Mt_Morris_Times-08-25-2023

MT. MORRIS TIMES MORRIS TIMES

Council extends decision date for cigar sign issue

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By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A decision about the 7-foot cigar painted on a new downtown mural has been delayed until September.

After almost 35 minutes of discussion, city commissioners voted 5-0 to delay their decision for Bad Ash Cigars, 110 N. Fourth St., which had asked for a sign variance.

The Oregon Plan Commission voted 5-2 on Aug. 15 to recommend the council approve the variance. At that meeting, City Manager Darin DeHaan said the variance was needed because when the 4½-foot-by-7-foot cigar was painted on the mural it transformed the mural into a sign, which exceeded the city’s maximum sign size.

DeHaan said commercial signs are not to exceed 50 square feet.

“The entire front of the building is now a sign,” DeHaan said. “The issue is the sign’s size, not the content.”

He said the owner’s original rendering for the mural did not include the cigar.

The large mural was painted on the front of what once was the Oregon Theater. It features a blossoming tobacco plant with the cigar next to the business’s entrance.

Brian Wynn, a co-owner of the business, said the decision was made to paint

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Book Donations

We are getting ready for our annual fall book sale. We would appreciate any donations of books or related items. You can drop off donations anytime during open hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. We cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, VHS cassettes, sheet music or Reader’s Digest Condensed books.

Story Time

Mrs. Donna will be reading books and children will create a craft Wednesday, Aug. 30. Story time is every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Bring your little ones to enjoy stories and a craft at the Mt. Morris Library.

Axis 360 is changing to Boundless

Your library’s Axis 360 digital service will be upgraded to Boundless in September. The library can provide you with information about the date of the transition to Boundless. All your user information and history, including holds position, bookmarks, notes and other saved data will be seamlessly transitioned to the new Boundless platform. Please make sure that you have updated to the latest version of the Axis 360 app on your devices. Beginning a few weeks before the library’s

over the brick wall after workers discovered that the theater’s marquee was too damaged to be placed back on the brick. He said that since the mural’s creation, many people have stopped by to view it.

DeHaan said the city was not against murals or the business’s name.

“We have a mural grant program providing $5,000 each for the downtown murals and we have three in the pipeline,” he said as he read from a PowerPoint presentation. “Is the city against Bad Ash? No, we have worked with the owners to save the former theater and even provided $190,000 in cash and business incentives.”

Wynn said there was a misunderstanding when the cigar was added to the mural.

“Everyone else in town perceives this as a mural,” Wynn said Tuesday. “Only the people sitting in this room see it as a sign.”

Commissioner Melanie Cozzi said she reviewed text messages between the city and Wynn’s co-owners and did not see any misunderstanding.

“You were told it [the cigar] should not be on there,” she told Wynn. “I didn’t see any misinformation.”

She also said it was her understanding that warning information about the health dangers of smoking are required by the Food and Drug Administration.

Commissioner Tim Krug questioned Wynn’s explanation on why a sign could

Boundless transition, Axis 360 users will be directly notified about the transition through the Axis 360 apps and website.

Adult Book Club

The August book is “The Good Neighbor; The Life and Work of Fred Rogers” by Maxwell King. Everyone is welcome to join this book club group. Copies of the book are available at the library. This group will meet in person on Monday, Aug. 28, at the library.

Cookbook Club

The next meeting is Sept. 5. Join us as we explore The Cookbook Club. Wonderful recipes combined with friendship creates something both beautiful and delicious. Stop by to choose your recipe from this month’s book “Baking Yesteryear” by TikTok sensation B. Dylan Hollis and bring your dish to pass at our next meeting. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at The Senior Center for an exciting meal. Ink with a Friend: Card Making September is a time to make lovely homemade cards to send to family and friends. We will be offering a card-making class from local crafter Liz Gullett. She will be here on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. You will get all the materials to make two beautiful cards to take home. Stop by

not be placed on the building.

“If that wall isn’t able to hold 100 pounds, someone didn’t do their job,” Krug said before making a motion to table the variation request to gather more information. “Legally, we have to do this because otherwise the next person can come in and say, ‘Why is he getting away with it?’ I like the mural, but the cigar in the mural is a problem.”

Wynn said changing the mural would result in an extra cost to the business.

Krug’s motion failed for a lack of second, but Mayor Ken Williams suggested the council delay a decision to give the business time to rectify the issue.

“Is it your entire intent to go back and fix this?” Commissioner Terry Schuster said. “If it is, then there is no need for a variance.”

Wynn said he and his co-owners would need time to make alterations.

“We will have to come up with a new design,” Wynn said.

The council approved delaying any decision until the Sept. 21 meeting.

In other action, the council heard from about a dozen people who spoke against changing the route for the Harvest Time Parade, held on the Sunday of the Autumn on Parade festival.

A story about the change, which was initiated by law enforcement, appears on page 3.

to see the samples. Fees are by donation. Registration is limited so call the library or stop by to save your spot before Sept. 7.

Lego Club

Our next Lego night is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. Bring a friend and build some fun with Lego bricks. Children and parents are invited every third Thursday of the month. Children younger than 8 need to bring a parent with them.

Memorial Gifts

Give a gift that lasts, brings joy to many and doubles in value. Your memorial gift to the library is matched by the Mt. Morris Library Foundation. Many thanks to all who gave memorial gifts in 2023.

Display Case Showings

We have two display case showings this month. Come visit our display of dolls from around the world. This collection was donated to the library and we are so excited to share it with everyone. We also will have a display case of Mt. Morris memorabilia on loan from Lenny and Barbara Wells. Come see these historical collections. We are always looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.

AOP parade route changed to improve safety

By KATHLEEN

SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

OREGON – It’s a sad sign of the times we’re living in, an unapologetic City Manager Darin DeHaan said Aug. 15 after announcing changes to the parade route for the popular Autumn on Parade festival.

At the behest of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and with input from the Oregon police and fire departments, the safety plan for Autumn on Parade is getting an update.

Oregon’s biggest festival, which attracts thousands each year, is altering its longtime Harvest Time parade route and implementing the use of drone surveillance, among other measures, in an attempt to ward off any Highland Park or Waukesha, Wisconsin-like attacks.

DeHaan doesn’t want to scare festivalgoers – there is no “underlying threat” fueling the decision, he said. “There’s no information that it’s a targeted event. It’s just time to make sure we’re doing the best we can to make it a safe event.”

Sheriff Brian VanVickle’s office approached the city and the Autumn on Parade Committee about revising the safety plan.

The committee agreed to alter the parade route to make it easier to monitor the barriers, and for the first time, law enforcement will be using drones to keep an eye on the rooftops and the crowds as unobtrusively as possible, said DeHaan, formerly Oregon’s chief of police.

“We’ll do everything we can, hopefully in the background,” he said.

More barriers, barricades and police cars will be stationed on side streets “to discourage vehicular access to the parade route,” DeHaan said in a news release announcing the new route.

Some people have complained online about the smaller, more compact area, which they think will lead to more congestion, but DeHann disagrees with that assessment. A couple of blocks to the north of the old route were removed and replaced with blocks on Adams Street and Washington Street/state Route 64.

The route “is nearly the exact same distance,“ but now it’s more rectangu-

lar and easier to monitor, DeHaan said Aug 15.

The new route will start at Adams and 10th streets, head east on Adams, north on Fourth Street/state Route 2 to Washington/Route 64, then return to Hawk Drive via 10th Street. The parade no longer will travel on Monroe or North Fifth streets.

The detour around the area will change from Illinois Street to Monroe Street for east and west traffic and from Webster Street to Clay Street to access north state Route 2 with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s permission, which is pending but likely.

The two-day downtown festival is Oct. 7 and 8. The complete schedule is at autumnonparade.com. The Harvest

Time Parade begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8.

“Our committee has always endeavored to keep the big picture of this event in mind. City and county officials work closely with Autumn on Parade to support many needs. Public safety, comfort and courtesy remain priorities for everyone involved in bringing this annual event to our community,” AOP President Debbie Dickson said. “We understand that changes to the parade route may be disappointing, perhaps difficult to accept for some. We also believe our parade has been a crown jewel of this family-friendly free event since it began. Regardless of which direction or roads traveled, our parade will be fabulous entertainment, so bring your spooktacular spirit and join us.”

