61,000 journey to Ogle County to see Big Boy steam engine / 3
Jen’s Breads expands
Jen’s Artisan Breads set to open second location in Oregon / 5 One section • 20 pages
‘Real books are important’ New books purchased for every Oregon first grader thanks to Mt. Morris library foundation / 9
DEATHS
Earleen Hinton
Mt. Morris firefighter David Hoffman walks by a burning round bale of hay during a large machine shed fire Sept. 10 at 7015 W. Judson Road, southeast of Polo. Several fire departments assisted the Polo Fire Department on the call. There were no injuries. Story on page 10.
Gene Edward McGee, Elizabeth Rae Wisnosky, Page 11
MT. MORRIS TIMES
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Forrestville Valley Youth Network hosts online auction
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Forrestville Valley Youth Network’s annual auction helps fund mentoring programs for students in second through eighth grade. The auction will run Sept. 23 through Oct. 3. Auction items can be viewed at www.32auctions.com/FVVYN2024 beginning Sept. 23 or you can see the items at the Forreston Library during normal
hours on those dates. Items this year include Ice Hog tickets, Timberlake Playhouse tickets, Lodge Cookware set, gift cards and gift baskets.
All bids must be placed online. If viewing the items at the library, the bidder can use the library computers to enter a bid.
“Our annual auction helps support the mentoring program for students in second through eight grade. The mentoring groups
MT. MORRIS SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS
Bingocize! Sept. 13 and 16
Bingocize! mixes exercise, health education and bingo to help participants overcome health problems. The 10-week program meets twice a week at 1 p.m. for about a half-hour each session.
Zentangle Class, 6 p.m. Sept. 17
Zentangle is a meditative, abstract, easy to learn art form that involves drawing in repetitive patterns called tangles. At this
MT. MORRIS LIBRARY
Financial Education Workshop Series: Bare Bones Budgeting
For those newly in recovery or just starting out with no experience in budgeting or saving, join us as we go on a financial learning adventure. Workshops by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois will be offered every other Tuesday at 4 p.m. Dates and classes are Sept. 24, Classic Budgeting; Oct. 8, Credit Reports; Oct. 22, Credit Reports and Scores; Nov. 5, Card and Banking Features; and Nov. 19, Savings and Investments.
Book Donations
We are getting ready for our annual fall book sale. We would appreciate any donations of books or related items. Please contact the library before you drop off donations. 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. Donations will be accepted until Saturday, Sept. 14. Book Sale, Sept. 21 through Oct. 11
It’s time to use those gift certificates you earned from the Summer Reading Program. Our annual book sale will start Sept. 21. All sales will be by donation. Nothing will be priced. We would like to thank the high school cross country team for helping
CORRECTIONS
meet at German Valley, Leaf River and Forreston Grade School and Jr. High,” said Jane Koeller, a FVYN member. “The money raised will be used to continue to support the mentoring program, the annual scholarship for a graduating senior that was a mentee and cover the cost of our insurance. Forrestville Valley Youth Network is a 501(c)(3) organization, so bid early and bid often.” – Shaw Local News Network
class the instructor will teach us to Zentangle and we will leave class with some holiday cards. Call the Center to reserve your spot. Cost is $15. Sponsor a chair
We are in the process of replacing our worn-out chairs and can use your help. For $50, you can sponsor one of the new chairs we are hoping to buy. Stop by the center during open hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
and talk with Melissa. All help is appreciated. Do you enjoy trivia?
Join us at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. A simple dinner is served at 6 p.m. (for a donation) and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. for $2 a person. Gather your friends for a team.
Diamond Painting
Diamond Painting is at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20. No skill is involved. We will have paintings for sale.
with the heavy lifting in preparation for the sale.
Donations to honor Mary Head
Beloved librarian Mary Head has retired. The library will be accepting donations in honor of her commitment to the community. She served the library and the community for 30 years. If you would like to honor her service, please stop by the library and make a donation.
Story Time
Story time is every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Bring your little ones to enjoy stories and a craft.
Lego Club, Thursday, Sept. 19 Lego night is the third Thursday of each month. Join in the fun with the family as you build and create together. Families can build from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. Children younger than 8 need to bring a parent with them.
Display Case Showings
There’s a new display at the Mt. Morris library – thank you cards from students who were given books from the 9x9x9 Mount Morris Library Foundation program. The 9x9x9 program collects donations so that every first grade student can receive a new book every month of the school year. Stop by the library for more information. We always are looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
interested, call 815-734-4927.
Cookbook Club Next Meeting, Oct. 8
Join us as we explore The Cookbook Club. Wonderful recipes combined with friendship creates something both beautiful and delicious. Come in, choose your recipe and bring your dish to pass at our next meeting. Join us at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center for another exciting meal.
Adult Book Club Meeting, Oct. 28
Join us in October for friendship and great book talks. The meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the library. Do you have suggestions for a book to read? Stop by the library and let them know you would like to join the club.
Explore More Illinois
Explore More Illinois users can access and reserve passes from any of our attractions on the library website, mtmorris-il.org, under the resources page. Visit the website to browse attractions.
Lions Club Glasses and Hearing Aids Collections
Donation boxes for eyeglass recycling are available at the library. When the boxes are full, they are picked up by local Lions members and dropped off at collection depots. Recycled eyeglasses are given to people in need with the help of medical missionaries in Central and South America and around the world.
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Big crowd for a Big Boy: 61,000 visit steam engine
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
ROCHELLE – The lines were long, but the wait was worth it for the estimated 61,000 people who journeyed to Ogle County on Sunday to see the Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 steam engine.
The historic locomotive was parked at the Union Pacific’s Global lll Intermodal Terminal southwest of town. A steady stream of cars filled local streets and the Rochelle off ramp on Interstate 88 as thousands made the trip for the free, daylong event.
“It’s awesome,” exclaimed Lylah Holter, 6, of Round Lake as she checked out the 11 other rail cars behind Big Boy with her dad, Nicholas, and siblings, Judah, 9, and Theah, 18 months.
The Holter family drove about two hours to get to Rochelle and decided to walk to the terminal to see Big Boy because of traffic jams on surrounding roads.
“We decided to get out and walk,” Nicholas said. “It took us about 45 minutes.”
Many visitors opted to park their vehicles along the side of the road –something Rochelle police asked motorists not to do – rather than wait in bumper-to-bumper traffic to get to the expansive parking lot at Global III.
“There are a lot of visitors today for the Big Boy viewing. Please avoid Jack Dame Drive unless you are making your way to the Union Pacific Rail Yard. Traffic is moving at a good speed and there is plenty of parking at Global III. Therefore, if you can avoid walking, it’s suggested since there are no sidewalks. Also note that there are several retention ponds therefore there is no direct access point once you get into the Union Pacific yard. We ask that everyone drive with caution as we have officers and volunteers assisting with traffic,” the department posted on social media Sunday morning.
Traffic was backed up on I-88 for the Rochelle exit and almost all the secondary roads leading to the terminal were clogged with vehicles. Coming in from the southwest, Gurler Road had a 2.5-mile backup, prompting some motorists to pull off alongside the road in the grass and walk to the rail yard.
Vehicles with license plates from Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and California could be seen waiting in line to get to the terminal.
It didn’t dampen the excitement for those who made it in to see the behemoth steam engine and learn all about its history and operators.
“It was one of our largest events. We had someone at the entrance with a clicker – and a sore thumb – counting the people coming in,” said Robynn
Tysver of Union Pacific Railroad’s media relations office.
Once inside, visitors crowded in to pose by Big Boy as it sat on the track releasing whispers of steam while cameras and cellphones recorded the moment. Intermittent blasts of the engine’s full steam whistle, complemented by white puffs from the dome, garnered large cheers from the crowd.
Tents offering Big Boy merchandise, UP railroad calendars, train coloring books for kids and other items lined the parking lot south of the train. UP even had an employment recruitment tent at the event.
The most popular draw outside of the engine itself was the large tent with chairs where visitors could listen to the Big Boy crew as they answered questions about the engine and their experiences.
Tysver roamed through the crowd handing the microphone to kids and adults who peppered the crew with questions.
Ed Dickens, UP’s manager of heritage operations, fielded a question about why UP restored and operates the steam engine.
“That is a very good question,” said Dickens, the “steam team” manager. “If you take a quick moment and scan this crowd and you think why would the Union Pacific operate steam locomotives, well, we do it because it’s part
of the connection of the Union Pacific Railroad. Union Pacific is one of the few railroads in the entire world to have never retired their steam locomotive 844, for example.”
No. 844 is the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad. It was delivered in 1944 as a high-speed passenger engine and pulled widely known trains such as the Overland Limited and Los Angeles Limited.
When diesels took over all of the passenger train duties, No. 844 was placed in freight service and was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and held for special service, according to UP’s website.
Hailed as Union Pacific’s “Living Legend,” the engine is widely known among railroad enthusiasts for its
The Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive drew an estimated 61,000 people to a daylong event Sept. 8 in Rochelle. The visit was part of Union Pacific’s eight-week “Heartland of America Tour,” which started in Wyoming and continues across nine states.
excursion runs, especially over Union Pacific’s fabled crossing of Sherman Hill between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.
UP decided to restore Big Boy in 2013, kicking off a multiyear rebuilding process that culminated with a return to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion, Dickens said.
And that investment has been more than worthwhile.
“We decided to restore Big Boy,” Dickens said. “The bang for the buck, if you will, and the return on investment aspect out of this project has been something that we’re really excited about.”
