Rain and mud don’t stop participants from running for Maggie and Amos / 3
Ganymedes’ old-time base ball game is livestreamed / 5
Carnival, parade among the attractions at festival in Polo / 6
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The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal and Oregon Republican Reporter.
The TRI-COUNTY PRESS (USPS No. 638-530) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Shaw Media, P.O. Box 598, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2024
To the Editor:
Encore! Mt. Morris says “thank you” to all the musicians performing free music and to all the visitors who persevered through the rain to enjoy live music in the village at the seventh annual PorchFest on Saturday, June 8.
While the weather was damp, the spirits were not dampened with 16 musical choices scheduled at 12 venues around Mt. Morris.
Kable band concerts on Wednesdays at Campus
Kable Band concerts are held each Wednesday evening in Mount Morris in the band shell on the downtown Campus.
The music begins at 7:30 p.m.
“Enjoy a summer evening of music and come early for a pie and ice cream social,” said Sylvia Saunders, a band member. “Watch for announcements of featured
Only a few were unable to perform. Many favorites played 45-minute sets on community porches and lawns throughout the festival area and several moved to inside locations.
Visitors selected their choice of music from the schedule and map, then walked, rode bicycles or drove ATVs and their cars, parking close enough to enjoy the day. PorchFest lived up to the promise of being an ultimate
grassroots community music festival as umbrellas certainly were a popular accessory for the day.
Enocre! Mt. Morris PorchFest is held annually on the second Saturday in June. Encore! Mt. Morris hopes to see you next year on Saturday, June 14, 2025, for this growing event.
Jeff Bold Encore! Mt. Morris
soloists and ensembles.”
Oregon High School Band Director Andy Eckardt is the band’s director. Bench seating is provided or attendees can bring their own folding chairs.
Summer meals available through partnership in Oregon Meals are served Monday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mix Park in
Flag Day, June 14
Join us at 10:30 a.m. for a Flag Day ceremony with veterans’ honors featuring Illinois Republican Leader Tony McCombie, the state representative for the 89th District. Music will be by Denny Jacobs and Mike Bratt and lunch is from St. Croix Hospice.
Trivia & Tacos, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20
$2 for trivia and $2 each for tacos. Join us
The library will be closed Wednesday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday and Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. Summer Reading Program
We are ready to get everyone reading more and more this summer. Read, Renew, Repeat is our theme with lots of relaxing and renewing. We offer kids programs every week, raffle prizes for adults and kids, games, parties and more all summer. Summer Reading Programs, June 17-22
Water Cycle! Program, 1 p.m. Monday, June 17
Salt Painting Drop-In Craft, 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, while supplies last Recycled Squid, take-n-make, June 18-22, while supplies last
for a friendly competition.
Diamond Painting, Friday, June 21
We added another day of Diamond Painting. It’s at 11 a.m. Friday, June 21. No skill is required – just a lot of fun. Community Game Night, June 27
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center has been rebranded to include the entire community. Come play games on Thursday, June 27, with other members of the commu-
Oregon with a drive-up on South Third Street. Meals include three days worth of breakfast and lunches.
There is no limit to pickups.
Meals are provided in partnership with the Oregon Park District, Oregon United Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The food is provided by Northern Illinois Food Bank.
– Shaw Local News Network
nity. Popcorn will be provided but feel free to bring a snack to share. Games start at 6 p.m. Bus trip in November
We will be taking a trip to New Orleans from Nov. 3-9. It’s seven days and six nights including four consecutive nights in the New Orleans area. Guided tours and a riverboat cruise are just a few of the events. For information or to sign up, call Melissa at 815-734-6335.
Family Night – it’s Lego Night, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Story Time, 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays
We will be reading books and the children will create a craft. Story time is every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Lego Club, Thursday, June 20 Lego night is the third Thursday of each month. This month it is a Family Night. Join in the fun with your family and build and create together. Families can start their builds from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Children younger than 8 need to bring a parent with them.
Adult Book Club Meeting, Monday, June 24
Everyone is welcome to join this book club. Copies of the book are available at the
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
library. The meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Cookbook Club Meeting, July 2 Join us as we explore The Cookbook Club. Wonderful recipes combined with friendship create something both beautiful and delicious. Come in, choose your recipe and bring your dish to pass at our next meeting. Join us at 6 p.m. July 2 at the Mount Morris Senior & Community Center for another exciting meal.
Display Case Showings
Lights! Camera! Action! We have a new display courtesy of local actors. Come see all their wonderful memories of past plays. We always are looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
CHANA – They were fewer in number, but their mission remained the same. Twenty-seven runners and one pup battled rain, mud and cool temps to run for Maggie and Amos at the Infinity event’s Running Wild Trail and Fun Run on June 8.
Thirteen-year-old winner Evelyn Anderson had one comment about the mud and the rain – “Bring it on.”
“I thought it was fun passing through the mud,” the Oregon teen said after crossing the finish line first in 33:18.6. “I was like, OK ... bring it on.”
This year’s Infinity event, held in memory of Maggie and Amos (Rosko) Meyer who died in 2016, was moved to the Rochelle Wildlife Conservation Club, located east of Chana. Previous Infinity runs had been held in Chana next to the Chana Education Center, where Maggie was a teacher.
Hosted by the Maggie & Amos Foundation, the event included live music, a bags tournament, live and silent auctions, free kids activities, a scavenger hunt, beer garden and the trail run and 1-mile fun run.
The Maggie & Amos Foundation was created in 2017 after the deaths of Maggie and Amos in October 2016. Maggie was a special education teacher at Chana Education Center who used her creativity and imaginative personality to engage students in out-of-the-box learning in her classroom, said Lynn Kalnins, a coworker and assistant principal at the school.
Kalnins said Amos, 3, had the adventurous heart of his mom and was eager to join in on any spontaneous adventure with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Maggie, 31, died in a house fire Oct. 19, 2016, in Byron, along with Amos. Duane C. Meyer, Maggie’s ex-husband and Amos’ father, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. His case is pending in Ogle County court.
Shortly after the deaths, Maggie’s friends and coworkers formed the Maggie & Amos Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization, to keep their memories alive and to help other schools and agencies with youth-related projects.
The foundation has funded more than $48,000 in educator grants, library sponsorships and scholarships.
The run is an integral part of the fundraising event because Maggie loved to run races. Despite the steady rain, participants battled through the new trail course with smiles and a lot of muddy shoes.
We always seem to have interesting weather on this run.”
Christopher Pearce
Christopher Pearce, a close friend of Maggie, has taken part in each Infinity run since her death.
“We always seem to have interesting weather on this run,” said Pearce of Rockford.
“It was an adventure,” said Audrey Hooks, also of Rockford.
June Danekas and her dog Evee slushed through the course with a steady pace. Evee has visited the Chana Education Center as a therapy dog and was invited to run in this year’s race.
Organizers created the event to keep happy memories of Maggie and Amos alive and seek “all that was good about Maggie and Amos.”
Anderson honored their memory with her race strategy.
“To have a positive mindset and keep going even if it is really hard,” Anderson said.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Dane Bell (left), Mara Bell (right) and Mackenzie Turcato (center) run along the lake at the Rochelle Wildlife Conservation Club during the Infinity Event 5K on June 8.
LEFT: Evelyn Anderson, 13, of Oregon, was the first-place finisher at the Infinity Event 5K. BELOW LEFT: June Danekas of Oregon and her dog Evee run in the event. BELOW: Luann Rosko of Mount Morris and her grandson, Warren, 7, of Monroe Center check out some of the silent auction items.
It was just another week and we got started back on the White Pines book, cleaned Henry School for the trolley tour, reminisced about Jan Harvey, I got bit in the eye by a bug and I lost my credit card. What more could I accomplish in a week?
The book is now ready for Beth to start to put it together on the computer and she will have to figure out how that goes. We have pictures and text all placed out together in chunks of time. Then we will see how other pictures can be fit in if there is room. Someone really skilled in technology would have done all that with a laptop as we looked at the text and pictures. I am not that person. We have a good start.