As for those grumbling about the change, DeHaan said he would encourage them “to Google Highland Park or Waukesha.”

At last year’s Highland Park Fourth of July parade, seven people were killed and 48 were wounded by bullets or shrapnel. Accused rooftop shooter Robert Eugene Crimo III is charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. It is one

of the two deadliest mass shootings in Illinois history, tied with the 1993 Brown’s Chicken massacre in which seven people also were killed.

The Highland Park shooting prompted law enforcement agencies nationwide, including those in Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon and the rest of the Sauk Valley, to reevaluate how they patrol such outdoor events. Many since have added drone surveillance.

On Nov. 21, 2021, in Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee, Darrell E. Brooks Jr. drove an SUV through the annual Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring 62. On Nov. 16, 2022, Brooks was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus 762.5 consecutive years, on six counts of first-degree murder and 71 other charges.

DeHaan said he also can live with people along the old route complaining that the parade no longer passes their homes, spoiling their porch parties. They can find other porches, he said.

“What I can’t do is have something happen and have to face [the victims’] families,” he said. “I hope the community understands, it’s about safety, it’s not about anything else. I just don’t want to see a tragedy happen.”

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local file photo

Sam the Wild Wheeler performs during the 2022 Harvest Time Parade at the Autumn on Parade festival in Oregon. This year’s parade is Sunday, Oct. 8.

There’s no information that it’s a targeted event. It’s just time to make sure we’re doing the best we can to make it a safe event.”

Darin DeHaan, Oregon city manager

Darin DeHaan

A.

DeHaan: ‘I hope the community understands it’s about safety, it’s not about anything else’

Forrestville

Forreston police donate 60 advanced first-aid kits to school district

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

Valley staff get emergency first-aid training

FORRESTON – Forreston Junior/ Senior High School teachers Marissa McShane and Travis Cunningham don’t want to think about having to provide lifesaving first aid to their students or colleagues, but said knowing how to do so is necessary.

Forrestville Valley School District staff spent about two hours Aug. 21 being trained in the use of advanced first-aid/active shooter response kits donated to the district by the Forreston Police Department. The 60 kits, which cost $100 each, were paid for with the help of local businesses.

“It was very informational,” said McShane, a business teacher. “It’s something we, unfortunately, need to know but hopefully never have to use.”

Cunningham, a band teacher, agreed.

“It’s good to be prepared and make sure that if we ever have to use any of this we’re ready to go,” he said.

Forreston Police Chief Chris Thiel and Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Medical Team leader and Deputy Josh Lewis served as trainers for the Stop The Bleed course.

Thiel also is a deputy with the sheriff’s office and owner of Personal Protection Options, a Forreston-based business that provides firearms and self-defense training. Lewis also is a Rochelle Fire Department firefighter and paramedic and a part-time police officer with the Byron Police Department.

The Stop The Bleed campaign was created by a federal interagency workgroup, according to StopTheBleed.org. Its purpose is “to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters.”

The initiative also came about after Columbine and the epidemic of school shootings that have followed, Lewis said.

School district nurse Jennifer Nelson said she took a Stop The Bleed course in the past and wanted to bring the training to Forrestville Valley schools. The problem was the cost of the kits, she said.

Forrestville Valley schools have long hallways and the junior/senior high school has two wings, which makes having only one or two centrally located kits rather useless, Nelson said.

“We can’t have a centralized kit or kits if we’re in an active shooting type situation,” she said. “It’s going to take a number of kits to distribute them so staff who are trained would be able to access one and use it and you’re not sacrificing somebody out of the office.”

After talking to Nelson, Thiel went around to local businesses seeking donations to help cover the cost of the 60 new first-aid kits. Thiel said he previously donated five kits to the school district, so it now has 65.

“Especially being rural, it’s going to take a fire department several minutes to get to us,” Thiel said. “So we want to make sure we give the teachers the tools necessary to be able to help stop the bleeding until emergency professionals get there.”

Each kit contains a CAT tourniquet, combat gauze or quick-clot gauze, pressure bandages, two chest seals to prevent air from entering large wounds, emergency trauma bandages, tampons for smaller puncture wounds and a few other things, he said.

There are about 800 children in the Forrestville Valley School District and their parents send them to school

expecting them to come home, Nelson said. District staff want that to happen, she said.

“Nobody wants to be in this situation,” Nelson said of the kits’ necessity. “I don’t want to be not prepared to be in this situation. … This is an amazing gift to get that, honestly, you hope you never use, but if you need to, we know how to do it.”

Photos by Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Local Forreston High School business teacher Marissa McShane practices applying a tourniquet on a fake leg while other Forrestville Valley School District staff watch. Staff were trained Aug. 21 in how to use the advanced first-aid kits donated to the district by the Forreston Police Department and paid for with the help of local businesses.

“Nobody wants to be in this situation [needing the kits]. I don’t want to be not prepared to be in this situation.”

Jennifer Nelson, Forrestville Valley School District nurse

Forreston Police Chief Chris Thiel kneels on Forreston Junior/Senior High School Assistant Principal Kyle Zick’s shoulder to demonstrate a way to put pressure on a wound that leaves one’s hands free to get a tourniquet or other first-aid tool ready for use.

Brown, Virnoche named Chamber’s 2023 Citizens of Year

Brian Grover, Encore!

Mt. Morris, Hagemann Horticulture, Rustic Ridge Axe Throwing also lauded

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – It was the proximity to their workplaces that drew James Brown and Karen Virnoche to the Oregon area and their community involvement that brought them to the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner.

“I just want to say that 30-some years ago when we moved here, I didn’t know how good of an idea that was,” Brown said as the applause for the couple faded. “This is a phenomenal community. We were very fortunate that the geography got us here.”

The husband and wife duo who live on West Mud Creek Road north of Oregon and east of Mt. Morris were named the Chamber’s 2023 Citizens of the Year on Aug. 17. The event took place at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon.

Brown frequently volunteers to assist in managing the logistics of events and Virnoche’s creativity has lent itself to the organization of numerous fundraising efforts, said Tyler Mowry, who presented the Citizens of the Year award.

Their efforts include work on the Chamber’s annual dinner, donation collecting at Mt. Morris’ Jamboree Concert Series, Relay for Life, Serenity Hospice & Home’s Art Dash and its For the Jack of All Trades … and Jill’s Too Barn Sale and more, he said.

“It’s citizens like these, always putting others first, that make living in smaller towns such a privilege,” Mowry said. “Our communities – both Oregon and Mt. Morris – are so fortunate to have such kind, generous and thoughtful people giving so much of their time and talents to make our communities a better place to live and work.”

While they do a lot of fundraising, it’s the people who make up the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce who make their efforts possible, Brown said. When they come to the community with a need, people always are there stepping up to the plate to provide, he said.

“We’re just honored to be a part of this community and so happy that we can say most of you in here we know and you’re friends of ours,” Virnoche said. “We really appreciate everything that you do, and we are trying to do something for the community. Thank you for being part of it.”

Volunteer of the Year

The 2023 Volunteer of the Year award went to Brian Grover of Chana for his work at Chana Education Center, the Ogle County Fair, the fairgrounds and more.

“I’m not really into awards and stuff,” Grover said after accepting the award. “That’s not why I do what I do. My mother is what got me into all this and stuff.”

Volunteering is a “very worthwhile thing that anybody can do,” he said. “We can always use the volunteers. Any organization can use volunteers.”

Grover has volunteered with Chana schools for years, helping to save, move and restore the education system in the community, said Joann Canfield, who presented the award. Grover mows the Ogle County fairgrounds throughout the year and has collected donations to plant and care for new and replacement trees there, she said.

“He also volunteers at the Chana Church, helping with their community playground and many other projects over the years,” Canfield said. “But his favorite thing of all – I think – is him playing Santa for multiple Make-AWish requests. Also, in talking to him, at the [Ogle County] Fair this year, he played Santa in the Hawaii outfit.”

Grover said he began mowing the fairgrounds about 3 1/2 years ago. At first he was alone, but since has recruited other volunteers to assist.

