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A goodbye – and some final thoughts
Last December marked the 10th anniversary of my monthly column in the Ogle County Life. Thanks to those who have read it, and to the Ogle County Life for faithfully publishing it during that time.
My column will no longer appear in the Life, but I’ll continue to post it on the internet. You’ll be able to read it by going online at medium.com@l_harp47, or by friending me on Facebook.
My biggest concern during those 10 tumultuous years has been the health of America’s democratic political system. The column’s overarching theme has been that democracy is a fragile web, and that damaging any part threatens the whole. I have, with that in mind, again and again advocated for democratic principles that I believe we need to revive and strengthen, including:
• Relying above all else on facts and reason instead of judging ideas based on their emotional appeal.
• Respecting the unwritten rules of
COMMUNITY VIEWS
democracy, including – and especially –civility in public discourse.
• Rejecting tribalism and emphasizing what we all have in common.
• Refraining from overreach with policies that don’t have broad public support, even if we believe they would be for the best.
• Reforming political institutions, including the Constitution, to strengthen the moderate core of American public opinion and weaken the influence of extremists in both political parties.
• Upholding the importance of moral strength in leaders, and rejecting those who lack it, even when their political positions align with our own.
• Practicing humility when it comes to
political opinions. None of us are 100% right. Politics works best when it’s a forum for dialogue instead of a battlefield in which one side tries to destroy the other.
These principles have been under attack during this past decade, but not for the first time.
Our political system has overcome threats of this magnitude and worse. Events leading up to the Civil War, the riots and assassinations of the 1960s, and the Watergate crisis come readily to mind.
Each led to reforms and to new life for democratic institutions. There is in our time plenty of cause for concern, but equal ground for hope. I like to think that this column has been a voice for both.
• Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. For previous columns, follow him on Facebook.
Eagle’s Nest Art Group exhibition hosted by Byron Museum of History is Feb. 14-March 28
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Byron Museum of History will host an art exhibit by members of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group.
The show will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 14,
Several artists will be on hand to welcome visitors.
The exhibit will remain on display through Saturday, March 28.
The museum, located at 110 N. Union St. in Byron, is open from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The museum’s exhibits and the twomonth-long art show are open to the public free of charge.
This year’s Eagle’s Nest Art Group show features oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic paintings as well as photography and glass art plus other 3-D art.
It will be an extensive show of the work of local artists from Oregon, Byron, Rockford, Stillman Valley, Sycamore, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon, Forreston, Mt. Morris, Ashton and Polo.
ENAG, founded in 1957, has a full schedule of art events, workshops and shows and will have materials available at the museum for all who are interested in learning more about this community of artists and its activities.
The group welcomes artists of any
Retired detectives Brian Ketter (center), and Chad Gallick (left) greet Don and Luann Rosko on Jan. 29, after Duane “DC” Meyer was found guilty of murdering Maggie Rosko Meyer, 31, and her son, Amos, 3, in 2016 (inset). Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network ON THE COVER
level of experience.
There are Thursday sessions at the ENAG studio in Conover Square and summer outdoor painting sessions offered to all members. For more information about ENAG, call 815-732-7783 or visit Facebook at Eagle’s Nest Art Group, Oregon, Illinois.
The permanent collections of the Byron Museum of History as well as the historic Read House, which is a listed Underground Railroad site on the National Park Service’s Network of Freedom, are open to the public Wednesday to Saturday.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Byron area through exhibits, programs and artifact preservation.
To learn more about the museum and its events, call 815-234-5031 or visit www. byronmuseum.org.
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Lowell Harp
Prosecutors relieved after jury finds Stillman Valley man guilty of 2016 double-murder, arson
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Family and friends of an Ogle County school teacher embraced and wept outside the courtroom just minutes after jurors found Duane “DC” Meyer, 43, guilty of the 2016 murders of Maggie (Rosko) Meyer, 31, and their 3-year-old son Amos in their Byron home.
Inside the courtroom, family and friends of Meyer also wept and embraced after the eight-woman, four-man jury returned guilty verdicts for first-degree murder, aggravated arson and concealment of a homicidal death.
Those verdicts followed a trial that took 17 working days to complete, consisting of five days of jury selection, eight days of testimony and arguments and four days of deliberations.
“I can’t tell you how just pleased and
happy we are that both Maggie and Amos will get some justice and their loved ones
will get some closure on this horrible situation,” Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said after the verdicts were announced.
Maggie was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for divorce in 2014, and court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.
Her charred body was found on a couch in her living room the morning of Oct. 19, 2016.
Pathologists determined her death was “highly suspicious for homicide,” testifying she was strangled to death before the fire spread upstairs and killed Amos from carbon monoxide poisoning, as evidenced by soot in his airway and lungs.
No soot was found in Maggie’s airway or lungs, but pathologists said there were signs of strangulation and “some type of blunt force trauma” on other parts of her body.
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock hugs Luann Rosko of Mt. Morris on Jan. 29, after jurors found Duane “DC” Meyer guilty of murdering her daughter Maggie, 31, and her grandson Amos, 3, in 2016.
They said they could not determine an exact cause of death because the condition of her severely charred body –with no distinguishing features remaining – could have masked other injuries that made the forensic case challenging.
Rock and his trial team of First Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley and Victim Service Provider Marisol Esparza experienced a variety of emotions as testimony, attorney arguments and deliberations culminated at the end of the trial in courtroom 302 at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon.
Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe presided over the trial and he waited with defense attorneys, court staff and family and friends of both the defendant and the victims as jurors continued deliberating late into the night on Jan. 29, before reaching their verdicts at 8:28 p.m. on the fourth day of deliberations.
“I’ve done a number of jury trials in my career. I’ve never had a jury out that long with all the ups and downs you could imagine during it,” Rock said. “But again, the jury never indicated
they were deadlocked and they worked hard the whole week, and we certainly believe they did come to the right decision.
“Anytime a jury’s out, there’s nervousness. As lawyers, we certainly thought we proved the case, but it took them a period of time to get to what we believe is a just verdict.”
Rock praised all members of his office and all the law enforcement agents who worked on the case before and after Meyer was charged on Oct. 9, 2019 –three years after Maggie and Amos died.
“It did take a period of time for the case to get filed. I was not in office at that time, so this case was pending when I came in 2020. Since that time, I’ve been blessed to have a great group of lawyers working for me. We’ve litigated a number of matters during that time, right up until we got to trial this month,” Rock said.
Rock said the nature of the Meyer case generated a lot of public interest.
“There was a lot of publicity on it and that certainly complicated jury selection, so jury selection took longer than otherwise would, but ultimately, we were able to pick a fair and impartial jury and they came to the right decision,” he said.
The Meyer case marks the fourth
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“DC” Meyer guilty of murdering their daughter Maggie, 31, and grandson, Amos, 3, in 2016.
Ogle County domestic violence homicide handled by investigators and Rock’s office. One case remains pending.
“Unfortunately, in Ogle County, we’ve had a number of domestic violence-related homicides recently. We’ve tried a couple of them already successfully,” Rock said. “Unfortunately, it’s just how things are in society right now.”
Rock said his team wanted to bring closure to Maggie and Amos’ family.
“Two dear loved ones were taken from them. We definitely felt the pressure to do as good a job as we could for them and we wanted nothing more than to bring justice for them,” he said. “I feel great. I’m very happy and again not as much for myself and my office, but for the Roskos. What they have suffered these years, no one should have to go through what they’ve gone through.”
Rock thanked the Illinois State Police, Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Illinois Fire Marshal
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who conducted and contributed to the investigation.
“I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their work on this investigation. I am proud of my team for their hard work and dedication on this case. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their family,” Rock said.
Meyer, who did not appear to react to the verdicts, was remanded to the Ogle County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest in 2019. He is scheduled to appear in court again at 2 p.m. March 13 for a status hearing.
First-degree murder is a Class M felony punishable by 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with truth-in-sentencing applying at 100%.
“Natural life imprisonment is a mandatory punishment when a defendant is convicted of killing two victims,” Rock said.
Aggravated arson is a Class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison with truth-in-sentencing applying at 85%. Concealment of a homicidal death is a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years in prison.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Meyer strangled Maggie to death and set her on fire in her home to clear the way for him to pursue a new life with his girlfriend.
They said text message exchanges between Meyer and his girlfriend –extracted from their phones by investigators and analyzed by FBI agents –showed Meyer was “obsessed” with his girlfriend, “hated” Maggie and promised to “eliminate” Maggie and Amos from his life.
Defense attorneys argued that Meyer was innocent and that police unfairly targeted him instead of trying to find out who really was responsible for the deaths of Maggie and Amos.
And they argued that text messages about Maggie and her family that were sent before the deaths were “cherry-picked” by prosecutors and taken out of context.
