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LOCAL NEWS

2025 IN REVIEW: PART 1

Updated guidelines

Rochelle Community Hospital has revised its visitor limits due to more illness in the area / 12 TODAY’S EDITION: 24 pages • Vol. 38, Issue 1

Employees of Etnyre International in Oregon honored veterans ahead of Memorial Day with the purchase of 154 flags / 3 ​

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Looking at the United States of America from the outside We can learn a lot by looking at ourselves through the eyes of others. A Chinese scholar gave us that opportunity in his book, “America against America.”

Wang Hu is an important figure in the Chinese Communist Party today, but he came to America in 1988 as a young political scientist.

Mr. Wang wanted to understand how the United States had become so powerful, while his own country had fallen so far behind.

He stayed for six months, traveled broadly, and then returned to China to write and publish his book. It became available in the U.S. only last year.

Mr. Wang found much to admire in his travels through our country: the democratic traditions that allowed orderly changes of leadership; the strength and energy of state and local governments; and our freewheeling dynamic economy.

Wang Hu acknowledged that our individualism – the belief that the purpose of society is to allow each person to reach his or her full potential – was fundamental to our rise to wealth and power.

But he predicted that the same individualism would cause our downfall someday.

The two pillars of our political system were, as he saw it, freedom and equality – and they were in conflict.

Americans will always choose freedom over equality, he said, and the resulting social strains would eventually pull the country apart.

Mr. Wang was viewing the world, as we all do, through the lens of his own culture, one with ancient roots. His comments about American families, as shown in the following quotes, are especially revealing in this respect.

American family life “…is the result of a society that has long pursued individualism. Americans have been

COMMUNITY VIEWS Lowell Harp trained in this way since childhood and regard this value as more important than any other value … Very young children, not even a year old, are usually sent to a separate room … At the age of 18 to 21, parents encourage their children to leave home and lead an independent life… Parents usually don’t care about their children’s marriage either, it’s up to them…Parents have to rely on the social security or welfare system [instead of their children] in their old age…On the surface, the family is still the cell of society, but in reality, the real cell of society in the United States is the individual.”

Mr. Wang disapproved of what he saw as a lack of solidarity and emotional support in American families, which he felt were “in a process of disintegration.”

This is how it looked to someone from a traditional Asian culture, in which the desires of each family member are likely to carry less importance than the needs of the whole family – and of the community and nation as well.

Wang Hu predicted that America, focused as it was on the individual, would gradually lose its sense of oneness at all these levels, and spiral into decline.

A look at America today suggests that Mr. Wang’s prophecy is coming true. Robert Putnam’s book, “Bowling Alone,” published in 2000, documented the many ways in which Americans were becoming increasingly isolated from each other, undermining the sense of shared purpose needed for a strong democracy.

An article in the March 2023 issue of the scientific journal Science Direct, using data from 2003 through 2020, showed that we have continued our slide toward social isolation and lack of involvement with family, friends and community.

Our retreat from each other appears in the collapse of the trust we used to have in institutions of all kinds. Gallup polling from 2002 to this year reveals declining trust and confidence in almost all governmental and non-governmental organizations, even churches (see “Confidence in Institutions”). Pew Research, at pew.org on Oct. 17 last year, using data going back to the 1950s, uncovered the same trend.

The polarization, identity politics and mean-spiritedness of our political life suggest that we too often fail to think of ourselves as more than just a collection of individuals and interest groups. It shows in the way politicians and commentators focus on what divides us, and ignore our commonalities.

Authoritarian governments like China’s are counting on Mr. Wang’s prediction of disunity and decline to come true. It’s a key part of their efforts to weaken America and its democratic values around the world. Individualism has been an essential part of our success as a nation, but it may turn out to be a tragic weakness in the end, if we don’t find a way to balance it with an understanding that we’re all in this together.

P.S.: This month marks the 10th anniversary of my column in the Ogle County Life. Thanks to those who have read it, and to The Ogle County Life for publishing it.

• Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. For previous columns, follow him on Facebook.

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154 American flags line the driveway ahead of Memorial Day as Etnyre International employees honored veterans in Oregon.

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SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com A look back at some of the top Ogle County Life stories from the past year.

January

Photo provided by Greg Hunter

On March 3, Oregon VFW Post 8739 presented Greg Hunter of the Oregon Fire Department with its EMT of the Year Award.

The Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone (LOEZ) is designed to stimulate economic growth and businesses located or expanding in the zone may be eligible for certain state and local tax incentives, such as sales tax exemptions and property tax abatements.

The expansion of the LOEZ to include the land for the three projects will be considered by many boards and councils within the zone over the next several weeks, LOEZ Administrator Andy Shaw said.

The land added to the LOEZ for the Byron Nuclear Plant amendment would total 171.92 acres. Constellation is planning to invest more than $355 million in the Byron Nuclear Plant to increase its capacity and is seeking support from the LOEZ. The Byron Nuclear Plant produces 2,347 megawatts of electricity each year and employs over 600 full-time employees.

Constellation’s investment to increase County board approves change for nuclear power output will include six low-presplant: At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the sure turbines, two high-pressure turOgle County Board approved three bines, and electrical system improveamendments to the Lee-Ogle Enterprise ments.

Zone that would see it increase in size, Constellation Manager of Local Govincluding one that would see the addition ernment Affairs Ryan Tozer appeared at of Constellation’s Byron Nuclear Plant as the county board meeting to support the the facility plans for capacity upgrades in amendment. He said the LOEZ would coming years. expand to capture the footprint of the

On May 6, Pegasus Special Riders in Oregon hosted a class of students from the Lee County Special Education Association’s Transition Program for a workshop that focused on horse care and interaction.

Photo provided by Pegasus Special Riders

Byron Nuclear Plant.

“We have a generational planned investment to replace the turbines,” Tozer said. “The bigger turbines will capture more steam air, rotate more and produce more megawatts. We will do the project in four separate windows and each window we’ll increase employment by about 500600 contractual employees.”

The capacity expansion project is slated to start in spring 2026 and be finished completely by 2029. Tozer said Tuesday the improvements will extend the life of the Byron Nuclear Plant until approximately 2080.

No Prep Tacos opens in Rochelle: Local food truck vendor No Prep Tacos will be opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in March just outside Rochelle at 7034 S. Klondike Road, the former site of The Kitchen Table.

No Prep Tacos is owned by longtime Rochelle residents and brothers Marco and Jesus Penaran. The business got started in 2023 by selling tacos at car race meets in the region, and No Prep Tacos has been regularly serving Mexican food locally for the past year.

See Review on page 4

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OFPD announces expansion: The trustees of the Oregon Fire Protection District have announced plans for a $4.1 million renovation and expansion of the current fire station on Washington Street, located next to the river. This project, slated to begin in late spring pending city approval and financing, will significantly enhance the district’s capabilities without requiring any additional property tax levy.

Over the last 40 years, fire apparatus has increased in both height and length, and the current space does not meet the needs of modern apparatus. Two separate buildings are used to house equipment.

The new addition will consolidate these into one, increasing efficiency and decreasing response times when seconds count, which can make a difference in saving lives and property.

To consolidate resources, the district sold the unused Chana Fire Station, generously donated by the Canfield Family, and plans to sell the old ambulance building on Madison Street, generously donated by Oregon Ambulance Services.

These donations have served the district well over the years, but the time has come to expand and consolidate all equipment into one station from which the district responds to all emergency calls. The yearly call volume exceeds 1,200, mostly ambulance calls, which averages three per day. This high demand necessitates the expansion to accommodate two Advanced Life Support ambulances and provide housing for the full-time firefighter/paramedics.

The expansion will nearly double the size of the existing station and feature an engineered metal frame structure with a brick front designed to seamlessly integrate with the current building. Key elements of the project include four additional apparatus bays, a new office area, and living and sleeping quarters for the dedicated firefighter/paramedics.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Ogle County Life 2025 in Review: January-June

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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• REVIEW Continued from page 3 “We’re car enthusiasts and we’d go out to Chicago or the suburbs and go racing,” Jesus Penaran said. “We met a lot of people. We would always want a late-night snack and nothing was open. We would always say we should bring tacos and sell them out the back of the truck. In 2023 a friend asked us if we wanted to sell tacos at an event at a racetrack in Indiana. We’d never done anything like that before.

We’d just cooked for ourselves. There weren’t going to be any concession stands.

We decided to do it. We sold out within the first three hours, and we just saw something we could do. It ended up being so much more than just a side job. It ended up being our full-time job and we ended up here.”

Upon buying their food trailer, the Penarans were looking for a commissary kitchen and found The Kitchen Table, the donation and volunteer-based eatery/ community pay-what-you-can café. They came to an agreement with the organization’s founder, Carolyn Brown, to cook there and served one meal a month at the location for The Kitchen Table.

Late last year, Brown and the organization opted to sell the building due to a shortage of resources and volunteers, and overwhelming need. The Kitchen Table will continue as a nonprofit in a reimagined form. The building was purchased by the Penarans for a No Prep Tacos restaurant location. Their aim is to open in midto-late March.

February

From the Heart holds final gala: With a record crowd of 330 people on hand, the 17th annual From the Heart Gala was held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the hangar at Flight Deck Bar & Grill in Rochelle and raised $90,000 for nine area nonprofits, From the Heart founder and president Dave Eckhardt said. That number tied a record amount raised in 2024.

From the Heart raises money for nine area nonprofits: the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, HOPE of Ogle County, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, Pegasus Special Riders, Hub City Senior Center, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA, Community Action Network (CAN) and FOCUS House. Each of those organizations will receive a check for $10,000.

This year’s event included dinner supplied by Headons Fine Meats and prepared by Flight Deck Bar & Grill, games, prizes and silent and live auction items.

“It was another great night for us,” Eckhardt said. “It’s tremendous how our community keeps stepping up and help-

gets done here,” Hunter said. “I’m thankful to all of the other people that work here that help me to do my job and keep me safe.”

Hunter comes from a military family.

His father served in the Air Force. He was the first of his family to not go into the service, due to his desire to become a park ranger and the fact that there wasn’t a war going on. After long conversations with his family, Hunter went to college and realized his dream of becoming a park ranger.

While serving as a park ranger in the 1980s, Hunter joined the local fire department in the area. After he was hired by the conservation police, he let his firefighting licenses expire while he worked as an officer for 26 years before getting back into the firefighting field.

