman Historic District was designated a National Monument by U. S. President Barack Obama.

The Florence Hotel is the headquarters for this National Historic Landmark.

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County. Call 815-632-2540 to subscribe today!

LOCAL HISTORY

On Aug. 21, 2020 I wrote an article about the involvement of my aunt and uncle in the making of the atomic bomb at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I received several comments from others how they too had family members taking part in that Manhattan Project.

A number of weeks later my cousin sent me a picture of my aunt in the nursing home beside her bed that had a beautiful quilt on it. On the quilt was a book titled, “The Girls of Atomic City.”

While the snow and ice makes it treacherous for me to get out, I am going to give you numerous details of what it was like to be a part of that time in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The book answered many questions for me and you may be interested in what I found out as I read this book published in 2013 by Denise Kiernan. The storyline follows 16 women and 12 men who played a part in their lives. The author called them the “principal cast of characters.”

The story started in August of 1943 with Celia who was a secretary in New York with the original office of the Manhattan Project.

E

arly in the morning on Aug. 13, 1943 Celia arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee for her new job on the Manhattan Project.

She stepped off the train wearing her new dress, fashionable hat, and her I. Miller shoes that she had purchased near Times Square in New York.

Along with her were other women from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. They had

COMMENTARY Betty Obendorf Polo Historical Society

been told, “Everything will be taken care of” and cars were waiting for them.

Everything was a world of secrecy.

After a breakfast of grits, which they had never heard of, they climbed back into the big cars which moved slowly due to mud which seemed to be all over.

Celia had never seen such a sticky, gummy mess. She was ready along with the other young women to see where they would be living but instead they were taken to where they would be working.

In Oak Ridge, Tennessee construction was everywhere with little houses up and down the gummy mess of dirt roads. Boards for sidewalks in this new place less than a year old. The mud made everything look run down and Celia wondered why her bosses had sent her to this place to work.

Soon after the car stopped, the young women stepped out into a sea of mud. They began to sink and their shoes disappeared. Celia quickly announced that she had paid twenty-three dollars

Affordable Water, Inc.

200 OFF

$

New Softener or Iron Filter

Broken Water Softener Service Call

SPECIAL $2995 Reg. $6995

Coupon Expires 5/31/2021

SM-ST1859035

815-544-0918 or 877-353-7638 Repair On All Makes & Models

Commercial & Residential • Over 30 Years Experience!

This New York Times bestseller tells the true story of the top-secret World War II town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the young women brought there unknowingly to help build the atomic bomb.

for her shoes and she was not moving!

The driver simply picked her up and carried her to the entrance of the building. The others were washing their feet and shoes inside the door at sinks provided.

In this administrative building Celia received her badge and pass that stated she was now a resident of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and part of the Clinton Engineer Works. Later carrying her precious shoes and suitcase, she headed in her bare feet across the street to the dormitory. There she

See OBENDORF, Page 8

TIRED OF

OVERPAYING? OUR PRICE VS. AREA AVERAGE

Thyroid Panel:...... $111 vs. $409 Lipid: ...... $45 vs. $200 CBC:....... $21 vs. $135

Offering thousands of tests at prices you can afford. Give us a call.

We are here to help Mon-Fri 7am-4pm

832 N Galena Ave. Dixon 815-677-9384 www.valuelab-dixon.com

WE ACCEPT MEDICARE & MEDICAID

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

The saga of “The Girls of Atomic City” continues

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

REGIONAL NEWS

Dixon home a complete loss in fire

FATAL WRECK

Ogle County fire departments respond with mutual aid

A Dixon resident and their pets escaped injuries after their home was destroyed by an early morning fire on Sunday, Feb. 14.

Dixon firefighters were dispatched at 2:18 a.m. to 421 Nachusa Avenue for a reported residential structure fire with possible explosion, fire chief Ryan Buskhol said in a press release.

“Crews arrived to a structure heavily involved in fire. The resident was able to exit with pets prior to the fire departments arrival,” Buskohl said.

Firefighters had to battle the blaze in sub-zero temperatures.

“Firefighting operations were difficult due to extreme cold conditions. There were no civilian or responder injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation,” Buskohl said.

A strong smell of smoke still hung in the air as large icicles could been seen hanging from the burned out home on Sunday afternoon. Several passersby drove by the residence located on the corner of King Court and Nachusa Avenue to view the

Brian Haijenga

Man killed in snowmobile accident

Earleen Hinton Shaw Media

This Dixon home, located at 421 Nachusa Avenue, was destroyed in an early morning fire on Sunday. damage.

Buskohl said responders were clear of the scene at 7:03 a.m.

Dixon City Fire Department was assisted on the scene by Dixon Rural Fire Department, Dixon

Police Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, Polo Fire Department and Advance EMS. Station coverage was provided

by Mt. Morris Fire Department and Oregon Fire Department.

• OBENDORF

Continued from Page 7 placed her I. Miller shoes in the closet where they would stay.

When my aunt and uncle moved into one of those little houses, one of the things he wrote home about was the boardwalks. His lacked six feet of making it to the road and quickly he had to find some gravel to cover the mud in order to get out to the road to get on the bus.

Also the houses were quickly and cheaply made so when it rained, the water ran down into the window and into the house. My uncle had to remake the windows outside so the water was carried away. They had a nice backyard and he made a garden so they would have vegetables.

They did enjoy the little house they lived in while at Oak Ridge.

Eventually 75,000 workers ended up at Oak Ridge in this place most people did not even know existed.

The secrecy factor even kept those in charge from advertising for help.

The Oak Ridge plant in East Tennessee was part of the Manhattan Project. The buildings have since been demolished and an environmental clean up is continuing. Photo from Manhattan Project National Historical Park Since advertising for jobs could not be out in the open, The Project had to rely on others ways to hire their help.

When Dorothy from, Hornbreak,

Tennessee, saw the notice for this new work posted at her high school she was interested in taking the test and applying for this new job. She had no other options beyond high

A rural Baileyville man was killed Feb. 11 when his snowmobile hit a tree near a trail off West Pond Road, near Leaf River, the state Conservation Police said.

It was snowing and blowing, and visibility was low when Brian Elwood Haijenga, 50, who was riding behind a friend, struck the tree near the trail and suffered major injuries, Sgt. Phil Wire said.

Haijenga, a longtime snowmobiler, was taken to Freeport Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Wire said.

Haijenga was a Forreston High School graduate, pipe fitter and a welding administrator at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station.

His obituary appears on page 14.

school and this seemed like a great opportunity.

When she arrived at this mud-covered town under construction she felt at first somewhat dismayed.

Even her small town of Hornbreak had sidewalks and this was not quite what she expected. This small town girl definitely felt out of place and yet she had no money to turn around and go home.

When she arrived at her dorm she found other young country girls just like herself, ready to try their skills in new areas and on new machines they had never seen before.

Recruiters selected these young women from the area for their apparent skills and sharpness knowing they would be easy to train.

They would also keep the secrecy this whole program would need in order to succeed.

These young girls, just out of high school, soon felt they were up to the task of keeping their mouths shut, doing as they were told, and coming forth with the challenge to help their country in time of war.

READING MATTERS

n the world of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, education has changed drastically, by necessity.

I write this column with deep appreciation for the hard work, energy, creative problem solving, and care that classroom teachers, administrators, and educators around the world have put in to teaching their students in a variety of formats.

