Mt_Morris_Times-09-22-2023

Football

Earleen Hinton

Jarek and Elizabeth Sinila of

carry some of the aronia berries they picked Sept. 17 at BerryView Orchard. Elizabeth said the berries are popular in Poland, the couple’s native country, and was happy to find them in the region. She planned to make jam or juice with the berries. Story: Page 2.

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At BerryView Orchard, it’s a fun and fruitful day

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – Elizabeth and Jarek Sinila of Chicago were all smiles Sunday as they carried their big bin of aronia berries up the hill at the BerryView Orchard northwest of Mt. Morris.

“This is the first time we’ve been here,” said Elizabeth as she and Jarek took a break while carrying one-half of their cache to the sorting table. “We’re from Poland and there, these berries are very famous.”

The couple and a friend made the twohour trip from their home despite a forecast of rain.

“It was raining at home, but we checked and it said it was not raining here,” said Elizabeth pointing at the somewhat sunny day. “And it wasn’t. When we found out they had aronia ber-

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Mobile food pantry in Mt. Morris on Sept. 28

Loaves & Fish Food Pantry, alongside Northern Illinois Food Bank, will host a Mobile Food Pantry from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren, 409 W. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris.

Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Food is free to neighbors in need. No ID, proof of address or income is required.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY

Book Sale – Sept. 23 through Oct. 13

It’s time to use those gift certificates you earned from the Summer Reading Program. Our annual book sale will start Sept. 23. All sales will be by donation. Nothing will be priced. We would like to thank the high school for sending students to help with the heavy lifting in preparation for the sale.

Axis 360 is changing to Boundless

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

CORRECTIONS

ries here, we said, ‘Let’s go. We’re coming.’ ”

The three picked berries for about two hours, Elizabeth said, filling two large totes with the dark purple berries known for their astringent flavor. The berries can be eaten fresh, on salads or blended into smoothies. The fruit is noted for being high in anti-oxidants and other health benefits.

“I’ve known them for years,” Elizabeth said, referring to the berries. “They are very good fo you. We will share these with our daughter. I plan to make jam or juice with mine.”

Jeff and Julie Warren, owners of BerryView, 7504 W. Midtown Road, have been raising aronia berries since 2010 as a complement to their apple and pear trees at their family owned and operated orchard.

Apple and berry picking were just two

Loaves & Fish Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren, 409 W. Brayton Road, and is open on the first and third Thursdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and second and fourth Mondays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Anyone experiencing food insecurity is eligible to receive food. You do not need to have a referral and no proof of income is required. For more information, call 815-613-8776 and leave a message.

of the activities at BerryView. The Summerhill Huskies 4-H Club offered a petting zoo in the morning and, of course, the orchard had its popular cider doughnuts for sale.

Linsey McDanel of Freeport and her family also were making their first trip to the orchard.

“This is so cool,” said McDanel as she and her kids picked apples.

BerryView will be part of the annual Back Roads Market featuring several local venues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Other stops at the Back Roads Market include: Vintage Chicks & Feed, 700 E. Illinois Route 2, Leaf River; Funky Junk Vendors, 6410 W. Grove Road, Mt. Morris; and Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mt. Morris Road.

Visit BerryView Orchard on Facebook or call 815-440-5159 for more information.

UMC to offer dinner Oct. 4

United Methodist Men will host a pancake and sausage dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Disciples United Methodist Church, 102 Maple Ave. in Mt. Morris. The famous chicken a la king also will be served. No tickets are needed. Donations will be accepted with proceeds going to the missions of United Methodist Men. Call the office at 815-732-4853 for more information.

ning a few weeks before the library’s Boundless transition, Axis 360 users will be directly notified about the transition through the Axis 360 apps and website.

Adult Book Club

The September book is “No Time Like The Future” by Michael J. Fox. Everyone is welcome to join this book club group. Copies of the book are available at the library. This group will meet in person on Monday, Sept. 25, at the library.

Cookbook Club

The next meeting is Oct. 3. Join us as we explore The Cookbook Club. Wonderful recipes combined with friendship creates something both beautiful and delicious. Stop by to choose your recipe from this month’s book and bring your dish to pass at our next meeting. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at The

Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.

Senior Center for an exciting meal. Ink with a Friend: Card Making

We will be offering a card-making class from local crafter Liz Gullett. She will be here on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. You will get all the materials to make two cards to take home. Fees are by donation. Registration is limited so call the library or stop by to save your spot before Oct. 5.

Lego Club

Our next Lego night is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Bring a friend and build some fun with Legos. Children younger than 8 need to bring a parent with them.

Memorial Gifts

Give a gift that lasts, brings joy to many and doubles in value. Your memorial gift to the library is matched by the Mt. Morris Library Foundation, doubling your generosity. Thanks to all who have given memorial gifts this year.

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Preschooler an American Heart Association ambassador

Born with congenital heart defect, Aislynn Skinner had open-heart surgery at 6 days old

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Like most 4-year-olds, Aislynn Skinner’s favorites change rapidly, her answers often dependent on what she’s in the middle of doing or on the question’s phrasing.

Over the course of an hour, Aislynn’s favorite food went from the veggie chips she was munching on while watching “Diana and Roma” on YouTube to cookies to popcorn and, finally, to chicken nuggets with “special sauce.”

“It’s sauce, but it’s sour,” Aislynn said.

The only immediately visible evidence that the Oregon preschooler isn’t quite like other children is the 4-inch surgical scar that runs down her sternum.

Aislynn was born with tetralogy of Fallot – a combination of four congenital heart defects – and at just 6 days old underwent open-heart surgery.

“She was in the hospital for two weeks after birth,” said Jessica Skinner, her mother. “Since then, she’s been doing well. We know that she’s going to need at least one more openheart surgery, probably between ages 5 to 7.”

The defects that make up tetralogy of Fallot are a hole between the lower chambers of the heart, an obstruction from the heart to the lungs, the aorta laying over the hole in the heart’s lower chambers and overly thickened muscles surrounding the lower right chamber of the heart.

Aislynn sees a cardiologist annually, although eventually the checkups will be more frequent, Jessica Skinner said.

“We just had her checkup in July and they said she’s good for at least another year,” Jessica Skinner said.

Aislynn isn’t shy about her “special heart” and will show her scar if asked about it.

That will serve her well in her position as a 2023-24 American Heart Association community youth heart ambassador, Christine Taylor said. Youth ambassadors have had a personal diagnosis, witnessed the diagnosis of a loved one or made a personal lifestyle change to better theirs and their loved ones’ heart health, she said.

“Aislynn is so engaging and many people can relate to having a young child like her,” said Taylor, the American Heart Association development director of school engagement for

northwest Illinois.

As an ambassador, Aislynn will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, Taylor said. The two challenges are service-learning programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while doing good for the health of others, she said.

Aislynn and Jessica Skinner will join Taylor at local schools, mostly within Ogle County, as schools kick off their Kids Heart Challenge, Taylor said.

“We are all very excited and I know many schools are, too, to meet Aislynn and her mother,” Taylor said.

Aislynn wasn’t sure what she was looking forward to as a youth heart ambassador, but was able to answer with some prompting from her mom.

“You want to help kids learn about your special heart and how to be healthy, right?” Jessica Skinner said.

“Yeah, my chicken nugget,” Aislynn replied, happily using her favorite food as a nickname. It’s something she does all the time, Jessica Skinner said.

Asked what people can do to have a healthy heart, Aislynn said, “Eat

strawberries and exercise and eat blueberries.”

Eating healthy and exercise are among the ways their family stays healthy, Jessica Skinner said. Playing outside and a lot of sports also are regular methods, she said.

Jessica Skinner said Aislynn takes baby aspirin daily and they have to

keep an eye out to see if she starts to tire more easily than the other kids.

For now, Aislynn does “pretty good and keeps up with the other kids.”

“She was a little bit behind up until like a year-and-a-half [old] and then she caught up and she’s doing fine,” Jessica Skinner said. “Now I would say she’s ahead, if anything.”

Photos by Alexa Zoellner

ABOVE: Aislynn Skinner (left), 4, colors with little sister Breelyn Skinner, 2, at their Oregon home on Sept. 6. Aislynn, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in utero, was selected an American Heart Association Community Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2023-24 school year. BELOW: Aislynn Skinner, 4, of Oregon, swings in her backyard Sept. 6.

OBITUARIES

DIANNE MARIE SLATER

Born: July 6, 1946 in Dixon, IL

Died: September 1, 2023 in Fond du Lac, WI

Dianne Marie Slater, 77, of Mayville passed away after suffering from health issues on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Agnes Hospital Home Care in Fond du Lac surrounded by family.