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Ed Pickens, manager of the Union Pacific “steam team” for Big Boy 4014, stands on the massive steam locomotive and waves to the crowd as he films Sept. 8 during the free, daylong event in Rochelle.
Class reunion wanders around museum with questions
I can hardly believe it but today I sat out on my patio in the sun to warm up. My house was 70 and that is a bit cool for my body and arthritis.
While I napped in my chair in the sun there suddenly came the fluttering of a hummingbird close by hoping to find a phlox with a bit of nectar. I thought they had all left the area. There is a moth that looks very similar and makes a fluttering sound so maybe it was something like that. It was pleasant just sitting in the sun especially after a busy day Friday at the museum.
It was a day of a class reunion and they were the age of my oldest children. They get together every five years and it was fun seeing them greet everyone. I remember those reunions of my Class of 1950 and finally five years was too long. We ended up getting together a little
more often.
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
I remember one year I had my class start at the museum and we had a lunch that I had prepared for them. We had lunch and a visiting session before we talked about the history of Polo. One guy came quite early and we sat and talked for an hour. Later my daughter Susan asked me what we talked about and I said, “Oh, what we put in our oatmeal.” That sounded like a logical conversation for retired people.
Suddenly we were too old to travel and our reunions ended and so did some of their lives. Time catches up with you. I remember the last conversation with my best friend as she
Morse code a big change in
long-distance communication
Before the electric telegraph in the 19th century changed how information was transmitted across long distances, ancient civilizations such as those in China, Egypt and Greece used drum beaters, signal fires and smoke signals to exchange information over long distances.
Semaphores developed in the 1790s consisted of a series of hilltop stations that had a large movable arm to signal letters and numbers. The semaphore was susceptible to weather and other factors that made it unreliable. A different method of transmitting information was needed to make regular and reliable long-distance communication workable.
Samuel Morse in the 1830s worked on an electric telegraph in the U.S. Alfred Vail and Morse eventually produced a single-circuit telegraph that worked by pushing a key down to complete the electric circuit using a battery. This sent an electric signal across the wire to a receiver at the other end. The only thing needed was a key, a battery, wire and receiver. To transmit messages across telegraph wires, Morse and Vail created what came to be known as Morse code. The code assigned letters in the alphabet and numbers a set of dots (short marks) and dashes (long marks) based on the frequency of use. The letter E got a simple code while those used infrequently such
Otto Dick OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
as Q got a longer and more complex code.
The first Morse code was sent as marks on a piece of paper, which the operator would translate back into English. Soon after Morse code was used, operators were able to hear and understand the code by listening to the clicking of the receiver so paper was replaced by a receiver that created more pronounced beeping sounds.
Dick Lee, a former telegrapher in Oregon and Chana, learned Morse code at the Gale Institute in Minneapolis. An important application is signaling for help using SOS – orally this is dit dit dit, dah dah dah, dit dit dit. At the Oregon Depot, the telegraph was used for train messages, setting the station clock to railroad time and sending and receiving Western Union messages.
In the 1890s, Morse code began being used over the airways. Before it had been sent over wires similar to telephone wires.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
was in her hospital room with machines running and she never made it home. Goodbyes can be anywhere. Time marches on.
So it was nice to watch these people as they wandered around the museum with questions that Linda and I answered. Several of them had parents who had been active in the Polo Historical Society. They wanted to know where the artifacts were that their parents had donated to the museum. That was a new one for me.
I quickly remembered where the McGrath-Phalen artifacts were and sent them to the correct display cabinet. I could not remember what Keith McGuire had donated.
I looked it up later and found that Keith had donated the 50th anniversary program for Polo Rotary, a rotary badge that belonged to charter member Charlie Wolf and the McGuire family had donated a photo
of policeman Plury Powell.
We have a book that donations have been written down in so we have a good idea what has come in but not the date. Linda thought we should have added the date. The book was started many years before me and it is interesting to see what is in the museum. I still add things.
Just this week Lisa Garber stopped by my house to give the museum a military uniform that belonged to the Long family. It now is in the museum and I have to add that to the book. I will add it this week.
I also will be getting ready for the Polo Historical Society picnic this week at Henry School. There is always something going on to keep us busy.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Photo provided by Ogle County Historical Society
Nancy and Michelle Ooley of Minnesota, descendants of James C.T. Phelps, present a 142-year-old portrait to Arlene Sangmeister (left), president of the Ogle County Historical Society/Ruby Nash Museum. The painting is of Urilla Swingley Phelps Merritt, granddaughter of Oregon founder John Phelps. Urilla died at the Phelps home near Mt. Morris in 1879 of “consumption,” which is now known as tuberculosis.
Jen’s Artisan Breads set to open second location in Oregon
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
OREGON – When a customer told Jen Koertner she should expand her bakery into a second location, she brushed it off.
“It went in one ear and out the other,” said Koertner, owner of Jen’s Artisan Breads. “Then someone else said it. Then there were a couple spots that opened up in Oregon.”
Koertner said she isn’t sure what, exactly, made her move forward with it, but the building at 410 W. Washington St. in Oregon, where Jen’s Artisan Breads and Boards now is located, is one she’s always loved.
“The aesthetic of the building, the inside, the era it was built in – I just
love it,” she said. “It’s a completely different vibe [from our first location] in there. It’s dark and moody.”
Unlike Jen’s Artisan Breads in Mt. Morris where the walls are painted a color reminiscent of a summer harvest, Jen’s Artisan Breads and Boards has blue and black walls. The space is lit by hanging lights and a large front window that lets anyone walking by see inside.
A soft opening for the Oregon store took place Saturday.
The hope is to open fully Monday, Sept. 16, but that date isn’t yet written in stone, Koertner said. As of Sept. 5, she still was waiting on approvals from the state plumbing inspector, state health department and the building inspector.
When it opens, the store’s hours will be from 6:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.
“We are really wanting to reach the people who are commuting, going to work early or having to, before they go to school, just come in, grab coffee and pastries and go,” Koertner said.
Jen’s Artisan Breads and Boards will focus on selling pastries, coffee and a variety of other drinks in addition to loaves of bread, quiches, croissants and scones. Koertner said she expects to add yogurt, fruit parfaits, soup and a few other things to the menu as time goes on.
“We totally expect it to evolve into something else,” she said.
The breads, which are baked in Mt.
Morris, are fermented, contain minimal commercial yeast and use unbleached, unbromated flour, Koertner said. Add some salt and water –and sourdough culture for that kind of bread – and you’ve got most of the ingredients, she said.
The bread’s flavor develops as it ferments and the fermentation process means it has a lower glycemic level, Koertner said. That makes it easier to digest, she said.
“I look forward to being able to serve people who don’t normally have the time to come over to Mt. Morris,” Koertner said. “I expect it to be a completely different group of people.”
More information can be found on the business’s Facebook page and Instagram.
Polo City Council OKs landscaping contract for new city and township hall
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO – Polo city staff aren’t quite ready to move into the new City Hall building just yet, even as the finishing touches are put on the property.
Polo City Council members Sept. 3 voted 4-0-1 to hire Next Landscaping LLC of Polo for $8,785 to landscape in front of the new City Hall and around the flagpoles. Alderman Tommy Bardell abstained and Alderman Keith Chesnut was absent.
“He said he can start it next week,” Mayor Doug Knapp said of Next Landscaping’s work.
The new City Hall is a joint municipal building shared with Buffalo Township. Both municipalities contributed to the cost of the $1.93 million building, which is located at 118 N. Franklin Ave., about two blocks north of the current city and township halls.
Construction on the new municipal building, which is 4,800 square feet, began in March.
They still are waiting on interior doors to be delivered, City Clerk Sydney Bartelt said Sept. 4. Until they are delivered, they don’t have a move-in date set, she said.
“Even if we don’t get moved in … we can probably try to be on track to
move the council room so the first meeting in October can be in the new City Hall,” Bartelt said. “But actual city business, the day-to-day operations, that might be late October.”
Landscaping work will include the installation of weed barrier fabric, black mulch and a total of 53 plants, all of which will be backfilled with compost. Plants include dwarf boxwoods, hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, fountain grasses, lavender, Karen azaleas, dianthus, emerald arboviteas, Russian sage, gold mop cypress and impatiens.
Work near the city/township hall costs $4,700 and work around the flagpoles is $4,085, according to the esti -
mate from Next Landscaping LLC.
“It just seems very pricey to me and I wish we had another local company to get a quote from, but I don’t think we have one,” Alderman Joey Kochsmeier said, adding he wasn’t at all against the expenditure.
Alderman Larry Weaver noted the plants are “very expensive.”
“The other thing you’ve got to consider, too, is, if you put grass in there, somebody’s got to take care of that,” Polo Public Works Director Kendall Kyker said. “And you’re going to be pushing time from other people. If what he puts in is grassless, that’s worth it to me.”
Jen Koertner (left) of Jen’s Artisan Breads watches the crowd arrive at her second store, Jen’s Breads & Boards in Oregon, during a soft opening Sept. 7.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Jen’s Artisan Breads and Boards, 410 W. Washington St. in Oregon, will sell breads, breakfast items and drinks. A soft opening was held Sept. 7.
Sheriff announces results of Labor Day enforcement effort
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office conducted an impaired driving enforcement effort during the Labor Day traffic safety campaign, resulting in 175 citations being issued, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said in a news release.
MT. MORRIS POLICE
July 21
About 2:20 p.m., police were sent to the 100 block of South Wesley Avenue for the report of a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, Matthew R. Dewey, 20, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with domestic battery. Dewey was transported to the Ogle County jail.