Emerald ash borer infestations resulted in many trees being cut down and he wanted to replace them, Grover said. He started by planting younger –and thus smaller – trees, but eventually decided to also plant some older and larger ones, he said.

At this point, more than 30 trees have been planted and another 23 have been moved, he said.

“So anyway, even though they lied to me, this is what I’m glad to tell you –we need volunteers just like any organization does,” Grover said. “So please volunteer at anything because everybody needs it. Thank you.”

Other awards

Encore! Mt. Morris was given the Civic Leadership Award, Hagemann Horticulture was named the Business of the Year and Rustic Ridge Axe Throwing was presented the Welcome to the Chamber Award.

Photos by Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Local Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Citizens of the Year James Brown (left) and Karen Virnoche talk after accepting their award during the Chamber’s annual dinner Aug. 17 at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon.

ABOVE LEFT: Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Volunteer of the Year Brian Grover (left) poses for a photo with Chamber ambassador Joann Canfield.

ABOVE MIDDLE: Tyler Hagemann, of Hagemann Horticulture, accepts the Oregon Area Chamber’s Business of the Year award. ABOVE RIGHT: Rustic Ridge Axe Throwing manager Chris Chapman holds up the 2023 Welcome to the Chamber Award. LEFT: Encore! Mt. Morris Chairperson Jeff Bold (right) poses for a photo with Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randee Mennenga after accepting the Chamber’s 2023 Civic Leadership Award.

Gollmer Brothers’ circus camped out ‘under the willows’ in 1892

It is hard to believe that summer is over, the kids are back in school and the evenings out on the patio are cool. All signs of fall, but I have not heard the locusts sing. So we are fine for a little bit.

I did not have any jenny wrens this summer, which was unusual. Dorothy next door had some in her wren box, but they did not venture to my two boxes. Instead, I had wasps in them. First summer in a long time that I did not have those little birds singing a song to me.

I read somewhere that those little jenny wrens are territorial and do not allow any other birds nearby and they also mate for life. So maybe something happened to the couple I had in my wren box. I remember all the jenny wrens my grandmother had in her wren boxes so she must have had a number of families.

Also the forget-me-nots have

seeded out and their little stick tights are ready to cover your sleeve if you place your arm in the flower bed to pull a weed. The beautiful little flower that I love has these stick tights that are quite pesky and I try to cut back the plant soon after the flowering is finished.

Bruce and Daniel came over and pulled out the rest of the wild onion and I hope none return. They were old and quite unsightly. I planted a butterfly bush nearby and that is supposed to take over and get quite large. I watch the butterflies at the Starfire phlox near the house so I hope they love the butterfly bush.

At Aplington House we have to watch the plantings around the house and get out all the weeds. Also we spray under the fence because those weeds will take over. I am amazed how the weeds keep going with little rain but the flowers seem to struggle.

The Saturday of the Polo Car Show we had the museum open for a while. We were quite busy with a number of people from out of town and Polo people as well. We enjoy showing off our museum, and once more people are amazed at what we have. Now with school starting, things will slow down at the museum.

Linda touches base with those who have come in to see if they have any questions and thank them for coming. Right now she is researching Eagle Point and finding all sorts of news items. For example, in 1892, the Gollmer Brothers’ circus camped out “under the willows.”

This circus had a number of animals such as a leopard, a bear, a monkey and dogs. They traveled by train, and after an accident in Indiana, some of the animals were hurt. The accident was in 1905. By that time, the circus had added elephants and camels.

Some of the elephants had gotten away and the farmers in the area were helping to round them up. That would be quite a surprise to have an elephant wandering around in this area.

The circus would winter over in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I remember many years ago going to Baraboo and seeing the circus that was there at that time. We found it most interesting along with our children.

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

Joseph Glidden, the inventor of modern barbed wire, lived in Ogle County in 1843

By OTTO DICK

Joseph Glidden

was an American businessman and farmer living in DeKalb County. He was the inventor of modern barbed wire. In 1898, he donated land for the Northern Illinois State School in De Kalb, Illinois, which was renamed Northern Illinois University in 1957. The school opened on Sept. 12, 1898, with 139 students and 116 members on the faculty.

In 1843, he moved to Ogle County and then to DeKalb, where he bought a farm. Clarissa, his wife, died in 1846 during the childbirth of their daughter in Ogle County. Their three children, including their infant daughter Clara, died in an epidemic in 1847. Their two sons died while living in Ogle County.

Glidden began work to make a useful barbed wire fence to hold cattle in 1873. He placed the barbs along a wire and then twisted another wire around

Grand Detour Art Festival is the topic at ‘Those Were the Days’

The history of the Grand Detour Art Festival will be the topic at the Oregon Depot’s “Those Were the Days” program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

it to keep the barbs in place. He received the patent for his barbed wire design on Nov. 24, 1874, when he was

The John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St. in Grand Detour, will host the 74th annual Grand Detour art festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10. The event will be rain or shine.

This is a juried show with cash prizes. Admission is free. Exhibited artworks will include paintings,

61 years old. He and local hardware dealer Isaac L. Ellwood began manufacturing and selling the barbed wire

graphics, sculptures, jewelry, photography, drawings and artisan crafts. There will be art, food, music and tours of the historic John Deere museum and grounds.

Local historian Duane Paulsen said the Grand Detour Art Colony was born out of the establishment of the

as the Barb Fence Company in DeKalb, Illinois.

Glidden’s invention made him extremely rich. At the time of his death in 1906 he was one of the richest men in America. He served as sheriff of DeKalb County from 1852 to 1854. In 1876, he served on the county’s board of supervisors and from 1861 to 1874 he served as a school director. He was very active in DeKalb.

Barbed wire, also known as barb wire, is a type of steel fencing wire constructed with sharp points. A person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will suffer discomfort and possibly injury.

Joseph Glidden wrote a poem that he read at Oregon founder John Phelp’s funeral in 1873. Glidden took the train on the C and I Railroad from DeKalb to Oregon. The closing remarks in the poem were, “To home, friends and country he gave his best. He is laid down to rest in his chosen soil.”

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

Eagle’s Nest Art Colony in Oregon in 1898.

The colony began with six prominent resident artists with John Nolf as their unofficial leader.

Dixon native Charles Kested started what would become the Grand Detour Arts Festival in 1949.

Joseph Glidden

Photo provided by Glidden Homestead

The Glidden Home is located in DeKalb.

Morrison man who is a teacher pleads not guilty to sexually abusing Boy Scout in 2004

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com and KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A Morrison man pleaded not guilty last week to sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy in 2004, when the man was a director at Camp Lowden, a Boy Scout camp east of Oregon.

Jason L. Endress, 44, was arrested July 25 and had a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Aug. 16, in Ogle County court, where he is charged with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department received a call June 23 from Emily Cross, chief operating officer of the Blackhawk Area Council, who said the organization’s hotline received a call with the allegations, Lt. Brian Ketter testified.

The Blackhawk Area Council is chartered by the national Boy Scouts of America council and is headquartered in Rockford, serving southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois. It runs Canyon Camp between Stockton and Apple River and Camp Lowden in Illinois.

Ketter contacted the hotline caller, who said he was a camper at Camp Lowden in 2003 and 2004, when Endress, then 25, was a director. The man said he met Endress when he was 14, they “got along very well,” and he returned, again as a camper, in 2004, when their “bond grew closer,” Ketter testified.

“He said they had sexual contact several times,” Ketter said, adding that the boy also visited Endress’s home in Fulton after the boy got permission from his mother.

“Was the sexual contact at Camp Lowden before or after he was at the defendant’s home?” Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley said.

“After the contact at the home,” Ketter said.

Ketter said the boy, who is now 25, told him he and Endress “touched each other” while in the chapel at Camp Lowden. According to court documents, the sexual contact occurred May 24 and Sept. 6, 2004.

Under cross-examination by

Endress’s attorney, James Mertes of Sterling, Ketter said he didn’t know what type of “director” Endress was in 2004, but he knew it was a “supervisory” position.

When Mertes asked how many incidents there were at Camp Lowden involving his client, and their duration, Ketter said he did not know.

Mertes asked why the man waited 19 years to accuse Endress.