Dianne was born on July 6th, 1946 to Kathryn Giblin and Robert Slater in Dixon, IL. Dine, as she was affectionately known, served in the U.S. Army. She enjoyed attending classic car shows to reminisce of her time spent at the drag strip and the cars she grew up driving. She loved to bowl, especially with “the girls” in Milwaukee. Dine loved music, you couldn’t walk in the house without hearing a radio going somewhere. She couldn’t resist a rummage sale and was always up for a spontaneous road trip. But most important-

RODNEY P. DANIELS

Born: November 15, 1937 in Sterling, IL

ly, she loved spending as much time as she could with her large family.

Dianne is survived by her significant other Dale Kriescher; daughter Kathy (Kent) Shivers; granddaughters Jackie (Jonathan) Gibson, Jessie Johnson, and Mercy Shivers; grandsons Grant Shivers and Brett Shivers; great-granddaughters Bryn Gibson, Monroe Gibson, and Amari Taylor; siblings Rita Jean (Jim) Hermes, Mary Kay (Terry) Mageland, Nancy (Perry) Sommer, Bob (Pam) Slater, Marilyn Robinson, Jim (Char) Slater, Ron (Roxanne) Slater, Jerry Slater, and Theresa (Dave) Smith. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Dianne is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Roxanne Johnson; sisters, Virgina Britz and Paula McCarns.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 21st from 11am until 2pm at the Twohig Funeral Home, 109 W. Main Street, Campbellsport.

Dianne will be inurned next to her daughter Roxanne at Union Cemetary in Campbellsport following the visitation.

Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with guestbook and condolences at www. twohigfunerals.com.

MORE OBITUARIES on page 8

The family of Richard “Dick” Little wishes to express our deep appreciation to those who have offered such kindness, support, and messages of sympathy and comfort in our time of sorrow.

We especially thank Travis Woulfe for officiating the funeral and Farrell Holland Gale for leading us through the process with such kindness.

We also send our gratitude to everyone who memorialized Dad with a donation to the Oregon VFW Post 8739. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Died: September 18, 2023 in Rockford, IL

Rodney “Rod” P. Daniels died on September 18, 2023 at Jovan Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL. Rod was born November 15, 1937 at in Sterling, IL, the son of Danny and Elisabeth (Bryan) Daniels. He was raised in Rock Falls where he also graduated high school in 1956. Two years after he graduated Rod married Carol Bell on July 1, 1958. They were both members of the St. Brides Episcopal Church in Oregon, IL. Rod served his country for four years as a member of the United States Navy. He worked as an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance in the Oregon area for 40 years. Rod was very active in many different

JAMES “RON” HARVEY

Born: March 29, 1931 in Loves Park, IL

Died: September 13, 2023 in Sterling, IL

James “Ron” R. Harvey, 92, of Dixon, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling, Illinois. Ron was born March 29, 1931, in Loves Park, Illinois, the son of Paul M. and Pearl A. (Anderson) Harvey. Ron married the love of his life Janice Calkins on October 2, 1955 in Rock Falls. Together they celebrated over 68 years of marriage. Ron worked for Northern Illinois Gas for over 35 years. After retirement he raised black angus cows outside of Polo in the Pine Creek area. He and Janice were members of the Coleta United Brethren Church.

NAOMI R. MILLER

Born: June 22, 1927 in Forreston, IL

Died: September 10, 2023 in Mt. Morris, IL

Naomi Ruth Miller, 96 of Mt. Morris, formerly of Polo, passed away Sunday, September, 10, 2023, at Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris.

Naomi was born June 22, 1927, in Forreston, Illinois, the daughter of Orville and Mabel (Paul) Garber. On August 5, 1948 in Polo, she married Mr. Kenneth Miller. Naomi worked at the Northwestern Telephone Office in Polo before starting her work at Kable Printing. After work she would substitute bus driver for Polo School District. When she retired from Kable at the age of 65 she went to work for Daws Drug, Charleys Pharmacy and Snyders Drug delivering medicine. Naomi enjoyed playing 42 dominos with friends back in her younger years. She was a member of the Faith United Methodist

social and charitable organizations in the area which included the Jaycees, of which he was an active member, the Black hawk Snowmobile club and the Mt. Morris Boat Club. He loved to spend time going to his cabin in Wisconsin. He is preceded in death by his parents, uncle, grandchild, and beloved dog Scotty.

He is survived and missed by his loving wife Carol of Oregon, IL; daughter Pamala (John) White of Mesa, AZ; sons Randy (Roxy) Daniels of Oregon, IL and Jeffery (Kathy Burri) Daniels of Mesa, AZ; brother Tom (Ann) Daniels of Waukesha, WI; 5 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Service details will be released at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Oregon VFW or Village of Progress.

Survivors include wife Janice; daughter Cayla (Jen Holloway) Harvey of Sterling; son Tim (Tracy) Harvey of Mt. Morris; 6 grandchildren, Chad (Bethany) Harvey, Jared (Kelsey) Harvey, Ashley Harvey, Jessica (Abhishek) Kumar, Steven (Kelly) Wolbert and Elizabeth (Ben) Spychala; 11 Great Grandchildren, 2 on the way.

He was preceded in death by Parents; infant daughter Beth Ann; brothers Paul and Richard.

The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St. A memorial visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling immediately following services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hope Life of Sterling or Rock River Hospice and Home, Sterling

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Church for over 60 years and was on the board of the Polo Area Senior Center years back. Naomi loved her flower garden, pets, shopping and of course spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Survivors include sister Dorothy Springer of Polo and sister-in-laws Hazel Dorsey and Carole Miller; many Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny; brother Harold Garber; sister-in-laws Gladys Haring, Alice Brown and Mary Garber; brother-in-laws Russell Dorsey, Leonard Miller, Paul Brown, Earl Haring and Jack Springer; niece Shelly Dorsey .

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Faith United Methodist Church, 702 E. Dixon St., Polo. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately following the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden in Dixon.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established Faith United Methodist Church or Polo Area Senior Center . Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Safranek’s defense attorneys ask for another continuance in case of 7-year-old’s death, pending medical review and DCFS report

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Defense attorneys for an Oregon woman accused of killing her 7-year-old son in 2021 have been granted another continuance as they wait for a written medical review of their client’s mental health and Department of Children and Family Services records.

Sarah Safranek, 36, appeared via video conference from the Ogle County Correctional Center on Sept. 13 as her attorneys, Ogle County public defenders Kathryn Isley and Michael O’Brien, along with Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten, appeared before Judge John Redington for a status hearing.

Isley and O’Brien told Redington they had yet to receive reports from DCFS, as well as a written report from court-appointed expert Dr. Jayne Bra-

den, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Sycamore who recently reviewed Safranek’s history of “mental health issues.”

“We have spoken to Dr. Braden, but we do not have a written report,” Isley said in asking for a continuance.

Redington agreed to continue the hearing to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Leisten did not object to the continuance.

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

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

Palatine man is headed back to court on murder, arson charges

Attorney asks for continuance to sort through 2,500 pages of discovery

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A Palatine man is scheduled to appear in Ogle County Court again Oct. 25 on charges that he fatally stabbed a Rochelle woman and set her apartment on fire in an attempt to conceal her death in September 2022.

Gary C. Freeman, 28, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, one count of residential arson and one count of concealment of a homicide.

He is charged in connection with the death of Devin K. Gibbons, 28, of Rochelle.

Freeman, who is being held in the Ogle County Correctional Center on $10 million bond, appeared in Ogle County Court on Sept. 13, represented by defense attorney Robert Kerr, who appeared remotely through a video conference.

Kerr said he had received most of

the requested discovery documents provided by prosecutors, but needed more time to review the state’s evidence, which included “over 2,500 pages.”

Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley did not object to the continuance.

Judge John Redington set Freeman’s next hearing for 1 p.m. Oct. 25. Gibbons was found dead in her Rochelle apartment at 503 Seventh Ave. after Rochelle police and firefighters were dispatched to that address at 10:46 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, for a smoke investigation, according to a joint news release from the Rochelle Police Department and Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock.

“Upon entry into the residence, fire personnel located a deceased female,” according to the release.

“The fire was deemed suspicious and additional investigators arrived on scene.”

Freeman was developed as a suspect during the course of the investigation, according to the release.

Rock submitted the case Feb. 28 to an Ogle County grand jury, which indicted Freeman. An arrest warrant was issued Feb. 28 and Freeman was apprehended in Palatine.

that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

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

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

According to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Department of Children and Family Services had visited the Safranek/ Burton household about a dozen times over two years, following up on five reports of suspected abuse and neglect.

Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing.

Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced.

Jury trial set for Byron man accused in New Year’s Eve incident in Forreston

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An October jury trial has been scheduled for a Byron man accused of hitting one person with his car and stabbing another on New Year’s Eve.

with reaching what he described as “hostile” witnesses.

Redington said he would leave the pretrial date at Oct. 11 and the jury trial for Oct. 17-18.

Jones pleaded not guilty to all charges in January after a preliminary hearing at which Ogle County Patrol Deputy Matthew Gendusa said he responded to an altercation at 10:40 p.m. Dec. 31 where – it was reported –one person had been stabbed and another was hit by a vehicle.

