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Ogle County recycling event is Sept. 20
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will host a residential electronics recycling and document shredding event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20, at 909 Pines Road in Oregon. This event is for Ogle County residents only and a free permit is required in advance of the event for electronic recycling. To obtain a free permit, call 815-7324020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil. gov and provide your name, address, phone number and email address by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. No permit is required for the document shredding, just bring a driver’s license or another ID that shows you are an Ogle County resident.
Accepted items include all TVs and computer monitors, computers, computer hardware and cables, laptops, tablets, cellphones, printers, FAX machines, scanners, shredders (no tubs), copiers,
video gaming equipment, DVD/VCRs, cable/satellite boxes, stereo equipment, radios, digital clocks, cameras, calculators, phone systems, holiday light strands, extension cords, rechargeable batteries, printer ink cartridges, CD/ DVDs, and CFL bulbs. Microwave ovens are accepted for $5 per unit. Cash or check accepted.
Large toner cartridges are no longer accepted at the residential electronic recycling events. They can be taken back to office supply stores, or they can be recycled through the business recycling program for a nominal fee.
Limit seven large or bulky items per permit and one permit per county household per month. Business or institutional electronic materials are not accepted at these events. Business or institutional electronics are accepted by the OCSWMD via a separate program. Call the number above for more information and pricing for business electronic recycling, and to make an appointment for drop off of the materials to be recycled.
From Sept. 1, 1975, to Aug. 28, 2025, the Rochelle Fire Department has run 65,138 total ambulance calls. The department now averages over 3,000 calls per year. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
In addition, secure, on-site document shredding will be conducted by Illinois Valley Document Destruction from 9 a.m. to noon. There is a limit of three boxes per vehicle. No business or institutional material accepted. There is no cost to residents for paper shredding, because the OCSWMD will cover the cost of the Illinois Valley Document Destruction truck and staff.
Also, in conjunction with this event, OCSWMD is again hosting a food drive. All donations will be distributed by OCSWMD to local food pantries across Ogle County. Items accepted include non-expired canned goods and jars of food, boxed food items, as well as household essentials such as sealed toothpaste, soap, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, paper towels and toilet paper.
For more information about this recycling event, call the OCSWMD at the number above, visit oglecountyil.gov or go to Facebook to see the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department page.
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Shaw Local News Network file photo
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will host a residential electronics recycling and document shredding event on
to noon Saturday, Sept. 20, at 909 Pines Road in Oregon.
Rochelle Fire Department marks 50 years of providing ambulance service
Longtime RFD members reflect on improvements, expansion, difficult calls
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
In a town of nearly 10,000, Rochelle Fire Department paramedics often see former patients they’ve helped in the past in chance encounters around the community.
“I tell the new firefighter/EMTs that they need to keep a journal on the peo ple they’ve helped,” Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville (RFD 1980-present) said. “Because you have an impact. You can’t go to the post office or the store without seeing someone from a past call. You leave an impact on your community. You made somebody’s really bad day a little bit better. That’s huge.”
Sept. 1 marked 50 years of RFD pro viding ambulance service to the Rochelle area. Before that, ambulance service was offered by three funeral homes in the community. In 1974, there was a move ment locally toward a full-time ambu lance in Rochelle. When Don Horner, owner of Unger-Horner Funeral Home, came to the city and offered to provide a full-time ambulance for $16,000, the city council decided RFD could take on the responsibility for a lesser cost.
On July 16, 1975, the city council approved RFD taking over ambulance service, and the changeover took place in September of that year. Rick Kasmar, Loren Edwards and Dennis Hooley were the personnel on the first RFD ambulance call. The city’s first ambulance arrived on Sept. 7, 1975, and Flagg Township later bought a second ambulance for the city, and the city then bought a third ambulance for transfers.
From September through the end of 1975, RFD ran 104 ambulance calls. In 1976, the department ran 400-500 calls. From Sept. 1, 1975, to Aug. 28, 2025, RFD has run 65,138 total ambulance calls. The department now averages over 3,000 calls per year.
“I wonder where the time went,” retired RFD firefighter/EMT Arlen “Buzz” Harms (1972-2002) said. “I want
to give credit to the funeral homes for the work they did before 1975. Unger-Horner and Cluts Funeral Home both did a fantastic job with what was available at the time. And then RFD took it over. A good group of people has worked here over the years. The level of care improved over the years. I feel like what we did with what we had in the beginning was good.”
Ambulance calls by RFD have increased every year since 1975, except for two years, once during COVID-19, and the year when RFD stopped handling non-emergency transfers for Rochelle Community Hospital. Sawlsville said EMS calls are “easily 80-90%” of RFD’s operations.
RFD has always operated three ambulances. The State of Illinois has three ascending levels of EMT certifica-
tions: basic, intermediate and paramedic. RFD started out employing EMT basics on the ambulances before personnel’s qualifications advanced to intermediate and all paramedics today. In 1975, RFD EMTs could offer trained CPR, oxygen, glucose, splinting and spine stabilization. RFD paramedics now can administer 38 different kinds of drugs and have access to high-tech monitors and defibrillators.
“From 1975 to now, the care for patients in the ambulance is night and day,” Sawlsville said. “There was a day when most adults would die of heart attacks. That isn’t the case now. We started carrying defibrillators, which increased our save rate considerably. We added Narcan and the use of it went up greatly. We added IVs for glucose for diabetic patients after using oral glu -
cose before.
“And these improvements are still happening. We have monitors and can transfer the readings to the ER, and they can see what they’re dealing with before it. We have good teamwork with RCH and the other hospitals that offer a higher level of care. We tie first responders, the local hospital and advanced care all together and working and talking together. Patients’ outcomes have gotten a lot better.”
Due to rising call numbers in recent years, RFD recently underwent an expansion that included the hiring of six new firefighters. The newest three firefighters will be funded by a $919,368 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant the
Jeff Helfrich
Former Rochelle Fire Chief Tom McDermott (RFD 1978-2009), current RFD Chief Dave Sawlsville (1980-present) and retired RFD Firefighter/EMT Arlen “Buzz” Harms (RFD 1972-2002) are pictured at the fire department.
PACT rehearsing for ‘Lightning Thief’ musical
Polo Area Community Theatre is preparing for the first show of its 20th season, which will take place in the Old Polo Town Hall that now belongs to PACT.
Rehearsals are underway for “The Lightning Thief, the Percy Jackson Musical.” The show, based on the book series by Rick Riordan, follows Percy in his adventures in learning his heritage as the half-blood of a Greek god, becoming the prime suspect when Zeus’s lightning bolt goes missing, going on a quest to clear his name and encountering more than his fair share of monsters along the way.
The show runs Sept. 19-21 and 26-27 at the Old Polo Town Hall, 117 N. Franklin Ave., Polo. For more information, visit polotheatre.org
Photo provided by PACT
During rehearsal, Mr. D (Seth Megill, center) and Chiron (Wesley Blankenbehler, right) discuss the fate of Percy (Morgan Ayling.)
Illinois Route 26 work in Ogle County underway
Construction on Illinois Route 26 in Ogle County began Tuesday, Sept. 9. The work zone is from Willow Street in Forreston to Hillside Drive in Polo.
The $5.3 million Illinois Department of Transportation project will mill and resurface the road. There will be daily lane closures, with traffic controlled by flaggers. All work is expected to be complete by early July 2026.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zone areas, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and almost 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation.
Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 addi-
tional safety improvements. Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center events happening
The following events are happening at the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center:
NSCM
September is National Senior Center Month. We will celebrate on Monday, Sept. 15, from 4-6 p.m. with ice cream.
Crafts
Thursday, Sept. 18, is craft day with Momentum. Come join us at 1 p.m. for a fun canvas painting. No cost.
Trivia & Taco Night
Thursday, Sept. 18, is Trivia & Taco Night. Starting at 6 p.m. with tacos for $2, followed by five rounds of trivia for $2 per person. Bring a team or come alone and join a team.
Trip
In October, we have a day trip to the Metropolis Performing Arts Center to see “Grease.” The space is limited on the bus, so make your reservation now. Sept. 26 is the deadline, and the cost is $90.
Rail safety improvements approved for Ogle County
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved funds Sept. 4 to install automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at the Blackwood Road highway-rail crossing near Davis Junction, in Ogle County.
The total estimated cost of the signal design and construction is $564,833; the Grade Crossing Protection Fund will be used to pay 95% of the signal’s costs, not to exceed $536,620. The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad will pay the remaining 5% of the design and installation costs, along with all future maintenance costs related to the signals and circuitry.
The total estimated cost for the highway approach rehabilitation design and construction is $96,220 – 100% of which will be covered by the GCPF. The Scott Township Road District will be responsible for any future highway approach maintenance.
All required signal work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order.
More information on Stipulated Agreement 2367 can be found in Docket T25-0070.
Rochelle Veterans War Memorial
brick engraving still available in time
for Veterans Day
Every fall, additional bricks in the Rochelle Veterans War Memorial are engraved in time for Veterans Day. Orders for brick engraving are collected and the engraver is hired to perform the work on a dry day in the fall. For those interested in having a brick engraved on behalf of a veteran for Veterans Day 2025, the deadline to receive the order form and payment is Sept. 15, 2025. Orders received after this date will be held until the next engraving can be scheduled. The cost for a brick is $75 and order forms can be obtained at the Rochelle VFW or on the Rochelle city website. Payment by check or money order is required, payable to the Rochelle Veterans War Memorial Association. Orders can be dropped off at the VFW or mailed to Box 344, Rochelle IL, 61068. – Shaw Local News Network
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Encore! Mt. Morris paints mural
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Each summer, Encore! Mt. Morris hires an artist-in-residence to offer art classes and experiences for students in second grade through high school in the area.
This year, Hannah Beach, a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University in art education, offered weekly classes at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove building for second through sixth graders, where they created decorated painting shirts, botanical mono-printing, and yarn weaving, among other projects. High school art students assisted Hannah, earning volunteer service hours. They included Kerrie Diaz, Olivia Leopold, Eleanor
Guinn, Katy Miller and Lily Griffin.
Hannah also guided junior high art students in creating illusion sidewalk paintings on the campus near Old Sandstone. And Hannah, Lucia Wells, Lily Griffin and Ahren Howey (high school art students) spent countless hours designing and painting Mt. Morris’s first mural in the tunnel at Dillehay Park. The artist-in-residence position was funded this year through the 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County.
Encore! Mt. Morris is composed of volunteers committed to developing Mt. Morris into a unique, thriving rural and cultural arts destination in northwest Illinois focused on the visual, performing and culinary arts. Learn more at EncoreMtMorris.com.
Encore! Mt. Morris offers art classes
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Encore! Mt. Morris and Highland Community College’s Lifelong Learning division have partnered to offer two art classes in Mt. Morris this fall.
Classes include:
Whimsical Woodland Fairy: Learn to transform raw wool into a charming 3D fairy using the art of needle felting. Guided step by step, you’ll create a unique fairy full of personality. Take home your finished creation, plus a foam square and two felting needles to continue the fun at home. Instructed by
Nancy Elson, the class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center.
