Kiddie Parade, Little Miss Firecracker and Little Mister Firecracker contest part of Let Freedom Ring festival / 6
Pavement blowouts
Twice in 24-hour span, pavement buckles force partial closure of Route 2 between
Earleen Hinton
Returning to Mt. Morris for a concert and reunion
oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com
Included in every subscription
Activate your digital access today. Visit: ShawLocal.com/digital-activation Call: 866-979-1053
OFFICE
113-115 Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 815-732-6166, ext. 2592
SUBSCRIPTIONS
1 month – $5.42
13 weeks – $16.25
26 weeks – $32.50
52 weeks – $65
To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or send an email to subscriptions@oglecountynews.com.
You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.
CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com
HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com
LEGAL NOTICES sauklegals@shawlocal.com
OBITUARIES
saukobits@shawlocal.com
Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com
Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com
Advertising Sales
Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
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 498, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2025 UNLIMITED
Charles Walgreen to be topic of July 12 presentation in Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Dixon historian Tom Wadsworth is coming to Oregon to present his research on Charles R. Walgreen and his connections to Dixon.
The one-hour program at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, includes more than 100 rare photos and PowerPoint slides. The presentation will be at the Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana at 124 N. Fourth St. Walgreen started his drugstore career in Dixon in 1891. By the time of his death
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Encore! Mt. Morris offers
Village Garden Tour on July 12
MT. MORRIS – Do you enjoy gardening or seeing other people’s creatively designed gardens?
Come experience the outdoors and be inspired by featured gardens in Mt. Morris and the surrounding countryside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Admission is $5 for children 10 and younger and $15 for children 11 and older and adults. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Encore! Mt. Morris nonprofit arts organization.
CORRECTIONS
in 1939, he had built an empire of almost 500 stores throughout the nation. Wadsworth’s presentation focuses on Walgreen’s connections to Dixon and northern Illinois. Wadsworth, who has a national reputation as an engaging speaker, writer and voice-over artist, was the morning anchor on WSDR radio in Sterling in the 1980s. His career includes 10 years in the ministry, 10 years in radio
and 30 years in corporate communications. Now retired and living in Dixon, Wadsworth holds two master’s degrees and a Ph.D.
The event is free and open to the public. Register online at cmaaa.org/events. html.
For more information, call 815-5955810 or email info@cmaaa.org.
The CMAAA’s mission is to present art, antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more. Information can be found at cmaaa.org and facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum.
Buy Garden Tour buttons (tickets) by the flagpole in downtown Mt. Morris on the day of the event.
Quilt guild to meet July 21
Country Crossroads Quilt Guild will welcome Linda Halpin from Reedsberg, Wisconsin, for its program Monday, July 21. Halpin’s presentation is titled “Borders on Parade.” Using her personal collection of quilts, she will guide the audience through the wide range of possibilities for border treatments by examining dozens of variations in border design.
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
Visitors are welcome to attend the program for a $5 fee at the door. Membership dues are $20 a year.
Guild meetings are held at Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road in Forreston, on the third Monday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. to provide ample time to meet and greet members.
For more information, call Program Committee Chair Kay Walker at 815-2752904 or Guild President Jennifer Newcomer at 708-774-3279.
– Shaw Local News Network
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Tom Wadsworth
Earleen Hinton
Andrew Reckmeyer and his mom Carol (center) were two of the hundreds of people who listened to the Kable Concert Band’s patriotic program before the fireworks show July 4 at Let Freedom Ring in Mt. Morris. Andrew and Carol, former Mt. Morris residents, were back for Andrew’s 50th reunion for Mt. Morris High School’s Class of 1975. Carol and her late husband, Warren, taught music in the school district for many years.
Polo pushing for national Underground Railroad site designation
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
POLO – The Polo Historical Society is applying to become a designated Network to Freedom site with the National Park Service after uncovering local ties to the Underground Railroad.
The NPS program works in collaboration with individuals and organizations along with local, state and federal agencies to create a network of sites, facilities and programs that have a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. So far, the network has more than 800 listings in 39 states, including the Lucius Read House in Byron that was designated in 2002 and the Owen Lovejoy House in Princeton that was designated in 2001, according to the NPS website.
Applications are accepted twice a year – on Jan. 15 and July 15, according to the NPS website.
In Polo, Historical Society members Beth Weigmann and Betty Obendorf have been interested in researching the area’s ties to the Railroad movement since the early 2000s, Weigmann said.
“It’s been very hard to research in Polo because if you didn’t write anything down there wasn’t anything to find,” she said. “Participation in the Railroad was not revealed until after death. It was often through a simple sentence or allusion toward the effort in an obituary or through the family’s oral history.”
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century enslaved people to escape to free states and Canada. It was not an actual railway, but was used as a metaphor for the operations of abolitionists – those who opposed slavery –and allies who helped the freedom-seekers escape slavery, according to the NPS website.
After the Fugitive Slave Act was approved by Congress in 1850, the Railroad became more deliberate, organized and secretive as the act required that slaves be returned to their owners, even if they were in a free state, according to the NPS website.
In Polo, the former slaves were traveling from Kentucky and Missouri and their freedom destination was Canada, Weigmann said.
Obendorf put together all the research found about Polo’s involvement – mostly composed of newspapers, obituaries and other historical records – which Weigmann presented Saturday, June 28, during the Historical Society’s trolley tour of Fairmount Cemetery.
“We have no count of how many people passed through this area receiving help on their journey to freedom, but through multiple historical records we do know there were no freedom-seekers arrested in Ogle County. A tribute to doing the work and keeping it quiet,” Weigmann said.
Polo’s participation in the Underground Railroad
The cemetery at 1533 Route 26 in Polo is the burial site for 31 people found to have documented involvement or association with those involved in the Railroad.
One of the largest families was the Waterburys, with 15 family members buried at Fairmount.
One Waterbury couple, Samuel and Elizabeth, built a home in the 1850s on
the northeast corner of Division Avenue and West Oregon Street across from Haldane Custom. As it was torn down, the house was found to have a tunnel that ran from the house to the barn and the basement had served as a refuge for those seeking freedom.