Earlier in the week we headed for Henry School. Ted has been working on the windows and they look spectacular. What a great job. When you stop at Henry School on the trolley tour be sure to check out the windows all nicely sanded, redone and painted.
The tour is Saturday, June 15, at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. You will go to the lime kiln, Buffalo Grove Cemetery and the Henry School. You will get out and look things over at each place. You will hear about the history at each spot. This will be during Town and Country Days.
After we spruced up the school, we went back to the museum and settled down with a box of things that needed to be filed away. We came upon a note from Jan Harvey after Linda, Charlie and I had visited her. I read her beautiful note and she had sent a picture of her painting the street display canvas hangings that were to have been on our new street lights. Only they did not fit and those beautiful, colorful
displays now hang in the museum. It is too bad they are not out on the streets of Polo. Jan was a shot in the arm for Polo with Peddler’s Pass and all the things she did for this community. We will miss her and her talent.
Thursday I had planned to shop late in the afternoon since Friday was the Obendorf Open and some of the family was to be here for lunch that day. Before I went to the store I decided to trim off some of the iris around my bird bath. Suddenly my eye started to itch and hurt terribly. By the time I got into the house my whole eye was red. My eye drops were outdated and so was the Benadryl. I used a cold compress on my eye. I finally decided I had been bitten by a bug. There would be no shopping that day.
The next morning at 8 a.m. I did my shopping, used my credit card, came home and fixed food. My eye was still not the best but I got it all done and waited for the family to arrive. When they arrived, all I
needed from the store was beer batterer cod and I reached for my credit card in my purse. It was not there. The family searched the car, my purse, the grocery bags, the store and parking lot. It was never found. I am certain the thought is on all family minds whether mom is losing it.
As we all gathered that afternoon in Mount Morris after the golfing, it was a gathering of family and friends. Todd and his wife were there and we talked about his daughter, Ruby Jean, who is a good athlete. It is always good to visit with him. I remember him as a little boy and a good friend of the family.
My mind was still on my lost credit card but the family cheered me up with a birthday cake. I thought to myself it has been quite a day and the end of just another week.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
My previous articles were from Mary Jane Stomberg Shoemaker’s book titled “Pine Creek Recollections Revisited.”
Here’s some information about Mary Jane.
Mary Jane was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Daysville, Illinois, to Enno A. and Lela (Feary) Stomberg. She married Arthur C. Shoemaker at the Lighthouse Church on Nov. 21, 1948. She graduated from Franklin Grove in 1946 and attended Northern Illinois University where she received a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in education.
She taught special education for the Dixon Public School system for 15 years and part time at Sauk Valley College. She was a writer and published four books including “Pine Creek Recollections Revisited” and “Joel’s Journey.” For eight years, she wrote a weekly column for the Ogle County Life newspaper titled “Pine Creek Natural.”
She helped establish the Village of Progress and served on the VOP board. She served as the Methodist director at the Lighthouse Church, a 4-H leader and a committee woman for the Girl Scouts.
In 1945, her family moved to a small farm near Lighthouse Church. In 1969, they sold their place in the country and moved to Oregon.
Enno worked in the office at FS part time. Enno passed away in 1976, America’s 200th birthday.
Here’s some information about Pine Creek Township.
As of the 2010 census, the township had a population of 758 and contained 329 housing units. Pine Creek has a total area of 39.71 square miles of which 19.7 square miles is land and 0.01 is water. The only village in Pine Creek was Stratford, located a little west of White Pines State Park. It was platted in 1866 after completion of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. A potato train wrecked the CB&Q depot in October 1934. Seven train cars derailed and crashed through the depot. There is a photo of the wrecked Stratford Depot on display at the Oregon Depot.
Mary Jane’s family lived on a farm across the railroad tracks adjacent to the White Pines State Park. While driving to the park from Oregon, we drive by Columbian Corners.
While reading Mary Jane’s “Pine Creek Recollections Revisited” book, she gave me a wonderful feeling of what it was like to live on a farm across the railroad tracks next to the White Pines State Park.
Thank you, Mary Jane.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
GRAND DETOUR – The cameras were rolling Saturday at the John Deere Historic Site as two old-time “base ball” teams met up to play with modern-day TV coverage.
Even Mother Nature waited for the final out of the Oregon Ganymedes versus DuPage County Plowboys game before spattering the historic site with a steady rain.
The Ganymedes, a vintage base ball club based in Oregon, hosted the Plowboys of Downers Grove at the Deere home and museum under partially cloudy skies and mild temperatures.
“Despite the threat of rain, more than 400 spectators came to Grand Detour to watch the teams play early rules base ball,” Ganymedes captain Mark Herman said. “A three-camera television crew from KCRG television in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who normally films high school, college and professional league sporting events, streamed the entire event live. They also brought a great play-by-play announcer who interviewed players during the match. The game was also broadcast on KWQC in the Quad Cities and other sites from coast to coast.”
The John Deere Historic Site upped the promotion of the historic base ball event in local newspapers and the media especially in the Quad Cities area where the John Deere corporate headquarters are located, Herman said.
“We counted 394 people come through the front gates and had many more enter through the back side of the site,” said Judy Webb, operations lead at the John Deere Historic Site. “This is my favorite event of the 30-plus years that I have been working here.”
Saturday marked the first time the KCRG crew covered a vintage base ball game.
“This was really fun and the John Deere site was a beautiful backdrop for the game,” said Erin Rooney, KCRG executive producer.
Vintage rules base ball (spelled as two words in the 1800s) is played with authentic wool uniforms, no gloves, underhand pitching and gentlemanly conduct. Other rule differences include outs for balls caught on one bounce, no called balls or strikes – unless the batter swings three times and misses – and a requirement that players call themselves out on close plays. Base paths are still 90 feet, there are three outs per inning and games are nine innings long.
Comprised of volunteer players, the Ganymedes have been playing vintage base ball with 1858 rules for 20 years. Saturday marked the second time the
team played at the historic site, located 9 miles south of their home field in Oregon.
A link to the broadcast was made available on the Ganymedes’ Facebook page so fans of the team could watch the game.
“We put the link to the live broadcast on our Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Base Ball Facebook page,” Oregon Ganymedes scorekeeper Debbie Herman said. “We had texts all during the game from our friends who were
watching it live in Los Angeles, California, Tacoma, Washington, Louisville, Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri, Cleveland, Ohio, Peoria, Illinois, Springfield, Illinois, Connecticut and Rhode Island.”
The Ganymedes won the game 12-3 in a contest that produced entertaining and unusual plays on a tight, challenging field of play that was bordered by fences, trees and other greenery.
Memorable plays included a Ganymedes player accidentally somersault-
ing across home plate to score a run and the entire Plowboys team searching for the game ball in several large bushes in far right field.
A recap of the game will be available on demand in a few days with the Ganymedes posting the link on their Facebook page as soon as it is available.
The Ganymedes’ next games will be on their home field in Oregon at 1 p.m, Saturday, June 22, against the McLean County Prairie Chickens Base Ball Club of Normal, Illinois.
Photos by Earleen Hinton The Ganymedes’ Mike Benesh fields a hlt as the center-field cameraman zeroes in on the play during a vintage base ball game against the DuPage Plowboys on June 8 at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. The DuPage County Plowboys search for the game ball in large shrubs during the game against the Ganymedes.SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
POLO – A parade, historical tours and a carnival are just some of the attractions at Polo’s Town & Country Days on June 13-16.
The fesitval was first organized in 1966 by the Polo Jaycees as a way to raise money for the construction of a city pool.
“Now, 58 years later, the festival has expanded into a four-day event that is kicked off with one of the most amazing fireworks display in the area. The annual parade still closes out the celebration and sandwiched in between are four days filled with fun for young and old,” the website said.
Friday, June
KIDZ Day, noon to 4 p.m. ($25 armbands available)
Noon – Zeiler Amusement carnival rides open until 10 p.m.