Jeremy G. Jones

Jeremy G. Jones, 42, of Byron, and his attorney, William Gibbs, appeared before Judge John Redington on Sept. 13 for a pretrial conference on felony charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The charges stem from a Dec. 31, 2022, incident in the 200 block of Route 26 in downtown Forreston.

Jones’ jury trial is scheduled for Oct 17-18 with a final pretrial conference set for Oct. 11.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told the court Sept. 13 that the state was entering a motion to dismiss the aggravated battery causing great bodily harm charge, leaving the two remaining felony charges for the trial.

Gibbs asked Redington for a continuance of the Oct. 11 pretrial conference because he was having “a problem”

Gendusa said a female driver told him she was driving her truck on Route 26 when a sedan began tailgating her near Forreston. He said the woman told him she “brake checked” three times before pulling the vehicle into a parking lot at Josh’s Saloon.

A male passenger in her truck exited the vehicle and approached the sedan, exchanging words with the driver, who was identified as Jones. The man told Gendusa that Jones sped up and hit him, prompting the woman to try to stop the vehicle by grabbing at the driver’s side window.

Gendusa said he later learned that the woman had suffered a stab wound in the shoulder that required stitches at Freeport Hospital. Gendusa also said he was told the man had suffered a concussion after falling down when he was struck by the sedan.

Earleen Hinton file photo Sarah Safranek enters an Ogle County courtroom Aug. 23 for a status hearing. She is charged with killing her 7-year-old son Nathaniel.

Gary C. Freeman

Here’s a bit more on Eagle Point and its history

The pitter-patter of rain on the roof is a good sound and most things in the ground need a good drink of water. Weeds seem to be the only thing flourishing these past few weeks. My new grass by the new road needs water, so maybe we will have a green fall if the rains have arrived.

Eagle Point had quite a bit going on besides the circus I wrote about a while back. So maybe we need to go back to the beginning. I am going back to a previous column I did on Oct. 21, 2015, in the Tri-County Press. I wrote, “In the Sept. 18, 1869, Ogle County Press newspaper was the article that stated the board of supervisors at their meeting this week erected a new town from the half township west of Buffalo. It is called Eagle Point.”

This was the beginning of Eagle Point as a town.

The town’s name came from a nest of an eagle in the area of Eagle Point School, which was built in 1854. The school is no longer standing.

Before it officially was a town, there was much going on in the area. People came as early as 1831, with some staying and some leaving.

The Spencer family was busy with inventions such as a threshing

Betty Obendorf

machine, steam engine and the gang plow with their factory on our property. One still can see the sign telling all about it.

Mason Crary arrived in 1848 and he had the store and started the post office. Crary eventually had a tanning leather business. He made coats and mittens from sheepskin. No sewing machines, so all was made by hand in the stone building that stood on the land between Dr. McPherson’s house and the post office and store.

Henry Elsey eventually operated the store and the post office, which still is seen today on the property of Lyle and Melody Reap. Lyle one day took off a board and found a mail slot underneath that had been covered up for many years. What a find.

In Eagle Point was another business that belonged to Michael Ayers. He sold chairs, spinning wheels, wooden rakes and grain cradles. We have a wooden rake at the museum and maybe it came from Eagle Point. I

do not know.

There were two blacksmith shops and John Anderson up the road north had a business of repairing wagons. Where he lived was known as “Campsie Farm.” We have articles from the John Anderson family at the museum.

In 1852, the Rev. Jeremiah Kenoyer started a church that was active for several years. A small cemetery still is there and our children mowed it for many years. The church closed, but the building was moved down the road to Hazelhurst in 1922, according

to an article in the TCP, to become a town hall.

Many activities went on in that town hall. I remember being there for many different kinds of parties. We had our chivaree party in that old church/town hall after we were married in 1951.

Those were the good old days in Eagle Point.

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

Some information about our home planet Earth

By OTTO DICK

While researching the location of Oregon on our planet, I discovered I needed to learn more about our solar system and Earth.

The name Earth simply means “The Ground.”

We are located 93 million miles from the sun.

3.5 billion years ago, all the lands on Earth were connected in a Supercontinent. Earth is about 3.5 billion years old.

Much later, Earth was covered with glaciers, which geologists call the Cryogeman Ice Age.

We are kept in an orbit of the sun

Oregon Park District is topic at ‘Those Were the Days’ Sept. 30

The history of the award-winning Oregon Park District will be the subject of the Oregon Depot’s “Those Were the Days” program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept 30.

The story of the park district’s timeline

along with seven other planets. The large mass of the sun keeps Earth in orbit with the force of gravity. Earth makes a complete orbit around the sun in 365 days.

We are the only planet in the solar system inhabited by living things. Earth is slightly larger than Venus and the only planet with liquid water on the surface. Most of Earth is covered with water.

We are the third planet in orbit from the sun. All four planets closest to the sun are mainly composed of rocks and metals. The four planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

The air we breathe is 89% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other ingredients.

will feature former board members Chris Martin and Beth Simeone, 32-year board member Steve Pennock and Oregon Park District Director Erin Folk.

The park district was formed in December 1966.

In August 1984, the park board

The surface of earth is 196,940,000 square miles. Land covers 57,510,000 square miles (29.2%) with the rest water. (70.8%)

Earth rotates on its own axis, producing a 24-hour day as different parts of the planet face the sun.

The only satellite circulating the Earth is the moon. The moon reflects light from the sun. The moon is onefourth the size of Earth with an average distance of 238,855 miles from Earth.

Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969. Two of our streets near the Oregon Depot are named after Armstrong and Aldrin.

unanimously approved construction of an indoor recreation facility at the site of the former Nash school on South Fifth Street.

On Dec. 30, 1985, the Nash Recreation Center officially opened.

The Oregon Park District manages

There are 8,036 births each day on Earth and deaths average 5,811. It is estimated that 117 billion humans have lived on Earth.

Today, 8.1 billion humans are living on Earth.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 demonstrating support for environmental protection. The event started in 1970.

Next week I cover latitude and longitude, giving the latitude and longitude of Oregon, Illinois.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years. Some information for this article came from Wikipedia.

more than 140 acres of park land at 10 locations in the Oregon area.

The Oregon Depot is located at 400 Collins St. For more information on Oregon Depot programs, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, Otto Dick at 815-4400639 or Chris Martin 815-742-8471.

Photo provided by Betty Obendorf This photo shows a woman mowing the lawn by the Eagle Point grocery store/post office around 1900. The structure with the X on its roof was the grocery store owned by Henry Elsey and his son, Allen.

Bison, birds, plants all part of Autumn on the Prairie

Bison herd one of Nachusa Grasslands’ main attractions

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

FRANKLIN GROVE – A little morning rain didn’t stop the Nachusa Grasslands from showcasing its flora and fauna Saturday. In fact, the biggest residents of the 4,100-acre site seemed to bask in it.

“The rain was good,” Deputy Director Cody Considine said. “We could use some more.”

Considine was one of several Grasslands officials and volunteers who helped direct about 800 visitors to tours and tents during the annual Autumn on the Prairie event.

A dozen guided hiking tours with chances to see autumn wildflowers, grassland birds and dragonflies complemented a “Discovery Tent,” where kids could see aspects of the prairie ecosystem and touch hides and seed pods.

A live birds of prey display, offered by the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education, also gave visitors an opportunity to see owls, falcons and hawks up close.

But the big draw was the prairie’s biggest resident: bison.

“We have around 100 or so this year, with I think about 30 calves,” one of the volunteer guides said as he led a trailer full of visitors out on the prairie. “We’re lucky today. The herd is right here and been staying here for awhile. Look at that big bull there. He probably weighs around 1,700 pounds.”

With a little encouragement from edible treats, half of the herd – including bulls, cows and their calves –politely watched as a steady stream of tractors and trucks pulled the trailers past them about 250 yards west of the visitor center.

“It was really nice,” said Annalyce Harris, 10, of Rochelle after she completed one of the tours with her family. “There were a lot of little ones.”

The Kruis family of Wauconda took a bison tour and then stopped at the Discovery Tent, where Gwen, 3, had a lot of questions for Friends of Nachusa Grasslands volunteer Heather Herakovich.

“Why is this so big?” Gwen said as she pointed to a long seed pod from one of the prairie plants.

“Why are they so small?” she said, pointing to a display of a mouse, vole and shrew.

Herakovich explained how each prairie plant and animal adds to the diversity of the native ecosystem.

“We saw the bison, too,” said Gwen’s dad, Mark Kruis, a biologist who once worked at the Grasslands. “They were right next to the trail. They weren’t

here when I was here.”

At the birds of prey tent, Lily Delacruz, 6, of West Dundee was having a staredown with Athena, a great horned owl, and Twilight, a barred owl.

“One of them just blinked their eyes,” Lily said as her grandmother chuckled.

Brantley Chisamore, 2, of Rochelle, gave a resounding “Oh, yeah” when asked if he liked the bison.

