Mt_Morris_Times-05-23-2025 by Shaw Media

MT. MORRIS TIMES

AJ’s Garden Jamboree

Hundreds of garden tractors converge on Oregon farm / 5

Sectional champs

Jillian Hammer wins both hurdles events to help lead Oregon to its first sectional championship / 12

Earleen Hinton

Molly Herman-Baker at Oregon High School’s Class of 2025

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Commencement for Oregon High School

IT’S YOUR WRITE

Food pantry says thanks for the donations

To the Editor:

Thank you to the Mt. Morris Post Office staff for collecting food for the “Stamp Out

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Fundraiser for Chana School Museum is May 30-31

A huge sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31, inside and outside the Oregon Coliseum to benefit the historical 1883 Chana School Museum. Items may be new or very old depending on what is donated. There will be small items, clothing and large items such as sofas. This will be the largest rummage sale this summer. Everything is a bargain and

CORRECTIONS

Hunger” food drive. We appreciate all your efforts.

And thank you to the community for your generous food donations! Your donations help us provide good, nutritious food for our

neighbors in need. We could not continue in this mission without your support.

Barb Diehl, director Loaves and Fish Food Pantry

priced to go, according to a news release.

If you have items to donate, drop off days are 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 28, at the Oregon Coliseum.

“Some things we cannot take are blinds, mattresses and springs and car seats,” organizer Connie Stauffer said. “If you have questions, please call Ray Gruber at 815-979-2903. If you would like to volunteer, please call me at 815-732-2447. This is a great time for students to get community service hours.”

Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.

Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center news

Friday Flix is 6 p.m. Friday, May 23. All are welcome to join us to watch “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Popcorn will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own snacks. At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, we will host Jam Session and Lunch. Come listen to local musicians. Cost of the lunch is $8. There is a $3 discount for members.

Diamond Painting is 11 a.m. Friday, May 30. – Shaw Local News Network

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ABOVE: Gabriele Hoyle smiles as she goes back to sit with her classmates after giving one of the senior reflections at Oregon High School’s Class of 2025 commencement May 18. LEFT: Kade Girton receives his diploma in the old gym at Oregon High School after commencement May 18.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Double-murder trial delayed until January

Defense attorney says his schedule is full with other ‘complex’ murder cases

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – It will be at least another eight months before an Ogle County jury decides the fate of a Stillman Valley man charged with killing his ex-wife in 2016 and setting her Byron home on fire, which also resulted in the death of their 3-year-old son.

Duane Meyer, 43, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which his ex-wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.

The couple’s 3-year-old son Amos Meyer, who was home at the time of the fire, was later pronounced dead at a

Rockford hospital. Duane Meyer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.

On May 14, Meyer’s attorney, Christopher

DeRango of Rockford, said his schedule was filled with “complex murder trials” in each summer month.

“I have one substantial murder trial every month until November,” DeRango told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe, adding it would “not be realistic” to try to hold the Meyer trial this year.

DeRango filed a motion in January to move the trial out of Ogle County just three weeks before the jury trial was scheduled to start Feb. 3 and expected to take the entire month.

At that time, DeRango argued that because of “heavy” media coverage of Meyer’s numerous pretrial hearings

Portion of Route 2 closed temporarily after accident

A portion of state Route 2 between Oregon and Dixon was closed to traffic Tuesday because of a two-car accident at the entrance of the Castle Rock overlook in Castle Rock State Park. Oregon fire crews said the occupants in the vehicles were treated at the scene and did not need to be transported to a medical facility by Oregon EMS. The road was closed between Penn Corner Road north to Oregon with traffic detoured onto Pines and Ridge roads. It reopened after the vehicles were removed. The two-lane state highway winds through Castle Rock State Park south of Oregon.

since 2016, Meyer could not “obtain a fair trial in Ogle County, Illinois.” He also has claimed that derogatory comments on social media pages about his client were prejudicial.

Ogle County State’s Attorney Michael Rock and his assistants argued against the change of venue, saying Meyer would “absolutely receive a fair trial” in Ogle County.

Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley said pretrial publicity primarily was updates about the case as it moved through the court system.

And she argued potential jurors could be eliminated during voir dire. She said there was no evidence the pretrial publicity in the Meyer case was so pervasive and prejudiced that juror responses to voir dire questions concerning potential bias would be unreliable.

Roe ruled April 23 against moving the trial to another county after “considering all evidence, motions” and attorney arguments.

After that ruling, Roe asked Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten and DeRango to start considering

dates for a new trial.

Leisten also told Roe that the FBI expert who had analyzed cellphone data for the prosecution had retired and been replaced by a new agent. He said the FBI’s presentation of data collected in connection with the case, which includes text messages and locations of Meyers’ phone based on transmission towers, had been updated because of technological upgrades.

Leisten gave the new FBI agent’s report to DeRango last month.

At the May 14 status hearing, DeRango said he had received the report and it was “quite different” because of the technology changes.

In previous hearings, DeRango and prosecutors have said numerous cellphone records and data will be part of the evidence presented.

“I have consulted with our experts and we would like to get this on the jury call for next year,” DeRango said. “I have very complex murder trials every month this year.”

See TRIAL DELAYED, page 6

Duane Meyer

Earleen Hinton

Polo Historical Society to rent home of Dr. W.W. Burns

Recently I was at the store and when I went to pay my bill, the machine asked me if I wanted to “round off my amount.” The amount was $30.91. That was the first I had noticed that come up and I was not aware of what it wanted.

Then it dawned on me that perhaps we are getting ready to do away with the penny. I had read where that is being considered and obviously this store is on the ball with this new technology. It is getting us ready.

Maybe they were rounding it the other way but I prefer to think that they were giving me a penny.

Then on the computer on the same day I had to sign a document. I wondered how it was going to have me do that. They gave me several ways I could sign my name and I could pick one, which I did.

At 92, this is almost more than I can handle. I am used to having things

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

come in the mail and I send them back after I have signed them. All this new technology makes one a little bewildered.

This week, Linda, Charlie and I went for a little drive to see where the housing for the railroad workers had been built in 1854.

When the Illinois Central Railroad went through Polo, there were five houses built at the end of Franklin Street. Some have been torn down and a new one built in that spot. Another changed a bit. Nicky Livingston said they were well-built to last many years. I want to thank Deb Patterson for

the information on “Penning Your Past.” This was a workshop on writing down your memories.

Steve has been after me to do that, which would then be put in a book. It seems that I am constantly writing on something and never have time to get started on “Penning My Past.”

Polo Town Hall has been given to Polo Area Community Theatre. This is our theater group in Polo. They have been producing plays for 19 years.

I remember the very beginning when Polo Economic Development helped them get started. They will need help in owning the town hall so keep them in mind.

The Polo Historical Society will be looking for someone to rent the home of Dr. W.W. Burns. It would make a nice little gift shop. All sorts of ideas could be put to use at this historic home built in 1854. It is one of our early

brick buildings.

I must get back to the program on building brick homes and the making of bricks. I have been working outside and I come in tired.

As I sat outside, the hummingbirds were at the place where I had my hummingbird feeder last year. They were telling me that I needed to get it back out this year. After I put it out and filled it, they drained it. Also the jenny wrens are here and in the wren box.

It is dry and my rain barrel is empty. Usually this does not happen until later on in the summer so we need moisture.

Alexa just told me that tomorrow it will rain so my barrel will be filled and everyone can get a good drink.

• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Mutt dogs on parade in 1931 a featured event of Jubilee Week

This was the entry in the June 14, 1931, Rockford Morning Star newspaper:

Mutt Dogs Parade, Many Prizes, Get Entry In

“Long dogs and short dogs, little dogs and big dogs, yipping dogs and bow-wowing dogs, but none which boasts a pedigree will have their day next Saturday when the Mutt Dog Parade is held as one of the feature events of Jubilee Week.

“Boys and girls, men and women who own mutt dogs, meaning canines whose ancestry is largely or entirely unknown, will lead their faithful friends through business streets behind a blaring band and along the way judges will select the prize winners. Yes, indeed, there will be prizes, $25 in cash.

OGLE COUNTY HISTORY

Otto Dick

“Get out yardsticks. The giving of prizes is going to entail furnishing the judges with yardsticks or tape measure for one prize will go to the longest dog and another to the shortest dog.

