OCL_090125_Ogle County Life

SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851 • ShawLocal.com

Monday, September 1, 2025 • Free

LOCAL NEWS

To our readers

Shaw Media President and CEO John Rung shares commitment to readers and community / 2 SPORTS

Team goals

Oregon Hawks hope to build back-to-back postseason appeareances / 23, 25 TODAY’S EDITION: 32 pages • Vol. 37, Issue 21

BETTER SERVICE

Monroe Township sees EMS response times reduced after new staffing model, new ambulance put into service / 3

A message to our valued readers

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

2 ShawLocal.com

FROM THE CEO’S DESK John Rung

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Rochelle News-Leader (USPS #004-083 / ISSN #1045-3059) is published Monday and delivered to homes by Shaw Media, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068 Periodical postage paid at Rochelle, IL and additional mailing offices.

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On Aug. 6, the Rochelle NewsLeader, Ogle County Life, Mendota Reporter and Amboy News ceased publication. Like many of you, we at Shaw Media felt the loss deeply. Local newspapers are a vital part of the fabric of a community, and when they go silent, something important goes missing.

That’s why I’m proud to share that Shaw Media has acquired the rights to publish these papers. Beginning with this edition on Aug. 27, they will once again serve the readers and communities that rely on them.

I want to be candid: We are working hard and moving quickly to bring these

publications back. In these first issues, you may notice that some of the content or presentation is still taking shape.

The News-Leader, Life and Reporter resume publishing this week. The Amboy News will restart in the next few weeks. Please bear with us – we are committed to improving coverage and presentation in short order.

Most importantly, we want to assure you that your subscriptions will continue to be honored. In addition, readers will now benefit from expanded digital coverage of their communities through our website, ShawLocal.com.

This means more timely updates, more photographs, and more ways to stay connected to the stories that matter most.

Shaw Media has a long tradition of local journalism. Our company was founded in nearby Dixon in 1851, and over the past 174 years, we have grown

to serve dozens of communities across Illinois and Iowa. In 2023 and 2024, we welcomed nine Northern Illinois radio stations into the fold. What has never changed is our commitment to being a trusted, local news source and an active, engaged member of the communities we serve.

We look forward to working with readers, advertisers and community leaders in Rochelle, Ogle County and Mendota. We plan to be here for the long haul – as stewards of these publications, partners in your communities and believers in the power of local news.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes once again. Together, we will write the next chapter for these newspapers.

• John Rung is the president and CEO of Shaw Media.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

First Fridays Open Mic is Sept. 5

The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on Friday, Sept. 5. This indoor event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, although a jar is available for donations.

Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier. Interested parties who have questions can contact Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.

The VFW is located at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon. It provides ample parking, along with the availability of a restaurant and bar Photo provided by Lowell Harp within the building. A fish fry runs from 4-8 p.m. Jerry Tice (center) performed at last month’s First Friday. Tim Laurence, on banjo, (left) and Larry – Jeff Helfrich Wallace, on dobro, backed him up.

WHERE IT’S AT

ON THE COVER

Classified................................................... 28-31

On Jan. 6, the Monroe Township Fire Protection District began staffing its station from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to better service residents and improve response times. The move was made due to an increasing number of calls for service during working hours, when many paid on-call members are unavailable due to their career commitments. See story on page 3. Photo by Jeff Helfrich

Library news................................................9, 11 Opinions......................................................12-13 Property transfers.......................................... 21 Sports........................................................23-27

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Ogle County town made the change because of increasing number of calls for service

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Jeff Helfrich

The Monroe Township Fire Protection District has seen success with a new daytime fire and EMS staffing model since starting it in January, Deputy Chief Richard Wilson (right) said Aug. 4. Also seen are District EMS Coordinator Capt. Michaelle Jaeger (from left), and firefighter/EMT Tyler Kilcullen. and this year it’s at 105. With the increase in calls, the new staffing model has been on-site for service three days a week.

With its proximity to Interstate 39, the Monroe Township fire district on occasion responds to serious highway incidents, and did as recently as July 26 for a two-vehicle crash with multiple injuries. One person suffered severe injuries and required helicopter transport. Wilson said responses like that wouldn’t have been possible without response from mutual-aid companies from the area.

“In the fire service, a firefighter is a firefighter,” Wilson said. “They all have the same common goals of protecting lives and saving property, in that order.

You can go to another state or country and the same goal applies. It’s life safety first and then property conservation.

We’re an all-hazards fire department.

We respond to everything.”

On July 18, the Monroe Township fire district put a new 2024 ambulance into service, replacing a 2006 unit. The new ambulance was bought due to high maintenance costs on the older model.

Wilson said the new ambulance will serve the district for the next 15 to 20 years and has upgraded technology to

aid personnel and patients such as power-loading cots and a power-assisted stair chair.

Wilson credited Monroe Township Fire Chief Scott Jaeger and EMS coordinator Capt. Michaelle Jaeger for their work on acquiring the new ambulance and putting it into service.

“The new ambulance took hours and hours to get and get put into service,” Wilson said. “It goes from evaluating what you want and what you need. The needs outweigh the wants, and it comes down to dollars and cents. Once you identify the need, you have to be forward-thinking. We read articles and learned about the newest, best technology. The chief is a good steward of taxpayers’ money, and he came up with a good proposal with the EMS coordinator, and the board approved it.”

The new ambulance saw a two-month delay in delivery due to supply chain issues, and the Monroe Township fire district worked to outfit it for two months before it was put into service.

Wilson thanked taxpayers for allowing the district to purchase equipment and stay current.

The new staffing model has seen a positive response from people in the

community, Wilson said.

“One person recently called 911 for their mother, who was not feeling well,” Wilson said. “The station was staffed at the time. We pulled up, and the 911 caller told me they were going to drive themselves because they thought it would take too long for the ambulance to get there. And we pulled into the driveway, and the caller was surprised. We want the fact that we’re doing daytime staffing to get out to the community.”

Wilson previously worked as a battalion chief in a full-time fire department for 26 years in a suburb outside Chicago.

He’s been with the Monroe Township fire district for about 17 years and noticed the difference in longer response times in rural communities.

“Those services, you hang up the phone and people are pulling into the driveway,” Wilson said. “Here, people were OK with 15-minute response times.

We’ve almost cut that in half just with daytime help. We can be out of the station within one to three minutes. We can be at the house within six to seven minutes versus 15 to 20 minutes. People have made comments about how fast it’s been. That’s another feather in our cap of doing our job right.”

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The Monroe Township Fire Protection District has seen success with a new daytime fire and emergency medical services staffing model since January, Deputy Chief Richard Wilson said Aug. 4.

On Jan. 6, the station began staffing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to better service its residents and improve response times, with plans to possibly expand to seven-day coverage in the future. The move was made due to an increasing number of calls for service during working hours, when many paid on-call members are unavailable due to their career commitments.

“The new staffing model has drastically helped our community through quicker response times,” Wilson said.

“We are evaluating expanding right now with funding. Right now, it’s working out great, and the community is being served. We’ve seen a drastic reduction in mutual aid coming into our community to cover our town while all of our personnel are at work. The calls that we couldn’t respond to last year were in the 30th percentile. Now we’re at around the 12th percentile.”

Before the staffing change, mutual-aid companies from the area including Kirkland, Lynn Scott Rock, New Milford and Stillman were responding to more calls in Monroe Township’s coverage area.

“They were getting a lot of the burden,” Wilson said. “All of our employees are paid on-call and work jobs outside of town and were unavailable. Stillman fire has a full-time ambulance. LSR has people around during the daytime. This being an older community with no volunteers in town, we were relying on them. We’re starting to take more care of our own community.”

The Monroe Township fire district mostly responds to medical calls. From January to the end of July, it received 60 EMS calls. Last year, that number was 55 over the same period. Total calls from January through July last year was 91,

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

Monroe Center Fire adopts new staffing model

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Dixon man accused of attempted murder, attorney argue media coverage

PAG to present Tapestry of Shadows Oct. 10-12

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com The defense attorney for a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers in Ogle County is asking the court to reconsider its previous ruling regarding media coverage.

Jonathon Gounaris, 33, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card – all of which stem from a June 12, 2024, standoff with police in the rural Dixon subdivision of Lost Lake. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford.

Gounaris appeared before Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe on Monday, Aug. 25, with his attorneys, William Wolf and Jack DeBacker of Wolf Criminal Law, based in Chicago.

Soon after Gounaris was arrested, the court granted extended media coverage that allows cameras to photograph those involved in the court proceedings at Gounaris’ hearings.

Wolf said he’s concerned allowing the media to take and publish “voluminous” photos of Gounaris wearing handcuffs, leg irons and a jumpsuit issued to inmates will contaminate the jury pool.

Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock disagreed.

Gounaris’ case has received “no more attention” than other “high profile cases” in the county, Rock said.

“No one is being prejudice.”

Roe agreed with Rock, stating that “nothing has been out of the ordinary” with the media coverage in this case.

But Wolf disagreed and asked Roe to “stop this from becoming a perpetual perp walk court date after court date” and requested that Gounaris be allowed to participate in hearings wearing civilian clothes and without being shackled.

Rock objected, arguing that someone in custody doesn’t get “dressed out,” he said.

Roe said he wouldn’t have a problem with allowing Gounaris to attend hearings without handcuffs.

Alex T. Paschal photos

Jonathan Gounaris leaves an Ogle County courtroom Monday, Aug. 25, in Oregon.

This fall, The Performing Arts Guild will present Tapestry of Shadows, a theatrical tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. The show will consist of four of Poe’s most haunting works to the stage – “The Raven,” “The Black Cat,” “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

Performances will be held Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m..

There will be open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open a half hour before show time. For tickets call 815-734-2103 or order online at www.performingartsguild. com.

Auditions were held in June and we are pleased to announce the cast as follows: Maxwell George, Joe Helfrich, Sherri Stiles, Larry Ubben, Trudy Whalen and Morgan McConnell.

Edgar Allan Poe is known for his tales of mystery and the macabre.

Enjoy something truly unique – a theatrical experience that honors one of literature’s darkest voices in the very month of his death.

Tapestry of Shadows is reimagined and directed by Morgan McConnell with Trudy Whalen as co-director.

Producers are Jennifer Bakener and Pamela Ballard.

Polo Chamber Dinner is Sept. 24

William Wolf, attorney for Jonathan Gounaris, appears Monday, Aug. 25, in Ogle County Court.

Wolf requested his client not appear in court wearing shackles when media is present.

“That is the one thing I would consider,” Roe said.

Rock also told the court that he “didn’t learn about this until right now” and would like to see “something in writing.”

Roe also said that he “would consider something in writing” and made no ruling on the issue Monday.

At a hearing in May, Wolf said he plans to pursue a motion asking to hold the trial outside of Ogle County,

a motion that was filed March 6 by former Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, who left the office in mid-April. As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, Wolf had not yet filed that motion.

Motions asking to move a trial to a different location typically cite pretrial publicity as a reason why the filing party believes a defendant would not get a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed.

Gounaris’ next court appearance is set for 3 p.m. Sept. 25.

The Polo Chamber of Commerce will hold its 58th annual meeting and dinner 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Polo Room at 712 N. Division Ave. in Polo.

The event will begin with registration and cocktails followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting and presentation of awards at 6:30 p.m.

Awards announced will be the Citizen of the Year and the Carole Nettz Volunteer of the Year. Chamber President Joey Kochsmeier will give a report on Chamber activities through 2024-2025 and election of the 20252026 board of directors will be held.

Three vacancies need to be filled and nominations will be accepted.

– Jeff Helfrich

Rochelle breaks ground on intermodal expansion

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Jeff Helfrich photos

Rochelle held a groundbreaking for the expansion of its Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center on Aug. 14. Increased demand in the area for rail-to-truck transloading and third-party logistics brought about the $4.8 million expansion, which will be 80 percent funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“I stand here today filled with gratitude and pride as we celebrate what we’ve overcome together,” Bearrows said. “Numerous individuals played crucial roles in bringing this project to fruition. As we break ground today, we’re not just creating an international facility. We’re laying the groundwork for new opportunities, growth and prosperity for Rochelle. This facility will serve as a vital link for local businesses, helping them thrive in an ever-changing global economy.”

Biagi reiterated the state’s support for infrastructure projects like the RITC that serve local municipalities and businesses.

“It’s wonderful to be here at this incredible facility,” Biagi said. “So much hard work has gone into the investments that preceded this and getting to this point. We have the money and willpower, and we’re all pulling on the same rope in the same direction, and we’re going to continue to get great infrastructure investments done in this region and the state.”