Noon – Merchandise bingo until 10 p.m.
1 p.m. – Dunk tank until 8 p.m. (fundraiser for PCHS cheerleaders)
1 p.m. – Kids Fun Fair in festival tent, face painting, games and prizes until 3 p.m.
1 p.m. – P&C Little Rascals petting zoo outside festival tent until 3 p.m.
2 p.m. – Spaghetti eating contest
sponsored by Cimino’s Pizza and Oreo stacking contest
4 p.m. – Dinner Under the Tent: musical entertainment provided by Kaboom Acoustic Tunes by Chris Blum until 6 p.m.
6 p.m. – American Legion Post 83 dignified disposal of unserviceable flags ceremony at Louise D. Quick Park
7 p.m. – Alumni night in the beer garden. Free drink ticket to Polo alumni with $5 admission
8 p.m. – Audio Drive live in the beer garden until 11:45 p.m. 50/50 raffle tickets available and drawn at 11:30 p.m.
9 p.m. – Battle of the Bars Beer Pong tournament ($10 entry fee)
Saturday, June 15
7 a.m. – Polo Car Show until 2 p.m.
8 a.m. – Polo 5K Run/Walk hosted by PCHS cross country team (corner of Mason and Jefferson streets)
9 a.m. – One Mile Fun Run (corner of Mason and Jefferson streets)
9 a.m. – Volleyball tournament at football field (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.). Hosted by PCHS volleyball
10 a.m. – Kids Water Fights at Polo fire station
11 a.m. – Fire Departments’ Water Fights at the Polo fire station
Noon – Zeiler Amusement carnival rides open until 10 p.m.
Noon – 815 Twin City Baggers Cornhole tournament sponsored by Next Landscaping. Signup is at 11 a.m. (cor-
ner of Mason and Jefferson streets)
Noon – Merchandise bingo until 10 p.m.
Noon – Dunk tank until 8 p.m.
Noon - Polo Historical Society trolley tours begin at the Polo Historical Museum (tours are at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
1:15 p.m. – Polo Area Community Theatre trivia fundraiser in the festival tent (registration is from 12:30 to 1 p.m.)
4 p.m. – Dinner Under the Tent: musical entertainment provided by Brenner Bushman until 6 p.m.
7 p.m. – Chamber Night in the beer garden. 50/50 raffle tickets available and drawn at 11:30 p.m.
8 pm – Polo Chamber Night, free admission. Mr. Grimm and His Bad Luck live in the beer garden until 11:45 p.m.
9 p.m. – Beer Pong tournament in the festival tent ($10 entry fee)
Sunday, June 16
Father’s Day ($25 armbands available from noon to 4 p.m.)
Noon – Zeiler Amusement carnival rides open until 5 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – Father’s Day Grande Parade
1:30 p.m – Live band Just 4 Fun in the festival tent
2 p.m. – Polo Youth Baseball hog raffle drawing in festival tent
OREGON – The Oregon Woman’s Club presented three books to the Oregon Public Library in honor of the group’s past president Fran Strouse, who died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.
Strouse served as OWC president for 10 years and was an active member of the group even after her term in office. She was an avid reader and loved her Boston terriers.
Born in Georgia, Strouse lived in Oregon for many years and often was seen around town and at the library.
The first book is the adult novel “The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise” by Colleen Oakley. It is the story of a road trip across Georgia by an unlikely couple, a reluctant caregiver and her equally reluctant ward full of humor and mystery.
“Zorro, The Boston Terrier: Accidentally Locked Out” tells of the adventures of Zorro when he finds himself confronted by a difficult problem; it’s a picture book for beginning readers.
Jan
“Horace and Bunwinkle” is another Boston terrier adventure for middle school
The Polo swimming pool officially opened for the summer June 5. The pool is open from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The in-district daily fee is $3 and the out-of-district fee is $5. Seasonal pool passes also are an option.
are looking forward to spending a lot of time in the
LEFT: The Polo pool officially opened for the season June 5. MIDDLE LEFT: Kerrigan Becker, 9, of Polo swings from a zipline.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal TOP LEFT: Fun and games began June 5 as kids leap for a football during the opening day at Polo’s pool. TOP RIGHT: Louis, 4, hitches a ride with mom Kelle Bliss of Sterling during the season opener at the Polo pool. ABOVE: Adam Becker of Polo launches his daughter Lennox, 7, at the Polo pool June 5. The Becker family said they water.Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:
June 5
Misti List, 42, of Leaf River, was arrested for an outstanding Ogle County warrant after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 72 and Mill Road at 8:32 p.m. List was taken to the Ogle County jail. Byron police assisted at the traffic stop.
June 6
Robbie Brown, 31, of Rockford, was arrested for an outstanding Ogle County warrant about 10:53 a.m. Brown posted bond and was released with no future court date.
Dilon Berg, 33, of Freeport, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear about 11:53 a.m. Berg was unable to post bond and was scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. June 7.
Eric Pondell, 42, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the area of Illinois Route 38 and South Mulford Road at 9:52 p.m. Pondell also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration. Pondell was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date of 9 a.m. June 21. Derrick Pryor, 36, of DeKalb, was
May 25
At 6:50 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash involving a 2017 Dodge driven by Margaret A. Stuart, 75, of Oregon, and a parked 2018 Ford belonging to the Ogle County Housing Authority. No citations were issued. May 28
Emily A. Feiden, 28, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 3:35 a.m. on an Ogle County warrant. Feiden was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was left in the custody of the corrections officers. At 8:20 a.m., police responded to a disturbance call at the Oregon Casey’s, 901 W. Washington St., resulting in the arrest of Jasmine J. Johnson, 22, of Oregon, for criminal trespass to real property. Johnson was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear. Brandon Eder, 26, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 12:23 p.m. for violating the long grass ordinance on a property in the 300 block of North Fifth Street.
At 2:17 p.m., police responded to a disturbance call in the 300 block of South Second Street resulting in the arrest of Brittany A. Highbarger, 33, of Oregon, for disorderly conduct and theft. Highbarger was transported to the Ogle
arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the area of South Mulford and East Creston roads at 10:41 p.m. Pryor also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration. Pryor was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date of 9 a.m. June 21.
June 7
Jennifer Marshall, 33, of Stillman Valley, was cited for failure to yield at a stop sign after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Illinois Route 72 and Marrill Road about 9:51 a.m. An investigation showed Marshall was driving a Jeep and failed to yield at a stop sign with oncoming traffic. Marshall’s Jeep was struck by an oncoming Chevrolet Avalanche at the intersection. Marshall was taken to SwedishAmerican Hospital for a minor injury. The driver of the Chevrolet was taken to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for a suspected minor injury. Both vehicles were towed from the scene because of disabling damage. The Byron and Stillman Valley fire protection districts assisted.
Jahshawn H. Howard, 21, of Dixon, was arrested for a Whiteside County warrant for failure to appear, cited for driving
County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear.
Devin W. Ullmark, 29, of DeKalb, was issued a citation at 2:55 p.m. for speeding 55 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 100 block of East Washington Street.
At 3:33 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of South Second and Madison streets involving a 2016 Nissan driven by Michele R. Wolf, 51, of Oregon, and a 2015 Chrysler driven by Alyssa L. Mowry, 18, of Chana. Wolf was issued a citation for failure to yield at a stop or yield intersection.
At 4:12 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of North River Road and East Washington Street involving a 2013 Lincoln driven by Taisa J. Hamm, 23, of Rockford, and a 2024 Kia driven by Megan E. Buja, 32, of Loves Park. Hamm was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
May 29
Trevall W. Anderson, 27, of Dixon, was arrested at 10:04 a.m. on a Lee County warrant for failure to appear. Anderson was transported to the Ogle County jail.
May 30
Daniel L. Wrage, 61, of Sterling, was
while license suspended and issued a warning for expired registration after a traffic stop at 12:59 p.m. Howard was taken to the Ogle County jail.