July 25
About 8 p.m., police were contacted about a firearm that recently was purchased by a citizen and the citizen requested a check on the firearm. The firearm in question was confirmed to be reported as stolen. After an investigation, Darlene Thompson, 53, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm/ammunition and unlawful sale or delivery of firearms. Thompson was transported to the Ogle County jail.
July 28
About 1:50 a.m., police were sent to the area of the 300 block of West Front Street for the report of a disturbance. After an investigation, Jahrod M. Bell, 23, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with battery. Bell was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
July 29
Clinton D. Cleveland, 53, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 7:50 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Center Street. Cleveland was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
There were 13 arrests for driving while under the influence, 21 arrests for no valid/suspended/revoked driver’s licenses, five arrests for felony drug offenses, 57 citations for speeding offenses, 18 citations for uninsured motorists, 30 citations for registration violations, two citations for alcohol violations, five arrests for illegal consumption of alcohol as a minor, two citations
July 30
About 11:15 a.m., police were sent to the area of the 10 block of West Center Street for the report of a disorderly subject. After an investigation, Kerry A. Beckingham, 62, of Mt. Morris, was issued an ordinance citation for disorderly conduct.
Aug. 3
Robert D. Vandyke, 43, of Oregon, was arrested at 7:45 a.m. on an Ogle County warrant for failure to appear for a traffic offense after a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Higg Street. Vandyke was transported to the Ogle County jail.
Ramon N. White, 51, of Chicago, was arrested at 2 p.m. for driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in the 100 block of East Center Street. White was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was given a notice to appear.
Jeffrey D. Tallacksen, 47, of Leaf River, was issued a citation at 11:50 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration after a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Hitt Street. Tallacksen was given a notice to appear.
Aug. 4
Trei T. Sanders, 29, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 4:15 p.m. on an Ogle County warrant for driving while under the influence after a traffic stop in the 3000 block of West Illinois 64. Sanders was transported to the Ogle County jail.
Aug. 7
At 9 a.m., police were sent to the area of the 100 block of South Mulberry
for cannabis violations, two citations for seat belt violations and one arrest for fleeing to elude a police officer.
“Through the Labor Day safety campaign, we helped to make our roads safer and spread the word about the risks of impaired driving – ‘It’s Not a Game,’ ” VanVickle said.
The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with other law enforcement
agencies and highway safety partners across the state for the Illinois Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” campaign. The effort was part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” initiatives funded by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.
Aug. 28
At 4:44 p.m., the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit along with the DeKalb Police Department Advanced Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a
traffic stop on East Hickory Ridge Drive and Skare Road in Rochelle. During the traffic stop, Kyler Powell, 21, of DeKalb, was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). Powell was transported to the Ogle County jail, processed and released because of the
Avenue for the report of a loose dog. The owner, Eli E. Rothermel, 35, of Mt. Morris, was found and issued an ordinance citation for dog running at large.
Aug. 12
Devon M. Judkins, 18, of Mt. Morris, was issued citations at 6:10 p.m. for illegal operation of a sound amplification system and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after a traffic stop in the 100 block of Carr Court. Judkins was given a notice to appear.
Aug. 18
About 3:30 a.m., police were sent to the area of the 400 block of South Ogle Avenue for a report of a disturbance in which a victim said a subject entered the home without permission and battered several subjects. After an investigation, Corey J. Twombley, 36, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with home invasion, criminal trespass to residence with people present, domestic battery and battery. Twombly was transported to the Ogle County jail.
About 7:10 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 10 block of West Center Street. After an investigation, Steven W. Wetzel, 67, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with battery and disorderly conduct. Wetzel was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
Aug. 24
About 9 p.m., police were sent to the area of the 10 block of South Wesley Avenue for the report of a disturbance. After an investigation, Cornelius Sandoval, 52, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with battery. Sandoval was
transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
Aug. 26
Jeffrey C. Culp, 34, of Franklin Grove, was arrested at 6:45 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of North Mt. Morris Road. Culp also was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Culp was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
Aug. 27
Ralph E. Cardott, 76, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 6:05 p.m. for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 10 block of South Clark Street. Cardott was given a notice to appear.
About 11:30 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of West Center Street after observing a subject on a motorcycle commit a traffic offense. The driver, Eric J Bryer, 48, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with aggravated driving while license suspended, aggravated driving while under the influence, driving while license is revoked, driving while under the influence of drugs or combination of drugs, unlawful use of weapon, improper lane use, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and no valid registration. Bryer was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
Safe-T Act. Powell then was transported to the DeKalb County jail by the DeKalb Police Dept ACET team for active felony warrants out of DeKalb County.
Sept. 2
At 8:56 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Illinois Route 72 and Limestone
Road for a driving complaint. Deputies found the vehicle in the 5000 block of North Limestone Road. After an investigation, Justin Weycker, 39, of McFarland, Wisconsin, was arrested for driving while
page 11
Dogs and a goat ‘dash’ in Polo to help local animal shelter
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
POLO – Mario, Princess Peach and Luigi, along with their pups in tow, came ready to walk Saturday at the 2024 Doggy Dash.
And one local goat showed up for all the fun.
Under sunny skies with mild temperatures, 45 dogs and their owners – or significant others – lined up for a costume contest before heading out on a 5K run or 1-mile walk – all to benefit a Rock Falls animal shelter.
Participants also received treats and swag or more appropriately wag bags from Pet Supplies Plus of Dixon.
The event was organized and run by members of Polo High School’s Student Council.
“It was a good turnout and such a nice day,” said Emily Meinert, Polo High School teacher and Student Council adviser.
Proceeds from the event were donated to the Happy Tails Humane Society in Rock Falls.
Costumes this year included the Joines-Meinert family dressed as characters from the Super Mario video game. There also was Leo, a 125-pound Great Dane who proudly wore a tiara and tutu.
“He doesn’t mind it all,” said Isabella Bergstrom as Leo strutted taller than the other dogs with his tiny tiara glistening in the morning sunlight.
Pet Supplies Plus manager Erik Winters served as one of the costume contest judges.
As the pups and their walkers left the Polo High School football field, Sweetie, a 7-month-old goat joined in, led by Katelyn Rockwood, a PCHS senior.
Sweetie provided a nice cadence of bleats as she started walking with the pack past the high school in the 1-mile walk.
“I decided to bring her,” Rockwood said. “She’s good on a leash.”
Some of the canine participants gave Sweetie a curious glance and a couple of half-hearted sniffs but kind of shrugged and then trotted away.
Meinert said the event was created three years ago as a fun event for dogs and their owners while also providing a way to raise funds for a local animal shelter.
Happy Tails Humane Society, 1408 McNeil Road in Rock Falls, was this year’s recipient.
Michelle Longtin, director for Happy Tails, brought two dogs available for adoption to the event.
Ashley, a rat terrier, hung out with Longtin as the pack went on its walk. Charlie Brown, a playful 6-month-old pit bull, immediately
joined in the fun. Led by PCHS student Alayna Young, he even planted several puppy kisses on Young after completing the walk.
Iris, an 11-week-old puppy, decided to chew on her leash for the duration of the event.
“Uh, she’s a puppy,” said Iyianna Drowns, a PCHS student.
Equinox, a 3-year-old mini Aussiedoodle, rode in a backpack carried by Samantha Adams of Rock Falls.
“He tore his ACL and can’t walk,” Adams said.
Heidi Miller of Forreston and her 6-year-old Goldendoodle Penny easily won the 5K race, meeting up with all their human and canine friends at the finish line.
About Happy Tails
Happy Tails is a limited intake, no-kill facility that shelters and cares for stray and abandoned dogs and cats until they are adopted into loving, permanent homes.
“We promote pet adoption and humane education. Happy Tails is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,” according to its website.
For more information, call or text 815-626-2994.
Sweetie, a 7-monthold goat, and her owner Katelyn Rockwood take part in Polo High School’s 2024 Doggy Dash on Sept. 7. The event was organized and run by Polo High School’s Student Council. The event also included a costume contest.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Participants in Polo High School’s 2024 Doggy Dash start the 1-mile walk Sept. 7.
Costume contest winners in Polo High School’s 2024 Doggy Dash are Kevin Manus (from left), Sean Meinert, Amelia Manus, Beth Manus, Paula Joines, Emily Meinert, Julie Sanders with her daughter Evynn, Isabella Bergstroma and Iyianna Drowns.
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Dickens and other members of Big Boy’s “steam team” willingly met with railroad fans and signed memorabilia, including 10-year-old Elijah Taylor’s 4014 train model. Elijah and his dad, James, drove to the event from their home in Milwaukee.
“We had to come,” James said.
Train enthusiast Del Holmes and wife, Shawn, along with Lucas, 6, and Elijah 4, drove from Bloomington and stayed in Dixon on Saturday night before heading to the terminal Sunday.
“We drove up last night and stayed in Dixon since it was the only hotel available,” Shawn said as they shopped for Big Boy souvenirs.
Sue McCormick of Crystal Lake and her granddaughter Maddie, 6, of Cary, checked out the coloring books for kids as Maddie’s dad, Dan, and his dad, John, both train enthusiasts, waited.
“My dad and I drove out in 2019 and followed it through Wyoming,” said Dan, referring to the engine’s inaugural trip. “We got to see it earlier in action on Friday when it went through Ashton. We went back home and drove out again today.”
Gary and Jackie Chesney of Richmond were driving down to see Big Boy when the long line of traffic prompted them to park at the Fairways
Golf Course in Rochelle and opt to ride their e-bikes the 2.5 miles to the terminal.