Fiegenschuh called the RITC “a truly historic partnership” between the city, state, GREDCO and trucking and rail representatives. The RITC and the CIR help to keep Rochelle competitive in today’s economy, he said.

IDOT’s support of the project was vital, the city manager said.

“I’m pleased to highlight our strong relationship with IDOT,” Fiegenschuh said. “This kind of commitment is absolutely vital to the success of the RITC and our private sector partners.

Our partnership with IDOT is broad,

The Burlington Junction Railway’s Peter Hoth speaks at the city of Rochelle’s groundbreaking for the expansion of its Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center at 1851 S. Steward Road on Aug. 14.

Mayor John Bearrows is on the right.

deep and essential to Rochelle’s future.

On behalf of our community, I want to thank Gov. JB Pritzker, his staff and the entire IDOT team for their vision, investment and continued support of Rochelle and our economic growth.”

The city’s railroad is operated by the Burlington Junction Railway and has been for the past 19 years. Hoth thanked the city for its partnership and called transloading “a vital part” of growing economies and railroads.

“Not every industry can be directly rail served,” Hoth said. “Here we can serve people that are a quarter mile away or 50 miles or more away and give them access to our national rail network and increase what they can do. We’re proud to invest in Rochelle and our services here and look forward

to doing that for a long time.”

Closing remarks at the event were made by Tesreau, who recently took on the added responsibility of serving as the city’s railroad director. He thanked everyone who has worked on the project, including IDOT and Fehr Graham, the project’s engineering consultant.

“Since late last year, this has been a whirlwind,” Tesreau said. “But today we’ve set yet another project in motion.

It’s what we do as transportation and engineering professionals. We make it happen. Let’s savor this success today and move on to the next challenge ahead of us. Now the boots on the ground and moving of dirt begins, to see this project go from plans to reality. Let’s dig in and move some earth.”

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The City of Rochelle held a groundbreaking for the expansion of its Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center on Thursday, Aug. 14.

The RITC, at 1851 S. Steward Road, opened in 2020 as a joint effort between the city and the Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation to provide industries of all sizes with direct rail access.

To date, the facility has transloaded 1,000 railcars and has served as a staging area for hundreds of shipping containers used by 12 customers. Increased demand in the area for rail-to-truck transloading and third-party logistics brought about the $4.8 million expansion, which will be 80% funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The event was attended by city officials and staff, economic development personnel, state officials and representatives from the railroad and trucking industries. Speakers at the event were City Economic Development Director Tom Demmer, Mayor John Bearrows, City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Engineer and Railroad Director Sam Tesreau, Illinois Secretary of Transportation Gia Biagi, and the Burlington Junction Railway’s Peter Hoth.

Demmer said the City of Rochelle Railroad is unique and offers opportunities for economic development by local businesses and the chance to attract new businesses. He called the RITC expansion “a great opportunity” for the city, Ogle County and the region and thanked the state for its support of the project.

Bearrows said the project will have “a significant impact” on Rochelle and local and regional businesses. He thanked IDOT and GREDCO for their support on the project, which he said took many hands to bring to fruition.

The RITC came about following the closure of Global III intermodal in 2019. After that, the city began work to open its own facility to serve local and regional businesses. Bearrows thanked former City Economic Development Director Jason Anderson, Fiegenschuh, the City Council and city staff for their work and support.

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‘Laying the groundwork for new opportunities’

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Ogle County Board denies 2 solar permits Update on long-range planning projects presented, including memorial circle plaza

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Board voted unanimously Aug. 19 to deny special-use permits for two solar energy developments.

The first proposed development was for a 5-megawatt community solar energy facility on 89.56 acres in the 7000 block of North Stillman Road in Scott and Marion townships. Those township boards also voted against the proposal, along with the Ogle County Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Zoning Committee.

Residents of the area near the proposed solar facility attended the meeting and held up signs thanking the County Board after the denials. One resident

“It’s obviously not the outcome we were hoping for,” Ryan Magnoni of U.S. Solar said. “U.S. Solar is open to hearing any conditions that could be added to the application to find a happy medium for residents and the public to eventually move this forward.”

The second special-use permit denied Tuesday was for Cenergy Power for the construction of a 5-megawatt community solar energy facility on 29.34 acres at 9336 E. Hales Corner Road in Scott Township.

The Ogle County Board has considered a number of special-use permits for solar facilities in recent years, often Jeff Helfrich hearing public comments from resiOgle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson (right) and Board Vice Chairwoman Patricia Nordman dents against them.

At its June meeting, the board denied are shown at the board’s monthly meeting Aug. 19, when the board voted unanimously to deny a special-use permit for a solar facility two special-use permits for solar developments. in Mt. Morris Township by a vote of 17-4, spoke during public commentary. they chose to live.” with residents citing the property’s “You voted for your constituents and A representative from U.S. Solar, the value as farmland. for your people, and you said no,” developer of the Stillman Creek Solar Back in December, the board narHeather Lalor of Stillman Valley said. project, also spoke during public com- rowly approved a special-use permit for “You said, ‘Not here,’ where it has the mentary and said he hopes to come to a a solar project between Forreston and potential to negatively impact so many compromise with the county for a projpeople who simply chose to live where ect to go forward in the future.

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Continued from page 6 Polo after previously denying that project due to it being on productive farmland. That petitioner changed its siting to less productive farmland and filed a lawsuit against Ogle County for the denial, stemming from a new state law that set statewide standards for wind and solar farm siting and took away previous local controls such as at the county level.

Planning committee updates

The board heard a facilities update from long-range planning committee Chairman Don Griffin during the meeting. Griffin updated the board on work that has been done in the basement of the old Ogle County Courthouse and introduced Steve Nelson of Larson & Darby engineering.

Nelson said a roof replacement is planned for the old Ogle County Courthouse in the coming months and presented proposed plans for a memorial circle plaza on the south end of the old courthouse, the former site of the previous Ogle County Jail.

Nelson said the project would be broken into three phases due to

Jeff Helfrich

At its Aug. 19, meeting, the Ogle County Board heard a report on proposed plans for a memorial circle plaza at the former site of the previous Ogle County Jail. needed funds and would involve fundraising. Three benches for the project already have been donated.

The first phase would include a statue on a podium with a circular concrete sidewalk surrounding it, connecting to existing sidewalk. Landscaping

and shrubbery would be included as well.

The second phase would include a curved walkway into the memorial from the east, with a total of seven benches. The third phase would include landscaping including trees

and shrubs, along with a canopy, the most expensive aspect of the project.

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Constellation approval

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

• COUNTY BOARD

The board voted 16-5 to approve a rezoning of 184.98 acres of land in the 4000 block of North Black Walnut Road in Marion Township from agricultural to industrial use for Constellation Energy, the owner of the Byron Nuclear Plant.

The Ogle County Board voted back in August 2024 to rezone 524 acres of land owned by Constellation around the Byron Nuclear Plant from agricultural to industrial as Constellation considers attracting industrial development, such as data centers.

“I want to thank the board for its vote of support tonight on behalf of our nearly 800 employees, site vice president and our plant family,” Ryan Tozer, Constellation manager of local government affairs, said Aug. 19.

Vehicle purchase

The board unanimously voted during the meeting to spend $52,464.20 in opioid funds to buy a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. The new vehicle will replace a squad car that was recently totaled in a crash.

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Arroyos win Rochelle Chamber Lawn of the Week

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce presented its Lawn of the Week award for the week of Aug. 22 to Jose and Lourdes Arroyo.

They received a sign and a $25 Rochelle ACE Hardware gift card, presented by Rochelle Ace Hardware Manager Jesse Lopez.

The Chamber has partnered with Rochelle Ace Hardware to award gift cards to the winners.

The 2025 Lawn of the Week program has begun for the summer and will run through September.

Nominate a neighbor/yard each week by submitting a name and address by emailing rochellechamber@gmail.com.

“We are proud to recognize our residents that display community pride in Rochelle,” Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera said.

“We love that this program gives Photo provided us the chance to showcase the hard work and dedication they put The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce recently presented its Lawn of the Week award for the week of Aug. 22 to Jose and Lourdes Arroyo. They received into making our city look great.” a sign and a $25 Rochelle ACE Hardware gift card, presented by Rochelle Ace Hardware Manager Jesse Lopez.

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LIBRARY NEWS CLOSED Monday, Sept. 1

Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Story Time Returns Sept. 4 at 10 a.m.

Join Miss Stacey and your pre-K friends for a fun time of stories and activities every Thursday at 10:00am.

September Take & Make Craft

Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your kit to make an apple core today.

Adult Book of the Month

In Kate Quinn’s “The Huntress,” Nina Markova is a Soviet Union pilot who falls victim to The Huntress. Ian Graham becomes a post-war Nazi hunter, with his sights set on The Huntress. Jordan McBride is not a fan of her step mom and begins to dig deeper into her past. The more she digs, the more suspicious she becomes. Pick up your copy from the circulation desk today.

Spice of the Month: Oregano

A member of the mint family, oregano originated in Greece but didn’t gain popularity in the U.S. until after World War II. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up your sample of oregano and try some new recipes.

Community Puzzle

Game Table

We have a variety of board games, including checkers, for anyone to play. Stop in and bring your competitive streak.

Plastic Recycling

*No animal feed bags are allowed (cat, dog, bird, etc)* We ask that you make sure plastic is clean with no debris in the donation. Also please remove any Ziploc-type seals and paper/sticker labels. Thank you for your cooperation.

New Releases Adult Books: “American Sky” by James

Grady, “One Good Thing” by Georgia Hunter Picture Book: “Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme” DVD: “Broke”

Byron Public Library Special Hours

The Byron Public Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. It will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The American Civil War

Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 3 p.m.: The American Civil War is said to be one of the bloodiest wars in American history. Step

Looking for a place to hold your event? Our community room (with a small kitchenette) is available for meetings, parties, showers, family reunions and more. Call the library at 815-938-2624 for information.

We will be offering a card-making class from a local crafter, Liz Gullett. She will be at the library 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9,. You will get all the materials to make two beautiful cards to take home. Stop by to see the samples; there is a $5 fee when you register. Registration is limited so call the library or stop by to save your spot before Sept. 2.

Soft plastic recycling

Lego Night! Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.

Community Room

We are collecting film-type plastic for The Creative Studio is open on Sunday recycling. This includes plastic bags, afternoons and two evenings a week, so stop zipper-type baggies (with the zip portion by for monthly crafts and to use maker space removed), cereal/snack bags, bubble wrap equipment! Crafts out on the tables are free and other soft plastic. Make sure bags are of charge, while some other projects will free from debris and remove all paper/sticker incur a cost depending on materials. Middle labels. Animal food bags, including birdseed, school and high school youths can use some cannot be accepted. of the materials while with an adult or during Teen Time. Creative Studio hours: 1-5 p.m.

Mt. Morris Public Library Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Mount Morris Library Hours Monday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.

The Mount Morris Library is open every day Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and 9 Monday through Saturday. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. It is closed Friday and a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 Saturday. a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Check out Our Mobile App Saturdays.

Did you know that there is an easy way to *New Day* Ink with a Friend Tuesday, Sept. use the library from your phone? Just 9, at 5 p.m. download the PrairieCat app to your phone or mobile device and log in with your library card number and PIN! You’ll be able to view your checkouts and holds, renew renewable materials, and search the library catalog.

There’s even a digital copy of your library Wood Fence Panels - Pre-Assembled card.

Treated Panels Curbside Delivery The library is open for browsing, but $ each Dog Ear Tops 6x8 patrons can still use our curbside service!

Place your holds online at byronlibrary.org or call 815-234-5107. Not sure what you want?

Rough Sawn White Oak Lumber Call for help! We will call or email you with a 8x8, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12 - 18ft. lengths confirmation when your holds are ready to be picked up. Call us when you arrive at the Rough Sawn Fence Boards 1”x6” -16’ library, and we will bring your items out to Pine • Treated Pine • Treated Poplar you, already checked out. A receipt with your White Oak due dates will be included with your items.

Creative Studio

Bring the family out for some awesome brick building. We will pull out #AlltheLegos for this night and kids can build whatever they can imagine. Then, they can put a name on their creation and keep it on our display for all to enjoy until the next Lego night.

Display Case Showings

Stop by to see the awesome display of dolls from our very own, Margaret Dannhorn. Dolls play a critical role in many families lives and these are no different. Come admire all the ups and downs of childhood through the styles of our dolls. We are always looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.

See LIBRARY NEWS, page 11

* FENCING * FENCING 48

Visit the Byron Library Facebook page, or subscribe to newsletters at byronlibrary.org, to keep up to date on library news and programs! Be sure to also check out the Byron Library and Byron Library Teen Instagram pages.