Stenciling 101: Come learn the basics of stenciling. A variety of techniques will be taught while creating a stenciled project on a decorative breadboard. Colors may vary. Attendees will be given a three-part stencil and their finished breadboard to take home. All other supplies provided. Instructed by Sherry Crumbaker, the class will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center.
To register and see more information, go to encoremtmorris.com.
Ogle county
county
You are cordially invited to our 27th Annual fall luncheon fundraiser building community for democracy
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO OUR 27TH ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR DEMOCRACY
Sunday, September 28, 2025 • 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. historic stronghold castle conference Center
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 · 1:00 TO 4:30 P.M. HISTORIC STRONGHOLD CASTLE CONFERENCE CENTER · 1922 ROUTE 2 NORTH, OREGON, IL
PLEASE RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 TICKETS: $60
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO OGLE COUNTY DEMOCRATS MAIL TO: PO BOX 105, OREGON, IL 61061 OR THROUGH ACTBLUE @ HTTPS://SECURE.ACTBLUE.COM/DONATE/2025_OCDCC_FALL_FUNDRAISER
OGLECOUNTYDEMOCRATS@GMAIL.COM WITH QUESTIONS
Paid for by the Ogle County Democratic Central Committee. A copy of our report is available on the State Board of Elections website: www.elections.il.gov
Photo provided by Encore! Mt. Morris
Hannah Beach, the artist-in-residence, paints the mural in Mt. Morris.
Stillman Valley gardener hopes to break her own pumpkin record:
‘Patches’ pushing 1,700 pounds as Illinois Giant Pumpkin Association competition approaches
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
When her daughter went away to college and her family sold its horses, Theresa Miller found herself looking for a hobby.
The Stillman Valley woman went into a Farm & Fleet 17 years ago and bought a packet of Atlantic Giant Pumpkin seeds. Her first pumpkin was 89 pounds. And then she grew one that was 400 pounds. And then 1,000, and then 1,600 pounds. Last year, her entry into the Illinois Giant Pumpkin Association Weigh-off in Minooka weighed 1,871 pounds.
Miller currently has three giant pumpkins growing in advance of the competition on Sept. 27: Patches, Dimples and Roxanne. She believes Patches, the largest of the three, is currently nearing 1,700 pounds and hopes to see more growth.
“I really hope I can at least try to break my number last year, if I can get Patches to grow a little bit more,” Miller said. “We haven’t had a great pumpkin growing season. I’m lucky to have what I have this year. You can lose them at any time if they split. It’s not at the weight I want it to be, but I’m fortunate to have what I have.
“The high heat was a problem this year. I pollinate them by hand to make sure the seed is good. I use my own seeds. I sell the seeds to other people. I have sold quite a few.”
Miller will pick her pumpkins Sept. 26, a night that has become a yearly event where people from the community come out to watch them be picked and loaded to head to Minooka. She estimates she spends about five hours each day tending to the pumpkins. Their growth process takes place from April to September.
Work on the pumpkins includes running fans to keep them dry, setting mouse traps, shading them on hot summer days, covering them and using heat
‘You learn something every year’
lamps on cold nights, fertilizing and tending to the soil, and catching flies.
The plants that surround the giant pumpkins by about 10 feet on each side provide nutrients to them.
Miller enjoys coming over to check on her pumpkins each day and watching them grow. They can grow up to 60 pounds in a day in good growing conditions. Miller found more time for the work after retiring earlier this year.
“It’s nice to come over here and see what you’ve created,” Miller said. “They become your babies. It’s something to do. It’s quiet here and it’s my time. But by this time of year, you can get fed up with it. You work so hard all summer long and give up a lot of time. We have three more weeks, but that seems like an eternity. You just want to get them to the scale. Because anything can happen.
“My hope for the next three weeks is
that Patches just keeps gaining,” she said. “She’s looking good. If I can just keep her growing, even if it’s 10 pounds a day.”
Miller has gotten to know other giant pumpkin growers around the state and region over the years. She’s involved in Facebook groups on the topic. Last year, her pumpkin entry, Ms. Impressive, was carved by the Food Network after the competition. This year, her pumpkins will be put on display at Klehm Arboretum
Growing giant pumpkins was not a hobby Miller thought she would have.
“People call me the pumpkin lady now,” Miller said. “I enjoy it, and my husband, Keith, enjoys watching me do it. It’s just something to do. You learn something every year. I mess up every year, as a gardener always does. The growers all know each other and help each other. You’re always making mis-
takes and doubting yourself. It’s been interesting to get into the pumpkin growing community.”
Miller’s pumpkins tend to name themselves each year. Patches’ name came about after she found red cloth patches around it. Dimples is named after an irregularity it has. Roxanne has rocks in her patch. They take on personalities and draw interest, Miller said.
“I get a lot of people that ask me around town how the pumpkins are doing,” Miller said. “A lot of people are really interested in them. We invite a crowd out when we pick them, and I think people enjoy watching them being lifted off the ground, and hopefully make it to the contest safely. When we’re on our way to Minooka, people honk their horns at us and want to take pictures. It’s exciting to see people get a kick out of it.”
Jeff Helfrich
Stillman Valley’s Theresa Miller has three giant pumpkins growing in advance of a competition on Sept. 27: Patches, Dimples and Roxanne. She believes Patches, the largest of the three, is currently nearing 1,700 pounds and hopes to see more growth.
Area nonprofits adjust to From the Heart’s closure; RACF to host gala in 2026
‘It’s $90,000 potentially not going back into this community’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Area nonprofits are working to fill the fundraising gap left by local nonprofit From the Heart after it ceased operations in February after 18 years and $1.116 million in giving in the greater Rochelle area.
From the Heart raised money for nine area nonprofits: the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, HOPE of Ogle County, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, Pegasus Special Riders, Hub City Senior Center, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA, Community Action Network and Foundation for Focus House. It raised $90,000 at its 2025 gala and presented checks for $10,000 to each of its nonprofits in its final year.
Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Jessica Cash was involved with From the Heart for 16 years and said the funds weren’t the only benefit. The gala also highlighted the work the nine nonprofits did and helped Shining Star, based in Dixon, to make connections in Rochelle and Ogle County.
Shining Star CAC works with families and children in Ogle and Lee counties who have been victims of child abuse. The work is done alongside law enforcement, prosecutors, DCFS and medical providers when there’s been allegations of severe physical or sexual abuse or kids who have experienced violent crimes, domestic violence or child deaths in the home.
Children come to Shining Star’s location to be interviewed rather than going to a police station or hospital, which can be less child-friendly or more intimidating. The organization also offers counseling, trauma therapy, group services and court advocacy.
“When I would accept our check every year, I would always make a point to mention how they were unrestricted funds and how beneficial that is,” Cash said. “We could use that money for whatever we needed. One year we used
the funds to replace a critical camera in one of our interview rooms.
“A lot of the grants we receive are restricted to specific uses. That will need to be made up. We’re looking at other community grants. We may be losing some federal funding next July. Between that and the From the Heart funds, we really need to be looking around to raise funds.”
Shining Star also used From the Heart funds to support families’ needs, such as clothes, shoes, and sports registration and equipment for kids. Cash called From the Heart “a great network of people to work with” and said her organization is working to continue fostering connections in Ogle County. Shining Star has a small office in Oregon.
Amid constant uncertainty with the future of grant funding, Cash said having donors and fundraisers is always helpful to continue supporting children in the area. From the Heart allowed its nine nonprofits to combine efforts.
“It was a way for all nine agencies to have a fundraiser at one time,” Cash said. “And now we have to have an extra
fundraiser each. Now it is nine asks of the community versus one big ask. That can make things more difficult.”
RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said the From the Heart funds helped her organization to hold programs and have a bigger reach. RACF provides support to area nonprofits through a competitive grant process yearly. It also works with donors from every walk of life, from small donations to big donations and everything in between. RACF was part of From the Heart since its inception.
In an effort to help fill the void left by From the Heart, RACF will convert its yearly grant presentation event – Granting Futures – into a gala in 2026. The RACF Granting Futures Gala will be held May 2, 2026, at Storybook Gardens. The event will be Kentucky Derby themed and will include grant presentations, a plated dinner by Flight Deck Bar & Grill, silent and live auctions, and music and dancing.
“From the Heart is a fantastic idea,” Anaya said. “In a sense, it did what RACF does, just a little bit differently. It supports nonprofits. That’s why I feel
it’s on RACF to pick that up and make up that money. That is a lot of money to make up. It’s $90,000 potentially not going back into this community. How is that going to work? I think you’re going to see that impact, especially on those smaller nonprofits. My board and I are solution-based. We’re going to be proactive. That’s where our gala we’re planning came in.”
Funds raised at the Granting Futures Gala will go toward the RACF Endowment Fund, its largest unrestricted fund where most donor dollars go. Anaya hopes those funds will grow and benefit area nonprofits to fill the gap From the Heart left.
Anaya, RACF’s board and volunteers will be putting on the event, which she called “a big undertaking.”
“We don’t want our nonprofits to scramble year to year,” Anaya said. “We want them to know that there’s enough money, and we want to hand that out.
“We know we’re not going to be From the Heart. We want to continue the tradition and legacy. And I think this community really wants to do it,” she said.
Jeff Helfrich
The Rochelle Area Community Foundation provides support to area nonprofits through a competitive grant process yearly. It also works with donors from every walk of life, from small donations to big donations and everything in between.
Kunes Auto Group closes Oregon location
City of Oregon estimates business was its largest sales tax generator
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Kunes Auto Group has closed its Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram location at 601 Gale St. in Oregon after more than 10 years, effective Sept. 1. Closed signs were put up at the dealership Sept. 4.
“Customers are being welcomed at our nearby dealerships, where all service and warranty needs will continue to be supported,” according to a news release announcing the closing. “All Oregon employees were offered opportunities at other Kunes locations, and many have chosen to continue with the company. We are grateful to the Oregon community for their loyalty and look forward to continuing to serve the region through our nearby stores.”
Oregon City Manager Darin DeHaan
Signs informing the public about the closure of the Kunes’ auto dealership in Oregon, 601 Gale St., were placed on showroom windows on Thursday, Sept. 4. Employees were notified on Friday, Aug. 29. Customers are being directed to Kunes’ dealerships in Sterling and Sycamore.
said Tuesday that he was aware of the closure, and the city had concerns about the effects. The Kunes dealership is estimated to be the city’s largest sales tax generator.
“We estimate $50,000 to $70,000 worth of sales tax was coming in from that business per year,” DeHaan said. “Sales tax revenue goes into our general fund and helps to fund pretty much everything at the city, from employee pay
and benefits to programs we run to office supplies. The other impacts are having a local dealership like that for sales and service for residents, and to bring people in, and a piece of real estate like that sitting empty.”
DeHaan said the city hopes to see another car dealership come in to fill the 601 Gale St. space, which he called “a great building and location.” Oregon does not have another car dealership of
Kunes’ size in town.
