Mt. Morris Times

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MT. MORRIS TIMES VOLUME 53 NO. 27 • SERVING THE MT. MORRIS AREA SINCE 1967

Friday, August 28, 2020 • $1.00

COUNTY NEWS

A Close Call A Forreston woman reflects on the aftermath of the Aug. 10 storm. / 3

COUNTY NEWS

NEW STORE

Stay Puft Wins!

The Stay Puft Marshmallow man wins straw sculpting event. / 11

Subs Needed The pandemic is

having another impact on schools this time substitute teachers. / 13

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Jeff Warren holds a branch of avonia berries that will be for sale in the new store at BerryView Orchard. The new store officially opens this Saturday, Aug. 29. The family-run orchard is located north of Mt. Morris. Story on page 15.

INDEX

One Section - 20 Pages

Ag News....................12 Betty’s Column......... 5 Business News........ 10 Classifieds...............20

Colbert Column........ 7 Library News........8-10 Oregon Police...........18 Otto’s Column........... 6

Polo Police................19 Property Transfers...18 Sports.................. 16-17 Sheriff Activity.........18

DEATH Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Katherine G. Johnston, Page 13

Mt. Morris Times / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

MT. MORRIS BEAT

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mt . morris

Times

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Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Oregon Republican Reporter, and Polo’s Tri-County Press.

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Copyright 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

Committee for emergency prep formed Forreston creates an emergency preparedness committee after storm

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Forreston Village Board plans on being better prepared the next time a disaster strikes the town.

The board unanimously created an emergency preparedness committee on Monday in response to the Aug. 10 storm that brought 100 miles per hour winds to town damaging trees and wires in 48 blocks and damaging structures within 13 blocks.

“I never want to be involved in something like that again, but it opens up your eyes,” Village President Mark Metzger said. “For years we’ve said storms go north or south of here. This time, we got it.”

Village Trustee Ken Vinnedge plans to lead the new committee and hopes it will involve not only the village, but officials

from the township, fire, police and surrounding towns. The committee would prepare for disasters other than storms.

Village board members hope that investment in resources for preparedness will come from those other entities.

“Somebody could buy a generator, maybe we could work with one of the gas stations on that,” Vinnedge said.

“We need to work on communication.

What good are generators without gas?

What if there was a big ice storm and nobody could get out of town and there was no power?”

Metzger agreed and said there should be a budget for the committee and that it should be a total community effort.

When recalling the Aug. 10 storm, Metzger said his wife dropped him off at the fire station, and didn’t see him for three days.

“The sheriff, county and state put us five days ahead,” Metzger said. “Thank God we had that support. If there’s something that doesn’t involve the county, we need our own thing. That’s why we want to set up the committee and get the word out.”

Monday marked the village board’s first meeting since the storm after its

Aug. 17 meeting was postponed due to the storm.

Much of the meeting involved discussion of storm issues.

Paying for cleanup and insurance issues were discussed.

The village did not qualify for federal assistance due to the storm. To qualify, at least 25 structures have to be damaged. Metzger said engineers said Forreston had 15.

There are still 30-40 loads of brush to be trucked out of town to the quarry on Pit Road.

A burn curtain will be brought in by the state this week to get rid of the brush and debris, free of charge.

Candlelight trailer park, which was hurt worst by the storm, was discussed.

Just four trailers remain in the 13-lot property.

“The owners are trying to sell the property,” Metzger said. “Should we take a look at buying it to have it rezoned or get control of it? Whoever purchases it, if they want to keep it a trailer park there’s rules they have to follow. For example, trailers brought in can’t be more than 10 years old.”

SPECIAL EVENT

DRIVE-BY PARTY

Mobile Food Pantry will be in Mt. Morris Tuesday, Sept. 8

Drive-by retirement party for Pastor Ginny Aug. 30 at Brethren church

Loaves & Fish Food Pantry along with the Northern Illinois Food Bank will host a Mobile Food Pantry on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Mt. Morris.

The truck will be located at Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren (lower level) at 409 West Brayton Road, Mt. Morris from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

This mobile pantry is open anyone in Ogle County. One in seven people across Northern Illinois is food insecure, meaning they aren’t sure of where their next meal may come from.

“Northern Illinois Food Bank partners with over 800 feeding program partners across 13 counties to serve our neighbors needing food,” said Barb Diehl, representing the Loaves & Fish Food Pantry. “However, even with the outstanding efforts of the Food Bank, there are individuals who can’t make it out to those partners that provide nutritious food.”

“This is an ‘extra’ food distribution.

Loaves & Fish Pantry clients are still eligible to receive their normal monthly food allotment, Diehl said, The pantry is open on the first and third Thursdays from 4:30 – 7 pm and the sec-

ond and fourth Mondays from 2-4:30 p.m.

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,” Diehl said.

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 815734-4573 and leave a message.

The Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren invites the community to a drive-by retirement party Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. for Pastor Virginia Haney.

The drive-by event will be held in the back of the Church of the Brethren.

Pastor Ginny has been the church’s pastor for 14 years. With the congregation’s financial support, she has assisted countless individuals in the community with help paying rent, energy bills, and medical costs, as well as supplying gas vouchers for those in need.

She has worked and supported the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry and has been an active participant in the Mt. Morris clergy group, and the Northern Illinois Church of the Brethren clergy group.

She is also member of the District Leadership Team of the IL/WI Church of the Brethren District.

“We look forward to seeing you at the celebration,” organizers said.

FORRESTON

‘It’s been a week and it’s still overwhelming’

BY JEFF HELFRICH ​​​​​​​jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com There was no cell service in Forreston shortly after the Aug. 10 wind storm.

Forreston resident Chris Lane had returned home that day to find a tree against her front door. Her trailer was one of four in Candlelight Trailer Park that survived the storm.

Lane’s toughest part of the day came after that. Her daughter hadn’t been able to reach her.

“My daughter came rushing to Forreston,” Lane said. “She saw me and was bawling. My three grandsons were bawling. It was devastating.”

Lane says the storm has taught her not to take anything for granted. The storm included winds that reached 100 miles per hour felling trees in 48 blocks of the village while damaging structures in 13 blocks.

Lane works in Leaf River as a personal assistant. Her employer made her stay there during the storm.

“When I came home there was a tree against the front door and mass destruction everywhere,” Lane said.

“Trees down. Trailers were tipped over and garbage was blowing around. I’d never seen anything like it. Roads were blocked.”

Power wasn’t returned to the village until a few days after the storm.

Lane had to wait even longer than that due to being in the main impact area. There was also no gas for a time.

Lane decided to start living in the trailer again on Aug. 15 after staying with her daughter in Dixon for a few

LEFT: Chris Lane stands by her trailer that was spared when high winds tore through her trailer park in Forreston on Aug. 10. Lane was not home at the time of the storm but her dog rode out the storm inside the trailer. ABOVE: Lane points to some of the minor damage to the trailer which included torn siding and damage to the skirting.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

See STORM DAMAGE, Page 4

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

Storm just misses Forreston woman’s home

3

4

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

$15,000 Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) Program Are you struggling to pay your rent due to COVID-19?

Applications will be accepted August 24th through September 4th

To be eligible: This aerial photo, posted on the Forreston Police Department’s Facebook page, shows the damage to the trailer park from the Aug. 10 storm.

• STORM DAMAGE Continued from Page 3 days.

“I didn’t know how helpful people were until all of this,” Lane said.

“My neighbor who got electric back before me and brought me meals.”

While grocery shopping in Polo after the storm, Lane encountered another act of goodwill. A woman overheard her on the phone and gave her $30 towards her groceries.

Lane never got her name.

The storm did some damage to the outside of Lane’s trailer, taking off tin and skirting from the trailer and shingles off her garage. Her landlord was down last week to fix those things.

Lane’s neighbor’s son got a chainsaw and a group together and got the tree away from her trailer. It wasn’t until then that she could get the most valuable thing out of her trailer.

“I got my dog out who was trapped,” Lane said. “He was shaken up, but he was OK. His name is Gus, he’s a chocolate lab. He’s like my third child.”

Lane said it’s going to take a while to get used to the changes she sees around her home. Each time she takes Gus for a walk, she smells the freshly cut down trees and remembers there’s very little left of her neighborhood.

“It’s been a week and it’s still overwhelming,” Lane said. “As long as my dog and I are healthy.”

Your household income before March 1, 2020 was within the allowable limits.

You, or an adult member of your household, suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19.

You missed a mortgage on or after March 1, 2020

Don’t wait, apply today at: ema.ihda.org Any questions, call: (Local) 312.883.2720 (Toll Free) 888.252.1119

$15,000 Programa de Asistencia Emergencia Hipotecaria (EMA) ¿Está luchando con su habilidad de hacer sus pagos hipotecarious causado por COVID-19?

Aplicaciones serán aceptado desde 24 de agosto hasta el 4 de septiembre.

Ser eligible:

Si su ingreso familiar antes de 1 de marzo 2020 fue dentro de los limites admisibles.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The remains of trees that were destroyed by the Aug. 10 storm have been moved to a location outside of Forreston.

Si Ud. o un miembro adulto de su hogar sufrió una pérdida de ingreso causado por COVID-19.

Si Ud. no pudo pagar su cuenta hipotecaria desde el 1 de marzo 2020.

