MT. MORRIS TIMES
oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com
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
Candlelight Walk
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Mt. Morris Public Library news
The Mt. Morris Library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 20, for staff training. The library will reopen at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22. The library also will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday.
Lego Night
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: Bring the family out for some awesome brick building.
Library Board meeting
The Library Board will meet at 5 p.m.
CORRECTIONS
Dec. 17. The public is welcome to attend.
The Mt. Morris Public Library is located at 105 S. McKendrie Ave.
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center news
Bingo and birthdays
Dec. 17: Bingo and Birthday lunch. Bingo starts at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Craft: 1 p.m. Dec. 18: The free craft is presented by Momentum Health Care.
Accuracy is important to the Mt. Morris Times. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
ABOVE: Tate Klotz, 3, of Oregon tosses a ring at a Christmas tree with the help of his dad, Kyle, at the Oregon Candlelight Walk’s Kid’s Winter Carnival on Dec. 6 at the United Methodist Church. ABOVE LEFT: Tim Grote and his children, Brielynn, 7, and Jase, 3, watch a model train at the Blackhawk Model Train Club in Conover Square Mall during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk. LEFT: Bob Vogl, the husband of the late Sonia Vogl, speaks before the lighting of the Christmas tree at Oregon’s Candlelight Walk. The tree was dedicated in memory of Vogl and stands with a sign that reads: “In memory of Sonia Vogl. Her generosity and dedication to our community has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for keeping our community ‘lit up’ over the past several years!”
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Tacos and trivia: 6 p.m. Dec. 18: Bring a team or come as a single and join a team for tacos and trivia. Tacos are $2 each. Trivia is $2 per player.
Cookie exchange: 6 p.m. Dec. 19: Bring two dozen homemade cookies and go home with new favorites.
Noon Year’s Eve party: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 30: Count down to celebrate the New Year at noon.
– Shaw Local News Network
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Oregon artist sculpts Cinderella in the snow
7-foot snow sculpture stands outside Conover Square
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
Visitors to Oregon’s downtown commercial district can thank Mother Nature and an artistic Oregon businessman for the 7-foot snow statue of Cinderella that graces a corner outside the Conover Square Mall.
While most Ogle County residents were figuring out how to get rid of the almost 12 inches of snow that fell across the region Nov. 29, sculptor Fran Volz of Rockford was getting inspired.
“The snow came down and there was lots of it. I checked out the weather forecast and it was going to be cold,” said Volz, owner and operator of Fran Volz Studios in Conover Square, 203 N. Third St. “She’s here because there was snow.”
Volz is a seasoned, professional sculptor when it comes to creating images in several mediums, including snow and his specialty – bronze.
He started sculpting snow in his front yard in Arlington Heights in the 1980s.
“I liked the interaction with the neighbors and people who would stop by. Then someone told me about the competition at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford,” he said.
Volz competed in the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford, winning in 2015 and 2017. He ran a studio in Rochelle before moving it into Conover Square.
Oregon’s Cinderella took three days to complete, Volz said, starting with one of the piles of snow left after Conover’s north parking lot was plowed.
“There was a pile of snow and I started with that,” he said.
See SNOW SCULPTURE on page 4
Earleen Hinton
Fran Volz on Dec. 4 paints the Cinderella snow sculpture he created on the northwest corner of Conover Square, 203 N. Third St. in Oregon. Volz has a store in the mall.
OHS student musicians selected to ILMEA all-state
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Oregon High School student musicians recently were selected to ILMEA all-state.
Vocalists selected were Sebastian Wright (all-state chorus), Sarah Eckardt (honors chorus), Aralin McLain (honors chorus) and Elliot Peeling (honors chorus). Instrumentalists are
Alexya Tran and Lia Tran, who will reaudition for ensemble placement.
“We are very proud of these students and the hard work they put into the audition process,” band director Andy Eckardt said.
“I am excited for the opportunity to take these students to Peoria, some for the first time and others for a third time,” Choir Director Zach Hall said.
The all-state festival and music education conference is Jan. 28-31 in Peoria.
Rochelle DAR chapter sets area Wreaths Across America ceremony dates
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is continuing its efforts to honor local veterans through the Wreaths Across America program, expanding to include Dixon’s Palmyra Cemetery in 2025 and supporting the national theme “Keep Moving Forward.”
As an official Wreaths Across America group, Rochelle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will lead ceremonies to place ceremonial wreaths in honor of each military branch as well
• SNOW SCULPTURE
Continued from page 3
After constructing the base, Volz started collecting white, clean snow from the surrounding area by using a shovel to scoop it up into a wheelbarrow and moving it to the base. He said snow scraped from pavement can
as Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, with volunteers placing wreaths immediately following the ceremony. Ceremonies will be held at the following locations, dates and times:
• 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Woodlawn Cemetery, Creston
• 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Palmyra Cemetery, Dixon
• 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Daysville Cemetery, Oregon
• 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rochelle
• About 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: Lawnridge Cemetery, Rochelle.
The Rochelle Chapter joins more
include oils and debris that affect the color and composure of the sculpture.
“There was plenty of snow around to find the pure, white variety,” he said.
He began scraping and forming the snow into Cinderella using photos of the iconic Disney character.
“Over the years I have honed my skills,” Volz said. “I started with four to five photos for reference, but that was a
than 4,900 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the hundreds of wreaths to be placed at veteran headstones. This annual event seeks to further the yearlong mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach,” ensuring that the memory of those who served our county endures.
“Our chapter sponsored 31 wreaths to be placed at a national cemetery during the first year we were involved in Wreaths Across America. We sponsored one local cemetery the next year
two-dimensional image, so I had to create three dimensions.”
To do that, Volz used a doll for scale.
“I had a doll for the general figure and I used a ruler to measure the dimensions – for example, 1 inch for 1 foot,” he said.
After the sculpting was complete, he sprayed a mixture of acrylic paint and water to give Cinderella her trademark
and have continued to add more cemeteries to our sponsorship group through the support of our community,” said Sarah Flanagan, Rochelle Chapter regent. “Our local program has grown so much in just a few years. We appreciate every person that’s willing to sponsor wreaths to keep the annual event going to honor our veterans.”
Those interested in volunteering to help place wreaths at veterans’ graves are invited to participate as a group or on an individual basis. No registration is required. Wreaths Across America is an outdoor event that will be conducted regardless of weather conditions.
blue dress and blond hair.
Volz is credited with suggesting the idea for the U.S. Straw Sculpting Contest that started in Rochelle and now is held in Mt. Morris. He also created the bronze statue at the Veterans War Memorial at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.
To learn more about Volz and his studio, visit franvolzstudios.com.
Photo provided by Oregon High School
Oregon High School students selected to ILMEA all-state are Sebastian Wright (from left), Aralin McLain, Elliot Peeling, Sarah Eckardt, Alexya Tran and Lia Tran.
Evidence seized in April search of Woosung home tossed by judge
State’s attorney’s office immediately appeals ruling
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
An Ogle County judge ruled Friday, Dec. 5, to suppress evidence seized during a 2024 search of a Woosung man’s home in part because police did not alert the court that the man had a medical cannabis card.
The decision prompted an immediate appeal by prosecutors.
Judge John “Ben” Roe announced his decision one month after hearing arguments from Joshua T. Anderson’s attorney, Mitchell Johnston of Sterling, that the search warrant issued in April 2024 was not proper.
Anderson, 40, was arrested April 10, 2024, after the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit executed a search warrant at his home in the 700 block of South Central Street in Woosung.
Police said they seized more than 46 pounds of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than $200,000 after what they described as a lengthy investigation.
Anderson is charged with unlawful possession with the intent to deliver more than 5,000 grams of cannabis, possession of 20 to 50 cannabis plants, and possession of less than 15 grams of a substance containing the painkiller tramadol. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has testified that he has a medical marijuana card and was growing the plants for his own use.
During a Nov. 5 Franks Hearing, Johnston argued that the warrant did not meet legal standards because the judge who issued it – Ogle County Judge Clayton Lindsay – was not told that Anderson was a medical cannabis-quali-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
FSB Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll announces Roling’s promotion
fying patient, which allows him to grow plants for his own personal use in his own residence.
A Franks Hearing is held to determine if a search warrant was issued based on sufficient evidence provided by officers who requested the warrant.
Johnston questioned whether the search warrant would have been issued if Lindsay had been aware of Anderson’s medical card that allows him to legally cultivate cannabis. Johnston argued that police had “improperly omitted information” when securing the warrant.
On Friday, Roe agreed, noting that other information given to Lindsay during the request for the search warrant was insufficient.
“I am granting the motion to suppress evidence obtained during the search,” Roe said.
On Nov. 5, Roe heard testimony from two Ogle County sheriff’s deputies and arguments from Johnston and Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten regarding the information given to Lindsay.
Deputy Joshua Lee and Lt. Michael Halfman – members of the Special Operations Unit – testified that the warrant was based, in part, on information from a confidential informant who said they smelled cannabis outside the home.
Halfman said that information – coupled with several weeks of surveillance by officers who observed a silver tent and bright light in the home, as well as fans in the windows and Facebook posts they said Anderson made regarding growing cannabis plants – prompted the request for the warrant.
Halfman testified that police learned that Anderson had a valid medical mari-
First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll recently announced the promotion of Allyson Roling to lending officer.
Roling joined the First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll team in June 2021 as customer account assistant and progressed to relationship banker, specializing in lending
juana card during the investigation, but he was unsure when they learned that detail. Halfman said he would have put that detail in the affidavit if he had known about it before the search warrant was signed.
Under questioning by Leisten, Halfman said there was an “abundant smell of cannabis” coming from the home.
Johnston said Anderson could possess up to five plants and product from those plants, and he accused Halfman of “speculating” that Anderson was in violation of the Cannabis Control Act before the search warrant was issued.
Halfman said he believed it was “probable” that Anderson was growing more plants than allowed.
Johnston said the fact that Anderson had a medical marijuana card should have been provided to the judge before the warrant was approved and the omission of that information was done “recklessly or knowingly.”
Leisten argued that all the other information gathered by officers provided enough probable cause to justify the warrant. He said the omission of the medical marijuana card was not “reckless in regard to the truth.”
He argued that a medical marijuana card does not allow the defendant to grow an unlimited amount of plants and all the other information gathered by police showed a pattern of likely violations of the Cannabis Control Act. He said Anderson’s medical marijuana card only allows him to grow cannabis in his home for his own consumption.
Roe disagreed, ruling on Friday that other evidence presented to Lindsay –such as the Facebook posts – was not sufficient to issue the search warrant.
“That alone does not point to a crime,” Roe said. “It is obvious that knowledge of the medical card was essential.”
After Roe’s decision, Leisten immediately filed an appeal of the Franks Hear-
ing and subsequent suppression of evidence arguing that Roe’s decision “substantially impairs the people’s ability to proceed at trial.”
Further hearings on the charges will not be held until an answer is provided by the appellate court.
Johnston then requested that some of Anderson’s additional pretrial conditions be reconsidered by the court.
“We have no objection to the general release conditions, but given that there is no future court date we are asking the court to reconsider the random drug testing and no alcohol conditions,” Johnston said.
Roe agreed and removed the random drug testing and no alcohol conditions from Anderson’s pretrial release conditions.
“The standard conditions will remain. I believe that is appropriate since the case is still pending on appeal,” Roe said. “There are no further court dates pending the appeal.”
Roe also agreed to appoint an appellate public defender for Anderson if the appellate court agrees to hear the case.
During Anderson’s April 24, 2024, preliminary hearing, Deputy John Shippert, a member of the Special Operations Unit for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, said 27 cannabis plants taller than 6 inches were seized during the search, as were vacuum bags, a bag sealer and scales. He said those items indicated to him that there was an intent to deliver the cannabis. He said ledgers also were found but not investigated.
Anderson testified at that hearing that he has had a medical marijuana card for at least eight years, and some of the plants were slated to be destroyed after the strongest ones were selected to complete their growing cycle.
Anderson said the ledgers kept track of his “cannabis consulting clients,” and all of the cannabis found was slated for his personal use.
in January 2025.
“With over 12 years of combined banking experience, her transition to lending officer is a result of her deep commitment to serving our clients and witnessed by her strong visible presence in our community,” according to a news release.
Most recently, Roling has become an active member of the bank’s Grow Your Business
group as a small business lender and now is the group leader. The program offers support, funding and outreach to encourage small business development in local communities.
First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll’s Polo office is located at 211 S. Division Ave. The Shannon office is at 1 S. Linn.
– Shaw Local News Network Allyson Roling
Joshua T. Anderson
Stillman Valley man pleads not guilty to sexual assault of child
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Stillman Valley man has pleaded not guilty to the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
Joseph G. Dreesen, 25, entered his not guilty plea Wednesday, Dec. 3 and asked for a jury trial when he appeared with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow, for a preliminary hearing.
Dreesen was arrested Feb. 26 by Ogle County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the FBI after a search warrant was executed at a rural Stillman Valley home.
Dreesen was charged Feb. 27 with the Class X felony and is accused of knowingly committing “an act of contact, however slight” with a 6-year-old boy between Feb. 19, 2024, and Feb. 19, 2025.
Dreesen is accused of touching the boy for his own “sexual gratification or arousal,” according to court records.
Wednesday’s preliminary hearing
was held seven months after Dreesen was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial after an evaluation by a court-appointed psychologist. At that hearing, Associate Judge Anthony Peska rejected Dreesen’s attorney’s argument to release him from custody until he was deemed to be fit again. Instead, Peska ruled that Dreesen would remain in custody.
Dreesen was determined to be fit again in November.