June 8
Deston Montgomery, 21, of Byron, was cited for improper lane use, too fast for conditions and driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies, Byron police and Byron and Stillman Valley EMS responded to a one-vehicle crash in the 2000 block of East Water Road about 1:10 a.m. An investigation showed Montgomery was driving a Ford Mustang west in the 2000 block of East Water Road when the vehicle traveled into the eastbound lane and began skidding sideways. The Mustang continued to skid sideways back into the westbound lane and off the north side of the roadway before striking a tree and coming to a stop. Montgomery was taken by React Helicopter to a Rockford area hospital for life-threatening injuries. The passenger, Elizabeth Wurster, 22, of Stillman Valley, was taken by Stillman Valley EMS to a Rockford area hospital for serious injuries. Montgomery was released on a notice to appear with a future court date. The crash remains under investigation.
issued a citation at 8:32 a.m. for speeding 46 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
At 2:23 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of East Washington Street and South Daysville Road involving a 2018 Nissan driven by Janet L. Jaeger, 38, of Rochelle, and a 2013 Honda driven by Zachary A. Christman, 22, of Naperville. Jaeger was transported to Rochelle Hospital by the Mt. Morris Ambulance Service, where she was issued citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license revoked. Jaeger also was arrested and issued a notice to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
At 7:47 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the parking lot of Jays Drive Inn restaurant, 107 W. Washington St. involving a 2007 Ford driven by a 16-year-old of Byron and a parked 2011 Ford owned by Molly G. Duncan, 23, of Polo. No citations were issued.
May 31
Dominic O. Holman, 19, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 10:21 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
June 9
Stella Kosari, 49, of Buffalo Grove, was cited for failure to yield at an intersection after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of North Meridian and East Holcomb roads about 10:47 a.m. An investigation showed Kosari was driving a Mazda SUV when she failed to yield at the intersection to oncoming traffic. Kosari’s vehicle was struck by an oncoming Honda Pilot. Both drivers and a passenger were taken to Rockford-area hospitals for suspected injuries. Stillman Valley, Byron and Lynn-Scott-Rock EMS assisted. Larry Mein, 72, of Mt. Morris, was cited for improper left turn into oncoming traffic after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 7200 block of West Pines Road about 2:47 p.m. An investigation showed Mein was driving a Hyundai SUV when he failed to yield and improperly turned into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Toyota SUV. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene. The Polo Fire Protection District assisted. Mein was given a future court date.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
The violation occurred in the 600 block of Gale Street.
June 1
Samantha F. Boehm, 23, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 10:10 a.m. for disobeying a traffic control signal. The violation occurred in the 1100 block of Jefferson Street.
Jakob C. Allen, 37, of Rockford, was arrested at 4:05 p.m. for driving while license revoked. Allen also was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Allen was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was processed and released with a notice to appear. The violations occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.
June 2
Naomi M. Mansell, 20, of Dubuque, Iowa, was issued a citation at 6:25 p.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 1200 block of West Washington Street.
Angela J. Warner, 40, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 6:30 p.m. for allowing a dog to run at large. The violation occurred in the 1200 block of North Illinois Street.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
POLO – Polo businesses have the chance to receive financial help from the city through a new commercial improvement grant.
On June 3, Polo City Council members unanimously voted to create the Commercial Grant Program using funds from Polo’s Business Development District No. 1, which will reimburse approved applicants up to $5,000 on applicable projects.
The grant program’s purpose is to “stimulate efforts to improve the street appearance of Polo’s historic buildings and business façades,” according to the grant application.
Polo’s BDD No. 1 was created Aug. 15, 2022, on a 5-1 vote by City Council members. It encompasses downtown and some surrounding blocks, as well as the length of Division Avenue.
Within the BDD, an additional 0.5% sales tax is collected on most goods, according to the ordinance that established it. Things such as medications,
medical appliances, food meant to be eaten off the premises where it was sold and titled purchases – a car or boat, for example – are not subject to the additional tax.
Grants will be awarded based on the application’s merit, not on a firstcome, first-served basis, Alderman Randy Schoon said.
According to the application, grant funds can be used for nonarchitectural elements such as paint and awnings or for activities that might be considered routine maintenance necessary to prevent further deterioration of original elements such as tuck-pointing, replacement of doors and/or windows, roof repairs, etc. Exterior improvements related to Americans with Disabilities Act-compliance also can be included.
Interior work on a business or building is not an applicable use of grant funds.
Schoon said there is the possibility to make a change to the program later that would allow grant funds to be used for interior work.
“I think at this time we’re too early to be doing that kind of thing,” Schoon said of interior work. “If we start doing interior work and somebody comes at us and wants to do electrical, we’re not going to be able to go up there and make sure that’s all done right.”
Funding for the Commercial Grant Program is limited to $30,000 per fiscal year, according to the ordinance establishing the grant program. Polo’s fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30. The program retroactively started May 1 of this year.
Each business or building within the BDD is eligible to receive a grant once per year if awarded $2,500 or less or once every two years if awarded $2,501 to $5,000, the grant application shows.
Polo’s Commercial Grant Program does not require an applicant to provide matching funds.
Alderman Tommy Bardell said that $5,000 isn’t going to get someone very far on a project that would be applicable to get funding.
“They’re going to be putting some money forth,” Bardell said. “We’ve got to incentivize it somehow.”
All applications will go through the Polo City Council. The council will send them to the Polo BDD Advisory Committee for review before voting to approve or deny an application.
The City Council also:
• Unanimously hired two part-time police officers at rates of $26 an hour and $26.50 an hour.
• Unanimously approved a five-year capital improvement plan.
• Directed city attorney M. Thomas Suits to draft an ordinance adding several stop signs at intersections around town. Stop signs are set to be added on East Colden Street at South Jefferson Avenue, South Jackson Avenue at East Colden Street, South Prairie Avenue at East Colden Street and North Cherry Avenue at West Dixon Street. Also, the ordinance will create a no-parking zone on Cranbrook Lane at South Barber Avenue.
OREGON – A Mount Morris man pleaded not guilty June 4 to six felony charges, including possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with the intent to deliver and punching a police officer.
David D. Lowtharp, 55, is charged with possessing with the intent to deliver 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine and 15 to 100 grams of cocaine, aggravated assault and aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting arrest that led to the injury of a police officer.
Lowtharp pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared in Ogle
David D. Lowtharp
County court June 4 for an arraignment with his attorney, Ogle County Public Defender William Gibbs. Lowtharp was arrested by Mount Morris police at 5:30 a.m. June 1 for disobeying a stop light in the 100 block of East Hitt Street, also known as Route 64.
According to a news release issued by Mount Morris police, Lowtharp fled from the officer in a southeastern direction but later was found in the 200 block of East Main Street, where the officer tried to take Lowtharp into custody and
a physical struggle ensued.
With assistance from the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Lowtharp was arrested, taken into custody and transported to the Ogle County jail.
According to court documents, Lowtharp punched the Mount Morris officer without legal justification and also put her in “reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery” when he swung a 2-foot-by-4-foot piece of wood at her during the physical struggle.
Lowtharp also is charged with resisting arrest by an Ogle County deputy who assisted at the scene. In that charge, Lowtharp is accused of physically struggling with the deputy and injuring him.
On June 4, Gibbs asked that
Lowtharp be released from jail as his case proceeds through the court system.
“His business is suffering,” Gibbs told Judge John Redington.
Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley objected to his release and asked that Lowtharp be held in custody. Redington agreed and remanded Lowtharp back to the county jail. He set Lowtharp’s next court appearance for June 12.
The drug charges are Class X felonies that could be punishable by six to 30 years in prison. The aggravated battery to a police officer is a Class 2 felony, punishable by three to seven years in prison, and the other charges are Class 4 felonies punishable by one to three years in prison.
OREGON – An Ogle County judge denied a Mount Morris man’s request June 5 to be released from jail as his case proceeds through the court system.