“The funniest dog will win the grand prize of $10, the longest dog will be awarded a prize of $5, and the shortest dog will get $3. Then beside that, there are seven other prizes of a dollar each which the judges will distribute in the places where they seem to fit best.

“The Mutt Dog Parade will be held

at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The mutts and their owners will assemble at the Faust Hotel, where if there are no fights, the parade will start immediately on a march west to the courthouse. Each entrant will wear a number, which will be given when his entry blank is handed in at the office of the Morning Star and Register-Republic.”

The June 13, 1931, Chicago Mutt Parade had the following categories: Best All-Around Dog, Ugliest, Smallest, Largest Ears, Shortest Ears, Prettiest Eyes, Longest Legs, Shortest Legs, Longest Tail and Shortest Tail.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.

Grand Canyon trip is topic at May 31 ‘Those Were the Days’ OREGON – Chris Martin and Roger Cain will be the presenters for the “Those Were The Days” program at 10 a.m. May 31 at the Oregon Depot, 400 Collins St. Martin and Cain will talk about the trip they took with nine others to the Grand Canyon in May 2016.

Coordinated planning was necessary, they said. Lodging and meals at the bottom of the canyon are limited to 60 a day so the reservations had to be made a year in advance. On May 1, 2015, Martin faxed a request to the operators at Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon. This is where the hikers wanted to stay. Martin said on his fifth fax attempt he hit

the jackpot when the reservation request for 16 hikers was accepted. Now that he had the canyon hike dates secured, he had to make hotel reservations at the North Rim for the night before the hike and reservations at the South Rim for the night after the hike out of the canyon. In addition to Martin, the 10 hikers were Curtis (Chris’ son) and his wife, Ceci Martin

of Reno, Nevada; Ted and Carol Fox of Eugene, Oregon; brothers Roger and Mike Cain of Oregon, Illinois; Adam and Heather Walden of Byron; Linda Lenore of Rockford; and Zack Martin (Chris’ grandson) from Oregon who was the hikers’ driver.

More details about the trip will be offered at the May 31 program.

– Shaw Local News Network

Image provided by Otto Dick

This advertisement is from the June 14, 1931, Rockford Morning Star newspaper.

Jamboree fills local farm with hundreds of garden tractors

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An Ogle County farm once again was bursting with yellow, green, red and a bit

of blue as several hundred garden tractors converged May 17 for the 16th annual AJ’s Garden Jamboree at 1675 S. Columbian Road in Oregon. The event also included activities for kids.

ABOVE: The 16th annual AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree on May 17 featured a wide variety of makes and models. ABOVE RIGHT: The AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree included activities for kids. Easton James (right), 7, of Oregon runs a hand sheller as Kyler Kitson, 8, of Harvard eats ice cream. RIGHT: The AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree included tractors with special designs or modifications.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Memorial Day events planned in Oregon and Polo

Two Ogle County communities are offering Memorial Day events Monday, May 26. Oregon VFW Post 8739 has announced its schedule of events:

• 9 a.m. Place wreaths at the historic Ogle County Courthouse

• 10 a.m. Service begins at Riverside Cemetery, 200 block of North Third St. Scouts will raise the flag and place flowers on graves. The speaker will be Robert Coulter, followed by a rifle salute and taps.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event at the VFW, 1310 W. Washington St. Bounce house, games for kids, food trucks, local vendors, 50/50 raffle,

silent auction and bake sale. Lightning Bingo will be offered at 5:30 p.m.

Polo’s Memorial Day Parade will be at 9:30 a.m.

Veterans will meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Lamplight, 124 E. Mason St.

The parade will head west down Mason Street and then north on state Route 26 to Fairmount Cemetery for the ceremony.

Forreston FFA Alumni Tractor and Truck pull is June 7

LEAF RIVER – The 14th annual Forreston FFA Alumni Tractor and Truck Pull is Saturday, June 7.

“Please make plans to attend this annual

event that has become a community favorite for the whole family,” organizer Josh Bolen said.

The pull begins at noon with antique tractors, followed by farm stock tractors at 2 p.m., MTTPA trucks at 4 p.m. and MTTPA and ISP trucks and tractors at 7 p.m.

Admission is $15 for an all-day wrist band. Children 5 years old and younger are free.

“All proceeds go to the Forreston FFA Alumni, which supports the Forreston FFA Chapter by way of general funding and scholarships,” Bolen said. “The Alumni wants to say thanks to everyone who has attended the pull in the past and hopes to

see you again on June 7 in Leaf River behind the River Valley Complex.”

Bolen also thanked the event sponsors: Area Tree Service, Carroll Service Co., Country Financial Richard Montavan Jr., Forsight Bank, Leaf River Land and Cattle, Martin and Company, Myers’ Farm, Seward Ag Supply, Troy Wilken, U.S. Auctioneers Inc., Bocker Ruff Grain, Compeer Financial, Heels and Hardhats Contracting, Helm, M2 Service Company, Merit Crane Rental, Johnson Tractor, Buckshot Ridge Farms and Excavating LLC, DeKalb Implement, Forreston Mutual Insurance Company, M.A.D. Acres and Peabudy’s North. – Shaw Local News Network

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Polo students honor veterans by taking part in ‘The Grateful Nation Project’

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

POLO – Kenneth M. Ballard, 26, of Mountain View Valley, California, lost his life while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2004.

Rosalyn L. Schulte, 25, of St. Louis was the first U.S. Air Force Academy’s female graduate to be killed in action in 2009 when an explosive device hit the convoy she was riding in near Kabul, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army nurse Ellen Ainsworth, 24, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, died Feb. 16, 1944, after being wounded four days earlier when a German artillery round exploded outside the canvas-tent hospital where she refused to leave patients under her care during the battle at Anzio, Italy, during World War II.

Those were just three of the veterans stories that Polo High School juniors researched and then shared with their classmates as part of “The Grateful Nation Project,” a nationwide effort honoring those who gave their lives while serving.

Social studies teacher Jeff Bargar requested the program be added to Polo’s social sciences curriculum when he learned Durand High School was taking part in the program.

“Durand started it last year so I reached out to them,” Bargar said. “At that time, Durand was the only school in Illinois offering the program. I talked to our principal Andy Faivre about adding it here and he said yes. I think we are only the second school in Illinois to do it.”

The program, offered through The Grateful Nation Project – a charitable organization – provides students with Hero Cards that give basic information about U.S. veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.

After students randomly select a Hero Card, they are tasked with researching the circumstances surrounding the death of the veteran and any other available information involving the conflict in

• TRIAL DELAYED

Continued from page 3

Leisten said seating a jury in November or December would be difficult because of the expected length of Meyer’s trial.

“November is almost near impossible for cases like this,” Leisten said. “December is even worse.”

Leisten said he had reached out to the

selection of Hero Cards.”

Bargar’s students seemed to embrace the project, listening intently as each student made their individualized multimedia presentation.

“I think it helps bring perspective. Then they can talk to their parents and relatives about their experiences,” Bargar said.

About ‘The Grateful Nation Project’

According to its website, “The Grateful Nation Project HC Inc.” is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization for charitable, educational and literary purposes. “We use charitable donations to fund the research, development, promotion and distribution of fallen U.S. service members’ stories to schools and homes across the nation,” according to the website.

which that veteran served.

The students then present their research in class.

Some of those presentations were held May 15 in Bargar’s classroom.

Joe Rowland told his class about Ainsworth – how she grew up in Wisconsin, went to Eitel Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, graduating in 1941, and then signed up for the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1942.

Through a slide presentation he said her medical unit was sent first to Morocco, then Tunisia, then to Salerno, Italy, in September 1943.

In late January 1944, she was sent to the beachhead at Anzio, Italy, where her canvas-tent hospital was bombarded by German artillery.

“On Feb. 10, 1944, the 56th Evacuation Hospital came under attack by heavy enemy bombardment. As some nurses rushed patients into nearby bunkers, some medical personnel remained in the tents to take care of those too injured to be moved. Lt. Ellen Ainsworth chose to stay,” Rowland told the class.

According to her Hero Card, eyewitness accounts said Ainsworth calmly directed the placing of 42 patients on

many state witnesses expected to testify to let them know January 2026 was being targeted as the month for the trial.

Roe set the new trial date for Jan. 5, 2026. He remanded Meyer to the Ogle County Jail and set the next hearing for 1:30 p.m. June 27.

