Mt_Morris_Times-05-26-2023

Tractor

Memorial

Earleen Hinton/Shaw

Seniors Madison Priller and Emmett Peterson make their way into the Blackhawk Center for Oregon High School’s commencement May 21.

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Mt. Morris-Oregon

Tickets are on sale for the 2023 Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Pork Chop Dinner and Auction.

The dinner is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.

There will be a live auction of items after the dinner.

The ticket price for a one pork chop dinner remains at $10. The price for a two pork chop dinner remains at $13.

Tickets for the event are available by calling Alumni President Jon Sheely at 815-978-2264. Tickets will be available at

NEWS BRIEFS

Family Closet open in Chana

The Chana Family Clothes Closet at Chana United Methodist Church is open for anyone needing free clothing and accessories.

During the week, the Family Clothes Closet is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday if you make reservations by calling 815-732-7683.

New clothes selections for spring and summer are available for the entire family

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY NEWS

Summer reading program

We are gearing up for our summer reading program. Registration will be the week of May 30 and programs will start June 5. We plan to have in-person and make-and-take activities for all ages. Come “Find Your Voice” all summer at the library.

Storytime

Mrs. Donna will be reading books and children will create a craft Wednesday, May 31. Storytime is every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Bring your little ones to enjoy stories and a craft at the library.

Adult book club

Everyone is welcome to join this book club group. Copies of the book are available at the library. This group will meet in-person on Monday, June 26, at the library.

Cookbook club

Join us as we explore The Cookbook Club. Wonderful recipes combined with friendship creates something both beautiful and delicious. Stop by to choose your recipe from this month’s book “Easy, Delicious Home Cooking” from Real Simple and bring your dish to pass at our next meeting. Join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at The Senior Center for another exciting meal.

Ink with a Friend: Card making at the library

Join us in June to make some lovely homemade cards to send to family and friends. We will be offering a card-making

FFA Alumni Pork Chop Dinner

the door on the day of the event, but the price of the one pork chop dinner will increase to $12 and the price of the two pork chop dinner will increase to $15. Carryout dinners will be available.

The auction will include an assortment of interesting items, many of which are viewable at www.facebook. com/MtMorrisOregonFFAAlumni, the Alumni’s Facebook page.

The pork chop dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Association. It helps fund activities in conjunction

(infant through adults). There is a wide variety of styles and sizes with many never-been-worn items. All of the clothing is offered at no cost, and everyone is welcome.

Summer Lunch Program begins June 6

The Northern Illinois Food Bank will offer its Free Summer Lunch Program to all

is June 10

with OHS FFA chapter, including scholarships for OHS students continuing their education after high school.

The Alumni Association thanks the following for helping to support this year’s event: Platinum level sponsor Kenzley Title Group Inc; Corn Gold level sponsors Compeer Financial and R.E.Wolber & Sons; and National Blue sponsors A.M. Floral Co., Eastman’s Trenching LLC, Mel’s Custom Graphics, Steve Benesh & Sons Quarries, Stillman Bank and Union Savings Bank.

school-age children in Mt. Morris beginning Tuesday, June 6.

Free lunches will be served from 11:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Evangelical Free Church Christian Education Center on the southwest corner of Kable Square.

Registration is welcomed. Call the Evangelical Free Church at 815-734-4942 to register.

class from local crafter Liz Gullett. She will be here from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8. You will get all the materials to make two beautiful cards to take home. Stop by to see the samples. Fees are by donation. Registration is limited so call the library or stop by to save your spot before June 1.

Lego club

Our next Lego night is Thursday, June 15, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Bring a friend and build some fun with Lego bricks. All children and parents are invited every third Thursday of the month. Children younger than 8 need to bring a parent with them.

Memorial gifts

Give a gift that lasts, brings joy to many and doubles in value. Your memorial gift to the library is matched by the Mt. Morris Library Foundation, doubling your generosity. Many thanks to all who gave memorial gifts in 2022.

Display case showings

Stop by to see our display for the month from Denise Cheek. She is showcasing her Lewis & Clark collection. Come explore how these amazing adventurers documented the western U.S. We are always looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.

Explore More Illinois

Explore More Illinois users can access and reserve passes from any of our

attractions on their participating library’s website. Explore More Illinois is easy to use with your library card. Visit the library’s website to browse attractions. You can find the information on our website, www.mtmorris-il.org under the resources page.

Adult programming

We are trying to get back into the swing of offering monthly programs for adults. We would love to hear from you. Do evenings or weekends work better? Do you have any program ideas? Do you have a program you would like to share? Contact Mary Cheatwood at mmlib@mtmorris-il.org or 815-734-4927.

Curbside service is available

We want to remind everyone that you still have the option of having your materials delivered to your vehicle. If you have holds waiting for you, call us to tell us you are on your way and we will bring them out to your vehicle when you arrive.

Additional services

We make copies (25 cents per black and white page). We fax ($2 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page). We can scan a document and send it to email ($2 per document). You can use a computer without a library card for $1. Resume software is available on our computers. Come visit us and let us help you.

Safranek’s request for additional medical experts denied

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An Ogle County judge denied a defense attorney’s request May 18 to hire additional medical experts for Sarah Safranek, who is accused of killing her son in 2021.

Safranek, 36, of Oregon, appeared in court May 18 with assistant public defender Michael O’Brien, who asked Ogle County Judge John Redington to allow another psychiatrist to evaluate their client’s “mental health issues.”

“There is a long history as to past mental health care,” O’Brien argued. “We believe these mental health issues are directly connected to her defense.”

Safranek has pleaded not guilty to five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery for the suffocation death of her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton, in February 2021. An autopsy showed the boy also suffered a ruptured liver.

Nathaniel, a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School, was found unresponsive and not breathing in his bed at his home in the 400 block of South 10th Street about 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021. He was pronounced dead at KSB Hospital in Dixon later that day.

Safranek was arrested two months later on April 21 and indicted May 4, 2021. She pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021, and remains in the Ogle County Correctional Center on a $2 million bond.

Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley and O’Brien filed a motion in March saying Safranek’s right to due process required the appointment of and/or use of one or more experts to review certain discovery materials and/or provide testimony.

They asked the court approve an additional expert to “review and evaluate mental health records” of Safranek including her condition at the time of the alleged crime.

They argued extensive mental health records were provided by the state and revealed a “substantial history of mental health issues, mental

illness and related services.”

Isley and O’Brien said they believe the prosecution will present those records – whether directly or indirectly – to prove Safranek committed the alleged crimes and asked Redington allow another expert to be hired to provide an “independent review on behalf of the defendant and potentially be used as an expert witness.”

In their motion, they suggested Cara Angelotta of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine be hired arguing that Safranek is indigent and unable to pay any fees needed to secure the services of such an expert.

The motion states that Angelotta charges $500 an hour arguing that a certified psychoanalyst and child/adolescent psychoanalyst is needed to perform the services.

On May 18, O’Brien said Angelotta would be able to review Safranek’s mental health records and offer an opinion on a “not guilty by reason of insanity” defense.

“I can’t tell what this expert is going to be doing,” Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock countered. “This sounds more like a ‘this would be nice’ request, or if they think they need it because there could be an insanity defense.”

In his response to the defense

Sarah Safranek is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom

May 18 for a motion hearing. She is charged with the murder of her 7-yearold son Nathaniel.

He said Bao is a proven expert witness in cases involving “infant death, suspicious asphyxia death and accused physical assaults.”

He said another adult had attempted to resuscitate Nathaniel with CPR.

“The only other adult was engaged in CPR and that can be a traumatic event,” O’Brien said.

He said other injuries and/or trauma allegedly observed in the autopsy will be presented directly or indirectly by the state as evidence to attempt to confirm their allegation that the death was caused by the defendant. O’Brien said the other alleged injuries and/or trauma – such as the ruptured liver – could have been caused by CPR.

“We are not experts,” O’Brien argued. “We can not offer an opinion. We do not have the ability to hire someone else.”

motion, he said an indigent defendant is not entitled to an expert “merely because the expert would be helpful, valuable, or important to the defense.”

Redington agreed, saying case law cited in the motion requires any additional hiring of experts be “crucial” to the client’s defense. He said Safranek already had been evaluated by a court-appointed expert who looked at her mental health history.

