New memorial on the lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse honors Frank O. Lowden / 3
State qualifier
Oregon cross country runner Daniel Gonzalez (4397) qualifies for state by placing 12th at Sherrard Sectional / 17
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Ethan Peeling (7) and Byron’s Landon Bonvallet battle for the ball during Class 3A football playoff action Oct. 31 at Everett Stine Stadium in Byron. Oregon fell to Byron 63-15. More photos on page 18.
Bernice Edwina Haws, Gregory Olson, Page 11
MT. MORRIS TIMES
Ogle County teachers receive IAA Foundation grants
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Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a go-to resource for teachers wanting to help students grow connections to agriculture. Local programs recently received funding to continue classroom lessons thanks to IAA Foundation grants.
Eighty ag literacy coalitions serving 89 Illinois counties were awarded $668,150 in grant dollars, which can be used for materials, training, educational lessons, and activities taking place during the 2025-2026 school year.
“Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” Kevin Daugherty, IAITC education director, said.
Last school year, 643,958 students and 36,335 teachers engaged in ag literacy lessons through IAITC. County AITC programs presented 31,233 individual programs throughout the state, an aver-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Veterans Day remembrance program is Nov. 11 in Mt. Morris
Allure of Pinecrest will have a Veterans Day Remembrance program at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Manor Chapel.
SFC (Retired) Scott Bicksler will present Mission 263 Battle Over the White Carpathians. Allure of Pinecrest is located at 414 S. Wesley Ave. in Mt. Morris.
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center news
The Center Health Fiesta will be Friday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come in for flu shots, health information, giveaways, raffles and tacos for a donation.
The library on Wednesday, Dec. 3, is hosting a trip to the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights to see “Home for the Holidays: An Evening with Levi Kreis.” The bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Cost is $85 per person. Call The Center at 815-7346335 to sign up.
age of 390 per coalition. Classroom presentations, farm field trips, and agriculture expos add a new dimension to existing curricular standards.
In Ogle and Carroll counties last year, there were 26,203 student contacts made through 1,298 programs. Program activities included making butter, kneading bread, studying soil, enjoying pumpkin pie and much more.
County coalition grants are made possible through funding partner gifts to the IAA Foundation, and the generosity of individuals who support IAITC. Operating as the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation raises funds for the IAITC program each year, and in addition to county grants, provides funding for Ag Mags, teacher grants, Summer Ag Academies, and more.
“Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership,” Susan Moore, IAA Foundation director, said. “From committed funding groups, employment agencies for ag literacy coordinators, in-kind services, to every volunteer and
Nature Conservancy receives IDNR Natural Area Stewardship grant for Nachusa Grasslands
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support 15 stewardship programs managed by land trusts on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
Among them was The Nature Conservancy (Nachusa Grasslands) in Lee and Ogle counties for $27,824.94 to purchase a tractor to maintain fire breaks and control invasive species.
The grants are part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program, which aims to increase the delivery of much-needed land and water stewardship activities to natural areas permanently protected within the INPC system.
Given the growing stewardship needs of natural areas throughout the state, this grant program funds projects that
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
each dollar donated, we are Illinois agriculture unified in a common goal to enhance ag literacy and aid in early discovery of connections to agriculture. Our partners are committed to making ag literacy a priority, and we are grateful for that.”
Partner organizations of IAITC include Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education, University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
In addition, annual donors include agribusiness partners and individuals with an interest in supporting the future of agriculture. For information on how individuals can contribute, or to view a listing of all major donors, visit www. iaafoundation.org.
For information on IAITC, visit www. agintheclassroom.org.
help land trusts expand staff and purchase equipment for these activities. Eligible applicants under the Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration, stewardship, or conservation of land for the preservation of native plants or animals, biotic communities, geologic formations, or archaeological sites of significance.
More than $2.7 million was awarded to the Conservation Land Trust from 2021 through 2024. Funding for this grant program is derived from a portion of the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund. The fund must be used by IDNR for the acquisition and stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species.
– Shaw Local News Network
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Lowden Memorial dedicated at historic Ogle County Courthouse
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A dedication ceremony was held Friday, Oct. 14, for a new memorial in honor of Illinois Gov. Frank O. Lowden on the lawn of the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.
Lowden was governor of Illinois from 1917-1921 and a resident of Oregon at Sinnissippi Farm.
In 1899, Lowden purchased a 576-acre farm in Oregon on the Rock River. Over the years, Lowden bought thousands more acres, reaching about 4,400. Reforestation was started by Lowden around 1902 and continued until the country’s entry into World War I.
Lowden served in the U.S. Congress from 1906-1910. After being elected governor, he worked to make sure that the government was run honestly and fairly, and he wanted a new constitution that would centralize tax structure and permit an income tax. He gained wide notice as governor by his reorganization of state government and his handling of the Chicago race riots in 1919.
After his work in politics, Lowden retired to Sinnissippi Farm. In 1938, he entered into an agreement with the University of Illinois Department of Forestry to supervise the management of his woodlands in return for permission to carry out research studies on the forest. In October 1955, Sinnissippi Forest became the first Illinois Tree Farm.
got it done,” Flanagan said. “What’s on this memorial is only a drop in the bucket compared to everything Gov. Lowden did for the state, Ogle County and the city of Oregon. When the Oregon Depot burned down for the second time, the Burlington and Quincy Railroad didn’t want to build the Depot again. Gov. Lowden and his father-in-law, George Pullman, influenced them to rebuild the Depot. They rebuilt it, and Oregon wouldn’t be what it is today without Lowden and Pullman doing that.”
89th District state Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, spoke at the dedication as well and praised Lowden for his work on consolidating 125 departments into nine during his time as state governor.
Lowden died in 1943. On Oct. 7, 1993, Phillip Lowden Miller and his wife, Bonnie, sold 1,039 acres of the Lowden-Miller estate, Sinnissippi Forest, to the State of Illinois. Sinnissippi Forest was formally dedicated as a state site in 1993.
Lowden State Park in Oregon also is named in the late governor’s honor and is home to The Eternal Indian, a statue by Lorado Taft. Lowden stepped in to ensure the completion of Black Hawk was financially possible.
The new memorial was made possible by the Governor Lowden Memorial Committee, made up of President Stacy Flana-
gan, Dan Janes, Tom Suits, Ashley Simms, Bonnie O’Connell, Dale Flanagan, Linda Janes, the late Dave Stenger, Marty Typer and Paul White.
In remarks on Oct. 24, Stacy Flanagan thanked major sponsors of the project, including the late Helen Spencer, Drake and Wendy Mertes, Dan and Linda Janes, Tom Suits, Brent and Nelda Johnson, and Bonnie O’Connell. She also thanked Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, who manages county properties, and her family members for donating material and labor for the memorial’s concrete base.
“It’s been a long road, but we finally
“That’s pretty amazing, considering all of the effort to make the government bigger today,” McCombie said. “What he did became a national model for others to use. He worked during a pretty amazing time to live and lead. He was always known for being a very principled, service-driven leader and that’s certainly something to aspire to. Thanks to everyone that made this happen.”
Stacy Flanagan detailed other Lowden accomplishments, including being the first state governor to establish a fiscal budget and advocating for the state highway system, such as Illinois Route 64 and Illinois Route 2 that run through Oregon.
“There were a lot of things he did for the state, Ogle County and Oregon,” Flanagan said.
Water supply company for much of northern Illinois, including Ogle County, sold
By LEE PROVOST lprovost@shawmedia.com
Where your water comes from isn’t changing.
However, the company that will manage, operate and supply area customers soon will change if all goes as planned.
The merger of American Water Works and Essential Utilities Inc., in which Aqua America operates, is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
American Water Works, a Camden, New Jersey-based company, is heading the merger and will operate under the name American Water and will have an enterprise value of $63 billion.
Essential Utilities is based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where it operates as Aqua America and Peoples Natural
Gas. When the merger is completed, the company will call Camden home.
The deal must clear public utility commissions in at least seven states, including Illinois, as well as shareholder approvals and federal antitrust clearances, according to published reports.
American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S.
With a history dating to 1886, the company provides drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and 18 military installations.
In addition to Illinois, American Water serves customers in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Hawaii,
Georgia and California.
The company has a workforce of some 6,700. Essential Utilities served about 5.5 million customers in nine states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas and Pennsylvania.
Asked how long Aqua Illinois leadership was involved in the merger discussions, spokesman Patrick Wenger said that detail will be made available when the companies file their proxy materials in the coming weeks.
“It’s important to note that operations will continue normally until the transaction closes,” Wenger said regarding a question about the fate of the South Schuyler Avenue office in Kankakee.
The Kankakee office has a workforce of about 40.
Wenger said the Aqua Illinois name will continue to be used until the merger’s closing.
Aqua Illinois replaced Consumers Illinois as the drinking water source in Kankakee County in March 2004.
Essential Utilities said there would be no change in customer rates.
The company “will be better able to maintain an average customer water bill that is affordable, supporting the economic prosperity of the more than 2,000 communities in which the combined company will operate,” Essential Utilities officials said.
Aqua Illinois serves about 280,000 people across 14 counties in Illinois, including Kankakee, Will, DuPage, DeKalb, Kane, Lake, Winnebago, McHenry, Vermillion, Ogle, Knox, Cook, Champaign and Boone.
In Illinois, American Water provides water and/or wastewater services to 1.3 million residents.
Jeff Helfrich
89th District state Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, speaks at the Frank Lowden Memorial dedication on Friday, Oct. 24, on the Ogle County Courthouse lawn in Oregon.
Judge grants continuance for mother accused of killing 7-year-old son in 2021
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
An Oregon woman charged with killing her 7-year-old son in 2021 made her second appearance in front of a new judge Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Sarah Safranek, 38, and her attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, appeared before Associate Judge Anthony Peska for a pretrial hearing following an Oct. 8 hearing in which Isley argued for a different judge to proceed over Safranek’s hearings.
