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SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851 • ShawLocal.com

Monday, October 6, 2025 • Free

NEWS

Dry start for harvest Ogle County farmers began to reap their crops in mid-Sept. amid arid conditions / 18

Dates 2025 Performance October 10,11,12 Read more on page 6

TODAY’S EDITION: 32 pages • Vol. 37, Issue 26

TRUTH SEEKER

Rochelle father seeks answers one year after lineman John Combs’ mysterious death in Alabama / 3

Mt. Morris PAG’s show is Oct. 10-12

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris. Friday and SatThis fall the Mt. Morris Performing urday shows are at 7 p.m. and the SunArts Guild will present Tapestry of day matinee is at 2 p.m. There will be Shadows, a theatrical tribute to Edgar open seating on a first-come, first-served Allan Poe. The show will consist of four basis. Doors open a half hour before of Poe’s most haunting works to the show time. For tickets call 815-734-2103 stage – “The Raven,” “The Black Cat,” or order online at www.performingarts“The Cask of Amontillado” and “The guild.com.

Tell-Tale Heart.”

Auditions were held in June and the Performances will be held on Friday cast includes Maxwell George, Joe Hel-

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frich, Sherri Stiles, Larry Ubben, Trudy Whalen and Morgan McConnell.

Edgar Allan Poe is known for his tales of mystery and the macabre. Enjoy something truly unique – a theatrical experience that honors one of literature’s darkest voices in the very month of his death. Tapestry of Shadows is reimagined and directed by Morgan McConnell, with Trudy Whalen as co-director. Producers are Jennifer Bakener and Pamela Ballard.

Arellano invites families to honor veterans in capitol all that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through their State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is courage and sacriinviting families across the district to fice.” honor their veterans by submitting photos and stories for the “Honoring All Who How to participate Served” Veterans Day Display.

Families are The exhibit will run in the Illinois Cap- encouraged to submit itol Rotunda from Oct. 28 through Nov. a photo and a brief State Sen. Li 13. story (up to 250 words) Arellano Jr. “Paying tribute to the men and women about their veteran. who defended our nation is one of our Please include the veteran’s name, most meaningful traditions,” Arellano military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast said.

Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, “Sharing the stories of the veterans in Navy), and the conflict served (such as your life is a powerful way to remind us Afghanistan, Iraq, Sept. 11, Gulf War,

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Vietnam, Korea, World War II, World War I, peacetime or other).

Military photos are especially meaningful but not required.

Deadline and submission

Submissions must be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706 by Nov. 8.

For more information, call (217) 7821154.

“Every story added to this display is a lesson in courage for the next generation,” Arellano said. “Please help us honor your loved one’s service at the heart of our state.”

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All rights reserved. Copyright 2025

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Leaf River Soaring Eagles kick off new 4-H year with first meeting

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their first meeting of the new 4-H year on Sept.

8. The club had several new members that came to the meeting.

Officers were chosen. The new president of the club is David Wehler. David Bagwell will be the new vice president. Kolton Motsko will be the new treasurer. Lydia Sherburne will be the reporter. Finn Slattery will be the historian. Hazel Friday will be the sentinel and will be in charge of recreation

along with Izabel Cortinez and Theo Slattery.

The 4-H members are starting to plan for the new year and for the upcoming National 4-H week in October.

If you would like more information to join in on the adventures with the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, contact Rene Wehler at 815-973-8132.

Northern Rehab hosting annual coat drive Oct. 6-17 Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Special-

ists is collecting donations for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Coat Ministry. Needed items include new and gently-used coats, boots, mittens, scarves and other winter accessories.

All Northern Rehab locations are serving as collection sites, with clinics at their DeKalb, Genoa, and Rochelle locations.

Please drop off donated items between Oct. 6-17. For additional information about Northern Rehab, call 815-756-8524 or visit www.northernrehabpt.com.

– Shaw Local News Network

ON THE COVER

HOW ARE WE DOING?

MAIN: Lineman John Combs, of Rochelle, died at age 24 on Oct. 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Montgomery, Alabama. RIGHT: John Combs. See story on Page 3. Photos provided by Eliza Petry

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Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.

Scan here here to Scan to get get Ogle County Kendall County Text Alerts Alerts Text

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

John Combs’ final days

On Sept. 24, 2024, John flew to Louisville, Kentucky, then drove to Savannah, Georgia, to begin storm recovery work, which he performed for about a week.

On Oct. 2, John was taken to a hospital after exhibiting disorientation, paleness and sweating. He called his father, saying he couldn’t put his thoughts together and didn’t understand what was happening. He later left the hospital against medical advice.

The next day, John traveled to Atlanta International Airport to fly home. His luggage made the trip, but John did not. Witnesses reported that John was removed from the boarding process due to his behavior. Chris Combs said that a witness said John gave a speech at the airport, telling the crowd, “You probably all know me by now, my name is John Combs. I’m from Rochelle, Illinois. My whole life has been a lie. I’m no good at anything I do.”

Later that day, John’s location was pinged in Montgomery, Alabama, by his brother, Patrick. When Chris Combs

Photos provided by Eliza Petry

The family of Rochelle man John Combs is still seeking answers about his October 2024 death in Montgomery, Alabama. called John to ask where he was after realizing he wasn’t on the flight to Chicago, John replied that he was “in the woods.” The family describes their last conversations with John as “short and odd.”

After losing contact, the family filed a missing persons report. On Oct. 8, the Montgomery Police Department informed them that John had been struck by a train and died the previous Memorial items relating to John Combs are Friday. shown in the workshop of his father, Chris

The search for answers

John had no known history of mental health or substance abuse issues, making his behavior in the days before his death difficult for his family to understand. The autopsy found no drugs or alcohol in his system.

Electrocardiogram leads were found on John’s legs after his death, which Chris Combs believes came from his hospital stay 36 hours earlier.

“You’d think after a day and a half of traveling and walking, he would have taken them off,” Chris said. “That was strange.”

John’s phone, wallet and backpack were never recovered. Using phone records and accounts, his family pieced together that his final hours included Uber rides and stops at a CVS Pharmacy, Burger King, Starbucks, a gas station and a hotel where he had a reservation but never checked in.

Chris Combs has reached out to dozens of agencies, including the Montgomery Police Department, Atlanta Interna-

Combs. tional Airport, Southwest Airlines, OSHA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, John’s employer Red Rover Electric and Congressman Darin LaHood’s office. He has submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act requests and spoken with media outlets to raise awareness.

Official findings and outstanding questions

The autopsy, provided to local media in August 2025, concluded the cause of death as blunt force trauma and the manner as suicide, with no signs of foul play. John “did not try to avoid a train that struck him,” according to the report.

The Montgomery Police Department allowed Chris Combs to view a video of the train incident, which he described as “low quality” and only viewable in person. Chris was not provided with a copy of the autopsy until August 2025.

OSHA informed Chris that there was

no evidence to suggest John’s death was work-related or that hazardous conditions existed during his deployment.

The case was closed.

The family requested the Montgomery Fire Department’s EMT report on John’s death but had not received it as of late September 2025.

Chris Combs said police did not interview Uber drivers who transported John in Montgomery and have not explained how John traveled from Atlanta to Montgomery.

Family’s determination

“I had concerns that someone may have drugged him,” Chris Combs said.

“For someone to commit suicide without any drugs or alcohol is strange to me.”

He also has worked with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood’s office to open a congressional investigation into John’s death.

In January 2025, investigative reporting by Savannah’s WTOC 11 found a witness who claimed to see a lone young lineman working in the area where John was in Savannah. The witness reported hearing a loud noise and seeing sparks fall on her car. However, a Red Rover Electric foreman said crews would not have been working alone.

Chris Combs remains determined to uncover the truth.

“Nobody has lifted a finger to find out what actually led up to his death,” he said. “We just want to make sure that whatever happened to him doesn’t happen to somebody else.”

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John Combs, a 24-year-old lineman from Rochelle, died Oct. 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Montgomery, Alabama.

A year later, his family still is searching for answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.

He was in Alabama to assist with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which recently had impacted the region. But the days leading up to his death were marked by unusual behavior and confusion, leaving his family with more questions than answers.

The official autopsy ruled the death a suicide caused by blunt force trauma, with no signs of drugs or alcohol in John’s system. Yet, his father, Chris Combs, disputes that conclusion and says authorities have been uncooperative.

“I never thought I’d get to the point where I really don’t trust anyone involved,” Chris Combs said. “Some of them think they’re rid of me, but I’m not going to give up.”

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Rochelle father seeks answers one year after son’s mysterious death in Alabama

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Oregon School District named college champ SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Oregon Community Unit School District 220 has been named a College Changes Everything Champion by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, a statewide recognition of schools that go above and beyond to prepare students for life after high school.

The honor comes as OCUSD launches new efforts to support students and families through college applications and financial aid. Two FAFSA completion workshops are scheduled for Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, with the second event also featuring community colleges and one-on-one scholarship advising. In addition, ISAC will host a college application workshop for students on Oct. 20 during the school day, giving seniors the chance to apply to colleges with direct support. Families already have begun registering for the FAFSA events, and interest continues to grow.

“This recognition is really about what it means for our kids,” Stephanie Haugh, the district’s first college and

graduate with a clear plan for success, whether that’s college, career training, the military, or other opportunities.

Superintendent PJ Caposey praised the work, noting that the CCE Champion designation affirms the district’s investment.

“This recognition highlights the foresight of our Board and leadership team.

We believed that creating a dedicated college and career coordinator position would give our students an edge, and we’re already seeing the results. It’s one more way we’re aligning our daily work to our values – preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive.”

ISAC’s College Changes Everything Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network campaign is Illinois’ flagship effort to Oregon Community Unit School District 220 has been named a College Changes Everything expand college access and affordability.