“We’ll put our heads together on how we can help to get it taken over by another business,” DeHaan said. “We’ve already talked about how the building could possibly be marketed for other uses if that comes to pass. Having something like that dealership here is a big deal for the city. People could get their cars serviced locally, and it brought in people from out of town. Having a car dealership is a huge economic and quality-of-life benefit.”
Kunes Auto Group bought the Oregon location in 2015. It was previously owned by Pete Harkness Auto Group and Brian Bemis Auto Mall shortly before that.
Kunes Auto Group is based in Delavan, Wisconsin. Its website lists Illinois locations of Sycamore, Sterling, Morrison, Belvidere, Woodstock, Beloit, Quincy and Macomb; Wisconsin locations in Delavan, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, Madison, Platteville and Stoughton; and Quad-City locations in Davenport, East Moline and Galesburg.
Earleen Hinton
Don Stevens selected as Citizen of the Year in Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
After more than 50 years of service to his hometown, Oregon’s own Don Stevens has been selected as the 2025 Citizen of the Year.
His daughters, Anne Stevens and Lora McKee, proudly share the news and reflect on the legacy their father has built through decades of service.
Whether helping at the local Catholic Church and Catholic Cemetery, laying wreaths through Wreaths Across
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Rochelle Family Dental welcomes Dr. Shawn May
Rochelle Family Dental has welcomed Dr. Shawn May to its team.
This new chapter reflects the practice’s continued commitment to provide compassionate, high-quality dental care for families throughout the Rochelle community, according to a news release.
Don Stevens
America or supporting veterans through the Honor Flight, Stevens has been a steady presence in the community. His service has never been about recognition – he simply shows up, early and often, to support others without hesitation.
Don also has long been a behind-thescenes hand in Autumn on Parade,
assisting with setup and logistics year after year.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Don’s character is his own response to being selected. “There are a hundred other people who deserve it more than me,” he said. That humility, his daughters believe, is exactly why he was chosen.
In recent years, Don served as the primary caregiver to his son-in-law, Kevin, during Kevin’s battle with ALS. Even in the midst of that painful journey, Don never wavered in his support
for the wider community – offering help, day or night, to those in need.
Don’s devotion to family runs deep. After the passing of his wife in 2001, he stepped into many roles – often wearing the hats she once did, becoming a steady presence as mom, aunt and friend to those she left behind.
A proud Oregon resident for more than 50 years, Don Stevens retired from ComEd after 33 years as a lineman. Even after retirement, his calendar stayed full – with volunteering, faith-based work, and veterans’ events.
May brings a wealth of experience, advanced training and a passion for helping patients feel confident about their smiles. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from both Lakeland University and Eastern Illinois University before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dedicated to continuing education and
advanced clinical training, May has extensive expertise in Invisalign, dental implants, bone grafting, tooth extractions, removable prosthetics, dentures, crowns, bridges and veneers, according to the release. His approach to dentistry emphasizes individualized care. Outside the office, May enjoys spending time with his wife and grandchildren.
Rochelle Family Dental invites both new and returning patients to schedule an appointment and meet Dr. May. Schedule your next appointment online or by contacting the office directly.
Rochelle Family Dental is located at 223 E. Illinois Route 38, Rochelle, and can be reached at 815-561-6058.
– Shaw Local News Network
SEPTEMBER 20TH + 21ST
SANDRA S. KRUEGER
Born: June 27, 1940
Died: September 5, 2025
OREGON – Sandra S. Krueger, age 85, passed away on September 5, 2025, at Oregon Living & Rehab.
She was born on June 27, 1940, the daughter of Clyde and Alma (Helman) Gigous. Sandra married the love of her life, Allen Krueger, on March 10, 1962, in Chicago; and they built a beautiful life together until his passing on July 13, 2009. Sandra worked many jobs over the years
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Library card sign-up month at Julia Hull Library
This September, Julia Hull District Library invites you to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.
This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone – regardless of your age, background or goals. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, brushing up on family history, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.
At Julia Hull District Library, you’ll find databases, eBooks, music streaming, language resources and Montessori, STEM, and Book Club kits. Programs and events are available for all ages, from storytimes and book clubs to craft workshops and tech help.
Getting a library card is free, easy and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it serves as a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community.
Stop by Julia Hull District Library or visit juliahull.org to sign up for your card today and discover the truly endless possibilities of having a Julia Hull Library Card.
but truly enjoyed her work waitressing for Oregon Air for over 20 years. In her spare time; she enjoyed crocheting and doing crossword puzzles.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Martin, Donald, Jesse, David, Robert, Jim, Barbara Ann, Donna May, and Judy; nephew, Jesse; and niece, Jeannette.
She is survived by her brother, Roy (Marge) Gigous; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She will be laid to rest next to her husband with a grave side service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Mt. Morris on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
Activities planned at Rock River Center in Oregon
Rock River Center is a resource center located at 810 S. 10th St., Oregon. Activities and trips are open to all ages. Call the office at 815-732-3252 for assistance with Benefit Access Application for a license plate discount, Medicare, housing, homemaker service, heating assistance and more.
For more information, visit rockrivercenter.org and like them on Facebook.
Sept. 18: 9:30–10:30 a.m. Registration is required.
CRAFTING GROUP
Sept. 22: 1–2 p.m., Maple Leaf Suncatcher. Advance registration required.
DENNY DIAMOND AND CHIP MESSINER TOGETHER
Sept. 29: 1–2 p.m. Registration requested by Sept. 25. – Shaw Local News Network
Continued from page 3
department recently received. Amid the expansion, RFD also established a new model that established the rank of captain, with the department seeking to have more safety during fire incidents and leadership during busier EMS operations. Each shift now includes a captain, a lieutenant and four firefighters.
“Your typical firefighter would always rather go on a fire call than an ambulance call,” Sawlsville said. “Not every EMS call is life or death, but you can bring compassion to that call and make that person’s day a whole lot better. Sometimes it’s an elderly person who had a seizure, and you get them to the hospital, and we do something like finish cutting their grass. Or someone is on their way back from the grocery store and has a medical issue, and we take them to the hospital, and one of us puts their groceries away. That’s just as important as anything we do.”
Former Rochelle Fire Chief and current Flagg Township Museum historian Tom McDermott (RFD 1978-2009) said EMS calls can be both difficult and gratifying for RFD personnel.
“One of the proudest things is seeing people in the supermarket and thinking about the fact that they might not be there if not for the ambulance service,” McDermott said. “And it can be sad too if you see someone who lost someone in an accident, but they survived. It gives you a sense of pride. Within a year, there won’t be a firefighter here who hasn’t saved somebody’s life. It’s a small town. You’ll see grandkids and kids of people that you kept alive for an extra two months or two years.”
RFD also responds about three times per day to lift assists, where patients are just helped to their feet or into bed with no hospital transport or charge. Sawlsville said that service is offered due to a proven better quality of life for people who live in their homes versus care facilities.
On calls that involve death, RFD personnel still provide a service.
“Sometimes it isn’t life or death, it’s just death,” McDermott said. “You get there and the patient is gone and has been gone. You still have someone to help. We’ve all seen calls that ran an hour just because of the paramedics staying with the family and helping them through what to do until someone else can get there to be with them. People need the compassion. You still put the time and effort into making sure that person can grasp what is going on
and that they’ll be all right.”
RFD personnel have seen healthcare and diseases change, rise and fall. Sawlsville, McDermott and Harms recall working when it wasn’t uncommon to see EMS personnel not wearing gloves. They saw HIV and AIDS come into focus, along with hepatitis and COVID-19. Mental health calls are the newest focus shift for EMS personnel, Sawlsville said.
In the future, the RFD chief expects EMS call numbers to continue to rise, with fewer people having family doctors and more people using ambulances and emergency rooms, which is a newer phenomenon. He expects education and training requirements for EMS personnel to continue to increase.
“The first EMT basic textbook was about 200 pages,” Sawlsville said. “The paramedic textbook is over 2,000 pages. Your EMT basic class was a semester of college. Now it’s over a year because of technology, information and expectations. I assume that will continue to evolve. You have to do 100 hours of continuing education every year as a paramedic to keep up with new changes. Illinois saw a big drop in eligible paramedics after COVID-19 and that has bounced back well. Staff isn’t as hard to find as it was. But the next thing is coming. We’ve seen a huge spike in mental health calls. That will likely be the next thing. We’re trying to adapt and react to that as best we can.”
For RFD paramedics, 50 years of helping the community and making saves also comes with 50 years of seeing sadness, injury and death. In the role of chief, McDermott and Sawlsville have been in the position of lending a listening ear to those paramedics after they
digest that and move on quickly, and sometimes you hit one call that leaves a scab and every time you see something close to that, you’re ripping that scab back off. A lot of the chief’s job is trying to save their EMTs when they come back from trying to save someone. So they can go out the next day and save someone else.”
Despite carrying those scars and stories with them for 50 years, RFD paramedics have heard the call to duty and gone out that door.
“There are times you’re beat when you’re going out the door,” McDermott said. “But firefighters/EMTs will never admit they’re beat. They’ll throw everything they can at the wall to help someone. And then when you pull them aside later, they’ll say they knew they were doomed when they started. They do not like failed rescues.
come back from hard calls.
“When your firefighters/EMTs go out on the job, they’re going to see people die,” McDermott said. “Every one of those leaves a little bit of a scar. You see some pretty horrendous stuff. It’s a grind. You’re trained to save everyone you can. And honest to God, you’re not going to save everybody. Some people
“They don’t like getting there and having nothing to do. That’s why we push working with the family. You might have failed on the initial call, but if you can spend an hour with the kids or the spouse, making it easier for them, then you come back and know you did something. There isn’t a person who’s worked on that ambulance who doesn’t carry some of the scars with them through life. It’s a small town.”
Photo provided by Tom McDermott
The first Rochelle Fire Department ambulance, put into service in 1975.
Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club holds final meeting of year
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their last meeting Aug. 11 for the 20242025 4-H year.
They discussed how the fair went. Each member presented one of their projects. David Bagwell talked about his photography project. He had taken a picture of a unique log in the family yard. He captured the perfect angle and centering with his photography skills.
Finn Slattery discussed his whittling project. He made a very cute mushroom.
Lydia Sherburne presented her food science project. She had made three recipes for fruit drinks that were low in sugar and had to make advertising and marketing ideas to sell her drinks.
Kaden Lingbeck presented his Longhorn hen, Blanca. Blanca received Grand Champion Mediterranean for 4-H poultry and the open show. The judge said that he could find nothing wrong with her. She was the most perfect chicken he had seen in a while.
Afterwards they celebrated with ice cream and favorite toppings. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club is a very active club that enjoys community service projects. If you are interested in 4-H and would
call
Photo provided by Lydia Sherburne Pictured is Kaden Lingbeck holding Blanca and Finn Slattery petting Blanca. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club recently held its final meeting of the year.
Ogle County K-9 unit demonstrates its skills
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit on Sept. 2 demonstrated K-9 Gator and K-9 Saint’s abilities to the Creston Village Board of Trustees.