Jeff Helfrich “I’m 65 now,” Hunter said. “I know On June 21, the Rock River Center in Oregon held a 50th anniversary celebration open house. firefighting is a young man’s job, but thankfully I’m in pretty good shape and I ing out From the Heart every year. We’ve March work with some wonderful people here to been doing this for so long and the hope is 50th Leaf River alumni event held: A cher- help with the load.” that it gets better every year and it always ished tradition came to a close as the Leaf does. More and more people are getting River Alumni Organization hosted the April involved and wanting to come. Hopefully 50th and final Alumni Basketball Event at Mt. Morris Fire proposition passes: During those people want to come back next year the former Leaf River High School on the April 1 Consolidated Election, a propand that seems to be the case. The Flight March 1 at the River Valley Complex. osition for the Mt. Morris Fire Protection Deck Bar & Grill does a great job with the This milestone marked the conclusion of District to issue $4.5 million in bonds to food and we have to thank Headons as five decades of alumni gatherings at the build and equip a new fire station passed well for supplying the prime rib.” original school site, bringing together with 66.67 percent of the vote (438 votes in Meridian preschool awarded: In February, generations of former students, athletes, favor, 219 votes against).

Meridian CUSD 223 announced that its and community members for one last In 2023, the MMFPD Board purchased preschool program has been awarded the time. land for the new firehouse site in the 10 Silver Circle of Quality designation by The evening’s program was led by block of South McKendrie Avene. PreviExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality rec- Master of Ceremonies Terry Miller, a 1977 ous structures were demolished for the ognition and improvement system for graduate, who guided attendees through project. The site was chosen due to its early learning and development pro- an evening filled with nostalgia and cama- proximity to the district’s service area grams. raderie. The event honored the Class of and access to utilities such as water, saniThe recognition highlights Highland 1975, with several graduates from the tary sewer, storm sewer and fiber optic Elementary’s commitment to providing class in attendance to celebrate their leg- lines. high-quality early childhood education acy and contributions to the Leaf River The district’s current facility is a centhrough its participation in the Preschool community. tury old and has seen issues with housing for All grant program.

Cathy Sisto, daughter of Red and Aggie newer, larger emergency vehicles. After The Silver Circle of Quality is awarded Baker, shared a touching reflection on the the new facility is in operation, the old to programs that meet or exceed high event’s history, saying, “I can still see my facility would be put up for sale. standards in learning environments, parents along with Emerson and Alma The project for the new fire station has instructional quality, and program Baker as they planned and organized this seen community support and donations administration. Programs receiving this event in 1975. They would all be so happy in recent years. designation meet or exceed quality bench- that it continued for 50 years. Thank you Drawdown raises funds: The Meridian marks in areas like learning environ- to all who kept the LRHS Demon spirit Education Foundation announced the ment, teaching, administration, and pro- alive!” success of its annual Drawdown Event, fessional development. It reflects the Hunter wins EMT award: On March 3, Ore- held at PrairieFire, which raised over dedication of the preschool teachers to gon VFW Post 8739 presented Greg Hunter $17,000 to support senior student scholarfostering a nurturing, engaging, and of the Oregon Fire Department with its ships and teacher classroom grants for developmentally appropriate educational EMT of the Year Award. VFW Senior Vice the upcoming school year. experience for young learners.

Commander Lee Ossmann and Assistant The achievement was made possible “We are honored to receive this dis- Quartermaster Robert Coulter along with through drawdown ticket sales, raffle tinction, which is a testament to the hard OFD Chief Michael Knoup presented drawings, silent auction items, and sponwork and dedication of our educators and Hunter with a certificate and his wife, Lyn sorships. The event drew a crowd of over staff,” said Jacque Buchanan, principal of Hunter, pinned his award on his chest.

130 attendees, all coming together to supHighland Elementary. “Our mission has The VFW congratulated Hunter and port education and opportunity within always been to provide a strong founda- thanked him for serving the community. the Meridian community. tion for our children’s future success, and The award is given out yearly by the OreLast year, the foundation distributed this recognition affirms our commitment gon VFW to a firefighter and/or EMT. to excellence.”

“I’m just a small cog in everything that See Review on page 5

• REVIEW over $15,000 in scholarships. Thanks to this year’s outcome, the foundation is once again poised to make an impact on the educational journey of Meridian students and teachers.

Speakes hired at OJSHS: Oregon CUSD 220 announced the hiring of Jen Speakes as the new principal of Oregon Junior/ Senior High School.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been part of many hiring processes,” Superintendent Dr. PJ Caposey said. “This was the finest group of finalist candidates I’ve encountered. Jen set herself apart with her unique combination of instructional coaching experience, high school assistant principalship, and proven success as a junior high principal. She is exactly the right fit for where OJSHS is headed.”

Speakes brings with her a commitment to the Ogle County area and to public education. A lifelong resident of the region, she currently lives in Mt. Morris with her husband, Eric, and their daughter, Harper, age 6. The family has been farming locally for the past four years.

Speakes holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in pre-law from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s in

May

Pegasus Special Riders hosts Lee County students: On May 6, Pegasus Special Rid-

ers in Oregon hosted a class of students from the Lee County Special Education Association’s Transition Program for a workshop that focused on horse care and interaction.

Pegasus Special Riders was formed in 1997 as a nonprofit organization to pro-

vide therapeutic equine services to individuals with special challenges in Ogle County and surrounding counties. The purpose of its programs are to improve lives in ways that can only be accomplished with the help of a horse.

The Lee County class that visited PSR is composed of nine students, ages 18-22, with various disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, and traumatic brain injury, among others. The students are still in school, working on their independent living and vocational skills.

Two of the class’s students, Emily Conderman and Anthony Burke, shared their experiences from their day at Pegasus Special Riders.

“It was fun,” Conderman said.

“Because I like horses. I’ve ridden horses before. But it was fun leading them around. I learned how to put a halter on a horse. I want to do it again. The class had fun there.”

“I got to work with the horses and lead them around,” Burke said. “It was awesome. I’ve done it before. It helped me and made me happy. We thought it was cool. I miss Pride, the horse. I met him while I was there. He was my best pal. He’s 25 and I’m 21.”

Byron 2nd graders hold food drive: In an inspiring show of compassion and community spirit, the second-grade students

at Mary Morgan Elementary School recently led a successful food drive, collecting and delivering hundreds of nonperishable food items to the Byron Schools Food Pantry.

Guided by their dedicated teachers in March and April – Annie Burke, Becky Hull, Rebecca King, Joslynn Lindsey, and Ashley Stickler – the students embraced the opportunity to support local families in need. Their efforts not only brought in an extraordinary number of donations, but also reflected the power of kindness and generosity, even from the youngest members of the community.

When the students delivered their donations, they were welcomed by Caryn Hoover, one of the pantry’s co-founders.

Hoover gave the students a tour of the food pantry and spoke with them about the needs many families in the community face.

Her thoughtful explanation helped the children understand how their donations would directly support fellow students and families experiencing food insecurity.

The Byron Schools Food Pantry, founded in 2017 by Nikki Yerly, Susan Freyer, and Hoover established to assist students and families within the district.

See Review on page 7

5 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Continued from page 4

teaching from Rockford University, and a master’s in educational leadership from the American College of Education.

Her professional experience spans more than 15 years, including three years as an English teacher at Belvidere High School; seven years at Jefferson High School, where she served as an English teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal; and three years of leadership at Meridian Junior High, including one year as principal-in-waiting and two years as principal.

“I’m honored and excited to join Oregon Junior/Senior High School,” Speakes said. “This is a school and district with a powerful sense of purpose and a deep commitment to students. I can’t wait to partner with staff, students, families, and the community to build on the great work already underway and meet the challenges ahead.”

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• REVIEW Today, the pantry serves 10 to 15 local families each week, providing groceries and vouchers for perishable items. Additionally, it supplies 100 to 150 snacks and breakfast items to children across all three Byron schools every week.

“These food drives and donations are more than just collecting cans and boxes,” Freyer said. “It is a chance for our students to learn about empathy, service, and the difference they can make in the lives of others. We are so thankful that the second-grade team embraced this philosophy and filled our shelves in the process.”

VOP and Kiwanis partner for accessibility:

Enjoying the outdoors is getting easier for people with disabilities thanks to a new collaborative effort between Village of Progress and the Kiwanis Club of Oregon-Mt. Morris.

The Kiwanis Club of Oregon-Mt. Morris announced the donation of a GRIT Freedom Chair to the Village of Progress.

This equipment combines features of a wheelchair and a mountain bike, allowing it to navigate terrain that standard wheelchairs cannot. Grass, sand and other uneven surfaces can be traversed

reach as many people as possible.”

Etnyre flags honor veterans: Now lining the driveway of Etnyre International in Oregon ahead of Memorial Day are 154 flags purchased by employees, each honoring a friend or family member that served in the United States military.

The flags flew recently for the first time in honor of Memorial Day and will continue to be put up in years to come for the holiday along with July 4, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The idea came from Etnyre’s veterans committee, Etnyre engineer and committee member Matt Maginnis said.

“We’ve put signs out front in the past for Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Maginnis said. “We saw a lot of places that placed flags along their driveways and we had a meeting and said we should do that too. We have a long driveway we thought would look nice. We figured out what it would cost and opened it up to employees here with the chance to honor friends and family members that have served with each flag. It was $10 per flag, and each flag has a dog tag to honor a service member. We engraved all of the tags.”

Maginnis said the Etnyre veterans committee originally hoped to get a couple dozen flags purchased. 60 flags were ordered and soon so many were pur-

chased that another order had to be placed.

“It’s been far bigger than we thought it would be,” Maginnis said. “A lot of employees have purchased multiple flags. That was overwhelming and it’s overwhelming to drive down the driveway now with all the flags placed. It’s humbling to think about all the people that wanted to help out and support it. It’s a pretty amazing sight.”

Sinnissippi Centers opens Byron location:

Sinnissippi Centers’ opened the agency’s newest office on May 12. The new Byron office is located at 212 W. Blackhawk Drive.

“This is Sinnissippi Centers’ third office in Ogle County,” Sinnissippi Centers president/CEO Stacie Kemp said.

“The demand for services in Ogle County and the lack of ability to expand at the existing Oregon and Rochelle offices helped lead to the decision to open a third office and to locate it in Byron. We already had a number of Sinnissippi clients in Byron and having a location in the Byron area will contribute to their quality of life and quality of care.”

Sinnissippi Centers’ Byron office is a full-service location offering outpatient treatment for mental illness and

See Review on page 8

7 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Continued from page 5

with considerably less effort than a traditional wheelchair. The GRIT Freedom Chair is designed for the purpose of increasing people’s ability to access outdoor spaces for recreation.