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
State’s Attorney Mike Rock speaks to
and Luann Rosko of Mt. Morris on
before jurors found Duane
Police chief: Rochelle woman dies from injuries suffered in Jan. 26 shooting
male, identified Wednesday as Spencer Contreras of Rochelle, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a Jan. 26 news release said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact RPD at 815-562-2131.
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A Rochelle woman died Sunday as a result of injuries suffered in a Jan. 26 shooting, Rochelle Police Chief Pete Pavia said Wednesday.
Pavia identified the victim as Mariah Avila, 27.
Rochelle police were called at 6:38 a.m. Jan. 26 for a report of shots fired at 111 W. McConaughy Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered Avila, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was unconscious but breathing.
Officers also located a 29-year-old
Avila was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital and later flown to a Rockford hospital, where she was listed in critical condition and placed on life support. The family made the decision to remove her from life support on Sunday and she succumbed to her injuries, Pavia said.
Contreras was pronounced deceased at the scene of the shooting. No other people were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting and no one else was injured, the Jan. 26 RPD news release said.
RPD was assisted by the Rochelle Fire Department, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit. The incident remains under investigation by Rochelle police.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established for Avila’s family. As of Wednesday, it had raised $20,820 through 280 donations.
Funds raised will be used to cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as travel costs for the family. Any remaining balance after funeral costs will be donated to domestic violence and mental health programs, the GoFundMe’s organizer, Meghan O’Rorke, said in an update on the site Tuesday.
“We are mourning the loss of Mariah, whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence and gun violence,” O’Rorke wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Mariah was more than a victim of violence. She was loved, she mattered, and her life had meaning. Her death has left our family heartbroken and forever changed, and we are committed to
We are mourning the loss of Mariah, whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence and gun violence.”
Meghan O’Rorke, GoFundMe organizer
speaking her truth while honoring her memory.”
Avila’s mother, Jackie, posted an update on the GoFundMe page Feb. 1.
“Sadly, our sweet girl will be passing,” the update said. “While our hearts are broken, we are choosing to honor her incredible strength and kindness. As her final gift as a donor she will live on by saving multiple lives. That is the kind of person she is, and we are so proud of her.”
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center celebrates 50
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
In 1975, the Village of Mt. Morris formed a committee to put services in place for senior citizens in town. In 1976, a Mt. Morris senior citizen council was incorporated, which brought about the Mt. Morris Senior Community Center.
This year, the organization, now known as the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary of providing services, engagement and education to Mt. Morris’ senior citizens. The longtime 9 E. Front St. location will be home to special anniversary celebrations throughout 2026.
Melissa Rojas, the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center’s executive director of eight years, called reaching the milestone “amazing.”
“There’s been a lot of very faithful people that have kept it going over the years such as board members and people that have given donations,” Rojas said. “It’s cool to be part of something that has been here for 50 years that has been so supportive. Mostly, it’s support
from the community that keeps the center going.”
The center celebrated its 50th anniversary in January with an open house. It will have each of its monthly events tie into its anniversary with added celebrations.
Events for the rest of the year include a Valentine’s Day dance on Feb. 13, an adult egg hunt on March 28, a special trivia night April 16, senior/senior tea on May 2, a community dinner on June 12 and Flag Day on June 13, the Let Freedom Ring celebration and parade on July 4, an ice cream social on July 8, National Night Out on Aug. 4, a golf outing on Aug. 8, a center anniversary party on Aug. 22, Autumn on Parade on Oct. 4, Witches Tea on Oct. 29, a health fair on Nov. 13 and noon year’s eve on Dec. 30.
Regular services at the center include Medicare assistance, assistance with senior license plate discounts, resources for home health care, an Alzheimer’s support group and an exercise class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“Having activities here is one of the best things we do,” Rojas said. “I think
about the people who come here all the time and they have so many friends and they’re out doing things every day. And then I think about the people who don’t know about the center and they’re maybe sitting in their house watching TV, bored and lonely. If they knew this place was here, they could come and have fun and meet people and play cards and exercise and eat a meal. We have a ton going on here.”
The Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. It hosts occasional night events, which are open to the entire community. It has a computer lab available for community use. The center also has space available to rent for events such as birthday parties.
“I often think about people who say there’s nothing to do in a small town,” Rojas said. “If you pay attention, there’s a lot to do here in Mt. Morris. The center is a great resource for the community and I think it’s great we have it. There are a lot of small towns that don’t have something like this.”
Rojas said activity and involvement at the center are important to the health
of the seniors it serves. The Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center has patrons that have been coming for “a lot of years,” and staying involved and healthy, Rojas said.
“There are a lot of seniors that come here that live by themselves and if they didn’t have the center to come to, I’m not sure what they would do,” Rojas said. “We’ve had a lot of people that were very active here and then something happens and they end up not being able to leave their house and they get out of the habit of coming. And then their health goes downhill fast. You have to keep moving and stay around people. Everything the center provides is very important for seniors as they get older.”
Rojas finds purpose in seeing seniors benefit from programming at the center.
“I enjoy this place because of the people,” Rojas said. “My favorite part is running the different events and just being able to hang out with the people. I have a lot of office work I have to do, but the part I really enjoy is being with the people and being able to spend time with them and help them.”
Byron H.S. student selected to sing at Carnegie Hall
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Emi Bail, a student at Byron High School, has been selected for the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Bail will perform Soprano 1 in February with the Choir Ensemble. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world.
Bail auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board.
Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording.
She has studied music for five years and is a member of the Byron High School Chamber Choir, Treble Choir and Concert Choir.
Bail is a two-time All State Musician, a two-time All Conference Musician and was selected to tour five countries in
Europe this past summer with the Illinois Ambassadors of Music Program.
Bail won third place last year in the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Open Division, which included voice and instrumental.
Currently, Bail is nominated for the Illinois Musical Theatre Awards for the part of Mother Abbess in Byron High School’s production of Sound of Music.
“Music has always been a constant source of joy and strength in my life,” Bail said. “Singing allows me to express emotions that words alone cannot capture, and it has given me confidence, discipline and a deep sense of connection to others. I am excited to be part of the Honors Performance Series because it feels like the perfect opportunity to share that love of music while challenging myself to grow in new ways.
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“As a musician, I have experienced both the exhilaration of carrying the melody and the responsibility of blending my voice to support a greater harmony. Each role has taught me that music is about collaboration, listening and lifting one another up to create something more beautiful than any one person could achieve alone. That is what excites me most about the Honors Performance Series: the chance to make music with students from around the world who are as passionate and committed as I am. Performing in such a prestigious ensemble is a dream come true, but even more meaningful is the journey; learning from renowned conductors, pushing my vocal abilities and forming connections through the shared language of music.”
Bail will join performers from across the U.S. and abroad for a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists will come together in New York City, where they will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work
with other performers and get a taste of NYC.
The Honors Performance will take place Feb. 8 and is open to the public.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues.
The Honors Performance Series is presented by WorldStrides, an educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting honorsperformance.org and worldstrides.com.
Emi Bail
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Even though she grew up a few blocks away from the Village of Progress in Oregon, Angie Martin-Bakener wasn’t aware of its services until years later.
Martin-Bakener recently was promoted to executive director of the Village after the retirement of previous Executive Director Brion Brooks. Martin-Bakener has worked at VOP for more than 12 years, most recently serving as its manager of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional services.
The Village of Progress serves people with developmental disabilities in Ogle County through evaluation and assessment, job training, supported employment, social and recreational experiences, health care and maintenance and living skills instruction.
“I wasn’t expecting to become direc -
tor,” Martin-Bakener said. “It was exciting. When I started here, I did
hands-on care and worked as a case manager. After COVID-19 hit, we transitioned our services from within our walls to community-based. At that time I became the manager of the other case managers. I think it’s exciting to be able to continue to transition our agency to be more community-focused versus the old sheltered workshop model.”
The Village’s new executive director said she’s looking forward to working on bringing in clients after they leave the school system to ensure they continue social interaction. VOP also recently broke ground on the Hill Street Neighborhood in Mt. Morris with Kreider Services, which will see people with and without disabilities living in the same housing together and people with disabilities having the chance to choose their own services. Construction will be completed in 2027.
Martin-Bakener also is excited to work more with VOP’s Village Bakery and janitorial services programming for clients in her new role, along with
MaRtIn-BakEnER on page 9
Jeff Helfrich
Angie Martin-Bakener (second from left) is the new executive director of the Village of Progress in Oregon.
Continued from page 8
expanding its Special Olympics program.
“I think we have an opportunity to expand our footprint,” Martin-Bakener said. “We’ve done a great job of becoming visible in Oregon. I think it would be beneficial if we could be a little more visible in the other Ogle County towns.”
