MT. MORRIS TIMES HITTING
K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball raises $34,000 / 7
Earleen Hinton
MT. MORRIS TIMES
Ogle County organizations land Community Grants
oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com
UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS
Included in every subscription
Activate your digital access today. Visit: ShawLocal.com/digital-activation Call: 866-979-1053
OFFICE
113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 815-732-6166
SUBSCRIPTIONS
1 month – $5.42
13 weeks – $16.25
26 weeks – $32.50
52 weeks – $65
To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or send an email to customer-support@shawmedia.com.
You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.
CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com
HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com
LEGAL NOTICES sauklegals@shawlocal.com
OBITUARIES
saukobits@shawlocal.com
Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com
Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
Editor Charlene Bielema 815-632-2518 cbielema@shawmedia.com
Advertising Sales
Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal and Oregon Republican Reporter.
The TRI-COUNTY PRESS (USPS No. 638-530) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Shaw Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2025
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois recently announced the recipients of Community Grants for the 2025 program cycle: $1.63 million granted to 91 organizations in support of projects, programs, and events benefiting the people of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.
The grants were awarded in eight focus areas: Arts & Humanities; Basic Needs & Compassionate Support; Career Pathways; Complementary Education; Equity, Dignity, & Respect; Health; Sustainable Communities; and Youth & Families.
From the stage to the classroom, from the doctor’s office to the riverfront, and at all points in between, the projects funded by Community Grants help build a more vibrant region, according to a news release.
MT. MORRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hours and Closing
The Mt. Morris Library will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 20, to complete staff training. The library will reopen at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22. The library is open Monday through Saturday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Memorial Gifts
Give a gift that lasts, brings joy to many, and doubles in value. Your memorial gift to the library is matched by the Mt. Morris Library Foundation.
Mt. Morris Holiday Festivities
Mt. Morris festivities will be starting at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 with crafts at the library. Bring the kids over to the library to make some holiday crafts to take home. The library will have stations set up so that you can drop in to make one or all of the crafts.
“The people of Northern Illinois consistently demonstrate a deep spirit of generosity and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant future for all,” James Patterson, CFNIL president, said. “We are profoundly grateful for the donors whose vision and generosity make this work possible, and for the nonprofit partners whose dedication brings that vision to life each day.
“It is an honor for CFNIL to help connect donors and nonprofits in ways that strengthen our entire region. The ongoing impact we see throughout Northern Illinois is a testament to the generosity of thousands of donors, the commitment of hundreds of volunteers, and the exceptional efforts of our nonprofit grantees.”
The 2025 Community Grants Program cycle continues CFNIL’s 71-year commitment to investment in Northern Illinois through grantmaking.
Ogle County organizations that
Lego Night
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. Bring the family out for some awesome brick building. We will pull out all the Legos for this night and kids can build whatever they can imagine. Then they can put a name on their creation and keep it on the library’s display for all to enjoy until the next Lego night.
Library Board Meetings
The Library Board will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 17. Monthly board meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome to attend.
Display Case Showings
Stop by to see the quaint display of things that have been left in returned books. Come see all the interesting paraphernalia that has been left in books. We always are looking for collectors or artists who are
MT. MORRIS SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTER
Potluck
Noon Tuesday, Dec. 9: It’s the Christmas Potluck and singalong. Local musicians who play at the monthly jam session will be joining together for all of your holiday favorites.
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
received grants are:
Arts & Humanities: Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana - Moveable Steps for Stage Access, $8,372. The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties - Project Art, $28,750. Village of Mt. Morris - 2026 Mt. Morris Jamboree Free Concerts, $5,750.
Career Pathways: United Way of Ogle County - Fueling Imaginations! The Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Ogle County, $11,252.
Equity Dignity, & Respect: Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project - Empowering Low-Wage Youth and Families Through Culturally Responsive Support, $34,500.
Sustainable Communities: Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County - Habitat Housing Solutions 2026: Impacting Futures, $5,750. Mt. Morris Fire Foundation - NFP Mount Morris Fire Department Training Room Equipment, $20,000.
willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.
Fine free
You no longer need to worry about paying fines for late books, DVDs, audiobooks, etc. We have no fines for late materials. Just return the item, and you can check out any other item at no cost.
Lions Club Glasses and Hearing Aids Collections
Donation boxes for eyeglass recycling are available at the library. When the boxes are full, they are picked up by local Lions members and dropped off at collection depots. When donating hearing aids, be sure to place them in a small box or hard-covered case so they do not get crushed or damaged.
– Shaw Local News Network
There will not be a regular jam session in December.
– Shaw Local News Network
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Focus House marks 50 years of serving, empowering at-risk youths
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Focus House celebrated its 50-year anniversary Nov. 14 to honor the half century it has provided a continuum of services, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming, to at-risk youths.
The event saw speakers including Foundation for Focus House Board President Dave Tess, Focus House Executive Director Brenda Mason, New Hope Fellowship Church pastor and former Focus House teacher Nick Tornabene, Judge John B. Roe III, Rochelle Schools Superintendent Jason Harper and former Focus House Director Greg Martin.
“Tonight we celebrate 50 years of empowering youth,” Tess said to open the event.
The facility, located just north of Rochelle, offers residential treatment for boys aged 12 to 17 who are court ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Those in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and public service work at Focus House. The facility has three teachers and two paraprofessionals.
Other programming includes alternative to suspension services for kids who receive out-of-school suspension in Ogle County. Focus House also offers alternative to expulsion services and outpatient treatment for youths on probation, along with evaluations for youths and work with students at the Chana Education Center.
Tornabene spent 17 years working at Focus House from 1999-2016.
“I have a huge place in my heart for the young men and women that were placed at Focus House,” Tornabene said. “I truly believe the best aspect of Focus House is its family atmosphere. Focus House is a very special place.”
Focus House is one of two facilities of its kind in the state. It is owned and operated by Ogle County. The facility is supported by the community through donations and outreach. Community members come in and work and talk with kids, and Focus House students work for area organizations.
When Focus House first started, it served as a home for youths involved in juvenile abuse and neglect cases without places to go. It previously served boys and girls from infants to teenagers, typically for longer terms than today. The first location was the Miller House in Rochelle before the move to its
current Illinois Route 251 location that has seen new buildings over the years.
Roe worked at Focus House in his early 20s. He said that time shaped his career when he had opportunities to serve kids in the community in the juvenile justice system.
“I was able to put myself in the shoes of the kids and families that we serve,” Roe said. “Without the community and its support of Focus House, we wouldn’t be celebrating 50 years tonight. Many of you have taken kids into your homes over the holidays or taken them on trips. These kids came from less fortunate backgrounds, and those mentoring moments meant tons. I think the program has been visionary. It’s supported change over time. It’s changed with the services and needs of our community.”
Rochelle Township High School employs the teachers that work at Focus House, providing academic services in an individualized fashion for the youths that go there. Harper praised those who have worked to improve the lives of youths at Focus House over the past 50 years.
“All the way from 1975 to 2025, that vision and commitment to at-risk youth has somehow transcended and moved through changes,” Harper said. “That isn’t common. Organizations change over and rules on placement of kids change. Somehow the one thing that persevered is the commitment of all the people who have worked on behalf of
the kids in our community, which is incredibly special. Thank you to everyone who has had a hand in this.”
Martin told stories of staff’s dedication and work with students during his time with the organization.
“What made Focus House work was the staff members,” Martin said. “Every day, I could depend on the fact that we had great staff taking care of the kids. They were committed to the program. I was amazed at how well the teachers did in the teaching environment they had.”
Roe called Focus House staff “dedi-
cated, passionate and accountable” and said every kid that entered the program is treated as an individual with goals. He said the program is respected across the state and is being used as a model for more facilities like it.
“Success is the kids who are now adults and serve our community that went through the program at Focus House,” Roe said. “That’s how we define success. I’m confident that the pillars that support Focus House will continue and there will be a 100-year celebration. It’s about the community, the kids and the program.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Focus House’s 50th anniversary celebration took place Nov. 14 at Luna in Rochelle.
New Hope Fellowship Church pastor and former Focus House teacher Nick Tornabene speaks at the Focus House 50th anniversary celebration.