Village of Progress will be able to use the Freedom Chair to take clients who use a wheelchair on outdoor trips including state parks and other natural areas.

When not in use by a client, Village of Progress will share the Freedom Chair with local nonprofits such as camps and youth organizations on an as-needed basis. This collaboration aims to reach as many people as possible, making opportunities like trips to summer camp, hikes, or fishing trips accessible to people who would previously have been unable to participate. Groups wishing to inquire about the chair should contact Village of Progress at 815-732-2126.

“Our club is honored to collaborate with Village of Progress in such a meaningful way,” Kiwanis of Oregon-Mt. Morris President Caleb Jenks said. “The value of time together in the outdoors is tremendous, and we are blessed to be able to work to make outdoor time more available to those with special needs. We wish Village of Progress many memorable outings with this chair, and are profoundly grateful for their willingness to collaborate with other groups to help us

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• REVIEW Continued from page 7 substance use. Lynnsey Worrell, LPC, is the Byron office supervisor and oversees all clinical operations there.

“We have five employees right now working in the office,” Worrell said. “We provide services to adults, children and adolescents. Our services include outpatient substance use treatment, individual mental health therapy, family therapy, psychiatric services, anger management, domestic violence intervention prevention, and many more.”

Support for the expansion of services was provided by the Ogle County 708 Board. Ogle County is not the only area seeing an increase in services in the past few years. The increased demand for services has been evident across the agency’s entire service area. While that started during the COVID-19 pandemic, the heightened demand has remained to the present time.

June

Rock River Center marks 50 years: On June 21, the Rock River Center in Oregon held a 50th anniversary celebration open house. The event included a dedication of the building to James and

Photo Provided By Sinnissippi Centers

Sinnissippi Centers opened the agency’s latest office on May 12. The new Byron office is located at 212 W. Blackhawk Drive.

Catherine Ehnen, historical photos, former staff and board members, and a performance by The Four C Notes, a Frankie Valli tribute band.

Rock River Center was established in 1975 and its mission is to provide resources, activities and services that improve the quality of life for Ogle

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County’s older adults, the disadvantaged, caregivers and the greater community.

All Ogle County residents have access to services at the Rock River Center including assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, property tax freezes, benefit access assis-

tance, license plate discounts, caregiver assistance, and heating & energy bill assistance. RRC offers support groups for low vision, caregivers, cancer and diabetes.

Rock River Center works with other senior centers in the county to provide information and assistance. At its own building, it offers educational, recreational and entertainment activities including a game room with pool, shuffleboard and card games and hosts bingo twice a month. Lifescape Community Services operates its Meals on Wheels dispatch for Ogle and Lee counties out of the Rock River Center. The RRC also offers transportation services to all of Ogle County, Executive Director Jamie Nobis said.

“We’re a provider through the Reagan Mass Transit District,” Nobis said.

“We operate on a grant and suggested donations and service people who need rides within the county. We travel to Rockford five days a week for people to go to things like doctor’s appointments.

We have four big buses and two minivans and three drivers and a transportation coordinator.”

The July-December Ogle County Life Year in Review will run in the Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, issue.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

8

Sheriff ’s office: Cause of 2-vehicle crash remains under investigation

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Mt. Morris man charged with delivery, possession of meth Arrested at home on Dec. 15

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent A Mt. Morris man is scheduled to appear in Ogle County Circuit Court on Jan. 2 for unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine.

Joshua S. McQuality, 48, was arrested Dec. 15 after a search at his residence by the Ogle County Special Operations Unit and sheriff’s department.

“During the search of the residence, investigators located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

McQuality is charged with Class 2 felony offenses of delivery of methamphetamine and possession of methamphet-

amine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor offense.

According to court documents filed Dec. 22, McQuality unlawfully delivered less than 5 Joshua S. McQuality grams of a substance containing methamphetamine on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.

McQuality is charged with possessing less than 5 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine on Dec. 15 and possessing a pipe “with the intent to use it in ingesting, inhaling, otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body.”

McQuality has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest.

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An Oregon man died from his injuries after a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon north of Grand Detour, according to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office news release.

At 12:59 p.m. Monday, deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash with injuries in the 7000 block of South Ridge Road.

During the investigation, it was determined that a southbound gray 2010 Chrysler Town and Country crossed the center line and struck the front driver’s side of a white 2012 Ford

F-450 box truck traveling north, according to the release.

The driver of the Ford was treated at the scene and later sought treatment for minor injuries.

The driver of the Chrysler, Anthony J. Frey, 32, of Oregon, suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision and was declared dead at the scene, according to the release.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Dixon Rural Fire Department and emergency medical services, as well as the Oregon Fire Department/ EMS. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the release.

No charges relating to the crash had been filed as of Tuesday morning.

Ridge Road was closed between Edgewood and Penn Corner roads for about three hours because of the crash before it was reopened.

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TO ADVERTISE HERE, CONTACT: Chris McCarter Ackland • Rochelle News-Leader 815-632-2537 • cackland@shawmedia.com Chris Grimm • Ogle County Life 815-632-2504 • cgrimm@shawmedia.com SM-ST2295459

9 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Oregon man dies after Pet Care Services Monday afternoon crash north of Grand Detour Dachsies to Danes

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

10

AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY BYRON

FORRESTON

ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

624 Luther Drive, Byron, IL 61010 815-234-5277 Pastor: Vicar Michelle Wandersee All are welcome to weekly Sunday Worship services at 9:00am Holy Communion is served every Sunday.

A Contemporary Style Worship with our Praise Team is on every 3rd Sunday of the month.

A recording of each Sunday’s service is available on our Facebook page:

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 402 First Ave., Forreston, IL Phone: 815-938-2380 Worship at 9:00 a.m. (childcare provided) with coffee and fellowship immediately following. Sunday School Age 3-Adult, 10:15 am.

God is Good, All the Time, All the Time, God is Good!

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

All Saints Lutheran Church and on our website: http://www.allsaintsbyron. org Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade students are held at 10:15am each Sunday.

Middle School Confirmation class for 6th grade - 8th grade students are held at 10:15 am each Sunday. Both classes begin in September and end in May.

Celebrating 175 Years!

West Grove Rd. At Columbine Rd. Worship Service 10:30 am. Communion is served every Sunday.

“Singing the Song of Christian Faith in Worship, Service, Learning, Outreach and Welcome” in a beautiful rural setting.

Everyone is cordially invited to be with us.

Follow Us on Facebook “St. James Lutheran Church”

LEAF RIVER

Adult Bible Studies are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm and on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

Visit our website for more information or email us at allsaints624@ hotmail.com.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHURCH 205 N. Peru St., Byron 815-234-8737 www.cornerstonefamily.church Sr. Pastor: Erik Ness, NextGen/ Family Pastor: Collin Nicholls Children’s Ministry Director: Katie Dodd Worship Service on Sundays at 10am with Children ‘s Worship Service and Nursery Available Revive Jr High and Sr High Youth Ministries Meet Sundays at 6:30pm Numerous Small Groups Available for All Ages throughout the week .

Please call our Church Office or visit our website for more details .

Office Hours: 8:00am -4:30pm Mondays-Thursdays

BYRON ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH

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402 2nd Avenue, Forreston, IL 61030, Phone 815-938-3203Pastor Scott Ralston Sunday Worship 9:00 am; Sunday School 10:00 am

226 E. 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010 - Phone 815-234-7431 – Fr. Romeo

“Mio” Pavino Weekday Masses: Tuesday – Friday 7:30am, Weekend Masses: Sat. 5:00 pm, Sun. 8:00 am and 9:30 am, Reconciliation: Fri. 8:00 am – 8:30 am; Sat. 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm or by app. Eucharist Adoration Fri. 8-9am www.saintmaryinbyron.org secretary@saintmaryinbyron.org

UNITED CHURCH OF BYRON A Member of the United Church of Christ 701 W. Second Street; PO Box 927, Byron IL 61010, 815-234-8777 Email: ucb@comcast.net Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious Youth Ministry Coordinator: Richard Simpson Sunday Schedule & Worship opportunities: Service of Meditation & Prayer: 8:15am- 8:45am Adult Sunday School Hour: 9am Kids Sunday School: (for ages 3 thru 5th grade) during the 10:30 worship Coffee & fellowship time: 10:00am - 10:30am Main Worship: 10:30am Spark Youth Group (for ages 6th grade thru 12th grade) - Sundays, 5pm-7pm For complete ministry schedule and other activities, please check our website or Facebook page or contact the church office.

Whoever you are or wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!

BEACON HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD “Building Faith for Life” 6467 N. German Church Rd., Byron, IL - Ph. (815) 246-2685 beaconhillbyron.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 448, Byron, IL 61010 Pastor: Gary Cortese Service Times: Sundays at 10AM; Wednesday night Faith-Lift at 6:30PM Find us on Facebook/Beacon Hill Assembly of God

CHANA

Pastor Billy Hardy Sunday Morning: 9:30am Bible Classes for all ages 10:30am Worship Service with nursery available. Live stream available at leafriver.church/live-now 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River, IL 61047 815-738-2205

office@leafriverbaptist.org leafriver.church

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 104 E. 3rd St., Leaf River, IL 61047 - Phone: 815-345-3038; Pastor Cherie Quillman Mailing Adress: PO Box 126, Leaf River, IL 61047 Worship Service: Sunday at 10:30 am Brewed Connections - Free Coffee with Devotion, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays www.leafriverumc.org leafriverumc@gmail.com

LINDENWOOD IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – LCMS immanuel-lindenwood.org (for sermons, events, etc.)

16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049 815-393-4500 • office@immanuel-lindenwood.org Sunday Mornings: Divine Service @ 9am; Food & Fellowship @ 10am; Sunday School and Adult Bible Study @ 10:30am Food Bank: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-11am Pastor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock pastor@immanuel-lindenwood.org

KINGS ELIM REFORMED CHURCH 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068 • Pastor Marv Jacobs Phone 815-562-6811 E-mail: goelimchurch@gmail.com Website: www.goelimchurch.org Sunday morning worship 10:00 am

MOUNT MORRIS DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “By God’s grace in Christ, we LIVE, LOVE, and SERVE” All are welcome here!

9:30 a.m. – Sunday Worship with Communion open to all, followed by fellowship hour 10:45 a.m. Sunday School (Sep. – May) 102 N. Maple Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4853 secretary@disciplesumc.org www.disciplesumc.org Pastor Marcia Peddicord

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org Senior Pastor: Bruce McKanna. Associate Pastor: John Foss Sunday Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.

9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship. 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship with Childcare and Children’s Church.