In 1938, the Dixon Telegraph wrote that slaves found “refuge in the Waterbury home,” Weigmann said.
One of Samuel and Elizabeth’s daughters, Maria Waterbury, became a teacher with the Freedman’s Bureau after the Civil War ended and during
one of her trips to teach she met former slave Elizabeth Hamlin, Weigmann said, citing the historical society’s research. Maria brought Hamlin back to Polo with her. Hamlin worked for several families in the area and was eventually able to buy her own house, Weigmann said.
Hamlin is buried at Fairmount next to Samuel and Elizabeth. Her gravestone is inscribed with the words “Once a slave.”
See RAILROAD on page 4
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Polo Historical Society member Beth Wiegmann tells the story June 28 of how Polo was a major player in the Underground Railroad.
Visitors ride through Fairmount Cemetery on a trolley June 28 during a historical tour of Polo’s part in the Underground Railroad.
Our B-17 plane ‘Charlotte, The Polo Queen’ makes the news
Remember how last Saturday Kevin, David and I sorted through the file of the B-17 after an inquiry about the plane?
Kevin took the information and sent it to Scott Thompson, who wrote a great article on “Charlotte, The Polo Queen,” which spent quite a bit of time at the airport in Polo.
The Polo Boy Scouts brought her to Polo to the airport owned by Arch Hamilton. The plane was part of numerous festivities in Polo until it was time for her to move on to other places.
The article about the life of Charlotte has been on the Polo Historical Society’s Facebook page and has been very popular. It has had more than 7,000 hits, so check it out.
We currently are working on the Aug. 6 program, which will be given by Randy and Nancy Ocken. They have just finished a bicycle tour of Denmark and it will be most interesting to hear of this venture that most of us would only dream about.
Keep the Aug. 6 date in mind.
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
We had a very nice article in the Dixon paper about our trolley tour during Town & Country Days. That was a hot weekend and I was tired by the end of the day.
I went to the museum later in the week to see what was left on our free table. People took some things and we were glad they did.
I need to go to the museum and put some files away, but it has been so hot that by the time I water all my flowers I am tired and want to stay home. Now with the rain finally coming in, maybe it will be a bit cooler.
I had an interesting experience this week. I use many magnifying glasses and have them all over the house. I read many fine-print articles from days gone by so I really use them.
I had placed one near the computer
in a holder with scissors, pens and pencils. I had a magazine nearby and as I reached to pull the shade down as the sun was streaming in, I placed my hand on the magazine. I instantly burnt my hand on the magazine but realized I had nothing hot there.
Then I thought a bug had bitten me. I sat there looking at my hand and the magazine trying to figure out what had happened.
Then I turned a page of the magazine and saw a burned hole in the mag-
azine that went through a number of pages. The sun had come through the window, through the magnifying glass and had burned a hole through the magazine into the pages.
If it had been loose papers, I could have had a fire. The magnifying glass now is in a different spot. That was my interesting story for this week.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Illinois’ official state symbols include white oak, violet, cardinal
When researching the Illinois state flag, I ran across a list of 29 official state symbols.
My favorites:
State Tree – White Oak: In 1973, a special poll of nearly 900,000 children changed the state tree from the native oak to the white oak.
State Flower – Violet: In 1908, schoolchildren selected the violet as the state flower.
State Bird – Cardinal: In 1928, the Macomb branch of the National Federation of Professional Women’s Clubs suggested schoolchildren should select the state bird. They chose the cardinal from
a list of five birds common in Illinois.
State Slogan – Land of Lincoln: In 1955, the slogan that appears on Illinois license plates was adopted by the Illinois General Assembly. That same year Congress granted a copyright for exclusive use of the Land of Lincoln insignia.
State Insect – Monarch Butterfly: In 1974, a Dennis School third grade class in Decatur proposed the orange and black
monarch butterfly, which became law.
State Song – “Illinois”: In 1925, the General Assembly passed a bill making it official.
State Animal – Whitetailed Deer: The whitetailed deer was selected the state animal by Illinois schoolchildren in 1980.
School Dance – Square Dance: In 1990, the square dance became the official state dance. This dance has been in recorded history since 1951.
State Snack Food – Popcorn: Students from Cunningham Elementary School in Joliet voted to make popcorn the official snack food of Illinois.
State Fruit – Goldrush Apple: A fourth grade class at Woodlawn Elementary School chose the Goldrush apple as the state fruit. It became law in 2005.
State Vegetable – Sweet Corn: It was designated in 2015 after a campaign by elementary school students in Chatham.
State Pie – Pumpkin Pie: A bill designating pumpkin pie as the official state pie became law in 2015. A large percentage of pumpkins consumed in the U.S. come from Illinois.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Continued from page 3
Also at the cemetery are Samuel and Elizabeth’s three children – Annistine, Daniel and Maria.
Another Waterbury couple, John and Phoebe, opened their home, which stood in what’s now known as Eagle Point Township, to the Railroad as well. Across the street was the home of Solomon and
Hannah Shafer, another Railroad stop. Records show Phoebe and Hannah mended socks, shirts and coats for the slaves, Weigmann said.
John and Phoebe are buried at the cemetery along with their four children – John Jr., Daniel, Ezra B. and Fordyce and one grandchild, Charles Weldon Noble.
In the Shafer house, records show that Hannah was known to tend to former slaves, who were too sick to continue
traveling, until they were well enough to go on. That was the case for two former slaves, Harriet and Caroline, who the Shafers took in as their adopted children.
Harriet died in 1848 at 4 years old. Caroline died in 1849 at the age of 11. Their birthdates are unknown. They are buried with the Shafers at Fairmount. Their names are inscribed on the family tombstone and they are listed as adopted daughters.
Others buried at the cemetery with
documented involvement or association with the Railroad are Ezra Cyrus Waterbury; William Wamsley; Judge Virgil Bogue; Schuylar Lunt; David Stevens Waterbury and wife Emaline Huntley Waterbury; James Bennet Gardner, wife Mary Ann Waterbury Gardner and child Charles Waterbury Gardener; Timothy Perkins and his two children, Dr. Edgar Edwin Perkins and Rufus Perkins; and Dr. Amos Maltby and wife Marietta Huntley Maltby.