They deserve our respect and gratitude as do all frontline workers.

Although there is a wide variety of ways online learning is being implemented, it very often involves having students read text on a computer screen of some kind. This column will examine a few of the things to keep in mind when your children or grandchildren are being asked to read on a computer screen.

Reading is a complex process that requires thinking as the reader gets all the pieces in place to read and understand text.

Beginning readers are working especially hard to master the skills that make reading automatic. Reading on a computer screen can add some extra challenges that may complicate the process.

For early readers, or struggling readers of any age, the format of the text matters. Consider the amount of white space on a page, the space between lines and the margins.

Also, consider the size of the font.

While books for beginning readers take all of this into consideration, online texts may not. An advantage of computer text is that sometimes the font size can be increased to support readers if needed.

Tracking the print may also be difficult for early or struggling readers.

With traditional books and in-person reading beginning readers are encouraged to point to the words as they read. They are still learning how print works and what a word is, so they often need that physical connection with the text.

Auto Repair Specialists

Freeport’s Finest Auto & Truck Repair Facility

COMMENTARY Mary Gardner Reading Specialist

In some cases, students may be able to, and may need to, follow along in the text on the screen with a finger. Sometimes the computer’s cursor can help them track print as they read.

Another consideration for online reading work is who is controlling the movement of the text.

There might be times when the teacher is sharing the computer screen with students and asking them to read a text together.

In that case the teacher will likely be moving the page as students read.

It may be difficult for some students to keep up with the teacher’s pace.

If students are asked to read individually to themselves or out loud, they may be able to control the text movement. They still might need support to keep on the correct line as they move through the text.

Some online materials provide a highlighter line that helps track the print as children read. For some materials, the user can change the speed of the text movement, too.

We are nearly at a year since learning has changed to more online formats. I think we are also still learning how so much time on the computer impacts eye strain and fatigue. Our children and grandchildren have learned a lot and are probably getting skilled at navigating all of this.

However, if you notice them having difficulties with online homework or class work, you might observe to see if any of these considerations might be a factor.

Be sure to contact your child’s teacher for suggestions if you notice difficulties in reading online texts.

Let us know what’s happening in your hometown!

Email: news@oglecountynews.com

• Computerized Engine Diagnosis • Air Conditioning Charging & Repair • Transmission Service & Replacement • Engine Replacement • Driveability Problems • Batteries/Tires/Alignments • All Brakes • Exhaust • Tune-ups • Shocks & Struts • Oil Changes • Used Car Inspections

Free Loaner Car While Vehicle Being Repaired Just Replace the Gas You Used 3358 IL Rt. 26 South, Freeport Open M-F 8 to 5

815-232-3994

www.autorepairspecialistsinc.com

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Learning to read on a computer screen adds host of extra challenges I

9

BOYS BASKETBALL I N T R O D U C I N G

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

OUR NEW 3-D TOMOGRAPHY

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Oregon’s Joey Gelander scores against Milledgeville on Feb. 13 at the Blackhawk Center.

Millledgeville Missiles shoot down OHS Hawks

BY BRIAN WEIDMAN

bweidman@shawmedia.com Milledgeville boys basketball coach Brad Grenoble had seen the good and the bad out of his club this week in splitting against Eastland.

He wanted to avoid the ugly in a Feb. 13 non-conference game against Oregon. The Missiles did just that in rolling to a 61-29 victory over the Hawks in the Blackhawk Center.

Milledgeville (2-2) rallied for a 4-point road win at Eastland on Wednesday, then was routed by 23 points on its home court two nights later. It was nothing but happy thoughts for the Missiles against the Hawks, however, and Grenoble was most pleased with his team’s defense.

“We ran that defense the other night against Eastland and it helped us come back,” Grenoble said.

“Tonight, I knew that Oregon was scrappy. We had tired legs and I didn’t want to get behind, so we came out and tried blasting early. I thought it went well. It got us a nice lead, and we kind of took off from there.”

The Missiles raced out to a 15-2 lead in the first 4 minutes of play and were never seriously threatened.

They led 21-7 after one quarter, and with the score at 29-14, went on a 13-0 run that extended their margin to 42-16 2 minutes into the third

quarter.

Leading the way was senior guard Treyton Selman, who poured in 20 points, including 8-for-8 shooting at the free-throw line. He also collected a game-high 16 rebounds.

Kieren Harris finished with 14 points, four rebounds and three steals, while Nicholas Smith added 11 points and five boards.

“We’re really starting to get that chemistry,” Selman said. “We started to run the floor tonight. Our defense was locking down. It just seemed like everything clicked for the first time this year.”

Backup guard Ashton Nobis dropped in a short jumper to begin the fourth quarter to up the Missiles’ lead to 56-26, ensuring a running clock the rest of the way.

Joey Gelander led Oregon (0-4) with seven points, Liam Dickson and Jacob Vegliando had five each, and Owen Ketter, Issac Reber and Anthony Bell added four each.

“I think we need to stop giving up live-ball turnovers,” Oregon coach Nathan Green said. “They’re getting out and running and getting easy shots at the hoop. I told our guys you look at the floor and at no time do we never have two sophomores and a freshman on the floor. We’re young and we’re trying to learn. They didn’t quit. Right now our focus is competing for the full 32 [minutes] regardless of the score.”

YEAR-ROUND SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS

WITH NO OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS! (IF ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL NEED, REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE, ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE CGH HEALTH FOUNDATION)

CALL (815) 625-3610 FOR MORE INFO

100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL 61081 • www.cghmc.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BY ERIC INGLES

eingles@shawmedia.com Eastland’s relentless press disrupted Forreston time and time again throughout the first quarter of the Cougars’ 59-18 win over the Cardinals on Feb. 13, causing 14 first-quarter turnovers and making the Lady Cardinals burn three timeouts in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the game.

Even when Eastland let up off the press, the steals kept coming, as did the transition layups, as Eastland notched 34 points off turnovers in the game.

“Usually we start with warming up, practicing, switching it around,” Eastland’s Chloe Sweitzer said. “It’s easier for us, especially in practice because we do a lot of talking and rotating, so in games it’s easier for us to know who we need to switch with, our rotation. That helps a lot.”

But Forreston’s defense was able to keep Eastland limited in the first few minutes of the game. The Lady Cardinals grabbed five steals in Eastland’s first 11 possessions and the Cougars led 6-4 before a steal by

Addison Burkholder led to a layup from Alyssa Miller. Moments later, an Ashley Janssen putback made it 10-4.

After a basket from Forreston sophomore Brooke Boettner, Eastland went on a 29-0 run stretching from late in the first quarter until early in the third.

Miller began the run with a steal and a layup. Natalie Hughes added another layup early in the second.

The Cougars got baskets in the paint from Karlie Krogman and Miller, and Burkholder had back-to-back layups, followed by Chloe Sweitzer scoring on back-to-back layups.

Eastland also scored on its first three possessions of the third quarter, with baskets by Krogman and Sweitzer before a steal by Krogman led to a layup for Talena Rogers off a Hughes assist.

Paityn Broshous ended the run with a pair of free throws with 5:45 left in the third, but by then the Cardinals trailed 39-8.