“I don’t think we need a vice chairman from Northwestern University to do this again,” Redington said.

He suggested the first court-appointed expert – Dr. Jayne Braden, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Sycamore – again review Safranek’s history.

“If after you receive that report and can point to something crucial, then I will take up this issue again,” Redington told O’Brien.

The motion also argued there are “factual issues regarding the manner and cause of death” alleged by the prosecution regarding Nathaniel’s autopsy report.

O’Brien agreed that the coroner had determined Nathaniel’s cause of death to be suffocation, but argued that another expert, Shiping Bao, a licensed physician and certified forensic pathologist, be secured in order to address other injuries.

Redington said suffocation was listed as the cause of Nathaniel’s death in the indictment.

“I don’t see how a review would make a difference if you are not questioning the cause of death,” Redington said.

Redington said while information provided by the additional experts may be “helpful” to the defense they were not “crucial.”

“I can’t find that it rises to that level,” Redington said as he denied the motion.

Redington said he would examine Braden’s review at Safranek’s next status hearing, which was set for 1 p.m. July 12.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Redington ruled Safranek fit to stand trial after reviewing a mental health evaluation requested by the defense.

According to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Department of Children and Family Services had visited the Safranek/ Burton household about a dozen times over two years, following up on five reports of suspected abuse and neglect. Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing.

Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced.

8-year-old child dies in car accident on rural road east of Oregon

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An 8-year-old child was killed Friday, May 19, when the car he was riding in overturned several times on a rural road east of Oregon.

Conner Ewald was pronounced

deceased at the scene after the 5:46 p.m. accident, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

According to the sheriff’s department release, deputies responded to the 5500 block of South Watertown Road for a single vehicle rollover accident.

“A preliminary investigation

revealed that a northbound vehicle being driven by Abbey Ewald, 32, of Rochelle, traveled off the east edge of the roadway. The vehicle then overturned multiple times before coming to a rest,” according to the release.

“Abbey Ewald was transported to KSB Hospital by Oregon EMS for

treatment of serious injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Conner Ewald, age 8, was pronounced deceased at the scene. This accident remains under investigation with charges pending. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Oregon Fire/EMS,” according to the release.

Need to hire expert testimony is deemed not ‘crucial’ to defense, judge says

Earleen Hinton/ Shaw Local

Two connected Polo businesses – Gateway Big Box Resale and Kim’s Gateway Antiques –celebrated their one-year anniversaries April 28 with ribbon-cuttings. From left are Mark Scholl, Polo City Clerk Sydney Bartelt, First State Bank branch manager Pam White, Polo Mayor Doug Knapp, Polo Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tamela Merdian, co-owners Jodi Horner and Shannan Haenitsch, store employee Sheala Wells, Chamber member Namiko Sheely and Chamber Secretary Megan White.

Two connected Polo businesses – Gateway Big Box Resale and Kim’s Gateway Antiques –celebrated their one-year anniversaries April 28 with a ribbon-cutting. From left are First State Bank Branch

Polo’s ‘Gateway’ stores celebrate 1-year anniversaries

Downtown resale, antique shops hosted ribbon-cutting

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – Things have gone very well in the year since Jodi Horner and Shannan Haenitsch opened their stores in downtown Polo.

The pair co-own Gateway Big Box Resale and Kim’s Gateway Antiques, located at 104 and 108 W. Mason St., respectively. The two stores are connected internally and are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

“We are quite pleased with everything,” said Horner, of Oregon.

“Generally, talking to people, I can’t count on my hands the number of peo-

ple who have said, ‘Thank you. It’s so neat to drive through town now and see some lights on at night,’ ” said Haenitsch, of Polo. “We leave the front windows lit up.”

Horner, Haenitsch, Polo Chamber of Commerce members and city officials celebrated the stores’ one-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting April 28.

The resale shop sells new items bought as overstock from stores such as Target, Amazon, Home Depot and Walmart, Horner said. All items are tested and checked to make sure all parts are there, she said.

When people ask what kind of things are sold at the store, Haenitsch said his answer is, “We don’t have any in particular.” That’s because the inventory constantly is changing, he said.

“I always tell people, if you need something [nonspecific] for somebody, you can probably come in and we’ll have it,” Haenitsch said. “But if you want something particular for somebody, we may not have it. But we have something for everybody.”

Furniture is 50% off the lowest retail price they can find, and everything else is 25% off the lowest retail price, Horner said. Even if they get a product from one company, if another company is selling the same product for less, they’ll use the lower price as a starting point, she said.

“If somebody can find it cheaper, then we honor that as well,” Horner said.

Kim’s Gateway Antiques is named after Horner’s friend, Kim Meyer, who died eight years ago.

“When she passed, I kinda took it

pretty hard, but I knew she wouldn’t want me to not continue,” Horner said. “I mean, we both had it in our blood. I knew that, as I got older, I would like to have a store, and I love to do estate sales. “So I thought, ‘What better way to go back and honor her than to name it after her?’”

The antique store sells vintage- and retro-oriented items, about 90% of which are hers, Horner said. There are six dealers whose products are being sold, she said, noting people can rent booth space or do consignment.

“Moving forward, I want to get more into taking the old furniture, flipping it, repurposing it,” Horner said. “I’ve been trying to find time to do that.”

Both stores have “gateway” in their names to celebrate the Polo community. The city of Polo’s motto is “Gateway to the Pines,” Haenitsch said.

Film crew busy shooting independent movie in Oregon this week

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Downtown Oregon has been a bit more crowded this week as a film crew from Chicago continues to shoot scenes for a comedy feature film titled “Adult Children.”

Production crew members were busy Tuesday morning pushing large carts of filming equipment across Illinois 64 and Illinois 2, headed to the decorated alley located between Bella’s restaurant and the Edward Jones building on Washington Street (Illinois 64).

Ogle County sheriff deputies blocked off the Third Street city park-

ing lot behind businesses for production vehicles.

Angie Gaffney, the film’s producer, said shooting will continue this week.

“We shot some scenes driving and here in the alley,” Gaffney said Tuesday morning. “We wrap up on Friday.”

Gaffney said the crew recently finished shooting scenes in Dixon. The cast staff numbers around 20 with four main characters.

Gaffney said crew members have been staying at local venues and frequenting local restaurants.

“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming,” she said. “And we have been so lucky with the weather.”

Photos by Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Local

Manager Pam White, Polo City Clerk Sydney Bartelt, Polo Mayor Doug Knapp, Polo Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tamela Merdian, co-owners Jodi Horner and Shannan Haenitsch, store employee Sheala Wells, Mike Scholl, Haenitsch’s mother Vy Echelbarger and Chamber Secretary Megan White.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

A production crew for an independent movie was in Oregon on Tuesday shooting scenes in the downtown. The crew is expected to finish shooting Friday.

Forreston

Forreston American Legion Post 308 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, at Memorial Park in Forreston. All are welcome to attend. After the ceremony a freewill luncheon will be provided.

Mt. Morris

Mt. Morris American Legion Post 143 will host the annual Memorial Day program at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, at the American Legion Veterans Memorial Fountain. It is located on the corner of Wesley Avenue and Main Street, one block south of Hitt Street (Route 64). The program includes the reading of the names of all deceased Mt. Morris veterans from World War II to the present. There will be a separate presentation of the names of those killed in action.

The American Legion Post will be assisted during the ceremonies by Girl Scouts from Mt. Morris and Oregon.

“The Gettysburg Address” and “In Flanders Fields” will be read. Wreaths will be placed at the Memorial Fountain in honor of veterans. A benediction and taps will conclude the service.

The program will be held primarily, but not totally, under the shade of campus trees. Attendees are advised to bring a chair, water, sunscreen and hat. It will be canceled in case of thunderstorms. The cancellation decision will not be made until Memorial Day morning.