Day services programs like the Village of Progress are a rarity in Illinois, and Martin-Bakener said Ogle County residents with disabilities and their families are fortunate to have VOP’s work, social interaction, recreation and leisure opportunities.
Martin-Bakener said she enjoys her work at VOP because “every day is a new day,” inside and out of the facility.
“Since we’ve transitioned into a community-based format since COVID-19, it’s been amazing to watch people do things for the first time,” Martin-Bakener said. “I went with a group to a Milwaukee Brewers game a couple of summers ago and to get to our seats we had to take an escalator. I didn’t think anything of it and I got on. I got to the top and I looked behind me and the client I was with was still at the bottom. He had never been on an escalator before and was in his late 60s. It’s awesome to watch them do things for the first time.”
Martin-Bakener thanked VOP’s board, staff, volunteers and donors for
their dedication to the Village’s mission. She said the work the Village of Progress staff does each day is vital to the people it serves for the betterment of their lives. She particularly enjoys seeing VOP clients getting out into the community.
“Our people all just want to fit in and be respected and loved like all of us do,” Martin-Bakener said. “If we go back to a place for a second or third time, they’re getting recognized and having interactions with people at a restaurant or grocery store. It’s been really exciting to see them foster their own relationships.”
After growing up in Oregon, Martin-Bakener went to school and got a degree in law enforcement. Due to a state hiring freeze at the time, she took a job as a group home manager in Oregon. It was then that she learned about the Village of Progress. After working at Sinnissippi Centers for a couple of years, she took a job at VOP.
“I didn’t see myself doing work like this when I was in school,” Martin-Bakener said. “But once I got here, I never looked back. I had no idea the Village existed when I was growing up. In the sheltered workshop days, the Village was a very well-kept secret. They didn’t leave the building often. Now that we’re out in the community on a daily basis, it’s just wonderful. Everyone gets to experience the joy that they bring out in the community. It’s special to be in this position and help people as a person that grew up here.”
MARTIN-BAKENER
DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DIABETES
Navigating life with diabetes is no small task. While millions of people across the globe living with diabetes enjoy full lives, such individuals recognize they must remain vigilant in regard to the foods they eat to protect their short- and long-term health.
While food might be a focal point of life for people with diabetes, it’s just as important that such individuals monitor the beverages they consume. That’s particularly important regarding alcohol. The American Diabetes Association® urges individuals with diabetes to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians. While the ADA notes there’s no universal rule regarding diabetes and alcohol consumption, the National Library of Medicine reports there are risks involved when individuals with diabetes consume alcohol.
Alcohol and blood sugar levels
Consuming alcohol can lower blood sugar. The liver is a vital organ that releases glucose into the blood stream as necessary to ensure blood sugar levels remain normal. But the liver also is responsible for breaking down alcohol, and during that process it ceases releasing glucose. That can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly, leaving people at risk for
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Individuals who are taking certain diabetes medicines or insulin can be in danger of developing seriously low blood sugar, which the ADA notes can occur even hours after a person finishes their last drink. Drowsiness, confusion and difficulty walking are some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Alcohol and diabetes medications
Alcohol can interfere with diabetes medicine. The NLM notes that alcohol can interfere with the
effects of some diabetes medicines. When prescribed medications for diabetes, individuals should discuss the potential side effects of alcohol consumption while taking the drugs. Individuals who drink while taking certain diabetes medications may be at risk for hypoglycemia.
Additional risk factors
Alcohol tends to be calorie-heavy, which can contribute to weight gain that makes it more difficult to manage diabetes. Alcohol also tends to be high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar also is known as hyperglycemia, which is marked by insufficient insulin levels or the inability of the body to utilize insulin effectively.
Weight gain is not the only potential threat linked to the high calorie content of alcoholic beverages. The NLM notes that calories from alcohol are stored in the liver as fat, which can make liver cells more insulinresistant and increase blood sugar levels over time.
The dynamic between alcohol and diabetes is complicated. Individuals with diabetes are urged to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians prior to having a drink.
Rochelle Township High School
1401 Flagg Road, Rochelle, IL
rochelleschools.org/o/rths 815-562-4161
We want you to make good choices when it comes to alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping. RTHS counselors, teachers, coaches, and administrators are here to talk and to help you say, “No!” to every substance offered to you. Don’t let drugs take the place of your hopes and dreams. Make a drug-free lifestyle a part of your future, and live your life to the fullest. THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAY SHAPE YOUR TOMORROW!
Direct exposure to carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer, greatly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer. While there are many different carcinogens in the environment, cigarettes expose smokers and those around them to a wide variety of carcinogens that can cause severe illness.
Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 toxic chemicals, including arsenic, radioactive polonium-20 and mercury. The American Cancer Society indicates smoking causes about 20 percent of all cancers and roughly 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancers are the most notable of all cancers
THE LINK BETWEEN SMOKING AND CANCER
attributed to tobacco use — with 80 percent of such cancers traced back to smoking. But smoking is linked to other cancers as well. The U.S. Surgeon General has identified smoking as a cause of 12 cancers, including:
• lung, trachea and bronchus
• oropharynx
• esophagus
• larynx
• colorectal
• liver
• stomach
• bladder
• myeloid leukemia
• pancreas
• kidney and ureter
• uterine cervix
It is important to note that cancer can come from using smokeless tobacco products as well. These include chewing tobacco and
dip. Furthermore, exposure to someone else’s cigarette smoke can cause cancer in a person who doesn’t smoke. WebMD says bystanders exposed to secondhand smoke are up to 30 percent more likely to get lung cancer than others who are not exposed.
Tobacco can cause cancer in two ways. The first is that carcinogens damage DNA and cause cells to grow and divide abnormally. The other happens when toxins from smoking weaken the body’s immune system, which may make it harder for the body to fight off illnesses like cancer.
The National Cancer Society warns there is no safe level of tobacco use. Anyone using tobacco should aim to quit immediately
Smoking is a dangerous habit that is a leading risk factor in cancer formation. Getting the facts may inspire more people to quit using tobacco for good.
ALCOHOL AND TEENAGERS ARE A POOR MIX
Most countries in the world have established a minimum legal drinking age. Legal drinking ages are implemented to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and also to contribute to better overall health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The United States has a Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) of 21 everywhere except Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The MLDA in each of those places is 18.
Canada’s MLDA was 20 or 21 in the 1970s, and then lowered to either 18 or 19 to align more closely with the age of maturity. However, increased alcohol consumption by teens prompted certain provinces to increase the age to 19. The MLDA in Canada remains 19 for all provinces and territories, with the exception of Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, where the MLDA is 18. Elsewhere around the world the average age to purchase alcohol is 18, although not every country restricts the age at which alcohol can be consumed.
Health experts warn that underage drinking is a major health concern. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and can lead to enormous safety and health risks. Teens who drink with frequency can set themselves up for a host of
&
negative outcomes.
• Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the functions of the central nervous system and can actually block some messages from reaching the brain. That can alter a person’s perceptions, emotions and movement, says Nemours TeensHealth.
• Youth who drink may have higher rates of absences or lower grades in school.
• Alcohol usage over time can lead to social problems, such as fighting or lack of participation in youth activities.
• Consuming too much alcohol may lead teens to experience physical issues like hangovers.
• The CDC says alcohol can disrupt normal growth or sexual development.
• The CDC indicates frequent alcohol use among teens can contribute to increased risk of suicide and homicide.
• Underage binge drinking is associated with a higher risk of being the victim or perpetrator of interpersonal violence, which includes physical or sexual assault, according to a study published in 2019 in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
• The brain keeps developing into one’s 20s. Alcohol can alter development, potentially affecting the brain’s structure and function.
• Research shows that those who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder later in life.
• Alcohol use can lower inhibitions, which can cause teens to make poor and risky decisions, like engaging in illegal activity or unprotected sexual relations. Drinking at an early age and doing so frequently during the teenage years can set individuals on a course for health, developmental and even legal repercussions.
DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS
SIGNS KIDS MAY BE USING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
When parents welcome children into the world, they see innocence and little ones who rely on them to meet every need. Through the years, children grow by spreading their wings and learning to be more independent. As they dabble in new things, children learn through trial and error, and certain mistakes may be made along the way. One of those mistakes may be getting involved with drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the United States, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Study found that 19 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 20 reported drinking alcohol in a 30-day period. Other findings indicated that 29 percent of high school students drank alcohol and 14 percent engaged in binge drinking.
It is not so easy for parents to realize their children are experimenting with alcohol. However, the following are some signs that kids may be engaging in such behavior.
•Your child is exhibiting mood changes, such as flare-ups of temper, irritability and defensiveness.
•Your child appears impaired, including slurred speech, red eyes, staggered gait, and trouble with coordination.
• Your child is spending time with new friends and/or sneaking around.
