Colbert Column

BUSINESS NEWS Demmer calls on community to save nuclear plant

BY RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@saukvalley.com

State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, has created a website dedicated to helping save the Byron Nuclear Power Plant, which, if shuttered, would cost the area 727 jobs and $38 million in annual tax revenue.

“The Byron Generating Station is an important cornerstone of the Ogle County economy,” Demmer said. “Not only is the plant home to hundreds of good-paying jobs, it also pays more than $30 million to support schools, public safety and local governments.”

A third of Ogle County’s tax revenue comes from Exelon Generator’s Byron plant and in addition to its regular employees, the company hires about 1,200 contractors every 18 months when one of the Byron units goes offline for refueling and maintenance.

In August, the company announced plans to close the Byron plant in September 2021, the Dresden plant in Morris that November, and said that the La Salle and Braidwood nuclear stations also were at high risk for premature closure.

The plant was licensed for 20 more years but Exelon faces revenue shortfalls in the hundreds of millions of dollars because of declining energy prices and market rules that “allow fossil fuel plants to underbid clean resources,” the company said in a news release announcing the decision.

Exelon, which has threatened several times in recent years to close some of its nuclear plants,

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media ABOVE LEFT: Exelon’s Byron Generating Station is located on German Church Road, south of Byron. Exelon announced Aug. 27 that station will be retired in September 2021. ABOVE RIGHT: The Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

has created signs showing the union’s support of keeping the station open.

said it would continue talks with policymakers on ways to prevent the closures. It pays one of the nation’s highest property tax bills and accounts for most of the county’s nonagricultural economy.

Demmer partnered with Byron-based Wave Marketing after the announcement to create savebyron.com and is asking community members “to join their voices to the chorus of local leaders calling for action to prevent the closure of the facility next year.”

The website includes a “Take Action” section with contact information for the governor’s office, as well as the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee and the House Energy and Environment Committee.

“I’m working with my fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle to try to keep the plant open. This website is a way for the community to find updates, share their comments, and understand how the plant affects our entire area – not only those directly employed there,” Demmer said.

SPORTS COLUMN Marching band performance helped fill the void

Once again, I found myself wandering aimlessly around the Oregon sport fields on a Friday night.

The initial drawing card was a brilliant orange sun casting its glow over the cornfields just west of Park West.

There were a couple of youth baseball games in progress, giving what had been an empty summer, vibrancy to the fall evenings.

Then it was Landers-Loomis Field that drew me a couple hundred yards east for investigation of why the lights were on.

To my surprise, a full marching band in uniform, cheerleaders and drill team were performing. The only thing missing was football.

Maybe the team could have put on an exhibition scrimmage, but to be frank, those are kind of boring unless you have a kid playing.

I was craving an actual football game experience, the type with a social fabric woven into it, such as sharing it with like-minded fans at stadiums in Forreston, Polo, Oregon, Stillman, Byron and Rochelle.

Every Friday this season was ideal weather – pleasant and dry - for a football game. People like me who have been accustomed to the Friday ritual for decades and decades, have been forced to go through withdrawals.

Yeah, I know I sound like a whiner and that

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

there is more important matters in life than a high school football game. But, for a couple of hours on a beautiful fall evening, there isn’t anything more important to me than a football game.

Not any game. I can get by just fine without the colleges and pros, but the high school fare is the best entertainment that money can buy.

The golfers have enjoyed some good weather this week and last, as they wrapped up an abbreviated season with regionals and sectionals.

Oregon hosted both the boys and girls regionals at Silver Ridge and to my amazement or maybe it was my technological naivety, a person could go to an app and get up-to-date scoring on every golfer on the course.

This was on each hole, not after a 9-hole or 18-hole round. The players simply entered scores into their phone and the app would keep a running total on individual and team scores.

It wasn’t that long ago that the PGA didn’t even have this capability. Part of the reason for using the new-fangled app was Covid-related.

There was no admittance into the clubhouse or perfunctory awards afterwards. Once your round was done, you either went straight home with mom and dad, or waited in the parking lot for your team bus to leave.

In the past, everyone would gather in the clubhouse and scorecards would be tabulated by hand. It was a long, drawn-out affair, one with much more suspense to it.

Both methods have their pros and cons. As Bob Dylan once said, “the times, they are a changin”.

How about Cassie Nyderek just missing a holein-one on No. 11 by a couple inches at the regional? That hole has always been a fun target to aim at.

Here’s a bit of trivia for you old-timers. Remember when pros Calvin Peete and Mick Soli put on an exhibition on what was then a 9-hole Silver (Indian) Ridge back in the 1980s. Lowell Beggs was the mastermind behind that.

For area fans looking for other prep sports to watch, Oregon will be hosting a 14-team boys and girls cross country regional on Saturday, Oct. 24.

With extra flights needed to separate competitors, there promises to be running from morning until afternoon at Park West.

HALLOWEEN PLANS Towns set Halloween plans amid COVID-19

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

The Polo City Council has endorsed plans for trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood said the city’s trick-or-treat hours will be from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

All those who participate are asked to wear masks. Residents who don’t wish to participate are asked to turn their porch lights off. All children participating must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

“Don’t let kids repeatedly reach into a bucket,” Rockwood said. “There should be 10 people or less in groups. These are just recommendations. We need to make sure parameters are out there for parents to hopefully endorse.”

People are asked to hand our candy in open spaces and not participate if they’re feeling ill in any way.

The city also acknowledged that the state and the Center for Disease control may announce restrictions in the future.