Miller knocked down a pair of 3-pointers later in the third to extend

See CARDINALS, Page 12

Liberty Village is dedicated to Elegant Retirement Apartments • Month to Month Rental • No Endowment Fees • All Utilities Except Telephone • Weekly Housekeeping • Buffet Dining

LIBERTY ESTATES Alzheimer/Dementia Unit

Now Accepting Residents

• Safety, Security & Dignity • Nutritional Management • Activity Based Program • Individualized Stimulating Activities • Individual Staff, trained and experienced Management • Respite and Hospice Care

GARDEN COURT

MANOR COURT

Simply the Finest Liberty Village in retirement lifestyles.

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

of Freeport

Assisted Living Center • Spacious Suites • Privacy and Independence • Weekly Housekeeping • Restaurant Style Dining • Recreation & Social Events

HAWTHORNE INN

Nursing Center • Skilled Nursing • Rehabilitation of the Older Adult • Geriatric Nutritional Management • Respite and Hospice Care Pick Your Site Today!

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Forreston’s Kailey Sanders and Eastland’s Talena Rogers battle for a loose ball.

Single Family Villas or Duplex Villas • 2 Bedroom/2 Bath • Now Available for Purchase • Ground Maintenance • Call System • Beautiful Setting

LIBERTY VILLAS

Call 297-9902

For more information 2170 NAVAJO DRIVE FREEPORT, IL 61032

www.LibertyVillageofFreeport .com

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Eastland defense lifts Cougars past Cardinals

11

SPORTS ROUNDUP

12

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Forreston’s Paityn Broshous passes the ball during Saturday action against Forreston.

• CARDINALS

Continued from Page 11 the lead to 49-10. She scored seven in the third quarter and finished the game with 13.

“Alyssa, when she’s confident, she can knock down shots,” Eastland coach Nicole Brinker said. “She had a great second half. She’s doing a good job of being the floor general too, between her and Natalie Hughes. Alyssa got a layup to start, and that really gets her going.”

Krogman, despite drawing double teams most of the way, scored 11,

with six of those coming after offensive rebounds.

“Having two players on me at the same time, there was always going to be a girl open,” Krogman said.

“If I could draw two people out and get a girl open, that’s what we were trying to do. It helped. I didn’t really need to score, but I was just crashing boards and getting the offensive rebounds and getting putbacks.”

Sweitzer finished with 12 points.

Rogers tallied nine.

Boettner led Forreston with 10 points followed by Paityn Broshous four. Kylee Curry and Alaina Miller had two points each.

OM OO EDRROO ALL BED ITEMS ARE SALE PRICED

All Bed Frames on Sale

Feb. 11 Girls basketball Polo 43, Forreston 29: The Marcos got 11 points apiece from Alex Dusing and Lindee Poper in an NUIC South victory at home.

Nicole Boelens added seven points for Polo, which turned a 12-10 lead after one quarter into a 28-15 margin by halftime, then outscored the Cardinals 9-2 in the third period.

Boys bowling Oregon 3,395, Aquin 1,009: The Hawks easily defeated the Bulldogs, who had only two bowlers compete.

Isaac Kaltenbrun closed his 673 series with a 279 final game, and Kyle Strite opened his 633 series with a 222

first game. Jacob Smith started his 619 series with a 235 game.

Boys swimming Byron 104, Rockford Christian 54: Dixon junior Carson Faley was a fourevent winner for the Tigers co-op in a dual meet at home.

Faley won the 200 IM (2:02.11) and the 100 butterfly (55.21 seconds) as an individual. He also teamed up with Levi Schamper, Nathan Bell and Tyson Politsch to win the 200 medley relay (1:46.67), and Schamper, Politsch and Adam Goelitz to win the 400 freestyle relay (3:37.13).

Goelitz added wins in the 200 freestyle (1:58.87) and 100 free (55.06), Politsch won the 50 free (23.99) and the 100 breaststroke (1:04.03), and Bell took the 100 backstroke (59.66).

Feb. 13 Scales Mound 58, Polo 25: The Marcos could not hold off Scales Mound at home.

Parker Wolber scored seven points to lead Polo.

Scales Mound led 28-6 after one See ROUNDUP, Page 13

ALL 10 YEAR WARRANTY DREAM HAVEN SETS ARE SALE PRICED.

All Mattress Set on Sale

4 PIECE BEDROOM SET STARTING AS LOW AS

$499.95

LIMITED TIME PRESIDENTS DAY SAVINGS!

Local

SM-ST1856763

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Feb. 10 Boys basketball Polo 44, Forreston 42: The Marcos led 28-13 at halftime, then withstood a second-half comeback by the Cardinals for an NUIC South road win.

Gavin Zell’s 11 points paced Polo, while Tyler Median and Logan Kindle scored nine points apiece.

Joseph Snyder had 16 points to lead Forreston.

Northwest Illinois’ Largest Furniture, Mattress & Appliance Dealer

Check out our website! ritewayfreeport.com

HEAD BOARDS STARTING AT

$79.95

4 DRAWER CHEST STARTING AT

$129.95

ELECTRIC TWIN BED STARTING AT

BUNK BEDS STARTING AT

$989.95 $299.95

6 DRAWER DRESSER THERAPEDIC BEDDING FUTON WITH PAD TWIN SET STARTING AT STARTING AT STARTING AT

$259.95

$299.95

Layaway Available!

Dealer

20 E. Stephenson St Historic Downtown Freeport 815-235-4911 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm

$179.95

BUY NOW & PAY WITH TAX REFUND! Financing 90 days same as cash and ask for other financing options.

FURNITURE & APPLIANCE STORE

away.

• ROUNDUP

quarter and 43-8 at halftime.

Girls basketball Oregon 59, West Carroll 43: The Hawks picked up their first win of the season, beating the Thunder at the Blackhawk Center.

Hadley Lutz led the Hawks with 13 points. Ashlyn Kitzmiller added 12 and Elizabeth Mois scored 11.

Tori Moshure led West Carroll with 17 points. Madison Haynes added nine points and 12 rebounds.

West Carroll led 17-15 after one quarter, but the Hawks limited the Thunder to two points in the second to take a 33-19 halftime lead. Oregon led 46-33 after three.

Galena 54, Polo 39: The Marcos fell at home to the Pirates in an NUIC crossover.

Alex Dusing and Lindee Poper each scored eight to lead Polo. Marah Blake added seven.

Polo kept things close early, trailing 17-15 after one quarter and 24-21 at halftime, but the Pirates outscored Polo 18-9 in the third quarter to pull

13

Feb. 15 Girls basketball Oregon 44, Rockford Lutheran 40: The Hawks went on a 16-0 run down the stretch to pull out a come-frombehind win over the Crusaders at the Blackhawk Center.

Elizabeth Mois led Oregon with 15 points. Hadley Lutz chipped in 13. Ella Martin scored eight.

Oregon led 11-10 after one quarter but trailed 25-20 at halftime and 40-28 after three quarters before outscoring Lutheran 16-0 in the fourth quarter, with Mois and Martin each chipping in five points during that stretch.

Eastland 53, Forreston 22: The Cougars won at Forreston, getting 16 points from Karlie Krogman.

Talena Rogers added 11 points. Chloe Sweitzer scored eight, and had three assists and two steals.

Alyssa Miller had six rebounds, two steals and three assists. Rogers had three rebounds and four steals.