“It’s our first time to see Big Boy,” said Gary, 69. “We asked a police officer if we could park at the golf course and he said OK. We had our bikes with us so we grabbed the bikes and rode the rest of the way here. It was wonderful.”
Jackie, 68, agreed.
“It was beautiful,” she said.
Not everyone who came Sunday was a train fanatic. Jesse Lycan, 36, of Columbus, Ohio, arrived in full Captain America attire and was more than happy to pose by the train for photos.
“I just wanted to come and be part of all this,” he said. “My friend Garrett is a Big Boy expert and he told me about it so I just wanted to come along and be part of the festivities.”
About the visit
The train’s trek was part of Union Pacific’s eight-week “Heartland of America Tour,” which started Aug. 29 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and continues across nine states – Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas –before finishing its journey in October.
Fans can track Big Boy’s location as it progresses along its route via the Steam Locomotive Tracking map on Union Pacific’s website.
At 133 feet long, the steam engine is
longer than two city buses and weighs more than a Boeing 747. It has enough power to pull 16 Statues of Liberty over a mountain range.
Big Boy steam locomotives were used to haul freight between Wyoming and Utah in the 1940s and 1950s. Of the 25 engines built, only eight remain, and only the 4014 is operational.
The locomotive was retired in December 1961, having traveled 1,031,205 miles in its 20 years in service.
On Friday, train enthusiasts followed the behemoth engine as it crossed into Illinois from Clinton, Iowa, and sped along the UP line through Whiteside and Lee counties en route to Rochelle.
A small crowd of train enthusiasts gathered at the Frog Pond railroad crossing near Fulton on Friday afternoon looking for the signature plume of black smoke.
The big black vintage machine, dubbed one of the world’s biggest and most powerful steam locomotives, did not disappoint as it raced past the about 30 people as cellphones captured the moment.
Big Boy left Clinton about 12:30 p.m. and buzzed by the Frog Pond crossing at 12:52 p.m. on the south tracks heading east through Morrison for a 15-minute whistle stop in Sterling.
From there, the engine and its bright yellow cars headed to Rochelle
for the weekend. It visited the Rochelle Railroad Park in July 2019, when it was greeted by thousands of railway fans and curious citizens.
More about Big Boy
During World War II, Union Pacific operated some of the most modern and powerful steam locomotives ever built. Among them were the famous “Big Boys,” the largest steam locomotives in the world. Working with them were the “800-class” high-speed passenger locomotives, as well as hundreds of older class steam engines. Union Pacific’s steam legacy continues today with the preservation and operation of its historic fleet – No. 844 and No. 4014.
Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. The locomotives were 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds. Because of their great length, the frames of the Big Boys were “hinged,” or articulated, to allow them to negotiate curves.
They had a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, which meant they had four wheels on the leading set of “pilot” wheels which guided the engine, eight drivers, another set of eight drivers and four wheels following that supported the rear of the locomotive. The massive engines normally operated between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, according to the UP website.
Choice is motivation for young readers
Being able to make choices for yourself is important on many levels. Consider the many choices you make in a single day. Think about even these few: what clothes to wear, what to eat for breakfast and what to pack for lunch, when to leave for work, what to fix for dinner and how to spend your evening.
Choosing for yourself is motivational. For young people, it is a milestone in growing up and becoming independent. Being able to choose what you read – at least some of the time – is motivational and a key part of becoming an independent reader. For this month, let’s look at how we can give our children and grandchildren opportunities to choose what they read.
It is important for all readers to develop a sense of what they enjoy. By offering exposure to a wide variety of genres and texts we can help our children and grandchildren discover
READING MATTERS
Mary Gardner
what they like to read. Be sure to include online websites and resources, magazines, poetry and all kinds of fiction and nonfiction books.
As preferences are developed, we can encourage our readers to talk about what they like and why. If they find a book they especially enjoy, you might try to find other books by the same author. Include discussions about the illustrations, too. Perhaps they prefer photographs to paintings or drawings. Perhaps they like the comic book format of graphic novels. This is not about being right or wrong – it is truly about personal preferences.
Young readers often want to read
or hear someone read to them the same book over and over again. Parents sometimes become concerned about that. It seems there is something about that book that the reader is drawn to and that’s definitely what we want to happen. If we continue to offer and provide a wide range of texts, new favorites eventually will come along. If needed, we can offer controlled choice in these situations. We might say, “We can read your favorite book again, but let’s pick one new book to read, too.”
Our children need to know that there will be times when they are required to read something they may not like and they may not always have a choice. This most likely will happen in school at least occasionally. We can give plenty of examples in our own lives such as reading our income tax forms. We might talk about the different purposes for reading. Sometimes the purpose dictates what we
need to read. Knowing that there also are chances to choose what they like to read helps make it easier to read things they don’t enjoy as much.
All children are capable of making their own choices about what they read. It is important in building a positive attitude about reading. It is important in order to stay motivated to read as well. If we always pick what we think our children and grandchildren should read, we are not allowing them to become independent readers. Enjoy watching them as they choose books to read to or with you. Listen to them as they talk to you about what they do and do not like to read. Share your interests as well. After all, this is what readers do.
• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.
New books purchased for every Oregon first grader thanks to Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation
MT. MORRIS – Oregon Community Unit School District first grade teachers Dawn Merrill, Olivia Phalen, Gretchen Nelson, Erica Cann and Kenzie Dusing received checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation on Aug. 27 that will enable every first grade student in the Oregon school district to receive a new book every month this school year.
The teachers, with a combined teaching experience of 75 years, were enthusiastic and grateful for the funds. One teacher said while computers are integral to teaching, real books are important.
“This is great because there are a lot of kids who don’t get real books at home,” Phalen said.
Merrill said she appreciates the program’s legacy.
“A child told me, ‘You gave this to my brother,’ ” Merrill said.
The Mt. Morris Community Library is displaying pictures and thank you notes from students who have received free books through the 9x9x9 program.
The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation has funded the
9x9x9 Program since the 2018-19 school year. Originally, for $9 a child, one book a month was purchased for nine months – nine books during the school year. Although the cost of books has increased since the 9x9x9 Program began, the foundation remains committed to providing free books to all first graders.
The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Mt. Morris Community Library through funding, by matching every memorial gift given to the library and by supporting the library’s services and programs.
The foundation also gives away books to kids who visit Santa during the Mt. Morris Christmas on the Square event.
Donations are welcome. Anyone can become an annual member of the foundation for $25 a year or buy a lifetime membership for $100. Those funds are invested and used to support the library.
More information is available at the Mt. Morris Community Library, the MMCLF page at mtmorris-il. org or by messaging the library on social media.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Photo provided by Sandra Stengel
Oregon Community Unit School District first grade teachers receive checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation to buy books for first grade students this year. From left are foundation member Sandra Stengel, teachers Olivia Phalen, Dawn Merrill, Erica Cann, foundation President Julie Robinson, teacher Gretchen Nelson, foundation member Paula Diehl and teacher Kenzie Dusing.
Large machine shed destroyed by fire in rural Polo
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
POLO – A large machine shed was destroyed by fire early Monday evening 6 miles southeast of Polo.
Polo Fire Chief Jim Ports said his department was dispatched to 7015 W. Judson Road at 5:07 p.m.
“Everything, I think, is a total loss,” Ports said. “Nobody was hurt.”
Some of the items inside the shed included a vehicle and large bales of hay.
Cause of the fire has yet to be determined, Ports said.
The shed was ablaze when firefighters arrived. Seven area departments assisted at the scene, including Oregon, Mt. Morris, Dixon Rural, Forreston, Milledgeville, Sterling and Advanced Ambulance.
The shed is owned by Herschel Newcomer, whose home is located just north of the metal shed.
One of Herschel’s neighbors, Lyle Hopkins, moved burning hay bales away from the shed with a John Deere tractor while firefighters were on the scene.
Earleen Hinton
Firefighters walk past the remains of a large machine shed after it was destroyed by fire Sept. 10. There were no injuries.
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under the influence of alcohol and unlawful use of a weapon. Weycker was transported to the Ogle County jail for processing. He was released with a notice to appear.
Sept. 3
Lorenzo Bennett, 21, of Rockford, was arrested at 9:17 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Dement Road and Illinois Route 28. Bennett was released with a notice to appear. A passenger, Anthony Ezell, 44, of Rockford, was arrested for several outstanding warrants (Ogle County failure to appear, retail theft; Winnebago County failure to appear, retail theft X 2; and Kane County failure to appear, retail theft). Ezell was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was held pending an appearance before a judge.
At 9 a.m. deputies responded to a report of an altercation at a residence in Leaf River. After an investigation, Michael Malinowski, 27, of Leaf River, was arrested for disorderly conduct. Malinowski was transported to the Ogle County Corrections Center where he was processed and released with a future court date.
At 7:58 a.m., deputies responded to the
OBITUARIES
GENE EDWARD MCGEE
Born: April 9, 1932
Died: May 28, 2024
MT. MORRIS, IL –
Gene Edward McGee, age 92, a resident of Mt. Morris, IL, formerly of Land O’ Lakes, WI since 1993, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Serenity Hospice House in Oregon, IL. He was born April 9th, 1932 in Freeport IL to John and Bernice (Haire) McGee. Gene was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force from December 1951 to April 1955, where he served in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952. Upon returning to his wife, Ev McGee, he started to work for his father in the McGee lumber yard. He then became a U.S. mail carrier in Mt. Morris until he retired at the age of 57. Gene was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Mt. Morris Moose, and N.A.L.C.. Gene served as a commander in the Land O’ Lakes, WI VFW for many years. He was also a lifetime member of the Tebala Shriners, where he participated in their marching unit. Gene started to visit the Northwoods of
Dollar General Store in Davis Junction to investigate a burglary that had occurred overnight. After an investigation, a 16-year-old male of Davis Junction was arrested for burglary and criminal damage to property. He was taken into custody and then transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center to be held overnight.