During Wednesday’s preliminary hearing, Kevin Most, a former detective for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and now a detective/sergeant for the Oregon Police Department, testified that the sheriff’s department began investigating Dreesen after a complaint by a relative.
Most said the boy told his father
that Dreesen had touched him inappropriately several times and would not stop when he asked him to.
During a Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center interview, Most testified that the boy said the contact occurred when Dreesen was watching him after he returned home from school.
“He [the boy] would tell him to stop, but he [Dreesen] would continue,” Most testified.
During a Feb. 26 interview at the sheriff’s department in Oregon, Most said he and an FBI officer asked Dreesen about the allegations.
“When I asked him if he knew why he was being interviewed he said because we had found out he was messing with [the boy],” Most testified.
Most said Dreesen acknowledged several times that the boy did not want to “do it,” but he continued because it made him [Dreesen] happy despite knowing he was “ruining” the juvenile’s life.
Most said an FBI officer took part in
the interview because Dreesen was being investigated by that agency for allegedly possessing images of child sexual abuse. Dreesen is not charged in Ogle County for that offense.
During a preliminary hearing, a judge determines if there is enough probable cause to determine if the case should continue. Prosecutors can call witnesses and police officers to the stand to testify and defense attorneys can ask them questions during cross examination.
Peska ruled that Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss had met the burden of probable cause to continue the case to trial.
Morrow entered Dreesen’s not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial. He requested the next hearing be set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5.
Class X felonies are punishable by six to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with three years to natural life of mandatory supervised release. Defendants must serve 85% of their sentence and must register as a sex offender upon their release.
Rochelle man sentenced to prison for possessing cocaine with intent to deliver
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Rochelle man was sentenced to 91/2 years in prison Wednesday, Dec. 3, for possessing and intending to deliver cocaine in January.
Christopher L. Reed, 31, pleaded guilty to the Class X felony when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court for a pretrial hearing with his attorney, Brian Erwin, in front of Associate Judge Anthony Peska.
Reed initially pleaded not guilty Jan. 22 to possessing between 200 and 600 ecstasy pills, also called MDMA, and 15 to 100 grams of cocaine –charges that followed a Jan. 8 traffic stop in Rochelle.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, ecstasy/MDMA, commonly called “molly,” is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, “producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Known as a party drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form; the pill has a
Christopher Reed
variety of logos and colors.”
At the start of Wednesday’s hearing, Erwin told Peska that a plea agreement had been reached wherein Reed would plead guilty to the cocaine charge, and the MDMA charge would be dismissed.
Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Reed was a passenger in a car that was pulled over at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 8 by Rochelle police for a traffic offense on Lincoln Avenue.
Leisten said a K-9 alerted Rochelle police officer Trevor Owen to a backpack that was on the floor of the car in front of the passenger seat Reed was sitting in.
Leisten said Owen discovered pills and cocaine in the backpack.
“The K-9 alerted the officer to the backpack,” Leisten said. “There was a
plastic bag with powder, which was identified as 29 grams of cocaine and $450 in cash. We believe there was an intent to deliver.”
In exchange for his guilty plea, the charge of possessing the MDMA was dismissed, Leisten said, adding that Reed’s criminal history included battery and DUI charges.
“You have the right to address me,” Peska told Reed. “Is there anything you would like to say?”
“No,” Reed replied.
Reed was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections and credited with 329 days served. He will be subject to 18 months of mandatory supervised release (parole) when he is released from prison. Reed also was ordered to pay $2,315 in fines and costs.
He had been held at the Ogle County Jail since his arrest after requests for pretrial release were denied.
During a January detention hearing, Peska denied Reed’s initial request to be released from custody.
Criteria used by judges to make
that decision include the nature of the alleged offenses, whether the defendant’s release would present a “clear and present danger” to the community or individuals, and whether the defendant is considered to be a “flight risk” and likely not to appear again for scheduled court cases.
Leisten argued that Reed should not be released, citing his criminal history and that Reed was on probation for another offense in another county when the Ogle County offense occurred.
Reed’s attorney at the time, Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, argued that Reed could be released with the condition that he be electronically monitored.
Peska denied the request, noting that Reed was on probation when the traffic stop occurred.
On Wednesday, Peska encouraged Reed to take part in any drug abuse program offered by the IDOC.
“That will be helpful. I do believe this [charge] is a result of drug abuse,” Peska said. “Good luck, sir.”
Joseph G. Dreesen
Holiday season in full swing at museum
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and have had your fill of turkey and dressing.
I remember the days when I would get a 25-pound turkey and wrap it in foil. Then it went into the oven at a very high temperature and came out four hours later in great shape for eating. Now they do it in a big deep fryer in half the time.
I went over to Bruce’s on Thanksgiving and enjoyed seeing all the great-grandchildren who were in rare form. The table was full of food and we all ate heartily as we visited. The topic of conversation was the storm coming up Saturday and how much snow we would get. I did not want to hear that since much needed to be done at the museum to get ready for the Polo Historical Society’s Christmas party Dec. 3.
I had gone to the O’Connors on Wednesday night for soup supper and the house was full of travelers from all over. Everyone was concerned about the weather and most people left Friday morning to head for home. No one wanted to be caught out on a stormy, wintery day, so their gathering was cut short.
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
I heard that Beth and Sarah had brought the tree up to the front of the museum and it was ready to be decorated. So Friday morning, Melody and I started getting all the decorations out at the museum. Melody did most of the work since my back did not like the cold weather and I was not moving too sprightly. My body would like to be on a sunny beach in Florida but we were never ones to head to warmer weather. I tell myself that cold weather only lasts so long.
Kevin and Charlie were moving things around and then headed up to the Dr. Burns House to get a piece of furniture that was up in the newspaper room. That room was never climate controlled and for years a beautiful reading table was in the room for reading the big newspaper books. I always wanted it down at the museum.
Now we realize those big newspaper
books need to be down at the museum where the temperature is controlled. They also should not be in wooden shelving but in metal cabinets. We have been getting a room ready for them. So if the newspaper books are at the museum, it only stands to reason that the big reading table also needed to be at the museum. So on Friday Kevin and Charlie were busy bringing the table to a new home. They have moved out a big shelving unit the Tri-County Press had left and the reading table is in that spot. Melody has the trees all done and, believe it or not, Kevin came back while the rest of us were all hunkered down and got the rest of the museum ready. I am sitting here eating the soup left from the O’Connor bash that was cut short by the weather and drinking eggnog. All is calm today but the snow is deep. Have not seen snow like this for some time and they are calling for colder weather at the end of the week so it will be here for a while.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Chesney to host pet adoption fair in Freeport on Dec. 13
State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, will host a pet adoption fair from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road in Freeport.
Chesney’s pet adoption fair will provide an opportunity for residents of the 45th District to meet adoptable pets, receive information on state programs and speak directly with the senator.
“This adoption fair is a simple way for people to meet pets in need of a forever home and learn more about the resources available in our community,” Chesney said. “I hope residents will stop by and find a new addition to their family.”
•
•
•
– Shaw Local News Network
Andrew Chesney
Defense attorney for Rochelle teen asks for more time to review evidence
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
The attorney for a Rochelle teenager who is facing felony charges for shooting at a vehicle in October told an Ogle County judge Wednesday, Dec. 3, that he needs more time to review evidence that prosecutors have provided.
“I’ve been getting additional discovery. I need time to review it,” Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow told Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska.
Morrow represents Camren Hastings, 18, who is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated use of a firearm as a person under the age of 21, a Class 4 felony.
Both charges were filed in connection with an Oct. 4 incident in which Hastings 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 and has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest in late October.
Discovery is the pretrial legal term used to describe evidence prosecutors refer to as they attempt to prove a case in court. During discovery, prosecutors and the defense exchange information to prepare for trial.
Morrow said he also needed time to review a new motion filed by Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten asking the court to compel Hastings to provide access to his iPhone.
In that Dec. 2 motion, Leisten said the iPhone was recovered from a shelf where
Mt. Morris man sentenced to 2 years in prison for theft, resisting arrest
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Mt. Morris man was sentenced to two years in prison Dec. 3 after pleading guilty to theft and resisting a police officer – both felony offenses.
Robert Disch, 54, pleaded guilty to taking tools, hardware, and motorcycle accessories on July 30 and Aug. 5 in the 4000 block of state Route 64, west of Mt. Morris, when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Brandon Gecan.
Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska that Disch took a nail gun, generator and other power tools.
“Those items were recovered from where he was living,” Leisten said, estimating the worth of the items at $7,400.
Disch also pleaded guilty to resisting arrest Oct. 23, which led to a Mt. Morris police officer injuring his knee and foot.
Leisten said Disch’s recent criminal history included aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol and aggravated battery of a police officer.
Disch was sentenced to two years in prison on each charge to be served concurrently.
Gecan requested Peska allow Disch
Robert Disch
to delay incarceration to enable him to get his personal effects in order.
“We are asking for a furlough,”
Gecan told Peska.
“The defendant has been homeless for some time and he has personal belongings that he wants to take care of. We are just asking for a few days.”
In a written motion for furlough, Gecan said Disch needed time to make changes to the disability payments he receives through Social Security. Gecan said Disch could not make those changes while he has been incarcerated in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest Oct. 23.
“The defendant wishes to set up his finances to continue his child support payments and to arrange for storage of his personal belongings while he is incarcerated,” Gecan wrote in the motion.
Leisten objected to the furlough request arguing that Disch was a flight risk.
Peska denied the furlough and remanded Disch to the Ogle County Jail.
Hastings was sleeping when police searched his home in the 400 block of Lake Lida Lane on Oct. 28. Leisten also is seeking the passcode for another cellphone during the search.
Police said the October search warrant stemmed from an Oct. 4 evening incident in which “a vehicle had been shot approximately 13 times in the 100 block of Willis Avenue.”
At an Oct. 29 detention hearing, Leisten said Hastings was one of a group of 10 individuals walking on the street shooting guns about 11:10 p.m. Another juvenile has been charged in connection with the incident, but juvenile charges and hearings are not available to the public.
Leisten’s Dec. 2 motion asks the court to compel Hastings to provide access to the iPhone.
“The defendant told Detective (Matthew) Wittenberg that he could not
remember the passcode for the iPhone that is the subject of this motion,” Leisten said in the Dec. 2 motion. “The defendant confirmed that both cellphones belonged to him. Therefore, the people are seeking an order from this court compelling the defendant to provide the password to the iPhone pursuant to the search warrant’s order.”
Leisten said a password/passcode is needed to gain access to the phone. “The defendant has not provided the passcode, and the detective does not have any means to ‘crack’ the passcode at their department,” according to the motion.
A Nov. 25 search warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to press the fingers of Hastings to any ‘Touch ID sensor’ of any Apple brand device for the purpose of unlocking it.
Peska remanded Hastings to the Ogle County Jail and set his next court date for 9 a.m. Dec. 24.
Pecatonia man gets periodic imprisonment for fleeing Ogle County police in January
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Pecatonica man has been sentenced to 18 months periodic imprisonment for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer during a high-speed chase in January.
Jered T. Vautsmeier, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 4 to the misdemeanor offense when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court with his attorney, Glenn Jazwiec.
Charges of driving with a suspended license and four traffic-related charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Under the plea agreement, Judge John “Ben” Roe agreed to sentence Vautsmeier to serve 189 days in the Ogle County Jail, starting Jan. 20, 2026.
Vautsmeier initially was charged with fleeing from Ogle County sheriff’s deputies after a 6:24 p.m. traffic stop Jan. 6 near Polo.
Information released by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office at that time said that at one point Vautsmeier was traveling 125 mph in a 55-mph speed zone.
“The vehicle fled from deputies at a high rate of speed until the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns. The vehicle was located a short time later in Leaf River and again fled from deputies. The pursuit was again terminated a short time after it entered Winnebago County,”
according to a sheriff’s department release.
Vautsmeier and his vehicle were found by Pecatonica police in Winnebago County, where Ogle County deputies took custody of Vautsmeier.
Original charges included driving on a suspended license, driving more than 35 mph over the speed limit, improper lane use, disregarding a traffic control device, improper display of registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told Roe that Vautsmeier had “willfully failed or refused to obey” an Ogle County deputy’s signal to stop his vehicle.
Vautsmeier was ordered to pay $370 in fines and costs and received one day credit for time already served in the Ogle County Jail.
Periodic imprisonment allows nonviolent offenders to serve jail time in intermittent periods, such as nights or weekends, in order to maintain employment or receive treatment.
Camren Hastings
Jered T. Vautsmeier
LILA LEE BAKER (NEE KIRK)
Born: July 15, 1923
Died: November 20, 2025
Lila Lee Baker (nee Kirk) died November 20, 2025, after a brief illness, at Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris, IL, with her family at her side. Born July 15, 1923, in Quincy, IL, Lila was 102 years old. She was the oldest of five children born to Anna Kirk (nee Howanitz) and David D. Kirk. Lila was an 81-year resident of Mt. Morris, beginning in 1944, when she married Edward Francis Baker, a local farmer. He preceded her in death on August 23, 2005. The couple were married for 61 years. She is survived by their three children, Barbara B. Stephenson of Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Edward Kirk Baker (Molly) of Mt. Morris, and Francine Lee Baker (John Jackson) of Scottsdale, AZ.
serving as editor of the yearbook, while maintaining excellent grades. Upon graduation, she received the American Legion Award and a year’s scholarship to the University of Chicago. After her freshman year in college with her scholarship running out, she returned to Dixon where she used her artistic talents at Hintz Photography Studio. During World War II, her work was colorizing portraits since color photography was not yet available.