Annika Myre had three assists and two rebounds.

Photo by Trish Patterson

(Additional photos on page 14) Polo’s Becca Wagner drives on Galena’s Taylor Burcham.

Rochelle Veterinary Hospital

+,- +("!&$ *- )'#.(% )(%$&" *"('#(!&

Dr. Nicole D Ni l Marquardt M dt Dr. Lynn Deets

>;:/ ';G *,,1@79:/79E *== $@2E<"/2@8;@2 AH1L@2/H

Boarding • Grooming Dentistry • X-ray Surgical Laser • Gas Anesthetic Laser Therapy

*%&$'(!% )!"#$&%!

($)$*$'$-+*( '"!,#&%"

3.D >J &@HE9 *L/70/ A! (1I 6DB &1HH/E9175 %# ?.D6DCD6DB

KKKJE8F1;++;:@=G8F@H1J81:

815-562-5207

Hours: M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon

-.)C46-C333)

FARMLAND AUCTION: 75± ACRES � 140 PI SAT, MARCH 20, 2021 10:00 AM

1381 North 7th Street, Rochelle

Farm Location: 600 2350 E Rd, Varna, IL Auction Location: American Legion #440 115 W. Santa Fe Ave, Toluca, IL

75± ACRES � 140 PI � 100% TILLABLE S½ of the SE¼ of SEC 35

ROBERTS TWP � MARSHALL CO IL

Spring is Coming, Time for a New You! Relaxing massages • Luxurious facials Body scrubs & wraps Nail care, waxing, tanning, sunless tanning, complete haircare & more.

Call today for an appointment!

Owners: Frieders Trust

Auction conducted by Richard A. Olson & Assoc.

Morris, IL � 815�942�4266

See website for Flyer, Terms, Maps and more info.

www.richardaolson.com

JTI Salon & Spa SM-ST1859062

600 Gale Street, Oregon, IL 61061 | 815-732-2477

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Continued from Page 12

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

OBITUARIES MARQUITA BUTTERBAUGH MT. MORRIS – Marquita Butterbaugh, 93, passed away at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Marquita was born on Dec. 16, 1927 in Tolona, the daughter of Ransom and Violet (Kirby) Munson. She married her husband of 73 years, Dwight Butterbaugh, on Oct. 1, 1947 in Dixon, and he preceded her in death on Sept.

26, 2020.

She is survived by her two sons, Allen (Carolyn) Butterbaugh of Stone Lake, Wisconsin and Ron (Robyn) Butterbaugh of Springbrook, Wisconsin; one daughter, Marilyn (Ron) Pichette of Port Charlotte, Florida; and one grandson, Randy Pichette of Kansas City, Kansas.

Marquita is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwight; and two brothers, Loren and Jack Munson.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt.Morris. Marquita requested there will not be any services. She will be honored and remembered by all of those whose life she touched.

A memorial has been established in

Marquita’s name, to the Pinecrest Good Samaritan Fund, Mt. Morris.

EDITH A. EDWARDS POLO – Edith Ann Edwards, 61, of Polo, passed away of diabetic complications on December 22, 2020, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Edie, as she was known to friends and family, was born on March 24, 1959 in Dixon to Phyllis (Garman) and Ernest Bornemeier Sr. In June of 1981 she was united in marriage to John Edwards. Edie was a fan of Polo youth sports, and an avid supporter of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Survivors include her daughters, Tasha Edwards, Angelisa Bowman (Edwards) and Shari Edwards; son, Robert Edwards; sisters Beverly Bolen of Polo and Lisa Bornemeier of Polo; brother, Ernest Bornemeier Jr. of Monroe, Wisconsin; her half sister, Dorothy Nilles of Oswego; 11 grandchildren, Stanley and Wesley Karpinski, Cassaundra, Sabrina (LaBlance) and Hayley Smith, Marie, Kathryn, and George Mercurio, Cheyenna Wilkins, Serinity Carlson and Sawyer Edwards; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Willman, Hunter LaBlance and Johnathon Smith; four nieces; and

seven nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Edwards; mother, Phyllis (Garman) Bornemeier; and father, Ernest Bornemeier Sr. Cremation rites will be accorded, with a celebration of life at a later date.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

BRIAN E. HAIJENGA BAILEYVILLE - Brian Elwood Haijenga, 50, of rural Baileyville died from a snowmobile accident the night of February 11, 2021.

Brian was born on Aug. 3, 1970, in Sterling to Darla and Carroll Haijenga. He was the third of four children, the only boy, and spoiled accordingly.

Brian was a pipefitter by trade and a welding administrator at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station at the time of his death.

He was passionate about sports. He played every sport he could at Forreston High School and softball on every field in the area. He rooted for his nieces and nephews often, rarely missing a local game.

He was a fan of the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Badgers, and more.

He made friends easily and kept them forever. He was at his happiest when he was with friends and family on trips to concerts and sporting events, at the river or at his home, which he helped build, at Little Lake Carroll.

Brian is survived by, and will lovingly missed by, his stepmother Sherry Haijenga of Freeport; sisters, Brenda (Joe) Akins of Forreston, Beth (Scott) Gordon of Bloomington, Barb (Shane) Wells of German Valley; and his treasured nieces and nephews, Sarah (Dan) Clark of Forrerston, Adam (Rachel) Akins of Florida, Ella Gordon of Louisville, Harrison Gordon of Bloomington, and Julia Wells and Andrew Wells, both of German Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Harland and Lois Voss and Robert and Ruby Haijenga.

A visitation was held on Feb. 16 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In accordance to Brian’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered on a baseball field.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will fund kids’ sports and pet adoption.

Please visit www.burketubbs.com to share a memory of Brian.

SPORTS COLUMN

Bouncing basketballs are music to my ears in 2021 E ven before I entered the gymnasium at Polo for my first basketball game in 11 months, the first noticeable change came when I turned left off Pines Road on to Union Ave. towards the high school.

Close-by parking spots were easily to be had, something that would not have been possible in the pre-Covid era. It was the first of many differences I was to experience as Polo hosted rival Forreston last Friday.

The only similarity encountered in the lobby was faithful servant Jill Blake, dutifully handling ticket-taking duties. Otherwise, it was quiet, save for whatever noise the 50 or so people inside for the fresh-soph contest could muster.

Normally, the lobby would be abuzz, with people coming or going into gym or the concession stand, which now is dormant. Besides providing a service and raising extra cash for schools, concessions are a handy meet-and-greet area.

And, what’s a basketball game without the smell of popcorn wafting through the hallways?Game photographer Earleen Hinton commented on that as she came in shortly after me.

“At least we can hear the balls bouncing and kids in gym playing,” said a smiling Polo principal Andy Faivre.

Like every other person in the school, Faivre had a mask on, but you could see through the expression in his eyes that he really was smiling,

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

happy to have a real-live basketball game.

Athletic Director Ted Alston could be seen doing his best imitation of a custodian, using a fancy cleaning device to sanitize the bleachers between games.

He didn’t seem to mind the extra chores that helped allow sports to be played.

“It’s all about the kids,” he said. “The hard part is everyone is used to the old ways, but I think people understand the situation.”

For me, the best part of the whole experience was not watching the game, but having social interaction, from commiserating with Jill Blake about the much-awaited senior class of girls only having an abbreviated basketball season to chatting with Forreston fresh-soph coach Kyle Getz about an upcoming marathon he is running.