Photo provided by the Polo Historical Society
This aerial photo shows the B-17 when it was in Polo.
Otto Dick
OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
All-Star Superband debuts at Jamboree on July 11
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – If you like big bands, you need to visit the Mt. Morris Jamboree at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, for the debut of the All-Star Superband.
Hailing from Milwaukee, the AllStar Superband is an 18-piece big band that’s been performing every week since 2000.
“The band has been featured in concerts alongside Mindi Abair, Bobby Caldwell, Sal Lozano and Doc Severinsen,” said Larry Ubben, Jamboree organizer. “The Superband is known for performing a wide variety of big band jazz. Music from the classics like Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman to the screamers like Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich, the avant-garde like Don Ellis and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra to modern day bands such as Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat
Band and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra are all performed regularly.”
Concessions for the evening will be provided by the Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center, which will serve authentic Mexican tacos and nachos as well as host a bake sale.
“Popcorn girls Emmie and Lily will be there, too, starting at 5 p.m.,” Ubben said. “Ewe and Me Acres will host a farmers
market from 4 to 8 p.m. offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more.”
Just 4 Fun Ice Cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade will be on-site as well. Encore’s Art Gallery and the Mt. Morris Historical Museum, located in College Hall, will be open during concerts on the Campus.
“Please bring a blanket or lawn chair as the benches will likely fill fast and
join us on our historic Campus, located two blocks south of Illinois Route 64 on Wesley Avenue, and enjoy the free big band jazz concert,” Ubben said.
Grass Attack, July 18
Local band Grass Attack returns to the Mt. Morris Jamboree at 7 p.m. Friday, July 18.
“Grass Attack plays a range of styles from folk and country to Newgrass and bluegrass, regularly performing at a variety of festivals, county fairs, park concerts and wineries in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin,” Ubben said. “Randy Tacket plays lead guitar and banjo. Jeff and Liz Wagner play banjo and guitar and mandolin and guitar, respectively. Rick Nolting plays bass and a new fiddle player is onboard as well. All sing lead and harmony vocals.”
The Mt. Morris Library will serve Italian sausages, hot dogs, chips and drinks starting at 5 p.m.
MT. MORRIS
Attorney granted more time to review information in fatal April shooting
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The attorney for a Mt. Morris man accused of shooting and killing his stepson after an argument in April in their Mt. Morris apartment told an Ogle County judge July 2 that he needs more time to examine information given to him by prosecutors.
“The state has provided a substantial amount of discovery,” Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow told Judge Anthony Peska. “It’s going to take me awhile to go through it.”
Derek Swanlund, 45, is charged with the first-degree murder of Cameron Pasley, 25, of Mt. Morris on April 21 in what police described as a “domestic” incident.
Swanlund is facing three counts of first-degree murder and a misdemeanor charge of using a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun without having a Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
During an April hearing, prosecutors said the Mt. Morris Police Department responded first to the scene after receiving a 911 call at 4:59 p.m. from Pasley’s mother in which she said her husband had shot her son.
When a Mt. Morris police officer arrived at the scene, she saw Swanlund walking away from the apartment complex while carrying a black and silver handgun in his right hand.
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss said a verbal argument inside the apartment evolved to “shoulder bumping” with Pasley after which Swanlund shot Pasley.
When more officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Pasley inside the apartment, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds, Voss said.
Pasley was pronounced dead at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon after being transported from the scene by Mt. Morris EMS.
Pasley’s mother told police she had entered a different room after arguing with Swanlund and after he “belly bumped” her into her son and when she went into another room she heard Pasley say, ‘He shot me,’ ” Voss told the court.
Morrow said Swanlund had no criminal history other than one misdemeanor charge for which he received and completed court supervision. He said Swanlund had bought the gun legally when he lived in North Carolina.
In arguing for Swanlund to be released, Morrow said Swanlund had lived in Mt. Morris for 10 years, had been consistently employed while residing there and cooperated with police when they arrived at the scene.
“He was not aggressive in any way,” Morrow said during the April detention hearing as he argued for Swanlund’s release while his case proceeds through the court system.
Morrow said conditions could be set by the court to enable Swanlund to be released from custody such as having no contact with the victim’s family, electronic monitoring, home detention and being ordered to stay out of Mt. Morris.
Voss disagreed, arguing that Swan -
lund “was walking away with blood on his shoes” when he was apprehended.
Peska denied Morrow’s request to release Swanlund from custody saying an argument “escalated to shoulder bumping and then escalated to retrieving a gun and shooting his stepson” multiple times.
On July 2, Peska set the next court hearing for 1 p.m. Aug. 27 and remanded Swanlund back to the Ogle County Jail.
Pasley was a 2018 graduate of Oregon High School and a full-time custodian who recently had moved to a day shift. He previously was the night custodian at the Blackhawk Center, where the school’s physical education classes and competition basketball and volleyball games are held.
After his death, Oregon School District 220 issued a statement about Pasley saying the “OCUSD family experienced a heartbreaking loss.”
“Cameron will be remembered for his easy-going personality, his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone and the calming presence he brought into every room. He had a bright future ahead of him and was someone who made even stressful situations feel manageable,” according to the statement.
Derek M. Swanlund
Cameron Pasley when he graduated from Oregon High School in 2018.
Photo provided by Larry Ubben Grass Attack, a local bluegrass band, will perform July 18 at the Mt. Morris Jamboree.
Little Miss and Mister Firecracker kicks off Let Freedom Ring festival
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – The Let Freedom Ring festival kicked off July 2 with the crowning of Little Miss Firecracker and Little Mister Firecracker.
Five contestants took part in the event at the Warren Reckmeyer Bandshell. Contestants for Little
Miss Firecracker were Zuraya Ritt, 4, Aniyah Eggleston, 4, Lucy Skoumal, 4, and Esther Skoumal, 6. Harrison Taylor, 6, was the lone entrant for Little Mister Firecracker.
Zuraya was chosen Little Miss Firecracker and Harrison was named Little Mister Firecracker.