No espere, aplique hoy día: ema.ihda.org Si tuviera preguntas, favor de llamar: (Local) 312.883.2720 (llamada gratuita) 888.252.1119

LOCAL HISTORY

First trip to take driver’s test in 1950 different than 2020’s

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society Early in the spring I received a letter from Jessie White at Springfield telling me it was time to take my driver’s test which would expire in June. But with the virus things were not normal.

We were all in quarantine and many businesses were closed.

The time to do that would be extended to October and then to November first. Those of us with an expired license or needing a new one could go until July 31 with other business held up. It was a hot month so I gave up going the month of July.

Instead I sat at home and reflected taking my first driver’s test in Oregon years ago. It was my father who taught us kids how to drive and we never knew when each lesson would pop up.

One day I found myself on an icy morning in the heart of the business district in Dixon having a driving lesson.

As the car would slide in one direction and then the other my dad would calmly show me which way to turn the wheel. Even though I was terrified I survived the lesson and the day came when I was ready to take my driving test in Oregon.

I was dating Kenneth and he took me to Oregon for my first driving test. We drove Kenneth’s new 1950 Ford. Ralph Manning was the instructor and Kenneth knew him. They piled into the backseat and started visiting.

I just remember at some point I rolled down

the window to signal and Ralph said, “Roll up the window. It is cold!!” I passed.

August 5, 2020 I headed for Chadwick in cooler weather. There were quite a few people in line and by the time I got parked a ways away and got in line there were more. Someone called, “Did we have our car insurance with us?”

I had to walk back to get mine.

Soon I learned they would not be giving any driving tests that week or the next. I needed a driving test and a change of address. I went home and that took care of that day.

Two weeks later on the 19th I headed back and stood in line first outside, and then inside. Finally it was my turn. For my change of address I had two pieces in information. They were the stimulus check information and a letter from the Retired Teachers Association. The stimulus check letter was no good!

Did I have my voting card? I did but it had my old address and was no good! I went home again.

I almost decided I did not want to drive anymore but that was silly.

This time around I was going to go for the “Real Driver’s License” or “Real ID” as they call it.

I spent the rest of the day gathering information. My birth certificate, my original Social Security card, bank statement, cancelled check, and deed to the house.

I could not use my Commonwealth Edison bill since that was in Kenneth’s name and I did not have a passport. Kenneth said to tell them I had lived with him for almost 70 years. I told him that would not count!

That night Krista told me I would need a copy of my marriage certificate from Oregon since my birth certificate had my maiden name on it. Also she said to make sure my bank statement was within 90 days. It wasn’t and I had to look for a newer one.

Friday morning I headed to Oregon to the courthouse, got my marriage certificate, ordered a new voting card, and then went to Chadwick. I arrived at 12:45 and I was third in line.

Finally inside I pulled out a chair, sat down and watched as I saw a number of people leave since they did not have the right information. It is difficult for older people.

Finally it was my turn and I had all my ducks in a row and she copied everything. I ended up with a Real ID and headed for my car to wait for my driving test. That was a snap although I was told to drive a little faster.

I headed for home around three o’clock and I was one exhausted 88 year old, little old lady.

The bonus of the whole thing was that my new driver’s license was free for being “old.”

STATE NEWS

Dates for driver licenses for 75+ are continued New expiration date will be one year from current expiration Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has extended the expiration date for licenses held by Illinois drivers who are 75 years of age or older for a period of one year past the licenses’ current 2020 expiration date.

As a result, drivers age 75 and older with a 2020 driver’s license expiration date do not need to visit a facility to renew their driver’s license until shortly before their birthday in 2021.

“I am mindful of the heightened risks associated with seniors contracting COVID-19, and that is why

I have authorized this important change during this challenging and unique time,” said White.

There are approximately 147,000 drivers age 75 and over with expired or expiring driver’s licenses in 2020.

Letters are being sent to drivers that qualify for this extension. The letter should be kept with the qualifying driver as further proof of the oneyear extension.

In addition, driving records on the Secretary of State’s computer system have been updated to show the new 2021 expiration dates for qualified drivers, and law enforcement agencies both state and nationwide have been notified of the extended expiration dates.

In addition to being 75 of age or older, the driver must have a valid license; drivers who are suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension.

White is reminding all other drivers that expiration dates for driver’s licenses/ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020.

As a result, expired documents will remain valid until Nov. 1 so customers under age 75 do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities, especially during hot weather.

For those customers who must visit a facility, face masks are required. In addition, these customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared

to wait outside in various types of weather.

This is due to social distancing, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time.

White continues to urge the public to consider using online services when possible instead of visiting a facility due to heavy customer volume.

Customers who can conduct business online may go to www.cyberdriveillinois.com to take advantage of online services – such as renewing license plate stickers – from the comfort of their own home. People who conduct online transactions will avoid waiting in line at a facility.

Illinois law gives the Illinois Secretary of State the authority to extend driver’s license expiration dates by up to one year.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

Driver’s license renewal took plenty of paperwork

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

LOCAL HISTORY

Newfangled microwave was topic of OPD class 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 At the Ogle County Fair in the mid 1980s Marilyn and I purchased a new cooking device called a microwave oven from Ann Geiken. (Ann Jones).

In 1991 Carol Moore wrote in her booklet “Oregon it’s a long way from Illinois” and article titled “Efficient Ways to Use a Microwave.”

“When the Oregon Park District first offered classes in microwave cookery two years ago, 120 people signed up for them. The first surge has slowed to a more manageable flow as the classes continue,” Moore wrote.

“I just completed what I suppose should be called Microwave 101, a four week class that met every Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Most of us in the nine member class had used our microwaves for the novice’s basic things; heating water for coffee, cooking bacon and re-heating leftovers. We soon learned that we had been treating a $500 wonder oven as a toy.”

Moore continued: “Ann Geiken, (Jones) instructor par-excellence, told us that the microwave oven had been accidentally discovered in the 1940s by a scientist trying to perfect a new radio tube.”

The first ovens were in huge cabinets with a six inch chamber for cooking. They were not available, she continued, to the public until the late 60s. By about 1885 half of the homes in the United States will have a microwave oven in their kitchen.

Ann, a former park board president, used a combination of show and tell interspersed with answers to question from students. “While

LEFT: A newspaper ad showcases a new microwave oven for sale at Oregon Home Appliance in downtown Oregon. ABOVE: The 1988 Ogle County Fair was held Sept. 2-5. Images supplied by Otto Dick she prepared a cherry caramel breakfast ring, she informed us that you get more radiation from a TV set than you do from a micro,” Moore said.

“As cooking odors filled the room, one student said, ‘That smells good, all I had for breakfast was a soggy piece of left-over pizza.’ To which Geiken responded, ‘when you want to re-heat pizza in the microwave, invert a saucer in the microwave and place your pizza on top of it: gives air room to circulate under the crust.’”

Every member of the class seemed to have a different brand micro-

wave.

“Ann stressed, ‘Know your microwave. Take a chair and your instruction book and sit down in front of the oven, push buttons while looking at the book. Don’t be afraid to experiment: almost anything you can do on top of your stove, you can do in the microwave.’”

She also explained how to clean the microwave. “Use a four cup measuring cup, fill with water and bring to a boil. Let steam clean the oven, wipe dry.”

“I feel that I learned a lot in four weeks, so much so that I’ve signed up for another class starting Nov.

SPECIAL EVENT

20,” Moore wrote. “My microwave now seems like a tool saving time and even more important, energy.

However, I’m not thoroughly modernized yet, the two things I’m not going to attempt in the microwave are turkey and homemade soups.

Nothing can replace those aromas!”

According to Wikipedia, American engineer Percy Spencer is generally credited with inventing the modern microwave oven after World War II from radar technology developed during the war. The countertop microwave oven was first introduced in 1967 by the Amana Corporation.

Free Lunch Friday at Rock River Center set for Sept. 4 The Rock River Center’s next Free Lunch Friday is Sept. 4 in Oregon.

Register by calling 815-732-3252 and designating dine-in or carry-out or drive-through.

The Sept. 4 menu includes ham, cheesy potatoes, vegetable, dessert and a drink.

“Because of the generosity of the Etnyre Foundation, Rock River Cen-

ter prepared and distributed 60+ meals from the Center on Friday, Aug. 21,” said Rock River Center Executive Director Jamie Nobis.

Recipients who have pre-registered will receive a lunch for socially distanced dining in, carry- outs and drive-through.

“All attendees are required to wear a mask, have a temperature check,

practice social distancing, sanitize hands, be in compliance with COVID19 guidelines as they enter Rock River Center,” said Nobis.

Special dietary meals are available when requested with a registration.

In August, lawn games were set out in the multi-purpose room at 10:30 a.m. and lunch started at 11:30 a.m.

SPORTS COLUMN

C

oming to you live from Utah, where state’s high-school athletic association has made the decision to move forward with all fall sports.

Bravo to them for not taking the cowardly way out because of legal concerns or fear-based ideologies.

“Our state is very conservative and very pro-athletics and extracurricular activities,” Brenan Jackson, football director of the UHSAA told a regional newspaper. “I think the conservative background has contributed to looking at ways to make it happen instead of ways not to make it happen.”

This is not to say the hearty folks from Utah are ignoring COVID-19. They have strict guidelines and have made it clear they will shut down sports if health officials dictate so.