That effort was denied by Ogle County Chief Judge John “Ben” Roe, who ruled that Peska would remain as the presiding judge.
Safranek is accused of suffocating her son, Nathaniel Burton, in the family’s Oregon home in February 2021. She is charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. She was arrested April 21, 2021, was indicted May 4, 2021, and pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021.
Safranek has been held in the Ogle County Jail since her arrest.
Isley filed a defense motion in September arguing that Safranek could not receive a fair trial if Peska remained as the presiding judge.
Judge John Redington was the initial judge for Safranek’s case, presiding
over many hearings and delivering pretrial rulings before he retired in 2024.
Roe entered an order in July 2024 assigning the case to Peska upon Redington’s retirement.
The Oct. 8 hearing was just the third time in more than a year that Safranek had appeared in court, as some pretrial rulings made by Redington were under appeal.
Peska presided over only one hearing for Safranek on Sept. 17, 2025, when the motion for a substitute judge was made.
Isley had argued that Safranek’s case should be assigned to another judge and that the motion asking for the substitution was timely due to the monthslong delay as the appeal was pending.
She said the trial would not have been done before Redington retired, and no matters could be heard while rulings were under appeal.
Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten disagreed, arguing that Isley’s motion was “untimely” and had missed the 10-day window to ask for a substitute judge.
Isley said Peska had never ruled on any matters in relation to the case, making the state’s argument that case law supports a 10-day filing limit inapplicable.
Roe disagreed, basing his decision to deny the motion after reviewing case law.
On Oct. 29, Isley asked for another continuance. Leisten did not object.
Safranek’s next court appearance is set for 1 p.m. Nov. 12.
Safanek’s jury trial was removed from the court calendar in July 2024 after a motion by prosecutors argued that some rulings made by Redington limited the evidence they wanted to present to jurors. They argued that Redington’s decision had “impaired” their ability to proceed with first-degree murder charges.
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock filed that appeal July 10, 2024, nine days after Redington ruled on several motions in limine filed by the defense and prosecutors.
Motions in limine determine whether certain evidence may be presented to the jury. They are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. Motions in limine in the Safranek case have been sealed and are not viewable to the public.
In June 2024, Redington listened to testimony and arguments regarding the motions and, after reviewing case law, limited the state’s ability to enter all internet searches and journal entries they said Safranek made. He also limited hearsay statements prosecutors
said others made regarding domestic violence directed toward Nathaniel.
Redington removed Safranek’s scheduled jury trial date over the objection of Isley, and no court dates were set, pending the appeal process.
The appellate court issued its opinion July 25 and its mandate Sept. 4.
Nathaniel was a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School. He was found unresponsive and not breathing at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.
According to records obtained by Shaw Local in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services visited the house 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.
Redington ruled in November 2022 that Safranek was fit to stand trial after he reviewed a mental health evaluation requested by the defense.
Redington agreed with attorneys on June 28, 2024, to exclude Safranek’s mental health records from being entered at the trial.
Attorney granted more time to review evidence in Mt. Morris shooting death case
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
The attorney for a Mt. Morris man accused of shooting and killing his stepson after an argument in their Mt. Morris apartment in April received another continuance Wednesday, Oct. 29, to examine information given to him by prosecutors.
“I am still going through the discovery process,” Ogle County Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow told Judge Anthony Peska.
Morrow represents Derek Swanlund, 45, who is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April 21 death of Cameron Pasley, 25, also of Mt. Morris, in what police described as a “domestic” incident.
“There is a lot of discovery. I have made arrangements to meet with Mr. Swanlund in jail,” Morrow told Peska during the afternoon hearing.
Discovery is the pretrial process in
which attorneys share information and evidence that they plan on using in the defense, or prosecution, of the defendant.
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss did not object to the continuance.
Swanlund is facing three counts of first-degree murder and a misdemeanor charge of using a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun without having a Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
Swanlund has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
During an April 30 preliminary hearing, prosecutors said the Mt. Morris Police Department responded first to the scene at an apartment complex at Ogle Avenue in Mt. Morris after receiving a 911 call at 4:59 p.m. from Pasley’s mother, in which she said her husband had shot her son.
When a Mt. Morris police officer arrived at the scene, she saw Swanlund walking away from the apartment complex while carrying a black and sil-
ver handgun in his right hand, police said.
Voss said a verbal argument inside the apartment evolved to “shoulder bumping” with Pasley, after which Swanlund shot him.
When more officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Pasley inside the apartment, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds, Voss said.
Pasley was pronounced dead at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon after being taken from the scene by Mt. Morris EMS.
Pasley’s mother told police she had entered a different room after arguing with Swanlund and after he “belly bumped” her into her son. She then heard Pasley say ‘He shot me,’ ” Voss told the court.
In earlier hearings, Morrow argued for Swanlund’s pretrial release, noting that Swanlund had no criminal history other than one misdemeanor charge for which he received and completed
court supervision.
Morrow said Swanlund had bought the gun legally when he lived in North Carolina and had lived in Mt. Morris for 10 years. He said Swanlund cooperated with police when they arrived at the scene.
During an April hearing, Ogle County Detective Chad Gallick testified that autopsy results showed Pasley suffered four gunshot wounds to his torso, one to his abdomen and one to his hand before his death.
Gallick said Pasley had come to his mother’s apartment that day to visit his dog.
Peska set Swanlund’s next court hearing for 1 p.m. Dec. 10, and remanded him to the Ogle County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest.
Pasley was a 2018 graduate of Oregon High School and a full-time custodian for the Oregon School District at the time of his death.
Defense attorney given more time to examine evidence in attempted murder case
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Chicago attorney representing a rural Dixon man accused of attempting to murder three police officers in June 2024 told an Ogle County judge on Thursday, Oct. 30, that he needs more time to examine discovery materials provided by prosecutors.
“We are still plowing through the state’s discovery,” William Wolf, of Wolf Criminal Law, told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe.
Discovery is part of the pretrial process in which attorneys share information and evidence that they plan on using in the defense, or prosecution, of the defendant.
Wolf is the attorney for Jonathon Gounaris, 33, who is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery, and two counts of possessing a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card.
Gounaris is charged with shooting three members of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team
after a three-hour standoff when police tried to enter his home in Lost Lake, a rural subdivision east of Dixon. Gounaris has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held at the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford.
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock did not object to the continuance.
Thursday’s hearing was the fifth time Wolf’s law firm has represented Gounaris at a court hearing.
Gounaris was first represented by former Assistant Public Defender William Gibbs, who left the public defender office in August 2024. Gounaris’ case was taken over by Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, who left the office in mid-April to take a job with the state’s attorney’s office in Lee County.
Wolf’s law firm has represented Gounaris since May.
At an Aug. 25 hearing, Wolf argued against Roe’s decision in 2024 to allow extended media coverage – allowing photographs to be taken during proceedings. Wolf asked Roe to prevent what he called a “perpetual perp walk” and requested Gounaris be allowed to attend hearings without shackles and dressed in civilian clothes.
Rock opposed Wolf’s request, arguing that a person in custody does not get to be “dressed out.” He said Gounaris’ case has not received more attention than other high-profile cases in the county.
Roe agreed with Rock but said he would consider allowing Gounaris to attend hearings without handcuffs and would consider a written request if one were to be filed.
As of Oct. 30, Wolf had yet to file that written request.
Gounaris was remanded to the Winnebago County Jail.
Gounaris’ next court appearance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 11.
The allegations
During a news conference on June 12, 2024, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said police were called at 8:39 a.m. that day to Gounaris’ residence with a warning that it could be a “suicide-bycop” situation. The officers were informed by a family member that Gounaris had made suicidal and homicidal threats.
Shortly after officers arrived, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Response Team was called. That team is made up of individuals from different
agencies, including the sheriff’s office, Oregon and Byron police departments, and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department.
VanVickle said officers tried more than 60 phone calls to the residence, Gounaris’ cellphone and to a throw phone that was deployed inside the home.
At 11:53 a.m., police breached the door to the home and immediately were met with gunfire from inside the house, VanVickle said. Three deputies and Gounaris were shot while exchanging gunfire.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Ketter was shot in the face and taken by air ambulance to OSF Medical Center in Rockford, where he underwent surgery. He was released from the hospital June 14, 2024.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputy Tad Dominski was shot in the arm, and Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was shot in the torso. They were treated at KSB Hospital in Dixon and released later that evening.
Gounaris also was shot during the gunfire exchange and was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was treated before being booked into the Winnebago County Jail on June 18, 2024.
Polo Historical Society puts finishing touches on collection of newspapers
Time is marching right along, and here we are in November and thinking about the holidays. Didn’t I just yesterday do stockings for my great-grandchildren?
The air is a bit nippy and the trees are turning beautiful colors. I already have brought in a succulent plant that is touchy, and I have others that soon will follow.
We still are reorganizing at the museum and now using our space better. When the Tri-County left the building many years ago, it left behind several pieces of furniture. Now we are getting rid of extra desks and such
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
and replacing them with better bookcases.
At the Dr. Burns House in the newspaper room is a beautiful antique slanted wooden piece of furniture for reading the big newspaper books. Since the newspaper books now are being brought to the museum, we want to also bring this antique to the
museum. It will be put in the spot where we had a big, bulky piece left by the Tri-County that held books. The books were low and hard to reach, so we are replacing that piece with a large upright bookcase but in a better spot for viewing the books.
Kevin and I took all of the books from the old spot and placed them in a nice upright bookcase. We organized them better. The light is better and it will be easier to see what we have. In the old spot will go the slanted antique reading table from the Dr. Burns House. I can hardly wait to get that antique piece down to the museum. It
will be cleaned with wood cleaner and should be very pretty in the museum. We soon will have all the old newspaper books moved into new metal cabinets at the museum. They all will be together in a new building.