•Your child exhibits altered appetite and sleep patterns, as well as changes in weight.
•Your child has frequent nosebleeds, which could be indicative of methamphetamine or cocaine use.
•You notice that bottles of alcohol in your home are missing or not at levels where you left them. You may notice missing prescription pills or over-the-counter cold medicines as well.
•Your child’s appearance may be deteriorating and there is a lack of interest in personal grooming.
•Your child has injuries or bruises of unknown origin.
•You find alcohol or drugs in your child’s possession.
According to the treatment center Ashwood Recovery, someone who is abusing alcohol may have ashen or jaundiced skin as well as bloodshot eyes. Signs of methamphetamine usage include loss of teeth and the skin takes on a dull appearance. People abusing heroin appear lethargic, dazed and confused. They may be emaciated and have brittle hair and nails. It’s important to note that some young adults start using heroin to help them lose weight.
Parents can help their children by recognizing early on if they are abusing alcohol or illegal substances.
OCFB’s Kern: Farmers seeking more moisture
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Since two heavy snowstorms hit the area early this winter, Ogle County farmers have been hoping for more moisture to no avail, Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said Jan. 29. Kern said those snowstorms yielded a vital 2 to 2.5 inches of moisture that was able to be soaked up by fields before the ground froze. A dry and extremely cold January hasn’t been ideal for local farmers and has landed the area on drought maps, Kern said.
“With the cold spell we’ve seen recently and no more snow, we’re seeing the ground freeze up,” Kern said. “Any rain right now wouldn’t help with the ground being so frozen. If we could get more snow heading into a late March thaw, that may help us. For the past three years, we’ve been living on borrowed time with moisture. We’ve just been lucky getting rain when we absolutely had to have it. And we can’t keep living like that.”
The impact of recent extreme cold on farm ground will depend on how far
down the frost line goes, Kern said. He’s hoping for a good thaw in the spring to allow moisture to get into the subsoil, which has been short on moisture “for a long time.”
While row crop farmers in Ogle County have been assessing the weather as spring draws closer, area livestock farmers have been out in the elements.
“This cold weather is hard on livestock, and farmers, who are trying to keep water from freezing,” Kern said. “If they have confinement, they’re trying to make sure all of the generators, heat and fans and everything else are running. If anything breaks down this time of year, it’s just a miserable existence.”
This time of year for Ogle County row crop farmers involves pricing grain to move as spring approaches, and pricing, purchase and delivery of inputs such as fertilizer, fuel and seed for the approaching season.
“Fuel is kind of a shining star among inputs right now with its reasonable price,” Kern said. “Prices on things like fertilizer and seed are going back up.”
Kern said the top two issues in the
farming industry are the federal tariff situation’s impact on commodity exports, and the need for a new federal Farm Bill.
Amid the White House’s tariffs, Ogle County farmers have seen the impacts of Argentina and Brazil selling more soybeans to China, which previously imported more beans from the U.S. South America has overtaken the U.S. as the top global exporter of soybeans, leaving American farmers with lower prices and uncertainty where soybeans will end up.
The U.S. has started to sell more soybeans to other countries that previously imported from Argentina and Brazil, but the China gap hasn’t been made up.
The federal government has initiated “some” subsidy programs for soybean farmers impacted by tariffs, but the situation is still not ideal, Kern said.
“The number is nowhere near what they’d have if there was a robust export market,” Kern said. “We just need to understand it’s a global market and we need to be a part of it. Any time you have prices like there are and you can get anything at all to help pay the bills,
nobody is going to say no. But that’s not what we want.”
The Farm Bill, passed in 2018, has been extended for a year three times. The federal Farm Bill allocates funding for crop insurance, disaster assistance and conservation programs for farmers.
“The Farm Bill work recently has just been a bunch of sword rattling in Washington, D.C.,” Kern said, “I don’t really have optimism for progress at the moment for something in the near future. It’s been extended for three years now. It’s time to do something. It’s frustrating. You can only kick the can down the road so far before you get to the end of the road. They need to modernize it.
Agriculture is constantly changing and the Farm Bill needs to reflect that and its programs need to keep up with that.”
With spring on its way, Kern and Ogle County farmers find themselves doing something they’ve done for the past three years: Praying for moisture.
“Give me some relatively normal moisture and some normal weather come April,” Kern said. “And we will be back out into the fields and ready to go for another year.”
Ogle County prescribed burn workshop to offer training on Feb. 18
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Local conservation partners are inviting landowners, land managers and community members to a free Prescribed Burning & Natural Areas Management Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 18.
The workshop will be from 8 a.m. to noon at The Nature Conservancy Headquarters Barn, 8772 S. Lowden Road, Franklin Grove.
The workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of prescribed fire, including fire ecology, burn planning, implementation techniques and safety practices.
Additional sessions will cover natural areas management beyond fire, including invasive species control and realworld examples from regional conserva-
tion professionals.
Organizers said the event is designed for anyone involved in land stewardship or interested in learning how prescribed fire can be used safely and effectively to improve habitat health.
A light breakfast will be provided.
Weather permitting, attendees also will have the option to join a guided tour of Nachusa Grasslands facilities and fire breaks after the classroom presentations.
The event is sponsored by the Ogle County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, Byron Forest Preserve District and DeKalb County Forest Preserve District.
RSVPs are requested by Feb. 15.
To register, call 815-732-6127 ext 3, email Woodyatt.ogleswcd@gmail.com, or visit OgleSWCD.org.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
America the Beautiful art exhibit opens at Oregon’s Coliseum
The Coliseum Museum in Oregon recently announced the opening of the America the Beautiful art exhibit featuring 50 works of art by 25 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from Feb. 4 to March 21.
The exhibit is intended to show that patriotism runs deep throughout America, from sea to shining sea.
The historic milestone of 250 years since the Declaration of Independence is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future.
The exhibit will be judged by Stuart Roddy with awards presented at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 with music by Jim Kanas and Roger Hintzsche.
Participating artists include Cindy Bear,
Alice Blue, Richard Born, Bob Cholke, Rick Davis, Connie Fry, Beverly Garcia, Chuck Gregory, Timothy Griffith, Dan Grossmann, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Maggie Isaacs, Bob Kapheim, Julie Kennelly, Linnea Koch, Paula Kuehl, Bob Logsdon, Colleen Logsdon, Henry Matthiessen III, Joy Meyer, Gary Pearson, Joe Popp, Stephonie A. Schmitz and Joseph Virbickis.
Leaf River United Methodist Church blood drive is Feb. 16
The Leaf River United Methodist Church is hosting a community blood drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16.
Staff from the Rock River Valley Blood Center will draw blood.
Do you like to help others? Giving to others feels amazing. In busy, complicated times, giving blood is an easy, meaningful way to make a difference. In fact, this gift can enhance the lives of up to three people. Giving blood takes about one hour. Call or text Cheryl at 815-238-0293 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins also are welcomed to stop by and give.
– Shaw Local News Network
As a local, family-owned business, Stateline Solar is more than just a solar company—we’re part of this community. We were raised right here in the stateline area, and in 2017, we started Stateline Solar with a vision to bring reliable, renewable energy solutions to the people and businesses we care about most.
Over the past 9 years, we’ve been honored to help homeowners, businesses, and farms harness the power of solar energy, all while staying true to our core values— exceptional service, integrity, and a commitment to the community that shaped us. When you choose Stateline Solar, you’re not just investing in clean energy; you’re supporting a local business that’s dedicated to making our community stronger and more sustainable.
Thank you for your trust and support. We’re excited to working alongside you brighter future—one panel time!
o continu to build at Fien
Sincerely, Ethan & Hilary Fiene
Photo provided by CMAAA “Freedom” a photograph by Steve Hart of Sterling.
United Way of Ogle County is rolling out the red carpet for its biggest fundraising event of the year. Join it for Adult Prom: A Night in Hollywood on March 6 at the Stronghold Center for an evening of dancing, fun and community impact.
United Way of Ogle County’s Adult Prom will
be held March 6
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
United Way of Ogle County is rolling out the red carpet for its biggest fundraising event of the year. Join it for Adult Prom: A Night in Hollywood on March 6, at the Stronghold Center for an evening of dancing, fun and community impact.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the celebration continues until 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy heavy appetizers and a cash bar with one free drink included, a live DJ and extra dance time to keep the party going, a photo booth with props for memorable photos, a silent auction, dessert dash and raffle baskets with prizes. Whether it’s your first prom in
decades – or your very first – guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade of formal wear and step onto the red carpet for a Hollywood-worthy night out.
Tickets are $50 a person, $95 a couple and $350 per table of eight.
Tickets are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Buy online at uwogle.org/ a-night-in-hollywood-adult-prom.
