15 minute read
Forreston and Mt. Morris host festivals this weekend. / 3
LOCAL HISTORY
Thank sg iv ing is over, time to decorate for Chr istmas
Thanksgiving is over and we a r e a l l f u l l o f t u r k e y a n d dressing. I still have not gotten my pumpkin pie and right now it does not sound all that great.
I have come down with a bug and immediately one thinks of COVID-19. So I gave my granddaughter, Dr. Amy, a call. She said quickly that I did not need a COVID test since others in the family had come down with the same thing at the same time.
Symptoms were a bit different than the virus. I also have had both vaccinations and a booster.
Obviously some small child had something that is typical of little kids and we had several little ones. It was fun to watch the 2 year olds learning to play with their cousins. We also had a 4-month-old passed around from person to person and Holly, the 5-yearold, was helping everyone.
This weeken d, we had anoth er great grandchild, Mary Elizabeth, baptized in Winston-Salem. I did not even attempt to go down with my knee the way it is. Kyle and Rebecca sent me pictures by email and I enjoyed seeing Mary in the family christening gown. She seemed to sleep through the whole event.
The O’Connor family had their Thanksgiving/Christmas event that lasted several days. I enjoyed soup night at Susan Zook’s home, which kicked off the big occasion.
A big group of them went out to the skating rink at the Pines and they found it to be very lovely. All redone a while back. How many of you remember going to the skating rink?
Kenneth and I went there when we dated over 70 years ago. It was fun to skate to Pauline Grant as she played the organ in fine style. We had our skates for many years and we would even go out there and sit in the car and watch the skaters.
We always enjoyed listening to the music. It is nice to know that it is still being used by the younger crew. The area is fortunate to have this activity still available.
This week I decorated my Christmas tree. Last weekend Krista was here and she got it all straightened in the stand. The cat when she was a kitten spent most of her time in the tree. Each year we bend the branches back up and try to get it looking somewhat presentable. The cat leaves it alone now, but every now and then she flings off a Shiny Brie ball.
As soon as the lights are on I have to have it lit as I put on the ornaments. It is a big tree and all the Shiny Brite ornaments go on that particular tree. I am most fortunate to have many Shiny Brite ornaments in their original boxes. Shiny Brite ornaments were the first ornaments to be made in the United States.
Max Eckardt, born in Germany, came to the U.S. and settled in New York. He had been importing ornaments to sell from Germany since 1907. He also had been ordering all our holiday cards from Germany as well.
Last week Linda was surprised to see how so many of the earlier cards all came from Germany. They are very beautiful and colorful. Next week I will tell you more about Max Eckardt. • Betty Obendorf is a volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf
Photo provided Kyle, Rebecca, Anna Fay and Mary Elizabeth Obendorf are pictured here at the christening of Mary Elizabeth.
POLO CHAMBER CHATTER
Polo Christmas Festival Dec. 4
Polo Christmas Festival Christmas Cash 60/40 Raffle Tickets are available at First State Bank, Country Insurance, The Polo Public Library, Scholl Insurance, Inc, Our House Antiques and available during the Christmas Festival. Who wouldn’t love a little extra cash right before the holiday? Make sure to get your tickets for the Polo Christmas Festival’s 60/40 raffle where the winner gets 60% of the proceeds!
We are bringing back some community favorites like the House Decorating, Tree Lighting, Carriage Rides, Holiday Stories, Photos with the elves, a visit from the big man himself and a NEW Polo Historic Trolley Tour that will be lead by Betty Obendorf!
Shop Local at The Christmas Cupboard, Country Floral and Our House Antiques. There is a Craft and Vendor Show at Crossroads from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Cub Scout Pack 337 Christmas Wreath and Swag Fundraiser at St Mary’s Church from 1-3 p.m. Sip and Shop Vendor Fair 2:30- 7 p.m. located next to Chesty P’s. Visit the Polo Christmas Festival on Facebook for more information.
The Polo Lions Club Christmas Dinner is on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 5-7 p .m. at the Polo Fire Station. Sit down or drive-thru service. Donations are accepted with all proceeds going toward local community projects.
Decorating Contest
Don’t Forget to enter Polo’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest it is open to all homes and businesses within the Polo School District. Residents will be able to vote for their favorite decorations online and winners will be announced in four categories: People’s Choice/Best in Show, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Best Business. To view rules and enter your home or business into the Holiday Home Decorating Contest, please visit www.polochamber.org. Voting will take place Dec. 4 thru Dec. 18.
Coffee With a Cop
Visit the Polo Public Library for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday’s at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a nice chat with a Cop.
Business After Hours
If you are interested and would like to host a Business after Hours or Breakfast before Business call the Chamber at 815-946-3131.
Certificates of Recognition
The Polo Chamber of Commerce would like to issue Certificates of Recognition to any Polo Chamber of Commerce business members who are celebrating five years of being in business, or those with five-year increments of being in business in Polo. Contact us so that we can announce your special business celebration during our Annual Dinner.
Get the Word Out
Contact The Polo Chamber of Commerce at 815-946-3131, polochamber@gmail.com, or mail to P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064 if you would like to post your event on the Chamber Sign, Chamber Website (www.polochamber.org), Chamber Face Book Page and/or the Chamber Chatter.
YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Recycle those old holiday lights
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department (OCSWMD) is again partnering with local fire departments and villages to offer several convenient drop-off boxes so those frustrating, nonfunctional holiday light strands can be recycled.
Drop-off boxes are available at the following fire departments: Rochelle, Byron, Stillman Valley and Mt. Morris. They are also located at the village halls in Polo, Forreston, and Davis Junction and Creston.
Light strands are also accepted at the Ogle County courthouse and at the OCSWMD office at 909 Pines Road in Oregon. Boxes will remain at these locations until Jan. 21. Accepted light strands include Italian mini-lights, traditional lights, LED lights, and other holiday light strands. Extension cords are also accepted.
Materials not accepted includes rope lights, wreaths, garland, metal stakes or silhouettes, live greens, plastic decorations, timers, and light packaging, plastic bags, or cardboard boxes. Placing just the light strands and cords into the bins increases material value and makes the recycling process more efficient for the processor.
Lights and cords will be shipped to Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations in Onalaska, Wisconsin to be recycled. For more information, call 815-732-4020 or visit www. oglecounty.org.
Born: September 22, 1941 in Adeline, IL Died: November 19, 2021 in Freeport, IL Violet J. Rothermel, age 80 of Shannon, IL, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. She was born September 22, 1941 in Adeline, IL and was lovingly raised by Paul and Nora Meyer. She attended Leaf River High School and graduated from Polo High School in 1960. Violet married Delmar Rothermel on December 17, 1961 at the Polo United Methodist Church. In her younger years, she worked at Burgess Battery and MicroSwitch. Later she worked for Tri County Press in Polo and as a teacher’s aide for the Freeport School District. Lastly, she worked alongside her husband at Farmers Insurance Agency in Freeport as the office manager. Above all else she did, her number one job was being Mom and Grandma. Violet enjoyed reading, country music, games (Wheel of Fortune) and bird watching. Cardinals were her favorite bird. She was a talented artist; painting, sketching, and making floats for the Shannon Labor Day Parades. She was an avid NASCAR, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Chief’s fan. Violet cherished her collection of teapots, giraffes, and lighthouses. She loved road trips to visit friends and family. Most of all, her kids and grandkids were what brought her the most joy. She is survived by her husband, Delmar Rothermel of Shannon; daughter, Valerie Rothermel-Nelson of Ridott, IL; son, Brad (Kathy) Rothermel of Durand, IL and their girls, Celia, Elizabeth, and Sarah. She was preceded in death by Paul & Nora Meyer, and son-in-law, Jim Nelson. A celebration of life was held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL. Interment took place at Haldane Cemetery in Forreston, IL. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.
RICHARD ‘DICK’ ALAN SWEENEY
Born: September 11, 1937 Died: November 27, 2021 MT. MORRIS, IL –Richard “Dick” Alan Sweeney, age 84, of Mt. Morris, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 after a brief illness. Dick was born on September 11, 1937 in Rockford, IL the son of Wilbur & Ida (Kump) Sweeney. Dick lived most of his life in the Mt. Morris area, and attended, the Mt. Morris schools. He finished high school while serving in the U.S. Navy. After his service in the Navy, he worked at Kable Printing Company as a mailing operator for 42 years. On June 19, 1965, Dick married Margaret Mueller in Paynes Point, IL. They had one son, Joel. Throughout his life, Dick enjoyed archery and catfishing. He also loved to watch old westerns on television. In his earlier years, he relished his horses and trail riding Dick is survived by his wife: Margaret Sweeney, Mt. Morris, IL; son: Joel (Stephanie) Sweeney, Paynes Point ,IL; 2 grandchildren: MacKenzie and Carson Sweeney; 2 great grandchildren: Lunaand Oliver; brothers: Gene Sweeney, Roscoe, IL and Dave Sweeney, Lanark, IL; 2 sisters: Pat Burd and Judy Barnhart both of Mt. Morris, IL. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and sister: Joyce Shelton. Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
SUBSCRIBE TODAYOregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times • Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County! Call 815-632-2520 to subscribe!
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy for the Polo Community School District #222 for 2022 will be held on December 15, 2021 at 6:00pm at Centennial Elementary School in the community room at 308 S. Pleasant Avenue, Polo, IL 61064.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the tax district may contact Dr. Kelly Mandrell, Superintendent, Polo Community School District #222, 100 S. Union Avenue, Polo, IL 61064 at 815-946-3815.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended for 2021 were $3,898,496.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2022 are $4,089,248. This represents a 5.00% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debit services and public building commission leases for 2021 were $841,619.00.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commissions lease for 2022 is $869,912.40. This represents a 3.36% increase over the previous year.
SPECIAL EVENTS
DAR seek s donations for Wreaths Across A merica
T he Ro c h e l le Ch a p t e r o f t h e National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8739 are honori ng local hero es by placi ng wreathes on the graves of veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
VFW Post 8739 is helping to lay wreathes on the graves of veterans buried at Daysville Cemetery in Oregon. They also are sponsoring the cost of 10 wreathes.