At that hearing, attorneys are expected to argue motions in limine, one of which will determine if graphic autopsy photos should be presented to the jury.

the ground to avoid further injury, saving their lives, but Ainsworth was mortally wounded when a German artillery round exploded just outside of her ward tent. After four days, she succumbed to her injuries on Feb. 16, 1944, at the age of 24.

On March 9, 1944 – what would have been Ainsworth’s 25th birthday – her family in Glenwood City received a telegram informing them of her death.

She was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal, the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat.

“I enjoyed learning a lot about her,” Rowland said after his presentation.

The project is just one of the learning tools Bargar uses in the week leading up to Memorial Day.

“We had people from the American Legion view some of the presentations and then talk with them about their experiences,” Bargar said. “Next year we want to continue that with the VFW and the American Legion.

“A future objective of the project will seek to partner with the Polo American Legion Post in researching local fallen service men and women and have these individuals added to the

The purpose of a motion in limine (Latin for “on the threshold”) is to determine whether certain evidence may be presented to the jury. They are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins in order for the judge to determine whether certain items or statements can be allowed as evidence and presented to jurors.

Maggie (Rosko) Meyer was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for

It’s mission: “We gather, preserve and share the TRUE stories of those who gave ‘the last full measure of devotion’ for our freedom. We create Hero Cards and online biographies for U.S. military service members – from the Revolutionary War to the present day – who lost their lives while serving our country. Through ‘The Grateful Nation Project’ we are sharing these heroes’ stories with students across the nation.”

The project delivers a Hero Card for every student with the fallen service member’s image, basic information and a brief part of their story. The numbered card leads to a permanent online tribute with a more detailed narrative description for each hero.

“The lessons of history can sometimes be reduced to dates and events. But the sacrifices made to purchase our freedoms are made by real people with real families … who have real stories,” according to the website. “ ‘The Grateful Nation Project’ delivers a Hero Card and online story for $1 per student. We’ve kept the cost very low to make it easy on curriculum budgets or sponsors. The project’s costs cover the production of the Hero Cards.”

divorce in 2014, and court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

Prosecutors have argued their evidence will show Duane Meyer planned to end Maggie’s life.

The defense has argued that text messages sent by Meyer before the deaths were only part of a “contentious” divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious.

Prosecutors disagree.

Earleen Hinton

Polo High School junior Joe Rowland gives his presentation to his class May 15 about Ellen Ainsworth, a U.S. Army nurse who died after refusing to leave her patients in Italy in 1944.

Roberts Armory open to public on Memorial Day

World War II museum is south of Rochelle

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

ROCHELLE – Charles Roberts started preserving World War II equipment and memorabilia in 1987 when he acquired a 1943 White half-track.

Since then his collection has grown in size and scope.

The collection is open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorial Day, May 26. Admission is free. Many World War II artifacts will be on display including tanks, trucks, cannons and Rochelle News-Leader newspapers from 1945 presenting photographs of Rochelle residents who served during World War II.

Roberts Armory is a museum designed to help future generations learn about the armored vehicles, artillery and other artifacts used by the U.S. in World War II. The museum is south of Rochelle at 2090 Brush Grove Road.

Most of Roberts’ collection is housed

from 1968-70. He didn’t know that first purchase would turn into a lifelong passion.

“I didn’t buy it as an investment,” Roberts said. “I have an interest in history.”

That interest compelled Roberts to buy other vehicles and restore them to working order. Some of the vehicles were in bad shape. Now, everything he has at the museum works.

They work so well that the Armory’s vehicles often are used in World War II reenactments and parades held across the region.

Many Armory vehicles take part in Midway Village’s massive two-day reenactment in Rockford.

in a large machine shed with 25-plus vehicles and other era-appropriate displays.

Outside, the Higgins boat will be open for viewing, weather permitting.

Roberts’ first purchase, a half-track, is a vehicle that uses tracks and wheels. Roberts said the design originally was conceived by the Russians around 1914, but developed by the Citroen Co. in France.

The U.S. Army purchased a license to develop half-tracks and retrofit existing vehicles. Roberts’ half-track was built by the White Motor Co. while others were built by the Diamond-T Motor Co., Autocar Co. and International Harvester.

“As a child, I was interested in military vehicles,” said Roberts, who operates the museum with his wife, Lydia.

Charles Roberts served in the Army

Roberts hopes his extensive collection sheds light on the tools used by World War II veterans.

“They made so many sacrifices,” he said.

More information about the museum is at enjoyrochelle.com/online-directory/what-to-do/history-attractions/robert-s-armory.html.

Aug. 16 will be the next date that the museum is open.

Earleen Hinton

Charles and Lydia Roberts stand among their many World War II vehicles at Roberts Armory, a WWII museum near Rochelle.

Buffalo Township to donate old Town Hall to theater group

Decision comes after presentation by PACT

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

POLO – The old Town Hall has a new owner – thanks to action by the Buffalo Township board May 14.

Trustees voted 4-1 to donate the building to the Polo Area Community Theatre after a presentation by Hart DuBois, a PACT board member who outlined how the not-for-profit group plans to raise enough money to keep the building viable as a performance venue.

“We feel confident this will work,” DuBois told the township board. “We ask that you kindly consider donating the building to us.”

Township trustees agreed April 8 to table a decision on what to do with the former township building at 117 N. Franklin Ave. so PACT members could determine whether they could afford to assume ownership of the building if the township donated it to them.

Buffalo Township’s operations moved in November 2024 to a new building after the city of Polo and township officials built a joint municipal building. Both contributed to the cost of the $1.93

million building at 118 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, about two blocks north of the old city hall.

On April 8, Buffalo Township officials invited public input on what to do with the old “Town Hall” building –across the street from the new building – during their annual meeting.

Moderator Tom Suits told the 22 people in attendance that the township could sell, lease or donate the 10,000-square-foot building that was built in 1898.

Suits said the township did not want to own the building any longer and it could only be gifted to a nonprofit organization. The only other option was to have the building demolished.

Township Supervisor Phil Fossler provided a sheet to attendees that outlined the costs of the building from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Those costs totaled $17,083 and were listed as garbage, $261; ComEd, $2,349; Nicor, $4,899; insurance, $3,900; pest control, $322; snow removal, $254; repairs, $908; and custodian, $5,000.

PACT paid the township $400 to rent the building for each performance.

PACT members said the community theater was one of the reasons they moved to Polo. It provides a family-friendly venue that has become a safe place for children and teenagers. They

OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS

May 11-17

Warranty deeds

Huber Property Management LLC to Peter Kirby and Katryna Kirby, 114 W. 2nd St., Byron, $170,000.

Kathy Jeanne Toms, Martin Lowell Toms and Kathy J Toms to Shawn M Carroll and Kerrie R Carroll, 6161 S. Oakwood Lane, Polo, $261,000.

First State Bank Shnpl to Polo Family Funeral Home Inc, 610 S. Division Ave., Polo, $175,000.

Johnny M Boward to Brenda Morris, 106 E. Elkhorn St., Polo, $75,000.

Steven L Noonkesser and Jean L Noonkesser to Andrew R Robertson and Tressa J Robertson, 111 E. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris, $118,000.

Contry Homes Group LLC to Charles Miehle Sr and Dawn Wojtas, 204 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $284,335.

Jennifer Ferris to Bret Holmes and Ashley Holmes, 15894 E. IL Rte 72, Davis Junction, $207,000.

Paul Meyer Jr, deceased by heirs, to Tina

said not owning the building themselves has limited their ability to raise funds for improvements.

At the May 14 meeting, DuBois said PACT’s net income for 2023/2024 was $6,111 and its current cash assets were $5,458. He said PACT had received pledges of more donations if the group became the building’s owner.

“We have a solid number of $10,650 with membership donations,” DuBois said. “We should have more than enough to cover the daily expenses. We’re also working on some grants. And we have others who say they want to donate but just can’t commit at this time.”

He said PACT would not have to pay $2,000 in rent to the township if the building was given to them. He said he was still seeking liability insurance quotes but estimated that cost would be between $1,000 to $1,200.

“We definitely have enough to take care of the monthly costs,” DuBois said.

“That’s good enough for one year, but what about next year?” Fossler asked.

“Polo is a small town, but we’re trying to do something good,” DuBois said.