There were no entries for King and Queen.
Let Freedom Ring Kiddie Parade
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – They came on bicycles, tricycles, “power wagons” and even one hoverboard for the 2025 Let Freedom Ring Kiddie Parade on July 5. Thirty-four kids showed off their rides and their patriotic col-
ors as they “raced” down one city block to finish in front of the Mt. Morris Post Office.
Winners were Bike division: Harlen Fry; Trike: Warren Druien; Costume: Maeve Hassett; Floats: Miles Hallock; and Natalie and Griffin Schmidt.
The event was emceed by WIFR Chief Meteorologist Candice King.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
ABOVE: Miles Hallock drives his entry in the Let Freedom Ring Kiddie Parade on July 5. RIGHT: Natalie and Griffin Schmidt wait to start the Let Freedom Ring Kiddie Parade on July 5.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
ABOVE: Little Mister Firecracker Hunter Taylor, 4, and Little Miss Firecracker Zuraya Ritt, 4, (center) shout out Let Freedom Ring with fellow contestants Lucy Skoumal, 4, Esther Skoumal, 6, and Aniyah Eggleston, 4, after the contest July 2 in Mt. Morris. Also pictured are contest officials Heidi Nicholson and Abi Fletcher, the 2024 Let Freedom Ring Queen. RIGHT: Aniyah Eggleston does a cartwheel in the talent portion of the contest under the watchful eyes of Nicholson and Fletcher.
Fourth of July festivities
LEFT: Harrison Miller of Leaf River lifts his daughter Oakland to see inside a 1948 Ryan Navion plane on display at the Ogle County Airport’s Fly in/Drive In Breakfast on July 4. TOP RIGHT: Theresa Gabrielson tosses candy to the crowd in her decorated golf cart entry “Just for Fun” during the Let Freedom Ring parade July 4 in Mt. Morris. The golf cart won “Best Patriotic Entry.” ABOVE: Taytum Coulter, 10, of Oregon hugs the big teddy bear she received after the Oregon VFW/American Legion float passed by her family during the Let Freedom Ring parade July 4 in Mt. Morris. Taytum’s grandfather Robert is a member of Oregon VFW Post 8739 and was driving the truck that pulled the float. Taytum was excited to receive the bear, saying “I didn’t know it was on the float.” LEFT: Mt. Morris firefighter Rick Hough preps pancake batter in the kitchen with fellow firefighters and volunteers July 4 while cooking breakfast at the fire station.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
TOP
Two pavement blowouts cause partial closure of Route 2 ...
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Two pavement blowouts caused a portion of Route 2 to be closed July 1 between Oregon and Byron.
Illinois Department of Transportation crews were busy patching the blowouts, one just north of the Silver Ridge Golf Course north of Oregon and the other south of Byron near Town Line Road.
Traffic was directed from Route 2 to Mud Creek Road after both lanes of the state highway buckled. IDOT crews were busy cutting into the concrete and patching the road at that location.
A few miles to the north, another blowout was located just north of the intersection with Town Line Road south of Byron. An IDOT truck was positioned there to prevent motorists from driving over the buckled pavement.
Pavement failures or blowouts occur when prolonged high temperatures cause the road to expand and buckle up or blow out, resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity increase the potential for buckling.
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – For the second time in 24 hours, a pavement blowout caused a portion of Route 2 to be closed July 2 between Oregon and Byron.
Police cars from the city of Byron and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department blocked off the road just north of the intersection with Town Hall Road while waiting for crews from the Illinois Department of Transportation to arrive.
IDOT crews were called July 1 to patch two blowouts on the busy state highway – one just north of the Silver Ridge Golf Course north of Oregon and
the other south of Byron near Town Line Road. During those incidents, traffic was directed from Route 2 to Mud Creek Road after both lanes of the state highway buckled. IDOT crews cut into the concrete and patched the road that runs east past the golf course.
Crews also repaired the buckled road at Town Line Road on July 1, but the pavement buckled again at that location July 2 prompting law enforcement to stop southbound traffic at the Route 72 intersection and detour northbound traffic to Town Line Road.
Large yellow “bump” signs were placed along the highway where the blowouts occurred.
Earleen Hinton
A crew from the Illinois Department of Transportation repairs one of two pavement blowouts on Illinois Route 2 on July 1. The state highway was closed between Oregon and Byron as crews patched the roadway. This blowout was just north of Silver Ridge Golf Course.
An Ogle County Sheriff’s Department police car stops motorists from traveling over buckled pavement on Illinois Route 2 on July 2.
Earleen Hinton
Eighties music rocks the stage at Oregon Park District’s concert
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Cooler temperatures and music from the 1980s brought almost 700 people to the Oregon Park District’s Concert in the Park on July 1.
The 80s Hit List band, sponsored by Coilcraft, took to the stage at Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place, and played popular hits from 40 years ago.
The free concerts are held Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bands perform on the park’s covered stage, with spectators sitting on the surrounding lawn.
Attendees are reminded to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the 90-minute concerts.
Food vendors are available on-site to buy food and beverages.
In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to River’s Edge Experience, 103 S. First St., Oregon.
Two concerts remain this season:
July 15: Blue Steel, sponsored by E.D. Etnyre
July 22: Burn N Bush/Color Run, sponsored by Woods
Concert updates can be found on the Oregon Park District’s Facebook page.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Kids dance to the music of The 80s Hit List band at the Oregon Park District’s Concert in the Park on July 1 at Oregon Park West.
The 80s Hit List band, sponsored by Coilcraft, performs at the Oregon Park District’s Concert in the Park on July 1 at Oregon Park West. The free concerts are on Tuesday nights in the summer.
Information booths at River’s Edge Farmers Market
OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS
June 27-July 3
Warranty deeds
Kenkath Enterprises LLC to William B Weaver, 7298 W. Edgewood Road, Polo $250,000.
William H Rice Jr and Sandra Lee Rice to Robert L Ravel Tr; Robert L Ravel, trustee; Tammy L Ravel, trustee; and Tammy L Ravel Tr; 2690 W. Pines Road, Oregon, and one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-07-176-006; $622,000.