Road crews work through Thanksgiving weekend
Crews clear snow, battle wind for travelers
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
Old Man Winter delivered Saturday, Nov. 29, as he dropped close to a foot of snow across the region, launching road and highway crews into action during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Ogle County Highway Engineer Jeremy A. Ciesiel said early weather forecasts helped his department plan for the storm.
“Saturday’s snowstorm was nice along the lines that it was predicted well in advance, the prediction was accurate, and many people and organizations altered their travel plans and activities ahead of the storm,” Ciesiel said. “I would like to thank the residents of Ogle County for limiting their travel during the storm. The fewer vehicles on the roadways during inclement weather, the better.”
Heavy snow coupled with wind made clearing the roads more difficult
for crews throughout the day.
“Saturday was a challenge due to the constant snow and wind. This resulted in the roads being snow covered even shortly after being cleared by the plows,” Ciesiel said. “Even though the snowfall died down overnight, the winds picked up, resulting in substantial drifts across the highways. Thankfully, the sun came out on Sunday, the temperature rose and the wind died down. These improved conditions allowed us to finally clear most of the county highways.”
In Oregon, Public Works Director Bill Covell said his crew started prepping for the storm five days ahead of its predicted onset.
“We started preparing for the storm on Monday (Nov. 24),” Covell said. “Salt was ordered, all plows were installed and serviced, all equipment was refueled, and we began planning for labor.
“On Wednesday, we had a quick meeting with the city manager, police, and Public Works to make sure we were all on the same page. Friday night, we pre-salted the roads to keep them from icing up.”
Covell’s crew started plowing early Saturday morning.
“We started plowing at 2 a.m. and quit at 8 p.m. because we had to wait for the odd/even parking to change (the 16-hour maximum had been reached). We were back in at 1 a.m. Sunday and plowed until 1 p.m. … then came back in at 8 p.m. to clean up the parking stalls.”
The storm was the first of the season for road crews and their equipment.
“As with the start of any season, we did have a couple mechanical issues. Thankfully, these were minor and resulted in minimal delays. We now have a small window to get everything back working ahead of the next forecasted snow,” Ciesiel said.
Covell said his department battled some major mechanical issues.
“We experienced three truck issues/ breakdowns. At one point, all we had were small trucks to plow. Two of the trucks were fixed, but we were down one truck for the entire snowstorm,” Covell said.
He said he reached out to the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, a statewide mutual aid system that is
available to all public works agencies to request equipment.
Through IPWMAN, hundreds of Illinois member agencies work together to find mutual aid and support during natural or man-made disasters by coordinating personnel and resources for those who require assistance.
“Luckily, two of the trucks were fixed before we had to finalize emergency help,” Covell said.
Both Ciesiel and Covell praised their crews for battling the wind and snow over a holiday weekend.
“I want to thank our crew for altering their holiday weekend plans to keep the roads in Ogle County passable for the traveling public,” Ciesiel said.
“The guys did a fantastic job, especially with all the variables thrown at them. We also had two employees experiencing their first-ever municipal plowing, and it was during a winter storm. Both employees did a tremendous job,” Covell said.
Covell said the storm also impacted the sewage treatment plant.
“Like always, Scott (Pennington) was amazing and took care of all the obstacles himself,” Covell said.
Oregon praises, recognizes public works department
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
Two weeks ago it was leaves and last week it was snow.
Those were just two of the foes recently faced by Oregon’s Public Work employees.
The efforts of those nine employees and their director did not go unnoticed by city commissioners Nov. 25.
“I am so proud of every employee working for Oregon Public Works,” director Bill Covell said before each employee received a certificate for their efforts. “Your outstanding performance, dedication and contributions to the city have had a significant impact on Oregon’s citizens.”
Employees Jordan Plock, Aaron Montoya, Skyler Bethel, Scott Wallace, Jeff Pennington, Josh Pickering and Andrew Bonilla attended the meeting. Aidan Ellsworth could not attend the meeting.
“I just want to echo what Bill said. These guys are a lot of time behind the scenes,” City Manager Darin DeHaan said. “If there’s an emergency in the middle of
how they are tackling so many broad projects,” DeHaan said. “I think it is fantastic that Bill is recognizing their work.”
Mayor Ken Williams also thanked the workers.
“You guys are the ones that really keep us going,” Williams said. “And thanks to Bill for your leadership and working with them.”
Williams joked that the crew should get plenty of rest, based on the weekend forecast for snow.
On Saturday, Nov. 29, nearly a foot of snow fell across the region, prompting city snowplows to hit the streets.
In other action, Kevin Most was sworn in as a sergeant for the Oregon Police Department.
Most, who most recently was an officer with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, was hired as a detective Oct. 28.
the night, they’re out there in dangerous weather conditions, clearing streets and trees. Constantly working on things.
“More and more I think we are getting
positive comments from the community. I just had another citizen call me yesterday and talk about such a positive attitude coming out of the street department and
Oregon Police Chief Matthew Kalnins said Most brings a lot of experience and great investigative skills to the department.
Most’s hiring restores the city’s police force to nine full-time officers and one part-time officer.
Earleen Hinton
Oregon Public Works employees were recognized for their efforts during the Nov. 25 City Council meeting. Pictured are Skyler Bethel, Aaron Montoya, Jeff Pennington, Josh Pickering, Scott Wallace, Jordan Plock, Andrew Bonilla, and Director Bill Covell. Aidan Ellsworth was absent when the photo was taken.
Plenty of winter fun after snowstorm
LEFT: A Saturday snowstorm that dropped nearly 12 inches of snow across the region made for the perfect walk atmosphere for Charlie (left) and Moose (right) and their human co-walkers, Lillian Andrew and Laura Karpinski, on Sunday, Nov. 30, in Oregon. ABOVE: Kids carry their sleds back to the top of the Oregon Park District’s sledding hill Nov. 30 at Park West.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
2025 Ogle County tentative multiplier announced
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County has been issued a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.
The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.
State law requires property in Illinois to be assessed at one-third of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland and farm buildings are assessed according to standards based on productivity.
The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the sales price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments/ county assessor.
If the three-year average level of assessment is one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be one (1.0000). If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be
less than one (1.0000). And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1.0000).
Assessments in Ogle County are at 33.27% of market value, based on sales of properties in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The equalization factor currently being assigned is for taxes, 2025 payable in 2026.
Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0271.
The tentative factor is subject to change if the County Board of Review takes actions that significantly affect the county assessments, or if local officials or others can present data showing that IDOR’s estimates of the average level of assessments in the county should be adjusted. A public hearing on the tentative multiplier will be held
between 20 and 30 days after the tentative factor is published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county. A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property tax bills will increase or decrease.
Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when they request money each year to provide services to local citizens. If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then total property taxes will not increase even if assessments may have increased.
The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume. That individual’s portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.
Rochelle teen accused of shooting at vehicle makes court appearance
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Rochelle teenager was scheduled to appear in court again Dec. 3 as he continues to face felony charges of shooting at a vehicle.
Camren Hastings, 18, who has been housed in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest in late October, made his third court appearance Nov. 19 with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow.
Morrow asked for a continuance for more time to receive and review discovery evidence provided by prosecutors. Peska remanded Hastings to the Ogle County Jail and set his next court date for 1 p.m. Dec. 3.
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.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Oregon man dies after being struck by car Nov. 20 on Illinois Route 2: deputy coroner
An Oregon man died Nov. 20 after he was struck by a car on Route 2 in Ogle County, just north of Grand Detour. The pedestrian, James Morrison, 68, of Oregon, died at OSF St. Katharine’s
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 has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
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.
Police said the search warrant stemmed from an evening incident Oct. 4 in which “a vehicle had been shot approximately 13 times in the 100 block of Willis Avenue.”
Hastings made his first court appearance Oct. 29 for a detention hearing in
Medical Center in Dixon as a result of the collision, Lee County Deputy Coroner Jerry Denault said.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 6 p.m. Nov. 20 to the single-vehicle collision in the 7000 block of South Route 2 for a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the road.
front of Peska. During detention hearings, a judge determines whether to release a defendant from custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
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.