Or, having Cardinal head coach Jake Groom warmly greet me and listening to him share about his journey leading the program for the first time. Even with key injuries, Jake remained

upbeat and Forreston has a good one with him in charge.

When asked how his work load was going, Jerry Whitney, a 68-year old official from Stillman Valley, told of doing two games a night instead of one.

It has to be tough for the refs to wear masks, but the negative comments from stands have died down substantially.

Jerry tried an electronic whistle, but said the kids couldn’t hear it so he went back to a standard whistle.

There was not a single aspect of the game that hasn’t been affected by Covid.

Take overtime for example. A coin flip would determine which team got the ball, as jump balls are forbidden.

Upon leaving, Earleen and I thanked Mr. Alston for being allowed to attend. Indeed, it is a privilege to be at a game, if just for the social component. As media members, at least we aren’t considered part of total capacity of 50, one of the myriad of rules and regs.

As I drove back to Oregon, I turned on one of Freeport radio stations to listen to Don Werntz broadcast another NUIC game. Like being at Polo in person, it was music to my ears to hear him call a game.

Slowly, bit-by-bit, high-school sporting life is making a return.

Polo vs. Forreston

15

TOP: Polo’s Tyler Meridian and Forreston’s Ethan Cain fight for the ball.

LEFT: Polo’s Parker Wolber brings the ball up the court as Forreston’s Tommy Appel defends.

BOTTOM: Polo’s Logan Zindle drives in for a layup as Forreston’s Cole Becker defends.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

ASK US ANYTHING

ABOUT COVID-19

WATCH LIVE • THURSDAYS @ NOON Join Dr. Bird and his guests each Thursday, live on Facebook!

Watch tours of our facilities and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes with our healthcare professionals and departments at CGH Medical Center.

Follow CGH Medical Center on Facebook to ask and get your questions answered live.

Catch up on past episodes by watching our playlists on Facebook, YouTube, & Instagram.

For frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine go to www.cghmc.com/covid19vaccine

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Polo and Forreston squared off in a NUIC matchup in Polo on Feb. 12. Polo won the game 44-42.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

BUSINESS BRIEF

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

issued a $1,000 recognizance bond on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear. She was also issued a citation for not having insurance and given a court date.

Feb. 9 At 3:59 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of Jefferson Street resulting in issuing Melisa L. Carreno, 35, of Oregon, a $1,000 recognizance bond on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear on a suspended driving charge. She was also given a court date.

Eighty-two parking tickets were issued during the week of Feb. 8-14.

Feb. 10 At 9:49 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Madison and South 9th Streets involving a 2002 Chevrolet driven by Dennis L. Rosenbalm, 67, of Evansville, Indiana, and a 2000 Jeep driven by Heather M. Phillips, 26, of Oregon. Rosenbalm was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic control device.

Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Feb. 12 At 10:41 a.m., Oregon Police issued Allison C. Dillon, 34, of Loves Park, was

POLO POLICE

Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood reports the following police activity.

General Calls for Service Through dispatch Feb. 8-14 Checking a Subject / Vehicle................... 9 Citizen Complaints..................................... 6 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem .................. 6 Assist EMS / Other Dept........................... 6 Disturbance / Domestic Battery ..............3 Alarm Response ..........................................2 Lockout Vehicle / Building ........................2 911 Hang-up / Open Line .......................... 6 Traffic Stops................................................. 1

Feb. 14 Logan J. Linker, 17, Byron, was cited at 11:30 a.m. for reckless driving. Linker was given a notice to appear.

Park district executive director earns award

Oregon Park DisCandidates who trict Executive Direcqualify to apply for tor Erin Folk has been the CPRE are those named a Certified Park who have a current and Recreation ExecCPRP (Certified Park utive (CPRE) by the and Recreation ProNational Recreation fessional) certification and Park Association and have a Bachelor’s (NRPA). degree and a miniFolk is now one of mum of five years of 305 CPRE’s in the United full time management Erin Folk States and one of 45 in experience.

Illinois. She has been employed Candidates must also pass by the Oregon Park District the three hour, 150 question since 2006 and has served as the exam that covers topics, such as executive director since 2013. communication, finance, operThe Certified Park and Rec- ations, human resources and reation Executive certification planning. is a mastery-level certification Folk was recognized by the program for park and recre- Oregon Park District Board of ation management and admin- Commissioners on Feb. 9 for her istration professionals. achievement.

Shawn L. Warczak, 17, Polo, was cited at 11:30 a.m. for failure to wear a seat belt. Warczak was given a notice to appear.

Logan J. Linker, 17, Byron, was cited at 3:06 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 35 mph speed zone. Linker was given a notice to appear.

You’ve been through a LOT NEW WEBSITE

Are you taking care of your MENTAL WELLNESS?

Exciting news! The bank’s website www.unionsavingsbank.com will receive a significant upgrade on March 4, 2021. Here are some of the benefits coming: •Improved security – By adding “HTTPS” to our website address.

•Mobile-Friendly – Built with a responsive design that works on all screen sizes – including mobile phones!

•Accessibility – The new site will work better with assistive technologies, including site readers and read-aloud programs.

Please check our website for complete details!

We’re here when you need us Dixon • Mt. Carroll • Oregon Rochelle • Sterling

www.sinnissippi.org 800-242-7642

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

SHERIFF ACTIVITY

Feb. 9 Cedric Williams, 19, of Rockford was arrested for driving while license revoked after being stopped by deputies on Illinois 251 near Davis Junction for speeding. Williams was released on a I-bond and will appear in court at a later date Dustin Doyle, age and residence not listed, was arrested on an unspecified outstanding warrant. Doyle posted bond and will appear in court at a later date.

Nicholas Rodriguez, age and residence not listed, was arrested on an unspecified outstanding warrant. Rodriguez was scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Feb. 11 Aaron Hubbell, 24, of Amboy was arrested at 9:51 a.m. for driving while license suspended, improper cannabis container by a driver and a valid Lee

County contempt of court warrant after deputies performed a traffic stop in the 3,000 block of South Illinois 2. Hubbell was additionally issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Hubbell was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

Mateo Kucera, 32, of Chicago was arrested at 6:29 p.m. for no valid driver’s license and unlawful possession of cannabis after deputies initiated a traffic stop in the 1,300 block of Pines Road. Kucera was released on an Individual Bond at the scene.

Feb. 12 Jared Marsh, 26, of Stillman Valley was arrested at 1:39 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies were patrolling in the 6,000 block of East Illinois 72 when they observed a male subject walking on the side of the road. The male subject, identified as Marsh, advised deputies that he had driv-

en his vehicle into the ditch. Marsh was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Isiah Blake, 22, of Stillman Valley was arrested at 9:48 p.m. for domestic battery after deputies responded to a disturbance in Stillman Valley. Blake was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released to correctional staff and held in lieu of bond.

David E. Warner, 61, of Machesney Park was arrested at 9:26 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies were dispatched to 11539 W. East Rd. for a report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch. Warner was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond. Warner was also cited for improper traffic lane usage.

Feb. 13 Marcos S. Serrano-Vides, 23, of Rockford was arrested at 6:24 p.m. for aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol and no valid driver’s license after

deputies were dispatched to the 9,000 block of West Illinois 72 for the report of a single vehicle rollover accident.