As a child, Lila’s father, who was an amateur artist, had taken her to art classes in Grand Detour where the teacher discovered she was very talented and encouraged her father to provide opportunities for her art. This early training sparked a life-long interest in artistic expression, particularly painting.
required on the farm, not least of which was processing turkeys in the basement of the farm home, and then carrying them upstairs to be cooled on racks in the porch of the house. Her mother-in-law managed the 1,000-bird Pine Creek Turkey Farm and engaged a crew of area women to help each fall leading up to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The farm delivered its custom turkeys to Mt. Morris families and businesses. in the early 1950s, Lila was thrilled when the processing moved out of the farm house into a new barn as the number of turkeys raised reached 4,000 yearly.
matter was wide-ranging, including Western canyon lands and desert scenery, Native Americans, cowboys, Midwestern lakes and birch trees, farmers and farm scenes, animals, flowers, the Blackhawk statue, family portraits, and even Santa Claus. Some have been shown in bank and library exhibits in Mt. Morris. Family members treasure the “Lila Baker” paintings that proudly hang in their homes.
She also is survived by her four grandchildren, Gretchen Baker (Greg Krogen), Grant Baker, Maren Swank (Matt), Mitchell Baker (Kali Moody); and five loving great-grandchildren, Willa, Hollis and Rian Swank, Svea Krogen and Lila Baker.
Lila’s surviving sibling, Ellen Rauch, lives in Roseville, CA. Her other siblings, Ada Berkey, William Kirk and David Kirk all preceded her in death, as well as her son-in-law Al Stephenson and grandson, William Stephenson.
Lila began school in Quincy, IL. By her fourth grade, the family had moved to Dixon, IL, where she continued her education, graduating from Dixon High School in 1941. She embraced high school life by being the drum majorette for the band, acting in plays, and
RENEE LYNN BARNHART
Born: January 13, 1917 in Rockford, IL
Died: December 3, 2025 in Oregon, IL
Renee Barnhart (Robbins) 54 of Oregon passed away December 3rd, 2025 after a brave 19 month battle with breast cancer.
Renee was born Jan 13th, 1971 in Rockford to Kenneth & Patricia Robbins.
Renee graduated from Bryon High School in 1989. Fall of 1989 she moved to Oregon where she lived for almost 40 years to raise her own family.
She worked in Social Services for about 20 years. Serving the residents of Ogle County
During World War II, while roller skating with girlfriends at Assembly Park in Dixon, Lila met her future husband, Francis Baker, who lived south of Mt. Morris on the Baker Family Farm. On her first visit, she took a bus from Dixon to Oregon where Francis picked her up and drove her west six miles to the farm. At that time, Oregon Trail Road was a rolling, curvy, gravel road that seemed to go on forever and she surmised that it really was “back in the sticks” compared to Dixon. As they planned their wedding, Francis wanted to wait until his two brothers, who were serving in the armed forces, could be home, but they decided not to wait! They were married October 8, 1944, at the Dixon Methodist Church, with a reception at Loveland Community House, documented on a 16-millimeter color movie.
As a “city girl,” Lila learned many new skills
in various ways. Most recently she served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Ogle County 708 Mental Health Board since 2019. She is predececessed by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her greatest blessings, son Robert (Kassie) Dilbeck, their children Myah & Dennis. Daughter Anna Barnhart (Max Donaldson), their children Lyndin, Braxdyn & Elijah. Son Kenneth Barnhart. Her siblings Larry (Helen) Mead, Nancy Loput (Joe Rovira) & Gary Mead. Also special Aunt Kay Manring, Niece Alisha Dennis, Nephew Brandon Mead & wonderful friends Justine Messenger & Judy Tatlock. Also her best friend in the world Rob Paulson. Celebration of life to follow in the spring!
Lila assisted Francis on the farm, when necessary, but primarily managed the household and cared for their young family in the early years of the marriage. She taught fourth grade Sunday School classes at the Mt. Morris Methodist Church where she and Francis were members, served on the school board at the Pine Creek Country School and later, was elected to the Mt. Morris School Board.
When her children were all in school, Lila worked at McGregor Magazine agency and Watt Publishing Company. Her final employment was as Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools for the Mt. Morris school system. With a busy family and social life from 1945 to 1975, Lila had little time to nurture her interest in art, except for occasional classes with Harry Nurmet, a regional artist in Oregon, IL. That changed when she and Francis began spending winters in Arizona in the 1980s, and she found a new mentor in Jim Strong, a Western painter. Lila’s artistic talents were rekindled when she began full-day painting classes at his Scottsdale studio once a week. During the 1980s and 1990s, she was producing 25 to 30 acrylic paintings each winter.
Lila’s painting style was realistic. Her subject
Lila always loved to travel, and she and Francis were able to visit Colombia, South America, where their oldest daughter served in the Peace Corps. After Francis’ death, she was able to see the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican and the Louvre in Paris with her family. Because of her 102 years, Lila lost many of her friends, but these losses were bearable in part because of her eternal optimism and faith that “every day is a gift.” She was blessed to be in very good health to celebrate her 100th birthday where she hosted an open house and dinner with almost 100 family and friends. Her example lives on as an inspiration to all of us. A visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E Hitt, Mt. Morris on Friday, December 12th from 4 to 6 p.m. A family-only burial will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday at Cedar Hill Cemetery, rural Mt. Morris. The memorial service will be Saturday, December 13th at 3:30 pm at Disciples United Methodist Church,102 Maple Ave, Mt. Morris, IL with Pastor Marcia Peddicord officiating. Following the service, a light supper will be served in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be given to Disciples United Methodist Church, 102 Maple Ave, Mt. Morris, IL 61054 (disciplesumc.org) and Encore! Mt. Morris (a non-profit arts organization), 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 (encoremtmorris.com).
OGLE COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING PERMITS
• November 2025
• The Ogle County Planning & Zoning Department recently released the zoning permits it issued in November. They include:
• John Wilson, Maryland Township, remove and replace single-family dwelling.
• Verizon Insite Inc., Maryland Township, equipment upgrades on existing telecommunications tower, $40,000 estimated cost.
• Tommy Romando, Leaf River Township, map amendment #03-25AM.
• North Pecatonica Road Community Energy Initiative LLC, Leaf River Township, special use #07-25SU.
• Aileen Diehl, Brookville Township, remove and replace single-family dwelling.
• TruHomePros/Jordan, Taylor Township, private ground mounted solar array.
• Merlin Fox, Oregon-Nashua Township, remove utility building.
• Ira and Connie Tate, Rockvale Township, residential accessory building.
• Christopher Madden, Byron Township, residential accessory building.
• Leaf River Baptist Church, Mt. Morris Township, open pavilion.
• Ron Bocker, Mt. Morris Township, dwelling addition.
• Rene Rodriguez, Byron Township, covered porch and deck.
• Benesh/Peterson, Rockvale Township, shoreline protection.
– Shaw Local News Network
Dec. 1-5, 2025
Warranty deeds
• Jason R. Penticoff and Kimberly S. Penticoff to Michelle M. Allen, 1 Parcel: 1427&1431 Crimson Ridge Ln, Byron, $290,000
• Donna J. Hayenga to Marc A. Personette, 2 Parcels: 8538 N Valley View Dr, Byron, and 8518 N Valley View Dr, Byron, $282,000
• Sandra L. Helton to Ryan Zwettler and Nicole Zwettler, 1 Parcel: 512 N Franklin Ave., Polo, $137,000
• Diane M. May and Sean P. Tracy to Christine Wegrzyn, 1 Parcel: 7522 N River Rd, Byron, $215,000
• Carlos Calderon and Olga L. Calderon to Alfonso Hernandez-Rojas, Alfonso Hernandez-Rojas, Marisol Garcia-Belmonte, and Marisol Garcia-Belmonte, 1 Parcel: 925 N 15th St, Rochelle, $130,000
• Naf Cash Llc to David Oliver and Reema B. Oliver, 1 Parcel: 10282 E Clara Ave., Rochelle, $495,185
• Aaron R. Roe and Rachel Schupbach Roe to Michael Mascio, 1 Parcel: 505 E King St., Polo, $176,000
• Cynthia Raye Hatch to Linden Petre and Krystal Petre, 2 Parcels: 7029 W Penn
Corner Rd, Polo, and 7029 W Penn Corner Rd, Polo, $180,000
• Bradley L. Barker, Kaitlyn P. Barker and Kaitlyn P. Anderson to Theodore W. Morris Jr. and Carol D. Morris, 1 Parcel: 118 N Prairie Dr, Forreston, $335,000
• Cornerstone Contractors Of Florida Llc to Brandon Dejonge, 1 Parcel: 114 River Rd, Oregon, $240,000
• Danny S. White and Danae D. White to Jose Odilon Reyes, 1 Parcel: 113 Janet, Rochelle, $178,500
• Gregory D. Bennett Jr. and Heather M. Bennett to Brandon A. Huddleston and Angel S. Huddleston, 1 Parcel: 217 W Merchant St, Byron, $170,000
• Mary E. Bushland to Seth A. Stevens, 1 Parcel: 2308 N Leaf River Rd, Mt. Morris, $90,000
• Robert C. Colwell and David J. Didier to Grandpa’s Dirt Llc and Grandpas Dirt Llc, 3 Parcels in Lafayette Township: 23-07-300003, 23-18-100-005, 23-18-100-006, $0.00
• Tracey Renee Anders to Robert B. Borgen Trustee and Robert B. Borgen Rev Tr., 1 Parcel: 207 S Division Ave, Polo, $50,000
• Contry Homes Group Llc to Andrew J. Szychilinski and Nancy J. Szychilinski, 1
Parcel: 203 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $262,205
Quit claims
• Debra Barron to Daniel S. Barron, 1 Parcel in Rockvale Township: 09-05-200003, $0.00
• Sarah A. Harshman to Sarah Harshman and Benjamin A. Harshman, 1 Parcel: 311 S 4th St, Oregon, $0.00
• Kristi Bowman to Kenneth J. Mrozek Ii and Kathy M. Mrozek, 1 Parcel: 229 S Franklin St, Byron, $0.00
• Gustavo Esquivel to Vicente Silva Nunez and Christian Silva, 1 Parcel: 148 Wayne Rd, Rochelle, $0.00
• Renee Barnhart to Nancy Loput and Joseph Rovira, 1 Parcel: 809 Franklin St, Oregon, $0.00
• Donald W. Lund to Donald W. Lund Trustee and Donald W. Lund Tr101, 3 Parcels: 1248 N Lynnville Rd, Lindenwood; 1144 Lynnville Rd, Lindenwood; and one parcel in Lynnville Township: 19-08-300010, $0.00
• Kyle A. Johnson to Lisa K. Johnson, 1 Parcel: 21208 Tilton Park Dr, Rochelle, $0.00
• Scott W. Roberts and Ellie L. Roberts to Richelle L. Lumpkins, 1 Parcel in Buffalo
Township: 14-16-327-024, $0.00
• Martin Brennan and Sarah Gale Brennan to Martin Brennan Trustee, Martin Brennan 2025 Declaration Tr, Sarah Gale Brennan Trustee, and Sarah Gale Brennan 2025 Declaration Tr, 1 Parcel: 1247 Tilton Park Dr, Rochelle, $0.00
Trustees deeds
• Jerry R. Funk Trustee, Lynn D. Genandt Trustee, and Robert & Johanna Funk Tr. to Lori K. Gipper, 1 Parcel in Forreston Township: 02-08-100-007, $0.00
• Vicki A. Wine Trustee and Luan B. Wine Tr to Nicki Como, 1 Parcel: 1060 Westview Dr, Rochelle, $140,000
• Old National Bank Trustee and Patricia D. Best Tr. to Peter Todd Stofflet, 2 Parcels in Flagg Township: 24-24-106-023 and 24-24-106-024, $30,000
• Lindsay B. Mitchell Trustee, Ashley B. Adams Trustee, and Roger L. Adams Tr to Lindsay B. Mitchell, 1 Parcel in Leaf River: 04-33-300-008, $0.00
• Lindsay B. Mitchell Trustee, Ashley B. Adams Trustee, and Roger L. Adams Tr to Lindsay B. Mitchell, 1 Parcel: 370 Creekside Dr, Byron, $0.00
– Shaw Local News Network
LETTERS TO SANTA
you bring Charlotte amaricin girl doll?Please make it snow.I’ve been cleaning up and helping Charlie.I will give you a cookie and maby some carrots for the reindeer.
Mrs. Faivre’s second-grade class Centennial Elementary School Polo
Dear Santa,
I’d like a 3-D prenter or Dual Dragon Transporter or tow truck or a LEGO spiderman vs venom car plese.I hope you are doing good.I can’t wait for my elf Max to come back.Merry Christmas.
Love, LeRoy
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Claus doing?Please can I have frog muffs and a bunny loo loo and I would also love a singing La Boo-Boo.Can you ask snowflake to come to are house early because we have to leave when she comes so maby after or beafor Thanksgiving.Can
Dear Santa,
Sincerely, Chloe
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing?Hi.My name is Graysen Edward Collins.How long have you and Mrs. Claus been married?Can my sister please have a La Boo Boo?I wold love to have a phone.
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa,
How has your last year been?How do you stay warm in the North Pole?Can I please have a Metaquest 3s and an elf?I think I deserve a Metaquest 3s because I have been good this year and when it is my turn on the vr headset Oliver says “It’s not your turn yet!” And I think I deserve an elf because I have been good this year.I will leave you cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer.
Merry Christmas
Love, Graysen
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing?Can I pleas have a electric guitar and a robot?I’ve been rily good becuase I like to be good so I will give you a cookie and the rane deer’s will have candy kanes.Have a good time giving present’s.
Love, Huxley
Dear Santa, You are the best.Can I have a race car that drifts?Can I have a Laser for my cats.I going to giv you melk and cookies and carrots for your randear.