The K-9 handlers, Deputies Kyle White and Ali VanVickle, thanked the board for a recent donation it made to the sheriff’s office, which was allocated to the K-9 fund, supported solely by donations and self-funding.
The K-9 unit will be making another demonstration at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Booster Park in Creston during Creston Booster Days. The demonstration on Sept. 2 was also made to raise awareness of the program’s Ogle County K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball that will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at River’s Edge Experience, 103 S. First St. in Oregon.
The event will include live music by The Vodka Boys, food catered by Ralfie’s BBQ, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are still available and can be bought at the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers and Cork & Tap.
White is K-9 Gator’s handler and VanVickle handles K-9 Saint. Expenses for the K-9 program include food, veterinary bills, training, equipment and future K-9 acquisitions. The program recently bought a third K-9 for a new handler.
The initial cost for a K-9 and its training is about $14,000 to $16,000. Most of the dogs come from Europe. Along with food and vet bills, expenses also include training, which is required for 16 hours a month. VanVickle and
White estimate they do another 20 hours of training on top of that, combined, per month. K-9s cost about $5,000 to $6,000 per year to maintain.
K-9s Saint and Gator are dual-purpose dogs. They can track and find narcotics, as well as track missing people such as a child, an elderly person or a crime suspect. They can search build-
ings, and they are apprehension dogs and are trained to bite when situations call for it. They also can find evidence, such as items that suspects have thrown in a chase situation.
The Sept. 2 demonstration in Creston included commands and bites by K-9s Gator and Saint.
“Due to an increase in calls, we’re
using the dogs for one good call a shift,” VanVickle said. “That has included things like tracking a domestic violence victim because they were scared of the offender, and tracking two people who were intoxicated and injured. There are all kinds of things these dogs can do that we can’t even think about doing.”
Rochelle woman sentenced to probation for injuring nurse
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Rochelle woman was sentenced to 30 months probation on Wednesday, Sept. 3, for injuring a nurse who was attempting to restrain her during an October 2024 incident.
Priscilla Withrow, 33, was sentenced through a plea agreement after entering a guilty plea to aggravated battery – a Class 3 felony.
Withrow, who appeared in court with
her attorney, Ogle County Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow, was charged in December 2024 for injuring the nurse on Oct. 15, 2024.
Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss told the court that Withrow tried to bite a nurse at the Rochelle Hospital when medical staff were trying to restrain her.
“While they were trying to hold the defendant [Withrow], she bit a nurse on the hand or arm and broke the skin,” Voss told Associate Judge Anthony Peska.
Voss said Withrow’s criminal history included possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespass and theft.
“Is there anything you’d like to say?” Peska asked Withrow.
“No, your honor,” Withrow replied.
In addition to basic conditions of probation, Withrow must not consume or possess alcohol or be present in an establishment where the primary purpose is the sale or consumption of alcohol.
Withrow was also ordered to submit to random drug testing and breathalyzer
tests as ordered by the probation department. And she must cooperate with and satisfactorily complete any mental health and substance abuse treatments as ordered.
Peska also ordered Withrow to pay $825 in fees and costs, starting Oct. 27, with monthly payments of $75.
An additional 2024 aggravated battery charge was dismissed as part of Withrow’s plea agreement.
“Stay out of trouble,” Peska told Withrow.
Jeff Helfrich
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Saint, Deputy Kyle White (center) and Deputy Ali VanVickle put on a demonstration for the Creston Village Board on Sept. 2.
Eggs survive 100-foot drop thanks to RFD, FOCUS House students
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle Fire Department recently teamed up with students from FOCUS House in Rochelle for a hands-on STEM learning activity that blended creativity, problem-solving and a bit of suspense – the classic “egg drop challenge.”
Students designed and built contraptions to protect a raw egg, earning points for how light, small and creative their designs were before putting them to the
ultimate test. With the help of Rochelle firefighters and their ladder truck, the projects were dropped from nearly 100 feet in the air – about the height of a 10-story building.
The results were a clean sweep: Every single egg survived without a crack.
The collaboration highlighted both the ingenuity and teamwork of the students, as well as the generosity of the Rochelle Fire Department, who volunteered their time and equipment to make the event unforgettable.
Photo provided by FOCUS House
The Rochelle Fire Department recently teamed up with students from FOCUS House in Rochelle for a hands-on STEM learning activity that blended creativity, problem-solving and a bit of suspense – the classic “egg drop challenge.”
State Rep. Fritts concludes 3rd annual summer tour
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, has officially concluded his 2025 summer tour. This annual tour consisted of 52 stops, including town halls, Coffee & Conversation events, school visits, local business tours and more.
“Being a true voice for my constituents is my top priority as a state representative,” Fritts said in a news release. “My annual summer tour ensures that’s possible by allowing me to speak
directly with hundreds of constituents about their top issues and concerns as residents of our community. I look forward to bringing this feedback with me when we return to Springfield for veto session in October and for our 2026 spring legislative session.
“I want to thank every citizen who engaged with our democratic process and took time out of their day to come speak with me. I also want to thank the incredible businesses, restaurants and community spaces that graciously hosted these events.”
Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes 2 new members
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the addition of two members to its growing network of local businesses and organizations: Rowland Auctions LLC and Special Olympics Illinois.
Rowland Auctions LLC is a locally operated auctioneering business, bringing professional auction services to the region. Many community members will recognize owner Austin Rowland from his work at the Flamingo Palace in Oregon, where he has helped customers find the right antique or select a quality custom frame. Rowland Auctions aims to bring energy, expertise, and integrity to every auction they host.
Special Olympics Illinois is a state-
wide organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of sport. Providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Illinois fosters inclusion, builds confidence, and strengthens communities. Their impact extends far beyond athletics, touching the lives of athletes, families, volunteers and supporters across the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome both Rowland Auctions LLC and Special Olympics Illinois to the Chamber,” Chance D. Munroe, chamber executive director, said in a news release. “Our members are the heartbeat of our community, and these two additions bring unique value, talent, and heart to our network.”
For information, visit oregonil.com or call 815-732-2100.
THANK
TO ALL OUR EMPLOYEES
Thank you for the dedication, expertise, and kindness you bring to CGH. You are the heart of our organization, and the reason our patients and communities receive such exceptional care. We are deeply grateful for the compassion you show every day, and we couldn’t be prouder to have you all as part of the CGH family.
Brandon Clark file photo
State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, talks politics with local residents during a Coffee & Conversations event at Mary’s Diner in Dixon.
RACF holds golf outing in Rochelle:
celebrating the differences we
Community foundation marked 20 years, $1.3M in giving locally
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Golfers from local businesses and nonprofits teed off Friday, Aug. 29, at Fairways Golf Course in Rochelle for the Rochelle Area Community Foundation’s annual outing, a day of friendly competition and community support.
RACF offers an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to leave a legacy for future generations and is a public, charitable organization designed to attract gifts that will be shared with Rochelle-area nonprofit organizations for the benefit of the community. It supports the areas of Chana, Creston, Esmond, Kings, Lindenwood, Rochelle and Steward.
RACF Board President and Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh kicked off the event with a speech ahead of the shotgun start.
“What makes RACF so unique is that every single dollar raised stays right here in the Rochelle area,” Fiegenschuh said. “When you support RACF, you’re investing in your neighbors, friends and the future of this community.
“None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our board of directors, who give their time, talents and leadership generously,” he said. “Today is not only about enjoying a great round of golf, it’s about celebrating the differences we can make when we come together to support local needs.”
RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya thanked the outing’s patrons and sponsors for their support of the foundation. Sponsors included Burlington Junction Railway, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Maplehurst Farms, Holcomb Bank, the Jacobs Family Fund, Hormel Rochelle, Operose Advisors, Americold, Stillman Bank, Fairways Golf Course, Jeff Perry Autos, Luna, the Hamilton Collection and the Village of Progress.
The Hamilton Collection, a world-renowned car collection with a large social media following, brought three supercars to be featured at the outing and has worked with RACF on events in the past.
‘It’s about
can make’
The Hamilton Collection, a world-renowned car collection with a large social media following, brought three supercars to be featured at the outing and has worked with RACF on events in the past.
“Today has gone great,” Anaya said. “We’re seeing great representation from our nonprofit partners. They’re scattered throughout the course today and we’re very happy to have them. We’ve had great showmanship from our sponsors. Everyone is coming together. What we are as a community foundation is represented today.”
Anaya said the day acts as a catalyst for networking and allows the organizations RACF supports to get the word out about their services. The event acts as more of an awareness raiser for RACF and its causes than it does a fundraiser, she said.
Anaya thanked RACF’s board members for their help with organizing the outing, along with Fairways Golf Course and Luna staff.
“It really shows we’re a tight-knit community and we’re here to help each other and support each other,” Anaya said.
So far in 2025, RACF has reached $1.3 million in giving back to the community over its lifespan and celebrated its 20th anniversary. It has also opened a new endowment fund and has seen a “great” amount of donations. 2025 also saw the final year of From the Heart, a Rochelle-area fundraising group that raised money for RACF and eight other nonprofits that ceased operations.
Anaya said RACF already is planning a gala for next May to help recover lost funds and support itself, eight partner nonprofits and 40 additional organi-
zations in the area.
“We’re doing great and we have great supporters. Rochelle is a very giving com-
munity, along with the area around it,” Anaya said. “Today is about everyone coming together, showing who we are, thriving and growing our community where we work, live, worship and where our kids go to school. We all do what we need to do to make sure everyone is served in the way they need to be served.”
Jeff Helfrich photos
RACF Board President and Rochelle City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh (right) kicked off the event with a speech ahead of the shotgun start. RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya is shown at left.
The Senate is headed for a Constitutional crisis
The founders of our republic made a fateful decision on July 16, 1787, when they decided that the Senate would represent the states, instead of the people. We can trace later events that drove America toward the Civil War back to that choice – one that, as we’ll see, now heightens the bitter politics of our own time, and is driving us toward a Constitutional crisis.
Joseph P. Ellis, in his book “The Quartet,” reveals that George Washington, James Madison and many others at the Constitutional Convention opposed state-based representation in the Senate. They believed that a Congress with both chambers elected according to population would be indispensable. “Nothing else would,” as Mr. Ellis put it, “permit the Congress to speak for the American people as a whole.”
But each state had an equal vote at the convention, and those with small populations were determined to keep the power they had enjoyed in the past. The back-and-forth between the two sides produced a House of Representatives that directly represented the people. But it created, on the other hand, the Senate as we know it, with two Senators from each state, regardless of its population.
Washington and Madison took this as a “devastating defeat,” says Ellis. They foresaw the disunity that would come from this decision. The years leading up to the Civil War confirmed their fears.
H.W. Brands, in his book “The Zealot and the Emancipator,” tells
how Abraham Lincoln used a simple example to illustrate the effect of giving two votes to each state. He explained that it granted equal power to the slave-holding state of South Carolina and the free state of Maine. The problem was that Maine had twice as many voters as South Carolina did.