Mike and Kevin have been busy moving, carrying, lifting and sliding into place. The museum will take on a whole new look and we hope to have it all done by the Polo Historical Society Christmas party in December.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Roberts Armory WWII Museum in Rochelle will be open Nov. 9
Roberts Armory World War II Museum will be open to the public on Sunday, Nov. 9, in honor of Veterans Day.
The museum in Rochelle will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge.
The Higgins Boat will be open for viewing, weather permitting.
The next opening will be Memorial Day 2026.
To get to the museum, follow the signs on the U.S. Army truck at Illinois Route 251 and Intermodal Drive (about three miles).
Many World War II artifacts are on display, including tanks, trucks, cannons and Rochelle News-Leader newspapers from 1945 presenting photographs of Rochelle residents who served during World War II.
More information is available at www. robertsarmory.com.
Oregon High School fall play is Nov. 7-9
Oregon High School will present its fall play, “Dystopia! The Hungry Maze Game of Divergent Death,” by Don Zolidis at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the OHS Auditorium (right in through the pillar doors).
Teenagers fighting to the death? Check. A mysterious maze filled with traps? Check. A society divided into factions? Double check. What happens when all those stories collide? Total chaos, that’s
what! Will they find freedom? Love? A decent snack? Or will the Gamemasters next twist finish them all off?
All tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children 5 and younger.
The play is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
Annual book fair returns to Coliseum Museum on Nov. 8
The annual book fair is returning to the Coliseum Museum in downtown Oregon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8.
The third annual book fair features authors from across the northern Illinois area offering books on mystery, romance, children’s stories, history, young adult and more.
Authors who have registered so far include Steve Busche, Clarence Butcher, David Dean, Edward Finch, David Lapage, Bob Kapheim, Donna Kathryn Kelly, Sharon Meisenheimer, Kasia Nowak, Carol Paur, Vicki Petta, Jannifer Powelson, Rebecca Rhea, Jeanne Roppolo, Nadine Roth, R.C. Schulz, Kim Sigafus and Neal Trainor.
The Coliseum Museum’s mission is to present art, antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more. More information can be found at www.cmaaa.org and www.facebook. com/ColiseumMuseum.
Rep. Fritts hosting winter clothing drive
State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, is teaming up with the Regional Office of
Education 47 to co-host a winter clothes drive for local students and families in need. The drive runs throug Nov. 16. Accepted items include new gloves, hats, jackets, coats, scarves, snow pants, snow boots and socks.
Donations can be made at a drop box at any of the following locations: Dinges Fire Company, Emerson’s Pub, Extreme Image Salon, Graves-Hume Public Library, Lee County Farm Bureau, Mendota City Hall, Mendota Police Department, Odell Public Library, Oliver’s Corner Market, Paw Paw Community Building, Polo City Hall, Rochelle City Hall, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sauk Valley Community College, Rep. Fritts’ District Office, Sterling Public Library, Sterling Rock Falls Family YMCA, and The Flight Deck.
Ogle County students among UW-Whitewater scholarship award recipients
The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial awards for the 2025-26 academic year.
Stillman Valley: Grace Costello, who is studying marketing, won the Robert Eastman Endowed Scholarship. Norah DeRosso, who is studying communication, was named among Chancellor Scholars.
Leaf River: Jacob Fiorello, who is studying marketing, won the AMA/Peltier Marketing Award.
Baileyville: Alex Lancaster, who is studying history, won the Transfer
Excellence Scholarship.
Oregon: Emma Schlichtmann, who is studying finance, won the Arthur E. and Lorraine J. Carlson Scholarship.
Polo: Laura Wright, who is studying environmental science, won the Metcalf Family Endowment; Chancellor Scholars.
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved funds in September to replace automatic warning devices and add gates at the Stillman Road and Walnut Street crossings of the Dakota, Minnesota, and Easter Railroad’s track in Stillman Valley.
“It’s appropriate for the ICC to approve these life-saving projects during Rail Safety Week,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said. “The Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install modernized warning devices at highway-rail crossings in communities across Illinois.”
The combined total estimated cost of the signal design and construction work at both crossings is about $736,000. ICC staff recommended the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95% of the estimated signal design and construction costs.
DM&E will pay the remaining costs to design and construct the new crossing warning devices and the entire cost of future maintenance of the new signals and circuitry.
All required signal work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order.
– Shaw Local News Network
Larry Miller posthumously inducted into Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Larry B. Miller, a retired pharmacist, was inducted posthumously into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame on Oct. 16.
His daughter, Anne, accepted the award with his daughter, Beth, and wife, Ellen, as well as other relatives and friends in attendance.
Larry Miller was one of six area pilots who conceived the idea of a local airport. The Ogle County Airport opened in 1978. The airport is privately owned and supported, but it is available to the public. The airport was named State of Illinois Private Airport of the Year in 2007.
It is estimated that Miller participated in close to 100 Fly In/Drive In breakfasts since the late 1970s. He donated countless hours working at Pork and Pie dinners, mowing, organizing and playing his trombone at hangar dances. He was one of the original stockholders and an original member of the Ogle County Pilots Association.
Miller helped organize and was a founding member of several flying clubs, including the Cessna Flyers Club at the now-defunct Chicagoland Airport and the local Rock River Flyers. He served as an officer of the club as long as he was able and was its president for more than 20 years. Miller was an active member of the Waukegan Airport Stick and Rudder Club in the late 1960s. He earned his private pilot license in 1963 flying a Cessna 140 with the Indianola (Iowa) Flying Club. He had a taildragger endorsement and later earned his IFR rating.
Many people enjoyed a plane ride with Miller. He flew Young Eagles, Let Freedom Ring Queens, parachute teams for airshows, friends and family. He influenced future flight instructors and commercial pilots, one of whom currently is flying a B747, as well as many general aviation pilots. He attended EAA Conventions almost annually since 1966 when it was originally located in Rockford and later moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame honored Miller for his efforts to provide affordable access to aviation in Ogle County. He is the second Ogle County Airport pilot to be honored. The first was Nick Lung, who was honored in 2011 and also was one of the six co-founding pilots of C55, the Ogle County Airport.
Larry B. Miller, a retired pharmacist, was inducted posthumously into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame on Oct. 16. His daughter, Anne, accepted the award with his daughter, Beth, and wife, Ellen, as well as other relatives and friends in attendance.
Larry B. Miller
Photo provided by Ellen Miller
Rochelle teen charged in vehicle shooting denied pretrial release
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com and JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A Rochelle teenager will remain in the Ogle County Jail as he faces felony charges of shooting at a vehicle.
Camren Hastings, 18, was denied pretrial release Wednesday, Oct. 29, after appearing in court with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow.
Hastings, who turned 18 in July, is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated use of a firearm as a person under the age of 21, a Class 4 felony.
Both charges are in connection with an Oct. 4 incident in which he is accused of firing a gun in the direction of a vehicle that was occupied by another person.
Hastings was arrested after a search warrant was executed Oct. 28 by the Rochelle Police Department’s Emergency Response Team at 7:10 a.m. in the 400 block of Lake Lida Lane.
“The search warrant stemmed from an incident on Oct. 4 where a vehicle had been shot approximately 13 times in the 100 block of Willis Avenue,” according to a Rochelle Police Department news release.
Oct. 29 was the first court appearance for Hastings. During detention hearings, a judge determines whether to release a defendant from custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
Criteria used by judges to make that decision include the nature of the alleged offenses, whether the defendant’s release would pose a “clear and present danger” to the community or certain individuals, and whether the defendant is considered to be a “flight risk” and likely will not appear again for scheduled court cases.
At the Oct. 29 hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Hastings was one of a group of people who were seen “shooting at vehicles” on Oct. 4.
“There were 10 individuals walking on the street shooting guns,” Leisten told Associate Judge Anthony Peska. “One of those was identified as Camren Hastings.”
Video footage obtained by officers showed four males and two femalessome appearing to be juveniles – run -
ning into a nearby cornfield, Leisten told the court. He said it appeared that between 13 to 14 shots were fired at the vehicle during the incident.
Leisten said police collected 12 bullet casings and two firearms near the scene.
“The bullet holes in the vehicle were consistent with the guns found,” Leisten said, arguing that Hastings should remain in custody because he posed a danger to the Rochelle community.
“The defendant shot at vehicles in a neighborhood where other people are,” Leisten said. “We don’t believe he has the maturity to be released.”
Morrow disagreed, telling Peska that Hastings could be released with court-ordered conditions such as home confinement and electronic monitoring. Those conditions would allow Hastings to continue to attend school at the Chana Educational Center in Chana, Morrow argued.
“He rides the bus from his home to Chana for school,” Morrow said, noting that Hastings did not have a driver’s license. “There is no reason for him to be anywhere else except at home or school.”
Morrow said Hastings had no criminal history as an adult or juvenile and had scored a zero on the pretrial risk assessment. In those assessments, defendants are rated from 0-14 as to their risk if released, with zero being the lowest score.
“He’s never been in any trouble before,” Morrow argued. “I realize the seriousness of the charges, but there are conditions [the court could set] to mitigate any risk.”
Peska disagreed.
“The seriousness is very significant to the people in the car and others,” Peska said. “There are no conditions that can mitigate the safety of others.”
Peska remanded Hastings to the Ogle County Jail and set his next court date for 10 a.m. Nov. 5.
On Oct. 6, the Rochelle Police Department issued this information following the Oct. 4 incident:
Oregon police force back to full strength after hiring detective
The Oregon Police Department is back at full strength thanks to the swearing in of a veteran detective Oct. 28.
Kevin Most, who most recently was an officer with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, was sworn in as a new detective for the city at a short ceremony at the start of the City Council meeting at City Hall.