“They were eating grass,” he said as he checked out one of the static displays with his brothers Easton, 5, and Wyatt, 4, at the visitor center.

The 4,100-acre Nachusa Grasslands is owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy.

The Friends of Nachusa Grasslands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 by volunteers dedicated to providing for the long–term care and management of the grasslands.

“It consists of large remnant prairie, woodlands and wetlands being reconnected through habitat restoration to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois,” according to the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands website. “Working hand in hand with conservancy staff, a dynamic community of volunteer stewards collect and plant seeds, manage invasive species, repair wetlands and conduct controlled burns in order to preserve, protect and share this precious endan-

gered ecosystem.” Autumn on the Prairie takes place on the third Saturday in September.

LEFT: Gwen Kruis, 3, of Wauconda, takes a close look at some of the prairie animals as she visits the Discovery Tent with her mom, Noreen, dad, Mark, and brother, Warren, on Sept. 16 at the Nachusa Grassland’s Autumn on the Prairie. BELOW

LEFT: Brittany Chisamore of Rochelle checks out an interactive display with two of her sons, Easton, 5, and Wyatt, 4, at the Visitor Center during the Nachusa Grassland’s Autumn on the Prairie on Sept. 16.

Next year’s date is Sept. 21, 2024. For information, visit www. nachusagrasslands.org.

Mark Herman of Oregon was one of the guides on the bison tours offered during the Nachusa Grassland’s Autumn on the Prairie on Sept. 16.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

In Loving Memory of Robin (Rob) Daniel Hanke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rob Daniel Hanke on September 11, 2023. He leaves behind his wife, Lora Hanke, his children, Waylon Hanke, Katlyn Reber, and Issac Reber, his father Neel (Pawpaw) Hanke, his mother Barbara Woodworth Brown, his brother Randy (Danielle) Hanke, his sister Casey (Jerry) Deel, his father and mother-inlaw, John and Sue Wieland, several nieces

JOAN ‘PEGGY’ JANSSEN

Born: May 15, 1932

Died: September 15, 2023

OREGON – Joan

“Peggy” Janssen passed away September 15th, 2023 at Meadows of Franklin Grove nursing home. She was born May 15th, 1932 to parents Erma and Charles Wagner in Byron, IL. She graduated from high school in 1951 and married the love of her life Alan Janssen on June 10th, 1951. She grew to totally love children and raised two of her own, Brenda and Steve. She later became a devoted babysitter to many, many extended family members.

and nephews, many cousins, a goddaughter, Courtney Barcai, numerous friends and hunting buddies, and his sweet pup, Maggie. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Marshall and Loraine Woodworth and Earl and Cornelia Hanke.

Rob was part of the Oregon High School graduating class of 1990. He entered the workforce after graduation at Alpha Omega. Following his time there, he joined the Laborers’ Local 32 where he embarked on his lasting career at Northern Pipeline. While all who knew Rob recognized his incredible work effort, he was so much more. He was a neighbor, mentor, teacher, hunter, fisherman, sports fan, American patriot, and fierce friend. While never a Boy Scout, he was ALWAYS PREPARED. He always carried a knife in his pocket and was prepared to fix

She loved to sew, making many beautiful little dresses for her daughter all the way up through her high school age. She was a creative person, reading children’s books to children while babysitting, was wonderful at crafts, artwork, etc., etc.

Joan worked at the Mt. Morris Theater, Kable Printing, Oregon Bakery, Kysor of Byron and Atwood Industries.

The family loved travel, taking many exciting road trips all over the U.S and Canada. She went to Hawaii 11 times, attending Luaus, staying in beautiful hotels and of course shopping. She loved shopping with her daughter and her sisters, who could out walk and out shop most anybody, going to shopping malls all over Illinois and Wisconsin and even Florida and Hawaii. They would wear the same outfits and model them to church and family reunions.

any problem or help a neighbor. There was no task he was unwilling to tackle.

He shared his love of the outdoors with everyone he met, especially the younger generation. He taught many kids how to kayak the right way and float the “crick,” how to clean a fish, how to hunt, or how to ride bikes and ATVs.

Although Rob worked diligently, he also loved to play. He was a passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. He never got tired of throwing the biggest stick for Maggie to play fetch. Let’s not forget that no 4th of July party would have been complete without Rob blasting Neil Diamond tunes. He loved cranking up the music and hosting his friends at his home. He was a gracious and welcoming host to anyone he met.

She was a fantastic cook, knowing how to make a good home, cooking meals for a king with deserts like Peach pie with ice cream and zucchini bread and cake that was blue ribbon quality. She made plenty of chocolate chip oatmeal yummies and cowboy cookies for “her children” that she babysat that were absolutely delicious!

She was very down to earth, honest and trustworthy. She was so cute and precious. Her soul was good and she was strong willed. If you ever needed someone to stick up for you, she was right in there fighting. She later became a gentle, loving and kind lady, always there for you when you needed her. She mellowed with age but kept her beauty in more ways than one.

Joan is survived by her two sisters, Shirley (Palmer) and Beverly Snyder, her son and daughter Steve and Brenda, Oregon, IL, her

Perhaps though his proudest role was that of father. Whether he was driving around to countless wrestling matches, cheering for the kids from the stands, or spending time with them outdoors, he loved the role of being a dad. He was truly proud of the young adults they have become.

As we mourn the loss of Rob, let us remember him for the love, warmth, and light he brought into our lives. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Remember to carry forward his spirit of community, patriotism, and love for the outdoors. Visitation will take place on Friday September 22, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. in Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 764 North Stillman Road, Oregon, IL, 61061. A prayer service and reflection will take place at 6:30 P.M.

grandchildren Stacy (Barber), Tracy Janssen, Chelsy (Jones), and Kelsy Janssen, and great grandchildren Kasmyn Barber, Zadie Barber, and Zoey Barber, Ella Jones and Nora Jones. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alan Janssen, her parents, Erma and Charles Wagner, her brothers Charles Jr, Richard, Bill, and Jerry Wagner; her sisters Patricia Carpenter, Dorothy Capes.

Funeral service and visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20th at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris, IL, 405 E Hitt St., Rev. Michael Hoffman officiating. Visitation 10:00 AM, service 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Morris, IL., 1/4 mile west of Mt. Morris on Highway No. 64. Lunch at Church of God, 860 W Oregon Trail Rd., Oregon.

Project Humane Polo focused on helping community cats

TNVR group seeking homes for Calliope, who was abandoned, and 2 of her kittens

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – It was early April when Project Humane Polo was alerted to a cat roaming around one of the city’s neighborhoods, meowing at doors.

“Some people were feeding her. Some people were mad that she was there,” said Ashley Rinehart, a co-founder of Project Humane Polo. “This whole neighborhood was in, like, an uproar.”

After talking to some residents, one person was able to hold on to the cat – a 2-year-old tuxedo now named Calliope –until Rinehart arrived to take her.

“My intention was to get her, put her up here [in my foster room] and find out if she belongs to somebody because we never just take a cat and do everything without trying to find out who they belong to,” Rinehart said.

Project Humane Polo doesn’t deal with owned pets in any way and it goes to great lengths to make sure cats it picks up are unowned, she said.

After spreading pictures of Calliope on social media, Project Humane Polo got confirmation that her former owner no longer wanted her, Rinehart said. The plan then became to foster Calliope until a new home was found, she said.

Founded in August 2020 by Rinehart, Cheryl Galor and Pam Shore, Project Humane Polo uses a process known as trap-neuter-return or trap-neuter-vaccinate-return – TNR or TNVR for short. It involves trapping, sterilizing and vaccinating community cats before returning them to the area where they were picked up.

It’s a process Project Humane Polo has gone through with more than 100 cats so far, Rinehart said. Additionally, they’ve fostered and homed about 60 cats and kittens.

“That wasn’t our normal intentions, but we kind of took a veer off into [fostering],” Rinehart said. “We’ve made a lot of people happy, a lot of kittens happy, a lot of cats happy with adoptions.”

Rinehart, Galor and Shore created Project Humane Polo in response to an ordinance passed by City Council members July 6, 2020.

The ordinance introduced fines for feeding cats outdoors and limited the number of animals that can be “owned” to four. It also changed the definition of the word “owner” to include a person “harboring or keeping any animal.”

Feeding or sheltering an animal for three or more consecutive days constitutes harboring an animal, according to the ordinance.

“People had some not-so-humane solutions to [Polo’s community cat population] and we wanted to be a humane solution,” Rinehart said. “We wanted to improve the lives of the cats, as well as improve the lives of citizens of Polo.”

Stray cats are socialized – meaning friendly toward humans – whereas feral cats are not, according to the website of Alley Cat Allies, an advocacy organization headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Laws regarding feral and stray cats differ from municipality to municipality, which is why Project Humane Polo works only within Polo, Rinehart said.

“We’re three women trying to do the best we can for the kitties,” she said.