Serrano-Vides was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held with no bond. Serrano-Vides was also cited for improper traffic lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident/too fast for conditions and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Feb. 15 Rebekah Emerson, 47, of Rochelle was arrested at 4:39 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper lane usage after deputies responded to the 15,000 block of East Twombly Road in reference to a vehicle in the ditch. Emerson was given an I-bond at Rochelle Community Hospital where she was transported by the Rochelle Ambulance for evaluation due to the cold weather. Emerson will appear in court at a later date.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS These Ogle County property transfers were recorded the week of Feb. 5-11.

Warranty Deeds Sandra K. Reynolds, also Young, to DLMJ Investments LLC, 409 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $26,500.

Rodney D. and Chery S. Savage to Daniela Morales, 409 N. Second St., Chana, $110,000.

Santos M., Dominga Candelaria Garcia De and Miguel S. Monroy to Yolanda Virto, 1008 Lakeview Drive, Rochelle, $125,000.

Joan Meiners to Nathan and Brittany Drozd, two parcels in Chinquapin Township, $42,500.

Anthony Amodio to Theresa Anne Valentine, 2867 S. Brookes Island Road,

Oregon, $35,000.

Angela M. Snow and Joseph J. Campbell to David and Lisa Boehle, one parcel on Orchid Lane, Oregon, $28,000.

Lorretta AJ Sigler to Kristen M. Sager and David T. Wolf, 860 W. Chinquapin Drive, Oregon, $250,000.

Troy J. and Robin M. Cerveny to Ron and Sharon Baker and David Stouffer, 10549 W. Pines Road, Polo, $183,000.

Martin L. and Dawn L. Bennett, also Leschner to Michael R. Hurst, 5167 N. Blackwood Road, Davis Junction, $260,000.

Larry R. and Patricia A. Claussen to Randall A. and Melinda S. Cox, 510 W. Center St., Mt. Morris, $151,000.

Lou Ann Snead to Larry R. and Patricia A. Claussen, 112 Katies Way, Mt. Morris,

$139,500.

Vulcan Building LLC to Bailey K. Litow, 1100 Northwestern Ave., Davis Junction, $193,000.

Jala LLC to Vulcan Building LLC, 1100 Northwestern Ave., Davis Junction, $0.

Mark and Ann Ptasienski to Grant J. and Sarah E. Oldenburg, 4731 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, $325,000.

James A. and Victoria L. Myers to Benjamin C. McKean, 13763 W. Lanark Road, Forreston, $193,250.

Benjamin C. McKean to Randall and Alice Mastricola, 306 W. Aplington St., Polo, $100,000.

Trustee’s Deeds Carol A. Traina Revocable Trust, Steven M. and Jeffrey F. Traina, trustees, to

Gale Investments LP, one parcel on state Route 72, $818,000.

Archie L. Rainwater Trust, Donna S. Windland, trustee, to Raymond J. and Brenda F. Rainwater Trust, Raymond J. and Brenda F. Rainwater, trustees, one parcel in Dement Township, $383,200.

Upchurch Living Trust, Jonathan Everett Upchurch, trustee, to Philip Anthony Van Acker, one parcel in Leaf river Township, $250,000.

Sheriff’s Deed Ogle County Sheriff and Estate of Verva Noirfalise to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 713 Franklin St., Oregon, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Public Notice

• Full Service Optical Lab • Contact Lenses SM-ST1845775

(including bifocal & specialty lenses)

• Comprehensive Eye Health Exams • Diagnosis/Treatment of Eye Diseases • Great Selection of Eyeglass Frames

Northwest Eyecare • 815.732.3121

314 W. Washington St. • Oregon, IL www.northwesteyecare.com

The annual Ogle County Township Assessors Meeting will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 11:00am at 105 South St, Oregon, Il (Old Courthouse in Oregon). This meeting will be held Virtually using “Zoom”. To access the meeting you will need the calling in number (312) 626-6799, the meeting ID 818 6279 3247, and the Password 307546.

The meeting is held pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/9-15 which states, in part, that thesupervisorofassessmentsshall“…assembleallassessorsandtheirdeputies for consultation and shall instruct them in uniformity of their functions.”

No action will be taken. The meeting is open to the public.

Ronald A. Kane,Ogle CountySupervisor of Assessments February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LEGAL NOTICES

101

NOTICE DOCKET #21-02 In re: Application of Larry Ebert for approval of a Restricted Landing Area (RLA), located near Ashton, in Ogle County, Illinois.

Please take notice that on or after March 8, 2021, the Division of Aeronautics intends to enter an Order, pursuant to Section 60 of the Illinois Aeronautics Act (620 ILCS 5/60), approving the application of Larry Ebert for RLA, owned and operated by Larry Ebert, to be known as Ebert RLA. The facility will be located near Ashton in the Northern Half of Section 7, and the Northwest 1/4 of Section 8, Township 22 North, Range 11 East, of the Third Principal Meridian in Ogle County, Illinois.

Said Order shall provide for the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the RLA, after sufficient completion thereof, as proposed by the application to meet all minimum requirements of the Division for the operation of an RLA, and in accordance with a final inspection; and, shall further provide for the nullification of said Order if the Order is not acted upon and a Certificate of Approval issued within 18 months from the effective date.

Said Order shall further provide that the Order and any Certificate of Approval issued pursuant thereto are not intended to and do not preempt, waive, suspend or modify any zoning regulations, building code requirements, or local ordinances adopted by any local governmental bodies having jurisdiction to control and impose land use restrictions.

LEGAL NOTICES

101

LEGAL NOTICES

101 g All affected per- Eileen L. Johns sons notified here- and Unknown in may, prior to the Owners, and Non entry of said Order, Record Claimants, file objections to Defendants in (or comments on) the above-entitled the subject matter action, a that of said Order. After Complaint for the entry of said Foreclosure and Order such per- Other Relief has sons may enter been commenced written comments in the Circuit Court or request a hear- of Ogle County, by Plaintiff ing as to the validi- said ty or reasonable- against you and ness of said Order other defendants, within fifteen (15) praying for the days of the service foreclosure of date of the Order certain mortgages the to: IDOT-Division conveying legally of Aeronautics, Bu- premises reau of Aviation described as Safety, follows: 1 Langhorne Bond LOT 2 IN BLOCK 1 Drive, Springfield, OF HILL`S FIRST Illinois 62707-8415. ADDITION TO THE Clayton Stam- TOWN, NOW CITY baugh, Deputy Di- OF OREGON, IN rector Aeronautics OGLE COUNTY, Office of Inter- ILLINOIS. modal Project Im- P.I.N.: plementation 16-03-303-002 DATED: COMMON ADDRESS: February 11, 2021 403 South 5th TO BE SERVED: February 19, 2021 Street, Oregon, IL 61061 IN THE CIRCUIT And which mortCOURT OF THE gages were made 15TH JUDICIAL

by Eileen L. Johns, CIRCUIT as Mortgagor(s); OGLE COUNTY - and given to OREGON, Amcore Bank, N.A. ILLINOIS as Mortgagee; to NEWREZ LLC wit: that certain D/B/A "Mortgage" dated SHELLPOINT (a) 07/05/2006, and MORTGAGE recorded as DocuSERVICING, ment No.0607133, PLAINTIFF that Summons was VS. duly issued out of BRENT WAGNER said court against AS SPECIAL you as provided by REPRESENTATIVE law, and that the FOR THE ESTATE said Complaint is OF EILEEN L. now pending for JOHNS , foreclosure of said TREAVOR B. mortgages and for JOHNS, other relief.