Love, Keaton
May the spirit of Christmas bring warmth to your heart and home. All of us at Stillman Bank wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dear Santa,
Charlotte
How are you and Mrs. Claus doing?Please can I have a scooter?Can I have more baby stuff?Would you be able to bring Liam a football?My behavior has been good sometimes.I try to fight it, but I can’t do it every time.I will make cookies for you and some milk.If i can find some reindeer food, I will leve it with the treat.
Love, Rowan
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Claus doing Santa are you and Mrs. Claus married can I please have a F1 car?5 of them please.I help with dishes and laundry.I will give you milk and cookies.
Love, Westlee
Dear Santa,
How have you been?I hope my mom gets a foot massager.Can I please have a calendar?If you can’t make that I would have a La Bu Bu and I hope my dad have a new grill.I will give you chocolate chip pie and milk.
Merry Christmas.
Raelynn
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Claus been doing?Can I please have a fugler and a real phone?I also been helping my sister go to sleep.I mite leave cookies for you.
Merry Christmas.
Zander
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Claus doing?Can you say hello to Elsa for me?Please can I have a la boo-boo?Also a slime kit?Pleas and thank you!I
would like a dog toy to.Thanks!I’ve been trying to help my sister get to bed at night.I will leave you some cookies and milk.Also a carrot on the plate. Merry Christmas.
Ellis
Dear Santa, How has your reindeer been?How many elves do you have?Can I please have bunnylulus?I have been good this year.Can you please get the stuf I wanted?I will leave some milk and cookies. Merry Christmas.
Autumn
Dear Santa, How many elfs do you have?You are my favorite gift giver.Please can I have a rumi doll?Please can you git my class a elf?I have behaved well this year.I have been helping out with my new house.Thanks for lisoning.
Love, Rylie
Dear Santa, Please can I have a storm trooper, a bruleh with a root becus I have been good and a Ronaldo jesrey becus I have been good.
Love, Jaxon
Dear Santa, How has your last year been?How many elfs do you have?Please can I have a baby alive doll?Please can you give Louse a baby alive doll too?I have benn being good this year.You are the best present giver.
Love, Johanna
Dear Santa, How long have you and Mrs. Claus been married?Can I please have 2 live pets.I would like a helping bird and a helping dog and 2 la boo boos.I’ve started being good this year.I will leave you 4 cookies. How many deer do you have?I’ll give you that many carrots.
Love, Oaklee
LETTERS TO SANTA
doing? Can I have two kittens for Christmas? My Would like 100,000 dollars. I did a good thing gave a friend a coloring page.
Centennial Elementary School Polo
Mrs. Hillison’s third-grade class
Dear Santa,
Will you come through the door?Something I did this year is helping people with stuff.I would like a Magic Mixie and I want to get something for my mom too so I think she would like makeup.I want to make a wish for the world is for everyone to be happy
Love, Amadia
Dear santa
How are you, the elves mis.claus and the reindeer doing?your job must be hard because you have to deliver presentslike my stuffed squirrel without getting caught.By the way, I want a stuffed squirrel. I wonder how many elves you do have and do name them all?Now have a happy and merry Christmas.
Love, Carter
Dear Santa,
How are you? This year I was nice to people. I want stuff for my cat. My sister wants a kitten. My wish for the wold is that people are kind to each other love, Ejaye
Dear Santa,
How are the elves and how is Betty
A wish for the world for the kid to have A good homes.
Love, hayden
DearSanta,
how old are the reindeer? I helped when water was spilled. I would like a Chicgo bears jersey. My dad would like some carmel bites. Also i want everyone to be kind
Love, Huxten
Dear Santa,
How’s Rudolph?I kept my room clean. I would like to have A smartwatch. My mom would like make-up. My wish for The world has no pollution.
Love, Kane
Dear Santa,
Are the elves being good? This year I helped someone pick up their books that they dropped. My wish wouldbe a pet hamster and supplise for it. My brother would really like a new fishing pole. My one wish for the world is for everyone to be happy and kind.
Love, Laney
Dear Santa, I’m Layla Weems. I have a question: are the elves being good or bad? I hope it’s good and not bad. I was kind of bad and l was also good too. I have a big wish or something I would like to have for Christmas. I have a best friend who I’ve been with my whole life. Her name is Olivia Ditzler. I would like her to have a beautiful flower dress for Christmas. She would look so cute in it. My wish is
Emmilia would like a Mickey Mouse. Gracie likes Sonic, too. Can my mom have a toy turkey? Are your reindeers cute?
Love, Kaleb
to have a big bag of pipe cleaners and a matching flower dress with Olivia please. My wish for the whole world is for everybody to have a great life and have fun!!!!!!!!!!
To santa, I love you!!!!!!
Love, Layla
Dear Santa, This year I help set up the christmas tree and played nerf wars With my Brother. And can I have a keyboard and mouse and a Thermometer please and thank you.And I hope all people have Safe homes.
Love, Levi
Dear Santa, How is Chippey doing? I did my homework in one day. For Christmas I want a cow themed Room so get me everything. For my mom a huge bouquetof flowers. And for my dad a nice pair of jeans. Last my wish for the world is that every body is kind!
Love Maddi
Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Clause? doingThisyear I got better at gymnastics. For Christmas I want a gymnastics set. And flowers for my mom l wish for the world to be nice and kind Love, Maesyn
Dear Santa, Why is Radblph nose red? This year I washed my mom’s dishes. My wish is no bad animals. For christmas may l have pokemon pleas??? My little brother wants cars.
Love, Gio
Dear Santa, How is Dasher and DaDa? This year I
Santa! I want to give you a hug!
Love, Kendrick
helped the preschool teachers and the lunch lady. This year I want warmth and love,happiness, and a sweater.I will also give my neice a sweater too. I wish for the world a sweater,love,warmth,and parents.
Love, Zalyn
Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? He is my favorite reindeer. I want some purple slime and gymnastics stuff to learn more of it. I wonder how many toys you and the elves make each year. And can you get Riley a lot of legos? One wish for the world is for everybody to be good.
Love, Kylie
Dear Santa, How many toys does Lucky make a year? I would like a spa chair please. My mom would like books. My wish for the world is for everyone to be treated right. Something I did well this year is I kept my room clean. Thank you for all the joy you bring to the world.
Love, Elliana
Dear Santa, How do you get around the world in one night? This year my friend dropped all of his stuff and I put all my stuff down and helped him. I want a ps5. Evynn wants barbies. One wish for the world to have no garbage
Love, Brady
Dear Santa, How are you? One thing I did that was good this year was I helped my parents a lot. My wish for the world is to have everyone have a good life. For Christmas I want the shoes and my brother would like Heelies.
From, Ryan G.
Centennial Elementary School Polo
Mrs. Lahti’s first-grade class
Dear Santa,
I would like water balloons, a cookie, and a Sonic toy. Watch out for the dogs. They might bite you! Can you get my kitty, Remington, a rat toy? Can you get Ivory another Minnie Mouse house?
Dear Santa,
Thank you for the Stitch light and the Barbie house last year. I’d really like a whiteboard this year. I used to have a pet, but it passed away. I would also like a new water bottle. I’d also like a Beat Buddy.
Love, Amora
Dear Santa,
I wish I could see you! This is what I’d like for Christmas…..paper, scissors, crayons, and glitter glue so I can craft. I have a cat named Cookie. She would like a cat house. I am going to make good cookies for you. I love you,
Dear Santa, I have one dog. His name is Dexter. I’ve been a good girl. I would like an American Girl Doll.
Love, Madeline
Dear Santa,
Thank you for last year’s presents. I will leave you Jersey Mike cookies. Was I good this year? I would like a new Elsa bike because mine is broken. I’d also like a Bluey watch. I really would like the Peppa Pig family and house set. I wish one of your elves could come to my house. I like you, Santa!
Love, Freyja
Dear Santa, What does your reindeers eat? I
would like some rollerskates. I was a good girl. I will leave you some chocolate and white chip cookies. I have an elf named Snowflake. I’ll leave you carrots, too, for the reindeer.
Love, Charlotte
Dear Santa, I would like an Orbi gun, 1000 toy cars, and some Nike shoes. I want you to bring a real lamburgianni for my dad. I will give you 15 cookies. I have 9 puppies at my house so be careful that they don’t yip at you. Don’t step on any of them because they are very small. Watch out for the turtle cage at the bottom of the stairs. It’s there so the puppies can’t climb up the stairs.
Love, Owen
LAHTI cont’d to page 14
LETTERS TO SANTA
cont’d from page 13
Dear Santa, I wish for a stuffy unicorn, my own fort to sleep in on Fridays and Saturdays, and a toy unicorn. I’ve been being good. My doggie, Mia, likes to chew up my shoes and chew up wood. I will leave milk and chocolate chip cookies for you. When I get up in the mornings I help my daddy pack his stuff for work. I’m glad you are alive so we can get presents on Christmas. Thank you, Santa, for bringing us presents and being a good guy!
Love, Athena
Dear Santa, I will leave milk and cookies for you. Please be careful of my dogs and cats. Thank you for the gift last year. I would like a dragon toy that I saw at Wal-Mart. My brother would like a baby toy.
Love, Sylis
Dear Santa, I have 1 dog and 2 cats in my house. I would like a Barbie camper and a LaBuBu. I’ve been good. I will leave you milk and chocolate chip cookies.
Love, Joslyn
Dear Santa, I really want a fast RC car for Christmas, Robux, and a stretchy toy. I have 2 dogs, but they will be in my room and my sister’s room so they won’t bother you. I will leave you milk and cookies. If your reindeer like carrots, I will leave
some by the cookies.
Dear Santa,
I want a Minnie Mouse car….like the one you can drive yourself! Um…an airplane toy with fire on it and it will fly and with a controller with it. And a phone! Like a real one because I always wanted one. Merry Christmas!
From, Harlow (4)
Dear Santa, I want a big dino for Christmas. It’s green and it’s a T-Rex and it’s a soft pillow. And I want some Spidey stuff like the bad guys and the good guys. And I
Love, Kason
Dear Santa, I want a pair of rollerblades, a new doll, and a LaBuBu. I will leave you sugar cookies and milk. I’ve been good. I mopped the floors yesterday. How do your reindeers fly?
Love, Alivia
Dear Santa,
When is your birthday? Thank you for bringing presents for everyone. I hope I have a good year next year.
Love, Blake
Dear Santa, I’ve been good. I help clean my room. I have two cats, but they are nice. I made a wish list. Necklaces, Jolly Ranchers, jeans, and a Hello Kitty stuffed animal are on it. I will leave you milk and cookies. What are your reindeers’ names?
Love, Sesily
Dear Santa,
When is your birthday? I’ve been a good boy. Thank you, Santa, for the presents you gave me last year. This year I would like an RC car.
Love, Max
Dear Santa, Thank you for the boxing bag last year. I’ve been good. I let my dog outside even when my dad doesn’t ask me to. You might have to come in quietly because my dog might bite you. I want a
want a dino that can do the dishes so we don’t have to do it. Do you have any of the spidey stuff and the dino stuff like the soft pillow?
Love, Ruby (4)
Dear Santa, I want a dinosaur …a pink one! I want it to be big. Um and an Elsa doll. Um…. and a painting set!
From, Riley (3)
Dear Santa, I really want some new Legos cause I love building with Legos. And I want a cop dress up outfit. And I want some new superheroes like Spiderman and Hulk. I love Santa and presents.
Love, James
Dear Santa, Happy Christmas! I don’t know what I want. Ninja turtles! I like Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo. I want some blocks like at school. They look like bricks!
Love, Asher(3)
Dear Santa, I want a big pink teddy bear and a
phone, an electric scooter, and a dirt bike. I will leave you cookies and milk. When do the elves come? How do you get around the world every Christmas?
Love, Briggs
Dear Santa, I will leave cookies and milk for you. There will be frosting on the cookies. I’ve been a good girl. I would like some Barbie dolls. I would also like some new bowls for my cats. I would also like a new kitten.
Love, Astrid
Dear Santa, I will leave you cookies and milk. I would like a big stuffed monkey. I would also like a flamingo that eats and then goes potty on its little toilet. Could you please bring my new baby sister cat pajamas? I’ve been a really good girl. I have two cats, but they should leave you alone.
Love, Bristyl
Dear Santa,
Thank you for the cardboard Barbie that I could decorate with stickers. I’ve been good this year. I am going to leave you milk and cookies. I will also leave carrots for the reindeer. I would like an American Girl Doll, a stuffed animal, and a Barbie this year. Sometimes your elves would leave me treats after school. One year in my stocking I found one of the reindeer’s bells! I like Rudolph’s
mermaid costume. I don’t have a mermaid costume at home and I don’t have a pink teddy bear so I want that. I want a pink unicorn bouncy house and a Elsa bouncy house. I’m gonna tell Santa I’m gonna hug him. I like Santa coming and bringing me presents.
From, Jenna (3)
Dear Santa, Ummmm… I want a Barbie with accessories with it. Um…like the chef accessories. And a Barbie Dream House. It’s like a tall house with the stairs, ya, and even an elevator. I like presents! How’s the reindeers?
Love, Chloe (4)
Dear Santa, I am going to get my book to show what I want because I picked it in the book. So I wanted a toy firetruck and I want a yellow rain suit, and I want this yellow pencil and this toy giraffe thing, and since I’m not a boy I won’t pick this blue stuff. I like this orange recorder to make music. I like a purple princess crown because it’s pretty and it’s my mama’s favorite color. And a crown and
bright red nose.
Love, Virginia
Dear Santa, Am I on the good list? I would like an American Girl Doll, arts and crafts stuff, and fun board games for Christmas. I have 2 fish at my dad’s house but they won’t bother you. My Christmas tree might be in a different place this year. I will get you milk and cookies. I will also have stuff for the reindeer.