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Allure of Pinecrest Grove Community Building (S. McKendrie Ave. and Evergreen Lane) Mt. Morris, IL. 61054 Phone 815-734-4573 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. followed by fellowship time and Christian education.

Worship service available online, call or email for details. Email: mtmorriscob@gmail.com

MOUNT MORRIS

OREGON

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH MT. MORRIS

ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH

308 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris IL | Phone: 815-734-6354 | Rev. Josh Ehrler Worship Services: Saturday 5:30 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM. Sunday School 10:45AM www.trinitymmil.net| facebook.com/tlcmm

301 N 4th St, Oregon, IL 61061 - Phone 815-732-7383 - Fr. Bernard Sehr; Mailing/Office Address: 8 81 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061

OREGON

Weekday Masses: Mon. 12:05 pm, Wed. and Fri. 8:30 am

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD East Oregon Chapel Church of God The Sharing is Caring Church 107 N Daysville Rd. Oregon, IL Phone: 815-732-2960 Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM We look forward to meeting you!

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST Pastor Dave Rogula 4962 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon, IL 61061 lighthouseUMC@yahoo.com Worship at 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of each of month. Lighthouse will lite up your life!

LITTLE PRAIRIE MENNONITE CHURCH 1831 S Harmony Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Morning, 7:00 PM 1st & 3rd Sunday Evening, 7:30 PM 2nd & 4th Wednesday Evenings of the Month.

Pastor: Norman Reinford 779-861-3700

Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm, Sun. 8:30 am and 6:00 pm Communion Service: Tues. 8:30 am; Reconciliation: Sat 3:30-4:00 pm or by appt. Eucharistic Adoration: Wed. 9-10 am www.stmaryop.org stmary-oregon@rockforddiocese.org

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NALC 114 S. 5th St. Oregon, IL Phone: (815) 732-2367 Website: stpaulnalcoregonil.weebly.com 10:15 a.m. Fellowship/Education hours 11:30 a.m. Worship

POLO ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH 211 N Franklin Ave, Polo IL 61064-Phone 815-732-7383 -Fr. Bernard Sehr Mailing/Office Address: 881 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061 Weekend Masses: Sun. 10:15 am Daily Masses: Tues. and Sat. 8:30 am Reconciliation: Sat. 9:00-9:30 am or by appt. www.stmaryop.org stmary-oregon@roclcforddiocese.org

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

STILLMAN VALLEY

860 W. Oregon Trail Road, Oregon, IL. 61061 Phone: 815-732-6847 www.oregoncog.com Pastor Michael Hoffman; Associate Pastor Nathan Massie Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am; Worship - 10:30 am Tuesday - Prayer Group - 9:30 am; Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm Thursday Men’s Group - 7:00 pm

RED BRICK CHURCH OF STILLMAN VALLEY

OREGON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 505 Hill St. Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 732-2642 Pastor: David Snow “A Christ-centered, Bible-believing, family-oriented ministry.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Morning Service 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Afternoon Service 1:15 p.m.; Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 S. 4th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 | 815-732-2994 www.oregonumc.org Pastor Rev Megan Smick 9:00 am Adult & Youth Bible Study 10 am Worship & Children’s Sunday School In-person or live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OregonUMC 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Meal All are welcome!

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 609 S. 10th Street , Oregon, IL 61061 Pastor Craig Arnold ~ 812-236-1213 Sunday Service @ 10:45 AM ~ contemporary style worship with coffee and doughnuts in our cafe! Online worship is also available via Facebook.

We believe in sharing Communion every Sunday as an act of worship.

RiverKids Service @ 10:45 AM for nursery-6th grade ~ provides a safe and fun environment where kids can learn about who God is and who they are because of Him. Encounter Youth Ministry for kids in 7th-12th grade meets on Sunday afternoons. Please see our Facebook page for scheduled dates and times.

For complete ministry info and events, visit us online at Riverstonecc.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/RiverStoneChristianChurch

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 902 Mongan Drive (at the top of Liberty Hill), Oregon, IL 732-7211 -Office Rev. Eldred George Webpage: saintbrides.org • E-mail:saint.bride.church@gmail.com Worship Services: Sunday 10 am Holy Communion with Hymns Christian Education Available

Pastor Rev. Dr. Chris Brauns | Associate Pastor David Bogner 207 W Roosevelt Road (Rte 72), Stillman Valley.

815-645-2526 | www.theredbrickchurch.org Sunday: Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 am. Sunday School at 9:00 am.

Wednesday: AWANA (Sept – April) from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Men, women, youth Bible Studies throughout the year.

See website for all activities or contact the church office.

KISHWAUKEE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8195 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 / 815-965-1940 Rev. Nick Garner, Pastor www.kishchurch.org Sunday Schedule: Discipleship Hour 8:45 AM, Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM, Gathered Worship 10:00 AM For complete ministry schedule check out our website or call the church office.

VALLEY EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH Lead Pastor Barry Norris 103 S Maple St, Stillman Valley, IL 815-645-8872 | www.valleycov.org Sunday Morning 9am ‘Gather’ for learning & conversation, 10:15am Worship both onsite and online at facebook.com/VECCfSV Home of Valley Covenant Preschool 815-645-8882 Director Jill Huber Bible Studies, Youth Group, Bread of Life Food Pantry Please visit website for more information or contact the church office M-F 9am-2pm

WINNEBAGO MIDDLE CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 12473 Montague Road, Winnebago, IL 61088 Located West of Tower Road on Montague Rd. Sunday: Worship Service at 10:30 am.

Sunday School: 9am Pastor Phil Thompson Phone: 815-335-2609. Email: middlecreekchurch@gmail.com Coffee & Chat (Everyone is welcome!): Tuesdays 8-10am Visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel for online worship

11

OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR DEC. 15-19 • William Chernick and Margaret Chernick to Justin D. Cone and Meghan E. Kohler, 1 Parcel: 8752 N. Rainier Court, Byron, $295,000 • Clinton Shuler and Katlin Shuler to Brody Massolle, 1 Parcel: 606 S. 2nd Ave., Forreston, $170,000 • Elliot F. Keller and Katy J. Keller to Steven Day and Robin Mennega, 1 Parcel: 7830 W Renee Rue, Dixon, $247, 000 • Christopher S. Fant and Tina A. Fant to Jason Paul Peterson and Michelle Lynn Peterson, 1 Parcel: 104 N Elm St, Davis Junction, $169,900 • Donna M. Mann to Jean A. Suneson, 1 Parcel: 807 Webster St, Oregon, $187,500 • Daniel E. Ihnen and Linda S. Ihnen to Thomas A. Crabb and Edeltraud Crabb, 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-01-252-004, $17,500 • Jean A. Suneson to Nitram Properties Inc.: 1511 N. River Road, Oregon, and 1 Parcel in Rockvale Township: 09-34-200015, $377,000 • David Whitcombe and Amber Whitcombe to Zachary Bomkamp and Sidney Bomkamp, 2 Parcels: 107 Blackberry Cir, Dixon, and 109 N Blackberry Cir, Dixon, $199,900

• Hre Builders Llc to Juan Villanueva-Bonilla, Juan Villanueva Bonilla, and Maria Pena Herrera, 1 Parcel: 59 S Regulators St., Rochelle, $311,000 • Kathern M. Fritz to Shady Oak Holdings Llc, 1 Parcel: 511 W Blackhawk Dr, Byron, $480,000 • Daniel J. Kelly Jr. to Maria G. Ayala and Jose Natividad Ayala Huerta, 1 Parcel: 9955 E High Rd, Stillman Valley, $240,000 • Nicolo Venezia to Jamie Trunko, 1 Parcel: 310 W Hitt St, Mt. Morris, $72,000 • Nicolas Michael Escobar and Lindsay Marie Mitchell to Lucas Tyler Murphy and Jennifer Lynn Murphy, 1 Parcel: 604 W Oregon St, Polo, $280,000 • Patricia K. Guillotte to David Martin, 1 Parcel: 208 Irene Ave, Rochelle, $175,000 • Debbra A. Ohlwine Trustee and Debbra A. Ohlwine Rev Tr. to Joel B. Bear and Jenette R. Bear, 1 Parcel: 8455 W Judson Rd, Polo, $330,000 • Gerardo Murillo to Jose Antonio Nambo Belmonte and Yasmin Nambo, 1 Parcel: 822 N. Main St., Rochelle, $65,000 • Gerardo Murillo to Jose Antonio Nambo Belmonte and Yazmin Nambo, 1 Parcel: 115 S 12th St, Rochelle, $65,000 • Tom J. Hartnett Iii to Jaime E. Barragan Anaya and Zara K. Barragan Anaya, 1

Parcel: 1002 W 1st Ave, Rochelle, $148,470 Byron Township: 05-05-200-002, $0.00 • Thomas L. Hada and Stephanie L. Hada • Janice B. Russo Trustee, Janice B. Russo to Jamie Schifferer, 1 Parcel: 620 S 3rd St, Rev Tr, Karl V. Dauphin, Randall Osborne, Rochelle, $193,000 John Osborne, and Michele Stretz to Matthew Blum and Krista Blum, 1 Parcel: Quit Claims 8848 W. Pines Rd., Polo, $1,550,000 • Todd P. Stecker to Todd P. Stecker and • Susan A. Engebretson Trustee and Kimberly J. Stecker, 1 Parcel: 7620 S Barnes Tr1 to Susan A. Engebretson Woodlawn Rd, Rochelle, $$0.00 Trustee and Susan A. Engebretson Tr2, 1 • Ronald S. Viederis and Barbara J. Parcel: 917 W 8th Ave, Rochelle, $0.00 Viederis to Ronald S. Viederis Trustee, • Marta Brown Trustee, Kathleen Brown Barbara J. Viederis Trustee, and Ronald S & Trustee, Jean O. Brown Lv Tr, to Joel Alan J Viederis Tr. 1 Parcel: 4711 N Wendorf Rd, Detig, 1 Parcel in Lynnville Township: Monroe Center, $0.00 19-09-300-011, $434,490 • James M. Kohler to Joy A. Kohler, 1 Parcel: 155 Harvest Glenn Dr, Davis Deeds in Trust Junction, $0.00 • James C. Youssi to James C. Youssi • Tamika M. Willstead to Dennis K. Trustee and James C. Youssi Tr1, 1 Parcel: Willistead, 1 Parcel: 2964 W Oregon Trail 1145 Clifton Terrace, Rochelle, $0.00 Rd, Oregon, $0.00 • Doug Collins and Anna Collins to Douglas C. Collins Trustee, Anna Collins Trustees Deeds Trustee, Douglas C. Collins Tr, and Anna • Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Pauline M. Collins Tr., 1 Parcel: 5997 S Ridge Rd, Smith Tr to Carolyn & Stuart Smith Farm Oregon, $0.00 Llc and Carolyn And Stuart Smith Farm Llc, • Randy Baker and Jeanne Baker to 1 Parcel in Byron Township: 05-01-100Jeanne A. Baker Trustee and Jeanne A. Bak001, $0.00 er Tr., 1 Parcel: 6948 N Deer Trl, Byron • Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Pauline M. $0.00 Smith Tr. to Carolyn A. Rink Trustee and Carolyn & Polly Smith Tr2025, 1 Parcel in – Shaw Local News Network

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

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www.sullivansfoods.net | Available at all 11 Sullivan’s Foods including: 101 E Hwy 64, Mt Morris 815.734.6868 | Open 6am to 9pm 7 Days a week We reserve the right to correct printing erros.