Leisten said Hastings was one of 10 individuals walking on the street shooting guns. It is believed another juvenile has been charged in connection with the incident, but juvenile charges and hearings are not available to the public.
Video footage obtained by officers showed four males and two females –some appearing to be juveniles – running 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.
According to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office news release, a white 2012 Kia Sorento, driven south by Justin A. Lange-Anderson, 30, of Camanche, Iowa, struck a pedestrian that was in the road in the 7500 block of South Route 2. Morrison, who suffered serious injuries, was helped at the scene by
He said bullet holes in the vehicle were consistent with the guns found. He argued that Hastings should remain in custody because he posed a danger to the Rochelle community.
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.
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.
Peska disagreed, citing the seriousness of the charges and said no conditions could mitigate the risk to others by releasing Hastings at this point in the investigation.
Dixon Rural emergency medical services and taken to OSF St. Katharine’s Medical Center in Dixon, where he later was pronounced dead. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Dixon Rural Fire/EMS, Oregon Fire/EMS and the Oregon Police Department. – Jeff Helfrich
Camren Hastings
K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball raises $34,000
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The inaugural Ogle County K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball was held Nov. 1 at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon, raising $34,000 for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, Deputy Ali VanVickle said.
The event included live music by The Vodka Boys, food catered by Ralfie’s BBQ, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.
The event sold 240 tickets. The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit includes Deputy Kyle White and K-9 Gator, VanVickle and K-9 Saint, and Deputy Jacob Breitbach and K-9 Ace. Expenses for the K-9 program include food, veterinary bills, training, equipment and future K-9 acquisitions.
The K-9 unit is supported solely by fundraising and recently was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After gun raffle fundraisers in recent years, White and VanVickle decided to try to raise funds in a different way with more community engagement. They worked on organizing the event since April.
“The turnout was better than we expected,” VanVickle said. “River’s Edge was completely packed full of people. We couldn’t have asked for more from the community. It completely exceeded our expectations.
“We went to the Rochelle Fireman’s Ball in April, and that’s where we got the idea. We probably worked 40 hours a month on it for the past seven months.”
VanVickle said each K-9 requires about $5,000 per year to maintain. K-9 Ace, who recently was purchased, finished training and began service in October, cost $16,000 to acquire and train. The fundraiser helped to replen-
rent and crowd control, along with community outreach such as doing K-9 demos at events and visiting students in schools.
“It’s an easy cause to support,” VanVickle said. “I think everyone loves dogs. Our dogs are friendly, and we take them to the schools and get them out and let people pet them. People love dogs because they love people and they want nothing in return.”
VanVickle said the most enjoyable part of the Bark and Whine Ball was presenting the inaugural Street Dog of the Year award to Ogle County Sheriff’s Office executive assistant Susan Montavon.
Montavon helped establish the K-9 program as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which has seen it grow its funds.
ish K-9 program funds and get them into a good place for the next two years, VanVickle said.
Part of the new funds will be used for higher-level training for K-9 Ace, such as advanced tracking. K-9s Saint and Gator soon will undergo tactical SWAT K-9 training to be used for more tasks such as serving search warrants. A trailer already owned by the sheriff’s office will be outfitted for K-9 work, and a treadmill may be acquired to keep the dogs in shape, especially during the winter months.
“Raising that much money is a huge help,” VanVickle said. “It’s very reas -
suring. We can take care of them and take care of them well. We plan to continue to have this fundraiser in the coming years to keep our funds up. We’re planning on November next year again.”
White and K-9 Gator have been paired for two years, and VanVickle and K-9 Saint have been paired for one year. Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9s are used for a variety of tasks, including tracking and locating narcotics, tracking people such as lost children or criminal suspects, searching buildings, locating evidence, and apprehending suspects.
K-9s also can help with threat deter-
“To us, a street dog is someone who shows up and handles business,” VanVickle said. “She’s a jack-of-all-trades. She handles a lot of different things. Anything I bring to her, she helps me with. She’ll drop whatever she’s doing. And if there’s something she can’t answer, she’ll find out. She goes above and beyond every single day to help each and every one of us here.”
As a sixth-generation Ogle County resident, VanVickle has strong ties to the community. She said she was overwhelmed by the response to the inaugural Bark and Whine Ball.
“Every day, this community surprises me,” VanVickle said. “We work in a job where we see a lot of bad and ugly things. It’s reassuring to see how wonderful the community we live in can be. We want to thank the community for showing up and showing out. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket or donated funds or an auction basket.”
Local educators join lawmakers for 4th annual Illinois Education Summit
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, and state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, recently hosted their fourth annual Education Summit, an event that has grown into a forum for candid, solutions-focused conversations about improving education across northern Illinois.
Educators, administrators and school board members from across the
region participated, offering on-theground perspectives about the challenges their districts navigate every day and the opportunities they see to strengthen outcomes for students.
This year’s summit dug into several pressing issues shaping Illinois classrooms, including funding, special education, discipline, truancy, state mandates and additional areas where legislative action could make a difference.
“This is the fourth year we’ve brought everyone to the table to hear
directly from those who live and breathe education every day,” McCombie said. “The insight we received today will help us continue pushing for policies that genuinely improve learning environments and give local districts the tools they need to succeed. The dialogue doesn’t end here; this is just the start of our work heading into the new legislative session.”
Both representatives emphasized that the value of the summit comes from the honest feedback shared by
local educators and the shared commitment to building better outcomes for Illinois families.
“Thank you to all the education leaders who joined us for our annual education summit,” Keicher said. “Understanding local needs is essential to crafting state policy that truly works. The feedback we gathered today will help us push for policy improvements at the state level to empower local districts to make the best decisions for their students’ success.”
Photo provided by Ali VanVickle
The Street Dog of the Year Award at the Ogle County K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball on Nov. 1 was presented to Ogle County Sheriff’s Office executive assistant Susan Montavon.
Oregon High School
Christmas Concert is Dec. 10
Oregon High School’s Christmas Concert will be Wednesday, Dec. 10.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the OHS Music Room.
The high school band, choir, jazz band, and madrigals will perform.
Leaf River Lions Club’s Breakfast with Santa is Dec. 13
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Leaf River Lions Club will be serving breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Bertolet Memorial Building, 103 W. Second. St., Leaf River.
The menu includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, Eickman’s breakfast sausage, applesauce, orange juice, milk and coffee.
Santa will arrive at 9 a.m. so don’t forget your camera to get some pictures.
For more details, send an email to leafriverlionsclub@yahoo.com.
Timber Lake Playhouse to produce
‘Les Misérables’ for 2026 season
Timber Lake Playhouse shared a major update to its 2026 summer lineup: The hit musical “Les Misérables” will return to the TLP stage from June 12 to 28.
Only a handful of theaters nationwide received the rights to produce the show next year, placing TLP in rare company and giving local audiences a chance to experience one of the most celebrated musicals of all time without traveling far from home.
“Les Misérables” replaces “The Cher Show” in the previously announced season and marks the musical’s first appearance at Timber Lake since 2014.
Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road in Mount Carroll.
Because the title has been restricted for the past decade, producing “Les Misérables” regionally has been almost impossible. Artistic director Tommy Ranieri has been checking in regularly over the past few years, hoping for the opportunity to bring it back.
“I grew up on ‘Les Mis,’ and it’s the show that made me fall in love with making theater,” Ranieri said. “Bringing it to our stage feels deeply personal; it’s the No. 1 dream show I’ve been chasing for years.”
Audiences can expect a full, sweeping production, complete with a live 14-piece orchestra.
Leaf River Soaring Eagles participate in Autumn On Parade
The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club participated in the annual Autumn On Parade on Oct. 5.
The theme for the parade was “Carving Creativity.”
Club members had metal arches on their float that were decorated with pumpkins and pumpkin vines.
The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club is an active and fun club. If you would like more information on the club, call Rene Wehler at 815-973-8132.
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the River Valley Complex in Leaf River.
– Shaw Local News Network
•
•
Photo provided by Lydia Sherburne
Pictured are Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club members Hazel Friday, Colton Gipper, Finn Slattery, Theo Slattery and David Bagwell.