Love, Addy
Dear Santa, I have been good. And I really want presents. So could I please have toys? How do you really make toys? I will leave you milk and cookies.
Love, Finn
Dear Santa, I’m going to leave you some cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer. I hope you aren’t sick and can’t bring people presents. I hope you feel good after bringing people presents. I would like Mrs. Claus to leave me a present, too. I will see you on Christmas. I want you to bring me a kitty plush.
Love, Gwen
Dear Santa, I think I been good. I will make you cookies and white milk. I would like an iphone and Barbies. My dog might bark at you.
Love, Nadia
a watch for my mommy. Merry Christmas!
Love, Amelia (3)
Dear Santa, Ummmm……I want a snow globe that has a unicorn in it. It’s a big one. Ughhh and a present that has a little unicorn drawn on it. And a rainbow pillow…a BIG one!
Love, Claire (4)
Dear Santa, I want a remote control car. I want it to be black. It drives fast in the road. I want my 5 balloons! I want orange, black, and yellow, and pink, and blue ones. I want a pancake maker!
Merry Christmas!
Love, Kai (4)
Dear Santa, I love playing with Magna-Tiles at school. I build really cool things with them. I like toys that play music because I love to dance. I love watching the movie Frozen and listening to the music.
Love, Talon (3)
MORING cont’d to page 15
LAHTI
Mrs. Moring’s morning preschool class Centennial Elementary School Polo
LETTERS TO SANTA
MORING cont’d from page 14
Dear Santa, I want a cat..a real cat that is orange and tiny so I can hold her. And I want um….dolls… like Polly Pocket like at my grandma’s house. She has Polly Pockets that dress up and I want the same thing as my grandma. They have teeny tiny
cars and I want the same stuff. And I want a Vet toy so I could take care of my toy kitty, or toy dog, or toy stuffy. Then I could take care of any pet stuffy I want!
Love, Sadie (4)
Dear Santa, I want a train. It’s gonna be black. It works with a remote and it gets on the
want it to be yellow. It goes fast! And I want a Power Wheels truck. I want it brown. That’s it.
From, Maverick (5)
tracks. And I want another train. A brown one. It goes fast! My dad has trains and I run the trains with my dad. I want a locomotive!
From, Memphis (3)
Dear Santa, Doll House! A pink one! Ya! And clothes for my dolls. And a doggy. Pink
doggy. Ya!
Dear Santa, I want like a long like Furby that has like a long tail. It’s rainbow color. The tail folds up like in a bed. I want a laser tag game where you hide. We don’t have the whole entire set, we just only have our house, not the whole set. The laser thing you run through it and hide…but a little one cause I want it to fit in my house. I think that’s all. Or can I have a pretend kitchen set….a tiny one only? Actually, and I want two ice cream things. Me and Amelia play this all the time, but we need two so we can both do it. We need fake ice cream inside.
From, Natalie (4)
Dear Santa,
I want a toy dirt bike. And I want a seeker toy dirt bike where you drive it. I
Dear Santa, I want like some things that are in a book that has lots of fun things in them. There’s little dollies and little cute candies that have wrappers that look like some things. They have troll hairs on the wrappers. And there’s like some squishies that are soft and squishy and tiny and they have troll hair on the top. Like maybe there’s a grocery shopping list. I already have a grocery shopping cart and all I need is some things like food, “basketti”(spaghetti), cereal, milk, and chicken noodles for my grocery store. And that’s all.
From, Serenity (5)
Dear Santa, I want a big T-Rex dinosaur and sea creatures. All of them. I love all creatures and all dinosaurs and animals, too! Hmmm….that’s all!
Love, Wallen (4)
Dear Santa, SANTA! I like Santa! I like Christmas trees! I like pajamas. Bluey pajamas!
Love, Paetyn (3)
Dear Santa, Umm…I want a red tractor. A big one. And then I want a cart with a wagon
bedroom. How does Rudolph’s nose glow?
Love, Jeffery
Dear Santa, Please bring me makeup, a fluffy squishmello, and a squishy ball. At home I am helping my parents do the laundry and I do the dishes. How do the reindeer fly?
Love, Addy
that goes behind my tractor. I want a toy combine and a toy remote control Bronco. I want it to be blue. And I want water balloons. And I want a PS5. I want Minecraft to play on the PS5. That’s all I want.
From, Brock (4)
Dear Santa, Umm..Um.. I want some magnet blocks. I have some at home but I need more at home to make a house. And I want a Superman toy. Maybe a toy house so I can put some little people in it and play with it. Ya, that’s it! I like Santa. I want to go to him’s house..like him’s cabin.
Love, Owyn (4)
Dear Santa, I love playing with toys that make music. I really like our magnet wands that pick different things up and I like building with magnet blocks. I have fun playing with puzzles and bristle blocks.
Love, Beaux (5)
Dear Santa, I want a new game. Super Mario Donkey Kong. I would play it on my Nintendo Switch. Nothing else, that’s it. From, Leo (4)
Dear Santa, Um…I want a Bluey watch. It will check if it’s rainy. And I want two big squishy marshmallow toys. I want them
Dear Santa, Please bring me a squish ball, a doll, and a Stitch pet . At home I am helping my mom wash the dishes and I also rake the leaves. What do the elves look like?
Love, Amora
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a lava lamp, a robot, and a blanket. At home I am helping my parents mop the floors and I clean my
Dear Santa, Please bring me a squishmello, a squishy pillow, and a squishy ball . At home I am helping my mom sweep the floor. Santa, what do you do when it’s not Christmas?
Love, Isla
Dear Santa, Please bring me slime, a baby doll, and playdoh. At home I am helping my parents doing the dishes and folding laundry. What is your favorite kind of cookie?
Love, Robyn
Dear Santa, Please bring me a Spiderman toy, new shoes, and Hot Wheels. At home I am helping my mom clean the floors.
Love, Jasmine
Dear Santa, I want Legos and Santa to bring me cookies. I like doing shape puzzles at school.
to be pink. I want a purse that has make-up stuff in it. Nothing else.
Love, Evelyn (4)
Dear Santa, I want a space ship like where you can put a guy in it and fly it with your hand. And I want a golden Spidey like in the movie. Uhhh a skateboard…I want it to be red. And a little trampoline that would go in my house in the toy room. And I want a Minecraft cup. And I want a Spidey head balloon.
From, Jackson (4)
Dear Santa, I want Magna-tiles, real make-up, a pink star light projector, and a Minnie Mouse sound book. And I want all the dress up clothes!
Love, Zoee (3)
Dear Santa, I want small Paw Patrol toys. And the Paw Patrol movie and a small red Paw Patrol truck. I want a big firetruck where you can press the buttons and hear the siren.
From, Jaylen (3)
Dear Santa, I want Play-Doh and Play-Doh tools like the roller tool. I want a remote control Mario car that I can drive. I want Mario and Luigi stuffies and Super Mario Legos.
Love, Walker (4)
How does Rudolph’s nose glow?
Love, Ricky
Dear Santa, Please bring me a lego set, a transformer, and a new house. At home I am helping my mom wash the dishes . How does Rudolph’s nose glow?
Love, Bentley
Dear Santa, Please bring me a Hello Kitty, Rudolph, and stuffed bunny. At home I help by cleaning my bedroom and I also wash the dishes. How does Rudolph’s nose glow? Thank You!
Love, Faylinn PHILLIPS cont’d to page 16
(4)
Love, Luca (4)
LETTERS TO SANTA
from page 15
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a Ken doll, a Barbie, and a long jump rope. At home I help by cleaning up the toys and I also rake the leaves. How do the reindeer fly?
Love, Amelia
Dear Santa,
Please bring me more Nintendo games, a police truck big enough for me to drive, and an RC airplane that can fly. At home I help clean the dishes. I clean up my messes. Do you sit down and watch us?
Love, Jaxon
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a Barbie doll, a Barbie doll house, and a Barbie camper. At home I help by setting up the turkeys . How do reindeer fly?
Love, Zoey
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a bike,a new ball,
and a yellow blanket. At home I helped get the mail. Why do the snow deers sleep so long?
Love, Dawson
Dear Santa,
Please bring me makeup, nail polish, and a doll. At home I help my mom with my brothers. What kind of cookies do you like?
Love, Everlee
Dear Santa, Please bring me an automatic trash can, automatic moving chair, and automatic mopper. At home I feed and water my cat and I clean the floor. Do you have a favorite reindeer?
Love, Sage
Dear Santa, Please bring me a light saber, a new sweater, and an eclectic scooter. At home I clean my room and sweep. Why does one reindeer have a big red nose?
Love, Jamil
chu toy?
Mrs. Plock’s
Dear Santa, Hello! I want a hug. I want a car for Christmas.
Love, Kayden
Dear Santa, Hi, Santa! Can I please have a Pika-
Love, Michael
Dear Santa, Hello! Thank you Santa for my presents! Thank you Santa for giving my love for Christmas! I would like a teddy bear for Christmas.
Love, Chloe
Dear Santa, I want a blue motor bike for Christmas!
Love, Raynes
Dear Santa, Hello! I want a preying mantis toy that I want to look like a real one.
Love, Miles
Dear Santa,
Thank you for toys! I want baby doll supplies and babies.
Love, Aniyah
DearSanta, I like horses so I want to ask you for some horses – a purple one. Also, it has a button on it’s back and we can’t see the button because it is inside it. My baby sister grew out of my mom’s tummy, Santa.
From, Emmilia
Dear Santa, Please bring me a keyboard, a camera, and a makeup set. At home I help my grandma do laundry. Why does Ruldoph’s nose glow?
Love, Nola
Dear Santa, Please bring me a five story Barbie house, LOL mermaid, and a big Furby. At home I take my dinner plate off the table and put it in the dishwasher and my cup in the refrigerator. How do the elves build the toys?
Love, Emry
Dear Santa, Please bring me some hotwheels, a squish ball, and a toy tractor with a trailer. At home I help clean up my bedroom. What do you do when you are not helping the elves?
Love, Camden
Dear Santa, Please bring me a Barbie dollhouse, a Barbie doll, and a Barbie car. At home I
Dear Santa, Hello! I want a toy robot and a Pikachu stuffed animal.
Love, Jackson
Dear Santa, Hello! I like your presents. I want something special for Christmas. I want it to be a surprise.
Love, Caroline
Dear Santa, I like presents. I want a doll like a pretty doll like Chloe. I want a pen like my sister. I have a collection of pens.
Love, Talia
help put my toys away. How do your reindeer fly?
Love, Haisley
Dear Santa, Please bring me a Barbie doll, a doll house, and a Barbie toy pet. At home I wash the dishes and clean my bedroom. How does Rudolph’s nose glow?
Love, Isebelle
Dear Santa, Please bring me a squishmellow, a new blanket, and new shoes. At home I make my bed in the morning and help dad put dishes away. How do you deliver presents to other people?
Love, Avy
Dear Santa, Please bring me a pool, a Nintendo, and a 626 costume. At home I do the dishes and clean things up. What do you do when you are not delivering presents?
Love, Caden
Dear Santa, I want a sand table with sand and sand toys. I want a baby doll.
Love, Kambriella
Dear Santa, I want a Minecraft toy and I want a Pokémon ball.
Love, Lincoln
Dear Santa, I like how you do your presents. I want an R.C. remote control car.
Love, Oliver
Dear Santa, I would like a doll.
Dear Santa, I want a keyboard.
Dear Santa,
Love, Charlotte
Love, Everleigh
Dear Santa, Ho! Ho! Ho! I want toys!!!
Love, Rowan
Dear Santa, I want a kitty toy for Christmas.
Love, Harper
naughty kids houses.
Dear Santa,
How are you doing? Where is the North Pole? Please can I have Hot Wheels cars and ramps? I be a good boy. I help our parents do chores and help them clean our house. I moved to Polo.
From, Lucas
Please maybe bring mearemote controlMonster Truck…maybe red, and big like Spiderman! My first one can’t work because when I try to play it –itdon’twork. Santa, you gave me that last year and I love it and want another one.Maybe a dog toyfor my puppy. I help my brother when he can’t go on a game. Rudolph’s got a red nose and I have a red clown nose in my book bag. I was a clown for Halloween. Maybe you can just teleport into my house. The Easter Bunny is your friend and when kids are naughty, the Easter Bunny can’t go to
Hi Santa!
Love and From, Ryver
Please can I have Legos? For Johnathon, maybe like he could have his own toys please?
From, Dillyn
Dear Santa, I want LOLs please and I want a new bike with training wheels. What are yourreindeersnames? Thank you for all my presents this year.
Love, Ava
SOLKOW cont’d to page 17
PHILLIPS cont’d
Mrs. Solkow’s kindergarten class Centennial Elementary School Polo
kindergarten class
Centennial Elementary School Polo
LETTERS TO SANTA
Dear Santa,
Please can I have…remember those little things that are like a guinea pig and you put them back in the cage when their heart glows up – that’s what I want! We have the little cage that has the blue handles that you can close and open and also has the little switch that you can lock it andput it inpower mode and I don’t know what the other thing was! I saw it at Walmart. I help people open their snack. I helpedMeaveopen her snack one day and that was so nice of me. I think you think I am a boy but, nope! I am a girl. I want you to know that.How do you get in the house? I know you already go in the chimney but how do you get in the house? How do you get on the roof to get into the chimney?!
From, Freya
Hi Santa!
Thank you for bringing me presents! I don’t remember what it’s called that I
Ms. Stamm’s kindergarten class Centennial Elementary School
Dear Santa, I love Santa. I like elves. I want you to be my friend. And I want a toy of astuffieand it was like a barbie girl and a barbie house.