At the same time, the UHSAA fully intends to have a state championships in all sports, something Illinois hasn’t been able to figure out. With the rest of the world seemingly falling to pieces, it is refreshing to observe first-hand this can-do attitude.

Volleyball, soccer, football - everyone is happy to be back playing after the March shutdown.

There is also a great deal of gratitude from parents everywhere.

UHSAA officials have received positive comments from mom and dad about the importance sports and extracurricular activities to their

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

children’s mental health. There is a need for social interaction and whether it is IHSA or the UHSAA, these governing bodies provide it.

Make no mistake about the impact the IHSA has on people’s lives. It is bigger than most people would like to admit, as evidenced by the long-awaited announcement on what the association’s plans were for the fall.

Football games have been played for two weeks and the results have been favorable. Only a couple games have been cancelled.

My favorite moment came this past weekend when the athletic director at American Fork stopped his team’s game with Timpview because fans weren’t following COVID-19 protocol. He warned fans that the game would not be resumed until everyone put their masks back on stayed in assigned seats.

After the crowd adhered to his warning, the game was started back up without incident.

Going back generations, monitoring student’s behavior at sporting events all over the country

is a tall task. It has gotten even tougher now.

At Utah games, coaches and players on the sideline are also required to wear masks. No more than 50 players are allowed per team, which shouldn’t be a problem with schools in our area.

With Utah being the first state to begin playing football, the rest of the country looked at them with a test-tube mentality. Neighboring states Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are following Utah’s lead and also planning on a full fall sport schedule.

Those three states are noted for rugged individualism and is likely another reason for maintaining a business as usual approach.

On a similar vein, I heard much outcry on sports radio from football denizens as I drove across I-80 in Nebraska. With no pro sports teams, Cornhusker football is king in Nebraska and fans, coaches, administrators and commentators are livid about the Big 10’s decision to postpone football until the spring.

Folks questioned why 20-year old young men were being protected from a virus that has little impact on them. One caller cited evidence from the CDC that showed a zero death rate for that age group.

Questions were also raised as to why the league commissioner Kevin Warren would allow his own son to play football at Mississippi State, but

See COLBERT COLUMN, Page 8

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

High school sports are moving forward in Utah

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

BERTOLET LIBRARY Wednesday WhoDunIt Join us for the ‘Wednesday WhoDunIt’ book discussion group. Watch our website, bertoletmemoriallibrary.org and our Facebook page for the date and time of our first full discussion group.

We will meet outside, if weather permits; if not, the discussion will be held, socially-distanced, in the library meeting room. Masks will be required…and bring a friend. No registration is necessary.

Family Story Time We now have time slots available for you to sign your family up for a private Story Time session with our new youth director, Jana Schlukebir. These sessions will be held weekly beginning and will be 20-30 minutes long. Each week will include a story and an art project. Here is what to expect: Registration is required to reserve your time slot each week. Register through the Sign Up Genius link on our website, bertoletmemoriallibrary. org or call 815-738-2742. Masks will be required for everyone three and older

There will be a craft project and a painting project. Crafts are perfect for kids 3 and up; painting projects are best for kids 6 and up.

Have a family member 16 years or older available to assist kids under the age of six with their project.

New Releases Adult Fiction: Thick As Thieves by Sandra Brown Young Adult Fiction: The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae Juvenile Fiction: The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman Children’s Fiction: Peppa’s Magical Unicorn by Lauren Holloway and Scoob.

A Dog’s Best Friend by Tex Huntley Lily and Kenzie picked out their prizes for participating in the summer reading program at Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River. Photo supplied

who is medically able to wear one, and when you show up for your session, we will do a quick temperature check.

We will be outside when possible or in the back room when the weather

requires it. Dress your kids in clothes that are appropriate for the weather and that can get messy. There will be two projects for you to choose from, one project per family.

call or message us to schedule a time to come in to browse and check out materials. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask.

Please call the library for more information or if you have any questions.

Curbside Pickup We will continue to offer curbside pickup. Pick up times will be scheduled when you place a request. Interlibrary loans have resumed so you may also request items from other libraries. Due

Recycling We are still collecting soft plastics for recycling. Bring in your clean, dry bread, cereal, zip top, and grocery store bags. We also accept outer package wrap from items such as paper towels and multi-pack items. We are unable to accept book donations at this time.

FORRESTON LIBRARY Library Closure and Appointments While the library is still closed, anyone needing to send a fax, make copies, or use a computer for taxes, employment, etc. may call the library and schedule an appointment to come in. Also, you may

• COLBERT COLUMN Continued from Page 7 scrub the Big 10 season.

Only months into his job as league commish, Warren has incurred the wrath of legions from Nebraska.

Ohio State is equally ticked off.

They are playing high-school football, college football and pro football in the state of Ohio, but no Buckeye football?

You can imagine how that is going over at a college with a following bigger than either Browns or Bengals have. As much as parents in Utah are happy to have high school football, parents of Ohio State players have to be saddened.

Star quarterback Justin Fields even began a petition drive to get the Big 10 to overturn the decision.

Good luck with that.

To the Big 10’s credit, at least they are putting health concerns above money. Estimates of close to one billion dollars of lost revenue will result from no football this fall.

to quarantine policies, delivery may take longer than usual. Please call, Facebook message, or email us at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com for assistance or if you See FORRESTON LIBRARY, Page 9

BYRON LIBRARY Open for Browsing The Byron Library is now open for book browsing. Patrons are welcome to browse on both floors. Materials can be checked out at our self-check stations on either floor, by a staff member at the first-floor circulation desk, or delivered to patrons outside with our curbside service. Don’t forget to wear your mask.

Curbside Delivery Curbside service is here to stay. Place your holds online at Byron.lib.il.us or call us at 815-234-5107. Call for help if needed. We will call or email you with a confirmation when your holds are ready to be picked up. Call us when you arrive at the library, and we will bring your items out to you. A receipt with your due dates will be included with your items.

Houseplant Propagation: 1 to 2 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14, via Zoom Christine walks you through how to take clippings from other plants, when to repot them, how to care for them and the benefits of having houseplants.

Kit includes a starter plant, soil and plant pot. Additional supplies needed include a hand trowel, watering can and a protective covering for work surface.

Please call the library at 815-234-5107 to register.

Trex bench to be enjoyed by all. Plastic items that can be recycled include grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, produce bags, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, cereal bags, case overwrap, salt bats, pallet wrap & stretch film, wood pellet bags, Ziploc & other resealable food storage bags.

Collection bins will be located inside the main entrance.

Recycling Challenge The Byron Public Library District is participating in The Trex Company’s Recycling Challenge. Participate by bringing your recyclable plastic to the library. Our goal is to collect 500 lbs. of plastic within the next six months, and thanks to you we have collected over 150 lbs. so far. If our goal of 500 lbs. is met, the Byron Public Library District will receive a 100 percent recyclable

Local History The library has several resources for your research on local history. Check out the library’s local history page at byron.lib.il.us/services/local-history.

Available 24-7.

Visit the Byron Library Facebook page to keep up to date on library news and virtual programs. Be sure to also check out the Byron Library and Byron Library Teen Instagram pages.

• FORRESTON LIBRARY Continued from Page 8

Voter Registration Voter registration is now available at the library. Just call for an appointment to come in and get registered. You will need two forms of identification, one of which has your current residence address, and you must be registered before Oct. 6 to vote in the Nov. 2 election. eBooks-WiFi As always, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360 and Biblioboard. If you would like more information on creating an account, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help you get set up.

You may also access the internet outside the library by connecting to our WiFi. No password is required.

Library Updates Please like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the most current information on our plans and activities.

Also, if you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us through email, Facebook messenger, or by phone.

A Note About Polo Public Library Polo Library is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday.

The library building will be open for patrons to come in, browse, and check out items. We will continue to have curbside delivery available if you prefer to not enter the building or are unable to wear a mask. Place an order by calling 815-946-2713, email library@ pololibrary.org, or through your PrairieCat-Encore account.

Masks are required for patrons to come into the library. Disposable masks are available for $1 if needed.

Two computers are available for patron use that are over 6 feet away from each other and cleaned between uses. There is a one hour time limit.

Call 815-946-2713 to reserve a computer. You can also fax, copy and print as needed.

Returned Books Continue to return items through the book drop that will continue to be open 24-7. After items are returned, they will still appear on your account while they are quarantined, then they will

rehab, recover, return home. www.simplythefinest.net

be checked back in and backdated to when they were returned.

This means that you may receive courtesy notifications (phone calls, texts or emails) close to the due date of your item(s), or even a first overdue notice before your item(s) are checked back into our system even if you have already returned your items.

We are a fine-free library, so you do not need to worry about accruing fines during the quarantine period. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 815-946-2713.

Virtual Story Time - Saturdays 10:30 a.m. at Facebook.com/pololibrary Every Saturday morning head over to Polo Library’s Facebook page to watch a member of the Library staff read a children’s story. They will air each Saturday but you can watch them any time.

Library Closed for Labor Day Polo Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 7. We will still be open Saturday, Sept. 5 and Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Coffee with a Cop - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. weather permitting - Polo Library Pavilion

Join us for an outdoor, socially distant Coffee with a Cop. If the weather is questionable, call 815-946-2713 to check on the status of this program.