Champion by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, a statewide recognition of schools Schools recognized as CCE Champions that go above and beyond to prepare students for life after high school. are part of a statewide network promotcareer readiness coordinator, said. after year.” ing FAFSA completion, which opens the “When families have support to comThe college and career coordinator door to financial aid and scholarships. plete the FAFSA, talk through scholar- role, created last year, reflects OCUSD ISAC sets benchmarks, such as a 65% ship options, and apply to colleges, it 220’s values of excellence, integrity, and FAFSA completion rate, as a minimum changes the opportunities available to being people-centered. By focusing for formal recognition, and OCUSD has our students. That’s why we’re com- resources on postsecondary planning, its sights set on meeting and surpassing mitted to building these events year the district is helping every student those thresholds.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Stillman Valley student selected as a BigFuture Ambassador

Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce that junior Lucas Mendoza has been selected as a BigFuture Ambassador for the fall 2025 program.

The BigFuture Ambassadors program, created by the College Board, brings together a nationwide community of students who are dedicated to helping Lucas Mendoza their peers explore opportunities after high school.

BigFuture.org is a free online guide designed to help students discover careers, colleges, scholarships and more.

As an ambassador, Mendoza will volunteer to support classmates as they prepare for life after graduation, share free career and college planning resources at school and through social media, and connect with fellow ambassadors across the country in an online community.

Arellano invites residents to virtual town hall Oct. 6

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is inviting residents from across the 37th Senate District to join him for a virtual town hall event at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6.

The town hall will be livestreamed on Facebook.

“This event is a great opportunity for constituents to learn more about the work I and the rest of the General Assembly will be focusing on during the upcoming veto session, including major issues such as energy and transit,” Arellano said.

“Most importantly, I want to hear from you. By submitting your questions, you can voice your concerns, and I can stand up for your priorities,” he said.

Arellano will provide updates on a range of issues that could come before the legislature during the coming October veto session.

This will be his first online town hall, designed to augment the in-person town halls his office held over the summer.

How to participate

Submit your questions: Constituents can send questions in advance using the following link: https://il-37-senate-arellano.web.fireside21.app/forms/ form/?ID=11.

Join the event: Watch live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorLi.

Pancake supper at United Methodist is Oct. 8 in Mt. Morris

United Methodist Men is putting on a pancake supper from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The pancake supper will take place at Disciples United Methodist Church at 102 Maple Ave., Mt. Morris. Cost is by donation.

Polo’s CrossRoads Community Church to host trunk-or-treat

CrossRoads Community Church at 205 N. Jefferson Ave. in Polo is once again inviting the community to take part in its trunk-or-treat event from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Oct. 25.

This event is an opportunity to connect with families in the community while enjoying a fun and festive afternoon.

Since this is a church-sponsored event, organizers are requesting that trunk decorations and themes remain lighthearted, family-friendly and avoid any dark elements.

If you’d like to participate, sign up by emailing Joey Kochsmeier at jdkochsmeier@gmail.com no later than Oct. 19.

Hallway Halloween, chili and hot dog supper is Oct. 25 in Byron

All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron is hosting a fun-filled and safe trick-or-treat environment for kids of all ages on Oct. 25.

The hallways will be filled with friendly Halloween décor and treats. In addition to the fun of trick or treating it will offer a chili and hot dog supper.

This event is open to the community, and it is free to all who join. It welcomes kids of all ages.

Trick or treat hours are 4-6 p.m. Chili supper hours are 5-7 p.m. Contact the church office at 815-234-5277 with any questions.

Shaw Local News Network

‘We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Rochelle Foods presented a donation of $5,000 to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Rochelle Foods Plant Manager Tracy Brown said Hormel is Rochelle Foods’ parent facility and it gives each plant $10,000 for philanthropic endeavors each year to help with food insecurity. After solely supporting the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry with that money in recent years, half of the funds were donated to RACF this year.

RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said the $5,000 will go into RACF’s Rochelle Foods Hunger Challenge Fund.

“It always has a food insecurity focus and we’re proud of it and how it’s grown,” Anaya said. “Anyone can donate to it at any time. We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now.

RCFP’s need is up 200% this year. We recently provided RCFP with $30,000 for six months of eggs and they knew they’d run out of it after that. We know we can take this money and invest it and grow it and push it back out to the community and make a huge difference.”

Brown said combatting food insecurity is near and dear to his facility’s mission.

“We support financially, but we Jeff Helfrich donate probably 100,000 pounds of food On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Rochelle Foods presented a $5,000 donation to the Rochelle Area annually to area food pantries,” Brown Community Foundation. said. “Rochelle Foods was created in That fund was started by former many years ago, was built up with 1993 and is in its 32nd year. It’s a longRochelle Foods Plant Manager and employee payroll deductions, has time staple of the community and is RACF volunteer Cal Jacobs, who is a reached more than $200,000 and now owned by Hormel Foods with 40 plants current volunteer at the Rochelle Chris- grants more than $8,000 a year to the like ours around the world. Philantian Food Pantry.

Rochelle Christian Food Pantry or thropy is something we enjoy doing.

Anaya said the Rochelle Foods fund school programs that provide meals for We’re here to help the community as its to support hunger started with $5,000 kids. larger employer. We feel the impact.”

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Rochelle Foods makes $5K donation to RACF

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Tips to educate young adults to be smart about credit Credit is a necessary component of doing business in the modern world. The credit reporting agency Experian defines credit as the ability to borrow money or access goods or services with the understanding that a person will pay later. Various creditors grant credit based on their confidence that a borrower will repay what is owed.

Many adults learn about credit through trial and error. Financial literacy is not taught in many schools, although lots of people feel it merits space alongside literature, math, science, and other subjects. A recent NextGen study found only one in six high school students are required to take a personal finance class in the United States. In addition, a survey conducted in 2018 by Chase bank found only one-third of Americans were taught what a credit score is by their parents.

It is essential that guardians share information about credit with young adults to help them be financially solvent and successful later in life. Here are some ways to help young adults learn about credit.

Start with credit basics Speak generally about credit and how it is used. Then explain credit scores, credit bureaus and credit reports. A credit history and credit score is important information for young adults to have early on and check frequently, as having good credit improves the

out if there are any anomalies that may indicate identity theft or inaccurate credit issues.

chances they will qualify for loans and earn acceptable terms in the future.

Know the formula for good credit Forbes says there are five categories that add up to good credit: 1. Payment history (35 percent): Always pay bills on time.

2. Amounts owed (30 percent): Borrow a low amount compared to the total lines of credit. This also is known as credit utilization.

3. Length of credit history (15 percent): Keeping accounts open for a long time is a win.

4. New credit (10 percent): Do not apply for too much new credit too often.

5. Credit mix (10 percent): Having a balance of different types of credit, such as car loans, credit cards and other types of debt, is advantageous.

Help them build credit Having one or more credit accounts can help a person establish and build credit by making payments on time. Credit card companies often advertise student and secured credit card accounts that come with small or managed credit limits. Making purchases on the cards and paying them in full every month is the best way to improve a credit score or maintain a good one, says the Consumer Share your own experiences Financial Protection Bureau. Another way teens can build credit is Sometimes the best way to teach about credit is to be honest through their student loans. Making small payments on the princiabout what a parent or another adult did wrong with his or her pal while in school can help establish a strong credit history. finances, and use that as a “what not to do” scenario.

It is important for young adults to learn about credit so they can Check their credit reports make smart choices that will positively affect their future. Although The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking a child’s talking finances may be uncomfortable, it is vital for families to credit score around the age of 16 or 17. This will help families figure have these discussions.

2025

TELLER APPRECIATION WEEK! Thank you -

for all your hard work and dedication!

Rochelle | Ashton | Oregon

Our Central focus is YOU!

Tips to avoid falling into debt

borrowing money for big-ticket items like homes and vehicles, individuals with high credit scores generally receive better lending terms, including lower interest rates. Over time, the money saved by earning a lower interest rate on a mortgage can equal tens of thousands of dollars, and those cost savings can help consumers avoid utilizing credit cards to pay for unforeseen expenses like home repairs or medical bills.

• Become a disciplined consumer. Online shopping has made it easier than ever to spend beyond one’s means. A new wardrobe and expensive concert tickets are only a few mouse clicks away, and that accessibility can tempt consumers to spend beyond their means and accrue a substantial amount of debt. By resolving to remain a disciplined, savings-first consumer, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of debt.

Debt can have both short- and long-term consequences. A few simple strategies can decrease the chances individuals join the debt-riddled masses even during a time when cost of living is especially high.

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Avoiding debt is a key to long-term financial stability. However, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates households throughout the United States began 2024 with a record high of $17.3 trillion of debt. Debt also is a problem in Canada, where a recent survey from NerdWallet found that 55 percent of Canadians had credit card debt, which marked a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Perhaps even more telling is that 51 percent of survey respondents indicated they expect it will take them six months or more to pay off their credit card debt.

Debt may seem unavoidable in a time marked by high inflation, when the cost of everything from groceries to entertainment has increased significantly. Thankfully, various strategies can help individuals avoid falling into debt.

• Prioritize an emergency fund. Unforeseen expenses, whether it’s major auto repairs or unexpected medical bills, can quickly land consumers in financial hot water. In fact, a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that more than half of all adults in the United States report going into debt in the previous five years due to medical or dental bills. Roughly one in five respondents indicate they don’t ever anticipate paying off such debts. One way to avoid such a fate is to prioritize building an emergency fund that can be accessed whenever sizable, unforeseen expenses threaten to derail your finances.

Resist any temptation to tap into an emergency fund during non-emergencies, and continue to grow the fund with routine contributions each month.

• Utilize automatic transfers via your bank. Banks enable account holders to set up automatic transfers, which make it easier than ever to save money and thus avoid debt. Consumers can examine their finances and determine how much from each paycheck they can automatically transfer into a savings or retirement account. Once that number is determined, set up the transfers so you are not tempted to spend the money come payday.