Love, Kaisley
Dear Santa, I want a wolf fromninety ninenights. And it goes with a bone too. I just want a stuffy animal reindeer. What do the
want. I want to draw it for Mrs. Soltow to tell you. My sister’s friend has itand also my cousin has it. Ithavesharp teeth and it have eyes…shiny eyes. It’s aLabubu! And Among Us toys…the imposter please! I’m a good boy sometimes. I clean up.
Love, Victor
Dear Santa,
How are you and the reindeers doing? I want a Bluey pillow, please and thank you. Then I really want a Barbie House with a Barbie set and some things to decorate it with. I have a list at my house too with ideas for you too, Santa. I got a lot of things for my daughter, Cocoa, on there. A shirt, pants, two gloves, and snow pants – my daughter likes snow pants! I been good telling good stories and helping my daughter get her clothes on. I want a wife doll, too.
From, Athena
Hi Santa!
Please Santa, can I havea brand-new
elves look like?
Love, Jack
Dear Santa, I would like a Barbie, a dollhorsie, andthat’sall. I have dogs and sometimes when they see different people they get over there and try and bite people so be careful because I have big dogs and they like to bite different people.
Love, Eliana
Dear Santa,
Good day. I love you! I like your elves so much and would you bring me some of your reindeer because you did not give me some. I love you so much!
Love, Moriah
Dear Santa, How are you doing? Howtheelves doing? Could I have a gift card for target so I can get a doll?
Love, Anastasia
Dear Santa, I hope your workshop is running.
Dear Santa,
grill…a toy grill and then I want a brandnew picture of you! And then I will have one more thing – toy blocks like in my class and toy cups like in my class. That’s what I all want! I want to say, I love you Santa and thank you for the presents!
From, Noah
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! And I want a new pink car – one I can ride in. I think that’s it! Ophelia do love some ducks – that’s silly! I was being good for these three days for 10 minutes and my dad put 1 star on, but well, my paper just ripped so I hope there’s abrand newpaper for my dad to put on some more stars. I do love brand new dolls, like a pink one, like me. She doesn’t need a tail, but shedoneed arms and legs and she can have a puppy.
Love, Meave
Dear Santa,
Thank you for presents! I loved what you got me last year! Please can I have a
And I wantaelectricity car.
Love, David ‘Trey’
Dear Santa, I would like a stuffie unicorn, a stuffie bat, and a stuffie reindeer. I do not have a trap at my house when you come.
Love, Emry
Dear Santa, I want a baby doll, a toy dog, and a toy kitty. I want some presents for me and Talon. I know you have a white beard. Andhimgot red boots. My familyisPatrick and daddy and mommy and Talon and me.
Love, Hunter
Dear Santa, I wantRCcar,labubu, and I want a tree house. Can you build one? And I want a diamond, like a realdiamondif you can get one. And I wantlikea wolf bone like Jack’s. Why do you sleep during the day? And I want a Nintendo Switch and a PS5.
Love, Bradley
fake fireplace and aLabubufor Evie? She always says, “Lalabooboo! Everyday!!!”. I want to know about Santa. Santa you always give kids presents because they always be good and then the kids sleep!
From, Penelope
Dear Santa,
I want a Gabby Playhouse and I want slime please and I wantaAmerican Girl Doll. Thank you for the presents last year – the Barbie Dream House! I help mommy clean the house. Whatisthe reindeers names?
Love, Evynn
Hi Santa!
I want an LOL House and baby LOLs for it please. And aLabubu. I want to get a couple of dog toys for Hank...a bonehe can only chew on like half of it, so maybe like a littler one for him andaapple toy. How do you know my papa? My papa knows you, Santa!
From, Millie
Dear Santa, I want candy, a toy, and a ball. Whendoesyou deerfly? Hishathelps make the deer fly. Myheartsbeats and makes funky sounds likeba-bum. I hope I get a Sonic toy.
Love, Axyl
Dear Santa, Can I have a big teddy bear? And a pink Nintendo Switch. I will havelights onaround my house for you.
Love, Aubrey
Dear Santa, I want a Nintendo Switch and aPS5and a VRhead set. I hope you have agoodChristmas. I have been doing good at my house. Make sure youdon’tlet the dogs in the house.
Love, Ezra
Dear Santa, I want roller skates and askate board. I want a pig toy. I love my dogs.
Love, Eleanor
Mrs. Wilhelm’s second-grade class Centennial Elementary School Polo
How are you doing? Can I plese have a Labubu for Christmas? And a talking baby yoda for Christmas? Also Little Live Pets? I help mom, Dad, Mrs. Wilhelms, Sissy, Summer. I will leave you some sprite and 15 gingerbred men in the living room.
Sincerely, Freya
Dear Santa,
How have you and Mrs. Claus been dooing? How many people do you give coal each year? Can I please have a com-
puter and a zillion dollars. I’m a good boy. I’ll get you decarated cookies and milk. How do your raindeer eat glitter. I’ll leave them some food. Merry Christmas! Love, Briar
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mis. Claus. How old are you Santa. I’m rilleay hoping for a nitedow and a feenger leens please and thank you Santa. I have been good working hard at school and I have been boowing my chors Santa. I am leaving you cookies and hotcocow. I think we are put-
ing them by the fireplace. We will put out the randeer treet. It is dogfood and glitter and probleey water.Merry Christmas Alayna
Dear Santa, I hope you and Mrs Claus are doing well. How many people do you give coal to each year? May I please have a rainbow waterbottle and a shark attack game? I be kind to my parents and frinds. I will leave milk at the table.
Love, Daxton
WILHELM cont’d to page 18
SOLKOW cont’d from page 16
Polo
LETTERS TO SANTA
cont’d from page 17
Dear Santa, I would love all superpowers if that is possible pleasssssssse. I would also like a VR headset. If you can’t get all superpowers I would still like super speed. I also would like 2K26 basketball PS5. When did you get married with Mrs. Claus? How old are you?
Merry Christmas. Everett
Dear Santa,
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing? Which reindeer is your favorite?
Can I please have a dancing kitten phone case and a phone? I help mom by packing my own lunch box. I will leave you cookies and some carrots for the reindeer.
Love, Mila
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mr.s Clause? Can i pls have 2 little live Pets and a lububu. I love Christmas so much. I cleand my room and I give my mom water and a snack because she work’s so much and my dad. Jolly la la la la la la la la la 10 cookies for u!
Love, McKenna
Dear Santa,
How are you to day. I was wundring how many tims has your sleigh broken down. May I please have a toy car with
batteres. I been wrken on cleaning the living room. I will try to give you a toy on the dining room tabl. Marry Christmas. Love, Kellin
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Claus doing? I hope you are doing well. I’ve been wondering, how many cookies do you eat on Christmas night. Can I please get a sparkley purple scooter and a pink and purple finger ling. I help out at Bocker Ruff Grain where my dad works. And I help mom with the cookies she makes for people. I am a very nice girl to my friends and family. I will make chocholatt chip cookes and a carrott and a nice cold glass of milk. Have a very mery Christmas!
Love, Ava
Dear Santa,
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing? How old are you? Can I please have a Nintendo swich 2 and a four weeler. Santa I some times vacuum the kichen flour and I making my lunch. Santa I will have raindeer food and I leave milk and cookies.
Love, Brayden
Dear Santa,
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing? I know its a busy year and I hope your doing okay. For Christmas I want a labubu and mabe a VR headset. So I hope you can get it for me. I’ve been
skincare. I wish for everyone in the world to share.
Love, Lennox
working hard and been doing my chorse. I want to leave some cookies and carrots for you and your raindeer. Merry Christmas Santa.
Love, Emersyn
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs. Clous? When was Christmas made? Can I plz have a pant set and wach. I have ben lissing. I have also let the dog out everyday and I help mi mom pack her lunch and I have ben kind. I will give you cookes and milk. Well i’ll give you some ranedeer food and a cholchlit chip cooke on the desk. Merry Christmas Santa.
Love, Ambrielle
Dear Santa,
How have you and Mrs. Claus been doing? How has my elf been? Can I please have a big brown tedee bar and a labobo. I’v been a good helper around the house. I cleand my room. I am relee good at multiplication. I been werking at my desk. I will leav milk and oreeos on and by the tevve and the Christmas tree and will dukke and you Santa. Merry Christmas.
Love, Gemma
Dear Santa, How have you and Mrs. Clauls been doing? Wich reindeer is your favorit? Can I please have a purple phone and kitten case? I have been being nice to my
famly and friends. My mom was going to but its too much. I been doing my chores and making my bed. I am sooper nice to my brothers. I will leve a choklit chip cookie and a nice warm glass of milk and I will put ot on my diner table.
Love, Harper
Dear Santa, How have you been doing. Do you help make any of the toys at all. Can i please have 2 little live pets an electric car and a dino fosil. I’v worked very hard too get on subtraction and green too. I will leav strawberrys and cookies.
Love, Marin
Dear Santa, Can you plez give me a luffufu and cat phone case for Christmas. Even I realy hope you and Mrs. Claus even your raindeer have a great Christmas Santa. I will have some carrits for the raindeer and cookies for you. I hope you realy have a great Christmas and Mrs. Claus to.
Love, Laekyn
Dear Santa, How are you and Mis Claus? How old are your reindeer? Can I please have a VR headset and can I please have a cholate fountain. I have been helping my brother and I will leav cookies and the milk and the bag will be on the table. Merry Christas.
Love, A’myia
Dear Santa
Hey Santa, what is your favorite kind of cookie? I help my dad and mom garden Santa. Can I have infimte robux? Can Bennett have boxing gloves? Also can the world have world peace?
Love, Ryder
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa,
I have a question, how do you fly? I have done good this year. One of those things is I held the door for someone. For Christmas I want a trillion robux and the same as my friend. My wish for the world is world peace.
Your friend, Bennett
Dear Santa,
How do your reindeer fly? I have done something good this year, I shared some candy and toys with my sister. What I want for Christmas is a VR head set and what my friend wants for Christmas is
For Christmas I want Christmas ornaments. For my mom and my dad a Christmas blanket. I want the world to stop littering. Also this year I helped kids. Why do you like cookies?
Love, Harper
Dear Santa, Why do you need reindeer to fly? This is what I want for Christmas.I want a nintendo switch.I shared a game with my brother. I wish for no more harm in the world. I want my friend to have a new phone.
From, Ari
$1billon please? I wish for the world to be a better place. I gave my brother his phone when he asked me to give him his phone.
Love, Cole
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want a violin. For someone else to feel joy. Here is one thing this year that was good. I helped dad with the dogs. For the world I want the world to have shelter. Can I ask a question? What is your favorite cookie?
Love, Aspyn
more violence.
Dear Santa,
Your friend, Leighton
What is your favorite color? One good thing I did this year was I bought my sister a drink. For Christmas I want a Nintendo switch and I want my Mom to get 1 billion dolars. I wish for the world to have world peace
From, Denaly
Dear Santa
Dear Santa,
Are you real and why does Mrs Claus never come with you for Christmas? I helped my sister when my older sister was mean. I would want a phone and my friend wants a car. My wish for the world is no more hurting.
Love, Adlyn
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa,
What are the reindeer doing this year? Can I get a pc setup? Will you give my dad
How is the North Pole? Something good I did this year was I let someone go in front of me. What I want for Christmas is an American girl doll + her stuff. What I want someone else to have is slime. My wish for the world is for there to be no
Why do you like cookies? I want a four wheeler for Christmas. I want the new nintendo two for my mom. I wish for the world to have no more violence. One good thing that I did this year was save a baby bird.
Sincerely, Hunter
Dear Santa, I want to ask. How are you doing and the elves and the reindeer and Mrs.claw. I am trying my best to be better. I want a Nintendo Switch for Christmas. I wish Ari had rocket shoes.I wish for the world to have no more harm.
Your friend, Kaleb WOLFLEY cont’d to page 19
WILHELM
Ms. third-gradeWolfley’sclass Centennial Elementary School Polo
LETTERS TO SANTA
cont’d from page 18
Dear Santa,
Every year we set out oatmeal raisen and chocolate chip which is your favorite? One thing I did good this year is my mom made dinner and I helped clean up. Also one thing I want for Christmas is two gift cards to Hobby Lobby for my new room.One thing for Lennox is a VR head set.The last thing is can everyone have a house?
Sincerely, Adrienne
Dear Santa,
This year I helped do dishes,vacuum and sweep. This year I want airpods and a computer. My wish for the world is to have infinite lives and families. This year
I’m going to help my mom clean the house. How many cookies are you going to eat Santa.
Love, Zaina
Dear Santa, Why do you need reindeer to fly? One thing I did this year was cleaned my room. I my whish Christmas is a nintendo strich one for the whole world is no more violence. I want for my stepbrother would like a nintendo strich one.
Love, Isaiah
Dear Santa,
Why do you just break into people’s houses? But I did something good this year, I took care of my puppy home alone.
Can I plez have a toy car to ride, a Xbox, and tablit? Can my oldr bruthr hav a PS5? Thank you Santa!
Dear Santa,
Forreston
Ms. Genandt’s first-grade class Forreston Grade School
Dear Santa,
How are your elves doing for Christmas? Can I plez have a chocolat bunne, 3 babe kitins and a grinch costum? Can my little sistr have a watrmeln costum? Thank you Santa!
Luna W.
Dear Santa,
How are you and Vixn doing? Can I plez have a WWE ambulanc, ninja turtle toy, and WWE monster truck? Can my dad have a Bears football? Thank you Santa!
Romeo C.
Dear Santa,
How much cookes hav you ate today?
How are the elfs doing? Dow you like Hot Choklit? For Christmas can I plez have a braselit maker and a braselit woshr, a rumote kunchrol car green spotid cow for my sistr Alleah? Thank you Santa!