2020 Outdoor Concert Series Sept. 12, 6 p.m. - Polo Library Pavilion On Sept. 12 we’ll be wrapping up our 2020 Outdoor Concert Series with Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers, playing classic country music. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. You’re welcome to bring a picnic to eat while you enjoy the music. There is plenty of room to practice safe social distancing.

Outdoor Yoga with ADM Studios - Monday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. weather permitting We have plenty of space in our yard for social distancing. Bring a yoga mat and come ready to enjoy some fall air. Call 815-946-2713 to register.

A Note on Donations Due to the need to quarantine items before they can be checked in and put back in their place, we regretfully do not have the space to receive donated items at this time.

9 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

have any questions.

POLO LIBRARY

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

Salon receives emergency small business grant

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com After some renovations aligned with a closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, w@sh Salon in Oregon received some good news recently.

The salon was one of 11 area businesses that received emergency small business grants from the state to aid small businesses with layoff aversion strategies.

“Receiving financial aid from the SBA has been equally a relief and a stressor,” w@sh Owner Meggan Dickson-Grennan said. “I have to make sure dispersed funds are used as deemed appropriate by the SBA. However, knowing I can make ends meet helps me sleep at night. w@sh salon will survive. The comeback is greater than the setback.”

Applicants like w@sh submitted their applications in April and May for approval by the state. $5 million was set aside and a total of $94,362 has been made available to those that were approved. Awards are being made on a reimbursement basis and companies are expected to price documentation of expenses.

No other Ogle County business received one of the grants. After w@ sh was allowed to reopen in recent months, it was booked up for its first

Supplied

The “w@sh dolls” recently delivered donated bottles of shampoo from their “Look Good, Feel Good” campaign to the Dixon PADS Women’s Shelter. “With the help of our community, w@sh was able to donate more than 50 bottles of shampoo. Thank you for helping someone Look Good AND Feel Good!” said Meggan Dickson-Grennan, owner w@sh salon in Oregon. Pictured, left to right, are: Bridgette Andel, Kendra Remrey, Meggan Dickson-Grennan (owner), Terra Lorenzen (PADS Executive Director), and Jeni Allen. three weeks. During the closure, w@ sh doubled its square footage to 900 and added three stations, allowing it to hire more stylists.

“If I hadn’t been forced to do this, I don’t know if I’d be as successful,” Dickson-Grennan said. “We made changes. I never had time to do ideas

I had. I had 10 weeks. As much as it was draining, it was also a gift in disguise. We’re coming out of it bigger and better.”

rials are returned with no damage you will not be charged the replacement fee.

Read More ~ Worry Less!

Illinois Cemetery Safari - Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

Join us for a slide show journey around our state to see the final resting places of famous, infamous and obscure people and animals.

You’ll see unique headstones and burial sites and visit the graves of Burl Ives, Chester Gould, Kathy Sh-Boom and Dorothy Louise Gage. Don’t know some of these names? Join us to find out. Registration required at 815-732-2724.

at 12:30 p.m. to discuss The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

The Afternoon Book Club meets Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. to discuss This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

Books on Tap Book Club meets on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at Cork n Tap to discuss The Grace Year by Kim Liggett.

OREGON LIBRARY Library Update - Yes We Are Open!

Please call to check on procedures for browsing and pick up of materials.

We do offer curbside pick- up, but if you wear a mask you may enter the building to pick up your materials. Hours for curbside will be Monday - Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. The building is open regular hours.

You can put holds on items in our Library through our catalog or by calling the library at 815 732-2724.

All materials should be returned in the outside book drop that is open 24/7.

All library materials are quarantined for at least 3 days and then checked in.

You will still see these items on your account and still receive notification of overdue until the quarantine period is over.

We are fine free, so you will not be charged for overdue items. However, materials that are not returned will result in replacement costs.

This bill is generated after materials are 21 days overdue. As long as mate-

Trivia Night - Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. - Go to crowd.live and type code DJMVE We will continue to use Crowdpurr. com for our Trivia format.

You can play alone or send the link to your friends and create a team.

You MUST send your Team Name to cbergoply@gmail.com to have it created before Sept. 8.

The game will begin promptly at 6:10 p.m. and will be 56 questions from the following topics: Sports, Movies, Books, Science, History,Geography, TV and Word Puzzles.

Any questions or for more information, email cbergoply@gmail.com or call the library 815-732-2724.

Yoga With Jennifer is Back! - Starting Sept. 12 - Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.- only 5 spots available.

Registration required 815-732-2724

Oregon Writers Group - Second and last Tuesday of each month Meeting will occur via Zoom- Zoom. com The OWG is a gathering of writers or writer-wannabes who meet to support each other and to further their own writing. The purpose of the group is to help and encourage you in your writing.

If you need brainstorming ideas, we can help suggest ideas or aid with the creative process.

Library Book Clubs The 2WBC meets Wednesday, Sept. 9

DNA and Genealogy Research: Simplified – Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. via ZOOM DNA testing has become a popular topic. Did you get your results and now you don’t know what to do with them? This program will discuss the different DNA tests and compare the major testing companies.

Learn to use your genealogy skills to unravel the mysteries of your DNA results. Join our Zoom call with Steve Szabados, Genealogist.

Register at 815-732-2724. Registration required.

MT. MORRIS

Online voters choose winners of the 2020 competition The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man may not have conquered the three Ghostbusters in their epic Hollywood film battle, but he won the day in Mt. Morris at the US National Straw Sculpture competition.

The 17-foot straw creation by Danica and Mark Rogers finished first in voting in the Public and Artists’ Choice division.

On-line voting for the five new sculptures of 2020 ended on Aug. 23 with the following results: 1st Place Public and Artists’ Choice, Danica & Mark Rogers.

2nd Place Public and Artists’ Choice, Polished Hair & Nails and Hair on Main.

3rd Place Public Choice, Steve & Michelel Lentz.

3rd Place Artists’ Choice, Chris, Cecilia & Ellen Mann. “Thank you to our sculptors,

TOP LEFT: “Something Strange in Your Neighborhood�, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, from the movie Ghostbusters, took first place in the People’s Choice and Artists’ Choice divisions. CENTER: “Jungle Life� took third place in the Peoples Choice division.

RIGHT: “Granddaddy Snapping Turtle� took third place in the Artists’ Choice division.

ComEd our sponsor, and the thousands who have visited and continue to visit and follow the 2020 US National Straw Sculpting Competition!,� said Jeff Bold, organizer.

There is still time to see all the entries on display on the Mt. Morris Campus through Sunday, Aug 30.

The campus includes five new sculp-

tures, all built by returning artists, along with 12 additional sculptures from previous years are on display, including one or more from each of the 2020 sculptors, the Community Big Build from 2019, Lady Liberty from 2016-17, and others. “The display is spaced for comfortable social distancing on the

beautifully shaded campus in the center of Mt. Morris. There is nothing like seeing this unique art form in person, but photos of the sculptures and information are available at StrawUSA.com,� Bold said.

For more information about Encore! Mt. Morris visit www. encoremtmorris.com.

CONCERTS CANCELLED

Mt. Morris Jamboree concert season cancelled

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The entire 2020 Mt. Morris Jamboree free concert season has been cancelled due to COVID-19, Event Organizer Larry Ubben said. “We had hoped for enough improvement with the COVID-19 pandemic to safely allow the presen-

tation of a few concerts by summer’s end, but we see that is not the case,�

Ubben said. “We are rescheduling all of the bands we had set for this year to 2021, including classic/oldies rock and roll groups ShInDiG! on July 2 and Chicago Tribute Anthology on Aug. 20.�

Mt. Morris Jamboree received a grant from the Community Founda-

­ €€ ‚ ƒ „… ƒ ƒ ƒ

 � � ��  �

tion of Northern Illinois for $3,000 that can be applied for next year.

Ubben also thanked local businesses and individuals that have contributed to the program this year. They include Spectrum Preferred Meats, George and Nancy Poe, Steve Duncan, Dave and Mary Jane Warkins, Frank and Dianne Swingle, Moundertown.com, Aken’s Auto

Body, Inc, Bill and Cindy Nicholson, Finch Funeral Home, Mike and Brenda Anderson, BerryView Orchard, John and Beth Chase, Jim and Mary Francis, Dave and Sylvia Saunders, Gilmour Insurance Agency, Rob and Karen Urish, Paul Smith, R.E. Wolber and Sons, Trin-

See JAMBOREE, Page 14

Thank You

for all of the cards, owers, calls, and visits during this time of losing our loved one.

The Family of Doran Grennan

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

Stay Puft Marshmallow man conquers straw contest

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12

AGRICULTURE

Farmers anticipate crop loss after Aug. 10 storm Blown over corn can’t be assessed until this year’s harvest

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The summer yielded good weather for Ogle County farmers. There were timely rains. Not too much heat. Then there was the Aug. 10 wind storm.

Straight line winds of over 100 miles per hour hit the county, damaging trees, power lines and structures. Farmers saw corn get knocked down or laid over by the winds.

The extent of the damage won’t be known until harvest this fall.

“If it went down and snapped, it’s done,” Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said. “If it just got laid over, it will start to straighten itself out. The guys who have any downed corn will have a trying harvest.”

Harvesting wind-blown corn can be a slow and tedious process, Kern said. Farmers hopefully have a pickup reel on their corn head and go “extremely” slow. Sometimes it can only be picked in one direction.