Darren Barker, 53, is charged with the felony offenses of possessing and
intending to deliver between 15 to 100 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine after a search of his apartment in the 10 block of East Front St. Barker also is
charged with possessing ammunition as a felon.
The Mount Morris Police Department, assisted by the Oregon Police Department, executed a search warrant at Barker’s residence at 9:20 p.m. May 27 after an investigation that police said lasted several months.
Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said that in
addition to the methamphetamine and cocaine, police found $895, a shotgun and 9mm ammunition.
Barker pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared in front of Judge John Redington with his attorney, Ogle County Public Defender William Gibbs.
See BARKER, page 13
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Two Oregon FFA members display one of two handmade quilts that were actioned during the Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA alumni pork chop dinner and auction fundraiser June 8 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
OREGON – Pork chops and bids took center stage at the Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Pork Chop Dinner and Auction on June 8 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
The event included a live auction of donated items after the dinner.
The pork chop dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Association, which helps fund activities in conjunction with the OHS FFA chapter, including providing funds to help OJSHS students participate in FFA activities and scholarships for OHS students continuing their education after high school.
Anyone who was unable to attend the pork chop dinner and auction still
can contribute by sending a monetary donation to the Oregon FFA Alumni, care of Oregon Junior Senior High School, 210 S. 10th St., Oregon, IL 61061.
Born: April 26, 1932 in Freeport, IL
Died: June 10, 2024 in Polo, IL
Richard L. Coffman, 92, of Polo, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by family after a hard-fought battle with prostate cancer.
Richard was born April 26,1932 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Herbert and Carol (Davis) Coffman. He was united in marriage to Beverly Reid on June 12, 1954 at the Polo Church of the Brethren. They had a wonderful 70 years together. Richard attended Carthage College and the University of Illinois and served in the United States Army.
Richard was a life-long farmer, the fifth generation on the family farm in rural Polo. He was active in the community, serving on the Polo Bank, Polo School, Polo Ambulance and Dairy Herd Improvement boards, as well as a number of church boards. Richard also was part of the steering committee to organize the Polo Coop Association and subsequently served on its board.
Richard was a life member of the NRA and
60-year member of the Polo Rifle Club and Rock River Rifle Leagues as an active shooter. He was also a private pilot and member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
Survivors include his wife Beverly; sons: Randy (Cindy) Coffman of Tulsa, OK and John (Lisa) Coffman of Polo; granddaughters Elizabeth (Greg) Norton of Berlin, Germany, Rachel (Ryan) Gaddis of Dallas, Texas and Anna Coffman of Pass-a-Grille, Florida; one great-granddaughter, Auriel Evanthe Norton. He was preceded in death by grandparents Charles and Ema (Keator) Coffman and parents Herbert and Carol (Davis) Coffman.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St., Polo. Services will be Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home with a visitation just prior to services beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Daniel Childs of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and Serenity Hospice & Home for their excellent care of Richard. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Erica L. (Boren) Geiger. Erica was only 29 yrs old. She currently resided in Bellevue, IA, but was born and raised in Polo, IL. Erica was a wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter and friend to so many.
Erica was involved in the pageant world for 14 years, competing and doing hair/ makeup. She held many titles with Sunburst, Rhinestone Royalties and Sweethearts of America. Her last title came one week before her passing and this was the title she worked
Born: January 6, 1938 in Santa Fe, Tennessee Died: June 9, 2024 in Freeport, Illinois
Marilyn Miller Johnson Stevens, 86, of Baileyville, IL passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Illinois surrounded by her family and friends. Born January 6, 1938 in the Santa Fe community of Maury County, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Earl Johnson and the late Laura Adele Sowell Johnson. She was a 1955 graduate of Santa Fe High School.
Born: August 23, 1947 in Freeport, IL
Died: June 5, 2024 in Beloit, WI
Linda Brinkman, 76, of Beloit, WI passed away Wednesday June 5, 2024 at Beloit Memorial Hospital. She was born August 23, 1947 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Ruter) Bornemeier. Linda married Craig Brinkman on August 22, 1986. Craig passed away November 23, 2013. She was employed at Microswitch in Freeport for many years as an inspector. Linda loved a good western with a bowl of popcorn. Her favorite westerns were the Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Big Valley. The holidays were really important to Linda and she always looked forward to spending them with her family.
so hard for. She is your 2024 State of Iowa Sunburst Overall Queen.
Erica was also involved in acting and modeling. She played parts on all of the Chicago shows at one point, and she was involved in several movies as well. Her more recent movies being: “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” starring Zac Efron, and her new movie, “Are We Dead Yet,” that premieres this Friday in Dubuque.
Erica attended Polo schools until 2011, then transferred to Southwestern High School in Hazel Green, WI. She attended Capri College in Dubuque and graduated as a licensed Cosmotologist.
She worked as the Manager of Spirit Halloween for 6 years. She was currently working as a bar manager at New Shakers, and she really loved her job.
Erica loved to take hikes with family and
In 1956, she married Lloyd Duffield and moved to Illinois. In 1975, she married Paul Dorsey who preceded her in death June 30, 1993. On June 10, 1995, she married Donald Lee Stevens who preceded her in death June 15, 2019.
Marilyn worked at Honeywell Microswitch in Freeport for several years. For 48 years, she owned and operated Kind Kare Kennels. She loved taking care of her furry customers as well as the many she raised and adopted. She had a special place in her heart for her pets Isabelle and Sammie. Marilyn loved traveling back to Tennessee to see her family and friends. Her favorite flower were purple irises, the Tennessee state flower, and she also loved sunflowers. She was a member of North Grove Evangelical Church and attended Fly Nazarene Church in Tennessee.
She is survived by her two sons Richard (Angela) Bradt Jr. of Rock City, IL and Anthony (Denise) Bradt of Beloit, WI; four sisters Joann (Lyle) Coffman, Nylia (Darrel) Swalve, Beverly Hayunga, and Doris Pittsley; five grandchildren Matt (Breanna) Bradt, Tony Bradt, Kayla (Kris) Beaumont, Kyle (Erica) Austin, and Cody Bradt; and six great-grandchildren Bentley Bradt, Brailey Bradt, Huntley Bradt, Jaxson Beaumont, Kylee Beaumont, and Zoie Beaumont.
Preceding Linda in death is her parents, husband, son William, two sisters Betty Hepler and Sally Fager, and two brother-in-law’s Virgil Hayunga and Butch Pittsley.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday June 11, 2024 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with Chaplain Mark Maxted officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Monday June 10, 2024 also at Burke-Tubbs in Freeport. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Linda’s memory.
friends. She also loved to knit, and spend time with her family and puppies.
Erica is survived by her husband, Xavier Geiger, of Bellevue, IA; her boys, Chase, 11 and Bocephus, 7 of Hazel Green, WI; her stepdaughters, Amethyst, 5, of Dubuque, IA ,and Stella, 2.5, of Bellevue, IA; her parents, Eric and Jessica Boren of Polo, IL; her maternal grandparents, Debra Ritchey of Polo and Mike West, of Holcomb; her sister, Megan Boren of Polo; her uncles, Rusty West of Rochelle, Matt (Lisa) West of Rochelle, and Martin West of Polo; her aunt, Beth (Mike) Green of Polo; her father-in-law ,Mike (Mel Mick) Geiger of Bellevue, IA; and her ex-husband, Aceley Foster.