Advent is here, and the trolley tour is coming up soon on Dec. 6
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
Advent is here and the decorating now is in full swing.
My big, tall Santa down the street has been up for a while and some other lovely lights in the neighborhood are glowing at night.
I enjoy all of them.
Now Christmas plans are in everyone’s minds, and yesterday at the museum we all were given gifts by David and his family from Naperville. I am enjoying a box of Belgium chocolates. The family was here doing more research, and it was interesting visiting with his son. As a kid, he enjoyed making rockets and his interest is in the aerospace world. It will be interesting watching where he goes with his life.
Then into the museum came the people who now own Chanceford Barber’s home. They are new in town and they came in to do a little research on their historic home. Linda was there to take over in that department.
I did fill them in on some things to watch out for since my daughter Susan
always has felt that the house was haunted. As a girl, she would visit occasionally, and she and Alicia would hear strange sounds that scared them. They would call for Myrna and Bob to come home immediately. Susan simply said, “The house is haunted!”
So I have put a bee in the bonnet of the new owners to watch for ghosts.
There are a few other places in Polo where people saw and heard strange stuff. We do have some interesting homes in Polo.
Right now, the Polo Historical Society is getting ready for our new Christmas trolley tour. We want to show there are houses in Polo that are not your usual “cookie-cutter-type houses.” Beth and Linda are working on the holiday tour, which will take place Dec. 6. There will be all sorts of festive things going on so look for the green card at any businesses. The Polo Chamber of Commerce has all the festivities listed.
Right now my refrigerator is full of egg nog that I dilute with milk and drink each day. At the end of the season, it is gone. So enjoy this holiday season and be thankful another one has rolled around.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR THE MT. MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District for 2025 will be held on December 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the fire house, 15 E. Center Street, Mt. Morris, Illinois, 61054.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Marjie Lundquist, Secretary, Board of Trustees, 15 E. Center Street, Mt. Morris, IL, (815) 734-4322.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $709,898.92.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $886,227.00. This represents a 24.84% increase over the previous year.
Learn how to protect public health with nonrestaurant food safety training
University of Illinois Extension is offering an accessible, self-paced online course designed specifically for food handlers working in nonrestaurant settings across Illinois.
The Illinois Food Handler Training course equips staff and volunteers with the essential knowledge to ensure food safety – from storage and preparation to cleaning and sanitizing.
Training is ideal for people who handle food in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, licensed day care centers, retail food stores, and other non-restaurant facilities. It fulfills the Illinois Department of Public Health’s requirements for non-restaurant food handlers and plays a critical role in preventing food-borne
illness and protecting public health.
“Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, and as part of our commitment to community education and public well-being, this course provides accessible, evidence-based training that empowers food handlers in nonrestaurant settings with the knowledge and confidence they need to implement safe practices and protect the health of those they serve,”
Jenna Smith, nutrition and wellness educator, said in a news release.
Cost is $5 per person or free for University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers. For more information and to register, visit go.illinois.edu/FHTraining. This course is not intended for restaurant employees or individuals with a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $0.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $383,609.00. This represents an increase over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $709,898.92.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $1,269,836.00. This represents a 78.8% increase over the previous year.
Karen Marsh inducted into 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H recently announced that Karen Marsh has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 24 years of service and dedication to local youths.
The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honors volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service to 4-H or have achieved notable career and community accomplishments.
For the past 24 years, Marsh has served as a 4-H Club leader and a member of the Ogle County 4-H Fair Committee, with many of these roles including dairy goat superintendent.
Marsh always can be counted on to lend a hand. Her enthusiasm for 4-H has brought her back into the organization as a leader for the Ogle Jolly 4-H Club, as her grandkids have become old enough to be active in the club. Previously, Marsh was a 4-H leader for Hayseed Kids 4-H Club, in which her kids were involved.
“I am proud that the 4-H program is so important to our youth in the community. It allows them not only to learn but to inspire them with dreams for the future! There is no limit to what kids can do in 4-H,” Marsh said.
In 2019, Ogle County 4-H collected plastic to be donated and turned into a bench. Since then, Marsh has taken this project to other community groups, schools, libraries and other organizations.
Photo provided by Ogle Extension
Karen Marsh of Ogle County recently was inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.
President Trump, immigrants, and the behavioral immune system
President Trump’s language is plain and clear when he speaks of immigrants. They’re criminals, rapists, drug dealers, murderers. Foreign governments have sent them to us from their prisons and mental institutions. They’re poisonous snakes, robbing Americans of public benefits and jobs.
He’s made these claims hundreds of times, according to the Marshall Project, at themarshallproject.org. Their factchecks indicate that all are misleading at best and more often simply false. Crime rates for immigrants, legal and otherwise, are, for example, far lower than for native-born Americans.
But statistics sometimes lose when they’re up against human nature. Distrust and fear of strangers is strong among us Homo sapiens, as well as many other animals. We can trace it in part to the prehistoric past, as cognitive scientist Mark Schaller explained in the Dec. 12, 2011, issue of the British journal, Royal Society.
We have since the earliest times felt disgust toward feces, rotten food, and anything else that could expose us to dangerous viruses and other germs, and have instinctively avoided them. Likewise for strangers from outside the community. They could carry new diseases to which local people had no immunity, and they might not follow local customs for
OBITUARIES
JOANNE SWAN
Joanne Conley Swan, 95, of Princeton, IL, passed on 12/01/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, Princeton, IL. Additional information: www.norbergfh.com.
cleanliness and disease prevention.
People who are vulnerable to disease, or at least think they are, are likely to be especially fearful of outsiders. It happens to pregnant women during their first three months, when their immune systems weaken to avoid mistakenly attacking the fetus. Surveys reveal heightened feelings of xenophobia, which dictionaries define as “the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything foreign or strange,” during this time.
The behavioral immune system, as scientists call it, errs on the side of caution. It reacts against people who don’t really present health hazards as well as those who do, crossing over from reasonable carefulness to bigotry and xenophobia. President Trump capitalizes on this when he talks about immigrants.
He appeals to our sense of disgust for rotten meat, feces, and other pollutants when he says that immigrants are poisoning the nation’s blood, have bad genes, and eat dogs and cats. He pulls on the same feelings when he compares them with Hannibal Lecter and his fond-
How to submit
Send obituary information to saukobits@shawlocal.com. Notices are accepted until 2 p.m. Tuesday for the next edition.
ness for human meat. Calling them animals, criminals, and mentally ill magnifies our sense of how different, and therefore how dangerous, they are.
The president and his allies multiply the persuasive power of these claims by relentlessly repeating them. Scientists call it the Illusory truth effect. Aumyo Hassan and Sarah J. Barber at cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com on May 13, 2021, reported on their research, and that of others, revealing that the more often people hear a statement, the more likely they are to believe it, whether it’s true or not.
We can, once we’ve become convinced that immigrants are enemies who are less than fully human, justify treating them in ways we would otherwise oppose as un-American. Denial of due process, racial profiling, and inhumane detention conditions can now seem necessary, even desirable.
Mr. Schaller doesn’t claim that our instinctive fear of disease is the only influence on our attitudes toward immigrants. Our customs, beliefs and experiences also play a critical part. They can intensify our natural wariness toward outsiders or, instead, encourage an equally natural curiosity and attraction to them.
A balanced view avoids going to an extreme in either direction. It realizes the
DONALD KOESLER
Born: August 6, 1946 in Dixon, IL
Died: November 30, 2025 in Mt. Morris, IL
Donald “Don” Steven Koesler, 79, of Mount Morris, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Rose Senior Living Providence Park in Novi, MI.
Don was born on August 6, 1946, in Dixon, IL to Charles and Helen (Wasmund) Koesler. He married Jane Susan (Wiswell) Koesler on March 21, 1970, and together they shared many wonderful years. She preceded him in death on December 23, 2005. In the years that followed, Don was blessed to find another meaningful relationship with Karen Miller of McConnell, IL, who lovingly supported and cared for him for many years. Don devoted his career to education, spending many years as a math teacher at Reagan Middle School in Dixon, IL, as well as Dixon High School. He took pride in his work and in helping students master skills that would serve them throughout their lives. He found
benefits as well as the risks of immigration. The president’s language represents, instead, a deep hostility toward immigration and immigrants, as seen in his reaction to the recent attack on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Schaller cites evidence that the behavioral immune system no longer serves as an effective defense against disease. The president has nevertheless found it to be a persuasive political strategy with many Americans – but not all. A Pew Research survey, at pewresearch. org on June 17, 2025, reveals that majorities oppose many components of his immigration policy, such as workplace raids and suspension of most applications for asylum.