“Thus,” he said, “each white man in South Carolina is more than the double of any man in Maine.”
Unequal Senate representation gave slave holders excessive power in the White House as well as in the Senate, because Senate representation partly determines the makeup of the Presidential Electoral College. Ten of the first 12 presidents owned slaves, eight of them while in office, according to the online statistics portal, Statista, at statista.com.
Slave holders also dominated the Supreme Court of the time. It declared, in its infamous Dred Scott decision of 1857, that African-Americans had no rights and that the federal government couldn’t outlaw slavery in the territories. Seven of the nine justices on that court were, according to the National Museum of African History and Culture at nmaahc.si.edu, appointed by pro-slavery presidents.
“Dred Scott, like kerosene tossed into a simmering fire, played a signifi-
cant role in igniting the Civil War,” says the article. Northern anger and frustration over the South’s excessive power propelled the anti-slavery candidate, Abraham Lincoln, to the presidency in a four-way race. The bonds holding the Union together unraveled, and the Civil War was on.
State-based Senate representation continues to distort our politics today. This time, the inequalities appear in the disproportionate power that states with small populations, largely rural and conservative, enjoy. The Federal Register estimates the voting population of Wyoming to be 454,500 citizens, while California is home to over 30 million voters. This means that a voter in Wyoming has 67 times as much power in the Senate as a Californian does, dwarfing the inequality of Abraham Lincoln’s day.
Stephen Wolf of the Daily Kos on Feb. 15, 2023, revealed the result of this kind of disparity. Republicans have represented a minority of Americans in every session of the Senate since 1998, but they have nevertheless controlled the Senate for more than half of that time.
The bias against large states will worsen in the future, as people continue to move away from rural areas and into urban ones. The Guardian, at theguardian.com on March 12, 2021, reported on research by political scientist David Birdsell showing that, based on present trends, 70% of the people will live in 15 states by 2040. They will, however, be represented by only 30 out of 100 Senators.
The inequalities extend into the presidency for the same reason as in Abraham Lincoln’s day. Republican candidates have, since 2000, lost the popular vote in five of the last seven elections. They nevertheless will, by the end of President Trump’s current term, have occupied the White House for more than half of that time, because of the connection between the Senate and the Electoral College.
The consequences also reach, again, as in Abraham Lincoln’s day, into today’s deeply conservative Supreme Court. Six of its nine justices were nominated by Republican presidents and confirmed by Republican Senates.
Defenders of state-based representation claim that it unifies the country. Their reasoning reminds me of George Orwell’s novel, “Animal Farm.” A guiding principle was that everyone was equal, but some were more equal than others.
Today’s Senate doesn’t unite our polarized nation. It pulls us apart, as it did in Abraham Lincoln’s time. The disparities will continue to grow and, as the people become ever more frustrated, we’ll someday reach a Constitutional crisis.
The outcome will then determine if we’ll have a government that truly is, as President Lincoln said, “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
• Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. For previous columns, follow him on Facebook.
Lowell Harp
VIEWS
Erosion robs nation’s farms of billions of tons of soil
During early European and American exploration of the American and Canadian prairies (semi-arid), this region was thought unsuitable for European-style agriculture.
The beginning of the 20th century’s return of unusually wet weather seemingly confirmed previously held opinion that “formerly” semiarid areas could support large-scale agriculture. During the decades previous to 1932, farmers conducted extensive deep plowing of virgin prairie-flowering topsoil; this cut and exposed roots of native prairie plants that normally trapped soil and moisture, even during periods of drought and high winds, and laid the soil bare.
Rapid mechanization of farm equipment, especially small gasoline tractors, and widespread use of combine-harvesters contributed to farmers’ decisions to convert arid grassland to cultivated crop-land.
But in 1930, drought returned. During the 1930s, unanchored soil turned to dust, which prevailing winds blew away in huge clouds that sometimes blackened the sky. These choking billows of dust (occasionally with visibility less than 3 feet), named “black blizzards” or “black rollers”, traveled cross-country, reaching as far as the East Coast and striking such cities as New York City and Washington, D.C.
Dust was noticed in Western Europe (in the Northern Hemisphere predominant wind is west to east). Animals and people died of “dust pneumonia.” Dust was pervasive; ceilings of houses col-
IT’S YOUR WRITE
Be an informed citizen
A healthy democracy leads to healthy communities. A high voter turnout encourages elected officials to be more accountable. 26,096 out of a potential pool of 33,870 voted in the election of 2024 in Ogle County, while 19,647 out of a potential pool of 32,022 voted in 2022.
Here’s my concern. Ogle County is known as the most Republican County in Illinois. If you want to vote your choice, all too often it can only be for a Republican. Where’s the two-party system at the ballot box, especially for county and statewide positions? Can you have a democracy with only one party offering candidates? An issue in voting is voter apathy and indifference. I suspect such a showing by the Democrats contributes to
COMMUNITY VOICES
Henry Tideman
lapsed from the weight of dust in attics. Farmers were reluctant to leave because everything they had was invested in their farms.
Some did leave, taking with them what they could: their lives. Between 1930 and 1940, about 3.5 million people moved out of the Plains states. Dust storms of intensity lasted from about 1932-40. One estimate of the mass of topsoil removed was 1.2 billion tons (1,200 times the mass of the world’s largest warship, Gerald R. Ford).
On May 1, 2023, multiple crashes occurred on Interstate 55 near the Sangamon/Montgomery County line due to blowing dust, reducing visibility to near zero. Illinois State Police reported 72 vehicles involved. There were seven fatalities and 37 people were injured. Dust originated from freshly tilled and planted farm fields. Apparently, no-till practice was not used.
On May 16, 2025, a dust storm developed in central Illinois near Bloomington and Champaign and raced northeastward into the Chicago metropolitan area. The storm was caused by strong winds that picked up dust as they swept across dry farmland, which quickly amassed into an expansive dust plume. Visibility dropped to near zero.
Researchers believe that the corn and soybean rotation that dominates Midwestern farming is at least partially to blame – replacing the grasses that gave the Prairie State its nickname with crop rotations that don’t hold the soil in place, and a steady stream of fertilizers and pesticides doesn’t help. (Capitol News Illinois, Sept. 5, 2025)
Erosion from wind and water annually robs our nation’s farms of billions of tons of soil. U.S. farms are currently losing twice as much topsoil to erosion per year as the Great Plains lost in a typical year at the height of the 1930s Dust Bowl. When soil is left bare and becomes damaged and depleted – dry, compacted, and low in organic matter, then wind and water can more easily displace it. Results can be catastrophic, as the Great Plains region of the central U.S. discovered in the 1930s. But even small changes year after year can gradually cause big problems.
Erosion remains a serious long-term threat, as wind and water continue to carry off soil faster than it can be regenerated. Soil loss continues at a rate that threatens farm legacies. These erosion
rates are one of the reasons why, from 1982 to 2015, the area of prime farmland as defined by the National Resource Conservation Service shrank by 25.8 million acres – that’s roughly the size of the state of Ohio. Cumulative average soil loss on U.S. cropland by 2100 could range anywhere from about 2.5 inches to over 5 inches.
Healthy soils not only make farms more climate-resilient, but they can also help keep costs for farmers and taxpayers down in multiple ways. The need for costly nitrogen fertilizer is reduced, both because healthy soil is richer in nutrients to begin with and because improved water retention means less fertilizer lost to runoff. Less fertilizer runoff means less water pollution, which reduces cleanup costs for public water supplies and recreation areas downstream from farm areas. Less runoff means a reduction in algae blooms that annually turn huge areas of waterways like the Gulf of Mexico and Chesapeake Bay into “dead zones,” seriously damaging fisheries. • Henry Tideman is a resident of Oregon.
this attitude.
My other issue is gerrymandering –something being currently played out in Texas and California. I don’t like it. I believe this helps contribute to distrust of the election process, promotes complicated rules and laws, and encourages voter suppression.
Vote. Yes, vote. But do so as an engaged citizen who is informed and concerned for a healthy community, state and nation. For those seeking elected office, run a campaign that has integrity and the welfare of the citizenry at heart. This is a pregnant time that will set the direction of our country for some time. We do better with all voices being heard.
Rev. Ronald D. Larson, retired clergy
AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY
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
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
For complete ministry schedule and other activities, please check our website or Facebook page or contact the church office.
Whoever you are or wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
BEACON HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD
“Building Faith for Life”
6467 N. German Church Rd., Byron, IL
a.m. (childcare provided) with coffee and fellowship immediately following. Sunday School Age 3-Adult, 10:15 am. God is Good, All the Time, All the Time, God is Good!
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH
Celebrating 175 Years!
West Grove Rd. At Columbine Rd.
Worship Service 10:30 am. Communion is served every Sunday.
“Singing the Song of Christian Faith in Worship, Service, Learning, Outreach and Welcome” in a beautiful rural setting. Everyone is cordially invited to be with us.
Follow Us on Facebook “St. James Lutheran Church”
LEAF RIVER
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
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.
ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1000 Highway 64, West (Hwy 64 W & Mongan Drive on Liberty Hill), Oregon 732-7211 – Office Rev. Eldred George
302 S. Franklin Ave., Polo, Illinois • 815-946-2848 • Luke
9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship. 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship with Childcare and Children’s Church.
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
STILLMAN VALLEY
WINNEBAGO
CHURCH
Rockford man pleads not guilty to felony charges of running from police with a loaded gun
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Rockford man accused of running from police while carrying a loaded gun pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 27, to four felony charges.
Alexander Kurtz, 19, entered his plea when he appeared before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska for a preliminary hearing with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow.
Morrow told Peska that Kurtz had agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and wished to plead not guilty to all of the charges.
Wednesday was the second court appearance for Kurtz, who was remanded to the Ogle County Jail on Aug. 20 after Peska denied his request to be released from custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
Kurtz is charged with the felony offenses of unlawful use of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, resisting a peace officer, and illegal possession of ammunition without a Firearm Owner Identification Card.
All the charges stem from an Aug. 19 traffic stop in Byron.
Kurtz was arrested by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies when the vehicle he was a passenger in was stopped at 6:39 p.m. near the intersection of West Blackhawk Drive and South Fox Run Lane in Byron.
Kurtz ran away from a deputy while
carrying an AREX Delta X 9 mm handgun despite being told to halt by police, according to court documents. Court documents also claim Kurtz knew the gun was stolen.
During Kurtz’s Aug. 20 detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley said Kurtz ignored commands to halt and ran through a residential area in Byron with the gun that was loaded with 17 rounds, but had no bullet in the chamber.
Police said the gun was stolen out of Rockford and that Kurtz did not have a FOID card.
Morrow asked Peska to release Kurtz since he had no criminal history, was employed, and could stay with family as his case proceeds through the court system. Morrow argued that Kurtz had not “brandished” the weapon and should be released since he had no criminal history.
Peska disagreed, noting that Kurtz failed to comply with the deputy’s directions while carrying a loaded, stolen gun.