The plan to find Calliope a new home changed when they took her to be spayed and discovered she was pregnant, Rinehart said.

On June 6, Calliope gave birth to six healthy kittens: Opie, Onyx, Otis, Octavia, Odette and Olivia.

“She was an amazing mom. Awesome mom,” Rinehart said. “Everything was smooth sailing up until July 4.”

Calliope had to be rushed to an emergency animal clinic in Rockford, where she ended up staying for a few days, Rinehart said. Tests later revealed that she had toxoplasmosis.

ABOVE: Calliope, a 2-year-old tuxedo cat, is up for adoption from Project Humane Polo. LEFT: Ashley Rinehart, co-founder of Project Humane Polo, hugs Calliope.

way I was going to let her die.”

Today, Calliope loves playing with her toy snake, cuddling and lying in the sunshine, Rinehart said. She’s very earnest, adaptable and not skittish.

After everything, Rinehart wanted to adopt Calliope herself, she said, but it turned out that Calliope doesn’t get along well with other animals. Calliope is great with kids but needs a home without dogs or other cats, said Rinehart, who already has a few cats.

Project Humane Polo is focused on finding Calliope and her two unadopted kittens – Onyx and Odette – their forever homes, Rinehart said. All three are sterilized and up to date on their shots, she said.

“We can’t foster more cats until the kittens and Calliope are adopted,” she said.

Project Humane Polo is a TNVR group first and foremost, not a shelter, Rinehart said. Its limited space, combined with the fact that it doesn’t mix different groups of cats within that space, means it can’t care for any others until Calliope, Onyx and Odette are adopted, Rinehart said.

People have to fill out an application to adopt from Project Humane Polo and there is an $80 adoption fee, Rinehart said. However, the animals come fixed, vaccinated and microchipped and all medical care up until that point is covered.

Toxoplasmosis is a common infection caused by a parasite that usually is fought off by the immune system without any symptoms appearing, according to WebMD.com. However, people or animals who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems can have more serious cases.

Infections usually last a few weeks and most humans and animals become immune afterward, according to the website.

Calliope and her babies had to be separated – she was too weak to feed them and they couldn’t risk the kittens getting sick, Rinehart said. The sudden separation, however, led to Calliope also getting mastitis because her milk had nowhere to go, Rinehart said.

“Eventually, with the right antibiotics, she rallied and got much better,” Rinehart said. “She’s been toxoplasmosis-free since the end of July and her mastitis is completely cleared up. … Now, she’s 100% healthy.”

Rinehart extended a giant thank you to all those who donated to help cover Calliope’s vet costs, which totaled about $2,500.

“We were able to fund it through all of our donations and we are so thankful to people,” she said. “I would have put myself into debt because there’s no

Project Humane Polo typically spends about $300 to $350 on each cat’s medical care before adoption, she said.

The application is similar to what one would see at a shelter, Rinehart said. It asks questions such as the number of people in the household, whether the home is rented or owned – renters have to provide a letter from their landlord noting they’re allowed to have animals – veterinarian and character references, whether other pets are up to date on their shots, if there are plans to declaw the cats and more.

Project Humane Polo does not allow people who plan to declaw to adopt from them, Rinehart said. They also require that the cats be kept as indoor animals and that owners not allow them to freely wander outdoors.

Once an applicant and their references speak to Rinehart, Galor or Shore, they’ll set up a meet-and-greet with the cat, Rinehart said. If all goes well at the meet-and-greet, a time will be set for the new owner to pick up the cat after it has been fixed, she said.

Rinehart said that someone would have a good shot at being able to adopt “if your household is going to be safe and loving and accommodating to a kitty.”

Call Project Humane Polo at 815-6276508, email projecthumanepolo@gmail. com or visit its Facebook page.

Photos by Alexa Zoellner

Amazing comeback by Polo against Cambridge

It was off the high school beat and on to NIU football at Nebraska last week. Before getting into that experience, the amazing comeback by Polo’s football team against Cambridge (Ridgewood) needs to be discussed.

Talk about the odds being stacked against you. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Marcos trailed by 16. They did manage a touchdown, but missed the critical 2-point conversion.

OK, they did manage another TD to pull to within a couple of points, but Cambridge recovered an onside kick and needed only to run the clock out. As I listened to the radio broadcast by Joe Meridian and John Glavin, they felt Polo had a 1% chance to win.

Totally in agreement on those odds.

But after running for a first down, a Ridgewood ball carrier fumbled and the Marcos recovered.

All the Ridgewood player needed to do was fall down after the first down and the game was over. Instead, the fortuitous bounce went Polo’s way and there was a chance to pull out a miracle win.

And that’s what happened. A hothanded Carter Merdian found Noah Dewey for a long touchdown pass and Ridgewwod was in stunned disbelief. A totally unbelievable outcome.

Andy Colbert

Meridian went 7-for-7 in the fourth quarter for 218 yards and four TDs. Brock Soltow caught the other three scores before Dewey’s grab.

Bear in mind, this was against the No. 4 team in 8-man football, a team that controlled things until the fateful fourth quarter. Somehow, the Marcos got it done and until another area team pulls off such a remarkable feat, this will be the comeback of the year.

Credit to play-by-play announcer Joe Meridian, Carter’s dad, for managing to contain his personal excitement over his son’s performance and instead go nuts over the team effort. As a parent, that is hard to do with such a close emotional involvement with your kid. Glavin gave Carter the game MVP award.

Compare what went on at Cambridge to what I saw at Memorial Stadium in Nebraska with 86,000 fans. I honestly think I would have enjoyed the 8-man game more.

With the transfer portal, NIL deals, conference realignments, exorbitant

coaching salaries and skyrocketing TV deals, college football has never been more out of control. At the same time, it is as popular as ever.

The once proud Nebraska team has been down for several years. Don’t tell that to rabid fans who show up in masses to watch their beloved team.

I really believe there is an indoctrination process that occurs when students go off to a big-time football school such as Nebraska. Watching the band march down the streets leading to the stadium, I could see it in their eyes, a sort of blind allegiance.

By the way, bands don’t get enough credit for what they bring to the grid experience. Playing football in high school, I never appreciated what our very talented 216-member band did.

My ego told me it was all about the game itself, not pregame or halftime entertainment. How wrong I was, but thankfully I’ve come to respect bands everywhere.

In fact, I wish college halftime performances were televised instead of showing football updates.

As a Northern Illinois University alum, I had a rooting interest in the Huskies over Nebraksa, but never got into the game as much as I do when I watch an area high school game.

Maybe those of us from lower-level college teams such as NIU don’t feel that indoctrination process as much. In college football, there are certainly the haves and have-nots.

I did catch NIU football fever in 2013 when the Huskies went to the Orange Bowl and became one of the haves for a season. It’s intoxicating and that glory is the reason schools sell their soul to TV (which now controls college football) to reach the big time.

The trade-off is TV viewers being subject to a nonstop barrage of commercials in a game.

Games that used to be done in less than three hours now last up to four hours because of excessive advertising. It ruins the flow of the game and bores us to death.

College football has become an unleashed monster on the loose and we still like it. That is the power of what many feel is the greatest game ever invented.

Football is special, but give me a seat at Cambridge to watch 8-man instead of a seat to watch the Cornhuskers and Huskies.

• Andy Colbert has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 30 years.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Oregon, Forreston, Polo all post victories

By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com

Oregon 27, Winnebago 6: The Hawks scored a touchdown in every quarter en route to a Big Northern Conference win over the Indians.

Logan Weems rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries to lead the Oregon offense. Jack Washburn went 6-for-16 passing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His top target was Griffin Marlatt, who caught three passes for 98 yards. Washburn threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Bartel and a 27-yard touchdown pass to Josh Crandall.

Forreston 34, Eastland-Pearl City 20: Owen Mulder rushed for 88 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries to lead the Cardinals past the Wildcatz in an NUIC matchup.

Alex Ryia added 57 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries for Forreston. His touchdown run was a 40-yarder. Brady Gill had a 45-yard touchdown run for the Cardinals.

Leading rushers for Eastland-Pearl City were Jaxsyn Kempel with 93 yards on 11 carries, Draven Zier with 58 yards

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and a touchdown on 11 carries and Adam Awender with a 47-yard touchdown run. Jackson Corbin had a 5-yard touchdown run for the Wildcatz.

Illinois 8-Man Football Association

Polo 48, Ridgewood 44: A 58-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Carter Merdian to Noah Dewey lifted

the Marcos past the Spartans.

Merdian had a prolific night through the air, finishing 15-for-23 passing for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Polo teammate Brock Soltow amassed more than 350 yards of offense and five touchdowns. Soltow caught 11 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns (22, 77 and 20 yards), rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown (70 yards) on 17 carries and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Billy Lowry. Dewey finished with four receptions for 93 yards, including the 58-yard touchdown, and also had a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Oregon’s Logan Weems runs for a gain against Winnebago on Sept. 15.