UNKNOWN HEIRS Now, therefore, AND LEGATEES unless you Treavor OF EILEEN L. B. Johns, Unknown JOHNS ; Heirs and Legatees UNKNOWN of Eileen L. Johns OWNERS and Unknown GENERALLY; AND Owners, and Non NON-RECORD Record Claimants, CLAIMANTS. file your AppearDEFENDANTS ance and Answer Case No: to the Complaint in 2020CH63 said action in the Property Address: office of the Clerk 403 South 5th of the Circuit Court Street of Ogle County, Oregon, IL 61061 Chancery Division, NOTICE OF on or before the PUBLICATION 8th day of March, The requisite 2021, default may affidavit for publi- be entered against cation having been you at any time filed, notice is after that day and hereby given to: a judgment entered Treavor B. Johns, in accordance with Unknown Heirs the prayer for relief and Legatees of

LEGAL NOTICES

101 p y in said Complaint.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Kluever Law Group, LLC 225 West Washington Street Suite 1550 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 236-0077 courtresults@ klueverlawgroup. com Atty. No. 06187248 SMS00029620FC1 February 5, 12, 19, 2021

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS In the Matter of the Petition of RANDALL REED KLINE, Petitioner, No. 2021 MR 6 PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on the Petition of RANDALL REED KLINE to change his name to RANDY REED CROPP. The hearing on this Petition will be held on 15th day of April, 2021 at 9:00 AM before Judge John C. Redington, in Courtroorn #202 at the Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois.

Dated this 10th day of February, 2021.

RANDALL REED KLINE Eric D. Morrow ARDC #6272754 SMITH, BIRKHOLZ & MORROW, P.C. Attorney for Petitioner 129 S. 4th St., P.O. Box 10 Oregon, Illinois 61061 815-732-6124 eric@oglelaw.com Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 2021 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: ROSEMARY CRAIG, Deceased.

2021 P 11 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of

LEGAL NOTICES

101

ROSEMARY CRAIG. Letters of Office were issued on February 8, 2021, to MICHAEL J. CRAIG, 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 barred.

Claims 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 J. CRAIG Independent Executor Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@ suitslegal.com Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 2021 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISION In the Matter of the Estate of RODNEY R. RAPP, SR., Deceased.

No. 2021-P-16 CLAIM NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICES

101

Notice is given of the death of RODNEY R. RAPP, SR. of Leaf River, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on February 10, 2021 to THOMAS A. RAPP as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street #300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before August 19, 2021, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required

by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later.

Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred.

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.

Thomas A. Rapp Independent Executor Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 2021 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: FERDINAND S. FRANSEN, Deceased.

2021 P 8 CLAIM NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICES

101

Notice is given of the death of FERDINAND S. FRANSEN. Letters of Office were issued on January 29, 2021, to DONNA VANVELZER, 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 barred.

Claims 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: DONNA VANVELZER Independent Administrator Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 9462276 tom@ suitslegal.com Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS GERMAN-AMERICAN STATE BANK, Plaintiff, vs.

ANGELA K. AN-

LEGAL NOTICES

101

DERSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants NO. 21-CH-3 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE Notice is given to ANDefendants, GELA ANDERSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS, and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS of the following described real estate: THE EAST HALF (1/2) OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE: Part of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of Section 33, in Township 25 North, Range 8 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, in Ogle County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at a point 165 feet South and 524 feet West of a stone located at the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of said Section; thence East parallel with the South line of G Street in the Village of Forreston, 194 feet; thence South parallel with the East line of said Southwest Quarter (1/4), 115.5 feet; thence West, parallel with the South line of said G Street, 194 feet; and thence North, parallel with the East line of said Southwest Quarter (1/4) to the Point of Beginning; situated in the Township of Forreston County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

EXCEPTING THEREFROM, the Westerly 6 feet thereof.

The undersigned certifies that the above entitled mortgage foreclosure action was filed on January 26, 2021, and is now pending.

1. The names of all Plaintiffs and the case number are identified above.

LEGAL NOTICES

101

2. The court in which said action was brought is identified above.

3. The name of the title holder of record ANGELA ANDERSON 4. A legal description of the real estate sufficient to identify it with reasonable certainty is as follows: THE EAST HALF (1/2) OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE: Part of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of 33, in Section Township 25 North, Range 8 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, in Ogle County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at a point 165 feet South and 524 feet West of a stone located at the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of said Section; thence East parallel with the South line of G Street in the Village of Forreston, 194 feet; thence South parallel with the East line of said Southwest Quarter (1/4), 115.5 feet; thence West, parallel with the South line of said G Street, 194 feet; and thence North, parallel with the East line of said Southwest Quarter (1/4) to the Point of Beginning; situated in the Township of Forreston County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

EXCEPTING THEREFROM, the Westerly 6 feet thereof.

5. Common address or description of the location of real estate is as follows: 201 W. Willow, Forreston, IL 61030.

6. A. Name of Mortgagor: Angela Anderson B. Name of Mortgagee: GermanState American Bank C. Date of Mortgage: October 7, 2016 D. Date of Record-

101

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS r fGERMAN-AMERICAN STATE BANK fPlaintiff, yVS. GREGORY N. REGOLE, JOSEPH R. FERLAND, BYRON eBANK, ILLINOIS tDEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, INKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS AND fNON-RECORD aCLAIMANTS, Defendants.

NO. 21-CH-5 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE Notice is given to Defendants, Gregory N. Regole, Joseph R. Ferland, Byron Bank, Illinois Department of

101 p Revenue, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Unknown Owners, Unknown Tenants, and Nonrecord Claimants, of the following described real estate: TRACT I: - Gregory Regole Lot Two (2) in Block Fifteen (15) as designated upon the Plat of Leaf River, being located upon a part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 36, and part of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 36, Township 25 North, Range 9 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, the Plat of which is recorded in Book B of Plats on Page 2, in the Recorder's Ogle Office of County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Leaf River, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

TRACT II: - Joseph R. Ferland Lots Eleven (11) and Twelve (12) and the North Half (1/2) of Lot Thirteen (13) in Block Eight (8) in the Village of Leaf River according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book B of Plats, page 2, as Document No. 82560 in Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Leaf River, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

The undersigned certifies that the above entitled mortgage foreclosure action was filed on February 1, 2021, and is now pending.

1. The names of all Plaintiffs and the case number are identified above.

2. The court in which said action was brought is identified above.

3. The name of the title holders of record are Tract I Gregory Regole and Tract II Joseph R. Ferland.

4. A legal description of the real estate sufficient to identify it with reasonable certainty is as follows: TRACT I: - Gregory Regole Lot Two (2) in

LEGAL NOTICES

101 ( ) Block Fifteen (15) as designated upon the Plat of Leaf River, being located upon a part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 36, and part of the Southwest Quarter (1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 36, Township 25 North, Range 9 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, the Plat of which is recorded in Book B of Plats on Page 2, in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Leaf River, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

TRACT II: - Joseph R. Ferland Lots Eleven (11) and Twelve (12) and the North Half (1/2) of Lot Thirteen (13) in Block Eight (8) in the Village of Leaf River according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book B of Plats, page 2, as Document No. 82560 in Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Leaf River, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

5. Common address or description of the location of real estate is as follows: 311 E. 1st Street and 215 N. Main Street, Leaf River, Illinois.