“He told me that it really started to bother him when he turned 25, and that it was wearing on him, so he called the hotline looking for some help,” Ketter said.

Mertes asked whether there was any video, physical evidence or corroboration from any other Camp Lowden staff members in connection with the charges.

“No,” said Ketter, adding that he has a group photo from that summer.

“Have you had any contact with any other Boy Scout who may have been there in 2004?” Mertes said.

“I’ve talked to several, but I don’t believe I have talked to anyone who was there in 2004,” Ketter said.

He said he talked to someone who said he saw Endress going on walks with younger staff members at night.

Under redirect questioning, Ketter told Huntley that he and an Illinois State Police special agent listened in on a telephone conversation that the man had with Endress on July 20.

The boy asked Endress, “ ‘When we had sex and everything,’ if he loved him,” Ketter said.

“He said, ‘Yes, I did,’ ” Ketter testified.

Ketter also said Endress asked the man whether he had told his therapist about the incident, and then wondered if it had been reported.

When the man told Endress he had called the BSA hotline, Endress said, “something like that ... I could royally be screwed,” Ketter testified.

A preliminary hearing is held so the judge can decide whether there is probable cause to charge a person; only prosecution witnesses testify.

Judge John Redington set a pretrial conference for 1 p.m. Oct. 4.

Endress remains free on $100,000 bond after posting 10%, or $10,000.

Endress, who according to the charging documents held “a position of trust, authority or supervision” over the boy, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault. He faces four to 15 years in prison on each count; 85% must be served before pro-

bation could be granted.

He also is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, which carries three to seven years. Both charges require those convicted to register as a sex offender.

Endress is a teacher at Clinton (Iowa) High School, where he has taught for 22 years.

“There’s a difference between accusations and evidence,” Mertes said in a phone interview before the hearing, noting the length of time that has elapsed since the assault is alleged to have happened. “The defendant is presumed innocent of the accusations against him.”

According to online court records, Endress has no criminal history in Iowa or the Sauk Valley.

Statement from the Boy Scouts of America:

“Jason Endress’s involvement in Scouting ended in June 2023 after BSA learned of allegations of inappropriate behavior that occurred nearly two decades ago.

“Upon being advised of the allegations, the Blackhawk Area Council immediately contacted law enforcement and took actions to preclude Mr. Endress from further participation in Scouting. The Council will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as requested.

“Endress is no longer permitted to register or participate in the Boy Scouts of America in any capacity.”

According to Camp Lowden’s Facebook page, Endress became camp director in summer 2018. He had been

involved with the Scouts more than 30 years, starting with boyhood membership in Morrison troops.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1996, three years after he joined Camp Lowden staff as a counselor-in-training.

“He has worked in various instructor and director positions continuously since then,” according to the post.

Endress also is on paid administrative leave from his teaching job while the district does its own investigation, Superintendent Gary DeLacy said.

Plagued by thousands of claims of sexual abuse over several decades, Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020, seeking a financial restructuring that would allow it to provide “equitable compensation” to survivors and their families. In nine months – the time claimants were given to seek compensation – more than 92,000 sexual abuse claims were filed with the bankruptcy court.

In its statement to Sauk Valley Media regarding the sex abuse charges filed against Endress, BSA included the following:

Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of youth in our programs – it is our top priority. The BSA’s multilayered process of safeguards includes the following measures, all of which are designed to act as barriers to abuse:

• Mandatory youth protection training for all volunteers and employees.

• A leadership policy that requires at least two youth protection-trained adults be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities and bans one-on-one situations where adults would have any interaction alone with children – either in person, online, or via phone or text.

• A thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff, including criminal background checks.

• A ban on the use of recording devices/cellphones near bathrooms and shower houses.

• The prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse to law enforcement.

• The BSA also offers a 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1) and an email address (scouts1st@scouting. org) for help reporting suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.

Go to Scouting.org/YouthSafety for more information about the BSA’s youth protection policies.

Jason L. Endress

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local Camp Lowden is located on Scout Road in Ogle County.

Polo seeks to buy Congress School, plans to demolish it

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – The city of Polo is in the process of buying Congress School with tentative plans to demolish it.

City Council members Aug. 7 unanimously voted to spend up to $15,000 on the purchase price of the building, plus $2,500 for related expenditures, according to meeting minutes.

“It’s in such disrepair that we’re willing to purchase it to tentatively destroy it and then maybe have senior housing or something there,” Mayor Doug Knapp said in an Aug. 21 interview with Shaw Media.

The building, which is located at 208 N. Congress Ave., used to be the city’s grade school.

“That’s where my wife went to grade school and most people of an age went there,” Knapp said, noting he is not among that group. “It was closed down a long, long time ago.”

There is some asbestos in the building, but not a lot, Knapp said. He

believes what’s there can be removed without breaking it, negating the cost of asbestos abatement.

However, it will be “fairly costly” to demolish Congress School, Knapp said. He did not provide an estimated cost of demolition.

Congress School is owned by Greg Smith of Polo, according to Ogle County property tax records. Property tax records show the taxes on the building for 2022 are $1,029.14; for 2021, taxes were $461.28 and in 2020 they were $432.74.

Taxing bodies are the city of Polo TIF district, which received $664.26 this year; Polo Community Unit School District, $195.09; the city of Polo, $56.79; Polo Fire Protection District, $32.18; Ogle County, $29.03; Sauk Valley Community College, $17.69; Buffalo Township, $12.90; Buffalo Township Road District, $11.77; and Polo Public Library, $9.43.

Last year, taxing bodies were PCUSD, which received $202.10; city of Polo TIF District, $82.66; city of Polo, $59.61; Polo Fire Protection District, $33.34; Ogle County, $29.80; Sauk Valley Community College, $17.73; Buffalo Township, $14.05; Buffalo Township Road District, $12.21; and Polo Public Library, $9.78.

Council members unanimously vote to spend up to $17,500 on purchase, related expenses

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local file photo

The Congress School in Polo has been empty for several years. The school is located at 208 N. Congress Ave.

It’s in such disrepair that we’re willing to purchase it to tentatively destroy it and then maybe have senior housing or something there.”

Doug Knapp, Polo mayor

Free music Friday, Saturday in Mt. Morris

MT. MORRIS – The Chicago Tribute Anthology band returns to the bandshell stage for a free two-hour concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, as part of the Jamboree Concert Series.

“In April of 1969, a new rock ’n’ roll band burst onto the scene garnering nationwide attention. Born in the Midwest and infused with elements of jazz, blues and Latin influences, the first album by Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA as they were commonly known, went double platinum,” said Larry Ubben, Jamboree organizer. “Such hits as ‘Beginnings,’ ‘Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?’, and ‘Question 67 and 68’ propelled the band to popularity.”

With a rock rhythm section led by guitarist Terry Kath, a powerful horn section and unique vocals, the band now known simply as Chicago released its second album in January 1970.

“Chicago became a dominant force in popular music during the 1970s, producing at least one new album each year,” Ubben said. “CTA brings to life the ‘Golden Age’ of Chicago by meticulously re-creating many of the great songs from the first 11 albums. Members include Tom Anderson, Paul Bata, Terry Geraci, Paul Mabin, Chuck Parrish, Reed Pauley, Dan Peters and John Springbrunn. Enjoy CTA live and experience all of these classic songs just the way you remember them.”

Concessions will be provided by the Ogle County Beef Producers, who will be serving rib-eye steak sandwiches, one-third-pound hamburgers and cheeseburgers, quarter-pound all beef hot dogs, water and soft drinks.

Mt. Morris Moose Lodge will be serving chicken strips, french fries, cheese fries, onion rings, cheese curds and fried mushrooms and have water and soft drinks.

Grandpa’s and Just 4 Fun ice cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade stand also will be there, all starting at 6 p.m.

Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the campus from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“The campus will be extra festive that evening as the eighth annual U.S. National Strawsculpting Competition continues with four new sculptures and many others from the past on display all around the south end of the campus until the end of the month,” 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 Mt. Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue, and

enjoy the free classic rock and roll concert.”