Being laid over can also cause the corn to not mature fully and there’s an increased tendency for mold.

Kern said he’s unsure how many fields in the county got damage. He hasn’t seen any entire fields blown over, but there are “pockets and holes.” Some of those are out in the middle of fields where they can’t be seen.

The storm brought about frustrations, especially with local farmers hoping for a smooth year after last year’s bad weather that dragged out harvest and COVID-19’s adverse impacts on markets earlier this

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Aug. 10 derecho damaged more than buildings and trees when it ripped through the region. This corn, located in a field between Polo and Forreston, was flattened by the afternoon storm. year.

“These late storms in the growing season, we had a great crop out there,” Kern said. “You’re looking forward to it, and then you lose 25-30 or 50 percent of it. It’s tough. Hopefully they have crop insurance. Most usually do.”

Polo Farmer Brian Duncan lives about eight miles south of where the storm hit worst in Forreston. Duncan said before the storm, farmers were getting by and feeling confi-

dent. Now, it’s “wait and see mode.”

Duncan said there are a lot of unknowns in the middle of fields and damage will depend on hillsides and geography.

“It’s all over the board,” Duncan said. “Some took it worse than others. We feel fortunate that as hard as it blew, what we have is still standing as well as it is.”

Some fields in Iowa were entirely blown over. Duncan said things in the area could be far worse.

As far as the prices farmers will eventually see, that’s another issue, Kern said.

“Commodity prices have been depressed for several years,” Kern said. “They’re not moving much.

We still had a backlog in packing plants for hogs and cattle. That’s starting to correct itself. Unless we can increase demand for corn and soybeans, I don’t see these prices being much. It’s going to be another tough year on the farm.”

and Sour Meatballs, Baked Mostaccioli, Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole, Breakfast Burritos, Cowboy Tator Casserole, Bourbon Pulled Chicken, Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, Ham Balls, and Chicken Fajitas!

The cost for the 10 meals is $165 ($3.30 per person per serving) Proceeds will benefit the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program.

To register please mail your name, phone number, number of meal sets

(they come in a set of 10 meals), and payment total, checks made out to Ogle-Carroll Ag Partnership (OCAP). Mail address: 811 S Clay Street, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053 or send your payment to U of I Extension, 421 W. Pines Rd, Suite 10, Oregon, IL 61061.

Online orders can be made at https:// forms.gle/iqcj7KX7CKoH7A627 Orders are due by Monday, Sept. 21.

Meals can be picked up on Oct. 7.

Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is

a statewide educational program with lessons offered to Kindergarten through 8th grade. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the general public gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.

Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension Ogle County in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.

FUNDRAISER Prepared meals offered as fundraiser for Ag in the Classroom Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple?

Ag in the Classoom is offering prepared meals as its 2020 fundraiser.

Ten meals have been prepared and frozen for convenience. Each meal serves 3 to 5 people. Meals include: Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork, Sweet

EDUCATION NEWS

COVID-19 pandemic complicates finding subs for teachers

BY ERIC INGLES eingles@saukvalley.com The area’s pool of substitute teachers already was getting pretty shallow.

Now comes COVID-19, which could result in more teachers using sick days and more subs needed in the classrooms.

“We had trouble last year, before this even started,” said Bob Sondgeroth, superintendent of the Lee-Ogle-Whiteside Regional Office of Education.

“It’s a statewide issue. There is a shortage of substitute teachers.”

What was a shortage to begin with will be exacerbated by the likelihood of teachers falling ill. Districts are doing symptom screenings and tem-

perature checks at the door at the start of a school day; staff members who test positive or show symptoms will find themselves in quarantine for up to 2 weeks or more, which means someone else will have to step into the classroom.

Sondgeroth is asking anyone interested in being a sub who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to sign up through the regional office. Those with associate degrees from an accredited institution also can sign for short-term sub work, which means working in one classroom for 5 days.

The ROE pool was stretched even thinner by districts that have hired full-time subs just to be in the building, on call, Sondgeroth said.

“I understand. I think that’s a really good idea for them, because you never know when a teacher has to leave,” he said. “To have a sub in the building is fantastic.”

The Chadwick-Milledgeville School District is hoping to head off some potential problems. Monday, its board voted to raise sub pay to

$110 per day, in an effort to attract them at a time when they might be hard to find.

Other districts are planning ahead, too.

“I think we’ve called about every sub on the list to try to add to that pool as best we can,” Rock Falls High School Superintendent Ron McCord said. “We have a couple ... who sub all the time who will not be in due to this situation and their own health risks. It’s going to be a challenge from day one.”

Sterling Superintendent Tad Everett built a lot of flexibility into this district’s reopening plan with the knowledge that things could change, especially if teachers and staff fall ill.

“If we get enough teachers that are ill that we can’t replace them in the in-school learning environment, we may be forced to go remotely,” Everett said. “Those are all things we’re going to have to be flexible and fluid with.”

From district to district, there are different COVID-19 procedures in

place, and Sondgeroth is instructing subs to ask each district what those procedures are.

“If I’m a substitute, that’s the first thing I ask when I walk in to a building: Where are the wipes, what should I be doing, how do I wipe things down, what are your rules for the masks?” he said.

“Our health departments have been amazing. Lee, Ogle and Whiteside County health departments have worked with our administrators. They’ve been on many Zoom meetings with our administrators.”

There is another Zoom meeting next week to go over Illinois Department of Public Health school guidelines issued a week ago that left a lot of the details up to local health departments. Sondgeroth and school district and health department administrators will go over their plans.

The ROE office is at 1001 St. Mary’s Street in Sterling. Call 815-625-1495 for more information on signing up for sub work.

The Polo Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off that was schedule for Saturday, Sept. 26 is canceled this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Business after Hours If you are interested and would like to host a Business after Hours or Breakfast before Business call the Chamber at 815-946-3131.

Dinner Cancelled The Polo Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner the last Monday of September is canceled.

inees should consistently show civic leadership through volunteerism and service to their community. Services provided to the community should be based on volunteerism outside of the nominee’s normal employment duties.

Those wishing to nominate a candidate that they feel is deserving of these prestigious awards can send in your contact information, the nominee information and the reason you feel the candidate is deserving of this prestigious award to the Polo Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064

Citizen of Year, Volunteer of Year Each year the Polo Chamber of Commerce recognizes one Polo citizen as the Citizen of the Year and one citizen as the Volunteer of the Year. Eligible nom-

Weekly Events Kids Café lunch has begun on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon at the First United Methodist Church.

Get the Word Out Contact The Polo Chamber of Commerce at 815-946-3131, polochamber@ gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064.

On April 17, 1949 in southern Illinois, she was united in marriage to Samual Johnston.

Samual and Katherine celebrated over 58 years of marriage before his passing in January of 2012.

She retired from the United States Postal Service after over 30 years.

Katherine was a very kind woman,

enjoyed dancing and doing crossword puzzles, and her strong will was admired by most.

She and her late husband raised their grandchildren, opened a restaurant and volunteered with many organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Camping Club.

Survivors include her son, Dennis

(Laura) Johnston of Florida; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samual; daughter, Paula Mason; three sisters, Marguerite, Betty and Mary Louise; and three brothers, Bill Jo, Phillip and Lawrance.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

POLO CHAMBER CHATTER 50-50 Raffle Tickets The Polo Chamber is selling 50-50 raffle tickets from the Car Show that was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Tickets are available at Scholl Insurance Agency, Inc., Chesty P’s, Jeff Refs, Haldane Custom, and First State Bank.

Please stop by one of these businesses to purchase your tickets. Thank you for supporting the local businesses and the Polo Chamber of Commerce. The drawing will be at 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at Louise Quick Park, 102 W. Mason St. Jeff & Joe’s First Annual Jeep Jamboree, Saturday, Sept 26, 1 to 5 p.m.

Downtown Polo. Sponsored by Jeff’s Refs and Chesty P’s. Free drawing for shirts at 4 p.m.

Chili Cook Off

OBITUARY KATHERINE G. JOHNSTON POLO – Katherine Grace Johnston, 88 ,of Polo, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.

Katherine was born June 24, 1932, in Dahlgren, the daughter of Clarence and Flora Bennett.

Town Wide Garage Sales Garage Sales will be Sept. 26. Be sure to visit the local downtown business’s while visiting the garage sales.

Certificates of Recognition The Polo Chamber of Commerce would like to issue Certificates of Recognition to any Polo Chamber of Commerce business members who are celebrating five years of being in business, or those with five-year increments of being in business in Polo.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

ROE putting out the call for substitute teachers

13

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

EDUCATION

Polo, Forreston begin classes amid COVID-19

remote learners and their families and making sure everything is good at home.

The district did have one COVID19 related issue. A teacher at the high school had a potential exposure and taught from home on the first day.

“The potential exposure wasn’t in one of our buildings,” Mandrell said. “They got a negative test before

coming in to teach today.”

The Forrestville Valley School District had its first day on Aug. 19.

Superintendent Sheri Smith said the first day went better than expected operationally. There were no issues with students wearing masks

and symptom screening at the door took shorter than expected.

The one issue Smith cited was getting remote learners connected and logged in during the mornings.

That took longer than expected, she said. Smith hopes those issues will be remedied by the end of week two. Fifteen percent of Forreston learners will do it online to start the semester.

Smith said that there was an overwhelming happiness among staff on the morning of the first day.