OBITUARY

MELVIN L. “HUCK” JONES

Born: July 2, 1938 in Dixon, IL

Died: May 16, 2023 in Oregon, IL

Grand Detour, IL

– Melvin L. “Huck” Jones, age 84, died

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Serenity Hospice and Home near Oregon. He was born July 2, 1938 in Dixon, IL the son of Arthur and Luella (Fiscel) Jones. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1956. Huck married Helen Burnett on Feb. 7, 1958 in Ripley, IL. She preceded him in death on June 11, 2017. Huck was a member of Local 150 Operating Engineers for 55 years and worked for Frank N. Butler Quarry in Franklin Grove and also previously worked for Ogle County Farm Services. He was a reserve deputy for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Dept for 22 years. After his retirement, Huck enjoyed helping out several local farmers. Huck loved being a husband, father, and especially a grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his sister Barbara Brooks and her family. Driving to town for a good meal and

Oregon

Oregon VFW Post 8739 and Legion Post 97 will perform a Memorial Day service starting at 9:10 a.m. Monday, May 29, at the historic Ogle County Courthouse for laying of the wreaths. Participants will move to the River Side Cemetery about 9:30 a.m. Service at the cemetery will include music by the Oregon High School Band, followed by speakers Robert Coulter of the Oregon VFW and Oregon Mayor Ken Williams. It will conclude with a rifle salute and echo taps by the band. The program should conclude before 11:30 a.m. Because of COVID-19, the VFW will not be having lunch this year.

Polo

The Polo Memorial Day Parade will consist of members of the Patrick Fegan American Legion Post 83 and Polo VFW 8455, veterans, the Polo police and fire departments and other groups including Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

The parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 29, and proceed west on Mason to North and on Division to Fairmount Cemetery. If IDOT has not completed work on Division Street, an alternate route will be announced. There will be a ceremony about 10 a.m. to include a wreath laying by both the American Legion and VFW auxiliaries at the tomb of the unknown soldier. All are welcome to march and participate in the parade.

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touring the local countryside checking on the farmers and construction projects was a daily ritual for Huck. He is survived by his 3 children: Marianne Jones of Dixon; Joyce (Jimbo) Callaway of Oregon; and Jim (Krista) Jones of Dixon; 4 grandchildren: Timothy (Mandi) Callaway; Eric Callaway; Paige (Josh) Beckingham; and Lee (Kara) Jones; 8 great grandchildren: Kaedi, Kaylen, Landin, Nevaeh, Coltyn, Parker, Luci, and Skylar; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 59 years Helen, his granddaughter Sarah Callaway, and his brother-in-law Jerry Brooks. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Oregon Church of God, 860 West Oregon Trial Road, Oregon, IL 61061. Funeral service will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday with the Rev. Michael Hoffman pastor of the church officiating. Huck was a blue jean and causal shirt kind of guy, so to honor him feel free to wear your blue jeans. Burial will be in the Grand Detour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oregon Church of God or the Serenity Hospice and Home in memory of Huck. Visit www. farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Huck.

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Fire threatens another historic building in Polo

I had a front row, center aisle seat and yet, as I watched what was happening, it was most upsetting. Were we going to lose another historic old building in our community?

Linda and I were working at the museum putting together information and pictures for Larry Plachno since he is doing a book for our American Legion. After Larry had left, Linda left also and I was working quietly on the genealogy of Patrick Fegan.

I heard the siren of a fire truck and thought to myself that it sounded rather close. My next awareness was the sound of a high-powered motor running nearby. Then I realized there was a commotion going on outside and I went to the door to investigate.

I opened the door and there in front of the museum in the middle of the street was one of Polo’s big fire trucks. It was quite a shock but more

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

of a shock was seeing smoke coming out of the old Barber Bank that now has a taco shop in the back.

I have never been so close to all the action in my entire life and I did not even have a smartphone to record anything – not that I would have done so. I stood there absolutely transfixed at what was unfolding before my very eyes.

One feels so helpless and you want to help get it all stopped. Finally, I did not want to see what was happening and I went back inside but concentrating was useless. I went back outside to see what was going on once more and spoke briefly to Mayor Doug Knapp who was

standing in front of the museum.

By that time I simply wanted to go home to the safety and comfort of my living room. I am not good at seeing something destroyed. I was lucky that I could get out by the driveway behind the Polo Town Hall and I did.

From the comfort of my patio I could still have a handle of how things were going by the out-of-town fire trucks heading home south and the Polo equipment coming back to the fire station. I hope the people living in the apartments of the old bank are quickly able to get back into their homes. Smoke damage is not easy to deal with and one does need help.

We had another interesting find as Linda and Diane were doing a closet search and bringing yearbooks down to the museum so they are easier to do research. One yearbook was from the Women’s Army Corps and Linda put

it out for me to look at since my sister Ruby Jean was part of that in the military years ago.

I opened it up and there on the inside was an extra big photo that was loose in the yearbook of my sister and three others holding their French horns. They were part of the band and it was an excellent picture that I had never seen.

Evidently when my parents moved from Polo some things were donated to the museum and that was one of the items. We will take it to the Isley Reunion, which is held in June, so the family can share in her military experience. We have been surprised at what has been hidden deep in the closets for many years.

•BettyObendorfisaretiredteacher and a volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

A look at the telegraph and telephone at the Depot

By OTTO DICK

We have at the Oregon Depot the original telegraph and telephone. The phone is attached to an extension device and the telegraph has a sending and receiving device. These are located on the station agent’s desk.

I enjoy showing our visitors how to send and receive messages on the telegraph. I learned to send and receive Morse code while stationed in the Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

The following is a short history of the telegraph and telephone.

Telegraph: In 1837, Samuel Morse sent the first message over a wire from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore. His first attempt was to lay the wire underground. This attempt was not

successful, so he then strung the wire on poles. His first message from Washington to Baltimore was “What hath God wrought.” The first public telegraph office was located in Washington, D.C.

At the Oregon Depot, the railroad operator sent and received telegraph messages. Before this, the only way to communicate was by mail. So for the first 50 years of Oregon’s existence, they communicated by mail. Back in those days our early settlers used their writing skills to record the daily events and express their feelings. Thomas Ford, Illinois’ eighth governor, wrote a history of Illinois. They didn’t have radios, telephones, telegraphs and TVs, so they communicated by reading and writing.

Telephone: In the 1870s, Elisha

Gray and Alexander Graham Bell designed devices that could transmit speech electrically. This was two years before the C. and I. Railroad passed through Oregon. Bell shouted in the phone’s mouthpiece to his partner Watson the following sentence. “Mr. Watson, come here – I want to see you.” Watson came and told Bell he had heard and understood what he said. The first telephone call had just been made.

Bell founded his Bell Telephone Company in 1877. After a series of mergers, the American Telephone and Telegraph Co., the forerunner of today’s AT&T, was incorporated in 1880. I didn’t realize that AT&T stood for American Telephone and Telegraph Co.

In 1886, the local newspaper

reported phones at the Sinnissippi House, circuit clerk’s office, Jewett’s residence, Depot, Furniture Factory, George P. Jacobs, county clerk, Jewett’s store, sheriff, Mix Mill, Dr. Chappell, Dr. Mix and Oregon Manufacturing.

In 1889, the first pay phone was installed and used in the Hartford Bank. In the 1970s, the first cordless phones were introduced. Of course, later came cellphones.

At the Oregon Depot we have a history of telegraphs and telephones.

And Oregon residents used the pay phone located on the south wall of the depot.

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

LEFT: This old telephone is on display in the Oregon Depot Museum.

FAR LEFT: This telegraph key and a Morse code chart can be seen at the Oregon Depot.

Photos provided by Otto Dick

Marcos fan themselves with confetti after receiving diplomas

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

POLO – When Rebekah Zeigler watched her sister speak at Polo High School’s 2020 commencement, she set a goal and on Sunday she reached it.

“As I watched my sister give her portion of the valedictorian speech in 2020, I set a goal,” said Zeigler, this year’s valedictorian. “I was determined to stand up here myself just a short three years later. And I am proud to announce I have not been outdone by Chloe yet.”

Zeigler spoke to her 37 classmates in a short ceremony inside the high school gym on a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon.

Zeigler thanked everyone who helped each other graduate.

“Thank you all once again. As cliché as it sounds, we wouldn’t be here without you, which is true today as the first time it was uttered,” she said.

She said the Class of 2023 had gone through highs and lows together.

“As we continue to succeed in each of our respective paths, we will carry all that we have learned – both in school and from each other – wherever we go. Congratulations Class of 2023. We’ve made it.”

“I’m looking forward to the future

yet scared to leave the past,” she said, adding she felt fortunate to have support from the entire Polo community.

After Zeigler’s speech, Principal Andy Faivre said audience members could cheer each of the graduates when they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

“After going through COVID, I think you can go ahead and cheer,” he said.