Saturday music

Bluegrass band Truman’s Ridge will play on the bandshell stage to close out the Straw Fest Day festivities at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

“Truman’s Ridge is a regional band organized late in 2007, now featuring Steve Sarver (guitar), Chris Johnson (upright bass), Charley Smart (resona-

tor guitar), Max Winkels (banjo) and Russ Ginn (mandolin). Based out of Sycamore, they’ve enjoyed performing in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee, at countless venues,” Ubben said.

Concessions will be provided by Maxson’s Restaurant and Riverboat, which will be serving barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, potato chips, canned drinks and bottled water, as well as cupcakes, from 3 until 8:30 p.m.

“Grandpa’s and/or Just 4 Fun ice cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade will be there throughout the day. Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with a variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the campus, too,” Ubben said.

In the event of inclement weather, the rain location will be the former Mt. Morris High School, located at 105 W. Brayton Road.

Photos provided by Larry Ubben, Mt. Morris Jamboree

Chicago Transit Authority will perform Aug. 25 in Mt. Morris.

Truman’s Bridge will perform Saturday, Aug. 26, in Mt. Morris.

Mt. Morris Back Road Tours, ‘Campus Funday’ is

MT. MORRIS – Sometimes people need a Sunday afternoon ride in the country, an ice cream cone or a stroll through the beautiful campus to enjoy straw sculptures, fine art, musicians, historical campus tours, a farmers market or the water sounds from a century old fountain, recently beautifully bronzed by sculptor Jeff Adams.

The unique Price Fountain was donated in 1905 to the Mt. Morris Park, then located on the southeast lawn of Mt. Morris College, by veterinarian and village board member Dr. A. W. Price.

Come join us at the Mt. Morris Campus, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. It is the last day of Encore’s U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition, organized by Encore! chairman Jeff Bold.

The campus event, hosted by the Mt. Morris Encore! Tourism Committee, is located at 122 S. Wesley Ave., one block south of Route 64 (Hitt Street). Bring chairs, sit in the shade and listen to soloists and other musicians performing just south of the

bandshell. Enjoy freshly popped corn sold by the Mt. Morris Senior Center.

The Mt. Morris Back Roads free bus tour, narrated by Howie Herman, leaves on the top of every hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get a reserved seat ticket ahead of time from Kathy Clark and friends at the campus concierge and information desk just north of the flagpole on the green.

The new Mt. Morris Back Roads cellphone tour, created by Mary Fran-

ces, also is available. It is a narrated cellphone tour around the hills, fields and farms of our beautiful countryside. It can be enjoyed at your convenience in your car.

Campus events include the juried fine art show My Current Creations at the Old Sandstone Gallery, which is open from noon until 4 p.m. The exhibit was organized and assembled by the Encore! Arts Committee, chaired by Molly Baker, and features

27

the work of area artists and photographers.

Blending art and science, this year’s additional activity is a hands-on science and musical exhibit on the campus at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for children and adults. “The Science of Sound” will be presented by Mary Ley, musician and owner of the Old Sandstone-based Aireloom Music Studio.

A map will be provided to nearby rural businesses such as Hough’s Maple Lane Farm and BerryView Orchard that will be open.

Websites for other rural businesses are included, as well as directions to the White Pines State Park, Bald Hill Prairie, Castle Rock State Park and Grand Detour’s John Deere Site.

The farmers market, featuring fresh produce and other delights from Ewe and Me Acres, will be on campus from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

A walkabout history of the campus, including the historic Veterans Memorial and Price Fountain, will be presented by Tourism’s Sally Gray at 1:30 p.m. followed by a “sit-down” sharing of campus history on the bandshell benches at 3 p.m.

Thanks to Jo Ward and Meg Miller for their poster and online event publicity.

SARAH GRAY Encore! Mt. Morris Tourism

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local file photo

Hough’s Maple Tree Lane was one of the businesses that took part in the Back Roads Market in Mt. Morris in 2022.

Mt. Morris fire district announces site for new station

MT. MORRIS – A new state-ofthe-art fire station is in Mt. Morris’ future.

The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Board of Trustees announced Aug. 16 that they have taken the next step in planning for a new $4 million firehouse.

“On Aug. 15, the district completed the purchase of land for the new firehouse site. The land is comprised of four parcels located in the 10 block of South McKendrie Avenue. The site includes two to the north – the two previous hardware store buildings – and the house on the corner of Main and McKendrie,” Mt. Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough IV said in a news release. “To the south, it includes the house on the corner of Front Street and McKendrie Avenue and the house immediately to the west.”

The district has spent more than a year considering and evaluating several sites, according to the release.

“Staying central in the district was paramount. Moving the firehouse from the core of the village would have changed response times,

especially to the outlying areas of the district, with the new site allowing quicker access to state Route 64,” the release said. “Additionally, homeowners’ insurance rates could have increased for some if the firehouse had moved too far from its current location.”

The site chosen for the new station was “by far the best for utility access as there is excellent access to the sanitary sewer, storm sewer and fiber optic lines all located on McKendrie Avenue,” the release said.

“Additionally, there is a large 16-inch water main located on McKendrie, which is the largest in the village and needed to fill the apparatus quickly,” the release said.

Firefighters will use the structures on the newly acquired property for emergency training later this summer. The training will involve simulated fire conditions, but there will be no burning of any fashion in the structures, according to the release.

“While the timeline is still being finalized for the next phase of the project, plans are to demolish the structures in early fall,” the release said. “After some light grading and site preparation, the final phase will

be the construction of the new facility, starting in the spring of 2024. Barring any major setbacks, completion of the new building would be in early 2025. After the new facility is in operation, the district’s century old firehouse will be put up for sale.”

Funding for the new structure, estimated to cost between $4 million and $4.5 million, is coming from several sources.

“The district has been able to secure funding through federal, state and local sources. The most humbling has been the funds donated by the past and present community members who believe in the district’s mission,” the release said.

Bids are being accepted for demolition of the fire station at 15 E. Center St. The 98-year-old fire station originally served as a car dealership and farm implement service station and has outlived its usefulness, Hough said in a previous interview with Shaw Media.

Mt. Morris Village Board members Jan. 24 approved a $250,000 TIF proposal for the district to go toward construction of the new station. The funds will be paid annually in $50,000 increments. Payments will start after construction has begun.

The

Fire Protection District announced the location of its new fire station. The site is located two blocks north of the existing station. The district has been conducting a fundraising drive for the project. This sign is located on the existing fire station at South

Fire District purchases location for new building

The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Board of Trustee’s is pleased to announce the next step in planning for a new firehouse. On August 15th the District completed the purchase of land for the new firehouse site. The land is comprised of four parcels located in the 10 block of South McKendrie Avenue. The site includes to the north, the two previous hardware store buildings and the house on the corner of Main & McKendrie. To the south, it includes the house on the corner of Front St. & McKendrie Avenue and the house immediately to the west. The District has spent over a year seriously considering and evaluating several sites

District was paramount. Moving the firehouse from the core of the Village would have changed response times, especially to the outlying areas of the District with the new site allowing quicker access to State Route 64. Additionally, homeowners’ insurance rates could have increased for some if the firehouse had moved too far from its current location. The chosen site was by far the best for utility access as there is excellent access to the sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and fiber optic lines all located on McKendrie Avenue. Additionally, there is a large 16” water main located on McKendrie, which is

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Local

Mt. Morris

McKendrie Avenue and Center Street.

Radostits, 2 students to visit White House for

Oregon Junior-Senior High School assistant principal

Shannon Cremeens

also part of contingent

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Two Oregon teachers and two students are going to the White House Back to School Open House in Washington, D.C., this weekend.

Oregon High School Spanish teacher and 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year Kimberly Radostits and a few community members of her choice were invited to the Saturday, Aug. 26, back-to-school event. Radostits will be accompanied by Oregon Junior-Senior High School assistant principal Shannon Cremeens and OJSHS seniors Marcus Gilberto and Nora Hammer. Gilberto and Hammer both are aspiring teachers.

“I selected Shannon Cremeens because she co-directs

the New Teacher Academy with me and two seniors that plan on getting into the profession,” Radostits wrote in an Aug. 22 email to Shaw Media.