• Build and maintain a good credit rating. A strong credit rating is advantageous for many reasons, not the least of which is the cost savings associated with such a reputation. When

7 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

TELLER APPRECIATION

TELLER APPRECIATION

What can renters do to secure their financial futures?

Renting an apartment or a home is convenient for people just starting out in life who may not have ample savings or a high enough credit score to secure a mortgage. Renting also may be necessary for individuals who have been priced out of a real estate market that has remained high over the last several years.

Though conventional wisdom may suggest renting is a poor long-term investment, there are certain benefits to renting. In addition, renters can look to various strategies to solidify their financial futures.

• Grow your credit score. Renters can ask a landlord to use a resource like Experian’s RentBureau to report their payment timeliness. A positive rental history that is reported can help renters improve their credit scores. A landlord needs to be signed up with a rental payment service that works with Experian for this data to be posted. In addition to this, renters should make sure to pay off credit card balances in full each month and make loan payments on time, which can positively affect their credit rating.

• Build an emergency fund. Establish a fund that contains at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses to provide a safety net in case of unexpected events. This may help renters avoid debt that can take years to pay off.

• Contribute to a retirement account. Put a portion of money toward a 401(k) or an IRA even if you are renting. Find out if your employer will match contributions. Retirement accounts with sizable balances can provide a safety net whether you rent or own your home.

• Stay apprised of local real estate trends. Monitor current market conditions and use that knowledge to negotiate lower lease payments if the market suggests you’re overpaying. If a landlord is unwilling to negotiate, consider moving at the end of your current lease.

Renters can take steps to secure their financial futures even if they never end up buying a home of their own.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Holcomb Bank tellers are the 'pick of the patch'! THANK YOU to the amazing tellers in our branches!

Rochelle | New Milford | Creston | Byron

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEF Penny Carnival is Oct. 12 in Mt. Morris

Games with prizes for kids will be just part of the fun at the annual Fall Family Festival from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, on the Mt. Morris Village Square.

The first 100 kids will get free tickets to play games at the Penny Carnival, hosted by the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris.

The church is once again partnering with the Let Freedom Ring Committee, which annually sponsors the fall festival.

The Fall Family Festival will also feature a craft show, costume parade, pumpkin carving contest, and trunk or treat.

Entry fees for the pumpkin carving contest are $2 for ages 5 and younger with a painted pumpkin, and $5 for all other ages.

Categories are ages 5 and younger, 6-10, 11-15, and 16 and up.

The rain location is the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center, 9 E. Front St. The Evangelical Free Church is located at 102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris.

Worship services are held each Sunday at 10 a.m. preceded by Sunday School for

all ages at 8:30 a.m. Nursery care and Children’s Church are available for youngsters up through age 9.

– Shaw Local News Network

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Image provided

by Michelle Rogers

Shaw Local News Network file photo

A pumpkin-carving contest was held in conjunction with the Fall Family Festival in Mt. Morris on Oct. 13, 2024. This year’s festival is Sunday, Oct. 12.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Stillman Valley High School National Honor Society would like to support those who have been affected by the disease.

Pink out! night is Friday, Oct. 17, when North Boone faces Stillman Valley in football.

Stillman Valley students selling shirts for breast cancer awareness SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Stillman Valley High School National Honor Society would like to support those who have been affected by the disease.

They currently are selling tackle cancer T-shirts to support breast cancer awareness and to support the Swedish American Health Foundation Carbone Cancer Center in Rockford.

To date, the NHS has donated $1,500 to the Carbone Cancer Center. The T-shirts are $15 each and available for purchase by filling out the order form by the front office at Stillman Valley High School or

by contacting Michelle Rogers at mrogers@mail.meridian223.org.

Payments should be sent to Michelle Rogers at Stillman Valley High School.

Orders are due by Oct. 8 and shirts will be available for pick up at Stillman Valley High School on Oct. 16. Shirts should be worn at the home football game Oct. 17.

In addition to the T-shirts, the NHS will be selling breast cancer ribbons on which people can write the names of loved ones who have or are battling breast cancer. During halftime of the varsity football game a moment will be taken to recognize and remember those who fight by holding up the ribbons.

Proceeds from the ribbons will be donated to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Rockford.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Photo provided by Coliseum Museum

The photograph is “Mt. Moran & Friends” by Steve Toole of Ashton.

Art exhibit open Oct. 1- Nov. 16 at Coliseum Museum in Oregon SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Coliseum Museum in Oregon is pleased to announce the opening of the final juried art show of 2025, the Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit featuring 44 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from Oct. 1-Nov. 16.

Air, Land & Sea celebrates the natural abundance of our planet. The exhibit is a record-setting display presenting 79 pieces of art including work in acrylic, glass, oil, pastel, pencil, photography and watercolor.

The exhibit will be judged by Jon Wildman of Dixon with awards presented at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, with music by acoustic artist Jeff Kagay.

Participating artists include Ellen Allen, Ellie Bartels, Cindy Bear, Janet

Beiler, Carol Bingham, Alice Blue, Larry Bond, Richard Born, Rick Brant, Beverly Broyles, Valerie Butcher, Bob Cholke, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Carla Donaldson, Laurie Friemuth, Connie Fry, Beverly Garcia, Charles Green, Julie Grendahl, Patricia Greve, Timothy Griffith, Dan Grossmann, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Cora Hutchison, Bob Kapheim, Linnea Koch, Wolf Koch, Paula Kuehl, Greg LaMont, Bob Logsdon, Maggie Magnuson, Henry Matthiessen III, Joy Meyer, Ellen Mumford, Robb Robbins, Stephonie A Schmitz, Tamara Shriver, Steve Toole, Peter Toth, Mary von Tish, Kathe Wilson and Lucinda Winterfield.

The Coliseum Museum’s mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more.

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Chris Grimm • Ogle County Life 815-632-2504 • cgrimm@shawmedia.com

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

RIGHT: The 2025 Homecoming Court members were as follows: Seniors: Kailey Encheff, Brady Gill, Braelyn Kloster and Jakob Kobler. Juniors: Nevaeh Scheffner and Zakary Glick. Sophomores: Hannah Vinnedge and Brennan Byers. Freshmen: Faith Lemons and Gage Loomis.

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The 2025 Forreston High School Homecoming celebrated school spirit, creativity, and student leadership with a week of exciting events and impressive class floats.

The freshmen class presented a float with the theme, “King Cardinal Will Sink the Pirates.” Their advisers, Lynnette Frederick and Lorie Parker-Weinrich, guided the team to a second-place finish in the overall judging.

The sophomore class presented a float with the theme, “Pirates Go Under.” With the support of class advisers Carl Setterstrom and Jonathan Stauffer, the float earned third place in the judging.

The junior class presented a float with the theme, “Victory Shore.”

Guided by class advisers Joel Tuten and Kyle Getz, the float received firstplace honors.

The senior class presented a float with the theme, “Pirates Walk the Plank.” Under the direction of class advisers Anne Magarity and Keynon Janicke, the float earned fourth place in the judging.

Final class competition scores: Fourth place: Sophomore class – 3,350 points. Third place: Freshmen class – 3,500 points. Second place: Junior class – 4,800 points. First place: Senior class – 6,250 points.

Homecoming King and Queen:The student body selected Hunter DeWall and Emma Hundertmark as Homecoming King and Queen. They were officially crowned at the pep rally on Thursday night.

The 2025 Homecoming Court members were: Photos provided by Forreston High School Seniors: Kailey Encheff, Brady Gill, The Forreston High School student body selected Hunter DeWall and Emma Hundertmark as Homecoming King and Queen.

Braelyn Kloster and Jakob Kobler.

Juniors: Nevaeh Scheffner and Zakary Glick.

Sophomores: Hannah Vinnedge and Brennan Byers.

Freshmen: Faith Lemons and Gage Loomis.

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Forreston High School holds 2025 Homecoming

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Mt. Morris church sending care packages, handwritten notes to service members SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The community is invited to help brighten the holidays for sailors aboard the USS Fitzgerald, a destroyer deployed in the Middle East.

The Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris plans to send care packages that include handwritten notes to all 350 sailors aboard the ship in time for Christmas.

“The church is excited to adopt this project and knows it requires ‘All Hands On Deck’ in order to happen,” said Joyce Long, chairman of the Outreach Team, which is spearheading the project. “We are enlisting the community’s help with both writing letters to the sailors as well as collecting items or donations for the care packages.”

The USS Fitzgerald deployed on June 2 and is expected to return home to San Diego in February.

Lt. Logan Murphy, the ship’s command chaplain, resided in Mt. Morris for five years before joining the U.S. Navy in 2023. During that time, he served as associate pastor of the EFCMM.

Murphy contacted EFCMM about sending care packages to all the men and women aboard the ship.

Anyone, young or old, can write a note to a sailor. In addition to the church’s Sunday School classes, many local groups and civic organizations are on board with this project, including the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, the Mt. Morris Chapter of the American Legion, and classrooms in the Oregon Elementary School.

Some ideas of what to include in the note are: Address to “Dear Sailor” Your first name, grade/work/organization, etc.

General family details, armed services history, etc.

“Thank you” for your service A picture or drawing Favorite activity, hobby, sports team, etc.

Meaningful quote, thought, Bible verse All hand-written notes need to be turned in to the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris no later than Sunday, Oct. 12. The church’s address is 102 S. Seminary Ave. in Mt. Morris.

For more information, contact the church office at 815-734-4942.

Photo provided by Cyrus Roson

Lt. Logan Murphy, former associate pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, addresses the crew aboard the USS Fitzgerald, where he is the command chaplain.