All proceeds benefit United Way of Ogle County’s Community Grant Program, which provides funding to 26 nonprofit partners serving Ogle County. By attending, guests will support local programs that make a real difference in the community.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Welcome sign workshop at The Serenity Shed in Oregon is Feb. 24
Join The Serenity Shed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 to create a 12-inch custom sign for $15.
All supplies are provided. Spots are limited.
Call 815-732-4111 to register and select the wording you would like so stencils can
be prepared in advance. Choose from Welcome, Hello, Home Sweet Home or your last name.
Join the workshop at 131 N. Third St. in Oregon. It starts at 9 a.m. but you’re welcome to stop in anytime. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to wrap up your craft by 2 p.m.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Long Shots Photography
Wild Neighbors: Beavers – Nature’s Engineers program coming to Rock River Center on Feb. 11
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Area residents will have an opportunity to learn more about one of Illinois’ most fascinating native animals during Wild Neighbors: Beavers –Nature’s Engineers, a free program offered by University of Illinois Extension.
The presentation will begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 11, at the Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St. in Oregon.
Extension educator Peggy Anesi will lead the session, exploring the complex relationship between humans and beavers. From the child enchanted by a beaver’s quiet meal at the zoo to the landowner frustrated by a freshly felled tree, these animals evoke
a wide range of reactions.
Anesi said that while beavers can create challenges, they also play an important ecological role – and they make decisions based on instinct, not human expectations.
Anesi specializes in environmental education, helping audiences understand wildlife behavior, habitat needs and the connection between animals and water quality. She holds a bachelor of science degree in zoology with a focus on wildlife management.
Those needing reasonable accommodations to participate can contact the DeKalb County Extension office at 815-758-8194.
The program is free, but registration is required. To reserve a seat, call the Rock River Center at 815-732-3252.
Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about one of Illinois’ most fascinating native animals during Wild Neighbors: Beavers – Nature’s Engineers, a free program offered by University of Illinois Extension. The presentation will be Feb. 11, at the Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St. in Oregon.
Friday, March 6th
6:00PM - 10:00PM
Stronghold Center, 1922 IL-2 N. Oregon, IL
Step onto the red carpet and dance the night away at our Adult Prom Fundraiser-Hollywood style! Join us for heavy appetizers, cash bar, live DJ, photobooth with all the props, silent auction, dessert dash, 50/50 raffle & more!
Grab your friends, dress in your favorite decade of formal wear, and help support a great cause-all while having a Hollywood-worthy night out. Tickets are $50/Person, $95/Couple or $350/Table of 8 People.
Tickets are Limited! Register Online Today at: www.uwogle.org
It’s Party Time
With our beautiful prairie setting, the Byron Forest Preserve is the ideal location for your special occasion.
• Great facility for indoor or outdoor celebration
• Accommodate 400 guests on 2 levels including outdoor deck
• Choose your own caterer
Affordable Wedding Packages
Photo provided by U of I Extension
United Way of Ogle County Presents
Polo Area Community Theatre to present
‘A Murder is Announced’ Feb. 13-15, 20-21
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Polo Area Community Theatre is in rehearsals for Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “A Murder is Announced.”
In this Agatha Christie favorite, an announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities and a determined inspector grimly following the case’s twists and turns.
Fortunately, Miss Marple is on hand to provide the solution – at some risk to herself – in a dramatic final confrontation.
“A Murder is Announced” will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 14 and 20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 21 at the Old Polo Town Hall, 117 N. Franklin Ave., Polo.
The murder takes place on Friday the 13th and the show opens on Friday the 13th, so all adult and senior tickets will be only $13 that night.
On Feb. 14, enjoy a Valentine’s special including two tickets, a private table and more for $50.
For more information, visit www.polotheatre.org.
Inspector Cradock reminds everyone of the seriousness of the situation. Seen are Bailey Kibodeaux as Julia (from left), Josh Hershberger as Edmund, Rhylee Hinkle as Phillipa, Mary Jo Frederick as Miss Marple, Jeff Davidson as Inspector Craddock, Katelyn Kruger as Miss Bunner and Morgan Ayling as Sergeant Mellors.
Photo provided by PACT
Warranty Deeds
• Jeffery J. King to Matthew Zito and Marcet Zito, 1 Parcel: 503 W. 2nd St., Byron, $153,500
• Stephen C. Sharer and Suzanne M. Sharer to Stephen C. Sharer Trustee, Suzanne M. Sharer Trustee, Sharer Family Tr., 1 Parcel: 202 E Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $0.00
• Smith & Schaefer Llc to Uriel Estrada, 1 Parcel in Lincoln Township: 07-23-157-001, $31,000
• Jersey Rochelle Llc to Ample Rochelle Llc, 1 Parcel: 600 N 15th St., Rochelle, $375,000
• Twin Creek Farms Llc to Pamela K. Glendenning Trustee, George B. Glendenning Iii Trustee, P&g Family Tr219, and P & G Family Tr219, 2 Parcels in Scott Township: 11-27-200-010 and 11-27-200-011, $1,280,999
• David W. Safanda and John F. Safanda to Charles H. Payne, 1 Parcel in Scott Township: 11-22-226-006, $0.00
Quit Claims
• Bradley J. Bellows to Dalton Haenitsch, 1 Parcel: 508 E Buffalo St, Polo, $0.00
• Steven G. Stinson to Steven G. Stinson and Erica M. Stinson, 1 Parcel: 511 S 3rd St, Oregon, $0.00
• Haywell Llc-Mill Creek to Hre Builders Llc, 1 Parcel: 554 Creekside Circle, Byron, $0.00
• Creston Commons Llc to Hre Builders Llc, 1 Parcel in Dement Township: 25-23405-001, $0.00
• Jennifer L. Hay and Jennifer L. Elder to Jennifer L. Elder and Brian Elder, 1 Parcel: 1327 W 8th Ave, Rochelle, $0.00
• Johna L. Templin to Thomas C. Davis, 1 Parcel: 202 N Division Ave, Polo, $0.00
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Ogle County students graduate from Iowa State University
Iowa State University awarded degrees to 1,751 graduates this fall.
Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held Dec. 19-20 at Hilton Coliseum.
The following are graduates from the Ogle County area:
Byron: Eric Detig, bachelor of science, management, summa cum laude.
Oregon: Matthew J. Kuehn, bachelor of science, mechanical engineering, cum laude.
Polo: Joseph Lee Bardell, bachelor of science, mechanical engineering, magna
Deeds in Trust
• Raymond E. Ankney and Donna I. Ankney to Darrell E. Ankney Trustee and 4 D’s Family Tr1, 4 Parcels in Pine Rock Township: 17-27-376-001, 17-27-376-003, 17-27-376-004, and 17-27-376-005, $0.00
• Daniel Heng and Teresa Heng to Daniel Heng Trustee, Teresa Heng Trustee, and Teresa Heng Tr, 1 Parcel in Pine Rock Township: 17-22-300-024, $0.00
• James Marner and Laura A. Marner to James A. Marner Trustee, Laura A. Marner Trustee, James & Laura A. Marner Joint Rev Tr, 1 Parcel: 4868 E Walden Rd, Byron, $0.00
• Danny A. Hoffman, Judy L. Hoffman, and Judi L. Hoffman to Danny A. Hoffman Trustee and Danny A. Hoffman Tr., 1 Parcel in Forreston Township: 02-29-100-004, $0.00
• Danny A. Hoffman, Judy L. Hoffman, and Judi L. Hoffman to Judy L. Hoffman Trustee, Judi L. Hoffman Trustee, and Judy L. Hoffman Tr., 1 Parcel in Forreston: 02-29-100-004, $0.00
Executor’s Deeds
• Janis K. Wilson Deceased By Executor to Michael J. Kelsey, 1 Parcel: 808 N Crestview Trl, Byron, $119,500
• Arlen J. Heeren Deceased By Executor to Nicole M. Schoeny, Eric S. Schoeny, and Matthew S. Heeren, 1 Parcel in Maryland Township: 03-04-300-003, $0.00
• Arlen J. Heeren Deceased By Executor to Eric S. Schoeny and Nicole M. Schoeny, 1 Parcel in Maryland Township: 03-04300-003, $115,000
– Shaw Local News Network
cum laude. Harper Leigh Clark, bachelor of science, microbiology, magna cum laude.
Mt. Morris student named to Saint Mary’s College dean’s list
Abigail Fletcher of Mt. Morris recently was named to the Saint Mary’s College dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester.
To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary’s, a student must achieve a gradepoint average of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes and no grades lower than a C.
Ogle County Clerk receives service award
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Laura J. Cook, county clerk and recorder for Ogle County, recently was recognized with the Commitment to Service Award for outstanding dedication and commitment to public service.