L.P.
Dear Santa,
How are you and misis clos and Rudof and the elfs? For Christmas can I please have a Xbox and a drt bike and a motrsicle and one bone for my dog? For my sistrs can you get them an Xbox? Thank you Santa!
William M.
Dear Santa,
How are you and Rudof doing? Do you like cookes? For Christmas can I pilez have a Prinses and a Barbe House and a Barbe kitchen? Can my sistr Sasha have a Stech toy? Thank you Santa!
Abigail U.
Dear Santa, What is Rudof doing? How do you
Dear Santa,
How are the reindeer? Can I please have a robt? Will you bring me Lagease? Will you bring me a teteber? Will you bring a mug for my mom? Will you bring my dad a buk?
Thank you!
Dear Santa,
Haha! Get it Home Alone the movie. Anyways can I have 2 electric guitars for Christmas please? One is for me and the other one is for Mrs.Fishman, my music teacher. I really want the world to stop drinking,smoking and vaping.
Love, Allie
Dear Santa, How can you see us from far away?A good thing I did this year was that I was nice to my friends.I would like a house for my present and can my friend git a PS5?The wish for the world is that everyone is to be nice.
Love, Olivia
Dear Santa, How are the reindeer?One thing I did
traval at nite? For Christmas can I please have a gocart, play stashin? Can my brother have a x box? Thank you Santa!
Brantley R.
Dear Santa,
How are you and Rudof doing? For Christmas can I plez have a Gutar? Can mi dad have a new X box game? Thank you Santa!
O.S.
Dear Santa, How is Chipe? How are you doing? For Christmas can I plez have a fon, a cup with a picsur of me on it and a stufe. Can mi cat have trets? Thank you Santa!
Zadah P.
Dear Santa,
How dose Rudof fly? For Christmas can I pls have a Iphone 17 max pro and a phone case and a lego set, a big one. Can Duke have a new dog treat? Thank you Santa!
Calum F.
that was good was helped my sister with her homewerk.I would like a pokemon and my sister would like a neklis. I wish for the world that we can have pease.
Love,Maverick
Dear Santa,
How are you and Mrs Claus this year?This year I helped my mom get ready for her baby shower. It was a lot of work. For Christmas I want UGG boots pretty please.I want my baby sister Hasley to have a good first Christmas. I also have a wish for the world. My wish is for everybody to have someone to love.
Sincerely, Brylynn
wrck clos? Thank you Santa!
Dear Santa,
Tucker S.
How are you and Rudof doing? For Christmas can I have a Prinses dolhous and a barbe hous? How is Ivy the cow? Can mi mom have a new blanket? Thank you Santa!
Lilliana G.
Dear Santa, How are you doing? For Christmas can I please have a playsaton and a PS5 Astrobot game? Can my dad have a new Xbox game? Thank you Santa!
Ian T.
Dear Santa,
Do you love cookes Santa? For Christmas can I plez have a blanket, a new fon case? Can my mommy hav a mug, my sister a stitch, my cat a chreat? Thank you Santa!
Addisyn A.
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa,
How are you Santa, Mis Klos, randeer and elvs? Can I plez have a spi ninjus, Ninjus Kids and a new blanket? Can mi mom hav mak up and mi dad
Dear Santa,
Howi is my elves? Can I please have 100 dolls and a dog? My sis wants toys. My mom and dad wants cany. Thank you!
Love, Genevieve
Dear Santa,
Love, Beau
Are you bizey Santa? Can I please have cloze? Will you bring me babe cloze? Can you bring my mom babe diprs?
Love, Zoee
How are the elves? Can I please have a pup? Will you give me tuys? I wod have my buvr gt budrfliz.
Love, Willa
Dear Santa,
How are the elves? Can I ple3ase
Do you like Hot coco and do you like choglit cookes? Can I have a camera? Can my mom have a new teve? Thank you Santa!
Rita H.
have makup? Will you bring me skincer? Can I please have loshin? Can you bring my mama a blankt? Can you bring my dada a hat?
Thank you!
Dear Santa,
Love, Mia
How is my Mitin doin? Can I please have dolls? Will you bring me LOL dolls? Can you bring my Harpar Mis Rachl toyz? Thank you.
Adalynn
JOY cont’d to page 20
WOLFLEY
LETTERS TO SANTA
JOY cont’d from page 19
Dear Santa,
How is Mrs. Claus? Can I please have a kamra? Will you breg mi mom a kafe kup? Can you breg my babe bruthr a trcter? Thank you Santa. I luv Santa.
Yaritza
Dear Santa,
How are the reindere? Can I please have a dron? Can I please have a camra? Can you bring my brothr a dinasor?
Thank you Santa. Ashton
Dear Santa,
How are the elves? Can I please have a cittn? Will you bring me a cat? Can you bring my sistr a dol?
Thank you, I love Christmas! Timothy
Dear Santa,
How are the reindeer? Can I please have a dol? Can I please have a dog? Can I please have a hous for my mom and dad? Can my sister have a fish?
Thank you and Love, Bella
Dear Santa,
How are the elves? Can I please have a tractr. Will you bring me a skd str? Will you bring my brthr a nw gam?
Thank you.
Dear Santa,
Jemeson
How are the reindeer? Can I please have a Dino? Will you bring me a T Rex toy? Can you bring my mom a toy trisaratops?
Thank you, Ivan
Dear Santa,
How are the elves? Will you bring me a chrachr? Can you bring my bruthr a chochr? I love this holuday! Eli
Dear Santa,
How is the elves? Will you bring me a pupe? Will you bring me a teteber? Can you bring my dad a tolbox? Can you bring my mom sum prfum?
Thank you for all of the stuf! Shamira
Dear Santa,
How is Cocosklaskee and Joy? Can I have a legojax and amazing digitl crcus books? Can you bring my dad a apple watch plese? Thake you. Love, Kash
Ms. Krumm’s first-grade class Forreston Grade School Forreston
Dear Santa, How is Rudolf? I have been okay. For Christmas I want 2 pupys. Tate
Dear Santa, What do your elves do? I have been happy this year. four Christmas I want a pekachew.
Russell
Dear Santa, How is rudolph doing? I have been good this year. for christmas I want nin-
tento switch 2 and a pupy. Emilia
Dear Santa, How do your raindeer fly? I have been bad this year. I want a sinster titan clok man lego. Kaleb
Deer santa, How is Rudolph? I have been good this year. I want three pupees. Julian
Dear Santa, How is mrs. Claus? I have been good this year. For Christmas I want a dinosmasher.
Oaklyn
Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Claus? I have been ok this year. for christmas I want books and a walke talke.
Benson
Dear Santa, How are you elvs? I have been good this year. For christmass I want a nintedo swish and a fak dog. Ellianna
want a watermelon stuffed animal. I have been sorta good this year. Eli, age 4
Mrs. Tomlinson’s morning preschool class Oregon Elementary School Oregon
Dear Santa, I want mommy and daddy and candy and jelly beans for Christmas. I have been good!
Keira, age 3
Dear Santa, I want make-up for Christmas and a cooking set and a dog. I have been sort of good this year. Elizabeth, age 5
Dear Santa, I want cars and kites for Christmas. I want toys too.
Aurora, age 3
Dear Santa, I want an RC car for Christmas, just the car. I have been sorta good this year. Elijah, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a little cat for Christmas, and I
Dear Santa, How are u? I have ben good. I want powr rangr and a ninga.
Brixon
Dear Santa, How are the reinder? I have been good this year. Four Christmas I want a new brn babe doll.
Avery
Der Santa, How do your rindeer fly? I have been good this yer. For Christmas I want a stufd anmal and a dog.
Bennett
Dear Santa, How is rudlph? I have been good. For Ckristmas I want a transfourmor.
Tobias
Der santa, How is rudolf? I have been good this yar. For Christmas I want toy car.
Masie
Deer santa, How are your elfs? I have ben good. for christmis I want elf on th shelf. Giauna
Dear Santa, I want dinosaurs for Christmas and nothing else.
Dear Santa, I want Paw Patrol with Ryder for Christmas. I have been sorta good. Hudson, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a Jurassic World t-rex, like a tyrannosaurus rex, for Christmas and that’s all. I was good!
Wesley, age 5
Dear Santa, I want a car a pink car for Christmas. I like pink cars. I didn’t have any good days.
Neon, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a taxi truck, and the chicken nugget house, and a garbage truck for Christmas.
Haven, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a Barbie and a dollhouse for Christmas this year. I have been good! Kinsley, age 5
Dear Santa, I want one castle the Barbie castle for Christmas.
Mia, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a monkey and a game for Christmas, Gabriel, age 4
Adrian, age 3
Dear Santa, I want a doll and a brush for Christmas.
Lillian, age 3
Dear Santa, I want a Black Panther for Christmas and that’s it. I have been good, I’m going to earn my next t-rex warmy.
Parker, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a lot of Barbies for Christmas. I just love skis.
Emersyn, age 3
Dear Santa, I want a car and comics and a Barbie for Christmas.
Sofia, age 3
Dear Santa, My dad says I go to sleep at home so I go to sleep at home.
Evelyn W., age 4
Dear Santa, I want a Baby Alive doll and an LOL doll for Christmas.
Amelia, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a Christmas dress and a ho-ho and directions for Christmas.
Olivia, age 3
LETTERS TO SANTA
Dear Santa, I want dollies for Christmas and special stuffies. I was good this year.
Willow, age 4
Mrs. Tomlinson’s afternoon preschool class Oregon Elementary School Oregon
Dear Santa, I want new pajamas for Christmas and a new snowflake. I want a new make-up set.
Addison, age 4
Dear Santa, I want make-up and a make-up kit and Barbies for Christmas. I did good this year.
Lola, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a Barbie and candy for Christmas. I was VERY good this year!
Oaklee, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a box of space stuff and a flashlight and a telescope for Christmas. I have been very good this year!
Wellington, age 4
Dear Santa, I want make-up and a hat for Christmas.
Cheyenne, age 3
Dear Santa, I want make-up and a hat and a cookie for Christmas.
Maevery, age 3
Dear Santa, I want a teddy bear and a Christmas
tree for Christmas. I was kind of good this year.
Stella, age 5
Dear Santa, I want a cat like Abby has for Christmas!
Liliana, age 3
Dear Santa, I want a Barbie set up and Barbies for Christmas.
Reagan, age 4
Dear Santa, I want Spiderman and clothes with him for Christmas like this.
Abel, age 4
Dear Santa, I want to give you a dinosaur toy to make you happy. I want a Hello Kitty and I want Santa to give me a letter so I can remember him.
Oaklynn, age 5
Dear Santa, I want a make-up set and a toy set for
Christmas. I have been kind of good! Lucy, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a big Batman mobile bot and a Batman Joker bot for Christmas. And a big expensive farm and a big expensive farmer and big expensive chicken.
Maverik, age 4
Dear Santa, I want K-Pop Demon Hunter dolls for Christmas!
Reverie, age 4
Dear Santa, I want a new tablet for Christmas. I have been good this year!
Kelvin, age 5
Dear Santa, I want rainbow play-doh and rainbow boots and rainbow coat and rainbow necklace, and rainbow bracelet for Christmas. I want to get donuts for my mom.
Evelyn, age 4
CLASSIFIED
you
further written
tices or publ ication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights. Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered
ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR
Full Time
Americ an Sur veying & Engineering , Ltd is a highly reputable firm of Consulting
Surveyors and Engineers with 48 years of experience and three office locations in Chicago, Naperville, and Dixon, Illinois This position replaces a talented and loyal Accountant in the Dixon Office, who is retiring She will shadow her replacement for several months to ensure a seamless transition. The position includes working with a team of other finance professionals, who will also assist in the transition.
Americ an Sur veying & Engineering , Ltd is seeking a detail-oriented and reliable
Accounting Administrator to manage the company's daily financial records. The ideal candidate has experience with full- cycle bookkeeping, is highly organized, and can work independently to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our financial data As a key member of our accounting team, you will provide critical financial information that supports the company's operational and strategic decisions.
Responsibi lities
Record and categorize all daily financial transactions, including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, in our accounting software.
Perfor m bank and credit card reconciliations monthly to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies promptly
Manage and assist accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions.
Process payroll in a timely and accurate manner, including calculating wages, deductions, and tax withholdings. Prepare and file quarterly and annual payroll tax reports.
Generate key financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for management review
Set up all new employees' packages, including insurance, 401 (k), and other benefits
Collaborate with our external accountant to assist with tax preparation and annual financial audits
Maintain an organized and sec ure system of financial records, both digital and physical, for easy retrieval and compliance.
Handle other accounting and administrative tasks as needed to support the company's financial operations
Qualifications
Proven bookkeeping experience, with at least two years of experience preferred. Proficiency with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or other relevant applications. Our firm uses Deltek, and the successful candidate will be fully trained in-house
Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and financial regulations.
High school diploma required; an associate's degree in accounting, Finance, or a rela ted field is a plus.
Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and other office suite software. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial information
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, vendors, and clients
Salary and Benefits
Excellent Pay is commensurate with skills and experience. The expected salary range is $50,000 or more, based on knowledge and experience. Overtime is not required, but when performed, it is at a one-and-a-half-hourly rate.
Full benefit package includes Health Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, 401 (k) with aggressive match, Profit Sharing, Short-term and long-term Disability.
Dental Insurance and Vision are also available
Year-end Bonus is based on individual and company performance.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, IL LINOIS
In the interest of: Izobell Phillips, a minor
Case No: 2024 JA 3 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
To: All fathers unknown, respondents, and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on November 18, 2025, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “In the interest of Izobell Phillips, a minor”, and that in courtroom 202 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on January 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, a terminate parential rights hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.
that on November 18, 2025, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “In the interest of Izobell Phillips, a minor”, and that in courtroom 202 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on January 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, a terminate parential rights hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.