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It is not permissible in Ogle County to burn garbage, plastic, furniture, bedding materials, textiles, electronics, Fall is here and the Ogle County tires, demolition debris (including lumSolid Waste Management Department ber, processed wood items, and treated offers these tips and reminders for lumber), or other waste materials. open burning.

Nothing in the regulations prohibits Instances of open burning increase recreational or cooking fires fueled by through the fall. In most areas of Ogle clean firewood.

County, it is permissible to burn landIf you will be burning landscape scape waste from the property it was waste, do so on days when contamigenerated on, as long as this burning nants will easily dissipate, burn dry does not lead to nuisance smoke condi- materials that will burn and not smoltions for neighbors and does not inter- der, and avoid burning during windy fere with roadways. or overly dry conditions.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

If you live in a municipality, check local guidelines prior to any open burning.

Fall is also a great time to start a backyard compost bin. The fallen leaves of the season are a great base for your new compost bin, and then fresh green food waste can be mixed in. Composting is a great way to dispose of fruit and vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds, flowers and houseplants, and your backyard landscape waste. Composting food waste recycles this waste into compost, and reduces harmful emissions and odors from

landfilling this waste.

Most landscape waste can also be mulched up with your lawnmower as an alternative to raking and burning leaves.

Let your leaves lie and mulch them with your lawnmower; this reduces smoke from open burning and is a good natural fertilizer for your lawn as it enters the winter season.

If you have questions or concerns about the open burning of waste or wish to file an anonymous complaint regarding open burning, call 815-7324020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil. gov.

Local foundation gives new books to all first graders SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Oregon School District‘s first-grade teachers have received checks that will enable every first-grade student in the Oregon public school district to receive a new book every month this school year.

The teachers – Dawn Merrill, Gretchen Nelson, Erica Cann, Kenzie Dusing, and Olivia Phalen – received checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation on Sept. 15.

The teachers were enthusiastic and grateful for the funds, saying how the kids love and look forward to getting their books. Phalen added that one of her students was so excited that he brought in a book that his brother had gotten through the program.

The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation has funded the 9x9x9 Program since the 2018-2019 school year. Originally, for $9 per

child, one book per month was bought for nine months, i.e., nine books during the school year. The cost of books has increased since the 9x9x9 Program began, but the foundation remains committed to providing free books to all first graders.

The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the Mt. Morris Community Library through funding, by matching every memorial gift given to the library, and by supporting the library’s services and programs.

The foundation also gives away books to kids who visit Santa during the Mt Morris Christmas on the Square event. Donations are welcome, and anyone can become an annual member of the Foundation for $25 per year or purchase a lifetime membership for $100. Those funds are invested and used to support the library.

More information is available at the Mt. Morris Community Library, the MMCLF Photo provided by Sandra Stengel page at www.mtmorris-il.org, Oregon first-grade teachers receive checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation to buy books for first-grade or by messaging the library students this year. Pictured are teacher Dawn Merrill (from left), Foundation member Sandra Stengel, teachers Gretchen on social media.

Nelson, Erica Cann and Kenzie Dusing, Foundation members Mary Jane Warkins and Paula Diehl and teacher Olivia Phalen.

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Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation lends a hand to help kids read

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Ogle County Solid Waste Management releases open burning information

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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Thank you, heroes: A salute to our firefighters during National Fire Prevention Week.

Byron Fire Protection District Andrew Politsch Fire Chief Tony Dinges Deputy Chief Tim Free Battalion Chief Nate Landin Battalion Chief Paul Brantner Lieutenant Ryan Bruce Lieutenant Cole Stegall Lieutenant Branden Adamson Career Firefighter Charles Clothier Career Firefighter Daniel Dwyer Career Firefighter Jacob Kass Career Firefighter Jeremy Mote Career Firefighter William Nash Career Firefighter Joseph Reece Career Firefighter Tyler Schlaf Career Firefighter Adrian Trujillo Career Firefighter Terry Reeverts Paramedic/Adminstrative Assistant Mike Traum Account Manager Michele Trzcinski-Ramos Administrative Assistant Jody Rawson Account Manager

Dave DeCicco Photographer Miguel DeLeon Firefighter Jayson DiModica Firefighter Lane Dinges Firefighter Jace Flynn Firefighter Patrick Frisk Firefighter Alexander Gourley Firefighter Brad Grillo Firefighter Luis Herrera Firefighter Angela Judges Firefighter Hunter King Firefighter Tim King Firefighter Luke Kohn Firefighter Bob LaFurge Firefighter Kurt Larson Firefighter Nicholas Luebke Firefighter Nicole Manering Firefighter Riley Mead Firefighter Ashton Palmgren Firefighter Kaleb Rucker Firefighter Nathan Stepp Firefighter Whitney Trosper Anderson Firefighter

Cullen Duncan Recruit Jack Lancaste Recruit Nolan Brass Recruit Ethan Erbe Recruit Desmond Milligan Recruit

Hannah Nitz Recruit Jacob Pfab Recruit Carson Groharing Jr. Cadet Kade Politsch Jr. Cadet Gary Cortese Chaplain

Jody Grantinetti-Svihlik EMT Nathan Groth Probationary Firefighter Gary Koeller Firefighter Daniel Livolsi Paramedic Christine Manson EMT Bill Meyers Firefighter

Nina Moring EMT Jennifer Nelson EMT Dallas Pendergrass EMT/Firefighter Cameron Reuter EMT/Firefighter Jennifer Sharron EMT Christina Tillery EMT

Mike Zayed Firefighter Rafeek Zayed Firefighter Lyle Zumdahl Chaplain/EMR. Trustee President Ritch Runte Trustee Treasurer Lee Black Trustee Secretary Jean Burton

Forreston Fire Protection District Chief Robert Meyers EMR/Firefighter Deputy Chief Bob Schramm Assistant Chief Jeff Burton Firefighter EMS Captain James Manson Paramedic Captain Stuart Meyers EMT/Firefighter Captain Tyler Vogt Firefighter Gary Ahrens Firefighter James Altherr Probationary Firefighter Bobbie Bahr EMT Holly Bawinkel EMT Ed Booth EMT/Firefighter Codey Brattrud Probationary Firefighter Dane Busker Firefighter Alberto Botello Firefighter David Callahan Firefighter Airrin Coy Firefighter Andrew Grant Firefighter

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Leaf River Fire Protection District

Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Fire Chief Rob Hough Assistant Chief Jeff Warren Deputy Chief Mark Lewis Captain Ryan Fletcher Captain Nick Hoffman Lieutenant David Hoffman Chaplain Josh Ehrler Staff Cody Ahrens Craig Bevan Andy Bostic Cassie Bostic Chase Clark John Cortese Mike Daleiden Ray Darsidan Caleb Ehrler Drew Fletcher Tyler Gorsegner

Frank Harenza Amber Hoffman Gerry Hough R.G. Hough Rick Hough Ahren Howey Bill Howey Jordan Inglima Dave Nelson Ryan Rush Sophia Schwartzrock Chad Stauffer Brent Wolber Board of Trustees President Scott Diehl Vice President Bill Horst Secretary Marjie Lundquist Trustee Jackie Yount Trustee Mike Ward

Monroe Township Fire Protection District Chief Scott Jaeger Deputy Chief/Training Officer Richard Wilson Captain/EMS Coordinator Michaelle Jaeger Lieutenant/IT Jason Rippentrop Firefighter Kenny Shearer

Firefighter/EMT-B Andrew Schlaf Firefighter Efrain Rojas Firefighter Brayden Schlaf Firefighter Josh Way Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Crown

Firefighter/EMT-B Brittney Myers Firefighter/EMT-B Niki Ritacco Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Gorsegner Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Kilcullen Firefighter/EMT-B Tiffany Zielinski

Firefighter/EMT-B Jeff Chapin Firefighter/EMT-B Sheli Chapin Firefighter/EMT-B Amber Bryant Firefighter/EMT-B Trista Thompson

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Chief Steve Shelton Firefighter David Brenz FF/EMT Cullen Duncan Deputy Chief/EMT Jeremy Glick Cadet Zakary Glick Chaplain Billy Hardy EMS Lieutenant/EMT Zach Harvell EMT Natasha Hughes Safety Officer Denny Kuntzelman FF/EMT Shawn LaFleur Firefighter Josh Lamping Firefighter Ean Larson Firefighter Jeremy Lower Lieutenant/EMT Ian Lundstrom EMT Nina Moring Firefighter Mike Musso Reserve Brad Plock Trustee Dawn Plock Firefighter Dave Sheely Cadet Hannah Sheely FF/EMT Katie Sheely Captain/1st Responder Aaron Shelton 1st Responder Nicki Shelton Firefighter Greg Shuman Firefighter Zac Shuman Senior Engineer Frank Smice Lieutenant Sean Smith EMT Olivia Stranberg Paramedic Eyan Zubler

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Protection District Chief Steve Shelton Firefighter David Brenz FF/EMT Cullen Duncan Deputy Chief/EMT Jeremy Glick Cadet Zakary Glick Chaplain Billy Hardy EMS Lieutenant/EMT Zach Harvell EMT Natasha Hughes Safety Officer Denny Kuntzelman FF/EMT Shawn LaFleur Firefighter Josh Lamping Firefighter Ean Larson Firefighter Jeremy Lower Lieutenant/EMT Ian Lundstrom EMT Nina Moring

Firefighter Mike Musso Reserve Brad Plock Trustee Dawn Plock Firefighter Dave Sheely Cadet Hannah Sheely FF/EMT Katie Sheely Captain/1st Responder Aaron Shelton 1st Responder Nicki Shelton Firefighter Greg Shuman Firefighter Zac Shuman Senior Engineer Frank Smice Lieutenant Sean Smith EMT Olivia Stranberg Paramedic Eyan Zubler

Oregon Fire Protection District Chief Michael L. Knoup Deputy Chief Dustin L. Champlain Firefighter Anthony Breeden Jr. Firefighter/EMT Michelle Cicchetti Firefighter/Paramedic Lane Dinges Firefighter Codey Dunbar Paramedic Toni L. Giuffre Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel G. Groenhagen Firefighter Timothy Grote Firefighter Marshal J. Hackerson Firefighter/Paramedic Luis Herrera Chaplain Michael L. Hoffman Firefighter Gregory Hunter Firefighter Leyton Kenney Firefighter/EMT Joshua A. Lehrke

Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Marchetti FT Firefighter/EMT Riley Mead Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Mowry Firefighter/EMT Spencer Ruit Firefighter Matthew T. Schnorr Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Spandet Firefighter/EMT Dallas Stalkfleet Firefighter/Paramedic Damien Vant Firefighter/EMT Benjamin Welle Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Welle Firefighter Madelyn Wendt Trustee Steve R. Carr Trustee Richard G. Rhoads, Trustee Trustee Lora Stevens McKee Admin Stephanie L. Wendt

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Aaron Schupbach-Roe, firefighter Jeffrey Donaldson, firefighter Scott Schmidt, paramedic Tom Perrin, paramedic Riley Lofgreen, EMT Sabrina Stock, paramedic David Hill, EMT Fire Board Members Dustin Finkle, Steve Sheaffer, Charles Clothier, John Hopkins, Ken and Yingling.