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Forreston library SSET4School donations

Thank you so much for your wonderful response and supplying school supplies during our annual collection. Our giant box

262-495-4453

Anich Lumber Co. 414 3rd Street • Palmyra www.palsteel.com

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This is a tough one with lots of fall foliage colors!

was filled to the top! Your generosity helps ensure our local students start the school year with the supplies they need!

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

Bertolet library

9 back in time with historian Jim Gibbons as he brings to life the gripping story of the Civil War – uncovering the pivotal events that led to it, the fierce battles that defined it, and the profound aftermath that reshaped a nation.

Discover how this defining conflict claimed the lives of more than 700,000 American soldiers and forever changed the course of U.S. history. Call 815-234-5107 to register for this program.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

10 Leaf River Soaring Eagles attend Ogle County Fair

Photos provided

Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club members were busy with their projects being judged and working at the Ogle County Fair this year. The members were involved in showing their animals, clothing, general projects, foods, horticulture and photography. Some of the members were around the fair volunteering their time as well. They helped in the Children’s Farm during the fair and with cleaning up the Children’s Farm. Another member helped with the judging by handing out ribbons at the rabbit judging. Some of the members worked in the Exhibit Building, setting it up for the fair, helping in it during the fair and helping with the cleanup process on the last day. They still managed to have time to enjoy the fair as well. If being active in the fair is something that sounds fun to you, joining 4-H is a great way to do that. The projects are fun as well as educational. If you would like to know more about 4-H or the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, contact Nickie Lingbeck at 815-275-2492. TOP: Kaden Lingbeck (left), Hazel Friday and Lydia Sherburne are seen in the Children’s Farm at the Ogle County Fair. BOTTOM: David Wehler is seen with his computer science project.

Travis Cunningham Owner/Auctioneer

Alex T. Paschal

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Franklin Creek Conservation Association to host Grist Mill Market Day on Sept. 20

display exhibit on the second floor and enjoy a day in the park.

Vendors will be set up on the front lawn and barbecue beef sandwiches and grilled The Franklin Creek Conservation Association will host a Grist Mill Market Day on Sept. hot dogs will be available for purchase, along with mini corn muffins and other treats.

20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will The gift shop will be open with hats, include Franklin Creek Corn Grinding and a T-shirts, paintings, hoodies, mugs and more. wildlife display. Join to watch the big wheel Mill tours will be available throughout the of the grist mill turn on, powered by the day and fresh ground cornmeal will be waters of Franklin Creek. available to buy. The Grist Mill is located at Corn-grinding demonstrations will be 1893 Twist Road in Franklin Grove. offered twice throughout the day at 11 a.m.

– Jeff Helfrich and 1:30 p.m. Come see the new wildlife

815-297-4595 atauctionservices@gmail.com Forreston, IL

11 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

From deer to ducks and turtles to turkeys, the Franklin Creek Conservation Association’s wildlife museum has a broad range of animal displays.

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• LIBRARY NEWS

eye exams and provide a free pair of prescription eyeglasses that are as close as Continued from page 9 possible to that person’s sight needs. When donating hearing aids, please be sure to Explore More Illinois Explore More Illinois users can access, and place them in a small box or hard-covered reserve passes from any of the attractions on case so they do not get crushed or damaged.

Adult Programming the Mount Morris Library website, mtmorWe would love to hear from you. Do you ris-il.org, under the resources page. Visit the have any program ideas? Do evenings or website to browse attractions. weekends work better? Do you have a Hot Spots available at Mount Morris Library program you would like to share/lead?

The library has hotspots available to check Contact Mary Cheatwood at the library out for use at home. These are available to through email at mmlib@mtmorris-il.org or Mount Morris Library card holders and will be call 815-734-4927. checked out for 14 days. Get more information from a librarian if you would like to use this free service.

Lions Club Glasses and Hearing Aids Collections

Donation boxes for eyeglass recycling are available at the library. When the boxes are full, they are picked up by local Lions members and dropped off at collection depots. These recycled eyeglasses are given to people in need, with the help of various medical missionaries, in Central and South America and around the world.

When the eyeglasses arrive in these countries, doctors and technicians conduct

Newspaper Available!

We will now be receiving the Dixon Telegraph daily. We receive the Ogle County Life, Sauk Valley and Mt. Morris Times.

Curbside service is available

We want to remind everyone that you still have the option of having your materials delivered to your vehicle. If you have holds waiting for you, call us to tell us you are on your way, and we will bring them out to your vehicle when you arrive. Call us if you need more information.

The Mount Morris Public Library is located at 105 S. McKendrie Ave., Mt. Morris.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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OPINIONS

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Curate your circle like it’s an investment in your future You can have the strongest mindset in the world, but hang out with the wrong people, and that mindset will begin to sink like an anchor.

I remember my parents drawing strict lines around whom I could hang with – and it infuriated me. They were my friends, after all. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized my parents understood something my youthful optimism didn’t: The attitudes, habits and moods of others seep into your life – unnoticed, until they’ve stuck.

I was a sneaky teenager, a little rebellious, always finding ways to hang out with my friends despite my parents’ disapproval. Over time, I started to notice something strange – my thoughts, my behavior, even the way I talked started to sound less like me and more like them. Deep down, I knew something was off, because the way I was thinking didn’t line up with how my parents raised me – it was more like I had borrowed my friend’s mind without realizing it.

My dad took me to see the famous motivational speaker Jim Rohn one time, and I heard Mr. Rohn say, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” At the time, it sounded like one of those catchy quotes

VIEWS Toby Moore you jot down and forget. But as the years have gone on, I’ve realized it was more than a nice line – it was a scientific truth.

Ever hear of mirror neurons? These are neurons in your brain that fire when you see someone else act or feel something. In a way, your brain copies them without asking permission. Studies show that if your friends are negative, lazy or full of doubt, your brain begins to mirror that state. Your focus drops, your motivation decreases and, slowly, their reality becomes your reality. You begin to think and act like them.

And it doesn’t stop with your closest circle. Researchers at MIT ran a study on the “hidden influence of social networks.” They found that our moods, choices, and even levels of ambition ripple out three degrees. That means your friend’s friend’s friend – someone you’ve never even met – still can be shaping your outlook.

It’s called emotional contagion. Emotions spread through groups like the flu.

If your circle is pessimistic, it spreads. If they’re optimistic, that spreads too.

There’s also something called the Default Mode Network, or DMN, in your brain. Think of it as your mental autopilot – the backdrop of your identity, self-image and the story you tell yourself about who you are. Neuroscience shows your DMN is highly malleable. Spend too much time around people who doubt themselves, and you’ll doubt yourself, too.

But here’s the flip side. Mirroring isn’t destiny. Just as negativity rubs off on you, so does passion. Hang around people who are building, creating, chasing their vision, and your brain taps into that energy, too. Watch someone take bold risks, and your own neural circuits for courage light up. Inspiration isn’t magic – it’s your brain being reshaped by the people around you.

That’s why Warren Buffett once said, “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.”

And it echoes an even older truth, passed down in different forms for centuries: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

Curate your circle like it’s an invest-

ment in your future. Spend time with people who believe bigger, live with more discipline, and push themselves further – not because they’re flashy, but because their habits rub off on you.

Their standards become your standards.

Your brain literally rewires itself to match the company you keep.

So before you beat yourself up for not living up to your full potential, pause and look around. Who are you spending most of your time with? Their doubts – or their dreams – are setting the boundaries for what you believe is possible.

If your people are impatient dreamers, grounded believers, creative disruptors – keep them close. If they’re dragging you into doubt, laziness, or “good enough” thinking, let them go – gently, but firmly.

Your brain is wiring itself every single day. Intentionally choose people who light sparks – not just for your mood, but for your mind, your vision and your future.

• Toby Moore is a Shaw Local News Network columnist, star of the Emmy-nominated film “A Separate Peace” and CEO of CubeStream Inc. He can be reached at feedback@shawmedia. com.

Pretrial detention reform is a regular political punching bag Lying about pretrial detention rules in Illinois has been the go-to move for opponents of criminal justice reform for so long it’s starting to seem like maybe there isn’t a way to win the argument on factual merits.

In January 2021, before Gov. JB Pritzker even signed the law currently in the White House’s crosshairs, state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, wrote an essay proclaiming, “By removing even the option of imposing cash bail, you are handcuffing our judicial system.

Under this legislation, everyone, no matter what crime they committed, is entitled to immediate release.”

Bail is for the accused, not the convicted, but “presumed innocent” as a legal concept is rarely relevant in the court of public opinion. Of larger concern was Rezin’s assertion that “everyone” was entitled to release despite the fact the bill included sev-

EYE ON ILLINOIS Scott T. Holland eral classes of criminal allegations that would not be eligible for such consideration.

In seeking to preserve the old system, opponents contended the reform was bad public policy without advancing a convincing argument for the public safety benefits of allowing suspects to buy their way out of jail while awaiting prosecution. The stated and applied goal of doing away with cash bail was to make pretrial detention assessments on factors of charges, danger and flight risk without considering the likelihood of someone having (or finding) enough money to stay out

of county lockup.

In September 2023, when cash bail formally ended, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said, “The end of cash bail means the legal deck is stacked against the victim and community in favor of the criminal. This law makes it more difficult for police officers and prosecutors to keep our communities safe.”

Yet reform opponents were oddly silent just a few weeks earlier when a 52-year-old man in Madison County paid 10% of a $1 million bond to be released three days after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a shooting at the home of a woman with whom he had a relationship.

Who is made safer because the courthouse is sitting on a $100,000 bond? The rhetorical response is that once a suspect posts bail, they’re more

likely to comply with release terms and make all their court dates than someone given a money-free bail. But if we’re so concerned about accused murderers being back on the street, why support any rules that make that an option?

The state court system maintains a useful landing page for judicial opinions and data dashboards at illinoiscourts.gov/courts/additional-resources/pretrial-resources. It’s a primary source for learning how these rules came to be and understanding their daily application.

Such information is admittedly dry, but hopefully truth has more value than partisan spin.

• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.

IT’S YOUR WRITE morals of the United States of America.

Terry Dickow Rochelle

The Good Place

To the Editor, The Good Place. Within a day’s drive of Ogle County, you can visit five different examples of utopian communities, all established between 1839 and 1857.

They are the Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Nauvoo, Illinois; the Jansonists of Bishop Hill, Illinois; the Trappist monks of New Melleray Abbey, Dubuque, Iowa; the French Icarians, Corning, Iowa; and the Community of New Harmony, New Harmony, Indiana, established in 1814.

This part of the Midwest was certainly fertile ground for the Utopian experiment.

The idea of Utopia, meaning “good place,” originated with Sir Thomas More and his book titled “Utopia” in 1516. In his book he painted a picture of a community that possessed highly desirable qualities in religious, social and political customs.

What is a utopia? It is an intervention of the imagination at a time of transition or crisis that suggests alternative values to the current ideology and offers the possibility of a new kind of society.

Is this such a time? Are we still fertile ground for such an effort? Have we reached a time where enough people are discontent with what they are discontent about? Is the current ideology failing to inspire and influence striving for a better life? Can a utopian imagination lead us to a place where we have not yet been but are willing to go towards?

A utopia is not a dream or a wish of “only if”, but the result of every human act which is directed towards the construction of a more just society. For me this would lead to a society that cherishes liberation for all and the development of a culture that is free of social, economic and political inequality. We would become a freer, more human humankind. I think that is worth working for.

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To the Editor: Our Congressman, Darin LaHood, of the 16th congressional district, recently sent out a news letter where the “Big Beautiful Bill” was described as the “most pro family piece of legislation in history.” And he was glad to support it.

How does a bill that cuts SNAP benefits become pro family? Struggling families need help. Cutting SNAP benefits is going to hurt families.

How is cutting Medicaid going to benefit families? Again, families that are struggling need Medicaid to keep their families healthy. Without Medicaid payments, some smaller, rural hospitals may find it difficult to provide medical services to all the people in their area.

Those payments are important, because hospitals will not turn away poor people.

Without reimbursement, how will those hospitals survive?

And since he is boasting about protecting families, How does having armed, masked men rounding up citizens and taking them into custody without warrants, often without cause, and without due process, help families?

In fact it hurts families as news stories frequently tell of husbands or wives taken away, leaving their families without both parents, or grandparents. This is not helping families.

And exactly how does targeting Haitian immigrants for removal and returning them to Haiti benefit families? Haiti is in chaos, killings and rapes occur daily, yet our government is sending people back.

Women and children. People who came here to escape the violence.

This “Big Beautiful Bill” does not benefit us.

It benefits the billionaires and multimillionaires.

Those who supported it should be ashamed.