Most Americans aren’t persuaded by the president’s talk of pollution, disease, and disgust. They realize that immigrants are an important part of a healthy economy and society. This presents Democrats with an opportunity to claim the middle ground by offering a moderate alternative to the president’s anti-immigrant policies, one that balances the benefits of immigration with effective controls.
• Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County.
lifelong enjoyment in the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years. In later years, he found comfort and peace during his many walks in nature. He was also an active member of the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren, where he found fellowship and an opportunity to express his strong faith in the Lord.
Don is survived by his two children, Paul (Debra) Koesler of New Hudson, MI, Leslie Blyakhman of Chanhassen, MN; 5 grandchildren, Allison Koesler, Benjamin Koesler, Clara Koesler, Ryan Blyakhman, Laura Blyakhman; his brother, Ronald Koesler of Franklin, TN; and his long-term partner of 9 years, Karen Miller of McConnell, IL.
A visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris, IL, on Sunday, December 7th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The memorial service will be Monday, December 8th at 10:00am at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris, IL. Burial will follow at 11:30am at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Dixon, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Donald Koesler to the Dixon Park District, 1312 Washington Ave., Dixon, IL 61021.
Lowell Harp VIEWS
First Fridays Open Mic is Dec. 5 in Oregon
The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on Friday, Dec. 5. The indoor event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.
The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; a jar is available for
donations. Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier. Those with questions can call Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.
The VFW is located at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon. There is ample parking and a restaurant and bar within the building. A fish fry runs from 4 to 8 p.m.
– Shaw Local News Network
OGLE COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES
• October 2025
• Brody Grobe of Polo and Katlyn Reber of Oregon.
• Austin Smith of Pekin and Lauren McQuen of Pekin.
• Chad Bradford of Davis and Katelyn Trenholm of Davis.
• Logan Ruiz of Belvidere and Lauryn Cayo of Belvidere.
• Joseph Clark of Dixon and Madisyn Hobbs of Dixon.
• Ryan Dyson of Polo and Monica Mon of Polo.
• Marcus Samuel of Aurora and Christina Alcocer of Aurora.
• Ryan Bowlds of Minooka and Whitney Bignell of Minooka.
• Jon Hunley of Rochelle and Sherry Warning of Rochelle.
• Robert Bailey of Aurora and Francisca Vela of Aurora.
• Ronnie Stewart III of Bloomington and Rebekah Ijams of Minonk.
• Jordan Gilmour of Oregon and Destiny Kahly of Oregon.
• Vaughn Greenwood of Sterling and Cassandra Higgins of Dixon.
• Andrew Tyner of DeKalb and Raewyn Sumeraj of Naperville.
• Travis Wood of Forreston and Jasmine Engle of Forreston.
• Branden Gordon of Dixon and Angelica Strutzenberg of Dixon.
• Joshua Holder of Stillman Valley and Linda Siakakaba of Stillman Valley.
• Patrick Beavers of Mt. Morris and Natasha Hagemann of Mt. Morris.
• Jacob Edwards of Rochelle and Samantha Kratochvil of Rochelle.
• John Lydon of Byron and Sarah Hise of Plainfield.
• Matthew Lenox of Dixon and Brianna Doyle of Dixon.
• Timothy Harriman of Byron and Nicole Molnar of Byron.
• Lane Isley of Memphis, Tennessee and Madlyn McNees of Memphis, Tennessee.
• Jeffery Smith of Polo and Tracey
Oliver of Polo.
• Gerardo Mendez Juanz of Rochelle and Maria Palacios Rosales of Rochelle.
• Chase Stoddard of Winnebago and Darcy Franklin of Winnebago.
• Matthew Cascio of Oregon and Heidi Deininger of Oregon.
• Jared Breitbach of Oregon and Haley Mizner of Oregon.
• Christopher Near of Dixon and Carrie Lempke of Dixon.
• Brent Boehle of DeKalb and Sarah Flammang of DeKalb.
• Declan Olson of Rochelle and Jessamyn Ericksen of Rochelle.
• November 2025
• Aaron Koteski of Davis Junction and Lindsey Sedols of Davis Junction.
• Derek Brown of Washington. D.C. and Allison Bergin of Leaf River.
• Edward Roman of Leaf River and Parker Martin of Leaf River.
• Aiden Ahmer of Leaf River and Ann Marie Hendrickson of Leaf River.
• Tanner Schrock of Byron and Mattie Christian of Byron.
• Shane Reiniche of Byron and Tabitha Quirk of Byron.
• Muhamet Ajvazi of Oregon and Anna Corcoran of Oregon.
• Spencer Disimoni of Rochelle and Neona Lundgren of Rochelle.
• Ryan Hahn of Stillman Valley and Sara Booker of Stillman Valley.
• Noah Coyne of Oregon and Madison Malugen of Oregon.
• Juan Delgado Gomez of Rochelle and Liza Anguiano Mascorro of Rochelle.
• Larry Gittleson of Steward and Veronica Elliott of Peoria.
• Conner Jacobs of Forreston and Samon Bettner of Forreston.
• Brad Rose of North Fort Myers, Florida and Julie Kohn of North Fort Myers, Florida.
Shaw Local News Network
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR POLO COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #222
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Polo Community Unit School District #222 Ogle, Lee and Whiteside Counties, Illinois for 2025 will be held on December 17, 2025 at 308 S. Pleasant Avenue, Polo, IL 61064 at 6:00PM.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Dr. Kelly Mandrell at kmandrell@poloschools.net.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $5,387,099.
The proposed corporate and special purposed property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $ 5,581,564 . This represents a 3.61% increase over the previous year.
Ill. The property taxes extended for debt services and public building commission leases for 2024 were $960,972.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $992,680.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $6,348,070.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $ 6,574,244. This represents a 3.56% increase over the previous year.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Bill Massey speaks
at Oregon
Lions Club meeting
The Oregon Lions Club recently hosted its 1-D central zone meeting.
Special speaker, author and educator Bill Massey from North Carolina was Zoomed in to present to the group. He has been blind for about eight years and shared several experiences he has had with white cane training and Leader Dog as well as the events that Lions host for the blind, including a putt putt golf
tournament and a fishing trip.
Massey has had life-changing experiences with Meta AI glasses and was more than happy to share that with the group. The club also shared all it has been doing to help local communities including food boxes, donations to the American Legion, VFW donations, grade school library donations, sponsorship for the Honor Flight and Leader Dog donations.
– Shaw Local News Network
4 Ogle County fire departments receive Compeer Financial grants
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Fifty-three emergency response departments supporting rural communities across Illinois recently received up to $4,000, totaling $202,878, to fund much-needed equipment and technology upgrades.
Through its Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial awarded a total of 160 Emergency Response Equipment Grants, accounting for more than $600,000, to departments across Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The grants are intended to help volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance departments improve their operational efficiency, safety and response times.
In Ogle County, the German Valley Fire Protection District received funds for a UTV slide-in unit for brush and field fires. The Monroe Township Fire Protection District received funds for a portable suction unit. The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District received funds
for portable radios. The Oregon Fire Protection District received funds for confined space rescue equipment.
Rural volunteer emergency response departments are struggling to service their communities due to fewer volunteer first responders, outdated personal protective equipment, increases in service requests and rising costs for essential equipment. Because of budget constraints, they are heavily reliant on public funding, grants, donations and local support to fund needed equipment, gear and training. Grants are one way departments can continue to serve and protect their local communities.
“For first responders to give their best, they need to be equipped with the proper tools. We recognize the challenges volunteer emergency response departments face with funding, and we hope these grants help give them the life-saving equipment necessary to effectively respond to critical situations,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.