Cynthia J Weil and Robert T Weil to Brenna E Murphy, 402 E. Hill St., Mt. Morris, $88,000.
Donald H Dewall to Scott Brown, 106 N. Third Ave., Forreston, $39,000.
Tanya Shenberger to Logan M Dyson, 208 S. Second Ave., Forreston, $141,500.
Eric S Moutray and Kathleen J Moutray to Edler Farm LLC, 7767 N. Kylewood Drive, Stillman Valley, $390,000.
Tanya Lynn Shenberger to Logan M Dyson, 206 S. Second Ave., Forreston, $500.
Shawn Wyckstandt and Sally Wyckstandt to Martin Acevedo Ramos, 903 S. Division Ave., Polo, $32,500.
Valerie J Pickel to Caid Chenoweth, 101 N.
Hastings Ave., Oregon $94,000.
Shauna Ferguson and Joseph Russo Jr. to Melissa Coyne, 8561 Verde Court, Byron, $249,900.
Aj Homes LLC to Zachary Koltunchik, 210 W. North St., Polo, $145,000.
Cale W Faber to Diana Castaneda and Salvador Castaneda, 2943 Hwy 251 N., Rochelle, $215,000.
Brian Joshua Downing and Shannon M Downing to Jeanine Truschke, 5890 S. Illinois Route 2, Oregon, $160,000.
Robert Nasca to Gabriel Groebner and Taylor Groebner, 205 West St., Monroe Center, $122,000.
Cory J Myers and Nicole L Myers to Joshua Bernardin, 1170 Clifton Terrace, Rochelle, $292,000.
Warranty deeds in trust
Joseph F Balice and Syliva M Balice to Joseph F Balice, trustee; Sylvia M Balice, trustee; and Balice Family Tr; 6594 E. Illinois Route 72, Stillman Valley; $0.
Cynthia A Zumdahl to Cynthia A Zumdahl, trustee; and Cynthia A Zumdahl Tr, 4 S. Hill
St., Forreston, $0.
Quit claim deeds
Brandie J Johnson to Matthew B Lesher, 132 E. Third St., Byron, $0.
Mick Heath, Stephanie A Heath and Stephanie Rudolphi to Mick Heath, 10290 W. Oregon Trail Road, Polo, $0.
Lindsey K Truner to Samuel D Gendusa and Lindsey R Gendusa, 103 Hickory Lane, Dixon, $0.
German Fonseca to Blacktower Group LLC Protected Series 1, 101 S. Fifth Ave., Forreston, $0.
Quit claim trust deeds
Douglas J Wetzel and Richard Devine to Douglas J Wetzel, trustee; Richard M Devine, trustee; and Wetzel-Devine Family Tr, 311 N. Third St., Oregon, $0.
Trustees deeds
Stacey Lynn Williams, trustee; and Fridge Hubert Declaration Rev Tr2005 to Ramos Properties LLC, 213 Jeffrey Ave., Hillcrest, $78,000.
Barry A Engelkes, trustee; Kristy K Engelkes, trustee; and Mpe Tr602 to Michael Maurice Humphrey Sr. and Jamie Humphrey, 7298 E. Vista Drive, Stillman Valley, $313,000.
Wendy L Stabenow, trustee; Kenneth C Ludewig, trustee; and Barbara R Ludewig General Tr to Woosung Investments LLC, 1007. S. Division Ave., Polo, $250,000.
Susan Book, trustee; and Ruth E Gaston Trrg698 to Kupugani LLC, one parcel in Maryland Township: 03-21-300-014, $0.
Deeds in trust
Richard S Knutson to Richard S Knutson, trustee; and Richard S Knutson Tr; 14360 W. Goose Hollow Road, Polo, $0. Kupugani LLC to Chicago Title Land Trust Company, trustee; Chicago Title Land Trust Company Tr8002347939, Land Trust Company Trustee and Land Trust Company Tr8002347939, one parcel in Maryland Township: 03-20-400-001; 6903 W. White Eagle Road, Leaf River; 6903 W. White Eagle Road, Leaf River; and one parcel in Maryland Township: 03-21-300-014, $1,700,000.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
Illinois Department of Resources National Heritage biologist Jeff Horn (left) and site superintendent Quinten Snook talk with Terry and Pam Schuster at the IDNR information booth July 3 during the River’s Edge Farmers Market in Oregon.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Julie Bassett of Together for Taft hands out information July 3 about the grassroots organization during the River’s Edge Farmers Market in Oregon.
Polo police officer Kaden Coppotelli (left) was presented the ILACP Lifesaving Award by Moline Police Chief Darren Gault on July 7. Coppotelli carried an elderly man to safety during a house fire in December 2024.
Polo police officer recognized for lifesaving actions during house fire
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
POLO – A Polo police officer was officially recognized Monday by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for his quick lifesaving actions during a house fire in December 2024.
Kaden Coppotelli, 22, was presented with the ILACP Lifesaving Award at the start of the Polo City Council meeting.
“The Illinois chiefs are always seeking a way to honor local departments whose officers demonstrate bravery and excellence in law enforcement, all while upholding the highest standards,”
Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said. “Polo police officer Kaden Coppotelli achieved such an honor. Tonight, we award him the ILACP Lifesaving Award.”
Coppotelli was the first to arrive at the house fire at 611 N. Division St. on the morning of Dec. 17, 2024. When he arrived, he was advised that there possibly was a person inside the home unable to leave because of health issues.
Coppotelli ran into the home and found an elderly man in the kitchen. He carried the man outside to safety as other first responders began to arrive.
“On that day, patrol officer Coppotelli responded to a house fire where a disabled elderly man was trapped inside. Officer Coppotelli immediately rushed into the burning home at his own peril, locating the man and carrying him to safety. He then rendered aid to the man, even retrieving his oxygen for him, until additional emergency personnel arrived,” Gault said.
“Officer Copptelli’s quick actions undoubtedly saved the man’s life. His actions were swift, selfless and heroic.”
Coppotelli’s courage that day saved a life and “reminded us all of the sacrifices our first responders are willing to make,” said Gault, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police vice president at-large for Region 2.