“I’d like to give them a chance to get this to work out,” Trustee Rich Faivre said.

Road Commissioner Hunter Gray agreed.

“They deserve a chance in my opinion,” Gray said. “They’ve done their homework.”

Faivre said that perhaps more people would donate labor and materials for upgrades to the building if PACT owned it.

“It’s hard to ask for that when you don’t own it,” DuBois said.

Township trustees voted 4-1 to donate the building with Fossler casting the lone no vote.

“We don’t want it back,” Fossler said. “And we don’t want another Congress School.”

Fossler was referring to the former Congress School, which was sold several years ago to private buyers but eventually was purchased by the city of Polo and torn down because of its failing condition.

“We don’t want to have to give it [Town Hall] back and we don’t know of anyone else who wants it. PACT has been around for 19 years and we’ve never been in the red. We’ve always been in the black,” DuBois said, referring to PACT’s finances.

Mark Scholl, recently elected Polo’s mayor, said he wishes PACT success.

“They are a good contribution to Polo and the arts are important to our community, helps our identity,” Scholl said.

Withrow, 8788 N. Main St., Leaf River, $72,500.

Bonnie M Sweeney to Victor Volanti and Amber Lemmons, 185 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $250,000.

Tyler Bellows, Chasity Bellows and Chasity Spencer to Kathryn Johnson and Austin Johnson, 607 S. 6th St., Oregon, $275,000.

Megan Little to John Northrop, 909 N. Arrowhead Lane, Oregon, $102,300.

Nicolas Donald Newman and Marissa Allison Coutts to Mackenzie B Callison, 505 S. 6th St., Oregon, $182,000.

Timmie D Stewart, trustee, and Timmie D Stewart Tr to Katelyn Grobe, 409 E. Buffalo St., Polo, $95,000.

Quit claim deeds

Neil E Antoine, deceased by heirs, to Barry M Antoine, 504 E. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $0.

Steven E Grossnickle and Linda L Grossnickle to Linda L Grossnickle, 7145 S. Riverside Drive, Dixon, $0.

Matthew E Hand, Christy A Hand, Annmarie Metcalf and Annmarie Hand to Matthew E

Hand, Christy A Hand, Annmarie Metcalf, and Benjamin Metcalf, 6346 E. Hales Corner Road, Stillman Valley, $0.

Joshua M Perrine to Glenda Sundberg, 600 N. Main St., Chana, $0.

Farmland Reserve Inc to Roseland Cemetery Association, one parcel in Monroe Township: 12-24-100-005, $0.

Linda L Utter and Charles Norman Utter, deceased, to Linda L Utter, trustee, and Linda L Utter Tr, no parcel information available, $0.

Trustees deeds

Marcia Strem, trustee, Elizabeth K Strem Tr and Elizabeth K Strem Rev Declaration Tr to Randal B Strem and Marcia Strem, two parcels: 13-02-100-001 and 13-03-100003, $0.

Gerald L Bowers, trustee, Jill A Bowers, trustee, and Bowers Family Tr223 to Jill A Bowers, 1183 S. Bradley Lane, Oregon, $0.

Brian Joshua Downing, trustee, Shannon M Downing, trustee, and Moser Land Tr to Brian Joshua Downing and Shannon M

Downing, 5890 S IL Rte 2, Oregon $0.

Scott E Lewis, trustee, Dustin E Lewis, trustee, and Lewis F&w Family Tr to Ronald J Lewis and Candy Beck, parcel No. 0-22-200004, $240,000.

John Kirk Sr, trustee, Susan J Kirk, trustee, and Terra Tr11 to Susan J Kirk, trustee, and Susan J Kirk Lv Tr, four parcels in Brookville township: 06-11-100-003, 06-11-100-004, 06-12-100-006 and 06-35-200-005; and one parcel in Lincoln Township: 07-30-300004, $0.

John Kirk Sr, trustee, Susan J Kirk, trustee, and Terra Tr11 to John P Kirk Sr, trustee, and John P Kirk Sr Lv Tr, four parcels in Brookville Township: 06-11-100-003, 06-11-100-004, 06-12-100-006 and 06-35-200-005; and one parcel in Lincoln Township: 07-30-300004, $0.

Deeds in Trust

Linda L Grossnickle to Andria L Young, trustee, and Llc Tr, 7145 S. Riverside Drive, Dixon, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Therapeutic horse clinic needs volunteers to expand number of group sessions

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Eight Dixon students with disabilities attended a clinic May 6 at an Oregon nonprofit to learn about horse care and safety.

The nonprofit Pegasus Special Riders Inc. at 6668 Carthage Road in Oregon is asking for volunteers to help it expand the number of clinics it can offer.

Pegasus Special Riders is a 28-year-old therapeutic riding center serving children and adults with disabilities in Ogle and surrounding counties. At the May 6 clinic, students helped groom the horses, walked them around the arena and learned how to introduce themselves to the animals, among other things.

“It’s not just the horse riding,” Pegasus board president Stacy Seaworth said in an interview with Shaw Local. “Learning about the horse and interacting with the animal is therapeutic.”

The students who attended the clinic are enrolled in the Lee County Special Education Association Transition program, which serves disabled young

adults, ages 18 to 22, to help them adjust from student life to adult life, Dixon program teacher Kevin Hendley said.

Hendley said many of his students are interested in animals and he

thought the clinic would be something they would enjoy.

For the clinic, Seaworth brought in volunteers and “built the program to fit our classes’ interests and abilities,” Hen-

dley said. “This just seems like a great organization.”

“We always want to tailor [the clinic] based on a group’s interests and what they want to learn about,” lead clinic instructor Nancy Etnyre said.

Pegasus offers weekly lessons that include riding and learning about the care of horses. The lessons focus on building a relationship between the rider and the horse.

“The purpose of our programs is to improve lives in ways that can only be accomplished with the help of a horse,” Seaworth said. “For riders that aren’t vocal, we see communication. For riders that are immobile, we see movement. For the emotionally reserved, we see bonds created.”

In order to do more clinics, the center needs volunteers – something Etnyre said they are “in desperate need” of.

Volunteers can do all sorts of things, from feeding the horses to conducting lessons or facility maintenance, she said, adding they’ll teach anybody who wants to learn. For information, visit pegasusspecialriders.org.

Alex T. Paschal

Riley leads a horse around the ring May 6 during an outing at Pegasus Special Riders in Oregon.

Summer reading is essential to strengthening, maintaining skills

The importance of reading during the summer months has been studied extensively and results indicate that students who do not read in the summer lose skills, often falling below reading levels they achieved during the school year.

It can be compared with an athlete who for some reason sits out a season and/or skips the offseason training. It takes time to get back to the same performance levels they had previously.

For this month we’ll look at several ways we can encourage our children and grandchildren to include some reading in summer schedules.

One consideration is that spending 15 to 30 minutes five days a week would be enough to prevent summer reading loss. The reading does not have to be completed all at one time.

For example, we might help build routines that fit in two 10- or 15-minute times for reading several days each week. You also can read to them as part of that time – no mat -

OBITUARY

JACQUELYN PETITT

Born: March 14, 1931

Died: December 12, 2024

Jacquelyn Petitt passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024. Jackie was born March 14, 1931 In Melrose Park, IL, to Vernon V. and Marguerite (Jorgensen) Smith. She graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, IL, and attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She married Dick Petitt on May 15, 1956 in Maywood, IL.

In late May of 1956, Jackie accompanied Dick, seeing the USA courtesy of the USAF. She, with her husband, owned and operated Mt. Morris Farm Supply Feed Mill And Elevators.

READING MATTERS

Mary Gardner

ter what age!

A second idea to consider is a broader definition of the kinds of texts to read. Include all kinds of books, magazines, recipes, instructions or directions or web-based reading on internet sites.

Books, of course, can be electronic versions that may offer more appeal. A good goal is to try to read a wide variety of genres of literature.

Any reading done for everyday events can count. Think about the reading you do in a program you receive at a baseball game or a play.

Reading directions to put something together or rules for a game offer another kind of reading. Cooking involves reading and understanding recipes with a very real purpose

of making sure the results are edible.

Researching and reading information about a place you plan to visit also gives a real purpose for reading. Looking for local attractions, the hours they are open and any fees can be valuable information to have before you reach your destination.