“It’s been a long process,” Smith said. “We started planning in June.

It’s been a bit emotional. All we worked for, finally they’re here. It was all worth it to see them walk in that door.”

Forrestville Valley’s elementary schools have one done a couple full Zooms with students so far. Most of the first week was reviewing rules and new procedures. Elementary kids in the district have had devices before, just not at home.

Smith said students have adapted so far to masking and social distancing in person. For parents in the district, like herself, it could take some getting used to.

“For my student, he’s excited to see his friends,” Smith said. “For us, There’s nervousness. The parameters in place, it’s getting over those and then it’s school as normal.”

Forrestville Valley has not had any potential exposures or positive COVID-19 tests thus far, Smith said.

“We just had a great week and want to continue it,” Smith said.

Miller & Ted Gesin General Contractors, Flow-Right Seamless Gutters, PEO Chapter CU and Ken Kaufman.

“Gracious thanks to all of these, as well as to an anonymous donor and to those of you who have supported

us all these years and continuing thanks to those asking about the shows and expressing their concerns,” Ubben said.

Ubben believes it is up to individuals to get the community back

to a safer environment where large gatherings are allowed again.

“If we all diligently follow public health safety guidelines, with any luck we’ll be back with a great season in 2021,” Ubben said.

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com At Polo’s Centennial Elementary School, parents usually stay with their children for a time and help unpack their bags on the first day of school.

That couldn’t happen this year.

The Polo School District returned to in-person school for the fall on Aug. 20. Changes during the COVID19 pandemic included masking, social distancing and symptom screening. There are no visitors allowed to the school.

“Parents usually stay longer with their little ones, but this year everyone was good about moving along so we didn’t have too many people,” Polo Superintendent Kelly Mandrell said.

Mandrell said the district’s first day went “very well” and her district couldn’t have asked for a better first day.

Twenty one percent of Polo families chose remote learning to start the semester in a system that has kids “Zoom” into in-person classes at the school.

“It was one of those things, we’re in the business of educating children,” Mandrell said. “Yes, it’s difficult. But we can see them and make a difference in their lives. I can’t thank my staff enough for all the extra work and help.”

Polo’s first day was a half day. The district’s first full day was on Aug. 21. Mandrell’s chief concern after two days was communicating with

• JAMBOREE Continued from Page 11 ity Lutheran Church, Rat Worx, Byron Snyders Pharmacy, Marv

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

A Polo High School student holds the door for another student as they enter the high school on Tuesday. School resumed for Polo School District students last week.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Opening day is Saturday, Aug. 29

BY JEFF HELFRICH

could be good for us, but it could be too good for us and we have to limit things. We’ll have signage and sanitation in the store.”

Warren has enjoyed seeing his orchard grow over the years. He

thinks customers have enjoyed it, too.

“What has amazed me is the community support,” Warren said. “A lot of people say, ‘There’s an orchard in Mt. Morris?’ They come out and

say how convenient it is. We don’t have the bounce houses and crowds and chaos.

“It’s an old-fashioned community orchard. And people like that. They enjoy nature and relax.”

jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Jeff and Julie Warren planted trees at BerryView Orchard eight years ago.

On Aug. 29, the owners of the Mt. Morris apple and aronia berry orchard will have a new store building to sell the fruits of their labor.

“I think it adds more professionalism,” Jeff Warren said. “We added a concession trailer as well that we’ve used to sell donuts and aronia berry lemonade slushies. In the past years we’ve served those out of the garage and now we’ll have the trailer on the property.”

Last year was the first that BerryView was open every weekend.

The years before were “hit and miss.” The aronia berries will be ready on Aug. 29 and will be good for picking for two weeks after that.

Apples will start to pop up around that time as well.

The orchard is on the same property as the Warren’ home.

“We’ve outgrown the garage,” Jeff Warren said. “We built the new store ourselves. We had an existing barn from when we had horses we built 10-12 years ago. We put walls up and finished the ceiling and electric. It’s a repurposed barn. My son and a friend helped do it.”

Berries, apples, and some other local small business products will be available on Saturday. The trailer will be there for slushies.

The Warrens expected to use their new trailer off the property more this year, but COVID-19 had other plans. They did make it to Oregon and Sauerkraut Days in Forreston where they did “well” selling slushies and donuts. They got familiar with the selling process in the trailer.

BerryView planned on making the now-canceled Ogle County Fair and other gatherings. It remains to be seen what impact COVID-19 will have on this fall’s operations at the orchard.

The couple has worked with the Ogle County Health Department on how to operate safely. Edwards Orchard in Poplar Grove and Winnebago will be doing a drive thru this fall.

“We’re hoping we don’t have to do that,” Jeff Warren said. “We haven’t had that kind of crowd in the past.

But there’s less places to go now. It

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Jeff Warren stands in the center of his new store at BerryView Orchard. The new store officially opens this Saturday, Aug. 29. BELOW LEFT: A big pumpkin hides under its leaves at the orchard. BELOW RIGHT: Golden delicious apples grow at the orchard.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

BerryView Orchard adding storefront building

15

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

SPORTS

Hawks getting ready to run for 2020 season Eighth-year Oregon cross country coach Tim Gipper welcomes back a solid core of girls runners that has the Hawks looking for big things in the 2020 season.

Seniors Leah Watters and Lydia Cermak, juniors Faith Marquardt and Ashley Diehl and sophomores Ellen Hodson, Natalie Tremble and Hadley Lutz were each sectional qualifiers last fall.

They will be joined by seven more returning runners in seniors Kaitlyn Ramirez, Madison Byerley, McKenna Tremble and Abigail Tomlinson, junior Taylar Rufer and freshmen Grace Tomlinson and Valerie Nyderek.

“One of our strengths this year is we have a core group of athletes that should be able to run in a pack for scoring purposes and the leadership of our returning athletes,” Gipper said.

Newcomers this season will be seniors Ella Martin and Alexis Wilhelm, sophomores Jennica Ciesiel, Katelyn Bowers and Ava Wight and freshmen Hailee Taylor and Teagan Champley.

“We are excited about what the incoming freshmen are going to bring to the team,” Gipper said. “And we have some upperclassmen that are going to bring a great addition to the team.”

On the boys side, the top returning runners are seniors Ryan Hussung and Conner Harshman, junior Nicholas Meives-Wylie and sophomore Lane Halverson.

Newcomers to the team include seniors Riley Benton, Austin Ebert and Gavin Bradshaw, sophomores Grant Stender and Edwin Estrada and freshmen Leo Cardenas and Gabe Reed.

“A great group of young men that work hard and want to do well,” Gipper said. “We are looking forward to what this group of runners can accomplish this year and what the new additions to the team will bring.”

The Hawks begin the season on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with a home triangular against Stillman Valley and Byron.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Runners start the girls 1A sectional race at Oregon Park West in 2019. Pictured, left to right, are: Princeton’s Elizabeth Orwig and Jenna Loftus; Oregon’s Ella Hudson: West Carroll’s Jaydin Sisler; and Oregon’s Leah Watters.

GOLF ROUNDUP Hackman goes low for Oregon’ Ava Hackman carded a 5-over-par 39 for the Oregon girls golf team in a 162180 loss to Rock Falls on Aug. 20 in a Big Northern Conference dual held at Rock River Golf and Pool.

Mia Trampel (42), Tori Marchetti (49) and Cassie Nyderek (50) had the other counting scores for the Hawks.

The Rockets’ Megan Fiorini was medalist with a 34, while Ellie Wasson added a 38.

Polo 228, Eastland 245: Kamryn Stockton fired a 50 to lead the Marcos past the Cougars in a dual held Aug. 18 at Lake Carroll.

Ashley Janssen had a 51 for the Cougars.

Oregon 184, Rockford Lutheran

211: Marchetti carded a 41 and Hackman added a 43 for the Hawks in a win against the Crusaders on Aug. 18 at Silver Ridge.

Oregon 210, Erie-Prophetstown 247: Helena Holden-Fox was the medalist with a 49 to lead the Hawks past he Panthers on Aug. 19 at Silver Ridge. Lena Trampel added a 53 for Oregon.

Boys Golf Hawks 4th at Tiger Shootout Jarrett Dietrich had an 88 to lead Oregon to a 383 total and fourth place at the five-team Tiger Shootout on Aug. 22 at PrairieView in Byron. Participating teams were Rockford Christian (328), Stillman Valley (333), Byron (346), Oregon (383) and Forreston (473).

Jackson Werren (94), Nick Bietel (98) and Isaac Kaltenbrun (101) had the other counting scores for the Hawks.

Rockford Lutheran 192, Oregon 205: Dietrich had a 45 for the Hawks in a loss to the Crusaders on Aug. 18 at Silver Ridge. Werren was next with a 46.

Lutheran’s Andrew Gravino was medalist with a 41.

Dakota 173, Forreston 263: Joel Ludwig had a 50 for the Cardinals in a loss to the Indians on Aug. 18 at Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris. Logan Dyson added a 53.

Dakota’s Ian Peterson was the medalist with a 40.

Erie-Prophetstown 172, Oregon 194: Dietrich had a 44 for the Hawks in a loss to the Panthers on Aug. 19 at Silver

Ridge.

The medalist was E-P’s Logan Wunderlich with a 2-over-par 38.