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Jim Ports, fire chief Brent Shipman, assistant fire chief Chad Karrow, lieutenant Jordan Smith, lieutenant Chuck Clothier, lieutenant, paramedic DJ Sanders, lieutenant, paramedic David Shuman, firefighter, EMT Brian Carr, firefighter Denise Clothier, firefighter, EMT Adam Carlson, firefighter Dana Sellers, firefighter, EMT Chad Zeman, firefighter

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Polo Fire Protection District

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Ogle County farmers harvest amid dry conditions Ogle County Farm Bureau’s Kern: Corn yields could be above average, beans could be below

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Harvest began for Ogle County farmers in mid-September, Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said on Sept. 25.

“There hasn’t been as much activity as I anticipated,” Kern said. “Crops may still be drying down. Part of the problem with beans is the heavy humidity each morning lately that makes the stems hard to cut and farmers have to wait until later in the day to harvest them.

We started harvesting around a normal time.

“My neighbor planted the first field of beans in the county in the spring and picked them on Sept. 18. That was the first field of beans I’ve seen harvested.

That makes sense.”

After dry conditions to start the year, Ogle County farmers saw a big rainfall in mid-June and rain continued to fall often until mid-to-late August. Since then, spotty rains and dry conditions have been seen, which Kern said has dried down crops well but doesn’t help with growing conditions for next year.

Unless a rainy week is seen, Kern said Ogle County farmers hope to have harvest wrapped up by Thanksgiving.

He urged drivers in the county to exercise caution when they encounter farm equipment on roads when they’re moving from field to field.

“None of the farmers want to be on the roads,” Kern said. “They want to be in the fields. They’re trying to do their best to get where they’re going safely.

It’s slow-moving equipment and sometimes folks are in a hurry. If everyone just slows down and takes their time, and understands that everyone wants to get home safe, we should be OK. “If you get behind farm equipment, try to put yourself in their position and see what’s in front of the driver. There could be a guardrail or sign coming up that they’ll have to swing around. If you start to pass and they swing out, now that’s a problem. Sometimes they’ll wave you around when it’s safe. Just try to look at everything and pay attention.”

In 2024, Ogle County saw dry and

Photos by Jeff Helfrich

ABOVE: A harvest operation sets up in Hillcrest on Sept. 24. Harvest began in Ogle County in mid-September. BELOW: A semi truck prepares Sept. 24 to haul harvested corn out of a field just north of Rochelle. windy conditions in the fall that set the stage for multiple field fires in the area, with one in Lindenwood burning nearly 100 acres. That could be a concern in 2025 if conditions remain dry in coming weeks.

“It only takes a little spark and enough wind and the next thing you know, it’s a full-fledged fire storm,” Kern said. “That’s always a concern. A lot of farmers will do their best to take precautions and keep engines clear of buildup. But things like a bad bearing can happen and spark a fire and the next thing you know a whole combine is gone and everything around it is going with it.”

Kern hopes the export market improves in the next two months for farmers in Ogle County and across the United States. South America has overtaken the U.S. as the top global exporter of soybeans and Kern is unsure where U.S. beans will end up. Corn exports remain strong, he said.

Tariffs could impact prices farmers see for their crops. Kern said during tariff wars, agricultural commodities are among the first impacts, which may play into why South America is taking the main stage with soybeans.

Farmers are also waiting on a new federal Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill, passed in 2018, has been extended for a year twice, most recently in December. The federal Farm Bill allocates funding for crop insurance, disaster

assistance and conservation programs for farmers.

“The Farm Bill is always a big concern,” Kern said. “A lot of what farmers use today for risk management is predicated on what’s in the Farm Bill. I think the key to profitability is finding new domestic uses for our commodities, and not having to rely on the export market like we do. I preach that to everyone who will listen.

“It is the hope of everyone in the farming community that at some point this fall we get a new Farm Bill. If not, we’re just going to be operating on the same Farm Bill we have for years. It needs to be modernized and updated.”

With how the weather has been, Kern believes corn and bean yields in Ogle County will be a mixed bag when har-

vest is said and done. He believes bean yields will be average to below average due to dry weather early and late in the growing season, and that corn yields will be average to above average.

Ogle County farmers are in for long days of work in the next two months, Kern said.

“You will see tractors and combines in the fields at night,” Kern said. “Some farmers will put in 14- to 18-hour days and others will work 10-12 hours depending on their operations. It depends where and how grain is hauled and stored. We have a little bit of everything in Ogle County in terms of different farm operations.

“I hope everyone stays safe and keeps their chin up. There’s a silver lining in every cloud, and I hope we find ours in agriculture.”

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OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

20 OBITUARIES

WILLIAM MARK SNOW

Bill started working at Byron Nuclear Plant in 1981 where he met and married the love of his life, Marseyne Richter Snow on July 30, 1983. He has a passion for refuel outage management and transferred to Corporate Management in 1998. At Corporate he directed Refueling, Steam Generators, Turbines, and NDE Services for 6 Exelon Midwest Nuclear facilities. In 2001, he left Exelon and contracted to Areva to support nuclear outage work worldwide.

Bill, also known as Snowman, never met a stranger. He had a story for everyone. One of his favorite expressions was “He was the nicest guy you will ever want to meet!” Bill loved his dogs and was particularly proud of

his Bernese Mountain dogs. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and the most loyal Trump supporter. Bill loved spending time with family and friends and especially enjoyed entertaining in his man cave which he decorated with Chicago Bears pictures, couch and rug. His hobbies included boating on the Rock River, classic cars, playing pool with the guys, and trying to have the straightest lines in the neighborhood when he mowed the yard.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marseyne; daughters, Angela (Angelo) Powell of Morris and Alycia Snow of Naperville; grandchildren, AJ and Alaina Powell and several

nieces and nephews. Bill was so proud of both of his daughters. He could not have loved them more.

Bill will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Oregon Church of God. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Oregon Church of God with Pastor Michael Hoffman officiating. Memorials are established for Serenity Hospice and A Tail of 4 Paws Animal Rescue in Romeoville. To leave an online condolence please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com

enjoyed getting together with them through the years and staying connected.

After she retired, she enjoyed going to Yuma, AZ with Keith. They would drive their ‘39 Chevy across the country. In Yuma, they parDiAnna L. Rundle, ticipated in the car show there seeing family age 80, passed away and friends while spending the winters in the suddenly in her home in Byron, IL, on Sunday, sun. Her yearly Mother’s Day trip to South Padre Island was also a favorite. She would September 28, 2025. spend time with her daughter, granddaughter She was born and her two great-granddaughters. She loved February 25, 1945, the island life of enjoying her frappuccinos evin Rockford, IL, the ery morning, eating Mexican food, along with daughter of William & Ruby (Fetters) Millard. her pina colada in the afternoon. You could DiAnna attended and graduated from Auburn High School. A year later on June 19, 1964, she find her soaking in the hot tub, even when it was 110 degrees. She loved to be physically married the love of her life, Keith Rundle, at active; she went to Nash with friends to swim Messiah Lutheran Church of Rockford, IL. and exercise. She was also involved with Silver She was a proud mail carrier of the United States Post Office in both Rockford and Loves Sneakers. She and Keith loved going to the casinos a. winning big money on scratch off Park, IL for more than 20 years. During this time, she made so many wonderful friends, she tickets. But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William & Ruby Millard; brothers, Marvin Millard and Jack Millard; infant brother, William; and sisters, Mildred Phillips, Virgina O’Dell, Carolyn Richardson, and Linda Perez.

She is survived and missed dearly by her loving husband, Keith Rundle of Byron; children, Marie (Alan) McNames, and Mark (Barbara) Rundle of Byron, IL; her grandchildren, ReAnna (Sergio) Gonzalez, Brandon (Paige) McNames, Tyler Rundle, August Rundle, and Hutton Rundle; her great-grandchildren, Roisin Gonzalez and Wren Gonzalez; her brother, Rich (Rose) Millard of Rockford, IL; best friend for over 55 years, Karen Lay and her fur-baby Festus and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation was Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Byron, IL between the hours of 10 AM and 11AM. A funeral service honoring DiAnna’s life was immediately following the visitation at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Randy

Snider. DiAnna was then laid to rest at Byron Township Cemetery of Byron, IL. Memorial donations are established in her name and may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission, Serenity Hospice, Village of Progress, Noah’s Ark, or WCAS where she adopted Festus. It is donor’s choice. We cannot put into words the compassion, empathy and care that was given to our wife/mom during this tragic time. A heartfelt THANK YOU to the Byron Fire Department/Ambulance crew, Ogle County Sherrif, Deputy Coroner Varela, Chaplin Snyder, Chaplin Cortese, Tyler Mowry-Farrell Holland FH, Josiah Henson Byron Township Cemetery and Heather Green for doing Dee’s hair one last time. We appreciate you all so very much as we navigate this tremendous loss. Our Mom was a woman of faith. We find comfort in knowing she earned her angel wings on Sunday. She was welcomed into heaven by God our Father and many others that left this world before her.