6. A. Name of Mortgagor: Gregory Regole B. Name of Mortgagee: GermanAmerican State Bank C. Date of Mortgage: February 22, 2017 D. Date of Recording: March 1, 2017 E. County where Recorded: Ogle F. Recording Document Identification: #201701127 UNLESS you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the Circuit Clerk of this County on or before March 18, 2021, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE

BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. E-filing is now mandatory for doc-

LEGAL NOTICES

101 y uments in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp.

This Notice prepared by: STEPHEN S. SCHMELZLE Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815)235-1188 Feb. 12, 19, 26, 2021 Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on February 3, 2021, 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: Vos Marketing and Events P.O. Box 627 Oregon, IL 61061 Dated: February 3, 2021 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Feb. 12, 19, 26, 2021 LEGAL NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO EXPAND INCENTIVES IN THE LEE-OGLE ENTERPRISE ZONE Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held at 5:30 pm, Tuesday February 23th, 2021, in City Hall of the City of Oregon, 115 N 3rd Street, Oregon Illinois.

The purpose of the hearing is to outline an AMENDMENT TO EXPAND ZONE BOUNDARIES TO INCLUDE LARGER SCALE HOUSING PROJECT AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF DIXON AND THE CITY OF OREGON. THIS AMENDMENT PROCESS IS ALLOWED BY THE

LEGAL NOTICES

101

ILLINOIS ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT (20 ILCS 655).

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed amendment to the LeeOgle Enterprise Zone may appear at the above specified time and location and may submit or state comments for the Written record. comments may also be directed to: Andy Shaw; Zone Administrator; LeeOgle Enterprise Zone; 309 First Avenue; Rock Falls, IL 61071. Written communication(s) will be reviewed at the hearing. LeeOgle Enterprise Zone benefit explanations and maps of the zone will also be available for review.

Dated this 17th day of February by Order of Andy Shaw, Zone Administrator.

February 19, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

101

POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by the Polo City Council for text amendments to the Zoning Ordinances in the Polo Code of Ordinances.

The following chapters are to be discussed: 150.120, 150.121, 150.122, 150.123, 150.124, 150.125, 152.018 (F), 152.139(A)(1), 152.139(E), 152.140(B)(3), CARS815.com Search for local cars

LEGAL NOTICES

101 ( )( ) 152.140(C), and 152.085(B)(1).

Sydney Bartelt City Clerk Feb. 12, 19, 2021

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

GREAT GARAGE SALES

IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

LOOKING FOR QUALITY NEWSPAPER CARRIERS Routes Available Now Dixon

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

FARMLAND AUCTION Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 11:00 A.M Sale to be held via: Tele-Auction Call (call 815-946-4120 Monday, March 1st between 1pm-4pm to obtain a bidders number & call in information)

80 Acres +/- ONE PARCEL:

Section 36 of Woosung Township in Ogle, IL For complete listing of sale bill, maps, tax info, and terms & conditions, etc. visit www.lennybrysonauctioneer.com FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Lenny Bryson – Auctioneer Mark Ebert – Auctioneer 11749 West Judson Road Polo, IL 61064 Ph) 815-946-4120

OWNER: Janice & Kevin Deets ATTORNEY: Rebecca Rodriguez Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C.

APARTMENTSFURNISHED 305 ROCK FALLS 1 & 2BR Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

Advertise Your Rentals in Ogle County Classifieds

STERLING Sinnissippi Townhomes Spacious 2/3BR 2 story townhomes Central air, Good location. Laundry hookup.

(815)626-1130.

Call

625-3600 or 284-2222

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Small office needs detail oriented, self-starter to do computer work, bookkeeping, digital photo work, typing, data entry, phones, filing, and other clerical/support work.

For job description & requirements visit www.oglecounty.org To apply, send resume and cover letter

by February 23, 2021 to: Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department 909 Pines Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-4020 Or email to srypkema@oglecounty.org

LAND AUCTION

Wed, March 10 • 10am CST Stephenson County, IL (Tracts 1 & 2) – East of Freeport, Boone County, IL (Tracts 3-7) – South, East & West of Belvidere, Winnebago County, IL (Tract 8) – Cherry Valley East side of Rockford & Rock County, WI (Tract 9) - Beloit

575± Acres Offered in 9 Tracts • Tracts Ranging from 12.2± to 163.5± Acres • Productive Cropland • High Percent Tillable Tracts • Potential Commercial & Residential Development Tracts • Hunting & Recreational Tract w/ Barns & Woods • Investors Take Note of Locations • Immediate Possession Available w/ Additional 10% Down Payment Auction Location: Eclipse Event Center, 3 Eclipse Ctr Beloit, WI Call or go to our website for a detailed list of property locations & inspection dates as well as the brochure, information booklet, & more! Online bidding available!

Bidder pre-registration is strongly encouraged!

Owner of Illinois Tracts: Donald K. Busch, Sr. Owner of Wisconsin Tract:D.M.D.Investment,Inc. Auction Managers for Illinois Tracts: Matt Wiseman • cell: 219.689.4373 #475.156271, Jason Minnaert • cell: 309.489.6024 #475.182783 & Dean Retherford • cell: 765.427.1244 #475-152966 Auction Company: Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. #478.025754 (Sponsor), #444.000158 (Auctioneer) Auction Manager/ Auctioneer for Wisconsin Tract: Rex D. Schrader II • office: 800.451.2709, a registered Wisconsin auctioneer #2669-052, #56447-90 Wisconsin Auction Company/Wisconsin Broker: Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. #116-053, #93701991 Terms: 10% down payment due when bidding concludes; balance due at real estate closing. A complete list of terms are available online & in the brochure.

Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc. 950 N Liberty Dr Columbia City, IN

800.451.2709 • www.SchraderAuction.com

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

ing: October 7, 2016 E. County where Recorded: Ogle F. Recording Document Identification: #201605763 UNLESS you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office eof the Circuit Clerk fof this County on Aor before March 1, 2021, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE

BY DEFAULT MAY oBE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE FCOMPLAINT. E-filing is now mandatory for docLuments in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account fwith an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a serviceprovider. If you need additional thelp or have troutble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp. rThis Notice prepared by: STEPHEN S. SCHMELZLE Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson St., Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815)235-1188 r Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

SM-ST1850723

LEGAL NOTICES

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, February 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

20

CHILD CARE

512

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))

WOOD / FUEL

746

Better Efficiency and more heat output than traditional wood heating. Central Boiler Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Today!!

Silver Streak AG Services LLC 815-718-3414

WANT TO BUY 795 Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, Antiques, etc. 24/7 779-245-2950

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

840

DISABLED LIVESTOCK WANTED Top Prices Paid 815-871-2697 SCHAAP LIVESTOCK

CARS815.com SEARCH FOR LOCAL CARS

The Top Selling Point In Real Estate is -

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Ogle County Classifieds is a great locations to place your Real Estate ad.

Call 815-284-7653 or 815-626-7653 Now!