The award was presented before colleagues, local leaders and honorees during a special ceremony Oct. 23 in Rockford, presided over by Zone IV President Tina Dolder and Putnam County Clerk & Recorder and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Donna Honzel.
The Commitment to Service Award honors county clerks and recorders who exemplify integrity, leadership, and dedication in serving their constituents. Recipients are recognized not only for the duties of recordkeeping and elections administration, but also for their commitment to safeguarding democracy and strengthening public trust.
The 2025 Commitment to Service Award was presented to Laura J. Cook, Ogle County clerk and recorder, by Zone President Tina Dolder and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Donna Honzel.
“It is a privilege to recognize Laura J. Cook for her unwavering service and leadership. Her work is a true reflection of the values this award represents,” Dolder said.
Cook has served as Ogle County’s clerk and recorder since 2016, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing record systems, improving voter access, and serving the public with integrity. .
KELLYANN HILDEBRAND BECKETT
Born: June 24, 1965
Died: December 7, 2025
Kellyann Hildebrand Beckett, age 60, passed away on December 7th, 2025. She was raised in Byron, Illinois, a community that shaped much of her life. Kellyann was the cherished daughter of Audrey and Loren Hildebrand, and beloved sister of Heidi Hildebrand (Francis). She is survived by her three children: Samantha Walzack (Lucas), Bryan (Eileen), and Sarah, who will forever hold her memory close. She attended Byron High School, Rockford University, and Loyola University. She enjoyed
meaningful careers as a blood lab technician, where her curiosity and dedication to science shone brightly, and as the manager of a finance department at the University of Louisville, KY, where she took pride in her team and attention to detail. Kellyann loved many things deeply — cats, science, baking, crafting, and any opportunity to share laughter. She enjoyed music, and played the piano, clarinet, and flute. She delighted in humor and treasured time spent with loved ones. Throughout her life, she faced challenges with a quiet courage and resilience that defined her strength. Private services were held.
Photo provided by JoAnn Hinerichsen
SANDRA L. (SAMSEL) DREXLER
Born: January 12, 1951
Died: February 2, 2026
BYRON, IL – Sandra L. (Samsel) Drexler, 75, of Byron, IL, passed away on 2/2/26 in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sandra was born to Robert and Evelyn Samsel on January 12, 1951, in Rockford, IL.
Childhood began in the German Valley area, and then moving on to Winnebago from third grade on, where she graduated in 1969.
Sandy married Del Smith in 1969. Between the two of them they had three children, Mike, Cody & Jodi.
They were divorced in 1978. In 1984, Sandra reunited in marriage to Dale Drexler and gained two stepchildren, Diane & Doug. They shared a life of love! After retirement, they started traveling to Florida for the winters where they met so many new friends! Dale suddenly became ill and ended up passing in September 2016. Sandy continued her trips to Florida, usually dragging her bestie Diane with her. Then in 2023, she decided she had
enough of Florida and wanted to be home with her family and friends, especially her grandkids and following them on to whichever sport they were playing. Never did she miss many games.
Sandy worked for the grain elevators back in the day around Forreston and Baileyville, then left to go to work at the Mt. Morris School District in 1986, retiring in 2006. She returned to work for the elevator in 2006 where she still did books for several farmers and individuals as of today.
Sandy leaves behind her son, Michael Smith (late Melissa Smith) of lowa, Cody Smith of Florida, and Jodi (Matt) Whitlock of Byron, Diane (Jeff) Marsh, South Wayne, Wi and Doug (Terra) Drexler of Polo; grandkids, Sean, Kyle, Kristen, Drew, Tylar, Jacob (Mel), Malachai, Elijah, Darien, Ava’Lynn, Dawson & Zachary; two great-granddaughters, Everley Opal and Cora Lee; sister, Sharon (Dennis) Christians; brother, Mike (Diane) Samsel; and my Mama Beverly Samsel of Winnebago. Cremation rites will be accorded at Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris with services at Cornerstone Family Church, Byron. Burial will be with family only at the Winnebago Cemetery. Would like to Thank Hospice Serenity Care and all involved. And of course, all the kids, family and friends that stepped in to help.
BETTY J. DIETRICH
Born: April 24, 1934 in Rochelle, IL
Died: January 31, 2026 in Dixon, IL
In sweet remembrance we celebrate the cherished life of Betty Dietrich, age 91, who passed peacefully Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was born April 24, 1934 in Rochelle, IL. High School sweethearts, ❤❤Betty and Jason, began their 72 love-filled years of marriage on February 16, 1952 at the Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley, IL while Betty was a senior. She then graduated and patiently waited for Jason to come back from the service before they started their family. Betty was a dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma throughout her life instilling traditional family values and always happy when she brought her “clan” together for all kinds of celebrations whether birthdays, holidays, cookouts or maybe just Sunday afternoon dinner. A true “Betty Homemaker” at heart, she loved sewing, gardening, canning and cooking and baking for her family & friends. Betty and Jason(Jake) led an active
social life filled with great friends, dancing, cards, camping, and traveling for many years. Betty modeled, by example, a steady work ethic from a young age culminating in owning her own business Karlberg Tan Spa Crafts & Collectibles in Byron IL where she forged additional friendships and touched lives on a daily basis. Betty is preceded in death by Jason Dietrich (2024) her parents, Ellen Marie Sophia Johnson, Gustaf Viktor Swensson, 2 siblings & 3 half siblings. Continuing to honor Betty’s life are her 8 children Roger Dietrich, Deborah DeVaney, Dawn Griffin (Gary), Dennis Dietrich (Cary), Doreen Hawkins (Craig), Robin Hahn (Bill), Betsy Johannsen (Craig) and Jennifer Jones (Mark) additionally many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held 11 AM Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral home, 136 West Roosevelt Rd. in Stillman Valley IL with Pastor Barry Norris officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at the funeral home from 9 to 11 AM. A memorial fund is established in Betty’s name and may be directed to her family.
Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.
Just because millions of roses are prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.
• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.
• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling
the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.
• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.
• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement.
Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day brightens up the bleakness of the shortest and most wintry month of the year for the northern part of the globe. Businesses and homes are awash in pink and red each February, with heart-shaped decorations and boxes filling up store aisles. Sending heartfelt sentiments is a large part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, and most people cherish the day for the opportunity to bestow gifts on the ones they love.
The National Retail Federation says more than half of all consumers typically plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2025, $27.5 billion was spent on the holiday, with consumers continuing to prioritize gifting those closest to them. The NRF reports the top gift categories for Valentine’s Day are candy, flowers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry. Here’s how to make these gifts more thoughtful and endearing.
CANDY
Gift givers can select candy that is preferable to their loved one instead of choosing the first box of chocolate they find at the store. Perhaps the person you love likes confections from a boutique candy shop a few towns over or has a hankering for candy from
overseas? Mexico, for example, is known for its Dulce de Leche, while Halva is a dense, sweet treat from the Middle East. Choosing a special candy really sets the gift apart.
FLOWERS
Flowers are special gifts. Too often, people feel pressured to buy roses on Valentine’s Day, even if this might not be a special someone’s preferred flower. Choose, instead, a flower that has particular meaning to the person or one that is known to be a favorite.
Aster and Baby’s Breath are two blooms known for being symbols of love, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
GREETING CARDS
A handmade card may express warmer sentiments than one picked up at the store, particularly since the former can be customized to the recipient. Include personalized sentiments, inside jokes or memories of time spent together. Craft and hobby stores offer plenty of supplies for paper crafting, so it’s possible to create a lovely greeting card with minimal effort.
A NIGHT OUT
A night out can be tailored to the interests of the couple celebrating. Book a dinner at a restaurant that was the scene of your first date; otherwise, stay in and watch a movie you each love.
JEWELRY
Jewelry is a very personal gift. While it may seem like a great idea to surprise a special someone with a bracelet or earrings, if the style is off or the color wrong, the piece may not be worn. Rather, the surprise can be a trip to the jewelry store together to pick out something recipients wear all the time.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026
12PM - 3PM
BYRON
ALL SAINTS 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: 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.
Adult Bible Studies are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm and on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
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
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
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) 2462685 - 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
CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
606 Main St., Chana, IL 61015 Worship and Children’s
Education: 10:30 a.m.
Email: ChanaUMC@gmail.com
Phone: 815-732-7683
Pastor: Bill Hollowell
Facebook: Chana United Methodist Church
Free Clothes Closet: call for hoursNA
AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY
FORRESTON
FAITH
LUTHERAN CHURCH
402 2nd Avenue, Forreston, IL 61030, Phone
815-938-3203Pastor Scott Ralston
Sunday Worship 9:00 am; Sunday School 10:00 am
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
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
LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH
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 61047Phone: 815-345-3038; Pastor Cherie Quillman
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
LINDENWOOD UNION CHURCH
101 N. Galena St. & Walnut, PO Box 67, Lindenwood, IL Regular worship service Sundays at 10:00AM with fellowship following. Tuesdays 10:00AM Sr Exercise! Lunch afterwards. Library open on Sunday Everyone is welcome!