She was preceded in death by her paternal great grandparents, Roy and Gertrude Boren of Polo; her paternal grandparents, Wayne and Karen Boren of Polo; and her mater-
She is survived by her children, Teresa (Chuck) Wellman of Cedar Falls, IA; Tim (Holly) Duffield of Culleoka, TN; John (Linda) Stevens of Shannon, IL; Nanette (Henry Alonso) Daniels of Freeport, IL; Steve (Debbie) Stevens of Forreston, IL; Terry (Deb) Stevens of Baileyville, IL; Peggy (Jim) DeBord of DeLeon, TX; and Cindy Stevens of Freeport, IL; daughter-in-law, Lynnette Duffield of Moweaqua, IL; brothers Claude Johnson and Karl (Beverly) Johnson; sister Martha Hay; grandchildren, Adam, Tonya, Felicia, Joshua, Hannah, Katrina, Emma, Lyndsey, Andrew, Kate, Rachel, Jessica, Tiffany, Grace, Sam, Ryan, Megan, Steven, Nathan and Jason; great-grandchildren, Becca, Dominic, Vinnie, Molly, Andrea, Ashley, Jacob, Faith, Xander, Jaxon, Zachary, Marcus, Madison, Liam, Monty, and Tim; and great-great grandchildren,
Born: October 14, 1936 in Milan, MO
Died: June 4, 2024 in Sterling, IL
Shirley J. Tieman, age 87, of Tampico, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. Shirley was born October 14, 1936 in Milan, MO, the daughter of James and Ada (Boram) Williams. She married Max Tieman on December 1, 1953 in Milan, MO. They moved to Oregon, IL in the early 60s to raise their family. Shirley enjoyed many years of working in customer service. She also enjoyed spending many
nal great-grandparents, William and Alice Ritchey of Polo, and Francis and Ann West of Rochelle.
A Celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 15 at the home of her parents at 2511 S Galena Trail Rd, Polo. All are welcome to come by starting at 3 p.m. for food and remembrance, and the ceremony will start after 4. We are asking all attendees to wear Halloween, horror, or witchy apparel, but to please be comfortable. This is what she would have wanted.
There is a Gofundme page organized by Paula Casso, and all donations will be given to her kids.
If you’re unable to attend the memorial, we are planting a tree in her memory and you can stop by to visit her.
Rowen, Ryker, and Russell; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces, and great great nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Tom Duffield; great grandson, Scotty Rogers; sister, Margaret (James) Beard; brother, Miles (Betty) Johnson; brother-in-law Maricus Hay; and sister-in-law, Mildred Johnson. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at North Grove Evangelical Church, 10384 W Coffman Rd, Forreston, IL. Pastor Don Jamerson will be officiating. The family will visit with friends from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the church. A memorial service will be held in Tennessee at a later date. A memorial has been established in Marilyn’s name.
years of RV travels with Max and being with her family, who meant the world to her. She is survived by one son, Gary Tieman of San Tan Valley, AZ; two daughters, Kimberly (Robert) Yaklich of Tampico and Julie Rowe of Oregon; eight grandchildren, Joe Marth, Josh Marth, Dylan Rowe, Jessica Rowe, Jason Phillips, David Tieman, Brandy Tieman, and Kaylee Phillips; numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and step grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and six siblings.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.
A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent to www. mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
MOUNT MORRIS – Brass from the Past, a tribute to the legends of rock and soul music, had an estimated
crowd of 1,200 people rockin’ to their tunes during the opening night of the Jamboree concert series.
The Chicago-based band kicked off the 12th season of free concerts on the Campus in the village’s downtown.
“It sure was a great opener,” organizer Larry Ubben said.
The free concerts continue each Friday night throughout the summer with the music starting at 7 p.m.
“Please bring a blanket or chair or
enjoy the new benches and join the fun on our beautiful, historic campus in the center of Mount Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free concerts,” Ubben said.
Earleen Hinton
Brass from the Past’s Regina Rhymes of Chicago sings to the large crowd on the opening night of the Jamboree concert series June 7 in downtown Mount Morris. The free concert series continues each Friday night throughout the summer.
SHAW
MOUNT MORRIS – Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will perform from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 14, at the Jamboree concert series.
The Wild Ones band was formed in 2000 by veteran vocalist Lindy after a five-year stretch as the lead singer for Big Guitars from Memphis.
The band has been performing rock ’n’ roll hits of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, as well as surf, rockabilly and original songs.
“Many people in the area are well-acquainted with Rick and the band from their many years of appearing at the White Pines Lodge and since he won’t be there this year, we’re very happy to be bringing him to our historic campus for a two-hour free concert,” Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben said.
Concessions will be provided by the Mount Morris Public Library, which will serve Italian sausages and hot dogs. Bill’s Famous Lemonade stand also will be there. Concessions start at 6 p.m.
Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand at the Campus from 5 to 8 p.m. with fruits, vegetables, baked
Continued from page 9
Gibbs asked that Barker be released from custody because of health reasons and argued his client was not a flight risk and could wear a GPS moni-
goods, jams, jellies and dog treats.
The Rockin’ Fenderskirts, a Chicago-based classic rock ’n’ roll band, returns to the bandshell for the third show in the Jamboree concert series. They will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. June 21.
“Put on your Blue Suede Shoes and Rock Around the Clock to your favorite rock ’n’ roll oldies. That’ll Be The Day the Rockin’ Fenderskirts come to town. Great Balls of Fire! There’ll be a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On. You’ll
tor. He also said Barker was not home at the time of the search.
“There is no indication he is a danger,” Gibbs said.
Leisten disagreed, saying that Barker had three pending felony cases.
“This is his most serious offense,” Leisten said.
Filed June 1-7
Warranty deeds
Neil R. Doty and Valerie N. Doty to Debra J. Spreitzer, 207 West St., Monroe Center, $95,000.
Jeffrey S. Metzger to Benjamin Hall, 208 Lake Lida Lane, Rochelle, $262,000.
Kimberly M. Vanderpal to Doug and Samantha Taylor, 311 Lake Lida Lane, Rochelle, $244,000.
Mark and Debra Gale to Brandon Beckman, third party, one parcel in Byron Township, $7,500.
Maia Johnson to Hailey E. Thompson and Keanon S. Voss, 107 S. Eighth St., Oregon, $178,500.
Gordon J. and Laurie A. Gottschalk to Sergio Martinez, 103 E. Third St., Byron, $170,000.
Neal P. Soles and Charity L. Soles to DStar4 LLC, one parcel on Kylewood
Drive, Stillman Valley, in Marion Township, $25,000.
David C. and Amy S. Eder to Joshua Hielsberg, 404 E. Fifth St., Byron, $160,000.
David A. and Lisa C. Johnson to Virgil Toepfer, 430 W. Pershing St., Stillman Valley, $219,900.
John Richared Reed to Rr & Kg Properties LLC, 512 S. Ash Ave., Forreston, $0.
Janet Godenius to Erik E. and Cassandra Pleskovitch, 214 Mississippi Dr., Dixon, $2,500.
Quit claim deeds
Lawrence E. Bushman to Advantage Holdings LLC, 303 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $30,000.
Gary L. Treese to Gary L. Treese and Daryl J. Messenger, 412 E. Second St., Byron, $0.
Trustee Deeds
Carrie I. McMichael, trustee, and Harold
dance, you’ll sing, you’ll laugh. You’ll get All Shook Up. Who knows, you might even Twist and Shout! They’ll be Dancin’ in the Streets and all around the Campus, so don’t miss this lively and dynamic show,” Ubben said. Concessions will be provided by the Let Freedom Ring Committee, which will be serving sloppy Joes, hot dogs, chips, soda, water and root beer floats. Bill’s Famous Lemonade will be there and the Mount Morris Senior and Community Center may offer popcorn. Concessions start at 6 p.m. Ewe and Me Acres will have its
Redington denied the request for release and set Barker’s next hearing for 1:30 p.m. June 13.
Barker was charged in January with delivery of methamphetamine and forgery. Prosecutors say those offenses occurred in December 2023 and have filed a motion to revoke his
W. McMichael Trust to GSN Rental Properties LLC, one parcel in Byron Township and 118 Hillside Dr., Polo, $146,000.
Ryan W. Thomas, trustee, Kristina M. Thomas, trustee and Ryan and Kristina Thomas Rev Trust to Rodd E. Pope and Karen Pope, 6475 E. Possum Trail, Oregon, $273,000.