ABOVE RIGHT: Oregon’s Hunter Bartel (5) tackles Winnebago’s Myles Smith.

Fulton pulls away for win over Polo in NUIC South

By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local correspondent

Once Fulton got its offense rolling, there wasn’t much Polo could do to slow it down.

After tight starts to each set in the NUIC South match Sept. 14, the Steamers pulled away in both for a 25-16, 25-15 win over the host Marcos.

“I think the confidence goes though the roof with the players we have out there. With a little bit of humbleness, it’s a deadly combo,” senior middle Ava Bowen said. “It’s just being confident and having fun.”

Polo (5-6, 2-1 NUIC South) led 3-2 in each set, but Fulton (9-1, 3-0) took over from there.

An ace by Kali Brewer and kills by Olivia Knott and Annaka Hackett made it 11-5 in the first set and then Brooklyn Brennan had a block and a kill on back-to-back points for an 18-9 lead. Hackett had three kills and a block in the final five points for Fulton.

She credited the Steamers’ back row as making the difference in this match.

“Passing is always the first step, 100%. To hit a middle ball, you have to have a good pass first so you can get set up. The

first pass always has to be good to run that offense,” said Hackett, who had nine kills, two blocks and four digs. “When there’s a good pass, the middles are so thankful.”

Playing without their usual

second setter, the Steamers didn’t miss a beat. Brewer, a junior, stepped in for senior Miraya Pessman, who is dealing with a leg injury, and finished with seven assists, two kills, five digs, a block and an ace.

Brewer was the setter for the sophomore team last year but moved to DS at the beginning of the season.

“One of our setters is out, so we had a backup setter and she did a really good job adjusting to all of our different hits,” Hackett said. “She definitely stepped up and out of her comfort zone. She used to set, but she hasn’t done it for a while, but she did really well coming back.”

“The key to getting everyone involved is having good communication,” Bowen said. “Kali, she didn’t set previously this year and she came in and did a great job filling in and just communicating, being on good terms, letting everyone know where they’re hitting.”

Kills by Knott and Hackett and two spikes by Brennan helped Fulton open an 11-5 lead in the second set. A kill by Courtney Grobe and an ace by Ellie Wells cut the Polo deficit to 13-10, but a kill and back-toback blocks by Bowen, then a kill by Brewer pushed the Steamers lead back to 17-10.

Hackett and Haley Smither had kills around a pair of Reese Dykstra aces, and Hackett again finished off the set and match with a final kill.

Brennan had 13 assists, five digs, three kills and a block, and libero Resse Germann chipped in nine digs for Fulton.

“Our passing was really on tonight. We’ve been working hard at practice and it really paid off. We were able to set our middles a lot more,” Brennan said. “We have a lot of strong hitters and it’s really nice as a setter. Even if I have an off set, they’re able to get the ball and still get a kill from it. I’m just able to rely on them a lot.”

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: FULTON DEF. POLO 25-16, 25-15

Alex T. Paschal

Polo’s Courtney Grobe plays the ball against Fulton on Sept. 14 in Polo.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Volleyball

Rockford Christian 2, Oregon 0: At Oregon, the Royal Lions defeated the Hawks 25-20, 25-13.

Oregon was led by Kenna Wubbena with seven kills and six digs and Lexi Ebert and Madi Shaffer with seven digs apiece. Ebert dished 10 assists.

Erie-Prophetstown Tournament: At Erie, Polo finished 2-4 in the event for fourth place. The Marcos picked up wins over Pearl City and Indian Creek, but suffered losses to Erie-Prophetstown, Pearl City, Marengo and East Dubuque.

Bridget Call totaled 38 kills and 60 digs, Camrynn Jones had 30 kills and 43 assists, and Madison Glawe had 48 digs and five aces.

Forreston 2, Ashton-Franklin Center 0: At Forreston, the Cardinals topped the Raiders 25-21, 25-12.

Leaders for Forreston were Jaiden Schneiderman with 16 kills and two aces, Ennen Ferris with 17 assists and three aces and Letrese Buisker with three blocks.

Ashton-Franklin Center was led by Audree Dorn with 10 digs, Mallory Coffman with four aces and Taylor Jahn with five kills.

Boys golf

Rockford Christian 167, Oregon 190: At Silver Ridge Golf Course, the Royal Lions defeated the Hawks in a Big Northern Conference dual meet.

Kylar Early and Nole Campos shot 46s to lead Oregon. Jackson Messenger and Dom Terlikowski chipped in 49s.

Rockford Christian’s Luke Frazier was the medalist with a 37.

Teammate Brady Kneller was the

runner-up with a 42.

Oregon Wessels Invite: At Oregon, Byron won the team title with a 316 score, followed by Dixon (325), Forreston (340), Oregon (370), Yorkville (370) and Erie-Prophetstown (403).

Dixon’s Alex Harrison carded a tournament-best 74 to earn medalist honors. Mason Weigle shot 78 for the Dukes, followed by Steven Kitzman and Davis Baker with 81s.

Nole Campos’ 87 led Oregon. Kendall Erdmann and Daylen Rahn each shot 85s for Forreston.

Forreston wins triangular: Kendall Erdmann led the Cardinals with a 41 as Forreston won a triangular with Pearl City/Lena Winslow and Durand/Pecatonica.

Darin Greenfield shot a 42 and Kaden Ganz and Daylen Rahn each had 45s as the Cardinals scored 173 to their opponents’ 201 and 222.

Girls golf

Oregon 227, Rockford Christian 238: At Silver Ridge Golf Course, the Hawks prevailed over the Royal Lions in a BNC dual meet.

Rockford Christian’s Meghan Lynch shot a 52 for medalist honors.

Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt and Aniyah Sarver were runners-up with 54s. Toni Withers tallied a 56 and Emma Schlichtmann added a 63.

Soccer

Oregon 4, Princeton 1: Four Hawks scored a goal each at Oregon Park West. Scoring were Leo Cardnas, Gavin Morrow, Keaton Salsbury and Deryk Withers. Cardenas, Morrow and Salsbury each had an assist.

Polo’s Aiden Messer chips on to the green Sept. 16 at the Salley Wessels Invitational at Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Erie-Prophetstown’s Blake Geuns watches his putt Sept. 16 at the Salley Wessels Invitational at Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris.

Sheriff’s investigation reveals ‘suspicious’ driver was just taking photos of buildings; no threat to kids

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office has determined that a person taking photos from a car near two Ogle County schools was not doing anything nefarious.

“On Tuesday [Sept. 19], the individual observed taking pictures outside Creston and Kings Elementary schools was located. Through the investigation, it was determined the subject was employed by a company to take photos of schools, restaurants and local amenities for real estate purposes throughout many communities in northern Illinois,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.

“All information has been verified and there are no additional concerns with this incident.”

The sheriff’s department received two calls from school officials in Creston and Kings on Sept. 14 of a suspicious person taking pictures from the roadway in front of the schools.

Kings Superintendent Matthew Lamb issued a statement about an incident at the school, located at 100 First St., 12 miles east of Oregon, that a black four-door Audi sedan was observed taking pictures of the school’s surroundings and the front of the building.

Lamb went outside to ask the driver to move the car and the driver

immediately drove away.

The school in Kings serves about 90 elementary and middle school students in grades K-8.

Creston Elementary School, 202 W. South St., in Creston, 6 miles east of Rochelle, also serves K-8 students in DeKalb, Lee and Ogle counties.

Graduates from both schools attend Rochelle Township High School.

After the reports, school officials across the region urged parents to discuss safety tips with their children including walking in groups and not alone, avoiding distractions such as cellphones and paying attention to surroundings.

They urged students who are

approached by a stranger to run away and seek help from others and immediately report any incident that makes a student feel uncomfortable.

Mt. Morris man remains in serious condition after crash

2 others also injured in two-vehicle collision

By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – A Mt. Morris man remains in serious condition after suffering life-threatening injuries in a

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:

Sept. 11

Dennis W. Lackey, 48, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at the intersection of Illinois Routes 64 and 251 at 6:15 p.m. He also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration.

• PALATINE MAN

Continued from page 5

The first-degree murder charges, Class M felonies, allege Freeman “knowingly stabbed” Gibbons “with the intent to kill her or do great bodily harm” and that the “murder was committed in a cold, calculated and premeditated manner, pursuant to a preconceived plan, scheme or design.”

The concealment of a homicidal death indictment, a Class 3 felony, alleges Freeman knew Gibbons “had died by homicidal means” and “knowingly concealed” her

two-vehicle crash at Mud Creek and Leaf River roads in front of Town & Country Lanes on Sept. 13.

Two other men involved also were injured, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Seth M. Todd, 31, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, was traveling south on Leaf River in a pickup truck about 11:45 a.m. when he failed to yield and struck

Lackey was taken into custody without incident, transported to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond.

Sept. 12

Theresa Mullis, 43, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at South Center and West South streets in Creston about 1:59 p.m. Mullis was

another pickup heading east on Mud Creek Road, according to the release.