DAVID E. KOEPPEN

in after the students had gone home.

A man of quiet faith, he was a devoted Catholic who found peace in life’s simple pleasures – fishing, golf, reading, playing pool, and collecting coins. He had a lifelong love of sports and competition, playing on local softball and baseball teams and participating in dart, pool, and bowling leagues. He was extremely active at the Oregon Country Club, where he spent countless hours enjoying the game of golf and the camaraderie it brought.

He was a proud member of the Free Masons, and a dedicated Chicago Bears fan – loyal through every high and low. David was known for his sharp sense of humor, a healthy dose of stubbornness, and an endless supply of random facts he’d pull out at just the right (or

completely unexpected) moment. He found joy in everyday moments – spending time with his children, grilling out, and enjoying a quiet evening with a Stephen King novel. Though naturally quiet and reserved, he came alive in social settings – quick with a joke, a story, or a challenge to a game of darts or pool.

He is survived by his three children, Justin (Kelly) Mercer, Garetty Koeppen, and Seth Koeppen, who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life; his sister Doreen (David) Ribinson, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of life was at Franklin Street Pub on July 12th. Interment of ashes will take place during a private family ceremony in the fall.

Born: June 8, 1955 in Dixon, IL Died: September 30, 2025 in Oregon, IL William Mark Snow passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1955 in Dixon, IL, the son of John and Helen Snow.

Bill was a graduate of Dixon High School and served 6 years as a Naval Reactor Operator on the Dwight D Eisenhour from 1975 – 1981.

DIANNA L. RUNDLE Born: February 25, 1945 Died: September 28, 2025

marching band.

Shortly after graduation, David enlisted in David E. Koeppen was the United States Army, where he served as an 11B sniper infantry soldier. His duty born on December 10, stations included the 101st Airborne Division 1956, to Richard and at Fort Campbell, KY; the DMZ in Seoul, Korea; Donna Koeppen and grew up in Rochelle, Il- and Fort Lewis, WA. After being honorably linois. He was preceded discharged from the Army, he spent a short time as a civilian before realizing he missed in death by both of his the camaraderie of service life. He then parents, as well as his stepfather, Willis Cline. enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman and Medical He graduated from Rochelle Township High Lab Technician at Ocean Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, VA. David later worked as a janSchool in 1975, where itor for 17 years at Oregon High School, where he participated in sports, Scouts, and the he especially enjoyed taking care of the books and savoring the peace and quiet that settled

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OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR SEPT. 22-26 • Dylan Schoon to Terry D Southard and Terri L Southhard-Durham, 503 W Dixon St., Polo, $122,000.

• Steven B Conner and Sandra M Connor to Mark Miller and Megan Miller, 314 E. 5th St., Byron, $243,000.

• Steven M Wennmaker to Christie J Gesin, 817 Fairground Circle Drive, Oregon, $399,900.

• Mark Steven Lyons to Muhamet Ajvaz, 208 N Daysville Rd, Oregon, $57,000.

• Carlos Flores to Aloe Investments Llc, 115 Main St, Leaf River, $60,000.

• First Choice Rentals Llc and Tony Berg to Kelly M Franchino, 321 N Market St, Byron, $205,000.

• Amy R Puseman and Andre A Puseman to Jenna Homburg and Frederick Vansteenderen, 4349 E IL Rte 72, Byron, $350,000.

• Joel Deurmier, trustee, and Joel Deurmier Tr2019 to German Fonseca, 8 1/2 E Main St.,

Mt. Morris, $105,000.

• US Bank Trust National Association Trustee and US Bank Trust National Association Rcf 2 Acquisition Tr to Austin Millan, Makaya Corral-Millan and Makaya Corral Millan, 6130 N Jeffrey Ln, Oregon, $340,000.

• Toni Buys Homes Llc to Gregory Frisbie, 206 W Green St, Forreston, $105,000.

• Tammy Lafferty and Tammy Tosi to Dylan Schoon, 3948 W Cedar St., Dixon, $191,250.

• Ryan N Grover and Cassandra A Grover to Stephen C Mead, 104 N Terrace Park Dr, Byron, $205,000.

• William S Hoyle to William S Hoyle and Sarah L Hoyle, 4855 S Ridge Rd, Oregon, $0.

• Kory A McKnight to Kory A McKnight and Mary Elaine McKnight, 9640 N Blaine Dr, Byron, $0.

• Joshua J Williams and Jessica Williams to Lkbl Properties Llc, 208 W Front St, Mt. Morris, $75,000.

• Randall A Roberts to Tyler Bo Kim, 202 W

Division, Holcomb, $366,000.

210 E McConaughy Ave, Rochelle, $0.

• Ashley Nordman to William J Nordman, Deed trustee, William J Nordman Tr, Patricia J • Norman Peters and Christine Peters to Nordman, trustee, and Patricia J Nordman Tr, Word Of God Fellowship Inc and Daystar three parcels in Rockvale Township: Television Network, 300 Flambeau Ln, Dixon, 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and $0.

09-35-100-007, $100,000.

• Coleman Beckerle and Ashley Nordman to Warranty deeds in trust William J Nordman, trustee, William J • Renae A Stevens and Mark Heslop to Nordman Tr, Patricia Nordman, trustee, Justin D Jones, trustee, and Justin D Jones Tr, Patricia J Nordman Tr and Ashley Nordman, 9207 N Lemke Dr, Byron, $389,000. three parcels in Rockvale Township: • John R Carroll to Barry J Rittenhouse, 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and trustee, Donna M Rittenhouse, trustee, and 09-35-100-007, $100,000.

Rittenhouse Family Tr308, 206 S Hannah Ave, • Randall A Roberts to White Rock TownMt. Morris, $216,500. ship, 202 W Division, Holcomb, $0.

Quit claim deeds

• Benjamin K Meiter to Benjamin K Meiter and Brittany D Meiter, 217 E Hill Crest Dr, Byron, $0.

• Rigoberto Cervantes to Leticia A Guerrero,

Trustees deeds

• Peter A Petrizzo, trustee, D Richard Petrizzo Tr697, Peter A Petrizzo and Leah Hanson to Michael Clausen and Nina Clausen, 15212 E IL Rte 72, Monroe Center, $390,000.

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OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Warranty deeds

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

Possible early warning signs for breast cancer

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Women are often their own strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer. While a strong support network can be vital when receiving treatment for breast cancer, women who have not been diagnosed with the disease still have an important role to play in combatting it and potentially reducing its impact on their lives.

The World Cancer Research Fund reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the number one cancer in women across the globe. But women are not helpless against breast cancer. In fact, various organizations encourage women to take a proactive approach in relation to the disease and begin conducting routine self-examinations in young adulthood. Self-exams can uncover signs of the disease and propel treatment when it’s in its earliest stages, a point in time when breast cancer is most treatable. Though the disease does not always produce symptoms in its early stages, women can keep an eye out for these signs each day, including when conducting self-exams.

■ New lump or mass: This is perhaps the

most widely known symptom of breast cancer, but it’s important that women avoid jumping to conclusions should they uncover a new lump or mass during a self-exam. That’s because most breast lumps are not cancer according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS notes a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer but also acknowledges cancer-related lumps or masses can be soft, round, tender, or painful.

■ Swelling of all or part of a breast: Swelling may be a sign of breast cancer even if no lump is felt.

■ Skin dimpling: The dimpling that may be symptomatic of breast cancer can look like the exterior of an orange peel.

■ Pain: Some women experience pain in the breast or nipple before a breast cancer diagnosis.

■ Nipple retraction: This symptom is marked by the nipple turning inward.

■ Skin issues on the nipple or breast: Skin on the nipple or breast may redden, dry, flake, or thicken when a woman has breast cancer.

■ Nipple discharge: The discharge will be something other than breast milk.

■ Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone: This swelling may indicate the breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast reached a size large enough to be felt.

The ACS urges women who discover any of these symptoms to report them to a health care professional immediately. Though each symptom is not necessarily indicative of the presence of breast cancer, it’s still important to seek treatment. TF25A211

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23 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025 OCL

RCH offers walk-in Mammogram Screenings every Thursday.

Receive a FREE RCH “Lemons” t-shirt after your mammogram. Make the time!

Autumn on Parade returns to downtown Oregon on Oct. 4-5 with ‘Carving Creativity’ theme SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The annual Autumn on Parade festival will fill downtown Oregon with artisans, food vendors, classic cars, and family fun on Oct. 4 and 5.

The 2025 theme, “Carving Creativity,” invites parade participants to decorate their entries in imaginative ways that reflect this year’s spirit.

New to the festival? Visit autumnonparade.com for details, follow the event on social media and invite friends to join the largest parade and festival in northern Illinois.

Festival highlights include: • A unique artisan market • A Fun Zone featuring a live petting zoo • A food court offering a variety of tastes • Stronghold’s Olde English Faire • Car and tractor shows

• Live music at the HotSpot • The Harvest Time parade Support the festival by purchasing tickets for the 60/40 raffle and official Autumn on Parade merchandise.

Honoring community champions

• This year’s Unit of Honor is the Rock River Center, celebrating 50 years of service.

• Since 1975, the Center has provided vital outreach and support services to older adults, including assistance with government programs, Medicare, prescription benefits, tax preparation, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and volunteer opportunities.