“Kevin brings a lot of experience and a great amount of investigative skills to our department,” Oregon Police Chief Matthew Kalnins said. “We’re super
excited to have him on our team.”
Most’s salary will be $82,000, Kalnins said.
The hiring restores the city’s police force to nine full-time officers and one part-time officer.
“We are finally back at full strength,” Kalnins said.
Most, 38, is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In addition to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office he also served as an officer in Byron, Kalnins said.
–EarleenHinton
Friday, November 7th • 12-7pm Saturday, November 8th • 9am-3pm
Camren Hastings
Oregon Mayor Ken Williams (left) poses with the city’s newest detective, Kevin Most, after a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Oregon City Hall.
Earleen Hinton
Ribbon cutting takes place for 31-acre community solar project in Oregon
Project is 1st with battery storage system in ComEd’s service territory
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A ribbon-cutting and energization ceremony took place Oct. 30 for Ducks Solar, a new 31-acre and 7.7-megawatt community solar energy project at 1067 W. Oregon Trail Road in Oregon.
The project has been in development for three years, and it is the first in ComEd’s Northern Illinois territory to include battery storage to maximize energy capture and grid support in times when the sun isn’t out. The project is a collaboration between multiple corporations and area municipalities.
Equity Solar Illinois is the owner of the project, which was developed and designed in a collaboration between project developer US Solar and Eneon-ES. Ducks Solar serves the grid of ComEd, which provides electric service to more than 4 million customers in Northern Illinois.
Community solar projects deliver energy to communities they serve. Subscribers such as the cities of Oregon, Byron, Polo and Rockford, and Ogle County subscribe to the solar array to reduce energy costs while supporting the state’s transition to renewable power.
“We’re excited that nearly a dozen municipalities in Ogle County are subscribers to this project, including the city of Oregon and the Ogle County offices,” US Solar Senior Project Developer Ryan Magnoni said. “We project that Oregon will see about $6,000 in electrical savings in the first year and the county will save
about $12,000 from this project.”
Recent state legislation such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act has shifted emphasis and incentives toward clean energy, such as solar power, which has resulted in projects such as Ducks Solar and numerous other area solar projects that are in development.
The Ogle County Board has considered numerous special-use permits for solar projects recently, approving some and rejecting others with loss of productive farmland and resident concerns being a point of contention.
The land on which Ducks Solar rests previously was farmland. The parcel also will include about 35 acres of pollinator and native species plantings and 30-35 acres of tillable farm land. The land was annexed into Oregon with the project in mind.
Magnoni said the Oregon School District will receive almost $350,000 in increased property taxes over the 20-year initial term of the project. The city of Oregon is expected to receive almost $100,000 more over that term. The Oregon Fire Protection District and Ogle County each are expected to receive almost $50,000 more.
“That’s over $750,000 in additional tax revenue to go toward things like teacher salaries and upgrades to city or county offices as part of this project being operational and a good neighbor to this community,” Magnoni said. “This project is 7.7 megawatts, enough to support approximately 375 homes. About 75 percent of the homes in Oregon will be supported by the energy this project produces. That’s something we’re very proud of. The project and the crops will live within each other.”
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX
INCREASE FOR THE MT. MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 1 A PUBLIC HEARING TO APPROVE A PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASE FOR THE MT. MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT FOR 2025 WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER
17TH, 2025 AT 7:00 PM CST AT THE DISTRICT FIREHOUSE, 15 E. CENTER ST. MT. MORRIS, IL.
ANY PERSON DESIRING TO APPEAR AT THE PUBLIC HEARING AND PRESENT TESTIMONY TO THE TAXING DISTRICT MAY CONTACT
MARJIE LUNQUIST, SECRETARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 15 E. CENTER ST, MT. MORRIS, IL, PHONE 815-734-4322.
2 THE PROPOSED GENERAL CORPORATE FIRE, AMBULANCE, EMERGENCY AND RESCUE, AND INSURANCE TAXES TO BE LEVIED FOR 2026 ARE $1,263,797.00. THIS REPRESENTS A 78.0 PERCENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR EXTENSION.
3 THE TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES EXTENDED FOR 2025 ARE $709,901.00
Jeff Helfrich
The 7.72-megawatt community solar project features a 6.8-megawatt hours energy storage system.
Reaction to ICE raids
Last week, the brother of a member of our Ogle County community was taken by ICE during a raid in Chicago, then was swiftly transported to a detention facility in Louisiana, far away from his wife and three children.
Andres Rojas-Fuerte has been running a successful business for 20 years, serving more than 300 commercial and residential clients. He has worked hard, paid his taxes and has employed several staff, who also were taken by ICE.
Andres’ brother, Eric Rojas, and sister-inlaw, Melissa Nicholson Rojas, are members of the Trinity Lutheran church in Mt. Morris. While I don’t know either Melissa or Eric, I was made aware of this from a friend.
I hope everyone who reads this letter will take the time to imagine how you would feel if a family member of yours was taken off the streets by masked ICE agents and whisked away to another state. I don’t know the details of this particular raid, but I have seen video and photos of other raids in the Chicago area and the brutality is really hard to watch.
The message from the Trump administration is that these are the “worst of the worst” being “removed” to “protect” all of us. Yet reality shows that is not the case. In the last several weeks, young children have been dragged out of their beds and zip tied together for hours, away from their parents. American citizens were dragged from their beds in the middle of the night after their doors were broken in, they were detained for hours, and their homes were ransacked.
For those of you who voted for Trump,
• VEHICLE SHOOTING
Continued from page 8
“On Saturday, Oct. 4, at approximately 11:10 p.m., Rochelle police were dispatched to the 100 block of Willis Avenue for a report of suspicious activity. The caller reported a large group of individuals, all dressed in black, causing a disturbance in the roadway.
did you really vote for this? For terrorizing and brutalizing human beings and treating them like animals? I don’t believe that there are people in our community who are all right with this, but I do believe that many are closing their eyes to what is happening outside of our bubble called Ogle County.
Just because it isn’t happening here today doesn’t mean it won’t in the future as the administration gets bolder and bolder. They are targeting people and detaining them without any evidence. This is unconstitutional behavior, and all of us should be very concerned. We need to stand up for our representative democracy before it slips away from us.
Is our immigration system broken? Absolutely. And we should expect our members of Congress to finally work together and enact a solution. It has been far too long since they have tackled and resolved this problem. But that doesn’t give any agency the right to brutally hunt down people using the excuse that they are “animals,” “the worst of the worst” or other lies.
Just imagine if your sister, brother, mother, father or child was treated like Andres Rojas-Fuerte. What would you do? And if you were caught up in a raid because an agent believed you looked like “the worst of the worst,” who would stand up for you? Just think about that. Look at the history of what has happened in other countries when people, citizens, were treated this way.
You might say, “But this isn’t who we are.” And yet, right now, it is who we are.
Linda Pottinger Oregon
“A short time later, police received additional reports near Southview and Randall of a vehicle being shot at by a large group of subjects matching the same description.
“Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle that had been struck by gunfire approximately eight times. The driver reported that while traveling down the street, a large group attempted to stop their vehicle. The driver did not stop and instead drove around the group. The driver and several passengers stated that as they passed, they heard gunshots striking the vehicle. Fortunately, no one in the vehicle was injured.
“The group was last seen running west from the area. Police recovered two firearms in close proximity to the scene.”
Concerns about Medicare
I am concerned that the Trump administration has established a pilot program to use artificial intelligence to make prior approval decisions for patients using traditional Medicare.
Many people pick traditional Medicare because it lets their doctors, not insurance companies, call the shots on their care. Requiring prior authorization for treatments makes it harder for patients to get the care they need, delays receiving the care, and creates additional work for health care workers.
The pilot program will start in six states in January. So far, Illinois Medicare recipients will not be affected, but the program should be opposed as the use of AI could potentially lead to higher denials of coverage.
According to a 2024 Senate committee report, AI tools have been linked to higher rates of care denial, 16 times higher than decisions made without the technology. Please contact our congressman, Darin LaHood, and ask him to oppose these changes to traditional Medicare. Let’s keep AI and insurance providers out of decisions about our health care needs.
Julia B. Hammer Polo
Talk to your doctor about COVID-19 vaccine
As communities continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination remains a significant topic of discussion. It is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their health, and one of the most effective ways
• SOLAR PROJECT
Continued from page 9
The battery storage aspect of the project was designed by Eneon-ES. Its CCO, Jason Beacock, said the technology in the solar array and battery storage is “built to the highest standard in the industry.” One of the biggest critiques of solar energy is its lack of production without sunlight, which battery storage remedies to an extent.
ComEd Director of Clean Energy Solutions Philip Roy called the energization of Ducks Solar “truly a proud day for clean energy in northern Illinois.” ComEd is taking a multi-faceted approach to energy service, Roy said, and he expects future legislation could lead to more
to do so is by consulting with their own physician. Each person’s medical history and circumstances are unique, and a trusted health care provider is best positioned to offer guidance tailored to individual needs.
A conversation with a physician can provide clarity on the benefits and potential risks of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for those with underlying health conditions or concerns about side effects. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective at reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Physicians also can address specific questions about how vaccines interact with medications or chronic conditions, a concern that has been highlighted in studies of older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
Because everyone has a different health background, mocking those who choose to vaccinate or not has no place in our community. Respectful dialogue and empathy should guide our approach rather than judgment.
Therefore, I encourage anyone who is uncertain about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to speak directly with their health care provider. Such conversations not only foster trust in the medical community but also ensure that personal health decisions are made with the utmost care and consideration so we can move forward together, supporting the health and well-being of our community.
Sherrie Taylor Oregon
solar energy with battery storage in its service territory.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the benefits this project will create for the region and our continuing march toward the clean energy future,” Roy said. “Storage makes solar smarter. Projects like this are critical for ComEd to meet the increasing demand for electricity and the needs of our customers while keeping affordability at the forefront.”