Sept. 4
At 3:04 p.m., deputies responded to 3961 West Illinois Route 64 at the Mt. Morris Motel for a report of damage to a vehicle. After a brief investigation, Denise Wagoner, 38, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for criminal damage to property. Wagoner was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was released with a notice to appear.
Sept. 6
James W. Zacharias, 31, of Dixon, was arrested at 8:56 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Mix Lane and Jones Terrace in Oregon. Zacharias also was cited for operating a vehicle with suspended registration. Zacharias was released on a notice to appear.
Chelsey T. Cole, 34, of Rockford, was arrested at 8:40 a.m. for driving while license revoked, no insurance and suspended registration after a traffic stop at Dutch Road and Illinois 251. Cole was
processed at the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear and given a court date.
Sept. 7
At 5:04 a.m., deputies responded to the 11000 block of East Fisher Road for a one-vehicle accident with injuries. After an investigation, it was determined that a 17-year-old female had driven off the road and struck a mailbox and cement culvert. She was charged with driving while under the influence, improper lane use, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and illegal transportation of alcohol. She was treated for minor injuries at Rochelle Community Hospital. She was later released to a parent. The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by Ron’s Towing, the Rochelle Fire Department and Flagg Center Fire Department.
Adrian Jesus Diaz-Sanchez, 48, of Elgin, was arrested at 9:17 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop in the 900 block of West Washington Street in Oregon. Diaz-Sanchez also was cited for improper lane use, disregarding an official traffic control device and illegal transportation of alcohol. Diaz-Sanchez was released with a notice to appear with a future court date.
Dealon J. Williams, 39, of Rockford, was arrested at 2:55 p.m. on two no bond warrants in the 4300 block of North
Illinois 251. The warrants were from Ogle County and Whiteside County. He also was charged with resisting arrest from this incident. He was housed at the Ogle County jail.
Sept. 8
At 11:15 p.m., deputies took a report of a battery that occurred in the 3000 block of South Butternut Road. After an investigation, Elizabeth A. Ruter, 19, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for battery. Ruter was transported to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Sept. 9
Philip Futrell, 29, of Stillman Valley, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. at the Ogle County Courthouse on a failure to appear warrant for driving on a suspended license. He was unable to pay the $3,116 bond and appeared in court Sept. 9. After his court appearance, Futrell posted the $325, was released and will appear in court again Sept. 30.
Cynthia Pulido, 39, of Rochelle, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. when she turned herself in at the Ogle County jail on a bond warrant for driving on a suspended license. She was scheduled to appear in court Sept. 10.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
Wisconsin in the ‘60s with his family, where he developed a lasting love for it, eventually making that their home in 1989. He was an avid outdoorsman (fishing, hunting, snowmobiling). He had such a love for the outdoors that he taught his kids, kids’ friends, and many others how to hunt and fish. He also loved spending time with his wife Ev, their 7 children, and eventually grandkids. After his wife Ev passed away in 2015, he moved back to Mt. Morris, where the ladies in his apartment building became his second family, whom he loved to be around.
Gene is survived by his children: Chuck (Nancy) McGee of Sayner, WI, Mike (Karyl) McGee of Sturgeon Lake, MN, Scott (Nancy) McGee of Marlborough, NH, Colleen (Roger) Miller of Mt. Morris, IL, Peggy (Ken) Greenlee of Sevierville, TN, Edgar (Crystal) McGee of Geneseo, IL, Kelly (Mike) Pace of Polo, IL; 19 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials may go to Serenity Hospice & Home, Mt. Morris Senior Center, and/or Oregon VFW, Oregon IL.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Plainview Cemetery in Mt. Morris, IL on Saturday, September 14th, 2024. There will be a celebration of life at the Grove in Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris, IL from 11am – 2pm, also on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.
ELIZABETH RAE WISNOSKY
Born: November 30, 1978
Died: August 30, 2024
IOWA CITY, IA – Elizabeth “Liz” Wisnosky, age 45, passed away Friday, August 30 at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. Liz was born November 30, 1978 in Champaign, Illinois, to Nancy Dickson and Lawrence Wisnosky, both of Mt. Morris, Illinois.
Liz graduated from high school in Ankeny, IA, and earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa. Liz spent many years working for NCS Pearson scoring essays in Iowa City. Liz loved to write, paint and draw and was a voracious reader. She was a brilliant and gentle, loving soul. Her greatest loves, however, were her daughters: Grace Wisnosky, age 17 and Faye Wisnosky, age 10.
Liz was predeceased by her parents, Nancy Dickson and Larry Wisnosky. Liz is survived by and will be sorely missed by her daughters, Grace and Faye of Iowa City, Iowa, brother David Wisnosky of Springfield, Ohio, Aunt Jan (Keith) Franklin of San Diego, California, and several cousins. Funeral services will be at Finch Funeral Home on Saturday, September 14 2024 at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until service time in Finch Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Morris IL. In lieu of flowers, consider donating some time to write your state or federal congressional representative to raise awareness of kratom, the legal-yet-unregulated drug which took Liz’s life & made two orphans. Federal representative contact information may be searched for at https://ziplook.house.gov/ htbin/findrep_house
Special thanks to the exemplary clinical staff at the University of Iowa Hospital for their excellent care, empathy and compassion.
To submit obituaries, go to saukobits@shawlocal.com. Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition.
NAMI Sauk Area spreading suicide prevention awareness
STERLING – September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health.
NAMI Sauk Area will highlight the importance of suicide prevention and provide resources by engaging in initiatives to support and educate the community throughout September, according to a news release from NAMI Sauk Area, a branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness that serves Whiteside, Carroll, Lee and Ogle counties.
Suicide is a major public health concern. In 2022, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide, making it the 12th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is crucial to recognize warning signs such as persistent feelings of hopelessness, social withdrawal, increased substance use, giving away possessions and verbal cues of suicidal thoughts.
NAMI Sauk Area will host a presentation titled Mental Illness & Hospitalizations: What Families Should
Know at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Rooted Wellness, 3101 Freeport Road, Sterling. Speakers Amy Meyer, who works in the CGH behavioral unit, and Mary Thormahlen, NAMI In Our Own Voice presenter, will provide insights on hospitalization and suicidal ideation for loved ones.
The organization will host a suicideTALK presentation by Jeff Hippen during the Survivors of Suicide Support Group at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at 300 W. South St., Morrison. The presentation, which aims to end the stigma around suicide and help people understand it better, is open to the public.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children ages 10 to 14 and the third-leading cause among those 15 to 24.
NAMI Sauk Area is committed to raising awareness and preventing youth suicide. Members will distribute silicone bracelets, bookmarks and informational resources to 7,000 high school students across Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and Carroll counties. The initiative is aimed at increasing awareness of the 988 Lifeline during Suicide Pre-
PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR OGLE COUNTY
Aug. 31 to Sept. 6
Warranty deeds
Paige S. Spangler and Janice H. Spangler to Floyd and Meagan Griffin, 406 Hillcrest Ave., Rochelle, $166,700. Seth and Stacy Birkholz to Seth M. Kuss and Devan G. Kuss, 2345 N. German Church Road, Oregon, $367,000.
Seth M. Kuss to Stacy R. Birkholz, 7399 N. Oak Dr., Stillman Valley, $200,000. Northern Illinois University Foundation to Chase and Jessica Pasek, one parcel in Lynnville Township, $130,704.
Anne Maurine Hagenbuch and Anne Fane to Benjamin Baar Sodergren and Emma Baar Sodergren, 1141 Barbary Court, Rochelle, $274,500.
Ronald D. Fowler to James A. Kasprowicz, 323 E. Pershing St., Stillman Valley, $245,000.
Tara K. Gorsuch to Vincent and Sabrina Swiatowiec, 106 N. Maple St., Lindenwood, $199,000.
Thomas E. Alexander and Angela M. Butler to Illinois Department of Transportation, 501 S. First Ave., Forreston, $300. Skyler W. Miller to Illinois Department of Transportation, 409 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $300.
Timothy James Elsbury and Darlene Curcio Elsbury to Tserenchimed Nyamdorj and Solongo Chuluunbaatar, 10045
vention Awareness Week and ensuring that young people have access to important information about mental health and support services.
Through a grant for NAMI Illinois Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Collaborative, NAMI Sauk Area will host state training for NAMI Ending the Silence on Sept. 28 and 29 at Rooted Wellness in Sterling. Applications are due Sept. 16. NAMI Sauk Area is looking for people to take the training in order to teach the course at local high schools.
NAMI also is looking for young adults to help describe their journey from mental illness to recovery. Ending the Silence is a free, evidence-based, 50-minute session designed for middle and high school students. Students will learn about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos and personal testimony from a young adult who describes their journey to recovery.
One of the main focuses of this year’s awareness campaign is to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Launched in July 2022, 988 is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that provides
immediate support to individuals in crisis or those who are concerned about someone else. By calling or texting 988, individuals can connect with trained crisis counselors who offer emotional support, crisis intervention and resources for ongoing help.
The establishment of 988 represents a significant improvement in making mental health crisis intervention more accessible and effective, according to the news release.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration designated Sept. 8 as 988 Day, further emphasizing the importance of the hotline and encouraging communities to spread the word about this resource.