• Guests of Honor Mark Gale and Kevin Wiegmann are recognized for Shaw Local News Network file photo their unwavering dedication and energy in supporting Autumn on The streets were lined in Oregon for the parade during the Autumn on Parade festival Oct. 6, 2024, in Oregon.

Parade and the broader community.

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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University Of Illinois Extension OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center Serenity Hospice and Home Hope Cancer Wellness Center Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc. Rosecrance Behavioral Health Northwestern IL Center for Independent Living Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Crimson Bodywork and Wellness Liberty Court Assisted Living and Memory Care In Home Personal Services, Inc.

B

S

i

Wellness Coaching by Rachel, PLLC Value Lab LLC OnCall Imaging Heritage Square Aetna Medicare Comfort Keepers Healthcare Plus Allure of Pinecrest Sanctuary Hospice OSF OnCall Connect Alzheimer’s Association

Hearing and Re�na Evalua�on by Lions Club

nss Blood Pressure Readings by Volunteers ess: Chair Yoga @ 10AM & 11AM w/Jennifer Pierce, EdD

Grand Regency of Rockford Northern Illinois Hospice Sinnissippi Centers Northern Illinois CPR and First Aid Tri-County Opportunities Council Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Mt. Morris Senior & Comm. Center Catholic Charities Ombudsman Rochelle Community Hospital Ogle County Housing Authority Ogle County Health Department

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. Reagan Mass Transit District Lifescape Community Services Liberty Village of Rochelle Lions of IL Foundation Transitions Hospice Rock River Center Meridian YouthCare

Flu Shot Clinic by Ogle County Health Department Become a “Demen�a Friend” online activity RRC CTC

25 OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Strike up the band

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By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent The Oregon High School marching band performed at halftime of the Hawks’ homecoming game against Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19, at OHS Landers-Loomis Field. Oregon won the football game, 49-0. The band also appeared on Friday, Sept 26, at home during Oregon’s lost to Dixon (56-0). On Saturday, Sept. 27, they took part in NIU’s Band Day in DeKalb, marching in the halftime show with the other active schools.

Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network

TOP LEFT: Oregon High School marching band member Madeline Rogers plays the flute during halftime of the football game with Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Oregon band perform before the start of the Homecoming game with Rock Falls on Sept. 19 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon.

ABOVE: Oregon band members David Eckardt and Ethan Rowe drum during the Sept. 19 halftime show.

LEFT: Oregon High School flag corps member Gwen Vos performs a routine on Sept. 19. The theme of the band’s show is blue this season and songs included ELO’s classic rock hit “Mr. Blue Sky,” the old standard “Blue Moon” and the theme song to the show “Bluey.”

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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CLASSIFIED To place an ad

EMPLOYMENT

833-584-NEWS (6397)

EMPLOYMENT

Part-Time CDL Class A Drivers Needed for Fall Harvest Polo Area.

Manual Transmission.

Flexible Hours.

Call 815-590-5265

EMPLOYMENT

Farm Help Wanted $25 / hour

10-15 hours per week Rochelle area

Some lifting required.

Flexible hours.

APPLIANCES CLOTHES DRYER Samsung Electric Dryer.

Multiple features, very good condition. $150 Cal 815-441-4828

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2 antique gas stoves, also Carriage bolts, deck screws, nails, etc Best offer Call 815-973-2329 after 5pm

EMPLOYMENT

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WIXN AM/FM MORNING SHOW HOST Dixon Join the Voice of the Sauk Valley!

Do not text

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LIGHT DUTY MAINTENANCE PERSON

original 96k miles. $2000/obo Call 815-632-7481

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1974 Ford Maverick

EMPLOYMENT

Call 815-751-9076

wanted for 35-40 hours per week in Dixon, Durand & Ohio, IL locations.

Seeking a reliable individual with basic handyman skills to perform light maintenance task at three properties. This includes minor repairs, basic plumbing, baseboard heaters, thermostats and general upkeep. Must be detail-oriented, physically capable and able to work independently.

Prior maintenance experience preferred. Must have own tools, valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Call 815-440-2769 for an interview or email: dburke@baywestres.com

CLASSIC CARS

classified@shawlocal.com

EMPLOYMENT

Byron School District #226 Job Postings Full-time Positions: Maintenance Worker Elementary Library Aide / Paraprofessional Apply online at:

www.byron226.org Click the Menu tab, then click the Employment Opportunities tab in the “About Us” section

Are you a dynamic, engaging personality with a passion for radio and a deep connection to your community?

Shaw Local Radio in Dixon, IL is looking for a full-time Morning Show Host to lead the day on WIXN AM/FM. What You'll Do: Host a compelling, local-focused morning show that informs, entertains, and connects with listeners across the Sauk Valley.

Deliver news, weather, interviews & community updates with energy & authenticity.

Engage with listeners on-air, online, and in person - become a trusted local voice.

Collaborate with our production team to create high-quality audio content & promos.

Represent WIXN at community events, remotes, and station promotions.

What We're Looking For: Strong on-air presence and excellent communication skills.

Experience in radio broadcasting, audio production, and Adobe Audition preferred.

Ability to write, voice, and produce engaging segments and commercials.

Passion for local news, events, and building community relationships.

Comfortable with social media and digital platforms to extend your reach.

Why Join Us: At Shaw Local Radio, we believe in the power of local voices. You'll be part of a team that values creativity, community, and connection. If you're ready to wake up the Sauk Valley with energy and purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply today with your resume, demo reel & short note about why you love local radio to:

Online: www.shawmedia.com/careers or mail it to us at: Shaw Media - Human Resources; c/o WIXN Morning Host; PO Box 250; Crystal Lake, IL 60039 Shaw Media is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug-free employer.

A pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record, and drug screen are required. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply!

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARIN PUBLIC NOTIC IS HEREBY GIV EN, pursuant Sections A1 303.B, A11-601.

38-36 and 38-80( and (7) of the Dav Junction Villag Code, that the V lage of Davis Jun tion Planning an Zoning Commi sion will be co ducting a pub hearing at 6:00 P on Monday, Oct ber 27, 2025, Davis Junction V lage Hall, 10 North Elm Stree Davis Junction, I to consider th request of D Liquors for a sp cial permit, va ance, and for suc other and furth zoning approva as may be require to enable it to hav outdoor seating f patrons on th walkway in front its business loca ed at 5657 Junction Wa Davis Junction, I The property zoned C-3 an outdoor seating r AUCTIONS quires a spec permit. In additio the applicant seeking a varianc from the Villag Code requireme that outdoor sea ing areas with a cohol service on be accessible fro the interior of th business premise Sale The contemplate perimeter barri around the outdo seating area wou include an openin AUCTIONS AUCTIONS allowing dire ingress and egres since there is on Glen Shenberger Living Estate a single entranc hacksauction.hibid.com and exit doorwa 'ONLNE AUCTION' BIDDING OPENS: Thurs, Oct 2nd @ 8AM servicing the bus Sec BIDDING CLOSES: Sun, Oct 12 @ 5PM ness as oppose a separate dire 1211 Monroe St., Pecatonica, IL 61063 toTract 2) 31. linkin Glen is Selling His Home & Moving. Will entrance outdoor Tract 3) seatin 86.

Sell: Nice Selection Antiques & the and D Collectibles; Outstanding Mid-Century area Section Liquors.

Lighting; Antique Scenic Panel Glass Tract requeste 4) 39.

Lamp; Paints & Artwork; Furniture; The relief Bedroom Sets; Household Furnishings; zoningSection particular Crocks & Stoneware; Primitives; Tools & more Tract 5) in19.th Shop Equipment; Lawn & Garden & described materials on f More! Great Selection!

Section f and available PECATONICA REAL ESTATE for SALE inspection Tract 6) at29.V 1211 Monroe St., Pecatonica, IL 61063 lage Hall durin Tract 7)busine 102 $199,000 normal Immaculate Two-BR Home., 2-1/2 Bath hours Section (Monday Ranch Home with Finished Basement. Friday, 9 a.m. Tract 8) 43.

Newer Mechanicals & Roof. Attached p.m.)

All intereste Two-Car Garage. Rec Room. Brick parties are invite complete list Fireplace. Fenced Yard. Pecatonica toFor attend the hea Schools. Appliances Included. Move Right ing and pub In and Enjoy. Well-Maintained Home! meeting and b Call Swan for Details or Private Showing. heard.

For Informatio All inquirie Lenny Bryson Pecatonia, IL regarding this pu 815-946-4 815-239-1436 lic Ph: hearing can b www.hacksauction.com directed to Villag I.A.F.L. #44.000128 Clerk Lisa Lewis (815) 645-8000.

Respectfu Submitte Lisa Lew Village Cle Oct. 6, 2025

Picture it

S LD

Ogle

FAR

In Print & Online

Tuesday

350

O

LD

FARMLAND AUCTION

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 10:30 AM

350 Acres +/- Selling in 7 parcels NO COMBINATIONS OPEN TENANCY FOR 2026

LEGAL NOTICES

US POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Title of Publication, Ogle County Life 2. Publication No. 004083 3. Date of Filing October 6, 2025.

4. Frequency of issue, Weekly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually, 52 6. Annual Subscription 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication, 211 IL 38, Rochelle, IL 61068, Ogle County 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher, 211 IL 38, Rochelle, IL 61068 9. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editor and managing editor.

Jennifer Heintzelman, Publisher, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 Managing Editor, Charlene Bielema, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 10. Owner: B.F. Shaw Printing Company, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, None.