Lori L. Steele, trustee, and Lori L. Steele Lv Trust to Lori L. Steele, trustee, and Lori L. Steele Lv Trust, 1684 Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, $0.
Executors
Robert Laidig, deceased, by executor, and Estate of Robert C. Laidig to Joshua G. Kastner, 3772 W. Illinois St., Dixon, $135,000.
Deeds in trust
Merle B. Haselton and Aubra D. Palermo to Merle B. Haselton, trustee,
fresh produce stand on the Campus from 5 to 8 p.m.
“On either side of the bandshell, the Student Art Show continues in the Sandstone Encore Art Gallery and the new location of the Mount Morris Historical Museum in the newly renovated College Hall will be open during the concert,” Ubben said. “Please bring a blanket or chair or enjoy the new benches and join the fun on our beautiful, historic campus in the center of Mount Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free concerts.”
pretrial release in that case.
Darlene E. Thompson, 53, also was arrested after the May 27 search and has been charged with possession of a controlled substance – cocaine and possession of ammunition as a felon. Her preliminary hearing was 10 a.m. June 12.
Aubra D. Palermo, trustee, and Merle B. Haselton and Aubra D. Palermo Family Trust, 5800 E. Skinner Road, Stillman Valley, $0.
Jay P. Horton and Christine A. Horton to Jay P. Horton, trustee, Christine A. Horton, trustee and Jay P. and Christine A. Horton Marital Trust, 7674 N. Rothwell Road, Stillman Valley, $0. Warranty deeds in trust
James L. Stukenberg, trustee, and James L. Stukenberg Trust to Christensen Acres LLC, 4207 W. Town Line Road, Leaf River, $1,424,456.
Jill R. Lindquist, trustee, Lawrence J. Lindquist Trust and Hyecha Lindquiest Trust to Jill R. Lindquist Trust and Jonathan C. Lindquist Trust, 8418 E. Winnebago Lane, Byron, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
OREGON – Joe Kerwin III loved the game of baseball. His dedication as a scorekeeper for Oregon Park District games was honored again in a ceremony June 8 that marked the official start of baseball and softball games at Oregon Park West.
“Joey’s job was to keep score at every game that was out here,” Oregon Park District Commissioner Mark Tremble said. “We would sit in a folding chair for hours and hours doing the scorekeeping. He was here the entire time, no matter the weather. His love of baseball was evident.”
Kerwin was 24 years old when he was killed in a September 2005 car crash east of Oregon. He was a 2000 graduate of Oregon High School and attending Kishwaukee College in Malta at the time of his death.
Kerwin’s mom, Nancy, and sister, Colleen, watched June 8 as youth baseball and softball teams played
Youth softball players check their tickets in the prize giveaway at the start of the Joe Kerwin Memorial Baseball/Softball Kick-Off on June 8 at Oregon Park West. Kerwin was killed in a car crash in 2005 and was a scorekeeper for the park district before his death.
during the Joe Kerwin Memorial Baseball/Softball Kick-Off for 2024.
The event included a presentation of the flag by Oregon VFW Post 8739 and the American Legion and the national anthem performed by mem -
bers of the Oregon High School brass ensemble, followed by games on the two diamonds.
In honor of Kerwin, a scorer’s building was constructed and dedicated in his memory in 2007.
“Joey’s kindness, character, positive attitude and display of good sportsmanship will not be forgotten,” Tremble said. “We don’t think Joey left us. He’s just playing extra innings.”
Joe Kerwin III
Earleen Hinton
the start of the
for the
is
Time to wrap up another year of writing about high school sports until the calendar kicks in again later this summer.
As I rode my bike by the Blackhawk Center the evening of June 3, I noticed cars and school buses in the parking lot. With school done for the year, what could be going on?
No sooner did I poke my head inside, a familiar face in Forreston basketball coach Jake Groom walked by. Didn’t I just see you at the boys state track meet, I asked.
Yes, but now it’s time for basketball. Each court at the Blackhawk Center was filled with boys teams from 12 area schools playing in a summer league. Apparently, sports never end.
Since it was a low-key affair, I sauntered over to the end of the Rochelle bench and sat with grizzled roundball observers Russ Zick and Don Romes. Neither was coaching but decided to make the trip to Oregon to spend a summer night watching varsity ball.
Quite frankly, I didn’t have anything better to do either, so I spent the rest of the time taking in a summer league game between Rochelle and Oregon. Sometimes you don’t
Andy Colbert GUEST VIEW
know where the day will take you, but it was fun interacting with old friends such as Russ and Don and being mildly entertained by the performance on the court.
Don is quite a local story in that he has matriculated from coaching at Rochelle in the 1970s to currently at the Steward grade school with many other stops in between.
Mentally, he’s still got game and there is probably no reason he won’t be coaching again this winter. With his first hitch in Iowa, he might be approaching 60 years of sharing his basketball experience with young people.
High school sports have quite a fraternity of characters. Working in the regular business world you don’t have that.
That’s one reason I continue to cover high school sports. It’s a fun environment to be around and the impact a coach can have on young people is enlightening to observe.
Clinic will be from 3 to 4 p.m. June 14 at Lions Park in Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Oregon Park District will host the Larry Young Field Dedication and Celebration at 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 14, at Lions Park, located on Webster Street just east of 10th Street on the southwest side of the city.
Young is an Oregon High School graduate who started umpiring games in town as a 13 year old. He worked in the Big Ten and the Alaskan Baseball League before joining Major League Baseball in the American League in 1983. He served as an MLB umpire until his retirement in 2007.
His MLB career is highlighted by two World Series and All-Star Games in addition to several Division and League Championships. Since his retirement, he has worked as a supervisor and represented MLB at each of the World Baseball Classics.
Oregon superintendent Tom Mahoney had a retirement gathering recently and I heard testimonies from former athletes at Rochelle of how much of an impact he had on them. It’s the same all over with coaches holding more influence over young people than administrators do.
It was a sad day in Polo last week when John Gavin passed away. Again, that is one of the treasures of being around sports – getting to know someone as dedicated as John providing pertinent information on radio broadcasts of Marcos football and basketball games.
His knowledge definitely expanded well past the Polo area and onto the rest of the state. I will miss listening to him on a transistor radio I took to whatever football game I was at on a Friday.
Lately, I’ve begun to question how much longer I can do this. As senior citizens, we aren’t as mentally sharp anymore and it becomes more of a chore to leave the comfort of home to cover a game, especially in inclement weather.
Besides John Gavin, there are all kinds of outstanding radio broadcasters for listening to area games.
While us in the newspaper business have regressed in our coverage of the local sports scene, radio continues to hold its own.
Perhaps that also has tarnished my desire to cover sports. Sports writing does not have the same communal feeling anymore.
Gone are the days when you would see a handful of other reporters and papers were full of local copy. There was quite the banter among us sports reporters as we’d head back to the newsroom after a game to file copy.
That all but disappeared with the advent of transmitting online (making life easier) and with the reduction in staffing. I worry about newspapers and their inherent ability to keep government (somewhat) honest and their commitment to area high school sports.
Anyway, if Don Romes can keep coaching as an octogenarian, I plan to be back for the 2024-25 school year. See you in August.
• 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 31 years.
Before the June 14 celebration, Young will teach a free youth umpiring clinic from 3 to 4 p.m. Register online at www.oregonpark.org, call 815-732-3101 or stop by Nash Recreation Center in Oregon to register for the clinic.
“Any age is welcome for this fun clinic where you will learn more about becoming an umpire and receive practical experience in both base and plate work. No special equipment is needed,” according to the park district news release.