And those who remain silent when men and women are rounded up based on skin color are not representing the values and

Scott Stephens, Agent 500 Gale St Oregon, IL 61061 Bus: 815-732-6690 www.scottlstephens.com

Rev. Ronald D. Larson Retired clergy, Mt. Morris

WRITE TO US Submitted letters must include the writer’s name, city of residence and telephone number.

MAIL LETTERS TO: It’s Your Write, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068 EMAIL LETTERS TO: news@oglecountynews.com.

We welcome original letters on public issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, home address and day and evening telephone numbers. We limit letters to 250 words and one published letter every 21 days. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity at the sole discretion of the editor.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

Doesn’t sound pro family to me

13

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Oregon business owner wins international aesthetics award

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to share that Jennifer Dahm, owner of Allure Aesthetics and Beauty in Oregon, has been named one of only three winners in an international BioRePeel case study competition.

In April, Dahm entered the 15-week competition, which featured thousands of aestheticians and medical providers worldwide. Participants were challenged to create a treatment protocol using at least 80% BioRePeel products – a no-downtime chemical peel manufactured in Pisa, Italy – and to track the progress of a client over the course of the study.

Her winning case study focused on improving pigmentation (dark spots) and stimulating collagen for anti-aging bene-

fits. Dahm submitted detailed weekly reports and photos documenting the client’s transformation, earning recognition for her meticulous documentation and outstanding results.

The competition’s other winners hail from Puerto Rico and Florida, underscoring the truly global scale of the event.

As part of her award, Dahm will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy this fall, where she will meet the chemists behind BioRePeell; take a private masterclass; tour the production facility in Pisa; and experience Italian culture firsthand.

“I’m excited to bring the improved skill and knowledge back to Ogle County,” Dahm said. “I’m proud to be the pioneer of BioRePeel here in Oregon and look forward to offering my clients even more advanced skin care solutions.”

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Rochelle’s Wexell named 1 of America’s best program directors

Kris Wexell, program director and operations manager at WYOT-FM and WRHL-FM in Rochelle, has been recognized by “Radio Ink” magazine as one of the Best Program Directors in America for 2025.

Wexell, who has 32 years in radio and 23 as a program director, oversees 102.3 The Coyote, the top-rated country station Kris Wexell in the market. Under his leadership, 102.3 The Coyote was named Small Market Station of the Year in Illinois and locally honored as Community Partner of the Year.

Wexell has also been recognized by the Illinois General Assembly and named Illinois Radio Personality of the Year for Small Market four consecutive years. The combined digital reach of 102.3 The Coyote and SuperHits 93.5 exceeds 182,000 Facebook followers, with a weekly audience of up to 13 million, and Wexell continues to have a major impact on country music in the region.

– Shaw Local News Network

Coliseum Museum presents Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra on Sept. 14 Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra will appear at the Coliseum Museum in Oregon from

3-5 p.m. Sept. 14 for a Sunday afternoon concert featuring a full range of ukuleles – from the soprano to the UBass!

The fully orchestrated arrangements cover a variety of genres and eras and demonstrate the versatility of the instrument.

John Lindhorst is the owner of the popular little Ukulele Station America, as well as his latest dream venture, Oregon Music Garage.

Throughout his 40-year career, as a singer, songwriter and teacher, John has lived and taught in Illinois, Hawaii and California, For the past several years, John’s sphere of artistic influence as well as business leadership has returned him to the beautiful and historic town of Oregon; the place he calls home.

Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. You may register online at https:// www.cmaaa.org/events.html. You also may call 815-595-5810 or email info@ cmaaa.org to buy tickets or for more information.

The CMAAA mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more. Additional information can be found on the website, www.cmaaa.org and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum.

– Jeff Helfrich

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Heartache Tonight sets attendance record for Mt. Morris Jamboree during the concerts.

The previous record this year was 1,400 set by Rocks Off, a Rolling Stones tribute band. But Brass from the Past, playing a selection of Motown, soul and rock tunes, with a large horn and rhythm section, was a close second with 1,350, and the Chicago Tribute Anthology, a tribute band for the iconic band Chicago, followed with 1,200.

“Heartache Tonight is one of the finest Eagles tributes in the country,” Ubben said. “They always put on a great show.”

– Earleen Hinton

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Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band, now holds the record for the largest crowd at the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris.

The popular band filled the lawn circling the Warren Reckmeyer Band Shell on Aug. 22, all to the delight of Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben.

“We have 2,200 here tonight,” said Ubben, sitting in the middle of the large crowd that came out to the free concert on a perfect summer night.

When the lawn area was filled, concertgoers set up their chairs on Wesley Avenue, which is closed for traffic

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TOP: Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band, performed at the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris on Aug. 22. ABOVE: The lawn surrounding the Warren Reckmeyer Bandshell in downtown Mt. Morris was packed with people to hear Heartache Tonight.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

SERVICES

Phone • Fax 779-251-0254 • 815-946-4372

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

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Hiemstra hired to lead economic development New director takes the helm at Ogle County Economic Development Corporation

I’m excited to see those wins for our communities so people can continue to have their small-town pride. I’m excited to welcome new people into the area and show them what we have to offer.”

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com On her first day on the job, new Ogle County Economic Development Corporation Director Liz Hiemstra took a picture of Oregon’s downtown from the window of her courthouse office.

“I did it just so I could look back in five or 10 years and see how it’s changed,” Hiemstra said. “I’m excited to see those wins for our communities so people can continue to have their small-town pride. I’m excited to welcome new people into the area and show them what we have to offer.”

Hiemstra was hired by the OCEDC to fill its vacant director position last month. The OCEDC was established in 2023 as a nonprofit economic development organization representing a unified effort by the entire county. It represents the communities of Polo, Oregon, Mt. Morris, Byron and Creston.

Ogle County and the city of Rochelle also provided startup funds for the organization. Charlene Coulombe was the organization’s previous director.

Hiemstra has lived in Oregon for the past 30 years. She currently serves as the market manager for the River’s Edge Farmers Market in Oregon and has her own small business in Libra Farms. She brings a background in marketing, community engagement and small business expertise.

Hiemstra said she has become more involved in the community in the past 10 years, including working with the Oregon Together nonprofit and, along with Melanie Cozzi, taking over the farmers market.

“I want to be involved and I love my community,” Hiemstra said. “I want to do what I can. I expressed that to [Oregon City Manager and OCEDC Board Vice President Darin DeHaan] and said I wanted to be part of the community in any way I could. When this opportunity came along, I applied and interviewed, and was hired.”

OCEDC Board President Randy Schoon of Polo said, “It means everything” to the OCEDC to have Hiemstra on board as director. He said the organi-

Liz Hiemstra, director, Oglce County Economic Development Corporation

Jeff Helfrich

The Ogle County Economic Development Corporation recently announced the appointment of Liz Hiemstra as its new director of economic development. zation is excited to have a longtime county resident and active community member as its leader and face.

“It’s almost like the stars aligned,” Schoon said. “She is going to do great things, and the sky is the limit for her.

She just has to put her head down and do the work. She’s very capable, and we’re more excited than we’ve been since we put the OCEDC together. I think we’re at the point now where we’re finally going to start to see some good things happen.”

Hiemstra said that as a small-business owner, she’s realized the workload it takes to be successful in business, beyond just knowledge and passion.

That was one of the reasons she was interested in the OCEDC director position, and she plans to use that experi-

ence when working with current and potential businesses.

Initial OCEDC work for Hiemstra has included visiting each town and entity the organization represents and meeting with its leaders and stakeholders.

“I’ve been working to immerse myself in the towns I’m not as familiar with,” Hiemstra said. “I’ve been trying to reach out and get an idea of what these communities have, need and want. I’ve been really impressed with the work these communities are already doing. I feel like there’s momentum and we’re on the brink of something really great.”

Schoon and Hiemstra said top priorities for the OCEDC include housing, business retention, attracting industry,

marketing and promotion, capital development, recreation, sports and tourism.

Housing will be the No. 1 objective, Hiemstra said. Some homebuilding is currently taking place in Creston and Byron, and Mt. Morris, Polo and Oregon have “prime subdivision real estate” waiting on development, she said.

“We’ve been talking to local builders,” Hiemstra said. “There are a few out there that are building homes that are being sold. We know that there is an appetite. It’s just about finding that sweet spot of making sure everyone has a home that is affordable and works for them. Different towns have different needs. There are some vacant buildings.

We want to see more retail in downtowns and bring that sense of place.

With industry, there are some empty industrial buildings and plots that are ripe for development. That’s on the horizon, too.”

OCEDC meetings involving the leaders of the various communities in recent years have brought about collaboration and idea sharing that didn’t previously exist. Hiemstra said working as a team to improve the county as a whole is needed, along with making for a louder voice in the industrial development arena and at the state level for potential opportunities.

“We have to work together to make our voices heard and get what we need for our beautiful small towns,” Hiemstra said. “Rural populations have been declining. And with that goes a lot of our amenities. The things that we want to see, we have to be able to support. I enjoy work like this because I love meeting new people and talking with people. I like to hear about what people have going on in their lives. I love being creative. This job is a lot of creativity and putting puzzle pieces together to create solutions that have a tangible impact I can see.”

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Photo provided by Larry Plachno

The National Bus Trader office on Judson Road was built like a house to blend in with the homes along the road. It has always been used as an office.

National Bus Trader celebrates 40 years in Polo

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com National Bus Trader, Inc. celebrates 40 years in Polo in 2025. It was in 1985 that the company moved to Polo from Delavan, Wisconsin. A home for the Plachno family was bought on Judson Road and adjacent property was acquired and zoned to build an office.

Larry Plachno graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in English. He then served in the U.S. Army and returned as a disabled American veteran.

In 1977, he founded National Bus Trader and the company grew so rapidly that he had to quit his regular job as an advertising manager of a manufacturing company to manage it.

Today, the company continues with its basic work of publishing two trade magazines in the bus industry. The monthly National Bus Trader now is digital and is primarily a bus equipment magazine. Readers are primarily in the

U.S. and Canada while advertisers come from all over the world.

Bus Tours Magazine is both print and digital and comes out six times annually. It is primarily an idea book for bus tour planners looking for places to take their groups. Readers and advertisers are primarily in the U.S. and Canada.

Over the years the company had done other things. For several years it published transportation history books under the Transportation Trails imprint. In addition, it ran a show called Bus Bash for about 40 events.

The company also has managed three bus operations at various times. The most recent was when National Bus Trader Inc. was in Delevan, Wisconsin, it owned Wisconsin Illinois Stages. That company operated bus routes from southern Wisconsin to Chicago and Madison as well as tours and charters.

Company founder Plachno said that much of the credit for the company’s success is because of their professional staff, including his wife Nancy, who

Polo people with working well together, starting from supporting the high school teams through Town and Country Days, Second Hand Rose, the Polo Lifeline, the Senior Center and a great historical society.

He also is complimentary of the Polo school system. His seven children attended the Polo schools continually from 1985 to 2019, which may be a record for a parent. Plachno credits the Polo Schools with providing a great education for his older children. With the younger ones, daughter Panjee went on to become Dr. Pamela Plachno, a doctor of physical therapy. Youngest daughter Image provided by Larry Plachno Patricia now is in graduate school at DePaul University in Chicago working The company logo celebrating the National Bus Trader’s forthcoming 50th anniversary in on an advanced degree in speech disorders.

2027 is colored blue and gold to match the The company now is looking forward colors of the Polo Marcos. to its 50th anniversary in 2027. A 50th serves as company vice president and anniversary logo has been designed that office manager. appropriately is in blue and gold colors He also said that he has been pleased to match the colors of the Polo Marcos with their location in Polo. He credits teams.

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BYRON ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH

624 Luther Drive, Byron IL 61010 815-234-5277 Pastor: Vicar Michelle Wandersee Sunday Worship Service held at 9:00 am. A recording of each Sunday’s worship service is available on our Facebook page and our website later in the day. Communion is served every Sunday. Sunday School for ages 3 through Adult is held at 10:00 am September through May. Confirmation studies for 7th and 8th grade students are held each Sunday morning at 10:00 am.

Monday afternoon Bible Study is held at 1:30 pm via Zoom. In person Bible Studies are held Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm and Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm. Book Club and The GATHERING meet monthly; quilters meet twice monthly. Visit our website http://www.AllSaintsByron.org or call the church office for further information.

CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHURCH

205 N. Peru St., Byron 815-234-8737 cornerstonefam ily.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. Richard Rosinski.

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

BEACON HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD

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

CHANA CHANA UNITED METHODIST

Pastor Josh Brown, 606 Main Street, Chana, IL 61015. Church office 815-732-7683.