After the Wednesday hearing, Peska remanded Kurtz to the Ogle County Jail, stating that his detention was needed for the “safety of the community” and to ensure Kurtz’s appearance for future court dates. Peska set Kurtz’s next court date for 1 p.m. Sept. 17.
The driver of the vehicle Kurtz was riding in, Skylar J Risner, 20, of Rockford was cited for improper lane use and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was released on a notice to appear.
Another passenger, Jordan Jarvis, 20, of Sterling, was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis as a passenger. He was released with a notice to appear.
Alexander Kurtz
Ogle County judge clears man of aggravated battery following 1-day bench trial
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Chicago man accused of beating an Oregon man at a March 2024 gathering in rural Oregon was acquitted of felony aggravated battery Monday, Aug. 18, after a one-day bench trial.
Vincente Estrada-Martinez, 44, was found not guilty after Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska listened to witness testimony in the morning and attorney arguments in the afternoon at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon.
“The court finds you not guilty,” Peska told Estrada-Martinez. “I believe self-defense was justified.”
The Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office had charged Estrada-Martinez with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, alleging that he caused “great bodily harm” when he punched the man and broke his nose.
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss argued that Estrada-Martinez also broke the man’s ribs following a verbal altercation during which the man made a slur about Estrada-Martinez’s daughter.
“[Estrada-Martinez] didn’t just hit him once,” Voss said, adding that the man suffered “severe” injuries, including broken ribs and damaged teeth. “This wasn’t self-defense. This was a beating.”
But Estrada-Martinez’s attorney, Melinda Jacobson of Rockford, said Estrada-Martinez was acting in self-defense when the man – who she said was heavily intoxicated – was verbally abusive to other people at the party and threatened to “kill everyone.”
“These things do not happen in a vacuum. It all happened very quickly,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson said the alleged victim was the aggressor and had argued and fought with others at the party before Estra -
da-Martinez stepped in to try to calm the situation.
“[The man] came back with what was believed to be a weapon, wearing a hoodie, with his hands in his pockets,” she said. “That was a real threat.”
Jacobson said Estrada-Martinez took physical action in an attempt to save others.
“This was self-defense, and this was also defense of others,” she said. “There were no weapons. This was a fist fight. My client believed his actions were necessary to not only protect himself, but everyone who was present.”
Jacobson said that after someone called 911, Estrada-Martinez chose to stay at the ranch and cooperate with police. She said her client struck the man because he believed his threat to “kill everyone” was real.
“A drunk person can pull a trigger as well as anyone,” Jacobson said.
Voss disagreed, arguing that Estrada-Martinez became angry when the man made a slur about Estrada-Martinez’s daughter.
“[Estrada-Martinez] did not have a right to create great bodily harm,” Voss said.
In reviewing witness testimony, Peska said the alleged victim had been drinking and could not remember who hit him when questioned.
Both the defendant and the man testified through Spanish-speaking interpreters.
“[The alleged victim] had something inside his hoodie and asked if anyone wanted to start a problem and said he was going to kill all the people at the party,” Peska said. “That is alarming in itself.”
Peska also said he did not believe Estrada-Martinez was responsible for causing the broken nose.
“I do not believe the defendant caused the injury,” Peska said.
Warranty deeds
• Dana J Norup and Saul R Schoon to Carol C Snyder, 766 Birch St., Byron, $370,000.
• Four Biz LLC to 208 Properties LLC, 107 E. Dixon St., Polo, $745,000.
• Jennifer K Helms and Joshua K Helms to Kris Machajewski and Dennis Machajewski, 724 N. Hampton Drive, Byron, $368,000.
• Richard Halstead and Melane Halstead to Ernest Daugherty and Janet Daugherty, 760 N. Fieldcrest Drive, Byron, $297,900.
• John Cesarone to David C Speed and Barbara J Speed, 205 N. High St., Kings, $272,000.
• Gary R Matthews to Ryan Thruman and Abigail Penticoff, 303 Pearl St., Baileyville, $242,000.
• Oleg Gurevich to Yurii Karabinovych, two parcels in Grand Detour, 21-12-400018 and 21-13-200-003, $477,000.
• Creston Commons LLC to Village of Creston, one property in Dement Town-
ship, 25-23-301-010 and 25-23-404-003, $0.
• Aaron Dennis to Phil Hollingsworth and Stacey Burke, 1020 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $185,000.
• Countryside Village II LLC to Countryside Villages Owner LLC, 907 N. Second St., Rochelle, $4,475,800.
• Bryan D Watson to Ethan Walker and Kaitlyn Roth, 208 W. First St., Mt. Morris, $174,000.
Quit claim deeds
• Alan Greene, trustee, and Greene Family Trust to Kevin A Greene, 826 W. Jennie Lane, Oregon, $0.
Alvin Oltmanns Estate Judy Hagemann, Administrator 10740 N. Barker Rd., Byron, IL 61010
Thursday, September 18th 8AM to Sunday, September 21st 5PM This is an Online Auction.
Please visit https://aandtauctionservices.hibid.com/ for full sale viewing beginning 9/17/2025. Pictures will be uploaded prior to that date as they are available.
Personal Property: Household items, many knick-knacks & collectibles, including dolls; various antiques; memorabilia items including vintage beer items; vintage hats/caps; some furniture, vintage and modern; several antique clocks; advertising items; toys including farm toys and collector items; bronze sculptures, including numbered Blackhawk Statue; decor items; Antique Mahjong Tile Game set; and much, much more–too much to list! Something for everyone!
Item Viewing: Items will be available for online viewing @ 8am on 9/17/2025. If you wish for more information on an item or an appointment to view an item, please contact A & T Auction Services directly.
Pick-Up: pick-up for items will be held on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:00-7:00pm at the sale site listed above.
Terms & Conditions: This is an absolute sale. There will be a 10% Buyer’s Premium added to all items sold. Items can be purchased with cash, GOOD check, or credit card. There will be a 3.5% fee added to any credit card transaction.
Follow A & T Auction Services on Facebook for more information!
Travis Cunningham, Auctioneer IL Lic. # 441.002600 A & T Auction Services, LLC atauctionservices@gmail.com 815-297-4595
• Mtr Properties LLC to Matthew Emory Mayner, 217 Deer Paint Drive, Dixon, $0.
• Richard D Williams, Deceased By Heir, and Marilyn J Williams, Deceased By Heir, to David Adams and Audrey E Adams, 7601 E. McGregor Road, Byron, $0.
• Kimberly A Himes to Timothy K Oudekerk, 1856 E. Town Line Road, Leaf River, $0.
Deeds in trust
• Joylene K Roberts to Joylene K Roberts, trustee, and Joylene K Roberts Lv Tr, 1917 N Brookville Road, Polo, and one parcel in Buffalo Township, 14-22-100-006, $0.
Trustees deeds
• Alan L Wetzel, trustee, Alan L Wetzel Tr, Anne L Wetzel, trustee, and Anne L Wetzel Tr to Austin D Luepkes, 611 N. Allison Circle, Byron, and 410 N. Mineral St., Byron, $280,000.
• Dennis C Harms, trustee, and Harms Tr2002 to Captains Cabin Inc. and
Captain’s Cabin Inc., four parcels in Marion Township: 10-01-381-008, 10-01-381-009, 10-01-381-014 and 10-01-381-015, $30,000.
• Brett Johnson, trustee, and Dbj Tr693 to Insko Properties LLC, 217 E. Third. St., Byron, $305,000.
• Patrick C O’Brien, trustee, Doreen O’Brien, trustee, and Patrick C & Doreen O’Brien Irrev Tr to Frank Criscione, 420 N. Chestnut St., Byron, $111,000.
• David L Standley, trustee, Elizabeth A Standley, trustee, and David L & Elizabeth A Standley Tr to Andrew Reiter and Doria Reiter, 325 N. Lafayette St., Byron, $0.
• Beverly J Coffman, trustee, and Coffman Tr101 to Beverly J Coffman, trustee, Coffman Residuary Tr101 and Beverly J Coffman Tr, 8178 W. Pines Road, Polo, 2303 S. Lowell Park Road, Polo, and 8178 W. Pines Road, Polo, $0.
• Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Utilitarian fashion accessory
4. Engine additive
7. Macaws
8. Listens to
10. Self-righteously moralistic person
12. Made of wood
13. Chinese lute
14. Beginning military rank
16. Indicates near 17. Ties the score
19. Chum
20. Long ago
21. Localities
25. Midway between northeast and east
26. Make fun of 27. Tennis great Arthur
29. Construction location
30. Cow’s noise
31. Blue
32. One of the Fab Four
39. Formula 1 team
41. Dash
42. Lifting device
43. Basics
44. Keyboard key
45. Old Irish alphabet
46. Shaking of the Earth’s surface
48. Covered stadium
49. Sword handles
50. Longing or yearning
51. Creators’ social network
52. Boxing’s GOAT DOWN
1. Occur
2. Show up 3. Capital of Taiwan 4. Ocean
5. Givers and ___ 6. Gets ready
Ad __
Fit of irritation 11. Criminal organization
Exclamation that denotes disgust
American state
Before
The boundary of a surface
Witnesses
Singular
A bag-like structure in an
Schenectady County
SPORTS
PREP FOOTBALL: ROCHELLE 28, KING 18
Dylan Manning’s clutch runs help Rochelle hold off King comeback
Hubs improve to 2-0 with 28-18 win
By MELVIN TATE Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Coming off an impressive Week 1 victory over Geneseo, the Rochelle football team came to Chicago Saturday afternoon hoping to build upon it.
But after jumping out to a big early lead over King, the Hubs found themselves in a battle in the fourth quarter. However, clutch runs from junior running back/defensive back Dylan Manning led to the score that ultimately allowed Rochelle to hold off the pesky Jaguars 28-18 at Gately Stadium.
“That was a tough game, way different from last week,” said Manning, who ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries and added a key two-point conversion late. “We struggled stopping the run.”
Rochelle (2-0) began the scoring on the game’s opening possession as a 40-yard completion from senior quarterback Van Gerber to Cohen Haedt set up Manning for a three-yard touchdown run. Tyler Gensler added two points on a run, giving the Hubs an 8-0 just two minutes into the contest.
Later in the quarter, following an interception by Manning of a Tremaine Ford II pass, Gerber (2-of-5, 52 yards) found Brode Metzger in the right corner of the end zone for a 12-yard score and a 14-0 Rochelle lead after 12 minutes. Gerber later left the game with an unspecified injury.
When Manning went in from a yard out with eight minutes left in the first half, it appeared the Hubs would cruise to victory. But King (0-2) refused to yield and embarked on a 65-yard scoring drive that ate up over six minutes.
A one-yard run by Jamar Lewis (21 rushes, 163 yards) got the Jaguars on the board with 1:52 left before halftime.
Haedt, in relief of Gerber, had Rochelle inside the red zone in the final seconds of the half. But he bobbled a snap, and the loose ball was scooped up by King’s Pharoah McThune, who rambled 80 yards to the house to cut Rochelle’s lead to 20-12 at halftime.