The driver of the eastbound truck, John B. Wells, 38, of Mt. Morris, was flown to Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. A spokeswoman provided an update on his condition Tuesday.

Wells’ passenger, Cody M. Snyder, 23, of Forreston, was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon with serious inju -

released from the scene on an I-Bond. Her passenger, Gene Gunn, 40, of Camulet City, was arrested on an outstanding DeKalb County warrant. Gunn was given a notice to appear and released from the scene.

Kelly Yocum, 59, of Dixon, was cited for failure to reduce speed and unlawful possession of cannabis after deputies

death by leaving her body inside her apartment and then starting the fire. The residential arson charge is a Class 1 felony.

Rock said many agencies worked on the investigation, including the Rochelle Police Department, Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Red Cross, Illinois State Police Crime Scene investigators, Ogle County Coroner’s Office, Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Rockford and Chicago offices), Schaumburg Police Department, Palatine Police Department, Sterling Police Department and the Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center.

• BYRON MAN

Continued from page 5

ries, according to the release.

KSB does not provide updates on patient conditions.

Todd was taken to OSF St. Anthony Center in Rockford, where he was treated and released Sept. 14, a spokeswoman said.

The collision is under investigation and no further information was provided.

responded to a single-vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Kishwaukee and North Meridian roads about 2:55 p.m. Yocum was taken to SwedishAmerican Hospital, released on an I-Bond and given a future court date.

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

Leisten argued that Jones had a knife on his person that had a substance on it.

Witnesses told him the sedan then left the scene.

Only prosecution witnesses testify at preliminary hearings.

In closing arguments at the January hearing, Gibbs said Jones was only defending himself from “people who jumped out of their car” and started screaming at him and that “there was a woman hanging on to his car trying to attack him.”

Jones initially was arrested for attempted first-degree murder, but those charges were revised after the state’s attorney’s office reviewed reports and spoke with law enforcement. Prosecutors also dismissed charges of unlawful possession of cannabis, speeding and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Jones remains free on $50,000 bond.

Through the investigation, it was determined the subject was employed by a company to take photos of schools, restaurants and local amenities for real estate purposes.”

Brian VanVickle, Ogle County sheriff

ORDINANCE 21-04 ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING THE 1ST DAY OF JULY, 2023 AND ENDING THE 30TH DAY OF JUNE 2024

WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Polo Public Library District, of the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, has prepared or caused to be prepared a tentative form of the Annual Budget and Appropriation for said Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 and the same has been conveniently available for public inspection for at least thirty (30) days prior to final action thereon; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held as to such Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on Sept. 12, 2023, notice of which was given at least thirty (30) days prior thereto by publishing notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the Polo Public Library District; and WHEREAS, all other legal requirements have been duly complied with by the Board of Trustees of the Polo Public Library District; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE POLO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE, STATE OF ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: That the following sums, or so much thereof as by law may be authorized, be and the same are hereby budgeted, set aside and appropriated for the specified Library Purposes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; and the objects and purposes for which said appropriations are made, and the amounts thereby appropriated are as follows; to-wit:

FOR CORPORATE PURPOSES [75 ILCS 16/35-5]:

Section 4: Any unexpended balances in the General Library Fund, and Maintenance Fund appropriations will be deposited into the Special Reserve Fund pursuant to a plan in accordance with Article 40 of Chapter 75, Illinois Compiled Statutes. Section 5: The Secretary of the Polo Public Library District is hereby authorized and directed to have this Ordinance published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within this library district. Section 6: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect following its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Polo Public Library District and approved by the President thereof this 12th day of September, 2023 by recorded vote:

AYES: B. Sundman, D. Baumann, J. Schwartz, J. Faivre, K. Jones, S. Rowland, A. McWilliams

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINING: None

Oregon Police Chief Joe Brooks reports the following police activity.

Aug. 28

Gloria J. McKenzie, 78, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 1 p.m. for dog running at large. The violation occurred in the 1000 block of South Second Street.

Aug. 29

Cassie J. Varney, 31, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 3:13 p.m. for operating a vehicle while registration is suspended. The violation occurred near the 10th and Adams streets intersection.

Edward H. Hendrickson, 62, of Oregon, was arrested at 9:26 p.m. for driving while license suspended and issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle. Hendrickson was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violations occurred in the 400 block of South Second Street.

At 4:20 p.m., police took a report of a hit-and-run where within the previous 24 hours a parked 2020 Ford belonging to Michele A. Holms, 53, of Oregon, was struck by an unknown vehicle. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact the Oregon Police Department at 815-732-2162.

Aug. 30

Lynsey L. Custer, 34, of Polo, was issued a citation at 12:26 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle when registration is suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 100 block of North Third Street.

Sarah K. Washburn, 52, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 2:34 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle when registration is suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred near the intersection of Washington Street and Hastings Avenue.

At 4:45 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of West Washington and North

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Sept. 8-14

Warranty deeds

Keith M. Kilker and Kinga Hibbs to Marie Jae Clark, 12043 W. Pitt Road, Forreston, $78,000.

Nicholas Peter and Carlen Marie

Yianibas to Corey and Victoria Rau, 4441

E. Open View Drive, Byron, $390,000.

Glenn S. and Tina L. Ree to Jacob Aa and Melissa A. Ferrell, 14 N. Prospect Court, Stillman Valley, $225,000.

Jacob Aa and Melissa A. Ferrell to Heather Henderson and Erik E. and Dawn H. Meyer, 100 W. Grant St., Stillman Valley, $163,500.

Fourth streets involving a 2016 Dodge driven by William R. Ritchey, 69, of Polo, and a 2005 Chevrolet driven by Christopher L. Alaniz, 23, of Oregon. Oregon EMS transported Ritchey from the scene of the crash. Ritchey was issued citations for improper lane use, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

At 11:44 p.m., police took a 14-year-old male juvenile of Mt. Morris into limited custody as he was reported as a runaway. The juvenile was released into a guardian’s custody.

Aug. 31

Dillon J. Jeter, 25, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 4:05 a.m. for speeding 72 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 1200 block of South Illinois Route 2.

Chad E. Veitc, 32, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 12:27 p.m. for violating the grass/weeds ordinance in the 200 block of Jefferson Street.

Robert Dela Rosa, 32, of Byron, was issued a city citation at 12:32 p.m. for violating the grass/weeds ordinance at a residence in the 800 block of Adams Street.

Erika R. Jones, 29, of Dixon, was issued citations at 7:13 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 35-mph zone and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred in the 1300 block of Pines Road.

Sept. 2

Michael A. Moyer, 39, of Woodridge, was issued a citation at 10:35 a.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 100 block of North Fourth Street.

Sept. 3

Nicholas K. Craemer, 26, of Oregon, was arrested at 12:38 p.m. for improper container as a driver. Craemer also was issued citations for operating a vehicle with an expired registration and operating

an uninsured motor vehicle. Craemer was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violations occurred in the 100 block of West Washington Street.

Brianna L. Jackson, 25, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 7:25 a.m. for speeding 52 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of South Fourth Street.

Michael R. Behrens, 40, of Byron, was issued a citation at 9:34 a.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.

Scott R. Porter, 45, of Rockton, was issued a citation at 11:16 a.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 400 block of North Fourth Street.

Brittany A. Daehler, 33, of Rockford, was arrested at 3:27 p.m. for aggravated driving while license revoked. Daehler also was issued citations for failure to wear a seat belt and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Daehler was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violations occurred near the intersection of Monroe and Washington streets.

Paula L. McGinnis, 55, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 8:25 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 400 block of Madison Street.

Peggy A. Sturgeon, 46, of Rock Falls, was issued a citation at 9:04 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 500 block of South Ninth Street.

Sept. 5

Ricardo F. Aguilar-Ramos, 41, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 9:55 a.m. for speeding 42 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Gerald W. Turner, 63, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 10:20 a.m. for use of

a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 700 block of South 10th Street.

Christopher R. Burton, 36, of Malta, was issued a citation at 10:34 a.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the 10th and Webster streets intersection.

Niki L. Smith, 30, of Davis Junction, was arrested at 10:41 p.m. for improper container as a driver. Smith also was issued a citation for operation of a vehicle with a suspended registration. Smith was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violations occurred in the 200 block of North Fourth Street.

Sept. 8

Thomas W. Foat, 40, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 7:14 p.m. for speeding 50 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Sept. 9

Brian L. Albee, 36, of Sterling, was arrested at 10:23 p.m. for aggravated driving while license revoked. Albee was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violation occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.

Sept. 10

Divante C. Zinke, 21, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 1 a.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear, uninsured motor vehicle and improper cannabis container as a driver. Zinke also was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Zinke was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violations occurred in the 400 block of West Washington Street.

Eighteen parking citations and five verbal warnings were issued Aug. 28 through Sept. 3.

Charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

Linda Bierman to Shane M. and Jennifer M. Shepeck, 3872 E. Whippoorwill Lane, Byron, $244,000.