(E-mail address: chanaumc@gmail.com Adult & Children’s Education 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of each month. At Chana Church you will find Open Hearts-Open Minds-Open Doors.

DIXON LOST LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Pastor Bob Clardie 815-535-6990 90 W. Flagg Road Dixon IL 61021

8:30am Sunday School 9:30am Church Service www.lostlakechurch.org

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

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 ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

9106 Cedar St. in Adeline, Leaf River, IL 61047 • Ph:815-541-4863 Sunday Services: Sunday School 9:00 am, Worship Service 10:15 am VISITORS WELCOME

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 leafriverbc@gmail.com leafriver.church

LINDENWOOD IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – LCMS

immanuel-lindenwood.org (for sermons, events, etc.)

16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049 815-393-4500 • office@immanuel-lindenwood.org Sunday Mornings: Divine Service @ 9am; Food & Fellowship @ 10am; Sunday School and Adult Bible Study @ 10:30am Food Bank: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-12pm Pastor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock pastor@immanuel-lindenwood.org

LINDENWOOD UNION CHURCH

101 N Galena st, P.O box 67, Lindenwood IL Regular worship service Sundays at 10:00am with fellowship following.

Tuesdays 10:00 am Sr Exercise! Lunch afterwards. Thursdays 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Library time. Snacks and coffee.

Everyone is welcome!

KINGS ELIM REFORMED CHURCH

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

MOUNT MORRIS DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“By God’s grace in Christ, we LIVE, LOVE, and SERVE” All are welcome here!

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

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS

102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org Senior Pastor: Bruce McKanna. 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.

MOUNT MORRIS MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

409 W. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris, IL 61045 Phone 815-734-4573 Pastor-Rodney Caldwell. Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. followed by fellowship time and Sunday School. Worship service available online, call for details.

Email: mtmorriscob@gmail.com

MT. MORRIS TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

308 E. Brayton Rd. Mt. Morris, IL Phone: 734-6354 Rev. Josh Ehrler Worship Services: Saturday 5:30 PM; Worship Sunday 9:30 AM . Sunday Church School - follows Worship Service (Sept.-May) Chime Choir Wednesday 6:00 PM

OREGON EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

East Oregon Chapel Church of God The Sharing is Caring Church EOCCOGministries@gmail.com 107 N Daysville Rd. Oregon, IL Phone: 815-732-2960 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. with Sunday Worship following at 10:30 a.m.

Breakfast is served every fifth Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday evenings both Adults & Youth (during the school year) meet weekly beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In the event that Oregon Schools are not in session the Youth group does not meet on Wednesdays.

We look forward to meeting you!

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

2997 N. German Church Rd., 815-732-6313 3 miles east of Oregon on Rt. #64 then 2 miles north on German Church Rd. • Rev. Josiah Youngquist www.EBENEZERREFORMED.com • Sunday school 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m.

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST

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

LITTLE PRAIRIE MENNONITE CHURCH

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

Pastor: Norman Reinford 779-861-3700

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

860 W. Oregon Trail Road Oregon, IL Phone: 732-6847 or 732-2604 Pastor Michael Hoffman; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.; Morning worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday activities: Adult, Children, and Youth Groups 7 p.m. At the church.

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 7:00 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

1000 Highway 64, West (Hwy 64 W & Mongan Drive on Liberty Hill), Oregon 732-7211 – Office Rev. Eldred George Webpage: saintbrides.org • E-mail:saint.bride.church@gmail.com Worship Services: Sunday 10 am Holy Communion with Hymns Christian Education Available

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 CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin Ave., Polo, Illinois • 815-946-2848 • Luke N. Schier, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:30am We include our children in our Sunday Worship Experience. “”THE GRAND Kids Class” Ages 3-10 are then dismissed right after Praise & Worship. Blended Services. “Passion for God” “Compassion for People” Visit our website: PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH ~ POLO CAMPUS

Meeting Sundays @ 10AM Service 205 N. Jefferson Avenue, Polo ~ 815.837.5255 polo@crossroadscn.com We offer contemporary worship and relevant Bible teaching through engaging messages and powerful video. Join us after services for coffee, snacks & fellowship. Kidzlink Children’s Ministry (nursery-5th grade) ~ during 10AM service Crave Youth Group (6th-12th grade) ~Wed. 6:30PM - June 1st .

Visit our website: www.crossroadscn.com

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH

801 W. Oregon St., Polo • 815-946-3588 • Jeremy Heller, Pastor Sunday School 9:00 a.m., Worship Service 10:00 a.m., Nursery Available, Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m. We Are an independent non-denominational Christian church. Visitors are always welcome.

STILLMAN VALLEY RED BRICK CHURCH OF STILLMAN VALLEY

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

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

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

Men, women, youth Bible Studies throughout the year.

See website for all activities or contact the church office.

KISHWAUKEE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8195 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 / 815-965-1940 Rev. Nick Garner, Pastor www.kishchurch.org Sunday Schedule: Discipleship Hour 9:00 AM, Coffee Fellowship 11:15 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.

Pastor Phil Thompson Phone: 815-335-2609. Email: middlecreekchurch@gmail.com

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

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

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!

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Ogle County dog rescue brings rescues together turn in the sign-up form to Bonafied at September event in P.O. Box 66, Oregon, IL 61061. Vendors are asked to donate a basket, prodOregon lets people meet also uct or service valued at $15 to $20 that will be included in prizes. with adoptable dogs Bonafied, which stands for Bring

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com An Ogle County all-breed dog rescue is bringing multiple rescues together for a September event at which people can hang out with adoptable dogs.

The fifth annual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at Carnation Park, 1 Webster St. in Oregon.

Aside from seeing the dogs, attendees can grab a bite to eat while shopping vendors for dog products and service providers, and participate in activities with prizes for kids, Bonafied rescue owner Melodee Hoffman told Shaw Local.

Those looking to be a vendor at the event are required to pay a $20 fee and

Out Natural Abilities Found in Every Dog, was founded in 2017 with the goal to match orphaned dogs with loving families. To do that, the rescue has a comprehensive adoption and education process, Hoffman said.

The rescue takes in dogs of any age, breed or physical condition. All dogs are then spayed or neutered, given the appropriate veterinary care, and placed in foster homes before adoption, she said.

The September event is intended to raise awareness and educate the public about the overpopulation and need for homes for animals that would otherwise be euthanized, Hoffman said.

Shaw Local News Network file photo All funds raised from the event will go toward the care of dogs at Bonafied. Jessica Fair of Oregon decks out her dog, Jazzy, during Bonafied’s first Rescue Rally in 2020 at For information, contact Hoffman at the dog park in Oregon’s Carnation Park. The fifth annual event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. bonafied@yahoo.com or 815-973-9162.

Sept. 27 at the park.

Get your boat and gloves: It’s time to ‘sweep’ the Rock River

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent Are you tired of seeing trash in and around the banks of the Rock River as it winds its way through Oregon?

Well, here’s your chance to do something about that.

After a four-year absence, volunteers are being asked to hit the water and the banks to “sweep” the river of trash during the Oregon Area Rock River Sweep, organized by the City of Oregon’s Sustainability Committee People are needed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6.

“Volunteers are needed on foot or in boats to clean up a 9-mile section of the Rock River, from Mud Creek Road to the Castle Rock State Park boat landing,” said Meanie Cozzi, one of the event organizers.

“Boaters, fishermen, paddlers, river land owners, Scout groups, service organizations, and individuals are requested to help protect and preserve this beautiful asset by helping to pick up trash as well as sort the recyclable items from the waste.”

Students can earn community service hours for participating, Cozzi said.

All Sweep participants must register at one of three staging sites:

• Kiwanis Park (123 N. Second St., Oregon): For those using paddle craft or working along the shore on foot. Those on foot will walk or drive to areas accessible from shore.

• Lowden State Park boat landing: (Route 2, north of Oregon): Motorized boats • Castle Rock boat landing (south of Oregon): Motorized boats Volunteers will be at all three sites to register and assign participants to a portion of the river.

Gloves, trash bags, bug spray, snacks, and water will be available for participants, who are encouraged to wear long sleeves, long pants, and old shoes or boots, and to bring a reusable water bottle to the event to reduce waste.

Water jugs will be available at all three starting points for refilling water bottles.

Life jackets must be worn by all volunteers in boats.

Several drop-off sites for trash will be located along the cleanup route, where crews from the Oregon Park District and the Solid Waste Management Department will pick it up and take it back to Kiwanis Park to be sorted for disposal or recycling.

Butitta Automotive will recycle any waste tires collected from the river.

landing back to Kiwanis Park before the event for those with their own canoes or kayaks,” Cozzi said.

Anyone interested in using a canoe or shuttle service needs to call White Pelican at 815-263-4088 for details and registration requirements.

For more information about the sweep, contact Cozzi at mcozzi@cityoforegon.org or Steve Rypkema at rypkemas@gmail. com.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Volunteers use their boats to bring trash to the History of the ‘Sweep’ The Rock River Sweep was an annual shore at Kiwanis Park in Oregon during the event for 10 years, sponsored by the non2020 Rock River Sweep. Volunteers are being profit RockRiverSweep.org. That group sought to help with his year’s event on Sept. 6.

Organizers are expecting to collect a sizeable amount of trash this year since the river sweep has not been held for several years.

And if you don’t have a canoe, but want to paddle out to collect trash, a local business can help.

White Pelican Canoe & Kayak Rental Inc., located next to Kiwanis Park, behind Conover Square, below the Oregon dam, will be providing a limited number of free canoes for use for the sweep, Cozzi said.

“White Pelican will also provide free shuttle service from Castle Rock boat

dissolved in 2021.

The Oregon Sustainability Committee included hosting cleanup events in its Sustainability Plan, which was adopted by the city in 2024.

The 2025 Oregon Area Rock River Sweep is being sponsored by the City of Oregon, the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, the Oregon Park District, Oregon Fire Protection District, White Pelican Inc., Butitta Automotive, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The rain date for the 2025 event is Sept.

13.

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OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS

SM-AT250826_163503

Oregon, $150,000.

• Jml Llc to Steven Book and Susan Book, 608 E Hewitt St., Forreston, and 610 E Hewitt St, Forreston, $22,000.

• Donald J Binkley to Jon M Ludwig, 10555 W Grove Rd, Forreston, $110,500.

• Benjamin C Johnson and Jacquelyn C Johnson to Neona Lundgren and Spencer Disimoni, 108 Janet Ave., Rochelle, $186,000.

• Carolyn Myers, trustee, and Larry L Myers Tr99 to Steven B Conner and Sandra M Conner, 1424 Crimson Ridge, Byron, $195,000.

• Manuel Sotelo-Covell and Manuel Sotelo Covell to Melissa Joyner and Matthew Joyner, 311 E South Park Drive, Byron, $155,000.

• Derek E Price to Donna Witkowski, 924 W 8th Ave., Rochelle, $210,000.

• Michael Bailey to Stephen Gibson and Kendra Gibson, 103 Wolf Drive, Dixon, and 105 Wolf Dr, Dixon, $3,800.

• Contry Homes Group Llc to Nathan Dean Haas and Juliana L Haas, 1110 Burlington Way, Davis Junction, $288,545.

• Patricia Braun to Gavin J Meiners and Tracy L Meiners, 316 Knollwood Drive, Dixon, $18,500.

• Erica M Schwoeppe and Erica M Graden to Irene S Saunders, 612 W Mason St, Polo, $127,000.

• Brent Pearson to Karleen B Williams, 111 W Roosevelt St, Stillman Valley, $165,000.

• Judity M Himes to Crimson Tiger Holdings Llc, 215 E 3rd St, Byron, $156,000.

• Hre Builders Llc to Dusten D Pribble and Marisa Katelyn Pribble, 351 Mill Ridge Dr, Byron, $370,900.

• Shawn Shepherd to Michael Elrod and Katrina Koch, 402 W Fulton St, Polo, $163,000.

• David Trudeau and Jessica Trudeau to

Thomas Lovgren, 7048 E Executive Court, Stillman Valley, $400,000.

• Taylor N Carlson and Ryan J Carlson to Timothy R Gronewold and Audra M Gronewold, 405 N Division Ave., Polo, $125,000.

• Carrie L Phillips and Cari L Phillips to Dominique Gonzalez and Erin Guadalupe, 2689 N Lynnville Court, Lindenwood, $220,000.

• Treyton Buh to Samuel Girkin and Kaitlyn Girkin, 108 Hillside Dr, Polo, $154,000.

• Michael Luke Goessman and Kirsten Eva Goessman to Erin Cooper and Paul Cooper, 3075 E. Water Road, Byron, $439,000.