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
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH MT. MORRIS
308 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris IL | Phone: 815-734-6354
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
OREGON CHURCH OF GOD
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 Study1:00 pm Thursday Men’s Group - 7:00 pm
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
Worship Services: Sunday 10 am Holy Communion with Hymns
Christian Education Available
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
301 N 4th St, Oregon, IL 61061 - Phone 815-732-7383Fr. Bernard Sehr; Mailing/Office Address: 8 81 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061
Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm, Sun. 8:30 am and 6:00 pm Weekday Masses: Mon. 12:05 pm, Wed. and Fri. 8:30 am 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
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
HOW TO PLAY
Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Pickles
Wizard of Id
Alley Oop Garfield
Hagar the Horrible
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Daddy Daze
JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in
always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when
pleted the puzzle, there will be 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
Travel choices
Solution: 15 Letters
Air bed Alps Anglesea Arakoon Aura Away Bait Bali Blue Mountains Boat Calm Canoe City Colo Coral Dawn Dinghy Dirt Dive Doze Dunk East Eldon Enjoy Gem Gove Hats Hire Hume Icon Idle Iluka Kiama Laze Lush Maya Narooma Nicest North Onslow Ouse Ouyen Pool Radio Read Rodeo Shop Sign Snow Sun Surf
Solution: At home and abroad
Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com
Date: 2/7/26
Speed Bump
Development Region #6), Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #5) and the LWA #4 Local Workforce Plan
CLASSIFIED
MISCELLANE OUS FOR SALE FOR SALE
Old school desk
- $200.00 20-gal totes$4.00 or $5.00 815-626-4991 or 815-284-8204
LE GAL NOTICE
ATTENTION: Businesses, Local Education Agencies, Community-Based Organizations, Local Labor Organizations and Interested Persons:
The Chief Elected Officials for Local Workforce Area #4 (LWA #4) and Northwest Central Illinois Works (NCI Works) announces the availability of the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #6), Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #5) and the LWA #4 Local Workforce Plan
& up cars, trucks & vans 815-213-1665 LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES
Modification of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for public review and comments. The Local and Regional Plans have been developed to provide a variety of workforce training services for adults and youth under WIOA for Program Years 2024 - 2027 (July 1, 2024June 30, 2028) Under the Local Plan, workforce training and services are provided to an 8-county area which include: Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a
Modification of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for public review and comments. The Local and Regional Plans have been developed to provide a variety of workforce training services for adults and youth under WIOA for Program Years 2024 - 2027 (July 1, 2024June 30, 2028) Under the Local Plan, workforce training and services are provided to an 8-county area which include: Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 10-county area that includes: Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island & Whiteside under the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 4county area that includes: Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, and Stephenson under the Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan.
Detailed copies of these plans are available for public review Monday through Thursday during regular business hours (9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.) at the following location: 4110 Progress Blvd., Suite 1C, Peru, IL. These Plans modifications are also posted to the NCI Works (www nciworks.org) and Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (www.best-inc .org) websites EOE. Feb. 9, 11, 2026
A Help Button Should Go Where You Go!
MobileHelp® allows you to summon emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you. MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range.
No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located. If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.
Crunch time for basketball and wrestling
SPORTS VIEWS
With the calendar turning over to February, it’s crunch time for basketball and wrestling. The wrestlers will be in the midst of it Feb. 13 at Byron for the individual sectional, always one of the top sporting events of the school year.
Several years ago, when I was on the wrestling beat, I preferred the sectional to the state meet. You know more of the wrestlers and the action can sometimes be just as intense.
Josiah Perez of Oregon takes an undefeated 39-0 record into the sectional, as the 120-pounder seeks to become only the third Hawk state champ after finishing in sixth last year. Another county grappler with a gaudy record is Brody Stien of Byron. The 175-pounder junior is 41-1.
As expected, Lena-Winslow with four wrestlers ranked No. 1 in the state, finished ahead of Oregon and Byron at the regional. In 2024, Byron upset Le-Win at the regional and Oregon beat them last year.
It wasn’t even close this time, with Le-Win taking the title by 77 points over Oregon.
The top showing in a 1A regional came at Coal City, where the home team qualified its entire team for the sectional, including 11 individual champs. At least the Coalers are in a different sectional.
One former wrestling powerhouse that seems to have changed into a basketball is Dakota, who was a distant sixth at the regional. Meanwhile, their hoops team is 24-1, with its lone loss to Byron at the Forreston tourney.
With its football team barely getting enough players out to field a team, the make-up of athletes has certainly changed at Dakota. Still, it’s hard to get away from a former football/wrestling mindset.
Is $12 at the door too much for admission into a wrestling regional, or $10 per session at a sectional? For a family, that can be a bit much and there has been some grumbling from fans about it.
At the sectional there are three sessions, with the gym cleared each time for readmission. Say, you’re bringing
Oregon coaches Justin Laham and Noah Paul talk to Josiah Perez after he won a decision over Lena-Winslow’s Keller Otto in the 120-pound championship match on Jan. 31, at the 1A Stillman Valley Sectional at Stillman Valley High School.
grandparents, a couple kids and a spouse, that’s $180 if you choose to attend all three sessions and pay cash instead of digital.
The IHSA sets all post-season ticket prices and they have gone up considerably over the years. Compared to other forms of entertainment, like the $359 ticket I purchased to see the Eagles at the Sphere in Las Vegas last weekend, high school sports ticket prices are still somewhat value-oriented.
Still, it would be nice if the IHSA
As 2A sectional host, Mendota might be the team to beat for Byron (which beat Mendota 69-65 last month), Lutheran, Oregon and Winnebago. Watch out for Aurora Christian, too. Oregon is well on their way to its first 20-win season in 10 years, with a shot at Mendota on Feb. 14 at home. The Hawks still need to prove they can be competitive with quality opponents.
Several years ago during some lean times, Oregon downgraded its schedule to include more 1A opponents and that is still the case today with 13 1A teams. However, their best win so far was a 77-53 blowout from start to finish over a decent 3A opponent in Rochelle.
Congratulations to Jim Spencer and Matt Gingrich of Sterling for broadcasting their 1,000th Sterling sporting event (718 basketball, 211 football, 71 baseball/softball). Having in-house talent like that provides Sterling with a great media presence.
I’ve known both since they started in 1997 and they have a passion for high-school sports, something needed for anyone covering prep sports. Spencer is more of the trained professional and Gingrich the knowledgeable fan type. And, it is more than just game broadcasts. The pair has experimented into other platforms over the years.
As newspaper coverage has changed over the years, it’s nice to see schools being covered in other ways. However, it’s got to be tough on the mothers who had grown accustomed to clipping articles out of a newspaper for a scrapbook for a son or daughter.
Getting back to that Eagles concert at the Sphere, I can honestly say that the show was worth every cent paid. The combination of their music and such a technologically advanced venue made it a musical experience like no other.
could give consideration to families struggling to pay their way in this era of inflation. Then again, the IHSA policy probably has to be the same for everyone, whereas individual schools have more leeway in pricing structure. Sterling Newman took its first basketball boys loss of the year to drop to 24-1, with Mendota blowing them out, 65-46. That’s not an anomaly. With eight wins by single digits, the Comets were due for a loss. Additionally, Mendota (20-5) has its best team in 30 years.
But, when it comes down to it, the Eagles at the Sphere can’t hold a candle to seeing one’s son or daughter compete in an IHSA state series tournament. That truly is priceless.
Finally, congratulations to Caden Considine of Byron for earning a D-I scholarship for football, giving him bragging rights over grandpa Rick at Northern Illinois and father Sean at Iowa.
• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.
Andy Colbert
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Area girls and boys basketball teams tune-up for tourney
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Monday, Jan. 26
Boys basketball
Oregon 62, Amboy 52: Keaton Salsbury led the Hawks with 24 points in the road win. Rylan McNinch had 15 points and 10 rebounds while Ezra Parker added 15 more for the Clippers. Colt McCoy tossed in 13 points for Amboy.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Girls basketball
Polo 62, Milledgeville 37: Cam Jones scored 27 points and had seven rebounds and four assists in Polo’s win.
Stillman Valley 51, Oregon 29: Oregon’s Aniyah Sarver had 16 points in the road setback.
Thursday, Jan. 29
Girls basketball
Polo 39, AFC 28: Cam Jones had 14 points, and Laynie Mandrell had 13 rebounds in the Marcos’ win. Polo led 17-9 after the first quarter. Drew Dawson scored 11 points for AFC.