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, NAMI Sauk Area is committed to raising awareness, providing educational resources and nurturing a supportive community for those impacted by mental health challenges. By uniting and staying informed, everyone play a part in preventing suicide and promoting mental health wellness.
For more information, visit namisaukarea.org.
W. Edgewood Road, Polo, $550,000.
Marco Sawires to David Pelayo, 212 Avenue H, Rochelle, $11,500.
Salems Lot LLC to Benjamin A. Johnson, 632 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 622 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 612 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 552 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 542 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 532 Heritage Dr., Stillman Valley, 533 Countryside Dr., Stillman Valley, 640 Countryside Dr., Stillman Valley, 630 Countryside Dr., Stillman Valley, 620 Countryside Dr., Stillman Valley, and 610 Countryside Dr., Stillman Valley, $197,000.
Arlyn K. Zimmerman and Celia P. Zimmerman to Timothy and Suzanne Dolan, 17587 W. White Oak Road, Forreston, $60,000. Quit claim deeds
Barbara A. Dowd to Barbara A. Dowd, 510 Mill Ridge Dr., Byron, $0.
Charles Lockard to Constance Lockard, trustee, and Constance Lockard Trust 2013, 8548 N. Valley View Dr., Byron, $0. Trustee deeds
Richard L. Heggelund, trustee, and Richard L. Heggelund Trust to Nicolas M. Pilson and Bailey G. Pilson, 14 Terrace View Blvd., Oregon, $299,900.
Donna Marie Rakowski, trustee, and
James Walter and Donna Marie Rakowski Revocable Trust to Cheryl L. Bonte, 1422 Crimson Ridge Lane, Byron, $199,000.
Joseph J. Ebens, trustee, Julie A. Ebens, trustee, and J&J Ebens Family Trust 818 to John T. Ebens, 101 S. Third St., Oregon, $125,000.
Donna G. Moledna, trustee, and Molenda Trust 1 to Donna G. Molenda, trustee, and Molenda Trust 824, 6639 S. Sudbury Road, Ashton, $0. Executors deeds
Carol Lynne Weidmann, deceased by executor, to Andrew and Megan Kasigyi, 626 N. 11th St., Rochelle, $160,000.
Deeds in trust
Keith M. Nyderek and Kristie N. Nyderek to Keith M. And Kristie N. Nyderek Revocable Trust 1, 400 N. Third St., Oregon, and 6308 S. Lost Nation Road, Oregon, $0.
Transfer on death instrument
Clifton D. Berg to Monica M. Perkins and Jack R. Perkins, 125 Joanne Lane, Rochelle, $0.
Jeffrey M. Henderson to Leah M. Beneventi and Teresa L. Paulsen, 321 N. Prairie St., Creston, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Football
Forreston 38, Dakota 0: The Cardinals (1-1, 1-1) rebounded after last week’s shutout loss to Fulton as Dane Setterstrom had three rushing touchdowns. The Indians (0-2, 0-1) were blanked for the second straight week. Forreston tailback Evan Boettner scored a touchdown and led the backfield with 209 rushing yards in the win. The Cardinals had 390 rushing yards as a team. Boettner has 271 yards rushing this season and is averaging nine yards a carry.
8-man
Polo 56, River Ridge 0: The Marcos (2-0) scored 32 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Noah Dewey had two rushing touchdowns and a fumble recovery score and Quentin Hurt added two more scores on the ground in the win.
Volleyball
E-P takes first at Oregon invite: Erie-Prophetstown rallied in four of its five matches, including a 13-25, 25-17, 25-16 win over Lena-Winslow in the championship match. Eastland’s Morgan McCullough and Trixie Carroll earned all-tournament team, along with E-P’s Lauren Abbott and Eden Jensen, Forreston’s Jaiden Schneiderman and Oregon’s Madi Shaffer.
Durand beat Eastland 25-27, 25-18, 15-12 in the third-place match. Pearl City beat Stillman Valley 25-23, 25-22 in the fifth-place match. Forreston beat Dixon 25-15, 25-21 in the seventh-place match.
Forreston defeated West Carroll 25-12, 25-11 and Oregon 19-25, 25-13, 15-13, but fell to Durand 25-18, 25-11 and Stillman Valley 25-16, 25-15.
Oregon lost to Durand 25-17, 25-22 and beat South Beloit 25-21, 25-11. The Hawks fell to Orangeville 25-11, 20-25, 20-19 in the ninth-place match.
Rochelle 2, Oregon 0: Oregon was swept 25-8, 25-23. Madi Shaffer had 11 digs and an ace.
Forreston 2, Byron 0: Forreston swept 25-17, 25-19. Jaiden Schniederman had 13 kills and three aces.
Fulton 2, Polo 0 : Polo’s Bridget Call had six kills and three aces. Cam Jones and Brylee Laskowski each had six assists and Jones had 12 digs.
Polo 2, Scales Mound 0: Polo beat Scales Mound 25-20, 25-13. Bridget Call
LOCAL SPORTS BRIEF
Ganymedes’ final games of season Sept. 15 in Creston OREGON – The Ganymedes, Oregon’s vintage base ball team, will end their 2024 season with two games Sunday, Sept. 15, in Creston.
Game times for the 1858 rules base
had 10 kills and Laynie Mandrell had seven. Carlee Grobe had three aces and Camrynn Jones had two. Brylee Laskowski had 11 assists and Jones seven. Grace Miatke had 10 digs and Bridget Call had nine. Laynie Mandrell and Katelyn Rockwood each had one block.
Boys golf
Forreston 156, Eastland 181: Forreston’s Kaden Brown (34) and Kendall Erdman (39) went 1-2 at Lake Carroll with Daylan Rahn (41) and Darin Greenfield (42) right behind. Cam Huber’s 43 led Eastland, with Braden Anderson (44), Harper Keim (45) and Brixen Dale (49) also scoring.
Lena-Winslow/Pearl City 187, Polo 209, West Carroll 217: WC’s Thomas Krontz shot a career-best 40 to earn his first medalist honor. Max Knuth (51) also was inside the top 10, finishing eighth. L-W/PC’s Luke Madigan (44) was runner-up, with teammate Nathan Woodley and Polo’s Jackson Willis each shooting 47 to tie for third.
Oregon 185, Rock Falls 191: Nole Campos earned medalist honors for Oregon with a 38, followed by teammate Brogan Wilkinson’s 43 at Silver Ridge Golf Course. Jackson Messenger (44) and Landon Anderson (60) also scored for Oregon.
Rock Falls’ Conner Porter was
co-runner-up with a 43, followed by Carter Hunter (48), Logan Williamson (48) and Alex Johnson (52). Rock Falls is 6-1.
Forreston 159, DuPec 198, Polo 203: Forreston’s Kaden Brown won medalist honors with a 37. Teammate Daylen Rahn was runner-up with a 38.
Rochelle 156, Oregon 172, North Boone 188: Jackson Messenger (41) led Oregon at Beaver Creek. Brogan Wilkinson (43), Nole Campos (44) and Landon Anderson (44) also scored for Oregon. Matthew Pham also shot a 44 for the Hawks.
Oregon 162, Winnebago 169: Nole Campos (34) was medalist and Jackson Messenger (38) was runner-up at Lynx Golf Course as Oregon (6-2, 3-2) shot its best total of the season. Brogan Wilkinson (44) and Tucker O’Brien (46) also scored for the Hawks.
Girls golf
Oregon 189, Winnebago 228: Aniyah Sarver (41) was medalist and Hailey-Jane Becker (47) was runner-up as Oregon (3-2, 3-1) shot its best team total of the season at Lynx Golf Course. Sarah Eckardt (49) and Toni Withers (52) also scored for Oregon.
Oregon 176, North Boone 211: Oregon’s Aniyah Sarver (39) was medalist and Sarah Eckardt (40) was runner-up at Beaver Creek. Hailey-Jane Becker (42)
and Toni Withers (55) also scored.
Boys soccer
Stillman Valley 2, Oregon 1: Steven Guardado had Oregon’s lone goal off a Danny Chisamore assist in the loss. The Hawks are 2-3-2, 1-1.
Winnebago 3, Oregon 2: Brian Wallace and Steven Guardado each scored goals for the Hawks in the loss.
Oregon 4, Rockford Lutheran 1: Steven Guardado had a hat trick and Cruz Hernandez scored in the win. Deryk Withers had 11 saves.
Cross Country
Oregon Classic: The Lady Hawks placed ninth out of 18 teams. Ella Danhorn (22:44) was 32nd out of 131 runners. Loralei Dannhorn was 39th in 23:06, Jillian Hammer was 42nd in 23:25 and Melanie Carrillo set a new PR with a time of 25:35. Abbie Ludwig set a season best PR with a time of 27:26.
Varsity boys highlights: Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez placed 25th out of 162 runners with a time of 17:32. Caleb Brooks had a time of 19:45 and Tristyn Smith set a PR with a time of 25:09.
Junior varsity highlights: For Oregon, Val Davis was the top runner with a 29:12. For the boys, Elliot Peeling had a 21:07. Josvald Montes-Arroyo set a new PR with a 28:33.
ball matches are noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. behind the Creston Elementary School, 202 W. South St.
“The games are part of the annual Creston Booster Days event and there are other things going on at the same time. NPR WNIJ will be there to do a
story about vintage base ball,” Ganymedes manager Mark Herman said. “The DuPage County Plowboys Base Ball Club will be joining us for this Sunday’s games in Creston as well.”