RCH temporarily increases visitor restrictions RCH asks all visitors begin by checking in at registration upon their arrival.

“Influenza A (H3N2) has rapidly Rochelle Community Hospital has increased in our community over the last temporarily updated its visitor restric- week. We are seeing positivity rates of tions in response to the recent increase of 50% of those tested here,” said Janine respiratory illness in Rochelle and the Sobin, RCH infection preventionist. “We surrounding area. need to be extra cautious to protect our

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

patients, families and employees.”

The current updated restrictions include no one under the age of 16 is permitted to visit patients, two visitors are permitted per patient on the medical inpatient floor, and only one visitor is permitted per patient in both the emergency and surgical departments. RCH also requests

people who have any symptoms of illness to wear a mask within the facility.

These restrictions will remain in place until confirmed cases sufficiently decrease, and are subject to change at any point given continual percent increases.

For information, visit RochelleHospital.com.

• Suzen Isai to Ronald Craig Demus, 1 Parcel: 3871 E Mockingbird Ln, Byron, $295,000

07-21-100-007; and 3 parcels in Mt. Morris Township: 08-08-100-007, 08-08-100-008, and 08-08-100-009, $0.00 • Cynthia Witmer Block Trustee and Marlene J. Witmer Tr. to Jared Thomas Head, 1 Parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-06-200-013, $570,000 • John G. Stuff Jr. Trustee, E. Jane Hopkins Trustee, and Mary Elizabeth Love Stuff Rev Tr. to H&w Very Rare Llc, 1 Parcel: 5412 S Lowell Park Rd, Dixon, $284,722

OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR DEC. 22-26 Warranty Deeds

• Andrew L. Murray and Kasey M. Murray to David Hueramo and Jessica Hueramo, 1 Parcel: 1108 Gehant CT, Rochelle, $344,950 • Us Bank to Sec of Housing & Urban Development, 1 Parcel: 107 N Thomas Ave., Polo, $0.00 • Susan I. Nicholas, Susan l. Nicholas, Randal Nicholas, Robert H. Saddoris, and Opal Saddoris to Susan I. Nicholas, 1 Parcel: 6067 West Grove Rd, Mt. Morris, $0.00 • Steven Peterson to Brady Keller, 1 Parcel in White Rock Township: 18-08-451-007,

$90,000 • Kathy M. Mrozek and Kenneth J. Mrozek Ii to Jacob J. Mrozek and Cassidy M. Mrozek, 1 Parcel: 229 S Franklin St., Byron, $340,000 • Donald C. Burke Jr. to City of Rochelle, 2 Parcels: 313 W 5th Ave., Rochelle, and one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-24-337-008, $110,000 • Oil X-Change Of Rochelle Inc to Fab Realty Llc, 1 Parcel: 1361 N 7th St., Rochelle, $350,000 • Caleb David Jenks and Jaclyn Marie Jenks to Jacob Green, 1 Parcel: 601 W 1st St., Mt. Morris, $114,900

OCL

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

12

Designed and built locally

Quit Claims

• Brandon Shaw and Laura Shaw to Brandon Shaw and Laura Shaw, 1 Parcel: 315 Woodlawn, Creston, $0.00

Trustees Deeds

• Barbara A. Bocker Trustee, Virgil L. Bocker Tr., and Judith A. Bocker Tr. to Barbara A. Bocker, 5 parcels in Lincoln Township: 07-03-300-004, 07-04-400003, 07-04-400-004, 07-16-400-004 and

See TRANSFERS on page 13

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Lawyers claim defendant, charged with shooting at a vehicle, can’t remember it

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent An Ogle County judge agreed Wednesday, Dec. 24, that a Rochelle teenager charged with shooting at a vehicle in October should give prosecutors his passcode to access his cellphone.

Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska entered an order to “compel” Camren Hastings, 18, to provide access to his iPhone despite arguments from Hastings’ attorney that he did not remember the passcode.

“My client does not remember the passcode,” Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow told Peska.

“The defendant should be held in contempt of court if he refuses,” Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten countered. “We don’t believe he is being

Continued from page 12 Deeds in Trust

• Daniel Whalen, Erika Meiners, and Erika Whalen to Daniel Whalen Trustee, Erika Whalen Trustee, Mappine Tr1, and Mappine Tr2, 1 Parcel: 6786 S Lost Nation Rd, Dixon, $0.00 • Scott E. Eller and Allysa M. Eller to Allysa M. Eller Trustee and Allysa M. Eller

CALL OR EMAIL ME TODAY FOR A QUOTE.

815.632.2577 ksands@shawmedia.com 113 S. Peoria Ave.-Dixon, IL 61021 Located inside the Dixon Telegraph

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Rev Tr, 1 Parcel: 6548 E Hales Corner Rd, Stillman Valley, $0.00 • Scott E. Eller and Allysa M. Eller to Scott E. Eller Trustee and Scott E. Eller Rev Tr, 1 Parcel: 6542 E Hales Corner Rd, Stillman Valley, $0.00 • Carolyn L. Gigous to Carolyn L. Gigous Trustee and Gigous Land Tr., 1 Parcel: 207 N 6th St., Oregon, $0.00

– Shaw Local News Network

Leisten filed a motion Dec. 2 asking the court to compel Hastings to provide access to the iPhone, telling Peska that the phone was recovered from a shelf where Hastings was sleeping when police searched his home in the 400 block of Lake Lida Lane on Oct. 28.

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 open to the public.

Leisten said a passcode is needed to gain access to the iPhone, which had been recovered during a previous residential search.

A Nov. 25 search warrant authorized 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.

Leisten said he was not sure the iPhone could be accessed through biometrics.

Morrow did not object to Leisten’s motion to compel Hastings to provide the passcode, but requested Peska grant a continuance for another hearing for him to argue the defense’s position.

Peska agreed and remanded Hastings to the Ogle County Jail, setting the next court date for 1 p.m. Jan. 28.

Leisten said if witnesses are being summoned to that hearing their names likely will be redacted because they are juveniles.

“The defendant knows who they are,” Liesten said.

During an Oct. 29 hearing, Leisten said video footage obtained by officers showed four males and two females – some appearing to be juveniles – running into a nearby cornfield.

He said it appeared that between 13 to 14 shots were fired at the vehicle during the incident and that police collected 12 bullet casings and two firearms near the scene.

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truthful. Our position is he should be held in contempt of court until he provides it.”

Leisten said Hastings had complied with a search warrant for another phone Camren Hastings recovered by police.

Morrow said he did not believe the court could compel Hastings to provide the code if he can’t remember it.

Hastings 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.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Judge orders Rochelle teen to provide cell passcode 13

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Oregon man pleads not guilty to sexual abuse charges involving teenager

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent An Oregon man charged with sexually abusing a teenage girl pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Dec. 24, and has asked for a jury trial.

Brett A. Barnes, 42, entered his not guilty pleas on five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, one count of attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse and grooming when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court with his attorney Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow.

Barnes was remanded to the Ogle County Jail and is scheduled to appear

in court again at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

According to court documents, the incidents happened between May and July and involved a 16-yearold girl.

The grooming Brett A. Barnes charge accuses Barnes of using a cellphone to “seduce, solicit, lure or entice” the girl to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with him.

During a Dec. 17 hearing, Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew

Leisten told Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska that Barnes and the girl were coworkers at an Oregon business when the alleged incidents occurred at Barnes’ residence.

Leisten said Barnes admitted to buying alcohol for the girl and allowed her to stay at his home on at least one occasion, arguing that he should remain in jail to ensure the safety of the alleged victim and the surrounding community.

Morrow argued that Barnes should be released to continue needed medical treatments in regard to his 2008 kidney transplant.

Morrow also argued that Barnes had

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no criminal record and would not be a flight risk since he had spent his entire life in Oregon or Mt. Morris.

Peska denied Morrow’s request for release, noting that the girl was “obviously too young to consent” and that Barnes had a history of “collusion.”

The Oregon Police Department took Barnes into custody Tuesday, Dec. 16.

All of the charges filed against Barnes are Class 2 felonies punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections upon conviction, followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.

Convictions also require registration as a sex offender.

SM-ST2295202

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine.

Two of the misdemeanor charges accuse Popp of possessing hypodermic needles and syringes and possessing a “crack pipe.”

The other misdemeanor charge accuses Popp of violating a pretrial release condition from a domestic violence case in which he was ordered not to have any contact with Samantha Norup, 30, who was a passenger in his vehicle.

Norup, also of Leaf River, was arrested on two active Ogle County warrants for battery and driving under the combined influence of alcohol, other drugs, or intoxicating compounds.

Norup was transported to the Ogle County Jail and released after a Dec. 22 court appearance. Her next court hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15.

During Popp’s Wednesday court appearance, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Popp should not be released from custody because he had violated a pretrial release condi-

tion in the pending domestic violence case and has a previous criminal record that includes burglaries and other offenses.

“Moreover he fled from police ... using excessive speed and he had cocaine,” Leisten said. “He is a flight risk.”

Popp’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow, argued for his client’s release, telling Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska that Popp could live with relatives in Oregon, be confined to that home, and walk to his court hearings.

Morrow said information he had gathered indicates that Popp has a “severe drug addiction” and wants to seek treatment.

Peska denied Morrow’s request.

“Mr. Popp was with someone he was to have no contact with. Then he takes off running because he does not want to be caught,” Peska said. “That is the definition of ‘willful flight.’”

Peska sent Popp back to the Ogle County Jail and set his next hearing for 10 a.m. Dec. 31.

Rochelle man charged in sex crime

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent A 36-year-old Rochelle man was released from custody Tuesday, Dec. 16, after making his first court appearance on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Randy Belmonte-Lopez was released from custody after a petition to detain hearing.