President and COO of US Clean Energy and Equity Solar Illinois Principal Shawn Mobley said work has been ongoing for years to bring solar with battery storage to the forefront of his industry. “Today is the first day of the realization of that dream,” Mobley said. “And it’s right behind us in Oregon. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this accomplishment.”
GREGORY OLSON
Born: November 26, 1957
Died: October 30, 2025 in Oregon, IL
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gregory Alan Olson. Gregg passed away on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, while on hospice care at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL, with the presence of loved ones by his side. Gregg was a compassionate and visionary hospital CEO whose unwavering dedication to patient care, innovation, and community well-being left an enduring legacy of excellence and kindness. Beyond his many professional achievements, he was a devoted husband, loving brother, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a loyal friend whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. Gregg was born the middle of 3 children in Rockford, IL, on November 26th, 1957, to Gale and Cecilia Olson. He attended East High School in Rockford, IL, before continuing his education for 2 years at Rock Valley College. He then transferred to Bradley University in Peoria, IL,
BERNICE EDWINA HAWS
Born: July 15, 1933 in Fort Collins, CO
Died: September 26, 2025 in Masonville, CO
Bernice “Mickey” Haws, 92, passed away September 26, 2025 in Laporte, Colorado, at the home of her daughter Sherry, where she had resided since 2019, surrounded by her family.
Bernice was born into the sunshine of Alabama on July 15, 1933, to Lillian and Edward McKinney. She talked of barefoot adventures catching crawdads and cooking them in a coffee can over an open fire in the woods with her brother, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, climbing
where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and subsequently received his Executive Master of Business Administration graduate degree. He met the love of his life, Denise, in 1990. After 10 years of dating, the couple was married in a quaint chapel in Elizabeth, IL, on September 16th, 2000. In September of this year, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Gregg and Denise shared a loving blended family, cherishing their children Joe, Tia, Selena, and Tonya. Though he loved serving the community in a multitude of roles, Gregg’s most cherished role was that of a grandparent. His greatest joy was found in the love and laughter of his grandchildren: Austin, Brock, Cody, Alyson, Anthony, AnaMarie, Taylor, Lexi, Haley, Alyssa, Landyn, Izaiah, Kylie, and his great-grandson, Hudson. He also had a gentle heart and unwavering love for his dogs, caring for them like his own children and finding joy and comfort in their loyal companionship. Throughout their lives, Gregg and Denise were blessed with the love of their cherished dogs - Krystal, Maggie, and Katy - who now wait faithfully at Heaven’s gate. Denise will be comforted in the days to come by the loving company of Bailey and Quinn. Gregg was a man of wide-ranging interests and deep intellect. His lifelong passions for trains, law enforcement, photography, geography, and
trees to hide in, and picking wild grapes to eat until her tummy hurt.
She met and married James K. Haws when she was 16, and together, they moved to Illinois and raised a family. Bernice and James had five children: Sharon “Sherry”, Linda, Cindy, Kim, and “Jim” (James). She was a homemaker, small farm operator, restaurant owner, foster mom, grandma, great grandma, and great great grandma. Bernice loved gardening, crocheting, fishing, and raising farm animals. She had a deep love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and when she was no longer able to do things physically, she spent her time praying for others.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, William Edward McKinney and Lillian Dempsey McKinney; her sisters, Deloras and Elizabeth; her brothers, William, Joseph, Don-
sports reflected his inquisitive nature and unwavering commitment to learning. His knowledge and dedication in each of these pursuits were truly exceptional. Professionally, Gregg held many positions over his 40+ year career. In 1981, he began his career as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Regional Director in Peoria, IL. In 1986, he relocated to Belvidere, IL, where he continued his work as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. In 1990, he transitioned to President & CEO of Highland Community Hospital in Belvidere, IL, where he served until 1996. He then went on to become V.P., Regional Development for SwedishAmerican Health System until 2000. From there, he accepted the position of President & CEO of Rochelle Community Hospital until 2007. In 2007, Gregg moved to Medford, WI, where he assumed the position of President & CEO of Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Inc. Gregg remained in this position until 2017, when he began working as a consultant for Roger L. Holloway Health Care Consultants, a role he held until January 2020. From January 2020 through his retirement in April 2023, Gregg returned to Rochelle Community Hospital to conclude his career as President & CEO. Gregg exemplified the true meaning of servant leadership, leading with humility, integrity, and compassion, and was always
ald, and Edward “Pop”; her husband, James K. Haws Sr; her sons, James K. Haws, Jr, and Kim Haws; her daughter, Linda Haws Gregory; and her granddaughter, Jessica Haws. She is survived by her daughters, Sherry Holbrook (Jim Crenner) and Cindy Haws; as well as her grandchildren: Stephanie Conkling Shrimp (Mike), William Conkling (Kyla), Melanie Boston, April Phillips, Ashley Phillips, James Phillips, Nathan Phillips (Carissa), Cadance Whitley (Aaron), Amy Barkhurst (Scott), Danielle Szleszinski Higgens, David Szleszinski (Roxanna), Cathy Szleszkinski, Connor Holbrook, Shane Holbrook, Kim Haws, Jr, Kyle Haws, Charlotte Haws, Zack Haws, and J. Kenneth Haws; and her great grandchildren: Anthony Syracuse, Victoria Syracuse, Lillyanna Fancher (Cameron), Alyssa Stephenson, Shay Goss, Abrial Higgins, Hanna Fisher, Easton
putting others before himself. He believed his greatest strength lay in his employees. He often shared the philosophy that “when you take good care of your people, everything else naturally falls into place.” Gregg is survived by his wife, Denise Olson; siblings, Randy Olson and Judi Rodriguez; son, Joe (Jessica) Olson; daughters, Tia (Bob) Augustyn, Selena Twitty, and Tonya (Keon) Williams; grandchildren, Austin (Hannah) Olson, Brock Olson, Cody Olson, Alyson Augustyn, Anthony Augustyn, AnaMarie Augustyn, Taylor Such, Lexi Such, Haley (Dylan) Myers, Alyssa Williams, Landyn Williams, Izaiah Williams, and Kylie Williams; great-grandchild, Hudson Myers; special friends, James Liebgott, Bob (Jeri) Johns, Terry (Judy) Shook, Chaplain Judy (Wayne) Williams, Peggy (Bruce) King; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and so many others. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7th, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. On Saturday, November 8th, from 10:00am to 11:00am, there will be another visitation in the funeral home with the funeral service beginning at 11:00am and concluding at Calvary Cemetery, 8616 W. State Rd., Winnebago, IL 61088.
Fisher, William “Liam” Conkling IV, Charles Conkling, McKensey Szleszinski, Aria Vasquez, Zain Phillips, Jasper Phillips, Mariamia Phillips, Orianna Whitley, Gretta Whitley, Jory Comer, Destiny Santoro, Noah Szleszinski, Scott Parker Szleszinski, TJ Haws, Mason Haws, Emerson Haws, and Nova Eugene Bolan. She is also survived by her great great grandchildren:Eva Keck, Sawyer Syracuse, Willian Syracuse, Mateo Syracuse, and Killian Fancher; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
The family invites Bernice’s community to a visitation at 10:00am on Saturday November 15, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 220 E 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010. Mass will begin at 11:00am, with a reception at the church to follow, and internment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 8616 W State Rd, Winnebago, IL 61088.
Anya Anaya has strong finish to first high school season
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Name: Anya Anaya
School: Oregon
Sport: Cross country
Year: Freshman
Why she was selected: Anaya placed 11th at the Class 1A Winnebago Regional with a time of 18:57.5 in the 2.85-mile race to help the Hawks advance to the sectional as a team. Anaya ran a personal record 19:56.0 at the sectional to close her season as Oregon took 10th. She placed 31st individually.
Anaya is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week after an online vote. What drew you to cross country, and how did you first get into it?
Anaya: I have always loved running since I was young. My mom and dad would always go on runs, and I wanted to run fast enough to stay with them, so I joined the local track club. This piqued my interest in anything to do with running, so when I was in sixth grade, I began my first year of cross country and went on to be a three-time state qualifier. What do you like about cross country? Have you learned anything from it?
Anaya: I love the whole cross country experience. Cross country has brought me so many friends and has taught me how kind people can be. It has also taught me to keep a strong mindset.
Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year? What things do you attribute your success to?
Anaya: The past few years my mindset has not been the best, so my goal has been to improve my mindset steadily over the season. The people who surround me, such as my family, team, coaches and friends have all contributed to helping me improve my mindset.
What stood out about this year’s team?
Anaya: These girls I have trained with have been working nonstop since the end of June. We as a team have been putting in the work, and I believe we have a chance at making it to state as a team.
Any highlights for you so far this season?
Anaya: Being able to create new friendships with teammates and being able to grow mentally.
What has it meant to be able to contribute and have success as a freshman?
Anaya: I have been so grateful to be able to contribute to a dedicated team of
OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Oct. 27-31, 2025
Warranty Deeds
• Clinton Veterinary Clinic Sc to Arthur Mueller, 18530 E Twombly Rd, Rochelle, $140,000
• David G. Schoenholz to Lawrence Burke, 3606 W Cedar St, Dixon, $85,000
• Hre Builders Llc to Denise R. Frankes and Jeffrey S. Frakes, 522 N 6th St., Rochelle, $67,500
• Mackenzie G Chudzik and Bailey R. Lang to Diana K. Penaran, 604 N 7th St, Rochelle, $244,00
• Suzanne K. Altenburg to Unique Needs Property Management Llc, 211 Jeffrey Ave, Rochelle, $110,000
• Sydney R. Adkisson to Joseph King, 306 W Front St, Mt. Morris, $165,000
• Richard J. Harms and Janaan K. to Jack Schuit and Allyson Bartling, 10-07-300006, $728,250
• Wendy J. Mertes Trustee and Wendy J. Mertes Tr. To Charles J. Ostrander Iii and Averi G. Ostrander, 703 N 4th St, Oregon, $15,000
• Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to Cook Colten Mcquay, 109 N
athletes who support and lift each other up. It does not matter if you may be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior we are all working toward improving and helping each other along the way.
Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?
Anaya: I will be doing track and field during the second semester of school and am looking into doing some photography for the yearbook.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
Anaya: My favorite book is “The Outsiders.”
Favorite restaurant or meal after a meet?
Anaya: I love to eat at Culver’s with friends and family after meets.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
Anaya: My favorite movie is “27 Dresses.”
Favorite music artist or genre?
Anaya: One of my favorite bands is Paramore.
Any favorite school subjects?
Anaya: Some of my favorite classes this year are Art Foundations and Spanish 1. Any idea what you want to do after high school?
Anaya: After high school, I want to study forensic psychology.
Seminary St, Mt. Morris, $148,000
• Matthew Gendusa and Haylee K. Gendusa to Jared Lee Pottorff, 707 S 7th St, Oregon, $170,000
• Gary K. Dunn, Lori J. Dunn and Lori J. Halterman to Randal D. Tabor and Mandy D. Tabor, 155 Joanne Lane, Rochelle, $130,000
• Shreeji Prakash Llc to Swamibapa Rochelle Llc, 601 E IL Rte 38, Rochelle, and one parcel in DeMent Township, $2,400,000
• City Of Rochelle Illinois, City Of Rochelle Illinois, and City of Rochelle to Jason M. Harper and Eryn M. Harper, 1414 Carrie Ave, Rochelle, $6,000
• William Messenger and Nancy Messenger to Kevin M. Wolf, 1071 W Washington St, Oregon, $300,000
• Hale Airport Properties Llc to Jeffrey M. Lizeth L. Kay, one parcel in Rockvale Township, $160,000
• Timothy A. Dayton to Steven E. Grover and Cambria C. Grover, one parcel in Pine Rock Township: 17-02-100-011, $290,000
Quit Claims
• Kalen Spengler to Tristen Spengler, 403
N Division Ave, Polo, $0.00
• Bonnie L. Blumeyer to Francis E. Blumeyer, 7202 S Lowden Rd, Oregon, $0.00
• Haleigh Palchik to Colin O. Malley, 210 E Lincoln St, Mt. Morris, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Donna J. Cerveny Trustee, Lori L. Fagan Trustee and Dj Cerveny Living Tr to Donna J. Cerveny, Brian C. Fagan, and Lori L. Fagan, 847 W Jennie Ln, Oregon, $0.00
• Stillman Bank Trustee and Alvin D. Roberts to Williams H F Roberts, 4392 E Short Rd, Byron, $327,000
Deeds in Trust
• Katherine A. Braner to Katherine A. Braner Trustee and Katherine A. Braner Rev Tr, 20620 E Lindenwood Rd, Lindenwood, $0.00
• Jorge Delatorre and Susann Delatorre to Jorge Delatorre Trustee, Susann Delatorre, and Jorge & Susann Rev Lv Tr, 17934 E Marcia Dr, Monroe Center, $0.00
• Stanwood S. Black, Stanwood Black, Tricia M. Black and Tricia Black to Stanwood S. Black Trustee, Tricia M. Black Trustee, and Black Family Trl., 409 E Hitt
St, Mt. Morris, and 505 N Hannah Ave., Mt. Morris, $0.00
• Jacqueline K. Holder, to Jacqueline K. Holder Trustee and Jacqueline K. Holder Land Tr., 120 W 2nd St, Byron, and one parcel in Byron Township: 05-32-152-007, $0.00
• Scott L. Martin to Angela L. Martin-Bakener Trustee, Slm Tr825, Angela L. Martin-Bakener Trustee, one parcel in Pine Creek Township: 15-12-100-009; 715 Monroe St, Oregon; and one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-04-289-002, $0.00
• Aaron Mendoza, Heather E. Mendoza and Heather Mendoza to Heather Mendoza Trustee, Aaron Mendoza Trustee, and Aaron & Heather Mendoza Lv Tr, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-03-126003, $0.00
• Aaron Mendoza, Heather E. Mendoza, and Heather Mendoza to Heather Mendoza Trustee, Aaron Mendoza Trustee, Aaron & Heather Mendoza Lv Tr, 791 N River Rd, Oregon, $0.00
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
Earleen Hinton Oregon’s Anya Anaya (298) runs at the Class 1A Winnebago Regional on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Levi and Ester Fuller Memorial Forest Preserve.
CLASSIFIED
Byron School District #22 6 Job Postings Full-time Position:
Reminder
Farmland Auction - Ogle County
Sa turd ay, November 15, 202 5
Sale will be held at 11:00 am at the Pine Creek Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 8061 W Penn Corner Road, Polo, IL 61064
The 160 acres of farmland will be selling in 5 surv eyed Parcels2 parcels farm ground, timber, quarry and country home with out-buildings Ow ne r: Mary Elizabeth Love Stuff Trust #1
Section 35/36 Byron East Township, Ogle County, IL
Tract 6) 29.53 Platted Acres
Tract 7) 102.98 Platted Acres
Section 28 Winnebago Township, Winnebago County, IL
Tract 8) 43.87 Platted Acres
For complete listing of sur vey, sale bill, maps, tax info, and ter ms & conditions, etc visit www.lenn yb ryson au ctioneer .com
For
&
MORRIS MT. MORRIS
NOW! PARKSIDE APARTMENTS
1-Bedroom available in Mt Morris, IL
*Handicapped accessible unit
Affordable RD Housing for All Ages
If you or someone you know is interested, please call or visit our website: 608-784-13 81 allegiantprop ertym gm tllc.com
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC , Plaintiff, vs. RYAN PROUGH AKA RYAN DOUGLAS PROUGH; ABIGA IL ELIZABETH ROSE GOMEZ; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant(s).
CASE NO 2024FC28
Property Address: 404 S Walnut Avenue Forreston, IL 61030
NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE
Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on September 12, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickle of Ogle County, Illinois, will hold a sale on December 19, 2025, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheri ff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bi dders the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit: Commonly known as: 404 S Walnut Avenue, For reston, IL 61030
P.I .N.: 02-33-252-003
First Lien Posi tion; Single Famil y Res idence; Judgment Amount $217,163.89 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.
Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance du e within 24 hours of the sale. All pay ments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Ogle County.
The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sale s Department at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960. For bidding instructions, visit www.dallegal.com 24 hours prior to sale.
This communicat ion is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 midwestpleadings@da ll egal.com 8190-958325
Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959236
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
COUNTY OF Ogle - Oreg on , ILLINOIS
U.S. BANK NAT IONAL AS SOCI ATION
Plaintiff vs DANIEL J. STE EL E II; TAYLO R M. FOX; IL LINOIS HOUSING DE VE LOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 24 FC 27
CALENDAR
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that purs uant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the abov e entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on December 5, 2025, at the hour 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following desc ribed mor tgaged real estate: P.I .N. 02-33-129-008.
Commonly known as 104 S 1ST AVE., FORRESTON, IL 61030.
The real estat e is : single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a c ommon inter est community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Secti on 18.5 of the Condominium Prope rty Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection Prospecti ve bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information
For informati on call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 24 -199336 SHERIFF I3275368 Forreston Journal Oct. 3, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
JUDICIAL
OIS
ION
IL LINOIS UNKNOWN IMANTS
purs uant to a entitled cause 5, 2025, at the S 1st Street, for cash, the
ORRESTON, IL
If the subject ommon inter est n a mortgagee subsection (g-1) of Act. Sale terms: ertified funds, o refunds. The Prospecti ve ile to verify all aintiff's Attorney, artners, PLLC, eorgia 30004. F Nov. 7, 14, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE MOUNT MORRIS ESTATES MHP, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. MARK DENHAM, Defendant. 2025 CH 25 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
Mark Denham
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendant requesting the entry of a Court Order directing the Illinois Secretary of State issue title to and in that certa in 1974 Mobile Home: VIN: unknown; Title Number unknown, located at 3747 IL Rt 64, Lot 39, Mt Morris, Illinois 61054. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court: Clerk of the Circuit Court Ogle County Courthouse 106 S. Fifth Street Oregon, IL 61061
of a Court Order directing the Illinois Secretary of State issue title to and in that certa in 1974 Mobile Home: VIN: unknown; Title Number unknown, located at 3747 IL Rt 64, Lot 39, Mt Morris, Illinois 61054. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court: Clerk of the Circuit Court Ogle County Courthouse 106 S. Fifth Street Oregon, IL 61061 On or before December 1, 2025. A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
Dated: 10/22/2025
/s/Kimbe rl y A Stahl/KG Clerk of the Circuit Court Ogle County, Illinois SEAL
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. E verett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021
815-288-4949 815-288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw. com
/s/Kimbe rl y A. Stahl/KG Clerk of the Circuit Court Ogle County, Illinois SEAL
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. E verett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021
815-288-4949 815-288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw. com
NOTE: This law firm is deemed to be a debt collector. Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of LESTA F HARMON Letters of Office were issued on October 21, 2025, to SHAW N H. HARMON, as Independent Executor.