The White House Back to School Open House is a private event extended to state teachers of the year and a few guests from their communities. There will be White House tours and guests are invited to share reasons they are optimistic about the 202324 school year. Submissions will be featured in a new East Wing installation that will be part of the public tour route of the White House.

Radostits, of Fairdale, was named 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year on March 22, 2022, and one of five finalists for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year on Jan. 25. She has taught for 16 years.

On April 19, Rebecka Peterson, a high school math teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was announced as the 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

event

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Antique Engine & Tractor Association will be hosting the following 2023 coming events:

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To be held at the show grounds located 3 miles east of Joslin, IL off of Rt. 92 or 9 miles North of Geneseo, IL off of Rt. 92

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Demonstrations,Exhibits,GreatFood,FleaMarket

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Contact June (309) 781-2206

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Alex T. Paschal - apaschal@shawmedia.com

Kimberly Radostits embraces student Alyssa Leary on Jan. 25 during a news conference announcing Radostits’ nomination for National Teacher of the Year.

STEPHEN RICHARD ZIMBELMAN

Born: October 25, 1944 in Guttenburg, IA

Died: August 11, 2023 in Troy, OH

Stephen Richard Zimbelman (78) passed away in the evening of August 11, 2023 in Troy, OH. Stephen was born in Guttenburg, IA on October 25, 1944 to Richard and Orvene “Sally” Zimbelman.

Stephen served in the United States Navy from November 1963 through February 1966 when he was honorably discharged, Stephen married Patrica L. Peak on November 8, 1969 in Oregon, IL. Stephen went on to graduate from Atlanta Bible College to faithfully serve churches in Illinois and Ohio as pastor for 20 years. In his off time, Stephen could be found

WALTER CLARENCE SCHILDT

Born: August 16, 1935 in Polo, IL

Died: August 14, 2023 in Carmel, IN

Walter Clarence Schildt, 87, of Carmel, passed away on August 14, 2023, at Morning Pointe Senior Living in Franklin. He was born August 16, 1935, in Polo, Illinois, to the late Clarence E. Schildt, and Gladys I. Wolfensberger Schildt. He was previously married to Linda Zimmerman Schildt. He was a 1953 graduate of Polo High School in Polo, Illinois where he participated in basketball, football, and track. Following the Korean War, he served in the Marine Corps where he was active duty from 1954 to 1957. After his time in the military, he attended Tri-State College where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He held several patents, but the

DORIS LILLIAN PEARSON SWEDBERG

Born: December 29, 1924

Died: August 19, 2023

working on his pick-up truck, spending time outdoors, or enjoying the company of his family. Stephen’s true passion was leading people to Jesus through his acts of service to meet people’s needs.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Sarah (and Jon) Cheatwood and Jeffery (and Jessica) Zimbelman; his grandchildren Katarina (and Sean) Allred, Leanne Zimbelman, Seth Cheatwood, Kendall Cheatwood, and Camryn Cheatwood; his niece, Kathryn (and Mark) Richards, Nathan Richards, and Meredith Richards.

Services will be held at Brush Creek Church of God, Tipp City, OH at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 26, followed by a light lunch and fellowship.

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to www. ohiohospice.org.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

most notable was “The Better Mouse Trap.” He loved sports, tinkering, and was always working on new inventions. The most important part of his life was his family.

Walter is survived by his son, Brian (Jill) Schildt, of Carmel, Indiana; daughters, Becky (Mark) Lee, of Mt. Auburn, Indiana, and Jennifer (Jim) Alexander, from Franklin, Indiana; brother, Michael (Dawn) Schildt, of Parker, Colorado; sister, Leola (Arnold) Meyer, of Byron, Illinois; grandchildren, John (Kelly) Stearns, Cortney (Joey) Caplinger, Gage (Tiffany) Jewell, Katie (Skylar) Duncan, Emma Grace Alexander, and Adam (Becca) Schildt; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys Schildt; and a granddaughter, Rachael Ann Alexander.

Those wishing may make memorial donations through the funeral home in Walter’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

You are invited to leave a message of condolences to the family and light a virtual candle of remembrance.

Canada, Kent City, Michigan, Andover and Mt. Morris, Illinois.

MT. MORRIS, IL –

Doris Lillian Pearson Swedberg died on Saturday morning, August 19th at Allure of Pinecrest. She was born in Kittson County, MN on December 29, 1924 to Oscar Elmer Pearson and Annie (Hicks) Pearson. She was the youngest of 6 children, all of whom predecease her.

Dori enjoyed music, theater, and drama. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN, where she met her husband, Richard Swedberg. They were married on December 9, 1946. They served Lutheran congregations in Regina, Saskatchewan,

Dori and Richard were blessed with 7 children: Mary Beth Vizer (deceased), Miriam (Harry) Buysse of TN, Jean Whipple of Byron, Carol Ann Johnson (deceased), Rev Joel (Marylou) Swedberg of MN, Katherine (Jeff) Grant of MN, and Dr Amy (Tom) Hinrichs of WI. She is survived by 11 grandchildren: Emily (Tim) Thomas, Major Matthew Vizer, Ryan Buysse, Nathan (Jennifer) Buysse, Annie (Nathan) Selander, Jacob (Amy) Johnson, Caleb (Anneke) Johnson, Derek (Leslie) Swedberg, Luke (Jaymie) Swedberg, Dr Stephanie Grant, and Tony (Karissa) Grant. Dori is survived by 22 great grandchildren with more on the way.

Dori loved the Lord, her family, friends, and the many students she taught in English and Literature classes, coached, and directed in drama class and plays. Late at night while her children slept, Dori created plays, dialogues, and skits. For church camps and celebrations,

she included scripture and shared her deep faith in the Lord. The skits and plays for school and community theater were often written for the specific personalities and acting abilities of her available cast members. She was creative, artistic and her sense of humor was evident in her dialogues. She was dedicated to perfection in her play direction and never complained about the late, long hours of rehearsals. Directing brought her great joy.

Mom loved to laugh! Many will remember her for her contagious laugh and her sense of humor.

Dori sewed for her children, grandchildren and even their dolls. In her later years she sewed quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief through her church.

After Richard’s death in 2004, she sold their home and moved to MN where she lived for 9 years before returning to IL in 2013. Doris moved to Pinecrest in January of 2022.

She was a member of Illinois Retired Teachers Association and All Saints Lutheran Church. In previous congregations Dori was an inspirational speaker for LCW retreats and she participated in and led women’s Bible study groups.

Dori was predeceased by her husband, parents, 5 siblings, daughters Mary Beth Vizer and Carol Ann Johnson and son-in-law Robert Whipple.

The family would like to thank the staff at Allure of Pinecrest for their care of Dori, and to Serenity Hospice who helped make her last few days on earth peaceful.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron, IL on Saturday, October 21st at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials be given to the American Bible Society or Serenity Hospice and Home.

Finch Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Local

Workers clean the windows of the Old Ogle County Courthouse on Aug. 17 in Oregon.

Eastland grad Katie Krogman to coach Polo

Former Cougars player hopes to bring winning culture to Marcos volleyball program

By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com

POLO – A new era begins for Polo girls volleyball this season.

Katie Krogman, a 2018 Eastland High School graduate, succeeds Emily Joines as head coach.

As a former volleyball standout at a high-caliber program, Krogman knows what it takes to win.

In 2016, she was a member of Eastland’s state volleyball championship team. In 2017, she played for the state runner-up as a senior, earning a FirstTeam All Northwest Upstate Illini Conference West selection that year.

Now that her playing days are over, Krogman is striving for success in coaching. This year will be her fifth coaching club volleyball in Sterling through No Limits. Last year, she student taught and served as an assistant volleyball coach for Amboy High School.

Now, she’s tackling her first varsity

head coaching job.

“I’m just really excited because I feel like I bring a lot of knowledge and I’m excited to run from the top down what I

want to do with the program,” said Krogman, who also teaches fifth grade at Centennial Elementary School. “That was something that was very important in choosing where I wanted to coach.”

In her first few months as head coach, Krogman has begun to execute her vision. Earlier this summer, she started a weightlifting program.

“They didn’t really have a structured or coach-led weight room program, so I started that this summer,” Krogman said. “It’s been good to see the girls develop some strength and not just in a volleyball setting.”