Ogle County Judge Clayton Lindsey set Belmonte-Lopez’s next court hearing for 10 a.m. Dec. 31 and ordered him not to have contact with the alleged victim in addition to the usual conditions set by the court when a defendant is granted pretrial release.

Belmonte-Lopez was charged Tuesday, Dec. 16, with sexually assaulting and abusing an 8-year-old girl on Dec. 3 and between July 4, 2024, and July 4, 2025. He was arrested by Rochelle police, who were

assisted by the Shining Star Advocacy Center during the investigation.

Belmonte-Lopez was represented in court by Assistant Public Defender Brandon Gecan, but private attorney Randy Belmonte-Lopez Brian Erwin has filed his appearance for future court dates.

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 to follow. If convicted, defendants must serve 85% of their sentence and register as a sex offender upon their release.

Class 2 felonies are punishable by three to seven years in prison with two years of mandatory supervised release.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

The Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center is located at 9 E. Front St.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center hosts community breakfast Jan. 7

The following events are happening at the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center.

Community breakfast

Wednesday, Jan. 7, is the community breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Enjoy biscuits

and gravy or pancakes and find out about everything happening in the village. The mayor or a village representative will be on hand to answer questions.

Craft time

1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. Join the center for a free craft provided by Momentum Health.

– Shaw Local News Network

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An Ogle County judge denied a Leaf River man’s request to be released from jail Wednesday, Dec. 24, as he faces two felony and three misdemeanor offenses stemming from a police chase between Byron and Leaf River.

Zachary J. Popp, 31, is charged with the felony offenses of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and possession of cocaine and the misdemeanor offenses of violating a condition of pretrial release, unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes or needles, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

All the charges stem from a Dec. 20 incident in which police say Popp refused to stop for deputies and drove over a curb and sidewalk in Byron before his vehicle was disabled east of Leaf River.

According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to check on a Ford Edge parked at a closed business in the 100 block of South Union

Street in Byron at 10:53 p.m. Dec. 20.

“The Ford immediately fled the location, driving over the curb and sidewalk, and diagonally entered the intersection of East Blackhawk Zachary J. Popp Drive and South Union Street,” according to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office news release. “The Ford fled westbound on West Blackhawk Drive, disregarding the stop light at North Colfax Street ... continued to flee westbound on Illinois Route 72, and was eventually disabled just east of Leaf River.”

Deputies were assisted on scene by the Byron Police Department and Leaf River Fire Department/EMS, according to the release.

The felony charges accuse Popp of refusing to obey a deputy, driving away at a “rate of speed at least 21 mph over the legal speed limit” and possessing

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Leaf River man remanded to jail on charges that he fled from deputies

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

16 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Bertolet Memorial Library’s Stories with Stacy restarts Jan. 8 Stories With Stacey will be back at 10 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River.

Spice of the Month

Nutmeg: Nothing says the holidays like the smell of nutmeg. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your sample.

Community Puzzle

We need your help finishing this puzzle.

Stop in to see how it’s going and add a piece or two.

Game Table

The library has a variety of board games, including checkers, for anyone to play. Stop in and bring your competitive streak. The library has received a donation of Liar’s Uno and Uno No Mercy.

Both are available to enjoy with friends at the library.

NEW RELEASES Adult Books

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand Invisible ADHD by Sanna Pearson Deep Dive by Terry Shames Picture Books

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface The Christmas Train by Mike Lucas

AARP income tax help available at Rock River Center in Oregon

Rock River Center is a resource center located at 810 S. 10th St., Oregon.

Activities and trips are open to all ages. snack.

Call the office at 815-732-3252 for Dungeons & Dragons for Teens assistance, with many benefits available 5 p.m. Thursdays. Teens and adults are to seniors. Visit www.rockrivercenter.org. welcome.

RRC holiday hours

Rock River Center was closed for the New Year’s holiday.

It will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5. No activities, programs, services, or transportation will take place before Jan. 5.

AARP income tax assistance at the center

Reservations are being accepted for one-hour appointments.

Appointments are limited so call 815-732-3252 to schedule early. You must make an appointment to see a preparer.

7 p.m. and third Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Next dates for genealogy assistance are Wednesday, Jan. 7, and Saturday, Jan. 17. Donna Baumann will be here Maker Monday to help with genealogy questions or to 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19. The group research your genealogy with her will be crafting with beads. resources.

Adult monthly programs

Stay fit classes

Book discussion

DrumFIT with Terra

Second Fridays, 1 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Polo Senior Center. The book discussion will be “Not a Sound” by Heather Gudenkauf.

February’s book discussion will be “The Cracked Spine” by Paige Shelton.

First and third Tuesdays, Jan. 6 and 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. This is a choreographed-type fit class in which participants use drum sticks in combination with buckets and an exercise ball workout to target areas of the body, including legs and arms. For ages 12 to adult.

Book 2 movie

Third Thursdays, 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Polo Senior Center. Book discussion will be Yoga with Becka 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 5.

“Big Fish” by Daniel Wallace. February’s Fourth Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in CTC Lab hour book discussion will be “Chocolate Chip the downstairs children’s library area. Next 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8. Registration is Cookie Murder” by Joanne Fluke. class is Jan. 28. Participants are encourrequired.

Book discussion aged to bring their own yoga mat.

Fourth Mondays, 1 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Registration is suggested; space is limited.

Polo Library announces Polo library. Book discussion will be “The Pinterest crafts January programming Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens. February’s New class: Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 5:30 Here’s a list of January programs taking book discussion will be “The Match” by to 7 p.m. Signup is required: call the library place at the Polo Public Library.

Harlan Coben. at 815-946-2713 or text 815-677-3586. This Book chat month’s project: Snowman.

Youth/adult programs New weekly book discussion on Book Reminder Tot Time Tuesdays Chat (through Facebook or Instagram).

Visit pololibrary.org to access the online Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. for ages 0 Join the group to discuss what you are catalog, to see what programs and to 3, Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. for reading along with reviews and recomservices are offered, and for the latest Pre-K. Social time for the little ones and mendations. public events held at the library. grown ups, many hands-on activities, arts Genealogy Call 815-946-2713 for more information. and music, and, of course, storytime and a First Wednesday of the month from 5 to – Shaw Local News Network Sunshine club

OBITUARIES RUSSELL A. JANSSEN

ing auctions of tractors and farm equipment.

He also had a partnership with Southwest Born: November 20, 1943 in Capron, IL Auction Co. for the past 40 years with the CarDied: December 20, 2025 in Dixon son family in Howe, Texas. Russ will be sorely missed by his dear friends, Cal Kaufman and Russell “Russ” A. Janssen, Oregon, IL, age Lenny Bryson, as they traveled hundreds of 82, passed suddenly on thousands of miles across the country buying and selling farm equipment for decades. Russ Saturday, December was active in tractor pulling of super- modified 20th, 2025. He was tractors during the ‘70s and ‘80s, becoming an born November 20th, 1943, in Capron, Illinois, NTPA Regional National Champion. He traveled the son of Andrew Jans- throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and even sen and Ruby (Friemuth) Janssen-Becker. Russ Europe with his pulling tractors. Russ remained an avid fan of tractor pulling for his entire life. graduated from Amboy High School Class of 1961. He married Deborah Orsted on December He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Janssen and Ruby (Friemuth) Jans25th, 1989, where they resided together in sen-Becker; parents-in-law Irving and Joyce Oregon, IL for 41 years.

Orsted; his siblings, Lorriane Klein, Harry JansHe owned and operated Northwest Equipment since 1973 as an implement dealer, hold- sen, and Carol Wittenauer; and most recently, his granddaughter Kaitlyn Janssen.

He is survived by his loving wife Deborah of Oregon, IL; his sister, Joyce Yoakum of Chana, IL.; his children, Sean (Kim) Janssen of Patriot, IN, Angela Janssen of Rochelle, IL, Dawn Janssen of Rochelle, IL, Dana (Ron) Simpson of Polo, IL, and Kristine Johnson of Stillman Valley, IL; stepchildren, Bobbi Young of Oregon, IL and Tim (Stacey) Smice of Rock Falls, IL; grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Janssen, Clayton (Sarah) Steele, Courtney Janssen, Victoria Simms, Jordan Janssen, Hannah Krahn, Dylan Johnson, Jakob Simpson, Allyson Simpson, Heather (Antrun) Simpson, Ashley (Matt) Anderson, Blake “Biscuit” Young, Brooke Young, Corey Stone and Deborah Smice; great-grandchildren, Landon, Killian, Olivia, Augustina, Levi, Londyn, Tucker, Myles, Ava, Aydon, Kasey, Elias, Ryker, and Nova; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 12 p.,m., on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street, Oregon, IL with Pastor Jack Briggs officiating. Burial was at Daysville Cemetery, on Daysville Rd., Oregon, IL. A luncheon followed burial services at River’s Edge Experience, 103 South 1st St. Oregon, IL. A memorial fund is established in Russ’ name, and may be directed to his widow Deborah Janssen, 700 Webster Street, Oregon, IL 61061.

Please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave condolences or memories of Russ.

17

OBITUARIES

Born: February 28, 1937 in Oregon, IL Died: December 23, 2025 in Oregon, IL OREGON, IL ~ Beverly (Bev) Nan Richardson, 88, of Oregon, died peacefully at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center with her family lovingly beside her. Beverly was born on February 28, 1937 in a log cabin in east Oregon, IL (also fondly known as Sandtown).

She is the daughter of Arthur and Augusta (Nuppenau) Mumford.

Beverly was baptized at Pine Creek Christian Church. She married the love of her life, Virgil Richardson, on November 5, 1955 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon. Virgil and Beverly remained life-long active members of the church. Beverly taught Sunday school and shared her faith and love with countless little

physical as well as emotional needs were lovingly tended to. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center. Beverly truly enjoyed her time there and made so many friends. Much appreciation goes to the Oregon Ambulance crew for their excellent care. And finally, a heartfelt thanks for Pastor Terese Whitten who prayed, read scripture, gave communion, and visited Beverly regularly since she was unable to attend church. All of you were a blessing.

A visitation is being held from 9:30-11 am on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Oregon, IL, 114 S. Fifth St. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Teres Whitten officiating and musician Jamey Young. Beverly will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon, IL. Memorial donations can be made to Serenity Hospice and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

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and Helen Richardson; her brother Steve Mumford; her sister Doreen Lyons; and three of her children, Tony and Jeff Richardson and Cindy (Mike) Stocker.