Photo provided by Oregon Lions Club
Pictured at left is Lion Mark Bennett, at center is Bill Massey and at right is Doug Williams.
Nov. 24-28, 2025
Warranty Deeds
• Paula Marszalek to Paula Marszalek Trustee and Marszalek-Powell Family Tr, 1 Parcel: 1504 Westgate Court, Rochelle, $0.00
• Norma A. Medrano to Damian Sarabia Medrano, 1 Parcel: 08-27-254-003, $0.00
• Sec of Housing & Urban Development to Jorge B. Hammer and Sean R. Hammer, 1 Parcel: 211 S Lafayette St., Byron, $103,000
• Jennifer Williams to Kaylee Holloway, 1 Parcel: 2156 N Leaf River Rd., Mt. Morris, $95,000
• Aaron Bechtol to Tiffany Hayes, 1 Parcel: 122 W Main St., Stillman Valley, $121,000
• Keith Pontnack, Marguerite Pontnack and Rebecca L. Hayes to Nicholas D. Hayes, 1 Parcel: 203 Drake Ave., Rochelle, $290,000
• Kennay Farms Distilling Llc to Kelly R. Beeter and Edward J. Beeter, 1 Parcel: 400 Lincoln Hwy, Rochelle, $160,000
• Kris R. Kuper, Kris R. Fuchs, and Thomas Fuchs to Arkad Global Ventures Llc, 1 Parcel: 407 S 2nd Ave., Forreston, $110,000
• Mitchell Logan and Sasha Logan to Vickie Ann Zwiezen and Steven Walter Zwiezen, 1 Parcel: 210 Platte Drive, Dixon, $8,500
• Debra M. Rubio and Tony C. Rubio to Wawrzyniec Chylinski, 1 Parcel: 5099 S Hidden Heights Rd., Oregon, $78,000
• Anthony P. Basile and Joan M. Basile to Jeffrey A. Knobloch and Abigail R. Knobloch, 1 Parcel: 3517 N Marrill Rd, Byron, $600,000
• Harlan Nettz to Joseph P. Fordham and Sara L. Fordham, 1 Parcel in Pine Creek Township: 15-28-100-008, $90,000
• Contry Homes Group Llc to Travis Haynes and Hunter Haynes, 1 Parcel: 212 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $330,000
• Andrew J. Suter and Babette J. Suter to Elizabeth Ewald, 1 Parcel: 333 Rosalind Rd, Rochelle, $169,900
• Wayne M. Thompson and Barbara Thompson to Dawson Calvert, 1 Parcel: 6269 N Kilbuck Rd, Monroe Center, $370,000
• Village Of Forreston to Nicholas Fellows, 1 Parcel: 412 S 2nd Ave., Forreston, $10,000
• Village Of Forreston to Robert Schopf, 1 Parcel: 402 W White Oak Rd, Forreston, $10,000
• Bobbi Jean Kump and Bobbi Jean Horst to F3 Reality Llc, 1 Parcel: 1847 Mt. Morris Rd, Mt. Morris, $4,500
• Gerald L. Frickson, Gerald Frickson, Bertha M. Frickson, and Bertha Frickson to Linda Cloud, 1 Parcel: 8870 N Main St, Leaf River, $75,000
• First Choice Rentals Llc to Quinton James Tranel, 1 Parcel: 711 S 3rd St, Oregon, $165,000
• Ryan Hancock to Jacob W. Munson, 1 Parcel: 8638 N. Finch Lane, Byron, $325,000
• Anthony D. Rowley and Toni J. Rowley to Lechner Properties 2 Llc, 1 Parcel: 1120-1126 Lincoln Hwy, Rochelle, $310,000
Quit Claims
• Bay Precision Inc to James E. Hourigan, Joann M. Hourigan, Anthony S. Benesh, Carla K. Benesh, Craig Ludewig, and Shannon R. Ludewig, 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-16-377-002, $1,000
• Billy Patterson to Jordan Patterson, 1 Parcel: 204 W 2nd St, Leaf River, $0.00
Trustees Deeds
• Allen Robert Scott Trustee to Randall C. Hawn Self Declaration Tr and Dillon Hawn, 1 Parcel: 8017 S. Clinton St., Dixon, $0.00
• Susan L. Rosenberg Trustee and Susan L. Rosenberg Tr. to Guillermo Nambo, 1 Parcel: 107 Southview Dr, Rochelle, $175,000
• Mettie L. Vogeler Trustee and Mettie L. Vogeler Land Tr1 to Nathan Lee and Nicole Jorgensen, 1 Parcel: 206 Joanne Ln, Rochelle, $250,900
• Thomas E. Augustyn Trustee, Delbert M. Patzner Tr., Old National Bank Trustee, Old National Wealth Management Trustee, Valerie L. Smith Fbo, Brenda M. Carter Fbo, Andrew M. Patzner Fbo, Madelynn N. Patzner Fbo, and Verna M. White Tr. to Resource Bank Trustee and Resource Bank Tr36010000795, 1 Parcel in Dement Township: 25-34-200-003, $464,512
• Cynthia Renfro Trustee and Harlane E. Rowland Tr997 to Shady Oak Holdings Llc, 1 Parcel: 460 Mill Ridge Dr, Byron, $193,000
• Stillman Banccorp Trustee to Ernest L. & Bernadine T. Mack Rr and Bernadine T. Novoa, 1 Parcel: 212 S Gale Rd, Oregon, $300,000
• Kevin L. Deets and Jance L. Deets to Kevin L. Deets Trustee, Kevin L. Deets Lv Tr, Janice L. Deets Trustee, and Janice L. Deets Lv Tr, 4 Parcels in Eagle Point Township: 13-24-200004, 13-24-400-007, 13-25-200-007, 13-36100-001, $0.00
• Alojzy Czaplinski Trustee, Ewa M. Czaplinska Trustee, Eva Czaplinski Trustee, and Czaplinski Home Tr1 to Stephen L. Weers and Jacquelyn S. Weers, 1 Parcel: 5011 S Skare North Court, Rochelle, $513,000
Deeds in Trust
• Joseph W. Akins, Joseph Akins, Brenda C. Akins, and Brenda Akins to Joseph W. Akins Trustee, Brenda C. Akins Trustee, Joseph W. Akins Tr., and Brenda C. Akins Tr, 4 Parcels in Maryland Township: 03-31-100-002, 03-31100-003, 03-31-200-001 and 03-31-300-008, and 2 Parcels in Lincoln Township: 07-03-100005 and 07-03-100-010, $0.00
• Matthew J. Rogers to Matthew J. Rogers Tr, and Matt Rogers Tr, 1 Parcel: 146 S Russell Rd, Oregon, and 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, 16-01-253-004, $0.00
• Kevin L. Deets and Janice L. Deets to Kevin L. Deets Trustee, Kevin L. Deets Lv Tr, Janice L. Deets Trustee, Janice L. Deets Lv Tr, 1 Parcel: 4106 S. Freeport Road, Polo, $0.00
Shaw Local News Network
NOTICE OF PROPOSED
PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR FORRESTVILLE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT #221
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Forrestville Valley School District #221 Ogle and Stephenson Counties, Illinois for 2025 will be held on December 17, 2025 at FJSHS Chorus Room 601 E Main St., Forreston, IL 61030 at 6:30 PM.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Sheri Smith at 815-938-2036.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $ 6,499,088. The proposed corporate and special purposed property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $7,075,105. This represents a 8.86% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt services and public building commission leases for 2024 were $1,058,020.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $1,081,155.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $ 7,557,108.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $ 8,156,260. This represents a 7.93% increase over the previous year.
reby g my Request to Change my name from: HEATHER
DANA MISCH to the new nameof KALLAH ELZITA HELDAI, that this action has been commenced in the Circuit Courtof Ogle County by the Petitioner
s, Deceased 2025 PR 000054
CL
Notice is given of the death of Matthew J. Adams.
WHEREFOR E, the Petition in this action, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, held in the Courthouse in the City of Oregon, Illinois, on December 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Letters of Office were issued on 9/17/2025, to James D Adams and Stephanie L Adams, as Representatives, whose addess is 1384 Cunat Court, Unit 2B, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156.