Last year, the Lady Marcos finished 13-18-4, losing to Fulton in the Class 1A regional semifinals to end their season. This year, they hope to move to the winning side of the ledger.

Krogman will hold the players to a high standard as she attempts to build a winning culture.

Katie

“I think my expectations are high coming from a high-caliber program, and I think that’s been almost a wake-up for a lot of the girls,” Krogman said. “I’m not going to settle for half effort, or when I think you can do better than what you’re giving to me. I want this program to succeed and it has to start from Day 1 and Year 1.”

Krogman wants to contend for conference and regional titles in the near future.

To establish a winning culture, she’ll play her best players regardless of age.

“My biggest point of emphasis is that I, varsity-wise, am playing the best kids no matter what age you are,” Krogman said. “And that’s something that’s been hard for my girls is not everyone gets to play. I’m here to win and compete and I can’t do that playing 28 girls in a program.”

Shaw Local News Network file photo Eastland’s Katie Krogman bumps the ball over the net during a regional volleyball match against Durand at Newman High School in Sterling.

I think my expectations are high coming from a highcaliber program, and I think that’s been almost a wake-up for a lot of the girls.”

Krogman, new Polo girls volleyball coach

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF ACTIVITY

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

Aug. 14

Angel Gonzalez, 19, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of south Illinois Route 251 about 11:31 p.m. Gonzalez was released from the scene on an I-Bond and given a future court date.

Aug. 15

Temekia B. Hill, 33, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop at the intersection of Chana and Grist Mill roads about 1:15

OREGON POLICE

Oregon Police Chief Joe Brooks reports the following police activity.

Aug. 7

At 1:47 a.m., Oregon Police issued Silvia Astudillo-Teliz, 56, of Wheeling, was issued a citation at 1:47 a.m. for speeding, 44 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 400 block of North Fourth Street.

Aug. 9

Jewel A. Buckman, 48, of Princeton, was arrested at 11:41 a.m. for driving while license revoked and issued a citation for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Buckman also had an outstanding warrant from Whiteside County for failure to appear on a traffic charge and an outstanding warrant from LaSalle County for failure to appear on a traffic charge. Buckman was transported to the Ogle County jail. These violations occurred near the intersection of South Fourth and Hill streets.

Aug. 10

At 6:04 a.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Fourth and Franklin streets involving a 2007 Pontiac driven by Alexis M. Malone, 18, of Byron, and a 2017 Mitsubishi driven by Larry J. Fielding, 51,

a.m. Hill also was cited for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Hill was taken into custody without incident, released on a $2,500 I-Bond and given a future court date.

Margaret Campos-Carrillo, 29, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop on Interstate 39 mile marker 105 about 9:42 p.m. Campos-Carrillo also was cited for illegal window tint. Campos-Carrillo was released from the scene on an I-Bond and given a future court date.

Aug. 16

Deputies responded to the intersection of Illinois Route 72 and North Kilbuck Road at 6:40 a.m. for a car versus semi crash. An investigation showed Juan Valazquez Ramon, 30, of Zenda, Wisconsin, was traveling west in a semi and was attempting to turn south. A westbound Ford Explorer driven by Jackson Snider, 18, of Monroe Center, failed to yield and rear-ended the semi. Snider was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and expired registration. No injuries were suffered in the crash. Monroe Township

Fire Protection District assisted with the crash.

Braden Barber, 32, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop about 6:13 p.m. in the 7500 block of North River Road on a vehicle that had been reported as driving erratically. Barber also was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis and improper lane use. He was taken to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond. Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

of Oregon. Malone was issued a citation for failure to yield turning left.

Aug. 11

Brice E. Perkins, 18, of Sycamore, was issued a citation at 7 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred in the 300 block of West Washington Street.

Aug. 12

Kyle R. Lambert, 22, of Hoffman Estates, was issued a citation at 9:15 a.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. This violation occurred in the 100 block of West Washington Street.

Aug. 14

At 5:07 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 100 block of South Fourth Street involving a 1995 Dodge driven by Mary L. Richards, 79, of Mt. Morris, and a 2014 Ford driven by Darrell F. Bolhous, 68, of Rochelle. No citations were issued.

Juan P. Rosales, 17, of Rochelle, was issued citations at 8:21 p.m. for no driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. These violations occurred in the 500 block of North Fourth Street.

Aug. 15

At 4:40 a.m., police investigated a

PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR OGLE COUNTY

Filed Aug. 11-17

Warranty deeds

Askvig Boys Construction LLC to William and Jenna Wallace, 1413 Brookside Drive, Rochelle, $295,000.

Justin and Lindsay Moorehead to Joshua A. and Ryan R. Williams, 5299 Harlan Drive, Rochelle, $135,500.

John A. Dickson to Tyler J. Hagemann, 305 N. Mix St., Oregon, $108,000.

Jamie W. and Amber Herring to Caitlan Marie Berogan and Jacob Stanley, 405 N. Second St., Chana, $172,000.

Erskine Sturges to Donna and Jennifer

Luarca, 608 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $167,000. Dean E. and Joyce Fruit to Sherry L. Murphy, 315 N. 14th St., Rochelle, $62,000.

Katlyn and Sawyer Hagen to Jose Ramiro Sarabia, 16991 W. Stewart Road, Polo, $179,000.

Tina M. La Born to Yelena Savchenko, 413 Hillcrest Ave., Rochelle, $133,000. Rodney Cummins to Timothy and Jennifer Niedermeier, 7419 N. Junction Road, Davis Junction, $400,000.

Terry L. and Lana L. Phalen to James G. and Rebecca A. Gjondla, 521 Heritage

two-vehicle traffic crash in the 200 block of West Washington Street involving a 2016 Dodge driven by William R. Ritchey, 69, of Polo, and a parked 2018 Dodge belonging to Jessica M. Becker-Utley, 53, of Dixon. No citations were issued.

Charles E. Gallagher, 62, of Oregon, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for leaving the scene of a traffic crash. Gallagher was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Aug. 17

Darren M. Findrick, 49, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 5:09 p.m. for possession of a controlled substance. Findrick was also issued a traffic citation for improper lane usage. Findrick was transported to the Ogle County jail. These violations occurred in the 100 block of West Washington Street.

At 10:19 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 300 block of Sourth Sixth Street for a possible home invasion in progress resulting in the arrest of Christina G. Jordan, 44, of Dixon, for criminal trespass to residence, and violation of orders of protection. Jordan also had an outstanding Ogle County warrant for DUI. Jordan was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Aug.

18

At 10:22 a.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash in the parking lot of the Blackhawk Center located at 1101 Jefferson St. involving a 2017 Hyundai driven by a 16-year-old male of Oregon, and a parked 2016 Ford belonging to Jodi Leary, 43, of Oregon. No citations were issued.

At 3:24 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of South Fifth and Adams streets involving a 2012 Dodge driven by Amanda L. Hayes, 38, of Oregon, and a 2015 Chrysler driven by Beverly Garcia, 88, of Dixon. Hayes was issued a citation for failure to yield at an intersection.

Kelly C. Przekota, 38, of Niles, was issued a citation at 7:08 p.m. for speeding, 46 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Kelly S. Schaible, 27, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 8:43 p.m. for speeding, 45 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Any arrests listed are merely accusations; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Drive, Stillman Valley, $300,000.

Bryan and Alice P. Starkey to Megan Holt and David St. Clair, 3000 N. Mud Creek, Mt. Morris, $198,000.

Quit claim deeds

Pamela Bruce, also Woods, to Larry Bruce, 7741 E. McGregor Road, Byron, $0.

The late Larry E. Boes and Deborah L. Grimes to Deborah L. Grimes, 5977 N. Cl Myers Drive, Byron, $0.

Christine A. Casinger to Zachary D. Huff, 112 Prairie Moon Drive, Davis Junction, $0.

Joyce M. Bruns to Richard and Cheryl

Ann Heissler, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $5,000.

Trustees deed Randell L. and Verna M. Woessner Trust, Randell L. and Verna M. Woessner, trustees, to Shane D. and Kimberly S. Gipe, 17256 W. state Route 72, Forreston, $310,000.