The Class of 2023 had a bit of a new twist on the Marcos’ tradition of celebrating the end of commencement. Instead of spraying Silly String into the air as past classes had done, they shot confetti into the air and watched it slowly fall back over the newest Marcos alums.

Take the Ogle County Health Department Survey for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card!

Built Environment in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties

The Ogle County Health Department was awarded a grant to create a plan to target the built environment and the relation to chronic disease throughout Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.

The built environment includes all of the physical parts of where we live and work (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure). The built environment influences a person’s level of physical activity. Your input on this survey will help us identify disparities throughout the three counties and provide insight on changes that the community would like to see. We are asking for an email address to be provided in order to eliminate duplication of responses and your email address will not be shared. Your input and support are greatly appreciated. Survey ends May 28.

Valedictorian Rebekah Zeigler gives the senior class remarks at Polo High School’s commencement May 21.

ABOVE: Cayden Webster smiles as he shows his diploma while exiting the Polo High School gym with Payton Wells at the close of commencement May 21. LEFT: Logan Hudson and Waylon Harris smile as confetti falls on them at the close of commencement.

Photos by Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

Birthday serenade part of Oregon High School commencement

Two teachers offer advice to graduating students

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Two Oregon High School teachers told the Class of 2023 they were honored to be chosen as guest speakers for Sunday’s commencement and one graduate even received a birthday serenade.

Science teacher Gabriel Poser said commencement is a “significant moment and a crossroads in life.” While he stressed academic skills, he also spoke on the importance of having empathy for other people.

“We want you to have skills to be competitive in the workforce, of course,” he said. “Ultimately we want you to love other people. I don’t mean the kind of romantic love that, you know, I see in the hallways all too often throughout around here, but the kind of love that you have for your fellow communities.”

“These seniors have been through a lot and they deserve all the praise we can give,” said Poser, who has taught at OHS for six years.

Spanish teacher Kim Radostits – a

16-year veteran – said the Class of 2023 experienced new ways of learning because of the pandemic.

“We watched you all come back with a positive attitude,” she said. “As your teacher it has been a privilege to witness your growth and transformation.”

Radostits said success is not solely defined by grades or accomplishments.

“Success involves finding purpose and finding happiness in what you do,” she said. “So follow your path.”

Radostits was chosen as Illinois Teacher of the Year for 2022 and selected as one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year. She traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier in the month when the national winner – a math teacher from Oklahoma – was announced.

“Just three weeks ago I was sitting in the Rose Garden at the White House just three feet away from the president and the first lady and they spoke about education,” Radostits said. “And I sat

there with tears in my eyes. I took a walk down memory lane and thought a lot about the moments that brought me to that spot. And the truth is, Hawks, that so many of those memories I was thinking about involved each and every one of you. I know that as Illinois Teacher of the Year I got pulled away from the classroom, but I want you to know that I carried you with me all year.”

Gracie Prose was one of three seniors who reflected on her time at OHS. After thanking teachers, family and other school staff members, she encouraged classmates not to focus on shortcomings.

“If you have a bad test score, get over it. If you lost the game, get over it. Life is too short to get hung up on disappointing things,” Prose said. “You can’t Google what your passions are and where your heart lies. Go out and make the best of it.”

Sophia Stender and Abigail Rogers also encouraged classmates to follow their dreams.

Stender asked the crowd to sing happy birthday to classmate Zachary Garrett, whose birthday was Sunday.

The crowd responded, with Garrett acknowledging them with his hand over his heart and a slight nod.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local Oregon senior Zachary Garrett acknowledges the crowd after they sang happy birthday to him during commencement May 21. Sophia Stender, one of the seniors who spoke during the ceremony, asked the crowd to sing the song for Garrett.

Jamboree gives garden tractors their day in the sun at Hinrichs farm

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A picture-perfect Saturday paved the way for 400+ garden tractors to shine and show their stuff at the 14th annual AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree.

Collectors traveled to the Hinrichs property at 1675 S. Columbian Road, between Oregon and Polo, to brag about their tractors, swap parts, and, of course, show what their Cub Cadets, John Deeres, Fords and Wheel Horses were really meant to do.

Kids and “seniors” buzzed by on tractors traversing between the rows of yellow, green and blue.

Jim Klaus, 85, of Carlinville, zipped along the main road on his 1977 Allis Chalmers hydrostatic – just one of his 11 tractors.

“I have five big ones and six little ones. Three of the big ones are ACs and the other two are Fords. All of the little ones are ACs,” he said.

Klaus, of course, was more than wiling to share his story about “his ride.”

“I knew the owner of the Allis Chalmers dealer and when he retired, I bought this,” said Klaus, a first timer to the Jamboree. “I saw the show on Facebook and I decided to come to it. I think it is great. I am planning on it for next year.”

The Jamboree offered participants a chance to show what their tractors could do on the lawn and in the garden.

Adam Jannene of Burlington, Wisconsin, and Bob Voegli of Broadhead, Wisconsin, were using their tractors –equipped with a front bucket – to scoop up gravel and distribute it down the center of show area in the “Gravel Pile” event.

To the east, Garrett Edwards, 14, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, shifted his weight on the seat of his John Deere 112 as he plowed where pumpkins eventually would be planted.

In one of the barns, kids could shell and grind corn by hand. Antique corn shellers, along with other vintage farm tools, toys and machinery are all part of the Jamboree experience.

Andy Hinrichs, who named the event after his son AJ, said the event is geared toward family activities.

Proceeds from the $10 admission and food sales help cover the cost of port-apotties and the sound system along with other expenses for hosting the show, Hinrichs said, adding all proceeds from the 4-H auction go to the Blackhawk Crossing 4-H Club.

Chuck Piggott, 62, of Sheridan, chose a different mode of transportation to traverse the Jamboree grounds – a 1976 Schwinn Stingray bicycle.

“This was built in Chicago,” Piggott said. “I have over 100.”

As Piggott sat on the bike’s banana seat, a show attendee asked to take a photo of the little red bike and proceeded

to talk about how he had one just like it and how seeing it at the show brought back fond memories.

“I just love to ride it around at the shows I go to. But the stories that people come up and tell me is what’s really interesting,” Piggott said. “Everybody has a bike story.”

Piggott also was a first timer to the Jamboree.

“This is a great show. I am absolutely not going to miss it again,” he said. “It’s been a great day.”

If you missed the Jamboree, the farm is open for tours for groups and organizations. Visit Andy Hinrichs on Facebook for information or call 815262-6358.

Photos by Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

Jim Klaus, 85, of Carlinville, rides his Allis Chalmbers garden tractor at the 14th annual AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree on May 20.

ABOVE: Adam Jannene of Burlington, Wisconsin, and Bob Voegel of Brodhead, Wisconsin, use their garden tractors to move gravel at the AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree on May 20. LEFT: Chuck Piggott of Sheridan sits on his 1976 Schwinn Stingray bicycle. BELOW: Aben Mullins, 12, of Sublette, cruises the main drag at the AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree.

Timely hits coupled with untimely errors result in Cardinals’ 9-1 loss to Orangeville at 1A sectional

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – For only the second time this season, the Cardinals softball team lost a game on their home field.

Earlier in May, Forreston fell to Orangeville 5-3 and on Tuesday the Broncos beat them again 9-1 – only this time the loss came at the sectional semifinal marking the end of the season for the Cardinals.

After Orangeville scored a run in the first inning, the Cardinals loaded the bases in the second only to have the rally end when Alania Miller’s line drive went right to Orangeville’s third baseman for the out.

The Broncos scored five runs in the second inning behind sharp line drive hits and a couple of fielding miscues by the Cardinals.

Forreston threatened again in the top of the third when senior shortstop Brooke Boettner smacked a double and advanced to third on a fielder’s choice. But she

was left stranded when Leah Baker struck out the next Cardinals batter.

In the bottom of the sixth, Orangeville’s lead off batter Megan Holder drilled a home run over the left field fence and the Broncos scored two more runs off a triple by Meghan Carlisle for a 9-0 lead.

Forreston senior Rylee Broshous refused to see her team get shut out and cranked a two-out home run over the center field fence to make it 9-1.

Boettner fouled off numerous pitches before popping out to end the game.