Oregon 192, Rock Falls 217: Dietrich finished with a 43 as the Hawks handled the Rockets in a dual on Aug. 20 at Rock River Golf and Pool. Kaltenbrun was next with a 48.

Eastland 192, River Ridge 210: Andy Anderson was the medalist with a 42 to lead the Cougars to a win against the Wildcats at Eagle Ridge South in Galena.

Kellen Henze added a 47 for Eastland.

Amboy 204, Forreston 265: Dyson led the Cardinals with a 47 in a dual against the Clippers at Shady Oaks in Amboy.

Amboy’s Wesley Wilson was the medalist with a 44.

SPORTS

Oregon’s Hackman, Rock Falls’ Fiorini get off to a good start

BY ERIC INGLES Shaw Media Two young players are getting the 2020 high school girls golf season off to an impressive start.

On the heels of a 16-stroke win at the Women’s Rock River Classic, Rock Falls freshman Megan Fiorini opened her high school career with a 40, taking medalist honors in a dual against Le-Win/Pearl City.

The following day, she went even lower, carding a 34 in a dual with Oregon. Then she shot a 77 to tie for second in the Rocket Invitational on Saturday.

On the day the highly touted freshman of 2020 carded her 34, the highly touted freshman of 2019 was in her playing group. Now a sophomore at Oregon, Ava Hackman had the low score for the Hawks that day and in Saturday’s Rocket Invitational.

In last year’s regional, Hackman shot a 93 in tough conditions at Lake Carroll, then beat Dixon’s Bella Heintzelman in a one-hole playoff.

Despite entering this season as a reigning regional champion, the Hawks sophomore is not feeling the pressure.

“I’ve just got to keep in my head that I need to play my best no matter what people think or what other people are doing,” Hackman said.

So less than a week into the sophomore season for one player and the varsity career of the other, they got a chance to see up close what the other was able to do on the course.

On No. 6 on Thursday, a 375-yard par-5 running along Howland Creek, both landed tee shots in the rough before recovering with their second shots, Fiorini hitting hers past the green, Hackman hitting her just short of the green.

On No. 8, a 287-yard par-4, Fiorini landed her tee shot squarely in the center of the fairway and was later able to chip to within a foot and tap in. Hackman landed in the rough to the right of the fairway and had to punch out.

“She hits the ball really well,” Fiorini said of Hackman. “I think I might know the course because I’ve been playing all summer here.”

They were not in the same playing group on Saturday, as Fiorini tied for second behind Dixon’s Bella Heintzelman with a 77 and Hack-

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Oregon’s Ava Hackman hits her ball on the first hole Thursday at Rock River Golf and Pool in Rock Falls. BELOW: Rock Falls’ Megan Fiorini watches her drive on the second hole at the Rocket Invitational at Rock River Golf and Pool in Rock Falls. man shot a 94.

“She hits a lot of straight shots and her drives and really nice and she can get long putts in,” Hackman said of Fiorini.

Hackman said her goal for sophomore year is another regional title and to get into the mid or low 30s for nine holes.

“My putting could be a bit better, and my drives, they’re going to the right so I need to fix those, but when I hit them straight they go pretty good,” she said.

Hackman’s interest in golf came from her parents when she was maybe four or five.

“I grew up on the golf course, so every weekend or every other day I’d go out on the course and just mess around with my mom and day,” she said. “As high school came around, I started getting very serious about it.”

Hackman said she likes how it’s an individual sport and that she gets to see multiple courses.

For Fiorini, the introduction to golf came from her day.

“When I was really little, he would take me out in the back, we have a field, and I would just start hitting golf balls,” Fiorini said. “He would

shorten clubs for me and I would hit them. I started doing tournaments in sixth grade, and I’ve done more and more every year, just working every single day, almost twice a day, and just improving as much as I can.”

Fiorini set a busy schedule for

her self during the summer months when she was in middle school, getting out on the course as much as possible and playing in summer tournaments.

“If you miss a day, it will totally set you back,” Fiorini said. “So I try to do as much as I can.”

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

Two young golfers already hitting their marks

17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

Aug. 18 Jose Velazques, 23, of Mt. Morris was arrested at 10:37 p.m. for not having a valid driver’s license after deputies initiated a traffic stop in the area of Mud Creek Road and Hill Road. Velazques was issued and I-Bond and released from the scene with a future court date.

Wilson Hernandez, 29, of Rockford was arrested for driving without a valid license after being stopped on Interstate 39 for speeding. Hernandez was released on an I-Bond and will appear in Ogle County court at a later date.

Aug. 20 At approximately 1 p.m. deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Illinois 26 and Illinois 72.

After an investigation, it was deter-

mined that Morgan R. Steverson-Dunham, 26, of Hanover, was eastbound on Illinois 72 and failed to yield the right of way to southbound traffic on Illinois 26 and proceeded into the intersection directly into the path of a southbound tractor trailer semi.

The driver of the semi, David W. Bellows, 55, of Sterling, and Steverson-Dunham were transported to Freeport Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained.

Steverson-Dunham was issued citations for failure to yield right of way, driving while license suspended and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

Steverson-Dunham is due to appear in Ogle County Court to answer to these charges at a later date.

Deputies learned that a 2014 Indian motorcycle driven by Harley Vogt, 77, of Sterling, was traveling south on Freeport Road and failed to stop at the intersection and entered the southeast ditch, coming to rest in a corn field.

Vogt was pronounced deceased on scene by the Ogle County Coroner.

Deputies were assisted by Polo Fire and Ambulance along with the Polo Police Department.

The crash remains under investigation.

field.

Klukaczynski was transported to KSB Hospital by the Polo Ambulance with multiple injuries.

After a further investigation deputies met with Klukaczynski at KSB Hospital where she was arrested for driving while under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol, and disobeying a stop sign. Klukaczynski was given an I-Bond and a September court date.

At 6:56 a.m. deputies, Polo Police Department, Polo Fire Department and the Polo Ambulance responded to an accident with injuries at Illinois 26 and Illinois 52.

Gabrielle F. Klukaczynski, 18, of Princeton was southbound on Illinois 26 when she failed to stop for the stop sign. Klukaczynski struck an embankment before coming to a stop in a corn

Aug. 23 Raheem J. Martin, 28, of Dixon was arrested at 12:04 a.m. for unlawful cannabis container, unlawful use of cannabis, and driving while under the influence of drugs after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Chevy Impala at 4th Street and Washington Street in Oregon. Martin was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Oregon Police.

Leo R. Dempewolf, 28, of Oregon, was arrested at 3 p.m. for criminal damage to property that had occurred in the 300 block of Lovers Lane on July 11.

Dempewolf was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Thomas A. O’Neal, 52, of Oregon, was issued a complaint/notice to appear at

• Adam and Amy Dach to Gregory K. and Shelley L. Marchini, 4953 N. German Church Road, Stillman Valley, $460,000.

• First Choice Rentals LLC to Sean Michael and Caitlyn R. Mattingly, 8659 N. Winnebago Lane, Byron, $231,900.

• Sean Michael and Caitlyn R. Mattingly to Michael Medlar and Taunya Parsons, 8637 N. Yellowstone Drive, Byron, $166,900.

• Marta J. Robertson to Frank R. and Sally G. Harrolle, 913 N. Crest Court, Byron, $129,900.

• Michael Johnson to Dylan and Kaitlyn Blackburn, 313-315 N, Birch Lane, Dixon, $168,000.

• Daniel and Suzanne Daub to Patrick M. and Kayla L. Shaulis, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $33,500.

• Aadi and Yamini D. Patel to Julio C. Gonzalez, 238 Joanne Lane, Rochelle, $170,000.

• Michael Wojnarowski to Jack L. Chestnut, 10787 N. state Route 2, Byron, $190,000.

• Jacqueline Bogle to Jamie A. and Elizabeth A. Shick, 609 N. 11th St., Rochelle, $130,100.

• Kenneth and Barbara Giese to Angela Nordman, 903 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $129,000.

• Peter and Corinne R. Lyons to Austin B. and Logan K. Glendenning, 5028 E. state Route 72 and two parcels in Marion Township, Stillman Valley, $300,000.

• Linda S. Hill to Nicholas A. and Staci L. Bartimus, 904 Jefferson St., Oregon, $94,900.

• John and Gayle Guthrie to Clyde E. and Doris L. Payne, 1426 S. Krishill Road, Oregon, $126,900.

• John A. and Melanie C. Cain to Jordan M. Bernandin, 703 S. Fifth St., Oregon, $85,000.

• Dan Terhark to Chad and Donna Mohamed and Precious Altez, 8248 N. Kishwaukee Road, Byron, $61,000.

• Christene Clayton and the late Billy D. Maples by heir to Laura J. Clark, Joy A. King and Patricia L. Lawrence, 600 S. Sixth St., Oregon, $0.

• Thomas C. Weston to Lesly A. and Zachary Spangler, 6074 Center Road, Rochelle, $194,000.

Aug. 21 At 2:18 p.m. deputies responded to a crash involving an injury at Freeport Road and Sterling Road.

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

Aug. 18

Aug. 19

See OREGON POLICE, Page 19

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers recorded week of Aug. 14-20.

Warranty Deeds • BGRS Relocation Inc. to Elizabeth E. and Matthew Lee Dreesman, 3961 S. Ridge Road, Oregon, $215,000.