The Ganymedes will be playing
Creston at 1:30 p.m., followed by a game with the Plowboys at 3 p.m.
Game schedule
Noon: Creston vs. DuPage 1:30 p.m.: Creston vs. Oregon 3 p.m.: Oregon vs. DuPage
Oregon’s Grace Tremble digs the ball during the Oregon tournament Sept. 7.
Photos by Earleen Hinton Forreston’s Jaiden Schneiderman spikes against Stillman Valley’s Aleigha Hodge (5) and Ava Janssen (14) at the Oregon tournament Sept. 7.
NIU basks in upset of Notre Dame at South Bend
The talk of the college football world this week? Northern Illinois University, of course.
Fresh off their epic upset of Notre Dame, the Huskies suddenly are basking in the glow from football fans everywhere, except maybe those in South Bend. Much the way a bracket-busting March Madness basketball underdog captivates the entire country, NIU did the same.
Like many from the area, I made the pilgrimage to what is considered the most hallowed ground of college football, the campus of Notre Dame, hoping to witness history. Amid all the pageantry and in front of a national TV audience, the Huskies scored an improbable 16-14 win over a program with 11 national championships and seven Heisman Trophy winners.
With Northern Illinois trailing 7-0 after Notre Dame easily drove downfield on its first possession and the Huskies starting at the 2-yard line after botching the ensuing kickoff, that final outcome seemed improbable. My hope was the Huskies could keep the game close and at least look respectable against the No. 5 team in the country. On a beautiful late summer day, it would be a shame for a blowout to spoil everything.
Andy Colbert GUEST VIEW
Boy, did I underestimate what these Huskies were capable of.
What makes the win even more remarkable is the widening gap between the haves and have-nots in collegiate athletics. The four Power conferences and stand-alone Notre Dame have the resources to do whatever they want, while NIU and others like them can only grab for the crumbs left behind.
In the era of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and transfer portal, where it takes a million dollars plus to attract a high-quality quarterback to your school, Notre Dame can afford those types of athletes while NIU cannot. Also, it is more enticing playing in front of 80,000 fans and being on national TV every week. You get that at South Bend and not in DeKalb.
How did the Huskies pull off the near impossible feat?
After listening to Huskies lineman Cade Haberman in the news conference after the game, could it be the
power of love. Haberman, who blocked two Notre Dame field-goal attempts, including one on the game’s final play, spoke of an abounding love among players and coaches.
“We don’t have the resources of other schools,” Haberman said. “We truly love each other. The coaches build relationships with us.”
The theory of love offsetting money, recruiting advantages and tradition has credence. Money can have a corruptive nature to it and it is possible Notre Dame’s mindset has been altered to a negative degree by it.
According to Corinthians, love is patient, kind, does not envy and it is not proud. That was evident in the way NIU players and coaches unselfishly lifted up one another.
That transformation in spirit was on display as the four-touchdown underdog Huskies stood up to their more talented rivals and outplayed them. Physicality and final stats (388 to 286 total yard advantage) bear that out.
“We didn’t need luck. That was our theme,” NIU coach Thomas Hammock said. “We stayed together and made plays when we had to. After their first drive, we settled in and went into attack mode. I think we were bigger
than they thought.”
Hammock was so emotional after the win that he began crying when interviewed by NBC. What a refreshing change compared with high-powered head coaching types who attempt to maintain a slick, stoic image.
Playing football at a Catholic high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the win on the grounds of the Golden Dome, “Touchdown Jesus” and the Basilica had special meaning for Hammock. He recounted a story of making a trip there to watch the Irish in his youth.
Growing up close to DeKalb, I relate to the impact of a college football game. In 1968, my dad took me to my first NIU game. Upon entering Huskie Stadium, I remember how green the Astroturf looked and the large crowd.
Certainly a much bigger spectacle than my town of Rochelle had to offer at the football field. Yes, college football truly is an American institution and one that I have embraced ever since then as an NIU fan.
Was the 2013 Orange Bowl appearance and Jordan Lynch mania bigger than the Notre Dame win?
See COLBERT, page 16
Dixon finds mojo after halftime, pulls away from Oregon
By TY REYNOLDS Special to Shaw Media
DIXON – One play into the game, Dixon already had amassed 99 yards of offense Sept. 6. And even though it took until the second half for the Dukes to find the end zone again, their defense still had them in total control.
After some fireworks on its first snap, Dixon struggled to finish off drives until finding its mojo again in the second half and the Dukes went on to defeat Big Northern foe Oregon 35-0 at A.C. Bowers Field.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that it’s not just the defense that’s doing the hard work and heavy lifting,” senior lineman Aidan Hoggard said. “The offense comes out and works their butts off, too. It’s a good feeling knowing that both sides can really do some work. I love it.”
Oregon (0-2, 0-2 BNC) dominated time of possession in the first quarter, but couldn’t get its offense on track.
Dixon, meanwhile, set a school record for the longest touchdown pass with a 99-yard strike from Cullen Shaner to Eli Davidson on its first play from scrimmage. The old record was a 90-yard scoring strike from John Wooten to Paul Ackerman against Princeton in 1956.
The play was set up by an Oregon punt rolling dead at the 1-yard line.
Shaner connected with Davidson 30 yards down the field before Davidson outran the defense for a 6-0 lead.
“It was obviously a great punt, stuck us down at the 1 and we just had the right play called up,” Shaner said. “Coach said to look at him if they had two high safeties. They had one high safety, so I was just going to trust the best player on the team. I threw it up
to him and he took it for six.”
“I was lined up looking at their coverage pre-snap and I see a single high safety. I’m expecting somebody to roll back there because when I looked across and saw one-on-one, I didn’t believe it,” Davidson said. “But I knew we had it dialed up for me to go deep and I took off and I didn’t have to slow down at all. He put that pass right in the basket and I just kept running and beat them to the pylon.”
The rest of the first half was a defensive struggle. Dixon (2-0, 2-0) took possession inside Oregon territory on two of its next three drives but settled for two Caleb Carlson field goals on those three possessions.
The Dukes’ defense limited the Hawks to 68 total yards in the first half – all on the ground – to make it a 12-0 Dixon lead heading into halftime.
“There was a zero on the scoreboard at halftime but it didn’t feel like it,” Davidson said. “They came out and punched us in the mouth, credit to them, but we flipped a switch at halftime. We had a lot of things to clean up and in the second half we really did that.”
Brian Hurley
Oregon running back Hunter Bartel is tackled by Dixon’s Devon Wallace (88) and Eli Davidson during the Big Northern Conference game Sept. 7 at A.C. Bowers Field in Dixon.
Continued from page 15
Oregon forced a punt on Dixon’s first possession of the second half, but the Dixon “D” stepped up even more, limiting the Hawks to negative yardage in the third quarter while the offense found its groove.
A bad snap on an Oregon punt gave Dixon the ball at the Hawks’ 12-yard line and Shaner connected with Davidson for another TD on the next play. The defense forced a second straight three-and-out and the offense covered 50 yards in five plays with Shaner running in from 15 yards out for a 27-0 lead.
Another three-and-out by the Dixon defense set the Dukes up at the Oregon 33, and six plays later, Shaner hit Gabe Rowley from 11 yards out on fourthand-goal for a 35-0 lead less than two minutes into the fourth quarter.
Shaner was 9-for-17 for 153 yards and three touchdowns through the air and added 88 yards and a TD on eight rushes. Davidson had four catches for 121
• COLBERT
Continued from page 14
Hard to say as both experiences were unique in their own way.
Here’s what I can report. When unheralded Kanon Woodill, whose looks reminded me of the Olympics pommel horse guy, lined up to attempt the game-winning field goal, my legs started to twitch nervously as
yards and two scores and also ran eight times for 58 yards. Owen Belzer added 50 yards on three carries for the Dukes, who had 11 tackles for loss on defense.
I stood on the field near the goal posts. It’s rare for this to happen to me, the only other times being in pressure-packed situations with high school teams I was emotionally attached.
I don’t recall any leg twitching for the Orange Bowl, so I’m giving more credence to the win over Notre Dame. Fortunately, the Huskies have this week off, allowing extra time to soak up all the exposure they are getting.
COMMUNITY SHRED DAYS
“They were kind of punching us in the face the first quarter and coaches at halftime shut that down quick. They got on us to do something about it and we went out and did,” Hoggard said. “We had to hold our gap on D and not let Cullen get touched on offense. We did that again tonight.”
Playing without their top two quarterbacks because of illness and injury, the Hawks managed just 84 yards of total offense. Logan Weems had 21 carries for 60 yards and Hunter Bartel added 24 yards on 10 rushes.
“I was super happy with the way our defense played there in the first half and even in the second half. It’s just right now we’re trying to figure ourselves out,” Oregon coach Broc Kundert said. “We had our three-year starting quarterback go down, then we had our backup go down last week, so we’re on our third guy right now. We’ve had to make a pretty monumental shift to a new offense because we felt like that’s what’s best for our guys right now. We moved the ball OK at times, kept it out of their hands early, but it’s something that’s got to get greased up, it’s got to have time to jell, so we’ll get there.”
Hammock said he looked forward to having a bye so as to ease his players back down to reality.
For now, let them live it up. The joy they brought me and countless other fans was indescribable. It is almost like my life as a football fan finally has been fulfilled. Whether you made the trip to South Bend from Rochelle, Oregon, Byron, Stillman Valley, Polo, Forreston or Mt. Morris, it was a shared experience for all of us.
One final note: Credit to the University of Notre Dame and its fans for presenting such a classy event. Even in a loss, they were gracious to their visitors.