, 2026, and any claim not filed with in that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: November 26, 2025
is SJ Chapman, Bielski Chapman, Ltd., 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
CLASSIFIED
Dates this 13th day of November, 2025.
Kimberly A. Stahl/AS CIRCUIT CLERK SEAL
Prepared by: TESS, ARNQUIST & WILT, LLC
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE REQUEST OF NAME CHANGE:
HEATHER DANA MISCH, Petitioner, Case No 2025 MR 43 PUBL ICATION NOTICE
The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby giventhat my Request to Change my name from: HEATHER DANA MISCH to the new nameof KALLAH ELZITA HELDAI, that this action has been commenced in the Circuit Courtof Ogle County by the Petitioner
WHEREFOR E, the Petition in this action, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, held in the Courthouse in the City of Oregon, Illinois, on December 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Dates this 13th day of November, 2025
Kimberly A. Stahl/AS CIRCUIT CLERK SEAL
Prepared by:
TESS, ARNQUIST & WILT, LLC
P.O. Box 68 Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-8754 lawyers@tesscrull law.com
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 2025
P.O. Box 68 Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-8754 lawyers@tesscrull law.com
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
In re the Estate of: Matthew J. Adams, Deceased
2025 PR 000054 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Matthew J. Adams. Letters of Office were issued on 9/17/2025, to James D Adams and Stephanie L Adams, as Representatives, whose addess is 1384 Cunat Court, Unit 2B, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156.
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, 1975, 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, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: James D Adams & Stephanie L. Adams Independent Executors
Jeffrey A. Peters
Attorney for Estate
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
Estate of: CHERI J. MCGEE, Deceased No. 2025 PR 62
CL AIM NOTICE
Larry L. McGee, Jr., Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate
202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2025
The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.
If you or someone you know is interested, please call or visit our website: 608-784-13 81 allegiantp ropertym gm tllc.com
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, 1975, 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, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or
Jeffrey A. Peters Attorney at Law ARDC No 6183878 25 S. Salem Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-409-4835 jpeterslaw@yahoo. com
Nov 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS Estate of: CHERI J. MCGEE, Deceased No. 2025 PR 62
CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of CHERI J. MCGEE. Letters of Office were issued to LARRY L MCGEE, JR., 900 N 9th St., Rochelle, IL 61068, as Representative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before June 9, 2026, and any claim not filed with in that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: November 26, 2025
Larry L. McGee, Jr., Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate
202 E. 5th Street
P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2025
Notice is given of the death of CHERI J. MCGEE. Letters of Office were issued to LARRY L MCGEE, JR., 900 N 9th St., Rochelle, IL 61068, as Representative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHN-
202 E
SON, P.C
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y106 SOUTH 5TH STREET, OREGON, IL LINOIS ESTATE OF Celestina Carmona, DECEASE D. 25 PR 63 Notice is given to creditors of the death of the above named decedent. Letters of office were issued to Bernadette Gleiter, 6479 North Kathryn Road, Oregon, Illinois 61061, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is SJ Chapman, Bielski Chapman, Ltd., 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed with the clerk or with the representative, or both, on or before June 5, 2026, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice . Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered
Claims against the estate may be filed with the clerk or with the representative, or both, on or before June 5, 2026, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice . Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions To efile, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/ service- providers. htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www illinoiscourts.gov/ FAQ/gethelp.asp.
SJ Chapman Bielski Chapman, Ltd (6312516) 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312)583-9430 I3277511
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT F OR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
Nationstar Mortgage L LC PLAINTIFF Vs.
Dian e Tetrault; Jani ce Adams ; Foundatio n Finance
Compan y, L LC; Unknown Heirs an d Legatees of Marcia J. Bradl ee; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claim ants; Kipp Meyers , as Spe cial Representative for Marcia J. Bradlee ( deceased) DEFE NDANTS No. 2025FC43
NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU:
Janice Adams
Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Marcia J. Bradlee
Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
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: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 2 South Hannah Avenue Mount Morris, IL 61054 and which said Mortgage was made by: Marcia J. Bradlee the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registr ation Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 0404354; 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,
Kimberly A. Stahl
Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-1634 on or before December 22, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAY ER OF SAID COMPLAIN T. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170
Winnebago # 531
Our File No. 14-25-05825
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3276670 Forreston Journal Nov. 21, 28, December. 51 2025
2024
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Monday, Nov. 24
Boys basketball
Oregon 74, South Beloit 34: Benny Olalde (10 points), Cooper Johnson (12), Tucker O’Brien (10), Keaton Salsbury (11) and Brian Wallace (12) all were in double figures for the Hawks to open the season with a win.
Girls basketball
Eastland 49, Forreston 15: Tatum Grim led the Cougars with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists at the Forreston Tournament. Trixie Carroll added 13 points for Eastland (5-0).
Boys bowling
Oregon 3,258, St. Bede 2,637: Oregon freshman Rylann Delehanty led the way with a 615 series. Ivan Hernandez had a 570, and RJ Keene rolled a 566.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Boys wrestling
Oregon wins two: The Hawks beat West Carroll 66-18 to open the season before tying a school record with a perfect 84-0 win over Amboy. The Clippers were shorthanded after winning the Illinois 8-Man Football Association state title. Against West Carroll, Oregon’s Kendra Ege, Isaiah Perez and Jack Benesh earned pins. Against Amboy, Josiah Perez, Isaiah Perez, Nelson Benesh and Ian Tajiboy won by pin for the Hawks.
Girls basketball
Riverdale 46, Polo 40: Carlee Grobe led Polo with 18 points and Cam Jones scored 12 in the road loss. Grobe hit six 3-pointers.
Oregon 56, Mendota 38: Sarah Eckardt led Oregon with 14 points in the win. Avery Kitzmiller and Aniyah Sarver each added 10 points for Oregon.
The Oregon boys bowling team took
the
tournament at Don Carter Lanes. RJ Keene earned an individual medal for a high game of 274. Pictured in the back row are Caleb Ehrler and RJ Keene. In the front row are Rylann Delehanty, Andrew Stahl and Ethan Rowe.
Stockton 35, Forreston 18: Eva Hunertmark led the Cardinals with seven points in the loss to take fifth at their home tournament. Forreston was JV champion at the tournament.
Boys bowling
Oregon 3,340, Dixon 2,831: Oregon was led by Ivan Hernandez’s 568 series. Caleb Ehrler (564) and Ethan
Rowe (560) were right behind as Oregon had six bowlers roll 542 or better. Aaron Fitzanko (558) and Sam Gingras (537) led Dixon.
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Boys basketball
Oregon 68, Marian Central Catholic 53: The Hawks are off to a 2-0 start, and the offense has looked sharp at their home Thanksgiving tournament. Cooper Johnson scored 19 points, Benny Olalde scored 18 and Tucker O’Brien scored 13.
Oregon hit 10 3-pointers in the win.
“This is a very fun group to be around, and I’m grateful for it every single day,” Oregon coach Jarrett Reynolds said. “They listen, they play hard. I mean, we haven’t proven anything yet, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Reynolds said the team has done a great job sharing the ball with plenty of players capable of getting hot.
“The guys have a great feel for the game, and they see whoever has a hot hand, they want to go back to that guy,” he said. “Everybody plays their role really well, which is important.”
Girls basketball
Polo 69, West Carroll 22: Cam Jones scored 17 of her 25 points in the first quarter to help give Polo early control. Elsa Monaco and Macie Mandrell each scored 11 points for the Marcos. Macie Carroll scored 11 points, and Catty Houzenga added nine for the Thunder.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Boys bowling
Oregon takes third in Rockford: The Hawks had their highest finish in 23 years after tallying a 5,036 at the NIC-10/NIBC Tournament at Don Carter Lanes. Hononegah (5,821) was first and Harlem (5,151) took second. RJ Keene (1,105) was eighth individually and Rylann Delehanty (1,076) was 14th for Oregon.
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Nole Campos shoots against Marian Central Catholic on Nov. 26 at the Oregon Boys Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Isaiah Perez zeros in on Amboy’s Ty Florscheutz in their 126-pound match Nov. 25 at Oregon High School.