You might keep a log of all the different kinds of reading your family does over the summer.

Of course, we need to be sure that reading materials are available for our children and grandchildren. Our local public libraries have excellent summer reading programs for all ages. Both the Oregon and Mt. Morris libraries have engaging activities throughout June and July and an end-of-program special event.

Children need to sign up and set a goal for the number of books they plan to read. You need to have a library card to participate in the summer reading program, but the special activities are open to all children.

Be sure to stop in your local library for more information and details about obtaining a library card if you do not already have one. Staff members are happy to help you find books for all ages and interests.

Time spent reading plus reading all kinds and genres of texts (including digital and electronic versions) plus making sure reading materials are available equals a recipe for summer reading that will prevent a summer reading slide.

Time spent together is valuable and talking and listening is always important. Don’t forget to enjoy conversations about whatever you read together.

Enjoy time this summer reading to and with your children and grandchildren!

• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.

Jackie and Dick liked entertaining, and held a large Kentucky Derby party yearly. They also enjoyed golfing and fishing at Lost Lake. Jackie belonged to P.E.O., and was a volunteer at KSB for many years.

She is survived by a son, Rick Petitt of Franklin Grove, IL; a daughter, Kim (Bob) Macklin of Mt. Morris, IL; daughter-in-law, Cindy Petitt of Trophy Club, TX; grandchildren, Jordan Petitt and Cara Petitt of North Carolina, and Molly (Eric) Towle of Oregon, IL; and great-grandson, Ezra Towle.

She was predeceased by her spouse; parents; brother, V. Richard Smith; and son, Bradley V. Petitt.

Memorials to Mt. Morris Fire Foundation and Serenity Home and Hospice, Oregon, IL.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL, with Pastor Bob Clardie officiating.

How to submit: Send obituary information to saukobits@ shawlocal.com. Obituaries are accepted until 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition. Obituaries also appear online at shawlocal.com.

Softball

West Carroll 12, Polo 4: The Thunder won the Class 1A postseason opener as Aubreigh Bentley led West Carroll with four RBIs. Megan Hubard pitched a complete game and did not allow an earned run for the Thunder. Cheyenna Wilkins led Polo with two hits and was saddled with seven unearned runs in the team’s season finale.

Morrison 5, Oregon 0: Bella Duncan went 4 for 4 with three runs scored and a solo home run in the win at Oregon. She also pitched a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts and no walks. Oregon’s Isabella Berg struck out 11 in 5 2/3 innings.

Oregon 16, Pecatonica 1 (3 inn.): Ella Dannhorn was 3 for 3 with three RBIs in the home win. Kaelin Shaffer and Madison Shaffer each had two RBIs.

Baseball

West Carroll 9, Polo 4: The Thunder won the Class 1A postseason opener as Chanse Schnitzler and Silas Lamm had two RBIs apiece. Schnitzler also pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts. Aiden Messer led Polo with two RBIs and Jeffrey Donaldson hit a solo home run.

Forreston 2, Rochelle 0: The Cardinals wrapped up the regular season by pitching a three-hitter with four pitchers. Carson Akins and Brady Gill had RBIs.

Mini-food center in Dixon built by Oregon High School students

By ALEX T. PASCHAL apaschal@shawmedia.com

DIXON – In a continuing effort to address needs of the area, the Ogle County Health Department sponsored the construction of another mini-food center Friday, May 16, at the Dixon Public Library.

Secured through the ACTion grant the department received in 2023, the centers are meant to “bring awareness to food insecurity in rural areas,” said Joyce Lewis, grant coordinator for the Ogle County Health Department.

Students in Oregon High School’s Ag Construction class spent the day building the center on-site at the Dixon library. Instructor Seth McMillan oversaw the project.

This center is unique as five others have been built in class and transported to various spots in Lee, Ogle, Carroll and Whiteside counties. Another center is being installed this week at the Creston Fire Department.

A mini-food center is an enclosed shed that houses dry goods and a refrigerator/freezer. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide food options for those in need. Ogle County will stock the center for 12 weeks before the United Way of Lee County takes over.

The Sauk Valley Food Bank also plays a vital role in supplying fresh produce to the centers.

A special thanks goes out to Lena’s Social Club for providing lunch for the students who worked on the project, organizers said.

LEFT: Oregon High School Ag Construction class members Cameron Folk (left) and Kaimana Barcai work on a mini-food center May 16 at the Dixon Public Library. The center is one of several built in the Sauk Valley through a grant secured by the Ogle County Health Department.

Alex T. Paschal

River Ridge-Scales Mound 10, Oregon 7: Kade Girton and Gavin Morrow each had two hits but the Hawks fell short at home

after giving up four unearned runs. Marquette 10, Forreston 4: Marquette took control with eight runs in the

fourth inning as the Cardinals fell short on the road. Mickey Probst led Forreston with two RBIs.

Stillman Valley 5, Oregon 4: The Hawks fell short on the road after the Cardinals scored five times in the fifth inning. Ella Dannhorn hit a home run and had two RBIs for Oregon.

Boys track and field

Forreston-Polo wins NUIC meet: Forreston-Polo won the title with 138 points at Forreston.

Lena-Winslow (119) was runner-up. Morrison (77) was fourth, followed by Milledgeville-Eastland (63) and Amboy (42). Fulton (32) was eighth and West Carroll (16) was 10th.

Area event winners included Amboy’s Joel Billhorn (400), Forreston-Polo’s Eli Ferris (110 hurdles, high jump), Billy Lowry (triple jump) and Jonathan Milnes (long jump) and Eastland’s Parker Krogman (300 hurdles).

Girls soccer

Hawks fall: Oregon ended its season at the Class 1A Mendota Regional with a 3-1 loss to Princeton. Sarah Eckardt scored the lone goal for the Hawks.

Editor’s note: Because of print deadlines, softball and baseball regional results and girls state track results will appear in the May 30 edition. Visit oglecountnews.com for updates.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Earleen Hinton

Oregon second baseman Lola Schwarz dives for a pop up against Morrison on May 17.

Oregon wins first-ever sectional title

By ANDY COLBERT

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

LENA – Oregon girls track and field coach Nick Schneiderman, normally reserved and stoic, said he was a nervous wreck before the Class 1A LenaWinslow Sectional on May 15.

Considering he was in the unique situation of hoping his Hawks could claim their first-ever sectional title and also being the father of a top-flight athlete from another school, the change to his emotional state certainly was validated with so much at stake at Lena-Winslow.

It was a happy ending all around. His daughter Bree qualified for state in three events, breaking two Forreston school records in the process, and Oregon finally won that coveted sectional championship. The Hawks scored 118.5 points to 116.5 for Winnebago.

“Things calmed down after Breelyn made it in the 100,” Schneiderman said. “We also got off to a good start in the field events and things started feeling better for me.”

To beat perennial power Winnebago, Oregon needed the field events to set the stage for the running portion of the meet and that even happened the day before the meet started.

With Lena-Winslow not having pole vault, that event was held in Winnebago on May 14 and Oregon’s Sonya Plescia made it back to state after being a finalist two years ago as a sophomore. Her 9-foot1/2-inch clearance was second to Rockford

Christian’s Natalie Forward (10-1/2). Oregon’s Cheyanne Edlund was fourth (7-7).

Oregon’s Alease McLain edged two Winnebago throwers in discus for first with a 113-4. In the shot put, Noelle Girton finished third, good for six team points.

In the high jump, Grace Tremble and Skylar Bishop each went 5 feet to qualify for state and place second and third. Although they missed qualifying for state, Lorelai Dannhorn (third in the 800) and Gabriele Hoyle went 3-4 in the triple jump for more valuable points.

“Depth and being able to move girls around is critical in winning a meet like this,” Schneiderman said.

On the track, a good example of saving points was freshman Madeline Rog-

ers finishing fifth instead of sixth in the 800 and 1,600 meters by the narrowest of margins in each race.

“It’s the little things that saved the meet for us,” Schneiderman said. “Then you have someone like Jillian winning two events. She had a great night.”

As expected, Oregon hurdler Jillian Hammer swept both her specialties, including a personal best 46.65 in the 300 hurdles. She is ranked in the top 10 in both the 100 and 300 hurdles in 1A.