Broshous was 2-for-4 for the Cardinals with an RBI. Boettner was 1-for-3 with a double.

Neveah Houston was 2-for-3 for the Cardinals.

Orangeville (29-2) advances to the sectional championship on Friday and will play either South Beloit or East Dubuque.

The Cardinals ended the season with a 22-6 record and won the NUIC South division at 10-0.

Forreston’s Alaina Miller collides with Orangeville’s Meghan Carlisle at second base during the Class 1A Forreston Sectional on May 23. The Cardinals lost the game 9-1.

Earleen Hinton/ Shaw Media

Forreston-Polo track athletes headed to state meet

By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com

EDGINGTON – More than 40 Sauk Valley area track and field athletes punched their tickets to the IHSA state finals in Charleston at the Class 1A Rockridge Sectional at Edgington High School on a windy Friday afternoon.

Forreston-Polo senior Jace Engbert qualified on time in the 110 hurdles (16.19) in his first year of high school track and field.

“I’m very surprised because this is my first year of track and field and I’m a senior. The last time I did hurdles I was in eighth grade, so I’m just really surprised that I made it this year,” Engbert said. “I was ranked third [coming in] and I got third, so I was kind of expecting to get third, but I was not expecting to drop almost a half a second off my time.”

Forreston-Polo’s Michael Taylor won the sectional title in the high jump, clearing 1.9 meters and he teamed with De’Angelo Fernandez, McKeon Crase and Noah Dewey to win the 4x200 (1:30.79) and take second in the 4x100 (43.44). The Cardinals also qualified with a third-place finish in the 4x400 (3:27.12) with Crase, Brock Soltow, Micah Nelson and Dewey.

Milledgeville-Eastland’s Kacen Johnson won the sectional title in the 110 hurdles (15.36 seconds) and the 300 hurdles (42.00), and advanced on time with fourth-place finishes in both the 4x100 relay (44.08) and 4x200 (1:32.74). Kolton Wilk, Draven Zier and Bryce Aude also ran in both sprint relays.

“4x1 felt pretty good. We had clean handoffs. We were pretty fast, so I’m glad we got [to state] on our time. That was our goal at the beginning of the year,” Johnson said. “And then the 110 hurdles, really, I’ve been doing pretty good all year. I kind of was confident that I’d qualify, but I was looking for a PR. ... I was really happy with qualifying for both.”

Wilk won the long jump title with a leap of 6.37 meters, and Parker Krogman ran a 42.23 to advance as the second-place finisher in the 300 hurdles. The Missiles also advanced in the 4x400 as the 10th and final qualifier in

Sports Roundup Baseball

Forreston 6, Eastland 1: A four-run fourth inning propelled the Forreston baseball team to a 6-1 victory over Eastland in a Class 1A Forreston

Regional semifinal May 18.

Patrick Wichman drove in two runs and scored another, and Owen Greenfield had a pair of singles, an RBI and a run scored for the Cardinals. Ayden Book also drove in a pair of runs for

3:34.70 with Wilk, Konner Johnson, Krogman and Zier.

Morrison freshman Brady Anderson qualified in the 100 (2nd, 11.06), and the 4x100 (3rd, 43.86), 4x200 (5th, 1:32.77) and 4x400 relays (1st, 3:27.12).

Levi and Zach Milder both ran in the 4x100 and 4x200. Chase Newman was the fourth runner in the 4x100, and Logan Baker in the 4x200. Zach Milder, Baker and Newman joined Anderson in the sectional championship 4x400.

Fulton’s Daken Pessman fought through an injury to qualify on distance in the triple jump, recording a fourth-place leap of 12.67 meters. Steamers teammate Braiden Damhoff qualified in shot put on distance with a third-place throw of 15.07 meters.

“I came in hurt, I hurt my heel in conference last week, so I was kind of

Forreston, as six players scored for the Cardinals.

Alex Ryia started on the mound and pitched four shutout innings, allowing one hit and three walks to go with three strikeouts. Carson Akins gave up one hit and had three strikeouts in 12/3 innings of scoreless relief, and Alex Milnes allowed one run and two hits in 11/3 innings, with a strikeout and a walk.

Fulton 11, Forreston 3: The Steamers

hoping just to make the distance,” Pessman said. “My first jump I didn’t get it, and I hurt my heel again. So I iced it and gave it my all and qualified.”

Erie-Prophetstown’s Parker Holdorf won the sectional title in the pole vault, clearing 4.12 meters, and teammate Caleb Eads advanced on distance in the triple jump, recording a third-place leap of 12.79 meters. E-P’s Charlie Link, Lucas Dreisbach, Wyatt Beck and Gus Schultz qualified on time in the 4x800 with a fourth-place run of 8:31.50. Link narrowly missed a state berth in the 1,600, finishing fourth in 4:39.83, just .03 seconds off state-qualifying time.

Newman’s Wyatt Widolff, Lucas Simpson, Lucas Schaab and Kenny Boesen ran an 8:26:40 to qualify with a second-place finish in the 4x800 relay.

got the edge with a four-run first inning, then pulled away from the Cardinals with a six-run fifth in the Class 1A regional final win May 20.

AJ Boardman, Ethan Price and QJ Mangelsen had two hits each to lead Fulton. Boardman and Price both had two RBIs. Boardman and Mangelsen both hit triples.

Reed Owen pitched six innings for the Steamers, allowing three unearned runs on four hits, striking out five with

Schaab also qualified in the 1,600 meters, running a 4:36.98 for second place, and Widolff, Boesen and Simpson joined Brady Williamson to qualify in the 4x400 (3:34.60); the Comets placed eighth, but 10 teams qualified for state in the 4x400.

Riverdale’s Tommy Murray won sectional titles in the 1,600 (4:29.46) and 3,200 (9:36.09), and also teamed with Brody Clark, Landis Musser and Peyton Sand to finish fourth in the 4x400 (3:31.86).

1A Oregon Sectional: Oregon’s Aidan Guida was the lone local state qualifier at Landers-Loomis Field.

Guida finished second in the 200 in 23.28 seconds.

He just missed in the 100, finishing third in 11.43, .08 seconds off the state qualifying time.

five walks. James Crimmins pitched one inning of scoreless, hitless relief, striking out one with one walk. Owen Greenfield had two hits and Brendan Greenfield had two RBIs for Forreston.

Softball

Marengo 8, Oregon 3: Ella Dannhorn hit a home run as Oregon came up short in the Class 2A Oregon Regional championship.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Forreston-Polo’s Michael Taylor takes the baton from Noah Dewey on the last exchange of the 4x100 at the 1A Rockridge Sectional on May 19.

Morrison joins Northwest Upstate Illinois Conference

With all that is going on in high school sporting events this week, it’s hard to prioritize the order of things, so let us start with something that is neither a game nor a meet. And that is the Morrison school board voting to join the Northwest Upstate Illinois Conference beginning in the 2024-25 year.

This should come as no surprise as it has been talked about since fellow rival west on Highway 30, Fulton, joined the league a couple of years ago. Besides being close rivals, Morrison and Fulton have almost identical enrollments and fit in nicely with NUIC demographics and geography.

Here’s an interesting tidbit on the enrollment between the two schools. The IHSA lists Fulton at 286 students and Morrison as 286.5. One would not think that to be too big of a deal, but it really is.

The IHSA 1A/2A cutoff for baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball is 286. Fulton just makes it under that mark, while Morrison finds itself relegated to 2A for the extra half of a student.

The reason for the .5 student is that the IHSA takes the last two years of a school’s enrollment, which in Morrison’s case was 573 and divides it in half. This is akin to the statement,

GUEST VIEW

Andy Colbert

“your (one) vote counts,” as does that one extra student Morrison had.

At least there will be 10 football-playing schools beginning in 2024, with Dakota, Du-Pec, EPC, Forreston, Fulton, Galena, Le-Win, Morrison, Stockton and West Carroll. All but Du-Pec and WC have won state grid championships.

Big 2A sectional baseball game between Byron and Wheaton Academy on May 25. WA won its regional by a combined 21-0, while the Tigers had a much tougher road with North Boone in the regional final.

Since Wheaton Academy is from a different area, it’s hard to get a read on them. Another factor for postseason play is how coaches use their pitching staff.