IL 61061 - or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
By: SHAWN H. HARMON Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
On or before December 1, 2025. A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
NOTE: This law firm is deemed to be a debt collector. Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
Dated: 10/22/2025 /s/Kimbe rl y A. Stahl/KG Clerk of the Circuit Court Ogle County, Illinois SEAL
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC
114 E. E verett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021
815-288-4949 815-288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw. com
NOTE: This law firm is deemed to be a debt collector. Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever dateis later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 - or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
By: SHAWN H. HARMON Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE I n re the E state of: LESTA F. HARMON, Deceased 2025 PR 58 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LESTA F HARMON Letters of Office were issued on October 21, 2025, to SHAW N H. HARMON, as Independent Executor. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever dateis later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 - or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
By: SHAWN H. HARMON Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
31,
Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
I n re the E state of: CHERYL L. GOEKING, Deceased 2025 PR 59 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of CHERYL L GOEK-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
COUNTY OF Ogle - Oreg on , ILLINOIS
U.S. BANK NAT IONAL AS SOCI ATION
Plaintiff vs.
Defendant 24 FC 27
CALENDAR
CHERYL L. GOEKING, Deceased 2025 PR 59 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of CHERYL L GOEKING. Letters of Office were issued on October 27, 2025, to ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING, as Independent Co-Executors. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
Nov 7, 14, 21, 2025
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Tracey Anders for a change in zoning of Business 2 (B-2) to Residential 1 (R-1) of 207 S. Division Ave This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-178-006, otherwise known as 207 S Division Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
Sy dney Bartel t, CMC City Clerk
Nov. 7, 14, 2025
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by Lesly Wicks and Darlene Seilheimer of 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within two feet of the property l ine at 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-256-010, otherwise known as 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sy dney Bartel t, CMC City Clerk
Nov. 7, 14, 2025
DANIEL J. STE EL E II; TAYLO R M. FOX; IL LINOIS HOUSING DE VE LOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
P.I .N. 02-33-129-008.
ING. Letters of Office were issued on October 27, 2025, to ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING, as Independent Co-Executors. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Nov 7, 14, 21, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that purs uant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the abov e entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on December 5, 2025, at the hour 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following desc ribed mor tgaged real estate: LOT THREE (3) IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF FORRESTON, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT ACKNOWLEDGED BY GEORGE W HEWITT; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FORRESTON, COUNTY OF OGL E AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
Commonly known as 104 S 1ST AVE., FORRESTON, IL 61030.
The real estat e is : single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a c ommon inter est community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Secti on 18.5 of the Condominium Prope rty Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection . Prospecti ve bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
For informati on call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 24 -199336 SHERIFF I3275368 Forreston Journal Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St.
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Tracey Anders for a change in zoning of Business 2 (B-2) to Residential 1 (R-1) of 207 S. Division Ave This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-178-006, otherwise known as 207 S Division Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY, ILL INOIS
LLACG Community Investment Fund Plaintiff, Vs.
Donna R O`Hara, Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Dennis R O`Hara, Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Donna R O`Hara, unknown owne rs and non- record claimants, Defendants. 2024FC47 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: DONNA R O`HARA UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LE GATEES OF DENNIS R O`HARA UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LE GATEES OF DONNA R O`HARA UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Sy dney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk
Nov. 7, 14, 2025
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by Lesly Wicks and Darlene Seilheimer of 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within two feet of the property l ine at 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-256-010, otherwise known as 317 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
Sy dney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk
Nov. 7, 14, 2025
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: LOT FOUR (4) IN BLOCK SIXTY-THREE (63) OF B.T. PHELPS' ADDITION TO THE TOWN, NOW CITY OF OREGON, COUNTY OF OGLE, STATE OF ILLINOIS. COMMONLY KNOWN AS 405 N 4TH ST, OREGON, IL 61061 PIN # 16-03-11 4-004 and which said Mortgage was made by: DENNIS R. O'HARA AND DONNA R. O'HARA, the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc ., as mortgagee as nominee for American Advisors Group, its successors and assigns as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of OGLE County, IL, as Document No. 2012012 05451; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, on or before December 1, 2025 A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDG MENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH TH E PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you mu st first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/service- prov iders.htm to learn more and to select a service provid er. If you need additional help or have trouble e- filing, visit http://www.i llinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp.
Potestivo & Associat es, P.C.
223 W Jackson Blv d., Suite 610 Chicago, IL 60606
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collec tion Pr actices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Our File No.: 319522
I3275438 Forres ton Journal Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LL INOIS
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC PLAINTIFF, -vs.
Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Edwin D Fr ansen a/k/a Edwin D Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Delano Fransen III, Deceased; Derek Fransen a/k/a Derek R. Fransen; Edwin D. Fransen, IV a/k/a Del Fransen; Byron Bank; Rosemary Schnepf, as Special Representative of Edwin D. Fransen a/k/a Edwin D. Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Delano Fransen III, Deceased; Unknown Owners And Non-Record Claimants DEFENDANTS
NO. 25 FC 47 PUBLI CATION NOTICE
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereb y given you Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Edwin D. Fransen a/k/a Edwin D. Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Del ano Fransen III, Deceased; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants. Defenda nts in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle C ounty, by the said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, prayi ng for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: PART OF THE N ORTH HALF (1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 25 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID NORTH HALF (1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4); THENCE SOUTH 0 DEGREES 00 MINUTES ON THE EAST LINE OF THE SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4), 153.4 FEET TO THE TANGENT CENTERLINE OF STATE ROUTE 72; THENCE NORTH 67 DEGREES 38 MINUTES WEST ON THE SAID TANGENT CENTERLINE, 325.0 FEET; THENCE NORTH 51 DEGREES 12 MINUTES WEST ON THE SAID TANGENT CENTERLINE, 1056.05 FEET; THEN CE NORTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES E AST 222.0 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY EDGE OF ROCK RIVER BEING THE POIN T OF BEGINNI NG OF THE TRACT OF LAND BEING DESC RIBED; THENCE SOUTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES WEST 182.0 FEET TO THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SAID STATE ROUTE 72; THENCE SOUTH 51 DEGREES 12 MINUTES EAST, 376.75 FEET; THENCE S OUTH 56 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 38 SECONDS EAST 104.88 FEET; THENCE NORTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES E AST, 331.0 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY EDGE OF ROCK RIVER; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ON THE SAID SOUTH EDGE OF ROCK RIVER, TO THE SAID POINT OF BEGINNING; EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE PREMISES CONVEYED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS BY WARRANTY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 1993 ON PAGE 6503 FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAY PURPOSES; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MARION, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
Commonly known as 4842 East IL Route 72, Byron, IL 61010
Permanent Index No.: 05-32-426-001 and which said Mortgage was made by Edwin D Fransen and Roxanna S Fransen., as joint tenants with rights of survivorship Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for USAA Federal Savings Bank as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, Document No 202001354. And for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the suit is now pending. Now therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, e-file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, on or before the 30th day after the first publication of this notice which is DECEMBER 8, 2025. Default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment ente red in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To efile, you mus t fi rs t create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service- providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourt s.gov/FAQ/gethelp.a sp
Clerk
LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717
ILNOTICES@logs.com
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGA TION 8190-959356
Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959356
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC , Plaintiff, vs. RYAN PROUGH AKA RYAN DOUGLAS PROUGH; ABIGA IL ELIZABETH ROSE GOMEZ; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant(s). CASE NO 2024FC28
Property Address: 404 S Walnut Avenue Forreston, IL 61030
NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE
Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on September 12, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickle of Ogle County, Illinois, will hold a sale on December 19, 2025, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheri ff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bi dders the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit: LOT TWO (2) IN BLOCK TWO (2) IN THE TOWN OF FORRESTON, ACCORDING TO THE RECENT PLAT ACKNOWLEDGED BY DAVID A NEAL AND NOW GENERALLY KNOWN AS NEAL'S ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF FORRESTON; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FORRE STON, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
Commonly known as: 404 S Walnut Avenue, For reston, IL 61030
P.I .N.: 02-33-252-003
First Lien Posi tion; Single Famil y Res idence; Judgment Amount $217,163.89
IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.
Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance due within 24 hours of the sale. All pay ments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Ogle County.
The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sale s Department at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960. For bidding instructions, visit www.dallegal.com 24 hours prior to sale.
This communicat ion is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 midwestpleadings@da ll egal.com 8190-958325
Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959236
Playoff losses need to be put in perspective
This was one of those weeks when it was hard to get motivation to do a column. Could it be from a bad head cold, writer’s block or burnout from 627 trick-or-treaters on Halloween?
I’d like to say yes to any of the above, but sadly it is from emotional distress after seeing my beloved Rochelle Hubs lose a playoff game by the cruelest of measures.
Ahead 14-13 with less than a minute to play, all the Hubs had to do was recover an onside kick to seal the win. Instead, Geneseo managed to grab the loose ball and drove down to connect on a knuckleball field goal as time expired for a miracle victory.
Sorry to sound like a whiner as this isn’t the first time I shared emotional pains experienced from high school sport losses. Sure, I have a long history with the old alma mater of Rochelle, and still haven’t quite gotten over the sting felt on a long three-hour drive from Carthage in Barney Vecchia’s RV after an improbable football loss by Oregon in the 2008 playoffs.
Maybe putting this down on paper will have a cathartic effect and relief will be found. Rochelle was the only team in the state to lose a first-round rematch against a team that it had beaten (41-14) in the regular season, but it was a legitimate loss.
It was a different case for the Fair-
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Monday, Oct. 27
Volleyball
Oregon def. Hall 25-23, 25-15: The Hawks won their Class 2A Rock Falls Regional opener. Emma Eckerd led Oregon with 17 assists, 10 digs and two aces. Izzy Berg had four kills and a block. Skylar Bishop had five kills, two blocks and an ace.
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Volleyball
Polo def. Hinckley-Big Rock 25-9, 25-12: Cam Jones led the Marcos with 11 kills, Brylee Laskowski (two aces) had nine assists and Grace Miatke had seven digs in the postseason win.
Andy Colbert VIEWS
field Mules in far downstate Illinois.
Like Rochelle, they also lost on a last-second field goal, but winning team PORTA was allowed five downs before kicking the field goal.
Apparently, officials got confused in the frantic final seconds and failed to recognize the extra down.