Sonja A. McCullough to Alta Bush, 904 W. Eighth St., Rochelle, $185,000.

Christina L. Cardott to David, Marta and Emma Louise Busken, 108 Windward Lane, Rochelle, $232,000.

Quit claim deeds

Carlos and Gloria Delatorre to Cecilia

Peterson, 510 S. Main St., Rochelle, $0.

Matthew Gerrard to Down Range Properties LLC, 301 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Ralph S. White III to Alejandro David

Lopez, 148 S. Washington St., Rochelle, $16,000.

Norman R. Kilker to Keith M. Kilker and Kinga Hibbs, 12043 W. Pitt Road, Forreston, $0.

Swen R. Norris to Christina D. Williams, also Norris, 318 Southview Drive, Rochelle, $0.

The late Steven E. Grobe by heirs to Ronald E. and Stephanie K. Grobe, one parcel in Buffalo Township, $0.

The late Steven and Debra K. Grobe by heirs to Ronald E. and Stephanie K. Grobe, 804 W. Dixon St., Polo, $0.

Edna J. Smith to Ralph A. and Kathy A.

Long, 303 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $0. Trustees deeds

Warren G. and Carol A. Reckmeyer Trust 1005, Carol A. Reckmeyer, trustee, to William Logan Sanchez, 316 E. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $189,500.

Harry Poggioli Jr. Living Trust, Marletta Sue Poggioli, trustee, to Jakob R. Schultz, 201 E. First St., Leaf River, $75,000.

Deed in trust

Pamela J. Bublitz to JC Declaration Trust, 220 S. Main St., Rochelle, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

CLASSIFIED

FULL CHARGE BOO KKEEPER

ADMI NISTRATI VE COORDINATOR POSITI ON AVAILABLE

The Carroll County Soil & Water Cons ervation District (SWCD) has a full-time opening for an Administrative Coordinator.

The successful candidate for this administrative/clerical position must have financial boo kkeeping or accounting experience. Prior QuickBooks experience is beneficial. Must be trustworthy, selfmoti vated, organized, innovative, able to work independently, and possess good oral and written communication skills as well as multi-tasking abilities. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of agriculture would be helpful. Employment will be contingent upon receiving a satisfactory United States Department of Agriculture background investigation.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Information on available bene fits will be provided to candidates who are selected for interviews All interested candidates may obtain an application for employment by phone or in person. The office is located at 807C South Clay St. in Mount Carroll, IL, the phone number is 815- 244-8732 x3

Completed applications received at the SWCD office by Septe mber 22, 2023 will be considered.

The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

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

Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

This position exists to lead the manufacturing efforts of two (2) production facilities in order to meet customer requirements for quality and delivery

In addition, it exists to maintain and enhance the facilities and equipment in order to meet Mallard's production schedule and Strategic Plan

Maj or Outco mes / Responsib ilities: ensures the highest-quality pro duct is manufactured and delivered by leading the optimization of eng ineering and production efforts ensures on-time delivery of customer orders by leading the optimization of process flow ensures highest labor efficiency and lowest labor cost through active involvement in recruiting, training, scheduling and productivity ensures a continuous improvement culture thrives at Mallard by leading and implementing a mindset of “How can we do this better?”

Ed ucation / Qualifications / Skills / Exp erience:

Bachelor's in Engineering: Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related

Oper ational Experience: 8-10 yrs in manufacturing (fabrication and assembly)

Equipment Experience: 3-5 yrs in operations which includes lasers, press brakes, robotic welding, and assembly automation

Technical Management Experience: 3-5 yrs at a plant manager or manufacturing engineering manager level

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

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

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.co m

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST PO SITION AVAILABLE

The Carroll County Soil & Water Cons ervation District (SWCD) has a full-time opening for a Resource Conservationist. The successful candidate for this technical position must have excellent customer service skills, a valid driver's license, and be willing to learn or have knowledge to investigate, survey, desig n and prepare cost-estimates for the construction of conservation practices A high school diploma is required, plus 2 year s of post-secondary education or equivalent work exper ience. Prior agriculture experience is beneficial. This po sition requires regular exertion due to conservation wor k, such as walking on rough terrain and climbing steep banks. A pr e-employment physical may be requir ed The successful candidate must be trustworthy, self- moti vated, organized, able to work independently, and possess good oral and written communication skills as well as multi-tasking abilities. This position will require occasional overnight tr avel for train ing Employment will be contingent upon receiving a satisfactory United States Department of Agriculture backgro und investigation. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Information on available bene fits will be provided to candidates who are selected for interviews All interested candidates may obtain an application for employment by phone or in person. The office is located at 807C South Clay St. in Mount Carroll, IL, the phone number is 815-244-8732 x3. Completed applications received at the SWCD office by Septe mber 22, 2023 will be considered.

The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation Distr ict is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

ROCK FALLS POLO GARAGE SALES

The Christmas Cupboard

116 N. Franklin Sept. 28, 29, 30th 9a-5p Air Fryer, Car/ Truck Cover, Canning Jars, P ack & Pla y, Seasonal Decor, Antiques, Vanilla and Local Honey

Buil ding for lease: apx., 4200 sq. ft., laydown area apx 2 acre s, (2) 12'x 14' OHD shop area & office 815-535-3282

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEE NT H JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY - ORE GON ILLINOIS

Specialized Loan Servicing LLC

Pla intiff, vs. Aristela S. Villanueva; Unknown

Owners and Non-Record Cl aima nts

Defendants Case No. 2022FC64

100 West Avenue G, Rochelle, IL 61068

Judge John C. Redington NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale ente red in the above entitled cause on June 23, 2023, Brian E VanVickle will on October 13, 2023, at the hour of 10:00AM at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Administration Building, 103 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:

Commonly known as

100 West Ave nue G, Rochelle, IL 61068

Parcel Numbe r(s): 24-25-278-008

The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence.

Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier's or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The subject prope rty is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court. The property will NOT be open for inspection

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than the mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For i nformation call Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, One East Wacker, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone numbe r: 312-651-6700. Attorney file number: 22-031188.

I3228831

September 15, 22, 29, 2023

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPO RATION, PLAINTIFF, VS.

WILLIAM J PALME R, SR. A/K/A WILLIAM PALMER ; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS

NO. 23 FC 27

409 NORTH WALNUT AVENUE FORRESTON, IL 61030 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT

PUBLIC N OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of For eclosure and Sale entered by the Court in the above entitled cause on August 25, 2023, will on 11/03/2023, in the Ogle County Sheriff's Offi ce, Main Lobby, 202 South First Street, Oregon, IL 61061, at 10:00 AM, sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be suffi cient to satisfy said Judgment:

TAX NO. 02-28-379-001

COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 409 North Walnut Avenue Forreston, IL 61030

Description of Improv ements: The property is a single family.

The Judgment amount was $71,184.48.

Sale Terms : This is an "AS IS" sale for "CASH". The successful bidde r must deposit 10% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc , and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to pla intiff. The sale is furthe r subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchase r shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmat ion of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection Prospective bidder s are admonished to check the court file to verify all information

The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, othe r than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAG OR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAV E THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Information: Visit our website at http:/ /ilforeclosuresales.mrpllc.com

Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - McCalla Ray mer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1 N. Dearborn St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel. No. (312) 3469088. Please refer to file# 23-15033IL

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

Plaintiff's attorney is not required to provide additi onal information other than that set forth in this notice of sale

I3228217

LAND AUCTION

To: Alysha Dwyer and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on June 6, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “

AUCTION: LIVE AND ONLINE AT RANCHANDFARMAUCTIONS.COM AUCTION

September 22, 29, 2023 October 6, 2023

RANCH AND FARMAUCTIONS .COM

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

In the interest of: Xenya Conti, a minor Case No: 2021 JA 40 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

To: Alysha Dwyer and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on June 6, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Xenya Conti, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on November 28, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with to onsent

In the interest of Xenya Conti, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on November 28, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parenta l 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 8th day of September, 2023

Kimbe rl y A. Stahl/JB Clerk of the Circuit Court

By: Jordan Blume, Deput y Clerk

September 15, 22, 29, 2023

CHRIS TOPHER M. MOSES, Defendant No. 2023LM1

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Notice is given to Christopher P. Moses that an action has been filed against you entitled “The Cincinnati Insurance Company a/s/o Nancy K. Russell v. Christopher P. Moses”, Ogle County Case No 2023LM1 for which this case is to be heard before the court on pendency of publication on October 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. You may appear as you see fit or failure to appear at that time may result in the court taking further action for default as it deems necessary.

THE CINCINNATI IN SURA NCE COMPANY A/S/O NANCY K. RUSSELL, Plaintiff KGG, LLC

By: /s/ Lisa C. Holloway

One of the Attorneys for Plaintiff

LISA C. HOLLOWAY, ARDC #6276518 KGG, LLC

111 North Ottawa Street Joliet, Illinois 60432 ( 815) 727-4511