See OREGON, page 13

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Jillian Hammer (center) and her coach Dane Bell react as her official time of 15.5 seconds is announced after Hammer won the 100 hurdles at the Class 1A Lena-Winslow Sectional on May 15.

ABOVE: Forreston’s Bree Schneiderman smiles to her fans after finishing second in the 100 meters at the Class 1A LenaWinslow Sectional on May 15. ABOVE

RIGHT: Oregon track and field coach Nick Schneiderman gives Grace Tremble a high-five after she ran the anchor leg of the 4x400 relay at the Class 1A Lena-Winslow Sectional. The Hawks were crowned sectional champions for the first time.

RIGHT: Oregon’s Skylar Bishop gets ready to hand the baton to Taylor Weems in the 4x100 relay at the sectional. The Hawks finished third in the event and qualified for this week’s state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

• OREGON

Continued from page 12

Schneiderman’s allegiance to his family versus his team was tested in the 400 meters with a dramatic result. As expected, the best sprinter in 1A, Emma Randecker of West Carroll, won the event in 57.26 seconds. Second place came down to Tremble of Oregon and Schneiderman of Forreston-Polo, with Tremble winning 1:00.13 to 1:00.14 in the closest finish of the meet.

That razor thin .001 margin also was the difference in Oregon winning the title outright because the difference between second and third place was two team points.

“Grace hates to run the open 400 but still beat my daughter,” Schneiderman said, chuckling.

Also finishing behind Randecker in the 100 and 200, Bree Schneiderman’s times of 12.03 and 25.10 were personal bests. The 12.03 broke Amy Steinhousen’s 1994 school record and Schneiderman broke her own record in the 200.

“I was blessed that things came about the way they did for Oregon and Bree,” Nick Schneiderman said.

Oregon’s fate wasn’t decided until the final event of the night, the 1,600

relay. Host Lena-Winslow helped the cause by beating second-place Winnebago. Oregon’s team of Hammer, Dannhorn, Bishop and Tremble took third in 4:16, good enough to qualify for state.

“We did just enough in the 1,600 to hang on,” Schneiderman said. “We are going to have to run better in all our relays to have a shot downstate.”

The 400 relay of Hoyle, Bishop, Miranda Ciesel and Taylor Weems clocked a state qualifying 51.30, good for third place. The fourth-place 800 relay also qualified for state in 1:49 with Hoyle, Ciesel, Hammer and Tremble sharing the baton.

In all, Oregon qualified seven individuals and three relays.

Bree Schneiderman (100, 200, 400) was Forreston-Polo’s lone qualifier. She also placed third in the long jump.

Forreston-Polo finished fifth in the team standings with 61 points.

Senior throwers Bella Bergstrom, Katelyn Rockwood and Alayna Young medaled for Forreston-Polo, which got sixth-place finishes from Lucy Bawinkel in the 400 and Laynie Mandrell in the 100 hurdles. Bawinkel, Mandrell, Kyla Lamm and Drue Behrends were fourth in the 3,200 relay with a time of 11:36.

Oregon’s Alease McLain wins the discus event at the Class 1A Lena-Winslow Sectional on May 15. McLain advances to compete at the state meet this week at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Byron, Stillman Valley fare well against larger schools

By ANDY COLBERT

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

STERLING – In a competitive Class 2A girls track and field sectional May 14, Byron and Stillman Valley performed admirably by scoring 37 points each and qualifying several individuals and relays for this week’s state meet.

Host Sterling won the meet with 93 points. The Tigers and Cardinals tied for eighth with 37 points.

Byron’s 1,600-meter relay of Neve Schilling, Ashley Potter, Macyn Burris and Skylar Palmgren took first place with a time of 4:06, which was seven seconds faster than state qualifying. Finishing right behind in second place were Stillman Valley’s Saundra Brodersen, Taylor Davidson, Alexandria Hoff and Makinzie Lamb with a 4:12 clocking.

For two of the smallest schools at the meet, it was a closing statement in the final event. Both schools also had another relay team advance to state.

The same Stillman Valley foursome that ran the 1,600 relay also hit the state

at the Class 2A Sterling Sectional. Morton finished second and qualified for this week’s state finals at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

qualifying mark (50.59) in the 400 relay with a time of 50.24, which was good for third place.

“That was a big PR for us in the 400 relay,” Stillman Valley coach Matt

McMullen said. “The girls bought in this season and things clicked for us at conference.”

In the 800 relay, Byron took third with Malia Morton joining Schilling,

Potter and Palmgren to finish in 1:47.24, safely under the 1:48.87 state qualifying mark.

Morton qualified in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.64, which was second to the 15.50 by Elli Sines of LaSalle-Peru. Schilling earned a state berth in the high jump at 5-foot-1.

Hoff, a sophomore, almost won the 400 for Stillman Valley with a 1:00.82, which was right behind the 1:00.76 by Sandwich’s Delanie Card.

Lamb, also a Cardinals sophomore, was third in the 300 hurdles and a half second better than the state qualifying mark of 48.74.

Brodersen advanced to state in high jump (5-1).

“We have tight team dynamics,” Stillman Valley coach Krissy Porter said. “This is the most we’ve sent down in the 10 years I’ve been coaching. Having Matt come aboard has been huge.”

Rochelle, which finished in 10th place, had one qualifier, shot put champion and school record holder Erin Murphy (38-10).

Alex T. Paschal

Byron’s Malia Morton (right) chases LaSalle-Peru’s Elli Sines in the 100 hurdles May 14

CLASSIFIED

GENERA L LABORER

Shank's Veterinary Equipment, Inc. Milledgeville

Unskilled laborer to perform a variety of manual labor duties necessary as required in a manufacturing production facility.

Skills Req uired and/or Duties: Attend work on the schedule established by the employer without excessive absenteeism; Follow all safe work practices; Be proficient at reading tape measur e; Clean production area; Sweep and remove debris; Clean up galvanized parts using hand held die grinder s and other hand tools; Grind or clean welded joint; Manually tap drilled holes or re-tap holes of galvanized weldments; Manually assist in cutting and grinding of foam covered padded boards; Manually move and carry raw materials thr oughout facility; Assist in crating and /or packaging of finished goods in preparation for shipment using packing materials and/or power hand tools; Wash equipment and/or vehicles; Proficient at following directions and instr uction; Assist in minor assembly of finished parts; Good communication skills; Clean up work area daily; Ability to lift 60 lbs; Proficient in time management; Ability to multi task; Ability to work well under pressure; Ability to wor k independently; Willingness to learn new skills.

Hours: Full Time; minimum pay rate $17-$19/hr based on exper ience. Shifts: Monday thru Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 7am-12noon Overtime hours may be mandatory

Benefits: Paid holidays; Paid vacation; Paid sick/per so nal time; Health insurance benefits; Dental/Visio n benefits; AFLAC offered; Simple IRA 3% match

Opportunities for advancement include Production Welder and Painter Email cover letter & resume to: todd@shanksvet.com

Shaw Media seeks a full-time Pu blic Notice Representative to join our public notice team in Dixon.

The public notice department is responsible for typing and formatting public notices for a group of hyperlocal daily and weekly newspapers that cover towns across northern Illinois.

Key Resp onsibilities:

Client communication and support

Ad placement and coordination (digital and print)

Compliance and accuracy

Sales and outreach

Database and record management

Requirements:

Previo us experience in customer service

Excellent communication and custo mer ser vice skills

Solid knowledge of grammar with above-average attention to detail

Ability to manage deadlines

Public notice experience is a plus

Job Detai ls

$15.50 per hour, plus commission

Full-time Monday through Friday 7.50-hour shift

Enjo y the Re wards of W orking Among the Best:

In return for yo ur contr ibutio ns to our success, Shaw Media offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.

Interested candidates, please sub mit a cover letter, along with a resume: Online at: www.shawmedia.com/careers

Or mail to:

Shaw Media - Human Resources

Attn: Public Notice Representative P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039

Pre-employment drug screen and background check required. Shaw Media s an equal opportunity employer & a drug-free workplace.

SUMM ER RADIO I NTERNSHIPS

Di xon and Peru

Are you passionate about radio, broadcasting, and media?

Do you want to get hands-on experience in a dynamic radio environment?

Shaw Local Radio is offering an exciting summer internship opportunity for college students looking to gain real-world experience in the radio industry. This internship is unpaid but offers college credit based on your institution's guidelines.