Friday, Jan. 30
Boys basketball
Oregon 85, Genoa-Kingston 65: Benny
Carroll added 12 in the road win. Jordan Reed led Polo with 15 points.
Girls basketball
Oregon 48, Genoa-Kingston 32: Aniyah Sarver had 22 points and Addi Rufer added 10 in the home win.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Girls basketball
Olalde had 19 points and Keaton Salsbury added 18 in the home win. Tucker O’Brien (13 points) and Cooper John-
son (12) also were in double figures. Eastland 59, Polo 36: Parker Krogman led Eastland with 16 points and Wyatt
Polo 71, Forreston 50: Cam Jones led the Marcos with 26 points, going 8 of 9 at the line. Hailee Vogt led Forreston with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Hawk wrestlers take 1st at Leroy Randy Bowman Invitational
By RANDY HOLLAND Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Led by champions Josiah Perez at 120 pounds, Isaiah Perez at 126, and Nelson Benesh at 138 and runner-up Jackson Messenger at 150, Oregon took first place for the second year in a row at the annual Leroy Randy Bowman Invitational.
The Hawks finished with 178.5 points, well ahead of second-place Heyworth with 126.5. Warrensburg-Latham, Auburn and LeRoy rounded out the top five.
Josiah Perez had an opening-round bye, pinned with a half nelson at 1:31 and had a 20-4 technical fall at the six-minute mark. He had an 18-0 technical fall at 5:21 in the title match.
Isaiah Perez had a bye and pinned with a half nelson at 1:12. In the semifinals, he had a 15-0 technical fall at the two-minute mark. He scraped to a pin at
2:59 in the title match.
Nelson Benesh had a bye and two falls, a butcher at 1:21 and a takedown to the back at 5:11. In the first-place match, Benesh ran a chicken wing at 2:52 to complete a 17-2 technical fall at 2:26.
Messenger hit a double leg takedown in 36 seconds in his first match, ran a chicken wing at 2:19 in the quarterfinals, and had his opponent on his back four times in a 17-1 technical fall, ending the second period with a spinning takedown. In the championship match, Messenger was scoreless in the first period and then was injured in the second period and could not continue, losing by injury default.
Jayden Berry took third place at 157, pinning in the first period in his first two matches. He was pulled back in a chicken wing at 3:19 in the semifinals to drop to the third-place mat where he had a reverse to the back for four points on his way to a 19-4 technical fall at 1:58.
At 144, Boone Alderks pinned twice in the first period and once in the second to reach the semifinals where he lost by a fall at 3:06 to the eventual champion. He was pinned again in the third-place match, a half nelson at 2:51 to finish fourth.
Also taking fourth was Jack Benesh. He pinned twice in the first period to get to the semifinals at 132 pounds. In the round of four, he was taken to his back in a half nelson at 2:48. In the third-place match, he had an early lead but was rolled to his back and pinned at 1:34.
Another Oregon wrestler finishing fourth was Kayden Cover at 106 pounds. He had a bye and a double chicken wing at 1:49 to get to the semifinals where he lost by a technical fall. He dropped a 9-1 major decision in the third-place match.
Carson Benesh and Landon Ege both lost their second matches and then pinned to reach the fifth-place mat where Benesh beat Ege by a 12-2 major
decision, giving Benesh fifth and Ege sixth place in the 132-pound weight class.
Newt Wright took sixth at 285 pounds, pinning with a drop to the back in 10 seconds in his opener, getting pinned in the first period of his second match, and then pinning his way to the fifth-place mat where he was down big when he was turned in a chicken wing and pinned at 3:12.
Wrestling at 150, Hunter Skoli had two pins but dropped out in the consolation semifinal, losing a 20-6 major decision.
Jasper Messenger started with a pin but lost his next two by falls to drop out in the wrestleback quarterfinals.
Tyshawn Gordy won his opener but was pinned by the eventual champion in the quarterfinals, had a technical fall in his next match and was pinned in 20 seconds in the consolation quarterfinals to end his tournament.
Oregon’s Ethan Peeling protects the ball from Genoa-Kingston’s Cody Cravatta on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Blackhawk Center.
Photos By Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network Oregon’s Aniyah Sarver lays the ball up against Genoa-Kingston on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Blackhawk Center.
Hot start sends Dixon past BNC-rival Oregon
Dixon Dukes pick up wire-to-wire win over Hawks at Lancaster Gym
By TY REYNOLDS
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A hot start led to a wire-to-wire win for Dixon on Tuesday over Big Northern Conference rival Oregon.
The Dukes led by double digits less than three minutes into the game and never trailed in a 60-53 victory at Lancaster Gym.
“I think it was all confidence from Saturday, coming off a big win over Lutheran,” Brody Nicklaus said. “I told the boys [before the game], ‘Let’s just come out with that same energy.’ We started off hot against Lutheran, and we just wanted to start out the same way tonight. We came out hot, got the lead and held them to eight points in a great first quarter.”
Nicklaus opened the game with a steal and layup, then Dixon (9-14, 4-2 BNC) scored the next 10 points – from three different players – to take a 12-0 lead just 2:49 in.
The last basket came on an all-out hustle play by Jimi Gosinski. He tipped a pass, then dove to the court and tapped the ball into the backcourt to keep Oregon from recovering – then dove to the court again to recover the loose ball. He managed to pass it to a streaking Xavion Jones for a layup.
“That steal by Jimi at half-court, that really set the tone and brought up our energy a lot,” Jakob Nicklaus said. “I feel like we just really pressured the ball really well. We knew we needed to do that to catch them off guard at the start.”
Trailing 18-6 late in the first, Oregon (19-7, 4-3 BNC) got seven straight points from Cooper Johnson and a 3-pointer from Brian Wallace to cut the deficit to 18-16. But two Beckham Rock jumpers sandwiched a 3 by Jakob Nicklaus as Dixon stretched the lead back to 27-19.
The Hawks got baskets from Wallace, Johnson and Ethan Peeling to make it 27-25, but Jakob and Brody Nicklaus both hit 3s to give Dixon a 34-27 lead at halftime.
The Dukes then got two 3s from each of the Nicklaus cousins in the third quarter, and Jones and Armahn McGowan
both scored inside for a 50-34 lead.
“We know we can’t slow down or let up, because that happened a couple times early in the season where we got up early and then we let off the gas and teams came back, and we ended up losing,” Jakob Nicklaus said. “It’s been kind of a tough season for us, and I feel like we’re really starting to get over a hump that we’ve been trying to get over. I think we’re seeing that we can be a good team that teams are going to have to compete with.”
The Hawks had one more run in them. Wallace hit a 3, then Keaton Salsbury, Tucker O’Brien and Benny Olalde all scored inside before another Wallace 3 and Olalde layup cut the deficit to 54-51 with 2:15 to play.
But Brody Nicklaus zipped a pass to Jones for a layup for the second time in the quarter, then hit four free throws in the final two minutes to seal the deal.
“We’ve done that the last couple games. We dig ourselves a hole, and then we’ve got to dig ourselves out of it,” Oregon coach Jarrett Reynolds said. “We just couldn’t get over the hump. If we could just not start a basketball game like that, that’s the key.”
Brody Nicklaus hit three 3s and went 6-for-6 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter to finish with 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and a
block for the Dukes.
Jakob Nicklaus hit four 3s and had 16 points and four rebounds, while Jones added 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
McGowan was a beast on the boards, grabbing 18 rebounds to go with six points, four steals and two assists, and Rock chipped in five points and two assists.
“We shouted out everybody in the locker room because all the hard work we’ve been putting in has been showing out. A lot of guys stepped up tonight,” Brody Nicklaus said. “When our offense was slacking, we picked it up on defense, and when our defense was slacking, we got it back on offense. It was just all-
around tonight, just kept getting confidence from different areas.”
Johnson’s 16 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists led the Hawks, and Wallace added 11 points and three steals. Olalde had nine points, four rebounds, three steals and a block. Salsbury scored six points, Peeling added five points, three rebounds and two steals, and O’Brien chipped in four points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block.
“I don’t think at this point in the season you can flush games away anymore. You want to play your best ball in the postseason,” Reynolds said. “It’s just everything from here on out is a huge learning moment, so it’s when are we going to learn? We’ll see; I hope we do.”
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Dixon’s Armahn McGowan puts up a shot against Oregon on Tuesday, Feb. 3, during a Big Northern Conference contest played in Dixon..
Oregon’s Cooper Johnson drives to the hoop against Dixon’s Jimi Gosinski on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
SPORTS
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Monday, February 9, 2026
The Hawks won their ninth game in 12 tries with an 85-65 win over Genoa-Kingston / 30
Oregon’s Landon Ziller brings the ball up the court against Genoa-Kingston on Jan. 30, at the Blackhawk Center.
Photo by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