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OTICES
ZONING
ARD OF APPEALS
HEARING notice is iven to all in the City that a earing will in front Zoning of Appeals 7:00p.m on , June 20, the Polo nci l room, th Franklin Polo, Illihear a filed by Leandra 405 E St., Polo, IL ar iance to six foot wit hin two the rear line at Mason St., IL. This change for Parcel 14-16-231-005, herwise known E Mason o, IL, Ogle Illinois. Bartelt, Clerk 6/14/24 & 14, 2024
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO TAX INCRE ME NT F INANCE CAMPUS RE DEVE LOPMENT PROJECT ARE A (TIF #2) RE DEVE LOPMENT PROJECT AND PL AN Pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redev elopment Act of the State of Illinois, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq., on September 9, 20 14, the Village of Mt. Morris (the "Village"), approved its Tax Increment Finance Campus Redevelopment Project Area (TIF #2) Redevelopment Plan and Project (the "Plan") The Village is now conside ring an amendment to the Plan, entitled "Campus Redevelopmen t Project Area Tax Increment Financing District Amendment No.1," as pr epared by SB Friedman Devel opment Advisors, LLC ("Amendment No 1") The purpose of Amendment No. 1 is to add the property loca ted at 2 W. H itt Street to the Campus Redevelopment Proj ect Area (the "Redevelopment Project Area"), update the future land use plan and redevelopment goals and objec tives, and revise the redevelopmen t proj ect budget.
A public hearing will be held on these matters on July 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM, at Village Hall, 105 W. Lincoln, Mt. Morris, Illinois 61054. All inter este d persons w ill be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing
This Notice also includes the following informat ion:
• The geographical boundaries of the Redevelopment Proj ect Area, as amended by Amendment No. 1 are as follows:
Subarea 1 - Downtown
Point of Beginning at the intersection of Seminary Avenue and Center Street, then north along Seminary Avenue to the intersect ion with Hitt Street, then East along Hitt Street to the interse cti on
wit h McKend rie Avenue, then South along McKendrie Avenue to the intersection with the mid-block alley in between Center Street and Lincoln Street, then west along said alley to the intersection with Seminary Avenue, then North along Seminary Avenue to the intersec tion with Center Street, then West along C ente r Street to the Point of Begi nning.
1. Bound ed on the west by Seminary Avenue
2. Bound ed on the north by Hitt Street
3. Bound ed on the east by McKend rie Avenue
4, Bound ed on the south by mid-block alley between Center Street and Lincoln Street from McKe ndrie Avenue to Seminary Avenue, and then bounded on the south by Center Street between Seminary Ave nue and Seminary Avenue
Subarea 2 - North RR Tracks
Point of Beginning a t the in tersection of First Street and Wesley Avenue, then North along Wesley Avenue to the in terse ction wi th the railroad tracks, then continue northe ast along Wesley Avenue to the intersect ion with McKend rie Avenue, then South along McKendrie Avenue to the intersect ion with First Street, then West along First Street to the Point of Beginning.
1. Bound ed on the west by Wesley Avenue
2. Bound ed on the north by Wesley Ave nue
3. Bound ed on the east by McKend rie Avenue
4. Bound ed on the south by First Street
Subarea 3 - Hitt Street Triangle
Point of Beginning at the in tersection of M ain Street and McKend rie Avenue, then North along McKendri e Avenue to the intersection with the RR Tracks, then southeast along the RR to the intersect ion with Peterson Drive, then South along Peter son Drive to the intersection with Hitt Stree t, then west along Hitt Street to the inters ection wi th Ogle Avenue, then South along Ogle Avenue to the intersect ion with Main Street, then west along Main Street to the Point of Beginning.
1. Bound ed on the west by McKendr ie Avenue
2. Bound ed on the northeast by the RR Tracks
3. Bound ed on the east by Peter son Drive and Ogle Av enue
4. Bound ed on the South by Main Street
Subarea 4 - Route 64 Small Triangle
Point of Beginning at the intersection of Ogle Avenue and Front Street, then north along Ogle Avenue to the intersection with Hitt Street, then southeast along Hitt Street and IL Route 64 to the intersection with Front Street, then west along Front Street to the Point of Beginning.
1. Bound ed on the west by Ogle Avenue
2. Bound ed on the northeast by Hitt Street and IL Route 64
3. Bound ed on the south by Front St reet
Subarea 5 - Route 64 Single Parcel (201 E IL RTE 64)
Point of Beginning at the in tersection of Front Street and IL Route 64, then southeast along IL Route 64 to the mid-block between Front Street and Center Street, then west along mid-block to the southwest corner of the single parcel wit h addr ess 201 E IL RTE 64, then north along the west line of the single parcel with address 201 E IL RTE 64 to the intersection of Front
then east along Front Street to the Point of Beginning.
1. Bounded on the west by the west line of the parcel with addre ss 201 E IL RTE 64
2. Bounded on the north by Front Street
3. Bounded on the northeast by IL Route 64
4. Bounded on the south by the south line of the parcel with ad dress 201 E IL RTE 64
Subarea 6 - Large Triangle Moose Lodge an d RR Tracks
Point of Beginning at the intersection of Hitt Street (IL Route 64) and Peterson Drive, then east along Hitt Street to the intersect ion with the
then south along the east line of said parcel and the east line of the Moose Lodge parcel 101 MOOSE DR to the intersection with IL Route
of Beginning.
1. Bound ed on the southwest b y IL Route 64
2. Bound ed on the north by Hitt Street
3. Bound ed on the east by the east li ne of the parcel with address 427 E HITT ST and the Moose Lodge parcel with address 101 MOOSE DR
Subarea 7 - Carr Cour t properties (312 E. Hitt Street, 104, 106, 108 and 110 N. Carr C ourt) Point of Beginning at the in tersection of Hitt Street and Carr Court, then north along Carr Court to the intersection wi th Hilt Street, then west along Hill Street to the west line of said Ca rr Court properties, the n south along the west line of said Carr Court prope rties to the intersection with Hitt Street, then east along Hi tt Street to the point of beginning.
1. Bound ed on the west by the west line of the Carr Court properties with addresses of 312 E. Hit Stre et, 104, 106, 108 and 110 N. Carr Court
2. Bound ed on the north by Hill Street
3. Bound ed on the east by Carr Court
4. Bound ed on the south by Hitt Street Subarea 8 - 2 W. Hitt St as added by Amendment No. 1 OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS: Lot One (1) and Lot Two (2 ) of Midway Addition to the Village of Mt Morris, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book B of Plats, page 30 in the Ogle County Recorder"s Office, EXCEPTING THE REFROM part of Lot 1 described as follows:
Beginning at the Southeast Corner of said Lot 1; thence South 88 degrees 23 minute s 16 seconds West, a distance of 95. 15 feet on the South Line of said Lot 1; thence North 82 degrees 06 minutes 08 s econds East, a distance of 20.09 feet ; thence North 77 degrees 53 minutes 39 seconds East, a distance of 19.71 feet; thence North 73 degrees 41 minutes 11 seconds East, a distance of 19.71 feet; thence North 69 degrees 28 minutes 42 seconds East, a distance of 19.71 feet; thence North 55 degrees 54 minutes 03 seconds East, a dis tance of 17.27 feet; thence North 32 degrees 57 mi nutes 09 seconds East, a distan ce of 6.42 feet (6.33 feet deeded) to the East Line of said Lot 1; thence South 01 degree 29 minutes 19 seconds East along said East Line, a distance of 31.74 feet (31.66 fee t deeded) to the Point of Beginning; the above described propert y contains 0.392 acre, more or less, subjec t to all easements, agreements, city/subdivision codes and/or ordinances of record, if any, all situated in the Vil lage of Mt. Morris, the Township of Mt. Morris, the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois.
• The approximate s treet location and description of the Redevelopmen t Project Area is as follows: The properties consisting of those bounded by the intersection of North Wesley and North McKendrie Avenues on the north, Orchard Lane on the east, East Brayton Road on the south, and North Seminary Avenue on the wes t.
• Amendment No. 1 is currently on file at Mt. Morris Village Hall, Office of the Clerk, 105 W Lincoln St., Mt Morr is , Illinois 61054 This document is available for inspection during normal business hours, which are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on every Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. For any questions, please call the Village Clerk at (815) 734- 6425.
June 14, 21, 2024
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