“His actions serve as a reminder of the daily risks first responders willingly face, and they stand as a shining example of selflessness, bravery and true courage in the face of danger,” Gault said. “Kaden, your bravery and decisiveness exemplify the very best in policing and your actions reflect great credit upon yourself, the Polo Police Department and the law enforcement profession as a whole.”
“On behalf of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, we thank you for your service and bravery in the face of danger. And to the city of Polo for fostering a culture of dedication and excellence in law enforcement,” Gault said.
Coppotelli was presented with the award and a pin to commemorate his actions.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” Coppotelli said after the presentation. “Very few receive it. I am very appreciative to receive such an honor.”
Polo Police Chief Matt Coppotelli, who is Kaden’s father, said he was proud of his officer’s actions that day.
“It’s a great day. I am so proud of him,” Matt Coppotelli said. “This acknowledges the job all first responders do every day. This is for all the first responders.”
Polo Mayor Mark Scholl said Kaden Coppotelli’s actions demonstrate the department’s commitment to the community.
“We are honored to have someone in our community show how our police officers are here to help,” Scholl said.
OBITUARIES
WILLIAM C. CROSS
Born: January 17, 1943 in Dixon, IL
Died: July 6, 2025 in Oregon, IL
William “Bill” Cross, 82 of Polo, passed away Saturday July 6th, 2025 at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon
Bill was born January 17th, 1943 in Dixon, IL. The son of Elmer & Evelyn (Eckerd) Cross. On February 2nd 1964, he was united in marriage to Sonja “Toni” Cross at St. Marks Lutheran church in Polo.
Bill was engaged in farming his entire life. He also drove a semi for several people in his early years. Bill & Toni farmed a lot of land and tended many livestock in their farming years. His life’s work was the love of the land. He loved farming and loved complaining about farming.
In retirement, he drove tender truck for the Polo Coop. You can take the man off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the man.
Taking rides to look at crops and coffee hour at the Coop with the guys were true enjoyments. Helping Tami and Jerry with anything possible was a great joy to him. Teaching Jerry tricks on how to fix things over a new fancy beer brought him great happiness.
Survived by, daughter Tami (Jerry) Hornbogen, fur baby Buddy, sister Karen (Jim) Bingle, sister-in-law Jean Kolterman, neice and nephew, and several cousins. Preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother Steve Cross.
Our heartfelt thank you to everyone at Serenity hospice for their exceptional care at home and at the Serenity home. Much appreciation to his sister Karen for her extra help and care. Honoring Bill’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded.
Family of Bill & Toni will be available on Saturday July 19th at 1:00pm at Polo Senior Center. At 2:00pm, we will be having a time of memory sharing. Refreshments after. Memorial to Serenity Hospice and Home.
•
•
Earleen Hinton
CLASSIFIED
Addison Precision Products is Hiring!
Amboy location is looking for a CNC Technician Experience with CNC Lathe, CNC Mills and CNC maintenance.
Please contact Steve at steve@ addisonprecision.com or call to setup an interview 815-857-4466
St. Mary's Learning Center
881 Mongan Dr, Oregon, IL 61061
Discover treasures big and small, including:
Art - paintings, prints, oil on canvas, stereolitho grap hy and p ho tos by vario us artists including Tom Heflin, Terry Redlin, Henry Parker and local artists
Antique table, oak plant stands, full size bed frame, rolling work table, portable lightbox
Bronze Blackhawk Indian statue, bronze gecko, 2 lar ge cast iron pumpkins
Willow Tree nativity set, Christmas village collection, Santa pic tures by RJ Reynolds
Noritake china "Silk Ribbons" , Lenox dinnerware "Winter Greetings"
Native American Indian Flute with stand and music books, piano sheet music
Victrola, victorian table, r ecord player, albums, 45s
Handmade mar ionette puppets
Nikon Monarch5 20x56 Bino culars, Mohawk Flu id Action Tripod MTR- 4500
Tempur-Pedic Office Chair s & Pa per Shredder, Medline walker
Celestro n NexStar 102SLT Computerized Telescope
And much more!
Pe rfec t for collectors, artists, and bargain hunter s. Don't miss out!
Payment: We accept Cash and Venmo, (Sorry, no checks or credit cards).
Please note: All items sold as-is. No early birds, please.
Sensient Flavors is hosting an Open Interview Event on Friday, July 18 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Dixon Park District’s Trinity Financial Community Room, 1312 Washington Ave. Dixon, IL
Openings in Amboy include: PRODUCTION OPERATORS, PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR, & QUALITY CONTROL TECH. HOURLY POSITIONS STARTING AT $24.63
Full time salary & benefits package including: Medical - Dental - Vision
24-102028 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LL INOIS
FIRST NORTHERN C REDIT UNION PLAINTIFF, vs.
JOSHUA BELL; EMILY BELL; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFEN DANTS NO. 24 FC 49 NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE
Public Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on May 2, 2025; Brian R VanVickle, Sheri ff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Stree t, Oregon, IL 61061, will on August 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty -four (24) hours, the following describe d premi ses situated in Ogle County, Illinois.
Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments 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 quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.
Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tende ring said bid in certifi ed funds, a receipt of Sale will be i ss ued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.
Commonly known as 112 Harvest Glenn Drive, Davis Junction, IL 61020
Permanent Index No.: 11-22-428-006 Improvements: Single Fami ly Residential
The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property
The judgment amount was $193,306.60. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify 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 SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 Lakesi de Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717
First Northern Credit Union
One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S Berg (6277119) Michae l N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Thomas Belcz ak (6193705) Debra Miller (6205477) Amy Aronson (6206512) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLE CT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPO SE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUIS HED 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. 8190-955369 Forreston Journal Jul. 4, 11, 18, 2025 955369
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL K. SOVERN, Deceased 2025 PR 35 PUBL ICATION NOTICE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION
To: CREDITORS, CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES NOTICE IS GIVE N of the death of Carol K. Sovern wh o died on August 19, 2024 a resident of Monroe County, IA. The Representative for the Estate is Mary Sovern Hall, whose attorney is James A. Stoddard, of Klein, Stoddard, Buck & Lewi s, LLC, 2045 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Claims against the estate may be filed on or before December 27, 2025. Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 106 S 5th St., #300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both. Any claim that is not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
On September 13, 2024, an Order Appointing the Rep resentative was entered. Within 42 days after the effectiv e date of the original Order Admitti ng the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the validity of the Will by testimony or witnesses to the wi ll in open court, or other evidence as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/6-21).