Receiving a huge energy boost from McThune’s score, the Jaguars began
the second half with another impressive 65-yard march. This one lasted over nine minutes and was capped by a 12-yard score by Lewis on 4th and 2 from the Rochelle 12. But the Hubs stopped Nathaniel Guy short of the goal line on the two-point attempt, leaving the score 20-18 at the 2:45 mark of the third quarter.
“King’s a well-coached team that executed at a high level today,” Rochelle coach Kyle Kissack said.
The Hubs, reeling from King’s surge, needed a strong response, and got it on the ensuing drive.
Beginning at its own 45, Rochelle went on a time-consuming drive of its own, eating up about eight minutes. Manning came up with two key conversions on fourth down to keep the drive alive.
The first, on fourth and one from the King 36, was a spectacular effort by Manning as he broke away from what looked like a loss in the backfield to scoot forward six yards.
“As soon as I knew I was going to get the ball, I knew I wasn’t going to go down before the sticks,” Manning said.
Then on fourth and two from the 22, he picked up 12 yards.
Manning’s heroics set up Haedt’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Andrist with 7:42 remaining in regulation.
“[Haedt] came in and struggled at the start, but he settled in and did great,” Manning said.
Manning added the two-point conversion to give Rochelle a 28-18 lead.
“Dylan’s as disciplined of a football player that we have,” Kissack said. “He’s dialed in on the things outside in terms of preparation. He played very well offensively and defensively.
King wasn’t done yet, however, and the Jaguars quickly marched into Rochelle territory. But Reece Harris intercepted a Ford pass at his 20 with around three minutes left to ice the win for the Hubs.
Roman Villalobos ran for 78 yards on 18 carries for Rochelle.
“There’s a lot of teachable moments for our program,” Kissack said. “Specifically, finding ways to work through adversity and be resilient through those tough situations. We’ve got to find ways to continue to get better daily.”
By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent
It was the Aurora Central Catholic boys and Winnebago girls dominating the 30-team Oregon Cross Country Open.
For Winnebago, which has more state titles than any other girls program in Illinois, it’s early evidence in the quest for a 14th IHSA championship.
“We have a good culture, good kids and I like where we’re at right now,” Winnebago coach Joe Erb said.
Cecilia Hilby of Aurora Central Catholic, a returning all-stater and younger sister of running star Patrick Hilby, took first at 19:01 on the 3-mile Park West course.
“Without being pushed, I felt smooth,” said Hilby, who won by 24 seconds. “I’ve got to be mentally tough. It’s going to be different running against 2A after being in 1A last year.”
Molly Webb, Morgan Capriola and Ella Carlson went 2-3-4 for Winnebago and Avery Dimke and Svea Glidden were ninth and 11th.
Team scores weren’t kept, but had they been, Winnebago would have had 29 points. Far behind in second would have been ACC with 123.
The top finish among local runners was Oregon freshman Anya Anaya, who was 14th with a 21:18 clocking. Backing her up were state hurdling medalist Jillian Hammer (22:25) in 29th and Madeline Rogers (22:32) in 33rd. The Hawks would have finished fifth in team standings.
Rock Falls got a 15th from Ashley Rodriguez (21:20). Kat Scott (21:56) and Brenna Burlack (22:26) added a 22nd and 31st for the Rockets.
“We’re thin, but have a core unit,” RF coach Mark Truesdell said.
Erie-Prophetstown junior Sarah Link was 19th in 21:44.
Newman is in a transition period this season, with Comet grad Tegan McKenna eventually taking over as coach from Pat Warkins.
“We have three girls and two boys out,” Warkins said. “Hopefully, we can have a full team next year with kids coming up from middle school.”
On the boys side, it was Ben Bohr, Jack Swiatek and John Reinbold of Aurora Central Catholic finishing 1-23. Giving chase was fourth-place finisher, Tim Starwalt of Byron.
“Tim really pushed us, but the last 200 meters, we broke off,” Reinbold said.
at 16:06.
“I thought Tim had a strong race, finishing the way he did,” Byron coach Mike McHale said. “He got up with ACC, which it what we wanted to do.”
Daniel Gonzalez of Oregon, known more being a middle-distance runner in track, was eighth with a time of 16:34.
“I’ve been doing a lot of track meets this summer,” Gonzalez said. “Running cross country gives me endurance for doing the 800 in track. I’d like to get down to 1:50 or 1:51.”
Rochelle got a 13th from sophomore Tyler Johnson (16:55) and 26th from senior Declan McGee (17:40).
“I like the way Tyler passed people on the final mile,” Oregon coach Dale Bergeson said.
The top runner for Rock Falls was senior Ian Finney, who ran 17:24 to place 23rd.
“He’s our team leader to a very young team, “Truesdell said. “We have numbers, though. Some of the kids I kept down to the jayvee meet to give them experience.”
Roscoe Davies of West Carroll was 13th at 16:55 and Nathan Punke of Erie-Prophetstown 29th at 17:40.
“Our 1-5 spread among the boys is close,” E-P coach Liz Green said. “It’s good to have Gus Schultz back from football after being on our state-qualifying team from 2023.”
In hypothetical scoring, ACC would have had 43 points, with Rockford Christian (100) and Winnebago (119) second and third.
“Those are two exceptional programs,” ACC coach Troy Kerber, in his 39th year of coaching cross country.
Counting the jayvee and junior high meet, approximately 750 runners competed at Oregon on Saturday.
The trio from ACC came in at 16:02, with the returning all-stater Starwalt
Earleen Hinton photos
Rochelle’s Declan McGee races Aurora Central’s A.J. Viveros to the finish line of the Oregon Cross Country Open on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Oregon Park West.
Rocehlle’s Tyler Johnson races East Dubuque’s Andrew Richardson to the finish line, finishing 13th at the Oregon Cross Country Open.
Fall sports season underway with big games, meet
Back at it for the 30th year of covering high school sports and, boy, has the newspaper business changed since then.
The joy of covering games and interacting with the participants remains the same, though.
That was on display for me the previous week during the renewal of the Rochelle-Geneseo football rivalry, last week at Byron’s first football game at its revamped stadium and a 30-team cross country meet at Park West in Oregon.
Without a doubt, the fall is the best sports season of the school year.
It’s early, but the Big Northern football title was probably decided with Byron’s win over Dixon. The Tigers lost a lot of physical strength in the line, but are making up for it with team speed.
Opportunistic big plays were the difference, as Dixon actually outgained Byron and controlled time of possession. Although they lost 28-7, the Dukes gave Byron everything they could handle.
Since I wasn’t on official coverage of the game, I roamed the sideline with coach Jeff Boyer’s father, Ron. I often find it is easier to prime a family member for inside information than tightlipped coaches.
Don’t worry, Jeff, your dad didn’t give away any team secrets.
The crowd at Byron that night was about as large as I have ever seen, and the whole place had a different look to it with the new bleachers and press box on the west side. Although it was a
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Mt. Morris’s Sellers earns spot on UW-Whitewater football team
Briggs Sellers, a physical education major from Mt. Morris, will compete for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team during the 2025 season, which began Saturday, Sept. 6.
The Warhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference by the league’s coaches and sports information directors. They enter the season ranked 22nd by the American Football Coaches Association and 24th according to D3football.com. – Shaw Local News Network
Andy Colbert VIEWS
lively game, I departed at halftime to catch the end of the Oregon home opener blowout against woeful Rockford Lutheran.
Part of it was curiosity about the Lutheran program, like so many private schools, which can either be really good or really bad. In Lutheran’s case, mass defections led to a small unit of younger kids.
I asked new coach Don Lee if Lutheran would be going the way of Rockford Christian and being forced to drop football. Lee, with 30 years of experience at the high school and college level, explained to me that the reason so many kids left is that the school was without any coaches until he was brought in.
He plans to develop kids from the K-12 level, and not only that, but also prepare them for playing in college. Part of that is building and developing a coaching staff, which private schools have a lot more liberty in doing than public schools. It wasn’t too long ago that Lutheran demonstrated its capability of putting a quality team on the field.
Dixon, which once had 95 points scored on it by Lutheran, certainly remembers those years.
If Byron-Dixon was the BNC game of the year, the Tier No. 2 game of the year will be Oregon and Stillman Valley on Oct. 12. Both squads have beaten Genoa-Kingston, which was also supposed to challenge for third place. Lutheran, North Boone, Rock Falls and Winnebago appear to be at the bottom.
Not since 2021, when Forreston put together a classic fourth-quarter scoring drive to beat Lena-Winslow 22-20, has the Panthers remained unbeaten in league play. That all changed Friday with Stockton dismantling L-W 38-14.
Like Byron, L-W also unveiled a refurbished stadium. With all the success enjoyed by those two powerhouses, it has to be much easier to gain public and private support for such endeavors.
The NUIC game I am most interested in this week is Forreston and Fulton. The winner has a possible path to the playoffs, and the loser not so much. At least things will lighten up a bit next season when Du-Pec goes to the BNC for football.
What I am more interested in than football next week is the continuing story of Cooper Lutkenhaus, an 800meter runner from Texas. Just completing his sophomore year in high school, Lutkenhaus shocked the track world by finishing second place in the USA championships, qualifying him for the World Championships.
At 16, he will be the youngest American to compete in the Worlds. Just as remarkable is his time of 1:42, breaking
the national high school record by an amazing 3 seconds.
By comparison, the all-time best in Illinois is 1:48, a record that has stood since 1977. In essence, Lutkenhaus would have beaten the best Illinois runner by about 50 meters and that is as a sophomore.
A performance like that is unheard of and harkens back to memories of the greatest high school distance runner ever, Jim Ryun of Kansas.
Some are calling it the most remarkable feat by a high schooler in any sport. Being able to compete against the best professional runners in the world is almost akin to a 16-year-old football player starting in the NFL.
“His feat is comparable to what LeBron did in high school,” said Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez, who finished fourth downstate in the 800 as a junior with a time of 1:57.
Gonzalez was one of 750 runners who converged upon Oregon for a cross country meet on Sept. 6. It was part of the busiest sports weekend all year for new Hawk athletic director Adam Albrecht. Besides cross country, Oregon hosted volleyball and soccer tournaments and a home football game.
“It went well,” said Albrecht, who replaced Mike Lawton. “The key was getting good volunteers to help out.”
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Oregon Varsity Girls Volleyball Tournament
Oregon’s Skylar Bishop goes up to block as West Carroll’s Avery Mangler reaches back for the ball during the Oregon Varsity Girls Volleyball Tournament on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
Earleen Hinton
CLASSIFIED
CO NSERVATI ON IST
The Og le Co Soil and Water Conservation District is taking applications for a Conservationist position. The individual will work with agricultural landowners and producers to manage and conserve soil, water and other natural resources.
For more information email taylor.ogleswcd@yahoo.com or call 815-732- 6127 ext 3.
Deliver cover letter and resumes before September 18, 2025, to 1213 Pines Road, Oregon, IL 61061 or email.