On top of that, NIU received $1.4 million from Notre Dame to make the trip to South Bend for the game.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Brian Hurley
Oregon punter Gavin Morrow boots the ball against Dixon on Sept. 7 at A.C. Bowers Field.
Deceased Case No. 2024PR000022
CLAIM NOTICE
Part Time Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers for Fall Harvest or Yea r Round. Flexible hours. Experience req. 815-499-0463
2015 Ford F-250 Super duty all accessories w/ tow package for trailer and 5th wheel
$22,223 Call 408-595-7389
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In the interest of: Ezariah Thomas, a minor
Case No: 2024 JA 1 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
spondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on February 5, 2024, 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 Ezariah Thomas, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on October 15, 2024 at 10:15 a.m or as soon thereafte r 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 proceeding 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.
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 20th day of August, 2024.
Vieley, 121 North Main Street, Suite B-1, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. The estate will be administered with court supervision
CLASSIFIED
Kimberly A. Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk
August 30, Sept. 6, 13, 2024
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF DIANE C. WENCK, Deceased Case No
2024PR000022 CLAIM NOTICE
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 20th day of August, 2024.
Kimberly A. Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Jordan Blume, Deputy Clerk
AG & NATURAL R ESOURCES PROGRAM COORDINATOR
August 30, Sept. 6, 13, 2024
- andMARKETIN G PROGRA M COOR
DINATOR
University of Illinois Extension is seeking individuals to join their team in Whiteside, Carroll and Lee counties
The Ag and Natural Resour ces Progr am Coo rdinator supports and assists in the implementation and management of the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteer programs and other horticulture related Extension programs for youth and adults
The Marketing P ro gram Coo rdinator works with aspects of marketing to develop strategic decisions to ensure Extension and 4-H brand images are recognizable to the public, are well represented online and are consistent offline in print, radio, or television.
These are full-time positions of 37.5 hours per week. Starting pay is $22.05/hour. Excellent benefit package including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and leave time.
To apply visit: go.illinois.ed u/CLWCareers by Fri, Sept 20 for the ANR Coordinator and Fri, Sept 27 for the Marketing Coordinator.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the fe deral E-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history
To: Any and all unknown fathers, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on February 5, 2024, 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 Ezariah Thomas, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on October 15, 2024 at 10:15 a.m or as soon thereafte r 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 proceeding 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. Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the peti-
Notice is given to creditors of the death of DIANE C. WENCK, Letters of Office - Decedent's Estate were issued on August 22, 2024, to Erin Carpenter, 1114 S Oak Street, Bloomington, Illinois, 61701, as Supervised Administrator, whose attorney of record is Jack C Vieley, 121 North Main Street, Suite B-1, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. The estate will be administered with court supervision Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both until March 6, 2025, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed.
DATED this 28th day of August,
Notice is given to creditors of the death of DIANE C. WENCK, Letters of Office - Decedent's Estate were issued on August 22, 2024, to Erin Carpenter, 1114 S Oak Street, Bloomington, Illinois, 61701, as Supervised Administrator, whose attorney of record is Jack C Vieley, 121 North Main Street, Suite B-1, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. The estate will be administered with court supervision Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both until March 6, 2025, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both until March 6, 2025, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed.
representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed.
DATED this 28th day of August, 2024.
JACK C. VIELEY ARDC #2900823
PUBLIC NOTICE
United Lost Lake Property Owners
Attorney for Supervised Administrator ERIN CARPENTER 121 North Main Street, Suite B-1 Bloomington, IL 61701
Telephone: (309) 827-8888
Email: lawdude@ frontier .com
September 6, 13, 20, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATED this 28th day of August, 2024.
JACK C. VIELEY ARDC #2900823
Attorney for Supervised Administrator
ERIN CARPENTER 121 North Main Street, Suite B-1 Bloomington, IL 61701
Sport knowledge and softball experience https:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1972
Sauk Valley Community College
Attn: Human Resources 173 Illinois Route 2 Dixon, IL 61021 EOE e-mail: employment@svcc.edu
As sociation is currently seeking requests for bids for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026, & 2026-2027 SNOW REMOVAL SEASONS. Thi s year the association voted to approve 3-year contracts. Bid packets will be provided on reques t by visiting the ULLPOA office loca ted at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021, contacting the ULLPOA office at 815/652-4491, or via email at office @discoverlostlake .org ULLPOA office hours are 9AM to 3PM MondayFriday. All bids will be due no later than 3PM Monday, September 16th, 2024, at the ULLPOA office. All bids should be returned sealed in the envelope provided The ULLPOA will choose the winning bid at the Saturday, September 21st, 2024, POA Board Meeting. The contractor will be notified the following week. Any questions should be directed to the Roads Chairmen Scott Johnson at 815/910-0900 or Jim Kellen at 815/440-1381.
As sociation is currently seeking requests for bids for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026, & 2026-2027 SNOW REMOVAL SEASONS. Thi s year the association voted to approve 3-year contracts. Bid packets will be provided on reques t by visiting the ULLPOA office loca ted at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021, contacting the ULLPOA office at 815/652-4491, or via email at office @discoverlostlake .org ULLPOA office hours are 9AM to 3PM MondayFriday. All bids will be due no later than 3PM Monday, September 16th, 2024, at the ULLPOA office. All bids should be returned sealed in the envelope provided The ULLPOA will choose the winning bid at the Saturday, September 21st, 2024, POA Board Meeting. The contractor will be notified the following week. Any questions should be directed to the Roads Chairmen Scott Johnson at 815/910-0900 or Jim Kellen at 815/440-1381.
Bid packets will be provided on reques t by visiting the ULLPOA office loca ted at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021, contacting the ULLPOA office at 815/652-4491, or via email at office @discoverlostlake .org ULLPOA office hours are 9AM to 3PM MondayFriday. All bids will be due no later than 3PM Monday, September 16th, 2024, at the ULLPOA office. All bids should be returned sealed in the envelope provided
The ULLPOA will choose the winning bid at the Saturday, September 21st, 2024, POA Board Meeting The contractor will be notified the following week. Any questions should be directed to the Roads Chairmen Scott Johnson at 815/910-0900 or Jim Kellen at 815/440-1381.
Aug. 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6, 13, 2024
STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF OG LE NOTICE OF PUBL ICATION AVAILABILITY OF LIST OF PERSONS SELECTED BY OGLE COUNTY BOARD AS JUDGES OF ELECTION
Notice is hereby given that the Board of said Ogle County has duly selected, as provided by law, that a list of Judges of Election is available for inspection in the office of the County Clerk.
Aug. 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6, 13, 2024
Application for confirmation and approval has been made to the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial District of said County; Judge John B. Roe, IV has set the date for hearing on objections to the confirmatio n and approval of those prospective judges on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m in Oregon, Illinois
Anyone having knowledge of any reason why these individuals should not be confirmed or approved by this court must file their objection in writing on or before the opening of court on said day.
Aug. 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6, 13, 2024
Notice is further given, that if no cause to the contrary be shown as specified, such appointments shall be confirmed by order of court, as provided by law.
Date: September 5, 2024
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk and Recorder September 13, 2024
ackets will ovided on by visiting ULLPOA office at 903 Drive, L 61021, ting the office at 815/652-4491, or il at office verlostlake ULLPOA ofours are 9AM Mondayll bids will no later PM Monday, ber 16th, at the office. All should be sealed in envelope pro-
OTICES
ULLPOA will he winning he SaturSeptember 2024, POA Meeting. ntractor will ified the folweek. Any s should cted to the Chairmen Johnson at 815/910-0900 or Kellen at 815/440-1381. 16, 23, 30, 6, 13, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVIN GS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST K, Plaintiff, vs. KEVIN D. RUNDALL; KELEI M. RUNDALL; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING THROUGH THE RURAL HOUSING SERVICE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.
_________________________________/
Case No.: 2024FC40
Property Address:
501 S Division Ave., Polo, IL 61064
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit:
Lot Ten (10) in Block Four (4), excepting the West 26 feet of said Lot, in Chatfield's Addition in the Town, now City, of Polo, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Book A of Miscellaneous on Page 111 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Buffalo, the County of Ogle and State of Illinois.
Commonly known as: 501 S Division Ave., Polo, IL 61064
Names of the titleholders of record: KEVIN D RUNDALL.
Date of the Mortgage: July 3, 2014.
Name or names of the mortgagors: KEVIN D. RUNDAL L; KELEI M. RUNDALL.
Name of the mortgagee: RANLIFE, INC..
Date and place of recording: July 9, 2014; Office of the Recorder of the Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois
Identification of recording: Document No. 201403694. NOW THEREFORE, unless you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case, on or before September 29, 2024, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.
E-filing is now mandatory with limited excep tions To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers .htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http:// illinoiscourts.gov/self-help or talk with your local circuit clerk's office. If you cannot e-file, you may be able to get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. Ask your circuit clerk for more information or visit www.illinois legalaid.org. For information about defending yourself in a court case (including filing an appearance or fee waiver), or to apply for free legal help, go to www.illinoislegalaid.org You can also ask your local circuit clerk's office for a fee waiver application.
PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTIO N PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAIN TIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTIN G TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE
Lender Legal PLLC
1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 250 Orlando, Florida 32810
Tel: (407) 730-4644
Service Emails: dreyes@lenderlegal.com
EService@LenderLegal.com
LLS11882-IL - RUNDALL
_s/ David Reyes, Esq.
David Reyes, Esq.
Counsel of Record for Plaint iff ARDC # 6340981
August 30, September 6, 13, 2024
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