Within 6 months after the effective date of the Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition wi th the Court to contest the validity of the Will as provided in Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/8-1).
ILCS 5/6-21).
Within 6 months after the effective date of the Order
Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition wi th the Court to contest the validity of the Will as provided in Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/8-1)
The estate will be administrated without Cour t supervision unl ess an interested party terminate s independent administration by filing a petition to terminate under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act 755 ILCS 5/28-4.
Executor: /s/ Mary Sovern Hall
June 27, July 4, 11, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF George E. Owen Deceased Case No 2025 PR 39 INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION PUBL ICATION NOTICE TO: [x] CREDITORS, CLAIMANTS [x] UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEE S 1. Notice is given of the death of George E Owen wh o di ed on September 2, 2022 a resident of Oregon, Illinois.
2. The Representative for the Estate is: Roseann Marie Owen 9136 S Troy Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805-1628
3. The attorney for the estate is: Jack C. Slingerland, Slingerland & Clark PC 499 E. State Str eet Sycamore, IL 60178
4. Claims against the esta te may be filed on or before January 12, 2026. Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both. Any claim that is not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
representative, or both. Any claim that is not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
5. On June 30, 2025, an Order Admitting the Will to Probate and/or Appointing the Representative was entered.
6. Within 42 days after the effective date of the original Order Admitti ng the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the validity of the Will as provided under Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/6-21).
7. Within 6 months after the effective date of the Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition wi th the Court to contest the validity of the Will as provided in Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/8-1)
8. The estate will be administrated wi thout Cour t supervision unless an interested party terminate s independent supervision administration by filing a petition to terminate under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4).
July 11, 18, 25, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y106 SOUTH 5TH STREET, OREGON, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF Phillip Joseph Schneeberger, DECEASE D. 25 PR 23
Notice is given to creditor s of the death of the abov e named decedent. Letters of office were issued to Phillip W Schneeberger, 641 South Stewar t Ave nue, Lombard, Illinois 60148, as Independent Executor, wh ose attorney of record is Martin J Fogarty, Heartland Law Firm, 1545 Waukegan Road, Suite 2-9, Glenview, Illinois 60025. The estate will be administered without cour t supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/28-4 ) any interested person terminates indepen-
Suite 2-9, Glenview, Illinois 60025. The estate will be administered without cour t supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/28-4 ) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the clerk or wi th the representative, or both, on or before January 4, 2026, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barr ed. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mai led or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service pr ovider Visit http://efile.illinoi s courts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp.
Martin J Fogarty Heartland Law Firm (6201215) 1545 Waukegan Road, Suite 2-9 Glenview, Illinois 60025 (847)729-3300 I3268924
Jul. 4, 11, 18, 2025
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by Lee Ann Harn of 209 West Aplington Street, Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence wi thin two feet of the property line at 209 West Apling-
City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by Lee Ann Harn of 209 West Aplington Street, Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence wi thin two feet of the property line at 209 West Aplington Street, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-329-001, otherwise known as 209 West Mason Street, Pol o, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
Sy dney Bartel t, CMC City Clerk
July 4, 11, 2025
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 5:45p.m on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Ill inois to review a proposed text amendment to the Polo Code of Ordinances 152.087 B3 General Services Sy dney Bartel t, City Clerk
July 4, 11, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING
The City of Polo, Illinois, will hold a Public Heari ng on the 2025/26 Appropriation Ordinance on Monday, July 21, 202 5 at 6:45p.m in the Polo City Hall Council Chambers, 118 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, Illinois. All interes ted citizens will be given an opportunity to ask questions concerning the entire Appropriation Ordinance as well as to express their views either verbally or in wr iting. The proposed appropriation may be examined in the City Clerk's office at City Hall from July 7, 2025 until its passage on July 21, 2025 between the hours of 8:00a.m to 12 noon and 1:00p.m to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday Sy dney Bartel t, CMC City Clerk
July 11, 18, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Oregon wi ll be holding a Public Hearing Tuesda y July 22nd, 2025, at 5:30 pm regarding the Annual Appropriations for the fiscal year May 1st, 2025, to April 30th, 2026. A copy for public inspection wi ll be on file at City Hall 115 N. 3rd Street, Oregon, IL 61061.
City Hall is open Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
July 11, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIF TTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF TH E STATE OF ILLINOIS, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF T HE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Pla intiff, v. BJ WAY LLC, AND UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, generally, Defendants.
Case No. 2025ED4 Condemn ation Parcel 21123011 & TE Job No.R-92-011-23
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
The requisite affidavit for publication havi ng been filed, notice is hereby given you: UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants in the aboveentitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, by the Pla intiff against you and other defendants, praying for the acquisition of a fee simple interes t and a temporary easement for construction purposes to the premises describe to-wit:
EXHIBIT A Owner BJ Way LLC Route FAP 742 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72) County Ogle Job No. R-92-011-23 21123011 P.I.N. No. 05-31-278-005 Se cti on 02 SW 2020-1 Station 1123+75 Station 1123+82 LAND That part of the east half of the south half of Block 49 of the Plat of Byron, the Plat of which is recorded in Book A of Plats on Page 156 in th e Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois, with bearings and grid distances referenced to the Illinois State Plane C oordinate Sys tem, West Zone NAO 83 (2011 ADJ), with a combined fact or of 0.99999459; described as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of said Block 49; thence South 87 degrees 30 minutes 02 seconds West on the northe rly right of way line of FAP 742 (IL 2) FA P 553 (IL 72), a distance of 6.96 feet; thence North 02 degrees 24 minutes 29 seconds West, 20.12 feet; thence North 87 degrees 35 minutes 31 s econds East, 6.88 feet to the wester ly right of way line of North Washington Street ; thence South 02 degrees 37 minute s 09 seconds East on said westerly right of way line, 20.11 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 139 s quare feet (0.0032 acre), more or less (area based on ground distances).