Do you save an ace for the next game yet risk not getting there? Or do you use the opposite strategy?

Softball doesn’t have to worry about that and the 1A sectional at Forreston this past week looks wide open with any of the four remaining teams

capable of winning. Top seed Orangeville won its regional by only one run and the same with upstart South Beloit over longtime power Dakota.

The sectional opposite of Forreston is too close to call also, with the Nos. 4, 5 and 7 ranked teams in the state, according to Max Preps.

There also were some close games in 2A baseball, with Stillman Valley suffering a 6-5 loss to Rock Falls, who then lost in extra innings to Rockford Christian. Credit to Oregon for pulling out an eight-inning win over Mendota to get a regional win.

Likewise with the lower-seeded Hawks softball team over Winnebago.

In girls track and field, Winnebago came home with the 1A state championship trophy with a 50-48 win over Seneca. As usual, the Indians used their distance running strength to win their first-ever title after taking second and third the past two seasons.

What ’Bago lacked in the sprints, fellow BNC member Rockford Christian made up for with wins in the 400 and 800-meter relays, canceling out points highly-seeded Seneca would have gotten. By finishing ahead of Seneca in both races, RC kept Seneca from getting three points, just enough for Winnebago to win.

In the boys meet this weekend, Forreston-Polo has high hopes for bringing back medals in the 400, 800 and 1,600 relays. All three events are on target to finish that way.

Oregon was in danger of not having a state qualifier for the first time in several decades until 200-meter runner Aidan Guida got second place in the next-to-last event of the sectional.

In basketball, the IHSA is changing the way free throws are awarded. Instead of 1-and-1 after seven fouls, teams will be given two shots. It is a means to cut down on physical play.

Another consideration being looked at is rescheduling the basketball state finals so that teams do not have to play two games in one day, such as is done for the third-place games.

The school of thought is allowing teams to make it at least a two-day event. A couple of proposals are in the works, but I have an easier solution –simply eliminate the third-place game.

It serves no purpose other than a consolation reward.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 30 years.

Area athletes bring home hardware in 1A state finals

CHARLESTON – Forreston-Polo junior Letrese Buisker medaled for the second straight year in the high jump at the 1A state meet, finishing fifth at 1.55 meters. She said her experience at state in 2022 was a huge help in how she performed this year.

“Staying calm was key. Being focused, being relaxed, not getting too nervous or overanxious. It was just staying calm and knowing that I’ve done this before, this is nothing new, just muscle memory,” she said. “It’s fifth place, so that’s nice. I wish I would’ve gotten higher, but everyone wishes that.”

Cardinals teammate Sydni Badertscher capped a comeback season with an eighth-place finish in the shot put. She suffered an arm injury in the offseason and spent three months unable to participate in any physical activity.

Still, her toss of 11.40 meters was a personal best and showed just how far she’s come this spring.

“This year was a lot tougher than I ever expected. There was a lot of up and down, and I think this year was more of just getting back into it after hurting myself. It’s a lot more eye-opening to be injured and come out of that and realize what you lost

from it,” Badertscher said. “It’s really a realization of how much more competition there is. I’m still happy with where I placed. I think I could’ve done better on my last throw, but you

always think that.

“It’ll make a ton of difference to be able to work out this offseason. Last year, when I should’ve been pounding on those weights, I couldn’t because I

had to rest for 12 weeks – and that’s a lot of time to just sit and do nothing. This summer, I’ll be able to get those workouts in and keep getting stronger.”

Oregon sophomore Sonya Plescia made it to the finals in the pole vault but did not clear opening height.

In the prelims, Oregon’s Sophia Stender was 13th in the 100 hurdles in 16.71 seconds, while teammate Hadley Lutz took 23rd in the long jump (4.68 meters).

The Hawks also had three relay teams miss the cut for finals: Rylie Robertson, Miranda Ciesiel, Ava Wight and Luz were 17th in the 4x100 (51.45 seconds); Wight, Lexi Ebert, Miranda Ciesiel and Lutz placed 16th in the 4x200 (1:49.36), and Plescia, Jennica Ciesiel, Grace Tremble and Skylar Bishop finished 15th in the 4x800 (4:14.29).

Forreston-Polo’s Autum Pritchard ran in a pair of sprints, placing 27th in the 200 (27.89 seconds) and 22nd in the 400 (1:01.39).

Teammate Ennen Ferris tied for 15th in the high jump (1.50 meters)

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

Forreston-Polo’s Letrese Buisker competes in the 1A high jump competition May 20 during the IHSA state track and field finals at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Forreston first baseman Alec Schoohoven waits for the throw as Fulton’s AJ Boardman dives back to the base at the 1A Forreston Regional championship game May 20. The Cards lost 11-3.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Oregon’s Reilee Suter stretches to catch a fly ball at the 2A Oregon Regional. The Hawks lost to Marengo 8-3.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

OREGON POLICE

Oregon Police Chief Joe Brooks reports the following police activity.

May 15

Barbara J. Ohata, 78, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 1:14 a.m. for violating the city ordinance of allowing a dog to run at large. This violation occurred in the 100 block of Madison Street.

Marissa A. Sommerio, 25, of Athens, Illinois, was arrested at 10:03 p.m. for improper cannabis container as a driver. Sommerio also was issued citations for speeding, 35 mph in a 30 mph zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, and operation of a vehicle with an expired registration. Sommerio was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 500 block of West Washington Street.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

May 15

Daniel Enriquez, 42, of Belvidere, was arrested for driving while license revoked after deputies responded to a car in the ditch at South Garnhart Road just south of Illinois Route 64 at 3:51 a.m. Enriquez was taken to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

May 16

Adam Nambo, 42, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of North River Road about 9:19 a.m. Nambo also was cited for suspended registration/ non-insured. Nambo was released from the scene and given a future court date.

Joseph Willis, 40, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 3000 block of south Illinois Route 251 about 6:12 p.m. Willis also was cited for no front registration. Willis was released on a $2,500 I-Bond and given a future court date.

May 17

Brenden M. Harms, 20, of Polo, was arrested for disorderly conduct after deputies responded to a disturbance in the 10000 block of west Illinois Route 64

Sheriff’s department joins Click It or Ticket campaign

OREGON – The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day Click It or Ticket campaign that runs through May 30.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle is

May 17

Alis M. Velasquez-Pena, 26, of Freeport, was arrested at 9:48 a.m. for no driver’s license. Velasquez-Pena was taken to the Ogle County Jail. This violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street. Elizabeth C. Nielsen, 38, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested at 11:09 a.m. on two outstanding warrants – a Carroll County warrant for contempt of court on a possession of a controlled substance charge and an Ogle County warrant for failure to appear on an aggravated domestic battery victim over 60 years of age. Nielsen was taken to the Ogle County Jail.

May 18

At 11:10 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 500 block of Jefferson Street involving a 2013 Lexus driven by Jennifer M. Holder, 35, of Loves

Park, and a 2018 Ford driven by Gerald R. Virgil, 81, of Oregon. No citations were issued.

At 10:01 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the McDonald’s restaurant parking lot, 211 S. Fourth St., involving a 2007 Pontiac driven by Quentin L. Berry, 17, of Chana, and a parked 2016 Chevrolet belonging to Brian K. Lamphere, of Oregon. No citations were issued.

May 19

At 5:40 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash in the Blackhawk Center parking lot, 1101 Jefferson St., involving a 2015 GMC driven by Riley K. Fitzgerald, 18, of Rockford, and a parked 2010 Buick belonging to Adam D. Cunningham, 48, of Winnebago. No citations were issued.

Anthony A. Bullock, 22, of Milan,

Illinois, was issued a citation at 9:17 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred near the intersection of South Fourth and Adams streets.

May 20

Adrian Ortiz, 30, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 4:53 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. This violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.

Jamari L. Hollingsworth, 22, of Chicago, was issued a citation at 9:29 p.m. for no valid driver’s license. This violation occurred in the 200 block of West Washington Street.

Nine parking citations and nine verbal warnings were issued May 15-21.

Note: Arrests listed are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

at 7:40 p.m. Harms was taken to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

May 18

Corey Shugart, 47, of Prophetstown, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of East Flagg Road at 5:58 p.m. Shugart was released on an I-Bond and given a future court date.