Photo provided by Robin Keene
third at
NIBPA
Big favorite Byron fends off Tolono to win state title
VIEWS
Andy Colbert
Friday morning at the Nash Rec Center, a friend asked me what the Class 3A state football championship point spread would be in the Byron versus Tolono Unity game. At first, I said Byron by 50 points, thinking it would be easier than the IC Catholic and Richmond-Burton games. Remembering Tolono Unity had a good quarterback, I amended it to be more along the line of 30 points.
Boy, was I ever wrong in predicting a blowout win by the Tigers. At least I had company on that one with prognosticators all over the state. About the only person who dared give Tolono a chance was Matt Leng on the popular “Edgy Tim” high school football podcast.
Being from central Illinois, Leng was hip to the abilities of Tolono quarterback Dane Eisenmenger. Leng boldly stated that if Tolono could stay close into the fourth quarter, it would win because of Eisenmenger.
Not only did Tolono stay close at 56-50, but after recovering an onside kick, it had the ball first-and-goal with under a minute left in the game. Considering Tolono already had scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and Eisenmenger had 205 yards passing in that quarter alone, the odds now were stacked against Byron. What a stunning development.
Needing only three yards to score and having all the momentum in the world, Tolono was poised for one of the biggest championship game upsets in IHSA history and the opportunity to win its first state title after six runner-up finishes.
What could prevent it from getting a simple three yards on four tries after already piling up 652 yards of offense?
Well, football is a crazy game – one reason for its widespread popularity.
First, it was an incomplete pass. Then a false start penalty. Another incompletion. Another penalty. Another incompletion and suddenly it was fourth-and-13.
Still, Tolono was 3-for-3 on fourthdown attempts and 13 yards was no impediment for a quarterback who already had 14 completions of more than 15 yards. Strangely, it sometimes
can be an advantage to have an extra 10 yards to work with so close to the end zone.
With fans all over the state getting a dose of entertainment rarely seen for all 48 minutes of an IHSA football final, everyone had to be on edge as the ball left Eisenmenger’s golden arm.
Tyler Henry, who had 16 catches for 160 yards, was the intended receiver in the corner of the end zone. He had company, though, in the form of Caden Considine.
Considine, who had set a 3A championship game record with 367 yards rushing, made a defensive play that likely will be remembered more than any of his 30 rushing attempts. He knocked the ball away from the surehanded Henry, and Byron finally could party like it was 2023, its last state title.
In the aftermath, those very same fans, be it inside Hancock Stadium, watching online or on TV, are calling this thriller one of the best ever played in the annals of IHSA history.
I can’t dispute that. To me, it harkens back to 2001 when Riverside-Brookfield was in a similar sce-
nario against Joliet Catholic in the 5A playoffs.
Like Tolono, Riverside-Brookfield had a prolific passing attack, while Joliet Catholic was more in the vein of the Byron-type power rushing game. There was so much hype leading up to this game, a carload of us went to watch it, my first time back in Brookfield since going to the zoo there as a kid.
With thousands of fans and not enough bleachers, I seem to remember fans hanging from trees like monkeys just to get a glimpse of the action.
A pronounced underdog, R-B stunned big, bad Joliet Catholic the same way Tolono did to Byron. With under a minute to play, it was an identical 56-50 score and R-B had a first-and-goal.
Here was a chance to shake up the hierarchy of prep football and send shockwaves all over the state? Since it hadn’t been stopped all night, wasn’t it a given R-B was going to score.
Unfortunately not. As was stated earlier, football is a crazy game and Joliet Catholic managed to keep R-B out of the end zone on four tries, just like Byron did to Tolono.
Joliet Catholic went on to win one of its 15 state titles. Byron is up to four crowns and it isn’t out of the question for the Tigers to reach 15 state titles.
In the past 10 years, the Tigers have won more games (113) than anyone in Illinois other than Lena-Winslow (117), which made it state title number seven with a blowout win over Brown County.
In postgame comments, LenaWinslow coach Ric Arand made it a point to mention that conference rival Stockton was better than any other 1A team in the state. So very true and it was a shame Stockton couldn’t have been in the title game.
Getting back to the Byron-Tolono game, credit needs to go to both squads for tremendous sportsmanship. Play after play, kids were helping one another up from the ground. Extending a friendly hand to an opponent during heated competition says a lot about the character of a program.
• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.
Alex T. Paschal
Byron head coach Jeff Boyer hugs Caden Considine after the Tigers beat Tolono Unity 56-50 on Nov. 28 to win the Class 3A state championship at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University.
Byron hangs on to claim thrilling win
By STEVE SOUCIE ssoucie@shawmedia.com
In a game that saw more than 100 points and 1,200 total yards, it seemed strange that it all came down to a defensive stop to decide the Class 3A state title game Nov. 28.
Byron got that stop, and coupled with an amazing effort from Caden Considine, the Tigers claimed a 56-50 win over the Rockets.
“It was a great year, a great game and all credit to Tolono Unity,” Byron coach Jeff Boyer said. “All the respect in the world to their program and their kids and their coaches because they played one heck of a game and probably deserved to win, too.”
Considine ran for a Class 3A state record 367 yards, breaking the mark of 270 yards held by IC Catholic’s Jordan Rowell in 2016.
Considine did it by powering through tacklers and, in some cases, simply running them over in a game that turned into much more of an offensive shootout than most expected.
“I’m happy that this wasn’t a blowout tonight like a lot of people expected it to be, and I’m happy that they played us down to the wire,” Considine said. “It makes this game so much more special to win.”
Byron (14-0) turned the tide of the game after trailing 29-28 at halftime by getting a pair of 6-yard touchdowns, one by Andrew Talbert and the other by Considine, that went unanswered by Tolono Unity.
Tolono Unity (12-2) had managed to keep the game close largely due to a prolific passing effort by Dane Eisenmenger.
Eisenmenger eclipsed the Class 3A passing yardage record by the end of the third quarter by throwing for 340 yards through three quarters, bettering the record set by Williamsville’s Conor McCormick of 335 yards in 2019.
Eisenmenger’s final numbers of 42 for 65 for 545 yards and seven touchdowns also gave him 3A records for completions and touchdown passes.
The fifth touchdown allowed Tolono Unity to climb to within 42-36, but after Considine broke a long run to give him the Class 3A record for rushing yardage in a state title game, Talbert scored from seven yards out to increase the Byron
another record, total yardage achieved by both teams, with the final tally ending up at 1,211 yards.
Tolono Unity still had a little left in the tank and Eisenmenger tossed his seventh touchdown pass to pull the Rockets to within 56-50 with two minutes to play. Tolono Unity then recovered an onside kick and drove all the way down to the Byron 13-yard line before being denied on a fourth down and goal play.
The deciding play was shut down by Considine.
The two teams battled through an explosive first half that saw Tolono Unity emerge with a 29-28 lead.
The two teams combined for 633 yards of first-half offense. Tolono Unity’s Eisenmenger threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns and Byron’s Considine ran for 145 yards on only 10 carries.
The loss was tough to swallow for Tolono Unity, which was playing its seventh time in a state title game without a victory.
First-year coach Tony Reetz focused on the accomplishments his Rockets put forth.
lead to 50-36.
Eisenmenger tossed his sixth touchdown pass to turn it into a one-score
game once again only to see Byron answer quickly on Considine’s third touchdown run on a drive that broke
“I never had a doubt that we’d be right there at the end,” Reetz said. “I think these kids have never given us any reason to believe that we’re out of a game and think that it was very fitting for us to be in a game that nobody gives us a chance to be in.”
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
The Byron Tigers celebrate their 56-50 win over Tolono Unity for the Class 3A state title Nov. 28 at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University.
Byron’s Caden Considine fights for yards against Tolono-Unity on Nov. 28 in the Class 3A state final at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1978: Pete Rose becomes the highest-paid athlete in team sports when he signs a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. 2012: Kobe Bryant scores his 30,000th career point.
STATE CHAMPION!
Byron tops the charts in record-setting final / 19
Byron’s Kade Politsch lifts the first-place state trophy as Byron celebrates its 56-50 win over Tolono Unity on Nov. 28 at the Class 3A state finals at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University.
Photo by Alex T. Paschal