There are 201 veterans buried in Daysville Cemetery, including a Revolutionary War veteran. Spec i a l w r e a t h e s f o r e a c h branch of the U.S. military will be placed Dec. 18 at 1 p.m.
The Rochelle Chapter is adopting St. Patrick’s Cemetery in R o c h e ll e a nd wi l l p l a c e wreaths Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. An abbreviated ceremony will t a k e p l a ce a t La w n r i d g e after the conclusion of the wreath laying at St. Patrick’s. T he Ro ch e l l e C h a p t e r a l so i s ac c e p t i n g g r a v e - s p e c i f i c requests at St. Patrick’s, Lawnridge and Trinity cemeteries in Rochelle, Daysville Cemetery and other local cemeteries. Participants may attend to place the wreath on a specific grave.
The cost to sponsor one wreath is $15, two are $30, five are $75 and 10 wreaths are $150. You also can donate a cu s t o m n u m b e r o f w r e a t h s . T o donate, visit https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0136P. Donations are due Nov. 30.
U-Cut-It Chr istmas trees return to Sand Ridge prairie
After a two-year hiatus in response to COVID-19 precautions, U-Cut-It Christmas trees are again available at Sand Ridge, 2879 S. Daysville Road, southeast of Oregon.
The Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County (PPSOC), a nonprofit organization, began sales at 10 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Sales will continue Dec. 4-5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The cost of the trees are fir ($60), white pine ($40) and spruce ($40). Tall trees for cathedral ceilings can also be found for an additional fee.
Trees are sold by PPSOC as a service to the public and to pay for necessary maintenance on the natural areas in the preserve.
“Sand Ridge is a great place to visit even without the bonus of Christmas trees. With hills of waving prairie grasses and forbs (wild flowers) and stands of evergreen, it provides a quiet beauty and sense of peace to those fortunate to stop there. The sound of the breezes in the trees and their invigorating scent provide moments transported to the north woods.” said volunteer Sonia Vogl. “Surrounded by towering white pines, which block the sight of cornfields and houses, it is a place set apart – a peaceful sanctuary from the everyday. Visit, enjoy and take the feeling with you.”
Mt. Morris Goodfellows seek donations for the holidays
The Mt. Morris Goodfellows are accepting monetary donations for those in need this holiday season.
Donations are greatly appreciated. Jerry Griffin and Charlie Beard, Goodfellows Co-Chairmen, said that the Goodfellows again will be able to provide assistance this Christmas thanks to the financial support of the community.
Each holiday season, for nearly 70 years, the Goodfellows have provided food assistance and fruit baskets to residents in Mt. Morris.
Donations can be mailed to Mt. Morris Goodfellows, P.O. Box 75, Mt. Morris, IL 61054 or dropped into a Goodfellows donation can located at local businesses.
Participating Mt. Morris businesses are Sterling Federal Bank, Union Savings Bank, Rockford Bell Credit Union, Cimino’s Pizza, The Idle Hour, Moose Lodge, Peppermill Restaurant, Sharky’s, Shell Express, Sullivan’s Grocery, Village Hall, Mobil, Eclips Hair Salon, Home Town Diner, Campus Café and Mullarkey’s Bar & Grill.
If you have any questions regarding Goodfellows, please call Jerry Griffin at 815-440-4440. “The Mt. Morris Goodfellows appreciate your support,” Griffin said.
OREGON POLICE
Nov. 22
Corey D. Kelchner Sr., 37, of Rochelle, was arrested at 8:54 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear. Kelchner was issued a recognizance bond and was released.
Nov. 24
Tyree J. Olarge, 22, of Joliet, was arrested at 11:30 a.m. for driving while license suspended. Olarge was also issued citations for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper cannabis container as a driver. Olarge was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 900 block of West Washington Street.
Nov. 25
Christopher R. Weber, 42, of Byron, was arrested at 1:19 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Weber was also issued a citation for improper lane use. Weber was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.
Nov. 26
Gary M. Tabor, 34, of Harmon, was arrested at 6:40 p.m. on an outstanding Lee County warrant for failure to appear. Tabor was transported to the Ogle County jail.
Nov. 28
Sharla J. Robbins, 66, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 1:08 a.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred in the 900 block of West Washington Street.
Two parking tickets and 11 verbal warnings were issued Nov. 22-28.
Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
POLO POLICE
Nov. 23
Steve P. Embick, 73, of Mt. Morris, was cited at 11:19 a.m. for speeding 47 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Embick was released on an I-Bond.
Nov. 26
Nancy A. Lenhart, 81, of Mt. Morris, was cited at 2:10 p.m. for speeding 44 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Lenhart was released on an I-Bond.
General Calls for Service Nov. 8-21
Citizen Complaints/Assist............................................17 Juvenile ............................................................................. 2 Animal Complaint ............................................................ 1 Disturbance/Domestic................................................... 2 Fire/Medical Assist......................................................... 8 Alarm/Open Door............................................................. 1 Lock Out ............................................................................ 1 911 Hang Up ...................................................................... 1 Traffic Stops..................................................................... 2