EXHIBIT B Owner BJ Way LLC Route FAP 742 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72) County Ogle
Secti on D2 SW 2020-1 Station 1123+70 Station1123+82 EASEMENT That part of the east half of the south half of Block 49 of the Plat of Byron, the Plat of which is recorded in Book A of Plats on Page 156 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois, with bear ings and grid distance s referenced to the Illinois State Plane Coordinate System, West Zone NAD 83 (2011 ADJ), with a combined factor of 0.99999459; described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of said Block 49; thence South 87 degrees 30 minutes 02 seconds West on the northerly right of way line of FAP 742 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72), a distance of 6.96 feet to the Point of Beginning. From said Point of Beginning; thence continuing South 87 degrees 30 minutes 02 seconds West on said northerly right of way line, 5.00 feet; thence North 02 degrees 24 minutes 29 seconds West, 25.13 feet; thence North 87 degrees 35 minutes 31 s econds East, 11.86 feet to the westerly right of way line of North Washington Street; thence South 02 degrees 37 minutes 09 seconds East on said westerly right of way line, 5.00 feet; thence South 87 degrees 35 minutes 31 seconds West , 6.88 feet; thence South 02 degrees 24 minutes 29 seconds East, 20.12 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 160 square feet (0.0037 acre), more or less (area based on gr ound distances ).
And for such other relief prayed , that summons was duly issued out of the s aid Fifteenth Judici al Circuit Court against the above-captioned defendants as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending, NOW THEREFORE , UNLESS YOU, the above Defendants file or otherwise make your appearance herein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Fiftee nth Judicial District, Ogle C ounty Courthouse, 106 S 5th Stree t, Oregon, Illinois 61061, on or before JULY 28, 2025, a trial may be held and a judgment taken against you for the relief asked in the complaint.
Kimberly A Stahl Clerk of the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, Oregon, Ogle County, Illinois CHRISTOP HER J. MURDO CH SPECIAL ASSISTANT ATTORNE Y GENERAL EMRY MURDOCH LLC 2 N. RIVERSID E PLAZA, SUITE 1850 CHICAGO, IL 60606 (312) 235-4022 Chris.Murdoch@EmDoch.com 8190-955010 Jun. 27, Jul. 4, 11, 2025 955010
ILLINOIS,
24-102028 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LL INOIS FIRST NORTHERN C REDIT UNION PLAINTIFF, vs. JOSHUA BELL; EMILY BELL; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFEN DANTS NO. 24 FC 49 NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE
Public Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on May 2, 2025; Brian R VanVickle, Sheri ff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Stree t, Oregon, IL 61061, will on August 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty -four (24) hours, the following describe d premi ses situated in Ogle County, Illinois.
Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments 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 quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.
Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tende ring said bid in certifi ed funds, a receipt of Sale will be i ss ued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.
Said property is legall y described as follows: LOT SIX (6) AS DESI GNATED UPON THE FINAL PLAT OF HARVEST GLENN UNIT ONE, BEING A SUBDI VISION OF PART OF THE SOUTH HALF (1/2) OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERI DIAN, THE PLAT OF WHICH SUBDIVISION IS RECORDED IN BOOK C OF PLATS ON PAGE 85 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 112 Harvest Glenn Drive , Davis Junction, IL 61020 Permanent Index No.: 11-22-428-006 Improvements: Single Family Reside ntial
The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property
The judgment amount was $193,306.60. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify 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 SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE
FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 Lakesi de Drive,
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIF TTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF TH E STATE OF ILLINOIS, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF T HE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Pla intiff, v. MAC'S CONVENIENCE STORES, LLC, CIRCLE K STORES LLC, AND UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C LAIMANTS, generally, Defendants.
Case No. 2025ED5 Condemnation Parcel 21123014 TE Job No.R-92-011-23 JURY DEMAND NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
The requisite affidavit for publication havi ng been filed, notice is hereby given you: UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants in the aboveentitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, by the Pla intiff against you and other defendants, praying for the acquisition of a fee simple interes t and a temporary easement for construction purposes to the premises describe to-wit: Owner Mac's Convenience Stores, LLC Route FAP 742 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72) County Ogl e Job No. R-92- 011-23 Parcel No. 21123014TE P.I.N. No. 05-32-152-019 Secti on D2 SW 2020-1 Station 1128+20 Station1128+81
EASEMENT That part of Lots 7 and 8 in Block 35 of the Plat of Byron, the Plat of which is recorded in Book A of Plats on Page 156 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois, with bearings and grid distances referenced to the Illinois State Plane Coordinate System, West Zone NAD 83 (2011 ADJ), with a combined factor of 0.99999459; described as fol lows : Beginning at the southeast corner of said Lot 7 in said Block 35; thence South 87 degrees 35 minutes 19 seconds West on the northerly right of way line of FAP 74 2 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72), a distan ce of 33.92 feet to the southeasterly corner of a tract of land described in the Order Vesting Title as recorded on March 4, 200 5 as Document Number 200502027 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; thence North 35 degrees 56 minutes 08 seconds West on an easterly line of said premises so conveyed, 16.93 feet to an easter ly corner of said premises so conveyed; thence North 20 degr ees 06 minutes 36 seconds West on an easterly line of premises so conveyed, 6.46 fee t; thence North 88 degrees 05 mi nutes 19 seconds East, 3.63 feet; thence South 40 degrees 05 minutes 11 seconds East, 15.95 feet; thence North 87 degrees 38 minutes 53 seconds East, 47.00 feet; thence South 02 degrees 21 minutes 07 seconds East, 7.56 feet to said nor therly right of way line of FAP 742 (IL 2) FAP 553 (IL 72); thence South 87 degrees 35 minutes 19 seconds West on said northerly r ight of way line, 15.13 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 466 square feet (0.0107 acre), re or less (ar based ound dist ).