• Gerald Mcintyre and Voirin Enterprises Llc, one parcel in Brookville Township, 06-10-300-002, $13,000.

• Keven J Costello and Melanie J Costello to Joshua Mccleary and Carmen Mccleary, 14704 E Eddy Rd, Davis Junction, $70,000.

Stewart Tr, 607 N Luther Dr, Byron, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael James Stewart Tr, 6442 N Marrill Rd, Byron, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael James Stewart Tr, 322 N Hamer Ct, Byron, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael James Stewart Tr, 914 N 7th St, Rochelle, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael James Stewart Tr, 212 N Sumner St, Byron, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael J Stewart Tr, 224 N Sumner St, Byron, $0.

• Michael J Bossany to Sheri L Bossany, 5370 E Scarlet Oak Ln, Byron, $0.

• Edward Drager to Edward Drager and Lucia Drager, 745 Golden Prairie Dr, Davis Junction, $0.

• Richard D Elliott, trustee, and Richard D Elliott Land Tr to Richard D Elliott, 1030 N 7th St, Rochelle, $0.

Warranty deed in trust

Trustees deeds

• Dennis Swinton to Jeffrey W Jones, trustee, and Jeffrey W Jone Declaration Tr2013, 212 S. Seventh St, Rochelle, $50,000.

Quit claim deeds

• Chance E Doane to Annie M Bettenhausen and Kastner Construction Inc, 214 Minnesota Dr, Dixon, and 212 Minnesota Dr, Dixon, $0.

• Miguel Garcia Vazquez and Beatris Esparza to Miguel Garcia Vazquez, trustee, Beatris Esparza Lopez, trustee, and Garcia Miguel Lv Tr, 215 Irene Ave., Rochelle, $0.

• Dora W Betz to Dora W Betz and Shirley Zaman, 305 E 2nd St, Leaf River, $0.

• Michael J Stewart to Michael J Stewart, trustee, and Michael James

• Terrill D Janes, trustee, Carole R Janes, trustee, and Terrill D & Carole R Janes Family Tr to Kaytlin Neale and Kaleb Hess, 615 Missouri Dr, Dixon, $196,000.

Deeds in trust

• Jessie S Diduch, Jessie S Bazzell and Dennis A Diduch to Jessie S Diduch, trustee, and Jessie S Lv Diduch Tr, 11638 N. Springfield Road, Baileyville, $0.

• Dennis A Diduch, Jessie S Diduch and Jessie S Bazzell to Dennis A Diduch Jr, trustee, and Dennis A Diduch Lv Tr, 11638 N Springfield Rd, Baileyville, $0.

• Audrey R Kilker to Audrey R Kilker, trustee, and Ark Tr725, three parcels in Forreston Township: 02-21-100-016, 02-21-200-006 and 02-21-200-007, $0.

• Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

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• James T Janes and Marilyn A Janes to Peter W Hodapp and Lyndsey Hodapp, 8666 N. Riverview Drive, Byron, $326,000.

• Lakeview Loan Servicing Llc to Marco A Hernandez, 130 S. Sixth St., Rochelle, $59,900.

• Jamoine 3 Llc to Darrel L Stukenberg, 12 parcels in Mt. Morris Township: 08-05-300-006, 08-06-400-001, 08-06-400-002, 08-07-100-004, 08-07-100-006, 08-07-100-012, 08-07-100-014, 08-07-200-002, 08-07-200-003, 08-08-300-002, 08-08-300-007 and 08-17-100-002, $0.

• Sheri L Bossany to Jace T Warkentien and Alyssa J Ealy, 5370 E. Scarlet Oak Lane, Byron, $287,000.

• Michael E Keeton and Alyson R Augustyn to Margaret Hare and Zachary Hare, 5338 E. Aspen Court, Byron, $336,500.

• Adam Herwig and Clifford C Jones to Robert Borgen, 300 Main St., Chana, $64,500.

• Carol A Arnould, trustee, and Carol A Arnould Tr to Czupryna Radoslaw, 1006 Timber Trail Drive, Dixon, $35,000.

• S&c Renovations Llc and S & C Renovations Llc to Jeremy R Buehn and Veronica L York, 4 E. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, $70,000.

• Donald E Cook and Judith A Cook to Daniel Phillips, 102 S. 2nd Ave., Forreston, $170,000.

• Groenewold Fur And Wool Company to Groenewold Guy G Tr, 9945 N. Hollywood Road, Forreston, $200,000.

• Jason Robert Clark, April Lynn Donegan and April Lynn Clark to Vytautas Rozmanas and Simona Rozmane, 1442 W Indian Heights Dr, Oregon, $235,000.

• Andrew T Baatz and Amber Marie Baatz to Lane Dinges, 900 S 3rd St,

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

Warranty deeds

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

WANTED WE BUY GUNS

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RAT WORX 112 E. HITT ST. MT. MORRIS, IL 815-734-7346 WE SELL GUNS, KNIVES, AUTOMATIC KNIVES & AMMO WE ALSO BUY GOLD AND SILVER

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2001: Facing the Atlanta Braves’ Greg Maddux, Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa hits the longest home run in Turner Field history as his 53rd of the season travels 471 feet to straight away center.

PREP FOOTBALL

Oregon’s goal: take next step in playoffs The Hawks hope to build on back-to-back postseason appearances in 2025

By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent

OCL

Oregon is looking to take the next step this season and is turning to a time-honored Hawks mantra to do so.

After snapping a six-year playoff drought with back-to-back 5-5 seasons, the Hawks hope to build on that foundation of success. Senior running back and defensive back Cooper Johnson succinctly summed up how they want to go about that.

“Play fast and hit hard,” he said.

That’s the style Oregon used during a run of 12 playoff berths in 16 years during John Bothe’s tenure, and with head coach Broc Kundert entering his fourth season, the Hawks’ familiarity with the system and style of play should help with that.

“It makes it a lot smoother,” Johnson said. “We don’t have to start from Day 1.

It’s already like we’re on Day 30. We just keep on growing and getting better. I think we’re a step ahead of where we were last year.”

“Implementation-wise, we just kind of feel like we’re where we need to be, maybe like a week before our first game, and we’ve got plenty of days to continue to get ready,” Kundert said. “I think maybe with it being Year 4, the kids know what to expect, they know the system, it’s stayed the same, and we can just fly to the football because we don’t have to think as much anymore.”

In addition to Johnson, Oregon also brings back seniors in quarterback/ defensive back Benny Olalde, running back/defensive back Keaton Salsbury and two-way lineman Tristin SmithVan Cura, and juniors such as running back/linebacker Jakob Moser and Jayden Berry, and running back/defensive back Jakobi Donegan.

Senior Ethan Reed (defensive line)

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

SPORTS

23

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

Earleen Hinton file photo

Oregon’s Cooper Johnson (center) tries to evade a Rockford Lutheran defender Oct. 18, 2024, in Rockford. and juniors Zandyr Withers (tight end and defensive line), Dawson Alcala (offensive and defensive lines), Zayden Vandesand (offensive and defensive lines) and Ethan Peeling (wide receiver and linebacker) will be key newcomers who are expected to step up for the Hawks.

“We’ve got a bunch of young guys stepping in for the seniors last year,” Johnson said. “I think we’re much faster than last year, we’re definitely going to be a lot faster team, we’re definitely going to get to the ball faster as a team.”

A hard-nosed defense is always key in the tough Big Northern Conference, and some balance on offense is expected this season in Oregon. With a strong stable of running backs and a returning signal-caller in Olalde, the Hawks would like to spread the ball around in various ways on offense.

“We’re going to be balanced,” Olalde said. “Everyone’s been working really hard during the offseason, getting everyone to help each other and make sure we’re all going the same way. I think we’re going to be really balanced and have a little bit more fire on offense.

“I think it’s going to start with our O-line and our H-backs. After they start clicking, everyone else starts clicking with them.”

The goal for the season is clear: not only to get back to the playoffs, but to make some noise when they get there.

Recent trends stoke some optimism for that. The Hawks have won three of their final four regular-season games each of the past two years before firstround playoff losses, so a faster start to the season – and continuing to build their mental toughness – could help them carry that momentum deeper into

the postseason.

“I think they’ve kind of tasted it, ‘This is what success tastes like – and I like it, and I want to continue it.’ No shot at the previous staff before, but I think we had to kind of learn how to win,” Kundert said. “Year 2 [in 2023], when we did make the playoffs, we were learning at the varsity level. Last year was just a cluster of injuries that just hurt us, but if you would have had that scenario with all those injuries happen two years ago, we wouldn’t have been able to handle that adversity like we did last year.

“I feel like these guys kind of know what it takes, they’ve tasted it, they want to continue it, so not necessarily that the sky’s the limit, but we want to take off running right away and not have any mess-ups or anything like that, just play well every game. I’m excited for our guys.”

OCL

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

24

Classic Oldies Celebration River Cruise

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Oregon’s Skylar Bishop blocks a ball from Erie-Prophetstown’s Lauren Abbott Oct. 29, 2024, in the Class 2A regional volleyball semifinal at Newman High School.

2025 OGLE COUNTY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW CAPSULES “We have a young team, but we are returning five players who played significant time last season,” Williams said.

The 2025 girls volleyball season starts “We will be missing our key offensive this week. Here are previews of teams player, Jaiden Schneiderman, but we from around the area. have Jaiden’s very talented sister, Bree, who will hopefully step up and take over Amboy where her sister left off. Our goal is to Coach: Nicole Jones (third season) finish top 3 in the conference.”

2024 record: 12-18-3, 5-8 NUIC Top returners: Jillian Anderson, sr., Oregon OH; Kiera Karlson, sr., MB; Peyton Coach: Farrell Tremble (sixth season) Payne, sr., MB; Jadyn Whelchel, sr., S 2024 record: 18-17, 6-3 BNC Key varsity newcomers: Maddie Althaus, Top returners: Skylar Bishop, sr., M; jr., OH; Lili Leffelman, jr., RS; Morgan Lola Schwarz, so., OH Kreiser, jr., S Key varsity newcomer: Shaylee Davis, Worth noting: Coach Jones says she jr., OH returns a lot of key players, making up a Worth noting: The Hawks reached the majority of the varsity team.

Class 2A regional semifinals last season “Our team is very talented,” Jones before falling to E-P. said. “We have a lot of options. If we all “Our team this year is small but work together and our leaders emerge, scrappy,” Tremble said. “We are about we will have a very good season. We half returning and half new to varsity, so have our goals and we will accomplish it may take some time to hit our groove, them together.” but we will be competitive regardless as Oregon volleyball always is.”

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25 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025 OCL

Oregon takes on EPC in practice game

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Oregon’s Cooper Johnson tries to jump over Eastland-Pearl City’s Brody Simons (0) during a practice game Aug. 22 at Lanark. The Hawks open the 2025 season at Genoa-Kingston on Aug. 29, while EPC hosts Fulton. TOP RIGHT: Oregon’s Cooper Johnson runs with the ball behind Edward Gomez, and Jakob Moser throws a block during a practice game with Eastland-Pearl City. ABOVE: Eastland-Pearl City quarterback Deaken Hofmaster looks to pass during a practice game with Oregon. LEFT: Oregon’s Landon Ziller catches a pass for a gain during the practice game with Eastland-Pearl City.

OCL

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

26 PREP FOOTBALL

Forreston learning from growing pains Cardinals hope experience will pay off after rough 2024

By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent There were a lot of new faces on the field for Forreston last season, and the youth and inexperience showed as the Cardinals went 2-7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

But by taking their lumps last season, the Cards believe they’ll be in a much better position to return to their usual standard this fall.

“We were real young last year, just a lot of inexperience, and then that leads to things like guys being on the field maybe when it’s too soon or too early,” fifth-year head coach Keynon Janicke said. “But we kind of took care of that last year by getting guys on the field so they’d be ready for this year.”

Tight end/defensive lineman Hunter DeWall was the only all-conference player for Forreston last season. But the Cardinals bring back 10 starters on offense (four linemen, two tight ends, three running backs and a quarterback) and eight on defense (three linemen, two linebackers and three defensive backs), meaning the inexperience from last year has turned into veteran presence this season.

“Last year, the problem was our team was really young – a lot of sophomores and a couple freshmen on varsity – and this year they’re all maturing,” DeWall said. “If they keep maturing, that will help for this year and next year, and just keep it going.”

Not only do the Cardinals now have a lot of varsity experience, but those players are hungry for success after learning the hard way last fall.

“A lot of these guys are ready to step up,” Janicke said. “Our season ended, and we’ve been in the weight room since November, and I haven’t had to do a lot of motivating for that. We’ve got upperclassmen that are ready to lead the way.”