• Nick and Lauren Sepeda, also Gould, to BGRS Relocation Inc., 3961 S. Ridge Road, Oregon, $215,000.

• Dennis R. and Christine A. Williams to Michael F. Scamardo and Victoria V. Onorato, 9550 N. Woodgate Lane, Byron, $285,000.

• Ryan Behrends to Ethan George, 950 N. 11th St., Rochelle, $95,000.

• Alvie W. and Deanne J. Clay to Daniel A. and Lori Lynn Scheck, 1903 N. Silverthorn Drive, Byron, $157,900.

• Neil D. Villatoro to Michelle D. Antolik, 434 W. Willis Ave., Rochelle, $74,000.

• The late Nancy Joan Bingham by heirs to Nancy L. Bingham, 8164 Grange Road, Rochelle, $130,000.

• Benjamin L. and Samantha K. Meyer to Emily Roemer, one parcel and 611 S. Walnut Ave, Forreston, $98,850.

• Wesley A. and Lynne M. Jaros to Nathan and Laura Lauzon, 405 and 407 Birch Lane, Dixon, $255,000.

Quit Claim Deeds • Michael P. and Marilyn J. Carr to Kyle Pumfrey and Monica Cronk, 108 North Fork, Dixon, $3,700.

• Christine B. Edwards to Karrie A. Ramirez, 824 Pines Road, Oregon, $0.

Trustee’s Deeds • Toni Ruth Kathryn Magnusson, trustee, to Joshua D. Winegar, 838 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $67,500.

• PFG Trust797, Geraldine R. and Todd A. Glendenning, trustees, to Peter J. and Corinne R. Lyons, 5028 E. state Route 72, Byron, $250,000.

• Trust 1, Cheryl L. Tremble and Tearyl Harris, trustees, to Matthew Q. Alford, 1 N. Sixth St., Oregon, $115,000.

Executor’s Deed • The late Joyce D. Pena by executor to Jose Nambo and Gloria Fulgencio , 209 Southview Drive, Rochelle, $100,000.

Sheriff’s Deed • Sheriff of Ogle County and Randall C. Hall, also Randle, to Holcomb Bank, 6181 N. state Route 251, Davis Junction, $240,000.

Deed • Trust1416262005, City of Ogle, trustee, to City of Polo, 410 S. Division Ave., Polo, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

• OREGON POLICE Continued from Page 18

Aug. 21 At 7:32 p.m., Theresa L. Krueger, 50, of Oregon, notified the police of her 2017 Jeep being struck by an unknown vehicle within the previous hour, while parked in the Alfano’s parking lot, located at 801 S. 4th Street.

If anyone should have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Oregon Police Department at 815732-2162.

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

General calls for service through dispatch Aug. 17-23 Checking a Subject / Vehicle..........2 Citizen Complaints............................8 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem...........1 Assist EMS / Other Dept................ 10 Disturbance / Dom Battery..............1 Lockout Vehicle / Building...............5 Alarm Response..................................1 Ordinance Violations.........................8 Traffic Stops.......................................5

POLO POLICE Police Chief Tim Rockwood released the following information.

Aug. 18 Bradley L. Mcclendon, 20, of Polo, was cited for speeding 50 mph in a 30 mph speed zone.

He was released on an I-Bond.

General Calls Aug. 10-23.

Citizen Complaints-Assist..............20 Animal Complaint.............................. 2 Disturbance-Domestic...................... 3 Fire-Medical Assist............................ 6 Alarm-Open Door.............................. 3 Lock Out.............................................. 2 Traffic Stops....................................... 7 County Assists ..................................4

ELECTION 2020

County to have secure dropbox for vote by mail

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Laura J. Cook announced last week that there will be a secure ballot drop-off box installed at the Ogle County Courthouse for voters who wish to vote by mail and choose not to use the United States Postal Service.

Cook stated that with concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a higher demand to vote by mail during the Nov. 3 general election.

“Installing the drop box at the courthouse is another step the county clerk’s office is taking to ensure the ballots are returned to our office before the election day deadline,” Cook wrote in an Aug. 19 press release. “Ballots placed in the drop box will be collected twice daily by the election staff and stamped as received.”

Cook also advised voters to place their finished ballots in the certification envelope and securely seal

it, sign and date it before giving it to the USPS or putting it in the drop box.

If you want to vote by mail, you need to apply for your ballot immediately to ensure adequate turnaround, Cook said. The deadline for applying for a vote by mail ballot is Oct. 29. Ballots must be postmarked no later than election day, Nov. 3 to be accepted. Properly postmarked ballots will be accepted through Nov. 17.

Ogle County voting options include voting by mail via the drop-off box, drop-off vote by mail ballot in the county clerk’s office, vote by mail via the USPS, early vote at the courthouse beginning Sept. 24 and voting on election day at your designated polling place.

Cook asks that voters be respectful of the polling facilities and election judges during early voting and on election day.

“Please wear a mask and social distance,” Cook said in the press release.

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19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

4:57 p.m. for violating the nuisance ordinance re: rubbish. A court date has been assigned.

Two parking citations and one verbal warning were issued Aug. 17-23.

Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on July 13, 2020, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning conducting and transacting the business known LEGAL NOTICES 101 as: AdyMar Properties Inc. 878 Prairie Lily Lane Davis Junction, IL 61020 Dated: July 13, 2020 Laura J Cook Ogle County Clerk August 21, 28 & September 4, 2020

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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.

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est. 1851

CALL 815-625-3600 EXT. 5301 Telegraph • 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

FARMLAND AUCTION Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 at 10:30 A.M Sale to be held via: Tele-Auction Call (Call 815-946-4120 Tuesday between 1pm-4pm Sept 1st to obtain a bidders number & call in information)

160 Acres +/- TWO PARCELS: Section 19 of Lincoln Township in Ogle, IL For complete listing of sale bill, maps, tax info, and terms & conditions, etc. visit www.lennybrysonauctioneer.com

SM-ST29639-0829

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, August 28, 2020

CLASSIFIED

20

dent Administrator.

The Independent Administrator's attorney of record is ELIZABETH V. HELLER of Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C., 2227 South State Route 157, Edwardsville, Illinois 62025.This estate is being administered without court 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 supervision LEGAL NOTICESunless LEGAL NOTICES 101 under Section 28-4 IN THE CIRCUIT of theProbate Act Publication Notice COURT OF THE (755 ILCS 5/28-4) of Court Date for any interested perFIFTEENTH Request for son terminated inJUDICIAL Name Change dependent adminCIRCUIT OGLE (Adult) istration.

State of Illinois, COUNTY, Claims against the Circuit Court, Ogle ILLINOIS - IN estate may be filed County PROBATE in the office of the Case Number In the Matter of the Clerk of the Circuit 2020MR000042 Estate of DAVID R. Court, Ogle County Request of: Courthouse, Ore- Rocio Garcia KEARNEY, gon, Illinois, or with There will be a Deceased.

Independent court date on my Case No. the 2020-P-52 Administrator's at- request to change torney, or my name from: six Rocio Garcia both,within CLAIM NOTICE months from the to the new name NOTICE IS GIVEN date of this publi- of: Rocio Belmonte to the creditors of cation or issuance Court Date: 24, the death of DAVID of letters of office, September R. KEARNEY, of and any claim not 2020 at 9:00 A.M. Ogle County, Illi- filed within that pe- At 106 S. 5th nois, and that let- riod is barred. Street, Oregon, IL, ters of office were Copies of a claim 61061 issued on June 26, filed with the Cir- Ogle County.

2020 to Mary P. cuit Court Clerk Courtroom #202 Kearney, of 3719 must be mailed or Rocio Garcia August 28 & East Woodland Dr., delivered to the InSeptember 4, 11 Illinois dependent AdminByron, 2020 61010, Indepen- istrator and to the dent Administrator. attorney, within ten Publication Notice The Independent (10) days after it Public Notice is Administrator's at- has been filed. hereby given that torney of record is on July 13, 2020, a ELIZABETH V. ELIZABETH V. certificate was filed HELLER of Gold- HELLER, #6207038 in the Ogle County enberg Heller & Goldenberg Heller Clerk's Office setP.C., & Antognoli, P.C. Antognoli, ting forth the 2227 South State 2227 South State names and post Route 157, Ed- Route 157 office address of wardsville, Illinois Edwardsville, all of the persons Illinois 62025 62025.This estate owning conducting is being adminis- 618-656-5150 and transacting the tered without court business known supervision unless Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & as: under Section 28-4 11, 2020 AdyMar of theProbate Act Properties Inc. (755 ILCS 5/28-4) 878 Prairie any interested perLily Lane son terminated inDavis Junction, dependent adminIL 61020 istration.

Dated: July 13, 2020 Claims against the Laura J Cook estate may be filed Ogle County Clerk in the office of the August 21, 28 & Clerk of the Circuit September 4, 2020 Court, Ogle County 112 Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois, or with the Independent Administrator's attorney, or both,within six months from the date of this publication or issuance of letters of office, and any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the OGLE attorney, within ten COUNTY NEWSPAPERS (10) days after it Oregon Republican Reporter has been filed.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Lenny Bryson – Auctioneer 11749 West Judson Road Polo, IL 61064 Ph) 815-946-4120

OWNER: Max L. & Betty J. Pope Trusts ATTORNEY: Gary Gehlbach