Beverly is survived and missed dearly by her two daughters, Brenda Harrolle of Oregon, IL and Rhonda (Tim) Duffy of Stillman Valley, IL; Daughter-in-law Deb Richardson of Oregon, IL; Grandchildren: Lacynda (Tony) Morris, Tim (Marie) Richardson, April (Mike) Dickey, Chad (Angie) Harrolle, Dustin (Heather) Harrolle, Tanya (Neil) Cox, Chet Harrolle, Lucas (Tish) Hart, Matthew Rutherford, Tom (Lindsey) Broadway, Kristen Broadway (Earl Mohme), Clay (Kasey) Duffy, Connor Duffy, and sister Shelia (Leonard) Jerrells. She is also survived by many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and even a couple on the way!

Beverly and her family were so thankful for all who helped and cared for her: the entire dedicated Serenity Hospice staff who devotedly cared for the whole family, especially our dear Sheila, who brought a smile and peace every time she entered the home. She was not just Bev’s nurse, but her counselor and friend. A special thanks to Kacey and Dawn from Serenity who always made sure Beverly’s

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

BEVERLY N. RICHARDSON

hearts and minds. She loved all children, but especially the preschool/kindergarten age who ran to her open arms every Sunday.

Beverly waited tables at White Pines Restaurant in her younger years. After marriage, she was a stay-at-home mom and housewife. Her cooking was absolutely the best and she could whip up a meal for a house full of people in no time. She was mother to five of her own children but so many of their friends also called and considered her Mom. Caring for others was her lifework. She was selfless and always put others before her own needs and wants.

Beverly loved to garage sale and collect things, especially angels. But most of all she loved collecting moments with her family. She taught grandchildren how to cook, sew, and crochet. She colored, sang, and did crafts with them. She loved her family unconditionally.

Her marriage to Virgil was a true example of unwavering love. They loved and respected each other for 68 years. They both had a strong faith in The Lord and shared that with others.

Beverly was welcomed to Heaven and gloriously celebrated Christmas with her beloved husband Virgil, her parents; her in-laws Lloyd

Garfield

Alley Oop

Pickles

Hagar the Horrible

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

18

Daddy Daze

Wizard of Id

HOW TO PLAY Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction b always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have com pleted the puzzle, there will be 19 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

19

WORD FIND

© 2025 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Solution: 19 Letters

Dessert Dine Eggs Fish Garlic Gift Glamour Host Hotel Icing Italian Jigs Laughs

Lettuce Lobster mornay Mints Nougat Nuts Opera Peas Play Pork Raisin Rice Roast

Salt Satay Sauna Seafood Snack Suit Sweets Taxi Thai Tip Turkey

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Arborio Beans Beer Bill Caviar Chips Choko Crab Crepe Cruise Dates Dawn Dear

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Fine dining

Solution: A rare treat these days

Speed Bump

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Date: 12/31/25

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

20

dar year 2026 and the first meeting in January 2027.

January 8, 2026 Byron Township Regular Meeting Regular Monthly February 12, 2026 Meeting Schedule Regular Meeting PUBLIC NOTICE Sealed bids will be for 2026 March 12, 2026 All regular monthly Regular Meeting received by the Ogle County Highmeetings of the April 14, 2026 way Department, Byron Township Annual Town Oregon, Illinois unBoard of Trustees Meeting followed begin at 7:00pm, by Regular Meeting til 2:00 P.M., January 9, 2026, for the second Thurs- May 14, 2026 the purchase of the day of every Regular Meeting following new month, except for June 11, 2026 in April. In April the Regular Meeting equipment: Annual Town Hall July 9, 2026 1) 1-Ton Dump Truck.

Meeting will be on Regular Meeting 2) Tandem Axle Tuesday April 14, August 13, 2026 Dump Truck with 2026 at 7:00pm. Regular Meeting The April regular Sept. 10, 2026 13' body.

(6397) 3) 80 hp Tractor. meeting of the Regular Meeting Specifications for Board of Trustees October 8, 2026 the new equipment will be 10 minutes Regular Meeting after the adjourn- Nov. 12, 2026 are available at the LEGALof NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGALCounty NOTICES HighOREGON Ogle ment the Annual Regular Meeting way Department, Town Hall Meeting. Dec. 10, 2026 1989 South IL Rt. To follow are the Regular Meeting OREGON 2, Oregon, IL bedates of the regular January 14, 2027 3 BR, 2 BA, living monthly meetings Regular Meeting tween the hours of rm, kitchen, dining of the Byron Town- The semi-annual 7:00 A.M. and 3:30 area. Heat & water Board of meetings of the P.M. Monday - Friship furn. Avail Feb 1.

Trustees in calen- Planning Com- day. Also available 815-757-0658 of the online at www.ogle dar year 2026 and mission Township countyil.gov.

Call the first meeting in Byron January 2027. are the first Tues- 815-732-2851 with LEGAL NOTICES The day of April and questions.

January 8, 2026 Road and Bridge Regular Meeting September.

Byron Township Committee reJanuary 5, 2026 February 12, 2026 Regular Monthly Regular Meeting serves the right to Meeting Schedule March 12, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE accept or reject Sealed bids will be any or all bids. for 2026 Regular Meeting All regular monthly April 14, 2026 received by the Dec. 22, 29, 2025, Ogle County High- Jan. 5, 2026 meetings of the Annual Town way Department, Byron Township Meeting followed Board of Trustees by Regular Meeting Oregon, Illinois unbegin at 7:00pm, May 14, 2026 til 2:00 P.M., January 9, 2026, for the second Thurs- Regular Meeting the purchase of the of every June 11, 2026 day following new month, except for Regular Meeting in April. In April the July 9, 2026 equipment: Annual Town Hall Regular Meeting 1) 1-Ton Dump Truck.

Meeting will be on August 13, 2026 2) Tandem Axle Tuesday April 14, Regular Meeting Dump Truck with 2026 at 7:00pm. Sept. 10, 2026 The April regular Regular Meeting 13' body.

3) 80 hp Tractor. meeting of the October 8, 2026 Specifications for Board of Trustees Regular Meeting the new equipment will be 10 minutes Nov. 12, 2026 after the adjourn- Regular Meeting are available at the Ogle County Highment of the Annual Dec. 10, 2026 way Department, Town Hall Meeting. Regular Meeting 1989 South IL Rt. To follow are the January 14, 2027 2, Oregon, dates of the regular AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS IL be- AUCTIONS Regular Meeting monthly meetings The semi-annual tween the hours of of the Byron Town- meetings of the 7:00 A.M. and 3:30 ship Board of Planning Com- P.M. Monday - FriTrustees in calen- mission of the day. Also available dar year 2026 and Byron Township online at www.ogle Call the first meeting in are the first Tues- countyil.gov.

January 2027. day of April and 815-732-2851 with questions.

The January 8, 2026 September.

Road and Bridge Regular Meeting January 5, 2026 Committee reFebruary 12, 2026 Regular Meeting serves the right to March 12, 2026 accept or reject Sale to be held at: Polo Senior Center any or all bids.

Regular Meeting Dec. E. 22, Mason 29, 2025, St. April 14, 2026 101 Jan. 5, 2026 Annual Town Polo, IL 61064 Meeting followed

by Regular Meeting May 14, 2026 Regular Meeting June 11, 2026 Regular Meeting July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 32 in Lincoln Township, Ogle County, IL August 13,Section 2026 Regular Meeting Parcel A) 102.696 Surveyed Acres Farmland Only Sept. 10, 2026 Parcel B) 154.862 Surveyed Acres Farmland Only Regular Meeting October 8, 2026 For complete listing of survey, sale bill, maps, tax info, and terms & conditions, etc. visit Regular Meeting www.lennybrysonauctioneer.com Nov. 12, 2026 Regular Meeting For10, Information Contact: Owner, Lester Rae Rothermel Trust, Dec. 2026 LennyMeeting Bryson - Auctioneer Brian Rothermel Trustee, Polo Seed Company, Regular Ph: 815-946-4120 Michelle R. Goetz Trust, January 14, 2027 Kevin R. Rothermel Special Needs Trust Regular Meeting The semi-annual Attorney, Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd. meetings of the Planning Commission of the Byron Township are the first Tues-

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COMMUNITY VIEWS Chuck Roberts

For instance, the guide recommends that a soldier explore identity: “Who am I, what core values are most important, what experiences have shaped my identity, who is someone that is most like the person I aspire to be, and what identity do I want to project.” Sounds the military. like identity politics.

Recently, the Department of War put The guide defines the spiritual fitforth “The United States Army Spiriness principles: simplicity, consistency, tual Fitness Guide.” This is a 112-page unity of effort, sustainability, economy, document that states, “In our challeng- responsiveness, flexibility and integraing world, spiritual fitness is essential tion (the E in DEI, diversity, equity, for resilience, adaptability and mission inclusion). The guide puts forth the four readiness. This guide provides soldiers stages of spiritual development: “exterwith many spiritual resources necesnal (to me),” “agency (by me),” “pursary to thrive in demanding environposed (through me),” and “empowered ments and navigate life’s complexities (as me).” None of these focuses on the with resolve. The guide mentions “God” Supreme Being. Some of it sounds like a once, “feelings” 11 times, the word word salad, and is difficult to under“playfulness” six times, “soul” four stand. Social media emphasizes wortimes, and “me” 32 times. It should be ship of self i.e. everything has to do noted that the guide includes the folwith me. Religious people are looking lowing disclaimer: “This guide referbeyond self, worshiping a higher deity. ences third-party sources and websites Recently, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muswhich are NOT officially endorsed by lim chaplains have joined the ranks of the U.S. Army, but are relevant and the Christian and Jewish chaplains. widely-respected.”

The military has allowed Sikhs of the Having read the 112-page “Spiritual Sikh religion to wear turbans and Guide,” one comes away with the beards. So much for uniform standards. notion that this is an ideological thesis One wonders how this affects the wearrather than a writing on spirituality. ing of helmets during combat.

All this is evidence of DEI, which is causing the military to focus on individual identities rather than on the solidarity characteristic of effective war-fighting units.

The Secretary of War has indicated that there is a weakening of the chaplain’s corps’ moral and spiritual backbone. Political correctness and secular humanism have made chaplains into therapists instead of ministers of the spirit. The Secretary of War stated that he had “a directive right here that I will sign today to eliminate the use of the Army Spiritual Fitness Guide, effective immediately.”

Emphasizing the teachings of various religions may lead to internal conflict.

For instance, the Koran suggests that non-believers should be treated harshly.