Executors deed Estate of Melvin D. Gobin, the late Melvin D. Gobin by personals reps, to Melinda Colbert and Isaac Charbonneau, 748 E. Egan Road, Byron, $235,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Part Time

Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers needed for Fal l Harvest Flexible hours. Experience req. 815-499-0463

204 S. 2nd Ave. Fri. - Sat. 11a-3p Moving Sale. Steel Bed frames, Table s, Make-up accessories, Toys, Movies, Shelves, Kitche n items.

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, and anti ques 24/7 779-245-2950

EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk 815-626-8790

Dixo n Square Apts. 1540 Freedom Walk 815-284-3409 Wait List Ope

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the interest of: Noah Short, a minor Case No: 2022 JA 2 NOTICE BY

PUBLICATION

Nice 2 BR apt. Country Setting No cats 815-213-4693

3 Bed room House for Rent in Erie Call 309-659-2003

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the interest of: Noah Short, a minor Case No: 2022 JA 2

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

sq. ft., laydown area apx 2 acre s, (2) 12'x 14' OHD shop area & office 815-535-3282

EMPLOYMENT

WELD ER S

PARTS COUNTER SALES & DIESEL SERVICE TECH

online at: birkeys.com/careers

To: Richard Nelson and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on July 11, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA R Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Noah Short, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on September 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Noah Short, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on September 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

STATE OF LLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE

CHRIS TAL DIANE BROWN, Plaintiff, v. ELGIN DARNELL BROWN, Respondent 2023 DC 35 NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Board of Trustees , in the county of Ogle for:

On Annual Budget and

Appropriation

Ordinance of Oregon Public Library District

MAINTENA NCE WORKER

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN YOU, ELGIN DARNELL BROWN, Defendant in the above-entitled action, that Plaintiff, CHRIS TAL DIANE BROWN, has commenced a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Circuit Court of Ogle County against you, praying for a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage and other relief. Prope r procedures according to law have been taken and said suit is still pending.

The demolition of structures at the site of the new Mt. Morris Fire Protection District firehouse The addresses of the site are 11 E Main St, 13 E. Main St., 2 S McKendrie Ave., 14 E. Front St., 16 E. Front St., all in the Village of Mt Morris, IL.

To: Richard Nelson and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on July 11, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA R Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Noah Short, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on September 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights. Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered Dated this 9th day of August, 2023

Ogle County Ho us ing Authority is seeking a full-time Maintenance Worker to maintain all aspects of properties located in Forreston, Polo, and Oregon. Benefits include medical, dental, life, retirement , paid holidays, sick and vacation days. Apply at: 1001 Pines Rd, Suite A, Oregon, IL 61061 or send resume to oglecountyha@oglecountyhousing.o rg

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Kimbe rly A. Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court

By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk

NOW THEREFORE, unless you, ELGIN DARNELL BROWN, file your Response to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein in the Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Ogle County, Illinois held in the courthouse in the City of Oregon, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, on or before October 15, 2023, default may be entered against you after that date and a decree entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

Specification package can be picked up at the District Firehouse, 15 E. Center St. Mt Morris, IL 61054 by contacting Fire Chief Hough via phone at 815-734-4322.

Sealed bids will be opened and read in public at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, at the District Firehouse, September 15th, 2023 at 1:00 pm CST

The right is reserved by Mt. Morris Fire Prote ction District to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities or technical defects therein and to accept such bid as shall be in the best interest of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District.

August 25, 2023

Notice is hereby given to the Public that on September 21, 2023, at the hour of 6:00 P.M. at the Oregon Public Library, 300 Jefferson Street, Oregon, Illinois, a public hearing will be held on the annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Oregon Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. Any person interested in said budget and ordinance may be presen t at said time and place and may be heard in regard to the budget and ordinance. The tentative budget is now on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustee s, Oregon Public Library District, at the Library office and may be reviewed upon request prior to said hearing by the Public.

Date: August 17, 2023

Secretary, Board of Trustees Oregon Public Library District 300 Jefferson St Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-2724

August 25, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

Fe rris Dental is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our practice to care for our terrific patients in our team-oriented, patient focused environment of our Sterling dental office. The main responsibilities and roles include: Enjoy a detail-oriented caree r Relate well with people, clients and co-workers

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an

Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered Dated this 9th day of August, 2023

August 18, 25, September 1, 2023 STATE OF LLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE CHRIS TAL DIANE BROWN, Plaintiff, v. ELGIN DARNELL BROWN, Respondent 2023 DC 35 NOTICE

Prepared by: Rose A. Willette #6208094

Attorney for Plaintiff Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. 303 N. Main St. #600 Rockford, IL 61101 (815) 965-2902

RWillette@pslegal. org

August 25,

Sept. 1, 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING

On Annual Budget and Appropriation

Ordinance of Oregon Public Library District

Assist the docto r with direct patient care

Understand the complexities of treatments such as: implant, prosthetic, and endodontic procedures

Kimbe rly A. Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court

Interested applicants please email: thesaukv alleyd entist@g mail.com

By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk August 18,

25, September 1, 2023

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN YOU, ELGIN DARNELL BROWN, Defendant in the above-entitled action, that Plaintiff, CHRIS TAL DIANE BROWN, has commenced a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Cir-

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Board of Trustees , in the county of Ogle for: The demolition of structures at the site of the new Mt. Morris Fire Protection District firehouse The addresses of the site are 11 E Main St, 13 E. Main St., 2 S

Notice is hereby given to the Public that on September 21, 2023, at the hour of 6:00 P.M at the Oregon Public Library, 300 Jefferson Street, Oregon, Illinois, a public hearing will be held on the annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Oregon Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. Any person interested in said budget and ordinance may be presen t at said time and place and may be heard in

Notice is hereby given to a Public Hearing to be held on September 11, 2023, at 7:00 PM before the Planning Commission, Village of Mt Morris 105 W Lincoln St Mt. Morris, IL, for the purpose of discussing, and to hear public input and vote on recommendation of Mt. Morris lots 11 E Main, 13 E. Main, 14 E Front & 16 E Front being zoned C-1 and approved for use as a Fire Station. Also, to be discussed and voted for approval will be a radio tower of approximately 130 feet in height, to be constructed on the above-mentioned lots proposed for the Fire Station Any questions can be directed to the Village Clerks office, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 815-734-6425.

Brooke Duffy Township Clerk

August 25, 2023

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

MIDFIRST BANK

PLAINTIFF, -vs-

David C Sage; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS

DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 77

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on June 30, 2023;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on September 8, 2023 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 desc ribed premises 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 tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/o r 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 725 North 8Th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068

Permanen t Index No.: 24-24-304-002

Improvements: Single Family

Residential

The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the prop erty

The judgment amount was $70,410.75. 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

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301

Bannockburn, IL 60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com

(847) 291-1717

MidFirst Bank

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys

LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301

Bannockburn, IL 60015

(847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com

Randal S Berg (6277119)

Michael N. Burke (6291435)

Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)

Michael Kal kowski (6185654)

Laura J. Ande rson (6224385)

Mallory Snyderman (6306039)

Thomas Belcz ak (6193705)

Debra Miller (6205477)

Amy Aronson (6206512)

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

August 11, 18, 25, 2023 935018

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

David C Sage; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 77

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on June 30, 2023;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on September 8, 2023 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 desc ribed premises 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 tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/o r a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Said propert y is legally described as follows:

THE SOUTH HALF (1/2) OF LOT TEN (10) IN BLOCK A IN POWELL'S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK A OF PLATS PAGE 313 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FLAGG, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS

Commonly known as 725 North 8Th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068

Permanen t Index No.: 24-24-304-002

Improvements: Single Family

Residential

The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the prop erty

The judgment amount was $70,410.75. 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

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301

Bannockburn, IL 60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com

(847) 291-1717

MidFirst Bank

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys

LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff

2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015

(847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com

Randal S Berg (6277119)

Michael N. Burke (6291435)

Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)

Michael Kal kowski (6185654)

Laura J. Ande rson (6224385)

Mallory Snyderman (6306039)

Thomas Belcz ak (6193705)

Debra Miller (6205477)

Amy Aronson (6206512)

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

8190-935018

August 11, 18, 25, 2023 935018