If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights. Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered Dated this 2nd day of December, 2025
Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Jessica Lauterbach, Deputy Clerk
Dec. 12, 2025
Dated this 2nd day of December, 2025
Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Jessica Lauterbach, Deputy Clerk
Dec. 12, 2025
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.
STERLING STEEL COMPANY ELECTRONICS SUPERVISOR
LEG AL NOTICES
WHEREFOR E, Petition in this tion, in the Circuit Court of Og County, held in Courthouse in City of Oregon nois, on Decemb 17, 2025 at a.m. Dates this 13th of Novem 2025.
Kimberl Stah CIRCUIT CLER SE
Prepared by: TESS, ARNQUIS & WILT, LLC
P.O. Box 68 Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-8754 lawyers@tesscrull law.com
Nov.
Dec. 5, 12, 2025 IN THE CIRCUI COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS Estate of: CHERI J. MCGEE Deceased No. 2025 PR CL AIM NOTICE Notice is give the death of CHERI J. MCGEE. Let of Office were sued to LARRY MCGEE, JR., N 9th St., Rochelle IL 61068, as R resentative, wh attorneys WARD, MURR PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 5th Street, Sterling Illinois 61081. Claims against estate may filed in the o of the Clerk Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Ore IL 61061, or the Representative or both, on or fore June 9, 2026, and any claim filed with in period is barre Copies of a cl filed with the Clerk must be mailed delivered to Representative to the atto within ten (10) d after it has b filed.
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
Immediate opportunity for an Electronics professional with thorough understanding of PLCs, VSDs, & ability to troubleshoot electrical issues. Heavy industrial electronics exp. required; Supervisory exp. preferred. Salary + monthly incentive pay, insurance, retirement & time off benefits.
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 2025
Detailed description, pay info & application available at https://Leggett.com/careers.
EEO/Veteran/Disability Employer
If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights.
Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause
Dated: Novem 26, 2025
Larry L. McGee Jr., Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRA PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Stree P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 5, 12, 2025
appear yo be entitled to further written noces or publ icanotices of proceedings in case, including filing of an amended petition a motion to terminate parental rights. Unless you appear the hearing show cause ainst the petithe allegations he petition may d admitted as ainst you and h of you, and order for judgnt entered ated this 2nd day ecember, 2025
AL NOTICES
Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Jessica Lauterbach, Deputy Clerk
ec. 12, 2025
THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE REQUEST OF NAME CHANGE:
HEATHER DANA ISCH, tioner, Case No. 2025 MR 43 PUBL ICATION NOTICE e requisite Affivit for Publicahaving been , notice is reby giventhat Request to Change my name : HEATHER NA MISCH to new nameof KALLAH ELZITA HELDAI, that this on has been mmenced in the Circuit Courtof le County by the tioner EREFOR E, the tion in this acin the Circuit Court of Ogle County, held in the Courthouse in the of Oregon, Illinois, on December 2025 at 9:00 tes this 13th day November, 2025. Kimberly A. Stahl/AS CIRCUIT CLERK SEAL
by:
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
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
Nov. 28,
P.O. Box 400
Sterling, IL 61081
P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2025
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
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on November 14, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Graystone Energy 515 W. North St. Creston, IL 60113 Dated: November 14, 2025.
s/Laura J. Cook Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk
Dec. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Advertise your job openings here! 815-526-4645
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 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
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
Advertise your job openings here!
Email: classified@ shawlocal.com or call: 815-526-4645
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT F OR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
US Bank Trust Co mpany National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as ow ner tru stee for GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Tru st 2024-RPL3 PLAINTIFF Vs As hley Majeske; Unkno wn Owners and Nonrecord Clai mants; Unknown Hei rs and Legatees of Mitchell J. Majeske; Kipp Meyers, as Spec ial Represen tative for Mi tchell J. Majes ke (deceased) DEFE NDANTS No. 2024FC59
NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION
NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Ashley Majeske
Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Mitchel l J Majes ke 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:
602 Willow Bend Dr Davis Junction, I L 61020 and which said Mortgage was made by: Mitchell J. Majeske
Renee M. Majeske the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registr ation Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for CWB Mortgage Ventures, LLC dba First Freedom Mortgage, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No 200900904648; 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 January 12, 2026, 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. 14-24-07110
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector.#firm is a debt collector I3277887 Forreston Jou rnal December. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Visit http://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/ service- providers. htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have
tr bl e-filing,
Prep Bowl was the biggest thing in Illinois football in 1937
VIEWS
With the Class 5A to 8A state championships concluding Dec. 2 and 3, it’s time to put a wrap on the high school football season.
This was the latest the playoffs ever went because the weather Nov. 29 forced postponements. The 5A and 6A state title games were held at Illinois State University and the 7A and 8A state title games were played at Norther Illinois University.
There has been high school football played in December in the past. Before the state playoffs were instituted in 1974, there was a postseason playoff between Chicago public and Catholic schools called the Prep Bowl, usually held at Soldier Field.
It’s still held, but it’s a shell of itself. In its day, the Prep Bowl was the biggest thing in Illinois football, with crowds as high as 120,000 filling Soldier Field. I’m not making that up.
That is how many showed up in 1937 to watch Leo and Austin in the championship game. It remains a national record for attendance at a high school football game.
You might be saying, how could that be possible with Soldier Field’s capacity the smallest in the NFL at 61,500.
Before the era of luxury boxes, safety codes and bleachers instead of seats, the stadium had a much different configuration. People also were smaller than today and did not take up as much space.
The city of Chicago sponsored the Prep Bowl until Mayor Richard J. Daley died in 1976. He was a huge proponent of it and interest began to wane afterward. Plus, the Catholic schools were hammering the public league schools on a regular basis and the IHSA postseason was becoming more important.
Compared to last year with seven state titles, the Catholic League settled for five with championships in 4A through 8A. Lena-Winslow, Wilmington and Byron took 1A, 2A and 3A, respectively.
Those three juggernauts will be at or near the top in 2026. They always are and long playoff runs give them an advantage of getting so much more practice time than everyone else.
Lena-Winslow has the bulk of its
large physical line returning and simply will reload at the skilled positions. Similar to this season when it scheduled Rochelle, Lena-Winslow (230 enrollment) has scheduled Class 2A state champ Wilmington (400 enrollment) and Wisconsin state champion Darlington (260 enrollment) for nonconference games.
With Durand-Pecatonica moving to the Big Northern Conference for football, Byron isn’t able to schedule a nonconference foe. The Tigers have loads of young talent coming through the program and will be the preseason No. 1 team in 3A, with IC Catholic also up there.
Of course, there is a ridiculous nature to preseason polls. In college football, Texas was No. 1 and Penn State was No. 2. Within a few short weeks, both dropped out of the top 25 after multiple losses.
When the regular season ended, half of the teams ranked in the poll fell out of the top 25, though Texas did return.
A better idea would be to scratch the concept and begin the polls partway through the season. Otherwise, it is just
guesses based upon how a team did the previous year.
The biggest disappointment of the IHSA finals was East St. Louis being upset by Chicago Fenwick. Talented, speedy and big, East St. Louis is one of the least disciplined teams you’ll ever see.
In 8-man, Amboy has lots of players coming back and it’s possible we could see Polo and the Clippers in a repeat championship game. Polo’s tradition is such that it always will be there at the end.
On to basketball, bowling and wrestling.
An early basketball game between two of the top teams in the area took place Dec. 1 between Eastland and Forreston. In Robert DeVries’ first game as head coach, the Cardinals nearly beat the No. 7 team in Class 1A on Eastland’s home court, losing in overtime after holding an eight-point lead in the second half.
Forreston hasn’t beaten Eastland since 2015, when DeVries was a senior on the team that took fourth downstate. Do you remember the other starters?
Wyatt Kerchner, Ethan Groom, Kaleb Reining and Aaron Shelton.
Polo, which was in the midst of its remarkable seven-year run of 20-plus wins, gave the Cardinals all they could handle in the regional finals that year, losing 56-46.
The top streak of 20-win seasons in the area is 18 years by Rockford Boylan (1991-2008). Lately though, Boylan is taking it lumps in both basketball and football.
With an enrollment down to 558, it was 2-7 in football and 6-27 in basketball. Twenty years ago, there were 1,300 students.
Oregon has been one of the best small-school bowling teams in the state and this year in no exception. In November, RJ Keene set a school record with a 795 (247-290-258) series against Sterling, including 11 strikes in a row.
Those who bowl recreationally can relate to how big of a deal that is. Congratulations, RJ.
• Andy Colbert is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Andy Colbert
Alex T. Paschal
Byron’s Andrew Talbert picks up yards against Tolono-Unity on Nov. 28 in the Class 3A state football finals at Illinois State University.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Monday, Dec. 1
Boys basketball
Eastland 46, Forreston 44 (OT): The Cougars scored 11 points in overtime to get the win. Parker Krogman scored 16 points, Zy Haverland scored 10 and Wyatt Carroll added 10 for Eastland. Connor Politsch led Forreston with 17 points, Mickey Probst had 10 and Kendall Erdmann scored 10.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Girls basketball
Polo 44, Amboy 43: At Amboy, Elsa Monaco scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half to lead the Marcos to a narrow win over the Clippers. Carlee Grobe added 10 points for Polo (3-2, 1-0).
Thursday, Dec. 4
Girls basketball
Oregon 55, Polo 48: Aniyah Sarver’s 24 points led the Oregon win. Sarah Eckardt scored 12, and Avery Kitzmiller added 11 for the Hawks. Cam Jones scored 17 points, and Leah Tobin had 12 for Polo.
Boys basketball
Winnebago 61, Forreston 58: Connor Politsch scored 14 points, and Mickey Probst had 12 in the Forreston loss.
Girls bowling
Oregon 1,267, South Beloit 884: Katy Miller led three Hawks with a 490 series.
Hawks in the nonconference win. Mercer Mumford led Polo with 10 points.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Girls wrestling
Sterling invite: Sterling took fifth with 85 points, Newman (56) was seventh, Fulton (54) was eighth, Polo (52) was 10th and Dixon (37) was 13th.
Area first-place weight class winners were Newman’s Blair Grennan (110), Fulton’s Kerby Germann (130), Polo’s Aubrey Herndon (135) and Sterling’s Vivianna Torres (145).
Grennan was named most outstanding wrestler.
Boys basketball
Forreston 69, Benton 46: Connor Politsch scored 25 points and Kendall Erdmann had 21 in the Cardinals’ win.
Girls basketball
Oregon 63, AFC 31: Aniyah Sarver scored 20 points in three quarters in the Hawks’ win. Shaylee Davis added 10 points in the first half for Oregon (5-2). Drew Dawson led AFC with seven points.
Boys bowling
South Beloit 3,746, Oregon 3,248: RJ Keene led Oregon with a 654 series and 230 high game. South Beloit’s James Strong rolled a 299 and 691 series.
Boys wrestling
Oregon 72, Polo 12: Oregon had five wins and benefited from six forfeits.
Oregon’s Kendra Ege opened the dual with a pin. Kaenyn McCarren and Micah Stringini had pins for Polo.
Oregon 47, Fulton 30: Oregon’s Nelson Benesh had a pin in 55 seconds at 144 pounds in the win. Fulton’s Marik Eads had the quickest pin of the dual, winning in 34 seconds at 190.
Friday, Dec. 5
Boys basketball
Oregon 69, Polo 22: Tucker O’Brien scored 12 points, Cooper Johnson had 11 and Benny Olalde added 10 for the
Forreston 44, Milledgeville 30: The Cardinals got the road win after trailing 8-7 after the first quarter. Xairyn Goeddeke had 14 points for Forreston. Jozlynn Castro had 12 points for the Missiles.
Boys bowling
Oregon takes third at home invite: The Hawks (5,579) were led by a third-place finish from Caleb Ehrler (1,257). Dixon’s Aaron Fitzanko (1,289) took first and the Dukes were fifth as a team with a 5,336. Sterling (5,153) took seventh.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Jackson Messenger (left) wrestles Fulton’s Braydon Powell at 157 pounds Dec. 4 at Oregon High School.
Polo’s Maddox Peterson (left) and Fulton’s Jack Holmbo start their 285-pound match during a triangular Dec. 4 at Oregon High School.
Oregon’s Nelson Benesh puts a hold on Fulton’s Liam Sullivan at 144 pounds during a triangular Dec. 4 at Oregon High School.
Oregon cruises past Polo
Photos by Earleen Hinton
TOP LEFT: Polo’s Aidan Messer (24) and JT Stephenson (00) reach for the ball as they battle Oregon’s Tucker O’Brien (5) and Landon Anderson (4) for a rebound Dec. 5 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Polo’s Mercer Mumford drives the lane as Oregon’s Cooper Johnson defends. ABOVE: Oregon’s Landon Anderson puts up a shot against Polo. LEFT: Polo’s Eli Perez brings the ball up the court as Oregon’s Keaton Salsbury defends during the Dec. 5 game at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
Polo’s Aidan Messer guards Oregon’s Tucker O’Brien.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1937: NFL championship game at Wrigley Field: Washington beats Chicago Bears 28-21. 1965: Bears’ Gale Sayers ties NFL record for most TDs in a game with six in 61–20 victory over San Francisco 49ers at Wrigley Field. Friday, December 12, 2025
MAKING HIS MOVE
Oregon rolls past Polo / photo gallery, page 27; sports roundup, page 26
Oregon’s Cooper Johnson drives the baseline against Polo on Dec. 5 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
Photo by Earleen Hinton