As a Radio Intern at Shaw Local Radio, you'll ha ve the opportunity to assist with a wide range of tasks and gain exposure to both on-air and behind-the-scenes operations Interns will have the chance to:

Assist with the preparation and production of radio shows, including scripting, research, and content development.

Help manage social media accounts and create content for audience engagement

Participate in live events, interviews, and special broadcasts.

Learn about programming, promotions, sales, and marketing within the radio industry.

Shadow experienced professionals and gain insights into the daily operations of a local radio station

Qualificatio ns:

Currently enrolled in a college or university and eligible for college credit for internships.

Strong interest in radio, media, communications, and/or broadcasting

Excellent written and verbal communicatio n skills

Basic knowledge of social media platforms and content creation.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Strong organizatio nal skills and attention to detail.

A positive, can-do attitude and eagerness to lear n!

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Hands-on exper ience in a fast- paced radio environment

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Opportunity to build your portfolio and gain practical kno wledge of the industry.

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Please send your resume, a brief cover letter outlining why you're interested in this internship, and any relevant samples of your work (if applicable). Apply online at: www.shawmedia.com/careers

We're excited to help you kickstart your car eer in radio and media! Join Shaw Local Radio this summer and get a behind-the-scenes look at the broadcasting world

Shaw Media is an equal opportunity and drug free employer

We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGO N, ILLINOIS ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, PLAINTIFF

vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF ALMA P CAMPOS; CHRISTOPHER CAMPOS; WILLIAM BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ALMA P. CAMPOS, DECEASED; U NKNOWN OWN ERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS

NO. 2024FC43 Ju dg e John C. Redington

Address: 201 W. McConaug hy Avenue Rochelle, I L 61068

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered i n the above cause on March 7, 2025, I, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will on June 13, 2025 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: COMMON ADDRESS: 201 W McConaughy Ave nue, Rochelle, IL 61068 P.I.N.: 24-24-201-003

The real estate is improved wi th a single family residence THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $107,805.64

Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmat ion by the court.

Upon payme nt in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the pur chaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmat ion of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Pla intiff makes no representations as to the condit ion of the property. Prospective bidd ers are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associat es, LLC, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650, Chicago, IL 60602, telephone 312541-9710. Please refer to file number IL 24 1065 She riff of Ogle County, Illinois Johnson, Blumberg & Associat es, LLC 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Email: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph. 312-541-9710 / Fax 312-541-9711

JB&A # IL 24 1065#JB&A # IL 24 1065

I3265560 Forreston Journal May 9, 16, 23, 2025

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the E state of JOHN A. WITMER, SR., Deceased 2025 PR 25 CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JOHN A WITMER, SR. Letters of Office were issued on April 7, 2025 to JOHN A. WITMER, JR, As independent Executor

Circuit Court, Ogle County, Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te's legal representative or both. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: John A. Witmer , Jr. Independent Executor Law Office Of Howa rd E. Gilbert & Assoc. Ltd. 1627 Lake Cook Rd., Suite 643 Deerfield, Il 60015 847-922-0869 justiceb@aol.com

May 16, 23, 30, 2025

NOTICE

C & Sons 1 LLC T Series is DBA Lake Ladonna Family Campground Lake Ladonna neglected to get nitrate sample before the cut off last year Everything going forward will be upto-date for this year. Lake LaDonna 815.732.6804

May 23, 2025

PUBLI C HEARING on said BUDGET and APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE will be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of June, 2025, in said District and that the final action on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Trustees of said Polo Fire Protection District and the Polo Fire Protection Ambulance Service District at a meeting thereof to be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of Ju ne, 2025 at the Polo Fire Sation in the City of Polo in said District.

Protection Ambulance Service District at a meeting thereof to be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of Ju ne, 2025 at the Polo Fire Sation in the City of Polo in said District.

By order of the Board of Trustees of said District, dated the 19th day of May 2025.

Polo Fire Protection District

By: Kenneth Yingling, Se cretary of the Board May 20, 2025

By order of the Board of Trustees of said District, dated the 19th day of May 2025. Polo Fire Protection District

By: Kenneth Yingling, Se cretary of the Board May 20, 2025

May 23, 30, 2025

POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING

HEARING

Claims against the Estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or del ivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Court, Ogle County, Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te's legal representative or both. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

May 23, 30, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGO N, ILLINOIS ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, PLAINTIFF vs.

By order of the Board of Trustees of said District, dated the 19th day of May 2025. Polo Fire Protection District

By: Kenneth Yingling, Se cretary of the Board May 20, 2025

May 23, 30, 2025

Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:30p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by David Webster for a request a variance to devi ate from the side yard setback, which would allow 50% of the 10 Foot side yard setback requirement at 505 N. Division Ave. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-09-379-013, otherwise known as 505 N. Division Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGO N, ILLINOIS

The Secret ary of Veterans Affairs, an officer of the United States PLAI NTIFF

By: John A. Witmer , Jr. Independent Executor Law Office Of Howa rd E. Gilbert & Assoc. Ltd. 1627 Lake Cook Rd., Suite 643 Deerfield, Il 60015 847-922-0869 justiceb@aol.com

David Webster for a request a variance to devi ate from the side yard setback, which would allow 50% of the 10 Foot side yard setback requirement at 505 N. Division Ave This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-09-379-013, otherwise known as 505 N. Division Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sy dney Bartel t, City Clerk

May 23, 30, 2025

Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS

Vs. Jason M. Hicks; Laura A Hicks; Tabor Law Offices, P.C.; Survey-Tech, a Division of C.E.S., Inc.; John Deer e Financial, F.S.B.; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants DEFENDANTS

No. 2025FC17 NOTICE B Y PUBLICATION

May 16, 23, 30, 2025

May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026 will be on file and available for PUBLIC INSPECTION at the Polo Fire Station located at 206 South Franklin Avenue, in the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, in said District from and after the date of publication hereof NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLI C HEARING on said BUDGET and APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE will be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of June, 2025, in said District and that the final action on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Trustees of said Polo Fire Protection District and the Polo Fire Protection Ambulance Service District at a meeting thereof to be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of Ju ne, 2025 at the Polo Fire Sation in the City of Polo in said District.

May 23, 30, 2025

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FIRE FUND Financial Statement as of April 30, 2025 REVENUE: Carroll County Real Estate Tax $114,886.12; Carroll County Mobile Home Tax $2.69; IL Municipal League $5,454.54; Ogle County Real Estate Tax $6,285.70; State Replace ment Tax $4,293.18; Whiteside County Real Estate Tax $103,632.06; Use of Rescue Truck $60,655.00; Donations, Fire Tax Fund $500.45; Inter est Income $4,290.54

By order of the Board of Trustees of said District, dated the 19th day of May 2025.

Polo Fire Protection District

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Survey-Tech , a Division of C.E.S., Inc. Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Cl aima nts That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, towit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 6538 E Hales Corner Rd Stillman Valley, IL 61084 and which said Mortgage was made by: Jas on M Hicks Laura A. Hicks the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registrat ion Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Leaderone Financial Corporation, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 201505766; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

By: Kenneth Yingling, Se cretary of the Board May 20, 2025

May 23, 30, 2025

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-1634 on or before June 23, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531

Our File No. 14-25-02243

NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3266258 May 23, 30, Jun. 6, 2025

POLO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT POLO FIRE PROTECTION AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING PUBLI C NOTICE IS hereby given that the TENTATIVE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE of the POLO FIRE P ROTECTION DISTRICT AND POLO FIRE PROTECTION AMBLANCE SERVICE DISTRICT in the County of Ogle and the S tate of Illinois FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026 will be on file and available for PUBLIC INSPECTION at the Polo Fire Station located at 206 South Franklin Avenue, in the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, in said District from and after the date of publication hereof NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLI C HEARING on said BUDGET and APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE will be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on

UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF ALMA P CAMPOS; CHRISTOPHER CAMPOS; WILLIAM BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ALMA P. CAMPOS, DECEASED; U NKNOWN OWN ERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS NO. 2024FC43 Ju dg e John C. Redington Address: 201 W. McConaug hy Avenue Rochelle, I L 61068 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered i n the above cause on March 7, 2025, I, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will on June 13, 2025 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT SIXTY (60) IN MAY SECOND ADDITION TO THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK H OF PLATS, PAGE 21, IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, SITUATED IN OGLE COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS

Sy dney Bartelt, City Clerk

May 23, 30, 2025

COMMON ADDRESS: 201 W. McConaughy Avenue, Roche lle, IL 61068 P.I.N.: 24-24-201-003

The real estate is improved wi th a single family residence THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $107,805.64

Upon payme nt in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificat e of Sale, which will entitle the pur chaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmat ion of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Pla intiff makes no representations as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidd ers are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held by the s heriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automaticall y forfeited to the State wi thout further notice. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

Johnson, Blumberg & Associat es, LLC

30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650 Chicago, Illinois 60602

Email: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Ph. 312-541-9710 / Fax 312-541-9711

JB&A # IL 24 1065#JB&A # IL 24 1065

I3265560 Forreston Journal May 9, 16, 23, 2025

TOTAL REVENUE $300,000.28 EXPENSES: DUES $1,755.00; INSURANCE $14,991.00; PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS $814.55; STATION ERY & SUPPLIES $990.91 TELEPHONE $457.71; TRAINING $500.00; TO BE REIMBURSED $3,916.34; EQUI PMENT REPLACEMENT $0.00; GAS AND OIL $4,570.63; BUILDING MATERIALS REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $10,337.25; ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY $20,250.00; UTILITIES $6,951.11; MISCELLANEOUS FOR CONTINGENT $1,275.62; EQUIPMENT MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $15,733.37; EQUIPMENT REPAI RS $26,750.12; FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMEN T $799,643.00; COMPENSATION FIRE DEPT $21,091.36; LEGAL FEES $270.25; SALARIES OF MISC OFFICER/AGENT $3,525.00; SALARIES OF TRUSTEES $1,250.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $935,073.22

SUMMARY: BANK BALANCE, MAY 1, 2024 $759,797.64 TRANSFER

$1,220,819.40

YEAR $935,073.22

BANK BALANCE, APRIL 30, 2025$285,746.18 I, Sheldon Ebersole, Secretary of the Milledgeville Fire Protection District, do say that this is a true copy of the monies received and disbused for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025.

Sheldon Ebersole, Secretary MILLEDGEVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AMBULANCE FUND

Financial Statement as of April 30, 202 5

REVENUE: Carroll County Real Estate Tax $37,784.63; Carroll County Mobile Home Tax $0.88; Grant IL Small Equipmen t $16,331.20; Ogle County Real Estate Tax $2,067.29; State Replacement Tax $1,753.55; Whiteside County Real Estate Tax $34,082.20; Ambulance Calls $115,924.68; Donation $0.00 Interest Income $12,830.00

TOTAL REVENUE $220,774.43

EXPENSES: INSURANCE $13,380.09; ADMINISTRATION $28,552.36; GAS AND OIL $5,040.67; RESCUE UNIT BILLING $60,655.00; MEDICA L SUPPLIES $6,698.71; EQUIPMENT REPAIRS $7,645.76; LABOR $25,893.00; EQUIPMENT PURCHASE/REPLACEMENT $68,074.78; BILLING AND GEMT PAYMENTS $24,729.55; SALARIES OF OFFICERS/AG ENT $1,125.00; SALARIES OF TRUSTEES $1,250.00 TOTAL EXPENSES $243,044.92

SUMMARY:

MAY 1, 2024$1,040,094.64

IN FISCA L YEAR $220,774.43 TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $1,260,869.07 EXPENSES FOR FISC AL YEAR $243,044.92 BANK BALANCE, APRIL 30, 2025$1,017,824.15 I, Sheldon Ebersole, Secr etary of the Milledgeville Fire Protection District, do say that this is a true copy of the monies received and disbused for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025. Sheldon Ebersole, Secretary May 23, 2025

POLO

IL1410450

Annual Water Quality Report for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water.

The source of drinking water used by POLO is Ground Water.For more information regarding this report contact:

Name Mike Mumford

Phone (815) 440-0192

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted bebe. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

Source of Drinking Water

This report will not be individually mailed to customers, however a copy is available at City Hall upon request. Polo City Council meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in City Hall. The public is welcome to attend and participate.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

- Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.

Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The drinking water supplier is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk.

Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standard Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested, contact Mike Mumford at (815)440-0192. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http ://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source Water Name Type of WaterReport StatusLocation

WELL 2 (11805) GW ActivePolo

WELL 3 (11806) GW ActivePolo

WELL 4 (00163) 500 GPM

GW ActivePolo

Source Water Assessment

We want our valued customers to be informed about their water quality. If you would like to learn more, please feel welcome to attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. The source water assessment for our supply has been completed by the Illinois EPA. If you would like a copy of this information, please stop by City Hall or call our water operator at (815)440-0192. To view a summary version of the completed Source Water Assessments, including: Importance of Source Water; Susceptibility to Contamination Determination; and documentation/recommendation of Source Water Protection Efforts, you may access the Illinois EPA website at http://www.epa.state.il.us/cgi-bin/wp/swap-fact-sheets.pl.

Source of Water: POLOBased on information obtained in a Well Site Survey published in 1994 by the Illinois EPA, several potential sources are located within 1,500 feet of the wells.The Illinois EPA has determined that the Polo Community Water Supply’s source water is not suspectibile to contamination. This determination is based on a number of criteria including; monitoring conducted at the wells; monitoring conducted at the entry point to the distribution system; and available hydrogeologic data on the wells.Furthermore, in anticipation of the U.S. EPA’s proposed Ground Water Rule, the Illinois EPA has determined that the Polo Community Water Supply is not vulnerable to viral contamination. This determination is based upon the evaluation of the following criteria during the Vulnerability Waiver Process: the community’s wells are properly constructed with sound integrity and proper siting conditions; a hydraulic barrier exists which should prevent pathogen movement; all potential routes and sanitary defects have been mitigated such that the source water is adequately protected; monitoring data did not indicate a history of disease outbreak; and the sanitary survey of the water supply did not indicate a viral contamination threat. Because the community’s wells are constructed in a confined aquifer, which should prevent the movement of pathogens into the wells, well hydraulics were not considered to be a significant factor in the susceptibility determination. Hence, well hydraulics were not evaluated for this system ground water supply.

2024 Regulated Contaminants Detected

Lead and Copper

Definitions:

Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Action Level Goal (ALG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. ALGs allow for a margin of safety.

Copper Range: 41 ug/l to 1300 ug/l

Lead Range: <1.0 ug/l to 9.5 ug/l

To obtain a copy of the system’s lead tap sampling data: contact City Hall (815)946-3514

CIRCLE ONE: Our Community Water Supply has/has not developed a service line material inventory.

To obtain a copy of the system’s service line inventory: contact City Hall (815)946-3514

Lead and Copper Date SampledMCLGAction Level (AL)90th Percentile# Sites Over ALUnitsViolationLikely Source of Contamination

Copper 07/15/20221.31.3 1.2 0 ppmNCorrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Lead 07/15/2022015 8.2 0 ppbNCorrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Water Quality Test Results

Definitions: The following tables contain scientific terms and measures, some of which may require explanation.

Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual average of monthly samples.

Level 1 Assessment:

A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum residual disinfectant level or MRDL: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum residual disinfectant level goal or MRDLG: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

na: not applicable.

mrem: millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)

ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.

ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.

Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Disinfectants

Regulated Contaminants

Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products

Source of Contamination

Chlorine 2024 0.9 0.55 - 1.1MRDLG = 4MRDL = 4ppmNWater additive used to control microbes.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 2024 4 4 - 4 No goal for the total 60ppbNBy-product of drinking water disinfection.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 2024 10 9.6 - 9.6 No goal for the total 80ppbNBy-product of drinking water disinfection.

Inorganic Contaminants

Contamination Barium 08/02/20230.43 0.15

2ppmN Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. Fluoride 08/02/20230.7140.613 - 0.7144 4.0ppmN

08/02/20230.21

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.

This contaminant is not currently regulated by the USEPA. However, the state regulates. Erosion of natural deposits.

This contaminant is not currently regulated by the USEPA. However, the state regulates. Erosion of natural deposits. Sodium 08/02/20239 5.9 - 9 ppmN Erosion from naturally occuring deposits. Used in water softener regeneration.

This contaminant is not currently regulated by the USEPA. However, the state regulates. Naturally occurring; discharge from metal

of natural deposits.