Playing for a program with three state titles, two more trips to the semifinals, and an additional pair of quarterfinal berths since 2011, these Cardinals are aware of the legacy that’s been passed down to them. After a down year, they’re ready to get back to the

Earleen Hinton file photo

Forreston’s Kayden Loomis looks for blocks against Eastland-Pearl City in a NUIC game last season at Pearl City. team that went 119-32 in the 13 years between 2011 and 2023.

To do that, DeWald said it will take a return to physical play and hard work, as well as learning lessons from last season. The biggest thing: finishing off drives and finishing off tackles.

“We just have to be physical,” he said. “Last year, a lot of people on our team were afraid to hit, and that cost us several games. We had so many games that were within reach where we weren’t physical enough, and we couldn’t finish them off and get the win.

“We’ve had a strong system in place for a long time now, and we’ll just keep running that until it doesn’t work. It

makes it really easy for us in the offseason, because it’s just the same thing as last year, but working harder to achieve what we want. It’s just adding more to what we worked on last year, and getting better.”

For their part, Janicke and his coaches realize that they can’t just run it back after a two-win season, especially after seeing halftime leads turn into losses three different times last year because of second-half struggles where “we were just flat,” Janicke said.

But the year of experience, the dedication he’s seen from the players throughout the offseason and the adjustments the coaching staff has

made since last November have Janicke thinking about a strong turnaround this fall.

“If we clean ourselves up, if we fix what we need to fix, the wins will come,” Janicke said. “And we have to change a little bit, we can’t just keep doing the same things that we’re doing.

We’ve got to be aware that there have to be some changes in some areas. We can’t be ignorant as coaches to that fact. So we’ve tried our best to make some adjustments offensively and defensively, and then just change our mindset to stop letting things happen to us and just be physical football players.”

PREP FOOTBALL

By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com

OCL

A perennial state contender in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association, the Polo Marcos look to continue their winning ways behind new senior leaders.

Following the graduation of all-state quarterback/defensive back Gus Mumford, Polo will turn to JT Stephenson, who also was in the mix behind center last season.

“We’re hoping he can step up and fill that void,” Polo coach Ted Alston said.

“He’s a little bit different kind of player, but I think he can do a lot of the same things that Gus was able to do.

“He’s got a nice arm and has looked pretty good so far throwing the ball as well.”

Despite coming into the season with little varsity experience at QB, Mumford accounted for over 1,200 yards rushing and 800 passing last season.

“JT has had some experience and played in pretty much every game we played last year at some point at quarterback,” Alston said. “We feel good about that. He’s been out there and it won’t be a big surprise for him.”

Alston said the receiving depth is not as prominent this season, but the tight end group is solid.

All-state senior two-way lineman Wyatt Plachno looks to anchor the trenches and classmate Damon Rowe is another returning all-conference player at defensive end/tight end. Alston also listed Korbin Cavanaugh (TE/DE) and Quinton Hart (RB/LB) as top players to watch.

“I think both sides, the offensive and defensive lines are pretty solid,” Alston said. “And we have some good depth there. That’s probably going to be our strength; our depth and skill.”

Alston said the team can’t afford to make many mistakes this season.

“We’ve got to be sharp to win games this year,” he said. “So hopefully we are disciplined and we do those things well.”

Winning 8-man state titles in 2019 and 2021, Polo has reached the semifinals the past two years. Milledgeville broke through last season to reach the championship game against Amboy after beating Polo 28-14.

A history of success in the league, which started in 2019, has helped the Marcos keep a high standard for new players.

“Success breeds success,” Alston

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

Polo seniors stepping into leadership positions this season

27

Alex T. Paschal file photo

Polo’s JT Stephenson avoids a safety by getting out of the end zone against Milledgeville on Oct. 4, 2024, at Milledgeville High School.

Those kids, they’ve put in their time and they’ve worked hard.”

Ted Alston, Polo coach said. “The kids don’t want to disappoint, so they’ve worked hard to be the next team up and try to fill the shoes of those guys before them that did really well.

“I think they’ve embraced that role as well so I’m pretty happy about that.”

Alston said Plachno, Rowe, Stephenson and the other seniors will need to step up as leaders this season. Polo opens the season at home against Bushnell-Prairie City on Aug. 29.

“Those kids, they’ve put in their time and they’ve worked hard,” Alston said.

“They’ve got to not just be good football players, but they’ve got to be the leaders of the team.

“At some point, bad things happen to Shaw Local News Network file photo a football team. And if you don’t have those leaders on the team, it makes it a Polo’s Wyatt Plachno (right) celebrates a Marco touchdown against Alden-Hebron during 8-man little bit harder to recover.” playoff action last season in Polo.

OCL

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

28

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

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APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 25-08 POLICE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATED For EPA Lab Contract 9,600 BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the For Salary 850,800 For Water Tower 71,000 Village of Mt. Morris, IL: For Part-Time Police 52,000 For EPA Loan 86,000 Section 1. That for the purpose of defraying all the necessary For Overtime 146,800 For EPA Loan Interest 7,400 expenses and liabilities of the Village of Mt. Morris for the following For Police Commission 6,000 For Well Repairs 240,000 sums, or so much thereof as by law may be authorized and the same For Radio Contracts & Services 52,000 For Administration Fee 2,400 are here-by set aside and appropriated for the following purposes.

For Supplies & Freight 14,000 TOTAL FOR WATER FUND 989,000 For Uniforms 12,000 SEWER FUND APPROPRIATED ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATED For Dog Expense 0 For Salary 146,800 For Salary – Collector $26,400 For Cat Feral Program 3,000 For Salary Collector 26,400 For Overtime 19,800 For Telephone 17,400 For Extra Labor 4,800 For Salary – President 19,200 For Gas & Oil 47,800 For Overtime 46,600 For Salary – Liquor Commissioner 600 For Repairs 18,000 For Postage 3,800 For Salary – Board Members 21,600 For Computer Supplies 4,000 For Supplies & Freight 16,000 For Salary – Clerk 5,600 For Postage 200 For Chemicals 67,200 For Salary – Treasurer 64,200 For School & Training 10,000 For Uniforms 800 For Salary – Non-Elected Apptd. Officials 24,000 For Squad Car Reserve 20,000 For Printing/Publishing 200 For Salary – Economic Development 27,200 For New Equipment 44,000 For Cleaning Service 4,400 For Salary – Deputy Clerk 57,800 For ESDA Expense 19,400 For Chemicals – Lab 14,000 For Legal 155,800 For Dues & Publication 1,000 For Electricity 115,200 For Auditing 34,000 TOTAL FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT 1,318,400 For Engineering 50,000 For Planning Commission 2,000 BAND FUND APPROPRIATED For Telephone 15,200 For Economic Incentive Tax 54,000 For Salary 30,000 For Heating Fuel – Gas 17,400 For Oregon Park District Recreation 12,400 For Reserve 108,000 For Gas & Oil 9,400 For Senior Center Recreation Programs 6,000 TOTAL FOR BAND FUND 138,000 For Repairs 230,000 For Computer Supplies 10,000 FRIDAY JAMBOREE FUND APPROPRIATED For Computer Supplies 400 For Community Economic Development 106,000 For Friday Night Concert 100,000 For School & Training 2,000 For Plainview Cemetery Grant 7,000 For Sundry 6,000 For Plant Meters/Registers 4,000 For Postage 4,400 For Reserve 31,400 For Permit Fee 20,000 For Supplies 12,000 TOTAL FOR FRIDAY JAMBOREE FUND 137,400 For Sludge Removal & Testing 57,400 For Printing & Publishing 7,200 COLISEUM FUND APPROPRIATED For New Equipment 120,000 For Uniforms 0 For Janitor 5,000 For New Sewer Meters 30,000 For Insurance – Employee 300,000 For Supplies & Freight 4,000 For UV Maintenance 16,000 For Insurance – Liability 176,440 For Insurance 3,000 For Transfer to Sewer Reserve 40,000 For Telephone 9,200 For Heating Fuel – Gas 6,000 For Administration Fee 2,400 For Dues 1,000 For Electricity 6,000 TOTAL FOR SEWER FUND 1,060,400 For Update Code Books 2,000 For EcoLab 3,000 MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND APPROPRIATED For Tourism Committee 3,000 For Repairs/Gym Floor 5,000 For Engineering 80,000 For Bank Service Charges 1,500 For Building Improvements/Repairs 50,534 For Repairs 460,000 For Fireworks 20,000 Telephone 4,400 For Snow Removal 10,000 For Tech Maintenance 14,000 For Fire Alarm Monitoring Contract 1,400 TOTAL FOR MOTOR FUEL FUND 550,000 For Emergency Reserve Funding 1,000,000 For Fitness Center/All Purpose Room Improvements 4,000 SANITARY DISPOSAL FUND APPROPRIATED For ARPA Expenses 235,660 For Administration Fees 2,400 For Salary Collector 26,400 For OSLAD Reimb Grant Expenses 293,140 TOTAL FOR COLISEUM FUND 94,734 For Postage 3,600 For Seminars 10,000 RECREATION FUND APPROPRIATED For Printing & Publishing 200 For Sundry 4,000 For Programs 2,800 For Computer Supplies 0 For Park Reserve 104,600 For Supplies 4,600 For Garbage Removal 427,000 TOTAL FOR ADMINISTRATION 2,851,740 For Equipment/Repairs 50,000 For Reserve 225,400 STREET DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATED TOTAL FOR RECREATION FUND 57,400 For Administration Fees 2,400 For Salary 212,000 PARK FUND APPROPRIATED TOTAL FOR SANITARY DISPOSAL FUND 685,000 For Extra Labor 17,000 For Salary 46,000 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY APPROPRIATED For Public Works Labor 17,600 For Overtime 0 For Wages 202,600 For Overtime 23,000 For Supplies & Freight 7,000 For Building 29,020 For Freight & Supplies 15,400 For Gas & Oil 6,000 For Grounds 2,800 For Signs 0 For Repairs 9,000 For Furniture & Equipment 200 For Uniforms 3,200 New Equipment 2,000 For Auto/Tech 20,000 For Equipment Reserve 20,000 New Equipment Reserve 0 For Materials 4,200 For New Equipment 0 For Park Development ` 40,000 For Supplies 1,748 For Telephone 6,400 For Snow Removal 800 For Publishing/Programs 1,400 For Heating Fuel – Gas 2,000 For Restroom Rental 4,000 For Bookkeeping 4,320 For Electricity 25,400 TOTAL FOR PARK FUND 114,800 For Miscellaneous 950 For Gas & Oil 21,800 RETIREMENT APPROPRIATED TOTAL FOR FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 267,238 For Repairs 50,000 For IMRF 174,000 TIF DISTRICT FUND #1 APPROPRIATED For Snow Removal 26,000 For Reserve 65,840 For TIF Expenses TIF#1 162,200 For Storm Sewers 10,000 For Transfer to Social Security Fund 168,800 TOTAL FOR TIF DISTRICT FUND #1 162,200 For New Tree Program 7,000 TOTAL FOR RETIREMENT 408,640 APPROPRIATED For Removal of Trees 20,000 SOCIAL SECURITY FUND APPROPRIATED TIF DISTRICT FUND #2 1,238,400 For Cement Work 20,000 For Social Security 130,000 For TIF Expenses TIF #2 TOTAL FOR TIF DISTRICT FUND #2 1,238,400 For Training 8,000 For Medicare 32,000 For Street Projects 150,000 For Reserve APPROPRIATED 128,800 SEWER RESERVE FUND For Quarry 2,000 578,400 TOTAL FOR SOCIAL SECURITY 290,800 For Reserve For Street Project Reserve 0 DRUG ABUSE FUND TOTAL FOR SEWER RESERVE FUND 578,400 APPROPRIATED TOTAL FOR STREET DEPARTMENT 656,800 FOR PROJECTS 46,400 SEWER DEBT SERVICE FUND APPROPRIATED STREET LIGHTING APPROPRIATED TOTAL FOR DRUG ABUSE FUND 46,400 For IEPA Loan Payment 501,300 For Electricity 85,800 WATER FUND APPROPRIATED For IEPA Loan Interest 54,300 For Repairs 0 For Salary 103,200 For Reserve 225,000 TOTAL FOR STREET LIGHTING 85,800 For Collector 26,400 TOTAL FOR DEBT SERVICE FUND 780,600 BUILDING & GROUNDS APPROPRIATED For Overtime 17,800 WORKING CASH FUND APPROPRIATED For Salary 14,400 For Extra Labor 0 For Reserve 104,600 For Public Works Labor 16,400 For Engineering 40,000 TOTAL FOR WORKING CASH FUND 104,600 For Supplies & Freight 9,000 For Postage 10,000 For Signs/Flags 40,000 For Supplies & Freight APPROPRIATED 17,000 SUMMARY For Heating Fuel – Gas 200 For Chemicals Appropriated from Township Road & Bridge Tax, Sales 16,000 For Repairs/Building Improvements 100,000 For Uniforms Tax, Fines, Other Fees, Licenses, State Income Tax, 1,000 For Mowing 12,200 For New Equipment Miscellaneous Income, and Balance on Hand 12,174,172 22,000 New Equipment 0 For Printing Appropriated as the Tax for General Corporate Purposes 4,000 For New Equipment Reserve 20,000 For Computer Supplies And Special Taxes 804,980 0 For Christmas Lights 24,000 For Water Hydrants $12,979,152 34,000 GRAND TOTAL OF ALL APPROPRIATIONS For Campus Fountain 1,000 For Electricity 103,800 SECTION 2: That any unexpected balance of any items of any For Campus Upkeep 10,000 For Water Meters 20,000 Appropriations Made by the Ordinance may be expended in making For Cleaning Service 3,200 For Heating Fuel – Gas 3,600 an insufficiency in any Other item of appropriation made by this For Mosquito Spraying 22,000 For Gas & Oil 5,400 Ordinance.