May 19

About 9:31 p.m., deputies responded to the 200 block of South Prairie Street in Creston regarding a reported domestic battery. After an investigation, Donna J. Russell, 58, of Ashton, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. Russell was taken to the Ogle County Jail.

At 9:39 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of East Ritchie Road and South Woodlawn Road for the report of a car in the ditch. Upon arrival, deputies found a blue Nissan Altima wrecked in the ditch east of the intersection.

It was determined the Nissan, being driven by Janeiro Tlapa-Hernandez, 36, of Davis Junction, was traveling east on East Ritchie Road, disregarded the stop sign and the intersection and crashed in the ditch.

After a brief investigation, Tlapa-Her-

nandez was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Tlapa-Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Ogle County Jail. Tlapa-Hernandez additionally was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, disregarding an official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and failure to carry/display a driver’s license.

May 20

Marisela Soto-Martinez, 36, of Waukegan, was arrested at 11:06 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 14000 block of East Illinois Route 64. Deputies next made contact with a separate vehicle traveling with Marisela. After further investigation, Jesus C. Morales-Santana, 40, of Waukegan, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Both individuals were taken to the Ogle County Jail. About 1 a.m., deputies investigated a vehicle parked in the northbound lane, facing south, in the 3200 block of North Stillman Road. After a brief investigation, Donald Goike Jr., 54, of Chana, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Goike was taken to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

May 21

Eric Rawls, 46, of Lindenwood, was arrested at 6:45 p.m. for domestic battery and an outstanding warrant after deputies responded to the 1300 block of North Illinois Route 251 for a report of a physical disturbance. Rawls was taken to the Ogle County Jail.

At 12:47 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 5000 block of South Woodlawn Road where two vehicles pulled over. After a brief investigation, Robert Rawls, 26, of Penscacola, Florida, was arrested for no valid driver’s license. Rawls also was cited for speeding – 26-34 mph above the speed limit – and released on scene. Scott Beattie, 49 of Rochelle, also arrested for driving while license revoked. Beattie was taken to the Ogle County Jail.

At 1:28 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop at Hickory Lane and Illinois Route 64. After a brief investigation, deputies arrested Joseph Patterson, 22, of Mendota, for driving without a valid license. Patterson was released on a $2,500 individual bond and also issued a citation for loud exhaust.

Arrests listed are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

reminding motorists to buckle up for safety.

“Seat belts have proven to be lifesaving in the event of a crash,” VanVickle said in a news release. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up.”

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for traveling to visit family and

friends, according to the release.

“Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used,”

according to the release. “While Illinois currently has a 93% seat belt use compliance rate, unbelted occupants still account for more than half of those killed in motor vehicle crashes. The simple click of a seat belt could save thousands of lives each year.”

CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC WORKS

The Village of Mt Morris is s eeking a candidate for full-time employment for Public Work s. Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and should possess working knowledge of operating and maintaining equipment and good public relations. The candidate must be 18 years or older and reside within the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District A valid driver's license is required upon hire, a class B/CDL m ust be obtained within a reasonable amount of time. This position includes a competitive salary and benefits. You will be required to clear a background check prior to employment

Applications are available in the Village Clerk's Office located at 105 W Lincoln Street, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm , or on our website www.mtmorrisil.net through June 16, 2023. Mt. Morris is an equal opportunity employer

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

Agricult ure Facult y

Tenure-track; nine-month faculty opening available for fall 2023. Will teach precision agr iculture, manage the SVCC greenhouse, & expand the program through community outreach Master's in an agriculture related field required.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1683

ECE Grant Sup port Spec ialist

Bachelor's in Educatio n or related preferred. Excellent communicatio n skills & ser vice orientation required. Preference given to candidates with knowledge of IL early childhood education progr ams & Gateway credentials.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1688

Adjunc t Faculty, C NA

Current license as a RN (or eligibility for license) in Illinois, two (2) years of experience, Train the Trainer, & an approved evaluator certificatio n or MSN & approved evaluator certification are requir ed

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1686

No n-credit Instructor (Traffic Safet y)

H.S. Diploma or equivalent 2 years in law enforcement or as a driver's education instructor preferred. Teaching experience preferred . Basic knowledge of Spanish pr efer red.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1690

Sauk Valley Community College

Attn: Human Resources

173 Illinois Route 2

Dixon, I L 61021 EOE

e-mail: employment@svcc.edu

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT SENIOR ACCOUNT ANT

1944 J.D. D.Tractor w/ wheel wts, all orig. cond, runs well; 2003 I.H. 8100 Semi Tractor, single axle, CAT engine, 10 speed, clean!; 1986 Jet Grain Tractor, 700 bu, LED lights, tarp; J.M. 750-16 Grain Cart w/ floater tires, tarp, scale, camera, small 1000 PTO!; 2012 J.D. 625I Gator, 4x4, PS, 590 hrs; Like new Unverferth 530 Gravity Wagon, 16 ply tires; 1988 CIH 496-22’ Disc, bought new!; New Pepin 24’ hyd. Fold Drag Cart Harrow; Glencoe 9 shank Soil Saver w/ leveler Bar; J.D. 7000-12N Wing fold Planter w/ J.D. 200 monitor, sharp!; J.D. F950-12’ Cultimulcher; J.D. 400 Rotary Hoe; Noble 6RN 3 pt. Cultivator; M.M. 5-16 Semi mt. Plow; Allied & Kewanee Augers; Woods 84-3 pt. Rotary Mower; Woods 315 Batwing Mower, 540 PTO; 2006 Mustang 25’ Flatbed Gooseneck Trailer; Winpower 20-12 PT2 Alternator on Cart w/ 540 PTO; 100 gal. Pasture Sprayer w/ 20’ Boom & hand gun!; 3 pt. Loader Bale Spear!; Farmall 3-16 Hyd. Pull Plow, new paint; Farmall 2-16 Trip/Steel wheel Plow, new paint; 200 bu. Parker Gravity Wagon on Doudan Gear; 2001 Yamaha Grizzly 4 Wheeler, 4000 miles, well maintained; HD Kerosene Hot Water Pressure Washer; Misc. 7000 Planter Parts; 2 Hayracks full of Misc. items incl. Chain Saws, nuts & bolts, Tools, etc; 5 hp Mini Bike, like new; 3 Surge Milker Buckets; 3 Galvanized 10 Hole Chicken Nests; 2-150 bu. Gravity Boxes w/ 6T. Gears, good cond; 3 pt. 8’ Woods Blade, Model #HBL96-2, like new; 3 pt. J.D. Quick hitch, fits J.D.4455, good cond; J.D. Hay Rack 8’, 5 bar; Dolly Wheel Note: Exceptional line of well maintained, CLEAN EQUIPMENT!

Terms: Cash or check with picture ID. Letter credit from bank for big items. Lunch Stand: Lunch Box

Check website for EXCEPTIONAL pictures. www.Proauctionsllc.com

We exist to provide gravity-flow storage solutions that save our customers space, time, energy, and money We accomplish this by doing the right things, all the time, for our company, employees, and customers. Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

Job Description:

Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable. Identify revenue and expense trends.

Manage financial dashboard and key performance indicators. Download and monitor bank activity

Pay vendo rs.

Enter transactions from employee expense reports. Prepare and submit sa les & use tax returns.

Track and make adjustments to significant balance sheet accounts (e.g., prepaids, accruals and debt)

Ed ucation: Associate (preferred)

Experience: GAAP: 5 years (preferred); Controllers: 5 years (preferred)

We're 200 employees strong and growing . . . Come join our team!

Full Time

Our Benefits include: 401(k); Dental insurance; Health insurance; Disability insurance; Paid time off

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.co m

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LLINOIS MIDFIRST BANK PLAINTIFF, -vs-

Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Joseph Vodak a/k/a Joseph T. Vodak, Deceased; Deborah J. Baugus, as Indepen dent Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Voda k a/k/a Joseph T. Vodak, Deceased; Deborah J. Baugus; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C LAIMANTS; UNKN OWN OCCUPAN TS DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 36

NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereb y given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above ent itled matter on December 16, 2022;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on June 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sel l to the highest bidder for ten per cent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours , the following desc ribed premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Sai d sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessment s or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/o r a Certificate of Sale as required, which will ent itle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Sai d propert y is legally described as follows:

Commonly known as 5839 Indian Trail, Rochelle, IL 61068

Per manent Index No.: 24-17-352-009

Improvement s: Single Family

Residential

The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres ent ation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $281,262.24. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to veri fy this information.