Video evidence of the debacle was sent to the IHSA and here are excerpts from a statement by Executive Director Craig Anderson:
IHSA by-law 6.033 clearly states that “the decisions of game officials shall be final; protests against the decision of a game official shall not be reviewed by the Board of Directors. Neither have the ability to alter the outcome of a contest that has been determined on the field. The contest result shall remain final with PORTA Co-op advancing to the 3A second round.
I recognize that there will be calls for the game result to be changed, or for PORTA to forfeit, but neither option is a possibility within the IHSA by-law structure. What occurred on the field in the waning moments of the contest
appears to be a simple case of human error, something that occurs in all levels of sport.
The most important part of what was essentially a 455-word apology to Fairfield from the IHSA was the fact that a human error occurred.
As evidenced by social media, people not only in Fairfield, but in all parts of the state are irate over this perceived miscarriage of justice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a march with pitchforks and torches on the IHSA headquarters in Bloomington. Well, maybe not.
Let’s not forget a cautionary tale from 31 years ago.
In a quarterfinal playoff game between Stockton and Durand, officiating errors contributed to Durand losing 20-14. After being subjected to a barrage of criticism and insults, one of those officials attempted suicide.
Written on the back of a sheet of paper from the IHSA that mentioned the official had been selected to referee the state finals was the suicide note. That official was the son of one of the most successful officials in the state and had been waiting 20 years for the call to do a state final, like his father had done so many times.
After the game, the IHSA rescinded the opportunity to do that coveted state final. Combined with the outrage from
Durand, the coach and educator couldn’t take it anymore. Into his garage he went on a November day like this, downing pills and turning on the ignition of his car to end the pain he felt.
Fortunately, he came to his senses before death set in and left the garage seeking help. Eventually he got back into everyday life, including officiating, but those scars from 1994 never left him.
As hard as it is to accept, we have no other choice than to realize that mistakes are made. Simple ones with little consequences can be easy to look past. But when one team’s playoff life is at stake, not so easy.
Throw out common sense, grace and kindness to our fellow man. The final outcome of a game has taken precedence over anything. Apart from divine intervention, emotions will overrule intellect.
Trust me, I know what that emotional roller coaster is like after seeing Rochelle stop a 2-point conversion at the goal line to preserve the lead, totally convinced the game was over, until the unthinkable happened. I’m no different that the Fairfield people whose team lost.
• Andy Colbert is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
Volleyball
Serena def. Polo 25-13, 25-22: The fifthseeded Marcos fell short in the Class 1A regional semifinal against fourth-seeded Serena. Polo finished 19-11-2.
Football Friday, Oct. 31
Byron 63, Oregon 15: The Tigers continued their unbeaten season (10-0) with a home win Oct. 31 over the Hawks (5-5) at Everett Stine Stadium. Byron plays Pecatonica-Durand in Pectonica in second-round action Saturday, Nov. 8.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Boys cross country
Class 1A Sherrard Sectional: Byron’s Tim
Starwalt took second in 15:18.4 to qualify for the state meet. Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez also qualified, placing 12th in 15:47.6. Amboy’s Henry Nichols also advanced after taking 15th. Rock Falls’ Ian Finney advanced after finishing 23rd. Forreston-Polo competed as a team, but no runners advanced. Landon Graden led Forreston-Polo, finishing 64th in 17:07 for a personal record. Other Forreston-Polo runners were Noah Genandt (94th, 17:48, PR), Levi Bocker (116th, 18:26, PR), Casen Grobe (135th, 19:09, PR), Ivan Reyna (144th, 19:44, PR), Eli Wellacher (150th, 20:14) and Joey Rowland (154th, 20:42, PR).
Girls cross country
Class 1A Sherrard Sectional: Rock Falls’ Kat Scott ran a personal record 19:16.2 to take 16th and advance to state. She was the only area runner to qualify.
Oregon freshman Anya Anaya took 31st with a PR of 19:56. Oregon placed 10th out of 21 teams, but needed to finish sixth in order to qualify for the state meet. Other runners for Oregon were Jillian Hammer (51st, 20:43, PR), Madeline Rogers (66th, 21:16), Evelyn Anderson (68th, 21:35, PR), Lorelai Dannhorn (81st, 21:52), Christine Ramirez (93rd, 22:07, PR) and Mari Rager (97th, 22:17, PR).
Football
Lena-Winslow 48, Forreston 22: The Cardinals fell in their Class 1A playoff opener against the third-seeded Panthers (9-1). Forreston, seeded 14th, finishes the season 5-5. The setback was closer than Forreston’s Week 1 50-12 loss in the regular season. Lena hosts Gibson City in the second round Saturday, Nov. 8.
Forreston, Oregon bow out in playoffs
In a Class 1A playoff opener, Forreston fell 48-22 to LenaWinslow (9-1).
Forreston, seeded 14th, finished the season 5-5.
In the Class 3A playoffs, Byron defeated Oregon 63-15 to remain undefeated at 10-0. The Hawks closed out the season with a 5-5 record.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
TOP LEFT: Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting beats Forreston’s Jonathan Milnes to the end zone for a touchdown during Class 1A playoff action Nov. 1 in Lena. TOP RIGHT: Forreston’s Connor Politsch holds the ball over the goal line for a two-point conversion in first half action against Lena-Winslow. ABOVE: Oregon quarterback Benny Olalde runs to escape Byron’s Austyn Morris during Class 3A football playoff action Oct. 31 at Everett Stine Stadium in Byron. LEFT: Oregon’s Jakobi Donegan fights for yards against Byron.
Polo pulls away from Hiawatha in I8FA playoff opener
By TY REYNOLDS
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Polo grabbed momentum early, and then Hiawatha fought back. But the Marcos had the answers in the second half and went on to defeat the Hawks 36-14 in their Illinois 8-Man Football Association first-round playoff game Saturday in Polo.
The Marcos (9-1) scored on their first three possessions, and then saw Hiawatha turn two turnovers into touchdowns. But the second half was all Polo as it held the Hawks to minus18 yards rushing while adding two Jordan Reed touchdown runs to pull away.
“Our defense definitely set the tone today. Our offense struggled a little bit at times, but we found our stride again and finished it,” said senior lineman Wyatt Plachno, who got a second-half carry for three yards. “They did what we expected them to do. We were expecting more trick plays, so we were more on our toes than usual, but we got in the backfield and we rattled them a little bit.”
Polo recovered an onside kick to start the game, and quarterback JT Stephenson scored on a 9-yard run eight plays later for an 8-0 lead. Hiawatha drove to the red zone, but Reed intercepted a pass at the 1-yard line to thwart a scoring chance.
The Marcos then marched 99 yards in 11 plays with Stephenson scoring from 11 yards out for a 14-0 lead.
“It was really our energy,” Reed said. “We had to get it up, get it going, and our coaches were saying that we needed to punch them in the mouth right away and get our offense going.”
Polo forced a three-and-out, and then Stephenson threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Reed on a wheel route to make it 22-0.
Polo then recovered its second onside kick of the half.
“It’s really big to get those. We work on it a lot at practice, our onside kicks, and we got two of them today,” Stephenson said. “We work hard on it, and we’ve got eight guys going after the ball that really want it.”
A fumbled snap was kicked about 15 yards downfield, and Hiawatha recovered. Senior quarterback Aidan Cooper then sprinted 68 yards for a Hawks touchdown.
On the next series, Tim Pruitt picked
off a Polo pass and returned it 53 yards to the 7-yard line before running in from five yards on a direct-snap sweep to cut the Hawks’ deficit to 22-14 with 39.7 seconds left in the first half.
“It feels nice that we can overcome things and change really quick the way that we’re moving,” said Cooper, who finished with 59 yards rushing and 56 yards passing. “We really gave it all that we had out there and left it all on the field, but I think they just kind of outpowered us.”
Hiawatha (5-5) was playing without three offensive starters – both guards went down with early injuries and its top receiver also was sidelined – and just couldn’t keep up with the Marcos in the second half.
Reed’s 16-yard run on a direct snap capped Polo’s opening drive of the third quarter, and then he redeemed himself after fumbling on the next possession to score from 22 yards out for a 36-14 lead with 1:13 left in the third.
“Our biggest thing is the next play. Don’t worry about the last one,” Stephenson said. “You can’t go back in the past, so you can’t change it. That’s one thing we preach is looking ahead to the next play, make the next one count.”
Stephenson rushed for 179 yards on 28 carries, and also connected with Reed on three passes for 56 yards. Stephenson added a team-high five tack-
ABOVE: Polo’s Jordan Reed runs for yards against Hiawatha on Nov. 1 in the 8-man football playoff game.
LEFT: Polo’s JT Stephenson fights for yards against Hiawatha’s Tim Pruitt on Nov. 1 in the 8-man football playoffs.
les. Reed had 129 yards on 17 carries as Polo amassed 387 yards of total offense, including 331 on the ground. Reed had four tackles and an interception.
Plachno had two tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Ethan Dewey had three tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery. Esteban Salinas had an interception for the Marcos.
“It’s really the front four. They were making a whole lot of plays and getting
in their backfield constantly, making tackles behind the line of scrimmage,” Reed said. “That helped us DBs make big plays, too, because they were forcing bad throws.”
Hiawatha managed only 113 total yards, rushing for minus-11 yards besides Cooper’s long touchdown run. The Hawks turned the ball over four times and managed only six first downs, with only one of their eight possessions including multiple first downs.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
SPORTS
HANDS ON
Polo grabs victory in first round of I8FA playoffs / 19
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1962: Glenn Hall sets NHL record of 503 consecutive games as a goalie.
1979: Chicago Cubs reliever Bruce Sutter wins National League Cy Young Award.
Polo’s Esteban Salinas hauls in an interception against Hiawatha on Nov. 1 in an 8-man football playoff game.