Not good for unit cohesion. In the past, soldiers with varied religious beliefs got along without any difficulty when religion was not emphasized as much as it is now. However, there is one desire that binds all religious people together, which is not DEI. It is that most religious practitioners desire to end up in heaven, but many do not want to take the journey.

• Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle

Northern Ill. Food Bank CEO named leader of the year Geneva-based nonprofit ‘thrilled to see’ Julie Yurko honored on national stage

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com National publication Food Bank News named Northern Illinois Food Bank CEO Julie Yurko the 2025 Food Bank Leader of the Year.

Yurko has led the Northern Illinois Food Bank, based in Geneva, since 2014.

She championed efforts to improve the experience for neighbors; diversify food-access options; expand fresh food availability; and build stronger partnerships with pantries, donors and volunteers, according to a news release.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Yurko said in the release. “It reflects the dedication of our entire team, our partners and the

Food Bank News covers hunger relief trends and organizations across the country.

The award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation and measurable impact in the fight against hunger, according to the release.

“We are thrilled to see Julie recognized on the national stage,” Northern Illinois Food Bank Board Chair Nate Carden said in the release. “Her inspirational leadership and data-driven strategy have transformed how we serve neighbors with dignity and compassion.”

Shaw Local News Network file photo In announcing the honor, Food Bank Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern News cited Yurko’s commitment to Illinois Food Bank, addresses donors, strengthening satisfaction and loyalty volunteers and staff as part of the food bank’s across the food bank’s network and 40th Anniversary Inaugural Founder’s Day driving innovation to meet the evolving event May 18. 2023, in Geneva. needs of the communities it serves.

Yurko was selected through a comneighbors who inspire us every day. petitive nomination process, with the Together, we’re building a stronger, final decision made by the publication’s more nourished northern Illinois.” editorial team, according to the release.

The publication also highlighted the impact of the organization’s use of Net Promoter Score tools and the implementation of neighbor councils, both of which ensure that community voices help shape and improve food-access services.

Net Promoter Score measures the willingness of customers to recommend a company’s products or services.

Under Yurko’s leadership, the Northern Illinois Food Bank continues to expand its reach and deepen its commitment to access and community-centered care, according to the release.

Last year, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and its network of more than 900 food pantries and feeding programs provided more than 93 million meals to neighbors across its 13-county service area in northern Illinois, including McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, Will, Ogle, Kankakee, DuPage, Kendall, Lake, Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson and Grundy counties.

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On July 9, 1776, George Washington put forth general orders, among which read as follows: “The Honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of $33 and one third per month - The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains.”

During World War II and into the post-war period, two religions had chaplains: Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Jewish. There are now five religions with chaplains: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu.

The U.S. military recognizes 221 different faith or religious groups (worldreligionnews.com), some of which are Humanism, Asatru, Heathenism, Wicca, various Christian denominations, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist denominations. According to the Department of War, this ensures that service members in relatively obscure religious groups have the same rights, privileges and protections as those in larger religious groups. It is hard to find any information that the larger religious groups are given preferential treatment versus the relatively obscure religious groups in

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Reform of the U.S. Chaplain’s Corps

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IHSA football playoff expansion and scheduling SPORTS VIEWS Andy Colbert Good to be back after some extensive traveling in December. No matter where I go, nothing compares to living in Ogle County.

The big news coming out of the IHSA was an expansion of the football playoffs from 256 qualifying teams to 384. That decision was made by a vote from its member schools, (377 yes, 252 no, 96 abstentions).

What this means is that most teams with losing records will get in. Anyone at 3-6 will make it and several 2-7 teams also will get in.

“Too often throughout the years, football decisions have negatively impacted other sports at IHSA schools,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “We are hopeful that this football playoff expansion will provide intended relief to our schools by stabilizing conference movement and eliminating the difficulty of scheduling football games that many of our schools face each year. It may create some shortterm complications for some schools, conferences and coaches, but we remain optimistic it will create long-term stability in football and beyond.”

Some might argue that is diluting the field, but consider teams from strong conferences such as the NUIC and Chicago Catholic League. Fulton and Morrison were 2-7 this season and likely would win a game or two in 1A. The top 16 teams in each classification will get a bye, which is good and bad. The good is that the 2-7 and 3-6 teams won’t see them right off the bat, thus balancing the level of play a bit.

The bad is that teams don’t necessarily want a bye.

Everybody would rather play each week and certainly 17 year olds don’t need an extra week of rest.

Frankly, I see it as a detriment for the recipients of byes. You get out of sync while your next opponent stays in a regular routine.

The first regular-season game will be Aug. 21, and by 2029, it will be Aug. 16. Many coaches have complained about how much of summer is being taken up by an earlier schedule.

When the playoffs began in 1974, the first regular-season game was Sept. 6, with the championships wrapped up the weekend before Thanksgiving. Only 16 teams qualified per class compared with 48 now and the first two rounds were played in one week (Wednesday and Saturday).

Also back then, a lingering school of thought was the farm kids had chores such as baling hay to do and the games shouldn’t begin until after Labor Day. With rare exception, that’s no longer the case.

Opening and ending dates for football vary greatly from state to state. Texas, where it is king, doesn’t end its playoffs until the week before Christmas.

Here in Illinois, Thanksgiving is the ideal time.

After that, weather can be a factor, as the postponed 5-8A championships experienced.

Besides, December is the time to be on the basket-

Alex T. Paschal file photo

Byron’s Kade Politsch lifts the first place trophy as Byron celebrates their 56-50 win over Tolono-Unity Friday, Nov. 28, in the Class 3A football finals at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University in Normal. ball courts. With that being said, the Byron girls are off and running again.

After a come-from-behind win over 3A-ranked Dixon in which Macy Groharing scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, the 12-0 Tigers made the finals of the 47th annual Dixon Holiday Tournament. The win streak came to an end with a 43-26 loss to Sterling.

After falling behind 11-2, Byron came back to make it 11-11, but Sterling’s defense proved too stifling the rest of the way, wearing down the Tigers and a less-than-100% Groharing. Holiday tourneys have a way of taking a toll on teams.

In the semis, Sterling beat last year’s champ, Stillman Valley (12-3). Both Byron and Stillman finished with 32 wins last season and tied Dixon (29-6) for the Big Northern Conference crown in one of the best years ever for BNC roundball.

Add Winnebago (12-1) to the mix as top contenders in the conference, and 20-year coaching veteran Joni Carlson has a long tradition of winning at Lutheran.

For a team such as Oregon, which has seen improvement, it will be a tall task breaking into the upper

echelon of the league.

An assist goes out to my next-door neighbor Josh Messenger for getting the last three columns in the paper. Before leaving town, I had thought they had been sent to editor Jeff Helfrich.

Not so and unfortunately they remained on my home computer, which I did not have access to.

About ready to tell Jeff to forget about them as it was close to deadline and I was 1,000 miles away, a lastditch call went out to Josh.

Fortunately he was home and I was able to walk him through gaining access to the computer and finding the documents to send to the newspaper. A tough task, but he passed with flying colors.

As I said before, nothing beats living in Ogle County, where one can still feel comfortable letting a neighbor into your house. Doubt if that could have been pulled off if I lived in the big city somewhere.

• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

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Mylee Hulstedt and Mackenzi Shere, athletes from Stillman Valley High School, have been selected to compete in the 30th annual international fastpitch event known as The Cup held in the Netherlands.

Originally founded in France 30 years ago and hosted in the Netherlands for the past 26 years, The Cup has become the largest and most prestigious softball tournament of its kind in the world, with games broadcast to nearly 30 countries.

Shere and Hulstedt will join top players from across the United States to compete against elite international teams from countries that previously have included Russia, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

“It’s a true honor to have been chosen to play on a team Mylee Hulstedt representing the United States of America,” Hulstedt said. “I am so excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity to not only play with and against some of the best players in the world, but also to be able to travel outside of the USA and to experience everything we’re going to experience in the Netherlands and Paris,” “I’m excited to represent my community and compete alongside top athletes,” Shere said. “This is an exciting chance for both personal growth and development as a player, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”

Beyond the diamond, The Cup experience immerses athletes in some of Europe’s most historic and breathtaking sites. Between games, players visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, explore the canals and markets of cities dating to the 1200s, and then travel to Paris, where they stay near Notre Dame, the Louvre, Napoleon’s Palace, and the Eiffel Tower.

“This is the only international softball event in the world that combines world-class competition with rich cul-

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

Stillman Valley High School players selected for international softball event

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Photos provided by Olivia Lalor

Stillman Valley’s Mackenzi Shere (above) and Mylee Hulstedt have been asked to compete in The Cup, the 30th annual international fastpitch event to be held in the Netherlands. tural and historical exploration,” a news highest collegiate levels in the U.S. achievement – it’s a testament to their release said. “Many Cup alumni go on to Shere and Hulstedt’s selection to The dedication, leadership and passion for play professionally in Europe or at the Cup 2026 represents more than athletic the game.”

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, January 5, 2026

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SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1957: Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson announces his retirement 1996: Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula announces his retirement

OGLE COUNTY SPORTS ROUNDUP

Forreston falls to Newman

By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com

Saturday, Dec. 27

Boys basketball Newman 59, Forreston 51: Newman’s

Garret Matznick scored 25 points and Evan Bushman had 10 in the win at the Erie tournament. Connor Politsch led the Cardinals with 16 points, Kendall Erdmann had 13 and Jonathan Milnes added 12 for Forreston. Forreston trailed 35-18 at halftime before cutting into the deficit late.

Monday, Dec. 22

Girls basketball Winnebago 45, Oregon 28: Sarah Eckardt

scored 12 points and Aniyah Sarver added 10 for Oregon in the setback. Oregon trailed 22-10 at halftime in the loss.

The Hawks are 9-5 overall and 0-2 in Big Northern Conference play.

Boys bowling

Dixon tournament: Rock Island (6,198) won the 10-team tournament, followed

by Harlem (5,995) and Oregon (5,648).

Dixon (5,146) was seventh and Sterling (4,962) was ninth. Oregon freshman Rylann Delehanty (834) took seventh with his four-game series. RJ Keene rolled a 795, Ethan Rowe added a 744 and Caleb Ehrler had a 706. Ivan Hernandez had the Hawks’ high game with a 235.

Oregon’s Rylann Delehanty celebrates with his teammates after throwing a strike during a Dec. 19 match with Harvard at Town & Country Lanes in Mt. Morris.

Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network

Forreston’s Drayvin Peters dribbles against Polo on Dec. 13 at the 64th Annual Forreston Holiday Basketball Tournament held at Forreston High School. Connor Politsch scored 18 points in leading Forreston to a 64-52 victory.