Memorial Fountain 30,000 For Telephone 6,800 For Historical and Memorabilia 60,000 For Repairs 140,000 For Museum Reserve 0 For School & Training 1,600 TOTAL FOR BUILDING & GROUNDS 362,400 Continued on next page

AL NOTICES

MAN BANCCORP N.A., 8492 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, whose attorney is David A. Smith, of Smith Law Group, P.C. at LEGALSouth NOTICESFourth 129 Street, P. O. Box 10, Oregon, Illinois, day of May 61061-0010.

CLAIMS against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South LEGAL NOTICES 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the first publication of this Notice, or within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to the attorney within 10 days after the claim has been filed.

Joseph McCoy, Senior Trust Officer Stillman BancCorp N.A., Independent Executor August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2025

amended, whichever date is later.

Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk, Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the Estate legal representative, or both.

Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office, Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the Estate legal representative and to his attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Dated: /s/Roger E Cunz, Jr, Executor Michael J. Smith BARRICK, SWITZER, LONG, BALSLEY & VAN EVERA, LLP 6833 Stalter Drive Rockford, IL 61108 (815)962-6611 service.msmith@ bslbv.com

September 5, 12, 19, 2025

ing and transacting the business known as: Cleary Exteriors Pressure Washing 389 Red Fox Dr Davis Junction, IL 61020 Dated: August 25, 2025. s/Laura J. Cook Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025

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Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on August 25, LEGAL NaOTICES 2025, certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conductSeptember 5, 2025 ing and transacting the business OTICES LEGAL Nas: known Cleary Exteriors Pressure Washing 389 Red Fox Dr Davis Junction, IL 61020 Dated: August 25, 2025. s/Laura J. Cook Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025 Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that August 13, on 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setforth the ting names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Truck '61 11282 N. Leaf River Rd., P.O. Box 4 Leaf River, IL 61047 Dated: August 13, 2025. s/Laura J. Cook Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 29, Sep. 5, 12, 2025

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Roger E Cunz Deceased.

CASE NO. 2025-PR-59 CLAIM NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of ROGER E CUNZ, who died on May 29, 2025. Letters of Office were issued on July 25, 2025, to Roger E Cunz, Jr, 80 Riveside Road, Rockford, IL, 61114, who is the legal representative of the estate.

The attorney for the estate is Michael J. Smith, of Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108.

Claims against the Estate may be filed on or before March 5, 2026, that date being at least six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required

by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975 as amended, whichever date is later.

Any claim not filed

on or before March 5, 2026, that date being at least six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within OTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL N(3) LEGAL NOTICES three months from the date of STATE OF mailing or delivery ILLINOIS : 2025 Ayes Nays of Notice to crediIN THE CIRCUIT tors, if mailing or Abstained COURT OF THE Absent delivery is required 15TH JUDICIAL

by Section 18-3 of CIRCUIT the Illinois Probate OGLE COUNTY Act, 1975 as PROBATE amended, whichDIVISION EGAL OTICES EGAL OTICES L N L N ever date is later. LEGAL NOTICES IN THE MATTER Any claim not filed OF THE ESTATE Assumed Name OF: Roger E Cunz by the requisite Deceased. date stated above Publication Notice CASE NO. shall be barred.

Public Notice is 2025-PR-59 Claims against the hereby given that CLAIM NOTICE on August 26, Estate may be filed NOTICE is given 2025, a certificate in the Office of the was filed in the of the death of County ROGER E CUNZ, Ogle County Cir- Ogle who died on May cuit Clerk, Probate Clerk's Office set29, 2025. Letters of Division at the Ogle ting forth the Court- names and postOffice were issued County 106 5th office address of on July 25, 2025, house, to Roger E Cunz, Street, Oregon, Illi- all of the persons 80 Riveside nois, Jr, 61061, or owning, conductRoad, Rockford, IL, with the Estate le- ing and transact61114, who is the gal representative, ing the business known as: representa- or both. legal tive of the estate.

BK Exteriors Copies of claims located at The attorney for the estate is filed with the Cir7926 S Pine St Michael J. Smith, cuit Clerk's Office, Grand Detour, IL Division, of Barrick, Switzer, Probate 61021 Long, Balsley & must be mailed or Dated August 26, Van Evera, LLP, delivered to the Es- 2025.

6833 Stalter Drive, tate legal represenLaura J. Cook Illinois tative and to his Rockford, Laura J. Cook 61108.

Ogle County Clerk attorney within ten Claims against the (10) days after it Estate may be filed has been filed.

September 5, 12, on or before March 19, 2025 Dated: 5, 2026, that date /s/Roger E Cunz, Publication Notice being at least six Jr, Executor Public Notice is (6) months from the hereby given that date of first publi- Michael J. Smith August 25, on cation, or within BARRICK, 2025, a certificate three (3) months SWITZER, LONG, filed in the was from the date of BALSLEY & VAN Ogle County mailing or delivery EVERA, LLP Clerk's Office setof Notice to credi- 6833 Stalter Drive forth the ting tors, if mailing or Rockford, IL 61108 names and post delivery is required (815)962-6611 office address of

by Section 18-3 of service.msmith@ all of the persons the Illinois Probate bslbv.com owning, conduct1975 as Act,

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

AL NOTICES

mailed or delivered 61081.

OGLE COUNTY, Claims against the to the RepresentaILLINOIS estate may be tive and to the attorney within ten filed in the office Estate of: JOYCE I. GATZ, (10) days after it of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Deceased. has been filed.

No. 2025 PR 50 Dated: August 27, Courthouse, 106 S. EGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LCLAIM LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE 5th Street, Oregon, 2025 Janette S. Folkers, IL 61061, or with Notice is given the Representative, of the death of Representative Continued from previous pageor both, on or bePassed Ryan M.this Olson27th JOYCE I. GATZ. Attest 6333161 fore shall March 6, force SECTION 3: This Ordinance be in full and inofeffect from ARDC Letters Office Village President andpublication any were and after Its passage, 2026, approval and as provided by law. issued to WARD, MURRAY, Attest & PACE claim not filed within that period JANETTE S. FOLK- JOHNSON, Village Clerk P.C. ERS, 2535 South Attorneys for is barred. Copies of a claim filed with Wilson Mill Road, Estate the Clerk must be Polo, IL 61064, as 202 E. 5th Street OTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL Nor LEGAL NOTICES LEGALBox NOTICES mailed delivered Representative, P.O. 400 attorneys Sterling, IL 61081 to the Representa- whose IN THE CIRCUIT tive and to the at- are WARD, MUR- P: 815.625.8200 torney within ten RAY, COURT OF THE PACE & olson@wmpj.com (10) days after it JOHNSON, FIFTEENTH P.C., has been filed.

JUDICIAL Sept. 5, 12, 19, 202 E. 5th Street, Dated: August 21, Sterling, CIRCUIT 2025 Illinois 2025 OGLE COUNTY, 61081.

IN THE CIRCUIT Tanya M. Harrolle, ILLINOIS Claims against the COURT OF THE Representative Estate of: 15th JUDICIAL estate may be Ryan M. Olson RENEE J. FELTS, CIRCUIT filed in the office ARDC 6333161 Deceased.

OGLE COUNTY, of the Clerk of No. 2025 PR 48 WARD, MURRAY, ILLINOIS Court, Ogle County PACE & CLAIM NOTICE Courthouse, 106 S. IN THE MATTER Notice is given of JOHNSON, P.C. the death of RE- Attorneys for 5th Street, Oregon, OF THE ESTATE OF: NEE J. FELTS. Let- Estate IL 61061, or with BERNADINE T. ters of Office were 202 E. 5th Street the Representative, MACK, issued to TANYA P.O. Box 400 or both, on or deceased.

M. HARROLLE, Sterling, IL 61081 before March 13, NO. 2025-PR-51 1256 Glacier Dr., P: 815.625.8200 2026, and any CLAIM NOTICE Byron, IL 61010, as olson@wmpj.com claim not filed NOTICE IS GIVEN Representative, whose attorneys August 29, within that period of the death of BERNADINE T. is barred.

Copies are WARD, MURSept. 5, 12, 2025 of a claim filed with MACK of Oregon, PACE & RAY, the Clerk must be Illinois. Letters of P.C., JOHNSON, IN THE CIRCUIT 202 E. 5th Street, mailed or delivered office were issued COURT OF THE August 18, Sterling, Illinois to the Representa- on FIFTEENTH 2025, to STILL61081. tive and to the at- MAN BANCCORP JUDICIAL Claims against the torney within ten N.A., 8492 E. State CIRCUIT estate may be (10) days after it Street, Rockford, IL OGLE COUNTY, filed in the office has been filed.

ILLINOIS 61108, whose atof the Clerk of Dated: August 27, torney is David A. Court, Ogle County Estate of: JOYCE I. GATZ, Smith, of Smith 2025 Courthouse, 106 S. Janette S. Folkers, Law Group, P.C. at 5th Street, Oregon, Deceased.

No. 2025 PR 50 Representative 129 South Fourth IL 61061, or with CLAIM NOTICE Street, P. O. Box Ryan M. Olson the Representative, 10, Oregon, Illinois, Notice is given ARDC 6333161 or both, on or be61061-0010.

March 6, of the death of WARD, MURRAY, fore I. GATZ. JOYCE CLAIMS against 2026, and any PACE & Letters of Office the estate may be not filed claim JOHNSON, P.C. issued to filed in the office within that period were Attorneys for of the Clerk of is barred. Copies JANETTE S. FOLK- Estate 2535 South ERS, the Court at Ogle of a claim filed with 202 E. 5th Street Wilson Mill Road, County Judicial the Clerk must be Center, 106 South mailed or delivered Polo, IL 61064, as P.O. Box 400 5th Street, Oregon, Sterling, IL 61081 to the Representa- Representative, Illinois, 61061, or attorneys P: 815.625.8200 tive and to the at- whose with the repreare WARD, MURolson@wmpj.com torney within ten PACE & sentative, or both, (10) days after it RAY, JOHNSON, P.C., within 6 months has been filed.

Sept. 5, 12, 19, from the first publiDated: August 21, 202 E. 5th Street, 2025 cation of this NoSterling, Illinois 2025 tice, or within three Tanya M. Harrolle, 61081.

Claims against the months from the Representative date of mailing or estate may be Ryan M. Olson delivery of Notice filed in the office ARDC 6333161 to creditors, if mailof the Clerk of WARD, MURRAY, Court, Ogle County ing or delivery is PACE & Courthouse, 106 S. required by SecJOHNSON, P.C. tion 18-3 of the Illi5th Street, Oregon, Attorneys for nois Probate Act, IL 61061, or with Estate 1975, as amended, the Representative, 202 E. 5th Street or both, on or whichever date is P.O. Box 400 before March 13, later. Any claim not Sterling, IL 61081 filed within that 2026, and any P: 815.625.8200 period is barred. claim not filed olson@wmpj.com Copies of claims within that period is barred. Copies filed with the Clerk August 29, of a claim filed with must be mailed or Sept. 5, 12, 2025 delivered to the esthe Clerk must be tate legal represenmailed or delivered tative and to the to the Representative and to the atattorney within 10 torney within ten days after the claim has been (10) days after it filed. has been filed.

Dated: August 27, Joseph McCoy, 2025 Senior Trust Officer Stillman BancCorp Janette S. Folkers, N.A., Independent Representative Executor Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 August 29, WARD, MURRAY, Sept. 5, 12, 2025 PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, September 1, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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