Other area hours for trick-ortreaters are:

Forreston: Trick-or-treat hours will be from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31. Residents are asked to only go to houses with porch lights on and to social distance. Mt. Morris: Halloween hours will be from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 31. People who participate are asked to turn their porch light on and masks should be worn on both sides of the door, the village said. Oregon: Trick-or-treating will be from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 31. The thought process behind the time frame was to cut down the hours of potential exposure and keep it during daylight hours to make social distancing easier.

HAUNTED CASTLE??

Paranormal investigation of Stronghold on Oct. 31

The Rock River Area Paranormal Society is offering its first-ever public paranormal investigation of Stronghold Castle on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m.

The night will start with a social hour at 6 p.m. with a cash bar available. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. provided by Costa’s in Byron. After a brief history of the building and tales of experiences there, the investigation will begin.

Guests should bring their own ghost-hunting equipment or some will be provided. Guests will get a hands-on experience, especially those new at paranormal investigating.

“Seasoned ghost hunters will have a great time as well,” The event’s Facebook page said.

Stronghold Castle has taken financial losses during the pandemic. With very few youth groups and retreats visiting the castle, they have lost out on “badly-needed” income.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to Stronghold Castle.

The price is $75 per person and tickets are selling quickly. Call 815-732-6111 ext. 613 to purchase yours today.

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BERTOLET LIBRARY

Wednesday WhoDunIt

There is a ‘Wednesday WhoDunIt’ book discussion group. It’s Reader’s Choice month, pick any mystery book to read this month and be ready to share your recommendation at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.

FORRESTON LIBRARY

Library Board Positions

Nominating petitions are now available for anyone interested in running for the Forreston Public Library Board. There will be three positions open and they are each 6 year terms. Call the library at 815-938-2624 or stop in for more information.

Snow Removal

We are currently accepting quotes for snow removal services of the library sidewalks and parking lot for the

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Open Trustee Positions

We have two Trustee positions expiring. If you are interested in being in the Spring elections, packets are available for pickup from Village Hall.

Halloween Grab-N-Go

We will be passing out treat bags from 3- 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Come show us your costume! We will use gloves and masks while passing out bags of treats. First come, first served and while supplies last.

POLO LIBRARY

Polo Public Library Information

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. You can place an order by calling 815-946-2713, emailing library@ pololibrary.org or through your PrairieCat/Encore account.

Masks are required for patrons to come into the library. We have disposable masks available to purchase for $1 if you don’t have a mask or if you forgot yours at home.

Public Computer Use

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

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

Family Story Time

We have time slots available for you upcoming winter. Deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Contact Julie at 815-938-2624 for more information.

Second Downtown Trick or Treat

9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 31 When making your rounds be sure to stop by the library to pick up a Take and Make craft project and a special treat. We can’t wait to see your costumes.

Services by Appointment

To-Go Craft Kits!

F Kids Craft (ages 3-9): Travel Calming Jar. Available through Oct. 31 (while supplies last). We will provide everything except warm water.

Family Storytime (In-person)

In-person family storytime started Friday, Oct. 9. This will be by appointment and for one family at a time. Fridays at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; will last approximately 45 minutes and will include books, rhymes and a craft. Must sign up use of either computer. Call 815-9462713 to reserve a computer. You can also fax, copy and print as needed.

Returned Books

We ask that you continue to return items as you are done with them through the book drop, open 24-7.

After items are returned, they will appear on your account while they are quarantined, then they will be checked back in and backdated to when they were returned.

This means that you may receive courtesy notifications 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.

Census 2020 - Make Illinois Count

Take 5 minutes to respond to the Census today! Visit my2020census.gov or to sign your family up for a private Story Time session.

These sessions will be 20-30 minutes long.

Each week will include a story and an art project. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before to reserve

Browsing by appointment is available. Please call or message the library to schedule a time to come in to browse and check out materials. Also, anyone needing to send a fax, make copies, or use a computer may call the library and schedule an appointment to come in. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask. We may be reached by phone at 815-938-2624, email at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com or through Facebook messenger. We’re looking forward at least two weeks in advance. Masks will be required for ages 3 and up and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry to the library. Call the library (815-734-4927) or email dawn.mtmorrislib@gmail.com to register.

Browsing By Appointment

We are open for browsing and computer use by appointment; call they library to schedule a time. Masks are required and you will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the library. call 1-844-330-2020. The deadline has moved to Oct. 31.

If you need help, or computer access, please come to Polo Library to use one of our public computers or let a member of staff know you’d like help filling out your 2020 Census.

Virtual Story Time, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Facebook.com/pololibrary Go 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.

Outdoor Yoga with ADM Studio

6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, weather permitting We have plenty of space in our yard for social distancing. Bring your yoga mat and come ready to enjoy some fall air. Call 815-946-2713 to register.

A Note on Donations

your time slot each week.

Let’s Stick Together

Join us in a virtual puzzle with LetsStickTogether.com.

Our current puzzle can be found at facebook.com/l.php. Fill in a little or

a lot. to seeing you.

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 to quarantine policies, delivery may take longer than usual. Please call, Facebook message, or email us to request materi-

als or if you have any questions. No unaccompanied children are allowed in the library at this time (please do not bring your children if you will be using the computer). Browsing is limited to 30 minutes and computer use to one hour.

Curbside Pickup, Interlibrary Loans, Library Cards

Curbside Service and Interlibrary Loans are available during regular business hours. Mt. Morris Patrons can place holds through the catalog, by calling or

emailing.

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.

Online Resources

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

Wi-Fi Access

Wi-Fi is available outside of the library building by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, no password needed.

Register to Vote

The deadline to register online to vote is Oct. 18. Polo Library has two public use computers available for use to register to vote. The deadline to request a mail in ballot is Oct. 29.