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 SE CTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Bid Amount contact:

Sale Clerk

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301

Bannockburn, IL 60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com

(847) 291-1717

MidFirst Bank

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys

LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301

Bannockburn, IL 60015

(847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com

Randal S Berg (6277119)

Michael N. Burke (6291435)

Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)

Michael Kal kowski (6185654)

Laura J. Ande rs on (6224385)

Mallory Snyderman (6306039)

Thomas Belcz ak (6193705)

Debra Miller (6205477)

Amy Aronson (6206512)

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGA TION

May 19, 26, 2023

June 2, 2023 932805

Stop pounding the pavement in search of a new job and start checking the classified job listings. You’ll zero in on the right opportunities in no time.

Jobs.ShawLocal.com

MILLEDGE VILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AMBULANCE FUND Financial Statement as of April 30, 2023

REVENUE: Carroll County Real Estate Tax $34,586.35; Carroll County Mobile Home Tax $0.90; Ins urance Claims, Refunds $3,665.53; Ogle County Real Estate Tax $1,722.64; State Replacement Tax $3,949.92; Whiteside Count y Real Estate Tax $28,696.53; Ambulance Calls $89 ,346.17; Donation $0.00; Interest Income $8,479.74

TOTAL REVENUE $170,447.78

EXPENSES:

INSURANCE $13,792.50; ADMINISTRATION $26,103.03; GAS AND OIL $2,678.74; RESCUE UNIT BILLING $50,877.00; MEDICA L SUPPLIES $8,668.27; EQUIPMENT REPAIRS $6,500.07; LABOR $24,313.03; EQUIPMENT PURCHASE/REPLACEMENT $3,371.12; BILLING AND GEMT PAYMENTS $25,361.27; SALARIES OF OFFICERS/AG ENT $4,734.29; SALARIES OF TRUSTEES $1,000.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $167,399.32

SUMMARY: BANK BALANCE, MAY 1, 2022 $1,026,939.77

DEPOSITS IN FISCAL YEAR $170,447.78

TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $1,197,387.55

EXPENSES FOR FISC AL YEAR $167,399.32

BANK BALANCE, APRIL 30, 2023$167,399.32

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, 2023.

Sheldon Ebersole, Secretary

MILLEDGE VILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FIRE FUND

Financial Statement as of April 30, 202 3

REVENUE:

Carroll County Real Estate Tax $110,768.63; Carroll County Mobile Home Tax $2.89; Ins urance Claims, Refunds $3,665.53; Ogle County Real Estate Tax $5,539.15; State Replacement Tax $9,670.51; Whiteside Count y Real Estate Tax $92,123.72; Whiteside Cou nty Real Es tate Tax $27.12; Use of Rescue Truck $50,877.00; Donations, Fire Tax Fund $5,107.39; Interest Income $5,737.85

TOTAL REVENUE $283,519.79

EXPENSES:

DUES $2,230.00; INSURANCE $13,792.50; PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS $2,220.80; STATION ERY & SUPPLIES $140.00; TE LEPHONE $1,000.8 0; TRAINING $534.27; ADMINISTRATION $0.00; EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT $0.00; GAS AND OIL $4,449.18; BUILDING MATERIALS REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $3,311.09; ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY $20,250.00; UTILITIES $8,381.74; MISCELLANEOUS FOR CONTINGENT $1,883.85; EQUIPM ENT MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $7,791.75; EQUIPMENT REPAIRS $22,948.25; FIRE FIGH TING EQUIPMENT $6,197.99; COMPENSATION FIRE DEPT $18,621.85; LEGAL FEES $294.00; SALARIES OF MISC OFFICER/AGENT $4,784.29; SALARIES OF TRUSTEES $1,000.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $119,832.36

SUMMARY:

BANK BALANCE, MAY 1, 2022 $596,110.21

DEPOSITS IN FISCA L YEAR $283,519.79

TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $879,630.00

EXPENSES FOR FISC AL YEAR $119,832.36

BANK BALANCE, APRIL 30, 2023 $759,797.64

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 ende d April 30, 2023.

May 19 & 26, 2023

Sheldon Ebersole, Secretary

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, PLAINTIFF, VS.

GERALD NORDGREN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF TODD M ANDERSON, DECEASED; LISA M ANDERSON A/K/A LISA M CASEY; VILLAGE OF DAVIS JUNCTIO N; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF TODD M ANDERSON; DEREK ANDERSO N, DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 50 745 GOLDEN PRAIRIE DRIVE DAVIS JU NCTION, IL 61 020

JUDGE PRESIDING JUDGE

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS HE REBY GIVEN TO YO U, Lisa M Anderson a/k/a Lisa M Casey

Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants

Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Todd M Ande rson

Derek Anderson

defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit:

LOT 390 AS DESIGNATED UPON PLAT NO 9 OF HARVEST GLENN; BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, THE PLAT OF WHICH SUBDIVISION IS RECORDED IN D PLAT FILE 71 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 0413095 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

Commonly known as:

745 Golden Prairie Drive Davis Junction, IL 61020 and which said Mortgage was made by, Todd M Anderson and Lisa M Anderson a/k/a Lisa M Casey Mortgagor(s), to

Mortgage Electronic Registratio n Systems, Inc as nominee for Quicken Loans, LLC

Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 202005370; and for othe r relief

UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before June 12, 2023, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. You have been su ed To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stat ed on this Summons called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/Response". The Answer/ Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case. After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to electronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file, you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/efiling If you cannot e-file, you can get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. You may be charged filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case in-person or remotely by video or phone. Con tact th e Circuit Court Clerk's office or visit the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this. N eed hel p? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcour thelp.gov for information about going to court, including how to fill out and file documents. You can also get free legal information and legal refer rals at illinoislegalaid.org Other documents may be ava ilable from your local Circuit Court Clerk's office or website ¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833-411- 1121, o v isite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la cor te y cómo completa r y presentar formularios.

PURSUANT TO TH E FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMA TION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney for Plaintiff

1 N. Dearborn St. Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602

Ph (312) 346-9088

File No.

22-10400IL-806338 I3219750

May 12, 19, 26, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LLINOIS

MIDFIRST BANK

PLAINTIFF, -vsUnknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Joseph Vodak a/k/a Joseph T. Vodak, Deceased; Deborah J. Baugus, as Indepen dent Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Voda k a/k/a Joseph T. Vodak, Deceased; Deborah J. Baugus; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C LAIMANTS; UNKN OWN OCCUPAN TS

DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 36

NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereb y given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above ent itled matter on December 16, 2022;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on June 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sel l to the highest bidder for ten per cent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours , the following desc ribed premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Sai d sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessment s or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/o r a Certificate of Sale as required, which will ent itle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Sai d propert y is legally described as follows:

LOT SIX (6) AS DESIGNATED UPON THE PLAT OF INDIAN TRAILS ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION LOCATED IN PART OF THE WEST HALF (1/2) OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 17, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT FILE D, PAGE 29 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS

Commonly known as 5839 Indian Trail, Rochelle, IL 61068

Per manent Index No.: 24-17-352-009

Improvement s: Single Family Residential

The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres ent ation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $281,262.24. Prospective pur chasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to veri fy this information. 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 SE CTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Bid Amount contact:

Sale Clerk

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com

(847) 291-1717 MidFirst Bank

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com

Randal S Berg (6277119)

Michael N. Burke (6291435)

Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)

Michael Kal kowski (6185654)

Laura J. Ande rs on (6224385)

Mallory Snyderman (6306039)

Thomas Belczak (6193705)

Debra Miller (6205477)

Amy Aronson (6206512)

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION

8190-932805

May 19, 26, 2023

June 2, 2023 932805

ssessments for 2019. riod of tion will 9/13/2023. On 10/04/2023 at 9:00 etitioner ion to such said for an r Issuance Deed Devel opers itioner 10701-932903

26, 2023

2, 2023 (932903)

Notice T, LLC Storage Pines Road IL 61061 to the landlord's lien proin rental ement beKimberly unit 1020, rage conpersonal will be otherwise of on or e 2, 2023 TAAT , LLC. must be n full by 202 3 to his sale. & 26, 2023

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