HAYRACK OR SMALL ITEMS - Equipment will start at 4 pm BE ON TIME PLEASE! FROM HWY. 38 HEAD EAST OUT OF DIXON JUST PAST THE AIRPORT TO SINK HOLLOW ROAD AND GO NORTH 1 MILE TO STONY POINT ROAD, THEN HEAD WEST APPROX. 1/3 OF MILE TO SALE SITE.
2 012 Case IH 6 130 Combine ser:Y CG 00 87 07 , 11 46 eng./ 736 sep. hours, Luxur y Cab, w/ Leather Op Seat, GPS Mount & Receiver, Color Touch Screen, 2 Spd Lateral Tilt Feeder, 520/85R42 Firestone Duals, AM/FM Weather Radio, Heavy Duty Rotor Cone, Std Wear Rotors w/ 8 Bars, High Def. Lighting, Large Wire Concaves, Yield Moisture Monitor, 300bu. Tank with Elec Fold Covers, super nice machine!
2 001 Case IH M X270 Tractor ser:X27 0C4JJA01 08 40 4, 5006 hrs. , Duals Front and Rear, 4 Hyd Remotes, Powershift Trans., Quick Hitch, 18.4x46 rears, Firestones All Around, left hand Forward/Reverse, 10 Front Weights, Buddy Seat, Full Ext. Warning Lights and Mirrors, DLX Cab and Hammerstrap. Ready to go to Work.
2 014 Series II Dr ag o 8 Ro w Corn Head , Insight Headsight, Plastic Snouts, Single Point Hydraulic Hookup, Down Corn Rolls, Dual Drive, Stalk Choppers, Hydraulic Deck Plates
J&M HT874 Head Cart, with Light Bar Package, 215- 75D14 Tires on 6 bolt rim s, Tie Downs and Ext. Tounge
1 998 Kinze 840 Grain Cart, 30.5-32 Tires, Custom Made Side Extensions make this a 950- 1000 Bu Cart, Roll Tarp, Big 1000 PTO, Good Augers and Lights in Tank and on Auger
Case IH 200 Tigermate 41' Field Cultivator ser YBD055493, Double Fold Field Cultivator, All New Case IH Knock off shovels installed, Walking Tandems on Main Frame and all Wings, Wing Gaug e Wheels Remlinger 5 bar Harrow, a couple small bends in outer harrow sec tion, Transport lights
J&M MFG 525 Center Dump Wa gon with side Ext, Rear Brakes, 18- 22.5 Tires, Pulled only on Farm, holds approx. 650 bushels
Hay Rack on JD 6 bolt Gear; 1000 Gal. Diesel Tank with newer Fill Rite Pump; 500 Gal. Diesel Tank with Gasboy Pump; Homemade Single axle Utility Cart, 7' with tailgate; IH Suitcase weights, Axle Mount Weights and Hyd. Cylinders; JD Cylinder Log Splitter
Aucti oneers Note: NO HAYRACK OR SM ALL IT EMS ONLINE AND LIVE START AT 4PM!
Terms: 5% BUYERS PREMIUM FOR ONLINE PURCHASES ONLY, Cash or good check, MasterCard / Visa. Proper ID required for registration. No property will be removed until settled for. Not responsible for items or accidents. All items sold to the best & highest bidder Pictures and link to On line Auc tion: Prest egaardau
UCTIONS
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
(IT IS ADVISED THAT INTERESTED PARTIES CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS BEFORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE.)
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in Community State Bank of Rock Falls v Robert L Turner, Aven Financial Inc., d/b/a Aven Financial as successor in interest to Coastal Community Bank GoodLeap, LLC, Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants, Case No. 2025FC20, Ogle County, Illinois, on August 29, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest bidder.
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate are Courtney Wigant, Compliance Associate, 1021 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois 61021 telephone (815) 2848500.
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
1. Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of the Town of Grand Detour and its Addition, recorded in Book B of Miscel-
Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of the Town of Grand Detour and its Addition, recorded in Book B of Miscellaneous Records, Page 160 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Grand Detour, the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois.
PIN:
21-13-107-002
2 Common address or locat ion of mortgaged premises: 8083 South Green Street, Dixon, Illinois 61021
(C) The improvement on the real estate is a residence.
(D) The real estate may not be inspected prior to the sale
(E) The time and place of the sale are as follows: The Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S First Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025.
(F) The terms of the sale are ten percent (10%) down at the time of the sale, payable in certified funds, and the full balance within seven (7) days.
(G) The case title, case number, and the Court in which the foreclosure was filed arc specified above
(H) No other information is required to be disclosed.
COMMUNITY
STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff By EHRMANN GEHLBACH BADGER & CONSIDINE, LLC
By Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger &
CONSIDINE, LLC
By Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E.
Kennedy
Courtney E Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
114 E. Everett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES
ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT GRAND DETOUR TOWNSHIP TO WN FUND
JOHN FOXLEY $860.40; RHONDA DREW $860.40; JOHN THOMPSON
$860.40; JOHN CHESNEK $860.00
TOTAL SALARI ES - $30,956.84
VENDORS - UNITED STATES TREASURE (941) $11,897.77; CLARKE MOSQUITO SPRAYING $10,294.00 OTHER VENDORS (UNDER 2,500.00)
$10,568.66
TOTAL VENDORS - $32,760.43
SUMMARY
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
$146,143.23
REVENUES 80,911.57
EXPENDITURES 63,717.27
ENDING BALANCE $163,337.53
I, DEBBIE LOWRY, SUPERVISOR OF GRAND DETOUR TOWNSHIP, OGLE COUNTY, IL, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ANNUAL TREASURE R'S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING 03/31/2025.
DEBBIE LOWRY, SUPERVISOR ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT GRAND DETOUR TOWNSHIP ROAD DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING 03/31/2025
VENDORS - MARTIN $3,281.26; R. E WOLBER $17,567.38; ILLINOIS CULVERT $4,432.14; PATRIOT TREE REMOVAL $27,600.00; ALL OTHER VENDORS (UNDER 2,500.00) $11,039.74
TOTAL VENDORS - $63,920.52
SUMMARY
STATEMENT OF CONDITION BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
$170,870.52
REVENUE 79,639.40
I, DEBBIE LOWRY, SUPERVISOR OF GRAND DETOUR TOWNSHIP, OGLE COUNTY, IL, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ANNUAL TREASURE R'S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING 03/31/2025.
DEBBIE LOWRY, SUPERVISOR September 15, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, I LLINOIS
STERLING FEDERAL BANK, F.S.B., Plaintiff, vs. KEITH W. MULLEN, Defendants
2025 FC 3 LE GAL NOTICE F OR FORECL OSURE SALE PUBLIC AUCTION OF R EAL ES TATE (IT IS ADVISE D THAT I NTERESTED PARTIES CONSU LT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS BEF ORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE S.)
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in the above-entitled cause on May 27, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest qualified bidder
(A) The name, address, and telephone numbe r of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is Brad Kolb, Sterling Fede ral Bank, F.S.B., 815.622.3361.
(B) The common address of the real estate is 281 West Cartwright Lane, Oregon, IL 61061 and its legal description is: Lot 47 of Mongan and Etnyre Sixth Subdivision being a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 33, Township 24 North, Range 10 East of the 4th P.M., Ogle County, Illinois; according to the Plat thereof recorded November 22, 1958 in Book H of Plats, page 32 as Document No. 332029.
(C) The real estate consists of a three bedroom, one bathroom 1,386 square foot house with an attached two car garage
(D) The time and place of the sale are as follows: 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025 at Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061.
(E) The terms of the sale are 10 percent of the purchase price at the time of the auction sale as earnest money, and the balance at least 30 days after the date of Court approval of the sale# saleupon delivery of deed and possession. All payments shall be by CASH, BANK DRAFT, or CERTIFIED FUNDS. Any sale is subject to Court approval. Any specific restrictions on property or title will be announced day of sale ANNOUNCEMENTS DAY OF SALE TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ANY PRINTED MATERIAL
(F) The case title, case number and the court in which the foreclosure was filed are specified above
(G) The sale shall be subject to all easements, covenants, restrictions and reservations of record, taxes for the year 2023 and all subsequent years.
(H) No other information is required to be disclosed. Sterling Federal Bank, F.S.B., Plaintiff, By WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C Its Attorneys
Maverik A. Good - ARDC 6342150 Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C. Attorney for Sterling Federal Bank, F.S.B 202 E. 5th Street / P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 good@wmpj.com
September 19, 26, October 3, 2025
(D) The real estate may not be inspected prior to the sale
(E) The time and place of the sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS COMMUNITY STATE BANK O F ROCK FALLS , Plaintiff, v. ROBERT L. TURNER, AVEN FINANCIAL INC., d/b/a AVEN FINANCIAL as successor in interest to COASTAL COMMUNITY BANK, GOODLEAP, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS, and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants Property Address: 8083 South Green Str eet Dixon, Illinois 61021 No. 2025FC20 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
(IT IS ADVISED THAT INTERESTED PARTIES CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS BEFORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE.)
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in Community State Bank of Rock Falls v Robert L Turner, Aven Financial Inc., d/b/a Aven Financial as successor in interest to Coastal Community Bank GoodLeap, LLC, Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants, Case No. 2025FC20, Ogle County, Illinois, on August 29, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest bidder.
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate are Courtney Wiga nt, Compliance Associate, 1021 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois 61021 telephone (815) 2848500.
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
1. Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of
th To f Grand
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
1. Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of the Town of Grand Detour and its Addition, recorded in Book B of Miscellaneous Records, Page 160 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Grand Detour, the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois.
PIN:
21-13-107-002
2 Common address or locat ion of mortgaged premises: 8083 South Green Street, Dixon, Illinois 61021
(C) The improvement on the real estate is a residence.
(D) The real estate may not be inspected prior to the sale
(E) The time and place of the sale are as follows: The Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S First Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025.
(F) The terms of the sale are ten percent (10%) down at the time of the sale, payable in certified funds, and the full balance within seven (7) days.
(G) The case title, case number, and the Court in which the foreclosure was filed arc specified above.
(H) No other information is required to be disclosed.
COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff By EHRMANN GEHLBACH BADGER & CONSIDINE, LLC By Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
114 E. Everett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
Estate of:
JOYCE I. GATZ, Deceased No. 2025 PR 50 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JOYCE I. GATZ. Letters of Office were issued to JANETTE S FOLKERS, 2535 South Wilson Mill Road, Polo, IL 61064, as Represen tative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before March 13, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: August 27, 2025
Janette S. Folkers, Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS 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
CL AIM 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
Deceased CASE NO 2025-PR-59
CL AIM 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 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
As sumed Name
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 26, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business
hereby given that on August 26, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: BK Exteriors loca ted at 7926 S Pine St Grand Detour, IL 61021
Dated August 26, 2025. Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
September 5, 12, 19, 2025
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 25, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: 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
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on July 31, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Montes Restaurants LLC DBA Farmers Family Rest au rant loca ted at 317 E. Main St. Forreston, IL 61030 Dated July 31, 2025.