15. Extent and nature of circulation A. Total No. Copies Printed (Net Press Run), Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months, 8,663; Single issue Published Nearest to Filling Date, 7,993 B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies, 44; Single Issue, 56 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions: Average No. Copies, 5,947; Single Issue, 5,919 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies, 0; Single Issue, 0 4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies, 0; Single Issue, 0 C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation, Average No. Copies 5,991; Single issue 5,975 D. Free Distribution by Mail, Carrier or Other Means: Average No. Copies, 0, Single Issue, 0 D. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) Average No. Copies, 1,615; Single Issue, 1,280 E. Total Free Distribution, Average No. Copies, 1,786; Single Issue, 1,441 F. Total Distribution, Average No. Copies 7,777; Single issue 7,416 G. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies 886; Single issue 577 H. Total, Average No. Copies 8,663; Single issue 7,993 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies, 77.03%; Single Issue, 80.57%.

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Abbie Clark Circulation Manager October 6, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Annual Treasurer's Report for Monroe Township for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 Revenue Summary: Property Tax $89,158.55 Replacement Tax $6,516.03 Interest $494.39 Misc. Income $3,296.00 Total Revenue $99,464.97 Expenditures: Compensation under $10,000: Alan Alderks, Brian Baxter, Larry Baxter, Scott Bearrows, William Hunt, Thomas Lichty, Joan Morphey,Verlen Morphey Sr., Paul Peterson, Lynn Warner Compensation over $10,000: Justin Thibodeau Illinois Dept of Revenue $3,059.56 IRS $12,420.56 Rockford Ornamental Iron, Inc $34,250.00 TOIRMA $4,554.00 Vendors under $2,500 each $8,925.11 Total Expenditures $118,741.21 Summary Statement of Condition of Monroe Township Beginning Balance 4/1/2024 $244,745.95 Revenue $99,464.97 Expenditures $118,741.21 Ending Balance 3/31/2025 $225,469.71 October 6, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT SCOTT TOWNSHIP & ROAD DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2025 TOWNSHIP - REVENUE SUMMARY: Property Taxes - 85,600; Replacement Tax - 11,800; Interest - 19,500; Rental Income - $100; Miscellaneous - 800 TOTAL REVENUES: $117,800 TOWNSHIP - EXPENDITURE SUMMARY: Adams Construction - 5,000; Commonweath Edison - 15,150; IRS 2,510; Historical Society -3,290; IL DOR - 5,400; Lynn-Scott Rock - 6,200; Thompson Gas 4,400; US Postal Serive - 2,000; Disbursements less than ($2,500) - 10,300 TOTAL VENDORS: $54,250 TOWNSHIP - COMPENSATION SUMMARY: Range: Under $25,000.00: Robert Horn, Kevin Sullivan, Terry Glendenning, Scott Miller, Patrick Hickey, Douglas Glendenning, Charles Tague Range: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99: Tamara Glendenning TOTAL COMPENSATION: $54,280 ROAD DISTRICT – REVENUE SUMMARY Property Taxes - 77,400; Replacement Tax - 15,500; Interest Income - 10,600; Miscellaneous - 800 TOTAL REVENUES: $104,300 ROAD DISTRICT - EXPENDITURE SUMMARY Bushman's Services - 2,700; Consery FS - 5,300; CrossRoads Repair 3,300; S Doyle Asphalt -22,500; TOIRMA - 3,900; Wagner Aggregate 55,100 All other disbursements less than ($2,500) - 13,800 TOTAL VENDORS: $106,600 ROAD DISTRICT - COMPENSATION SUMMARY Range: Under $25,000.00: Jamie Bee, Tyler Duschen, Carter Lee Range: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99: NA TOTAL COMPENSATION: $4,300 October 6, 2025

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LEGAL NOTICES

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

relief is outdoor seating for zoning particularly patrons on the more walkway in front of described in the its business locat- materials on file ed at 5657 N. and available for Junction Way, inspection at VilOTICES OTICESduring LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL N LEGAL NHall LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES Davis Junction, IL. lage business The property is normal NOTICE OF zoned C-3 and hours (Monday Annual Treasurer's Report PUBLIC HEARING outdoor seating re- Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 for Monroe Township Road District PUBLIC NOTICE quires a special p.m.) All interested for the fiscal year ending IS HEREBY GIV- permit. In addition, parties are invited March 31, 2025 EN, pursuant to the applicant is to attend the hearRevenue Summary: and public A11- seeking a variance ing Sections Property Tax $171,152.52 303.B, A11-601.D, from the Village meeting and be Replacement Tax $12,471.08 38-36 and 38-80(5) Code requirement heard. All inquiries Interest $966.75 and (7) of the Davis that outdoor seat- regarding this pubMisc. $18,280.47 Junction Village ing areas with al- lic hearing can be Total Revenue $202,870.82 Code, that the Vil- cohol service only directed to Village Expenditures: lage of Davis Junc- be accessible from Clerk Lisa Lewis at Compensation under $10,000: Bryce tion Planning and the interior of the (815) 645-8000.

Edwards, Jayden R. Edwards, Kerri Respectfully Zoning Commis- business premises.

Submitted, Hall, Matthew Hickey, Derek Jarvis and sion will be con- The contemplated Lisa Lewis barrier ducting a public perimeter Jeffrey Payne Village Clerk hearing at 6:00 PM around the outdoor Bonnell Industries $6,378.75 on Monday, Octo- seating area would Oct. 6, 2025 Consev FS $5,465.65 an opening include ber 27, 2025, at Elan Financial Services $5,658.03 direct Davis Junction Vil- allowing Baileyville Ferellgas LP $5,402.44 Hall, 106 ingress and egress, lage Storage LLC IRS $2,643.94 North Elm Street, since there is only 300 N. CommerMiller Bradford & Riseberg, Inc Davis Junction, IL, a single entrance cial Street $2,590.44 to consider the and exit doorway Baileyville, IL Montavon Tree Service $19,950.00 request of DJ servicing the busi61007 Northern Contracting, Inc $7,916.12 Liquors for a spe- ness as opposed 262-679-1850 Ogle County Hwy. Department cial permit, vari- to a separate direct (Office) $52,270.05 linking ance, and for such entrance 262-271-8344 TOIRMA $6,830.00 other and further the outdoor seating (Cell) Vendors under $2,500 $17,969.11 and DJ zoning approvals area Will hold a public Total Expenditures $145,702.96 as may be required Liquors. sale to enforce a Summary Statement of Condition requested lien(s). Date of Sale to enable it to have The of Monroe Township Road District relief is outdoor seating for zoning Monday, October Beginning Balance 4/1/2024 particularly patrons on the more 20, 2025 $588,708.50 walkway in front of described in the Delinquent Revenue $202,870.82 its business locat- materials on file Tenants: Expenditures $145,702.96 ed at 5657 N. and available for Units 10, 11 Ending Balance 3/31/2025 Junction Way, inspection at Viland 12 $645,876.36 Davis Junction, IL. lage Hall during Jeffrey Phen October 6, 2025 business Oct. 6, 13, 2025 The property is normal zoned C-3 and hours (Monday outdoor seating re- Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS quires a special p.m.) All interested permit. In addition, parties are invited the applicant is to attend the hearand public seeking a variance ing from the Village meeting and be Code requirement heard. All inquiries that outdoor seat- regarding this pubing areas with al- lic hearing can be cohol service only directed to Village be accessible from Clerk Lisa Lewis at the interior of the (815) 645-8000.

Respectfully business premises.

Sale to be held Submitted, at: Prairie View Golf Club/ Pavillion The contemplated Lisa 6734 Lewis German Church Road perimeter barrier Village Clerk around the outdoor Byron, IL 61010 seating area would Oct. 6, 2025 include an opening CTIONS allowing direct ingress and egress, since there is only ving Estate a single entrance d.com and exit doorway ION' Oct 2nd @ 8AM servicing the busiSection 17 Byron Township, Ogle County, IL Oct 12 @ 5PM ness as opposed a separate direct nica, IL 61063 toTract 2) 31.521 Surveyed Acres & Various Outbuildings linking & Moving. Will entrance outdoor Tract 3) seating 86.121 Surveyed Acres Antiques & the and DJ g Mid-Century area Section 8/17 Byron Township, Ogle County, IL Liquors. c Panel Glass Tract requested 4) 39.489 Surveyed Acres ork; Furniture; The relief is ld Furnishings; zoningSection 26 of Byron Township, Ogle County, IL particularly mitives; Tools & more the Platted Acres Tract 5) in19.33 & Garden & described materials on file Section for 35/36 Byron East Township, Ogle County, IL and available TATE for SALE inspection Vil- Platted Acres Tract 6) at29.53 nica, IL 61063 lage Hall during Tract 7)business 102.98 Platted Acres normal me., 2-1/2 Bath hours Section (Monday 28 - Winnebago Township, Winnebago County, IL hed Basement. Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 Tract 8) 43.87 Platted Acres Roof. Attached p.m.)

Call or email to All interested Room. Brick parties are invited place your ad sale bill, maps, tax info, and terms & conditions, etc. visit For complete listing of survey, d. Pecatonica to attend the hearded. Move Right ing and public www.lennybrysonauctioneer.com ntained Home! meeting and be ivate Showing. heard.

For Information Owner, Alvin Oltmanns Trust All inquiries Contact: Lenny Bryson - Auctioneer Joe McCoy, Stillman Bank Trust Dept catonia, IL regarding this pub815-946-4120 -239-1436 lic Ph: hearing can be Attorney, Dave Smith cksauction.com directed to Village L. #44.000128 Clerk Lisa Lewis at Ph: 815-732-6124 (815) 645-8000.

Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Lewis Village Clerk Oct. 6, 2025

Be prepared before the next power outage.

OCL

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OGLE COUNTY LIFE

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Photos provided by Emily Anaya

Oregon Junior High School cross country runner Graham Kaskavage leads this pack of athletes at the Schmidt Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Pickleball tournament held at Stillman Valley Fall Festival SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Stillman Valley Fall Festival held its third pickleball event sponsored by Kishwaukee Community Church. This year the event was held in the Meridian Junior High west parking lot. There were 15 teams entered in the double elimination tournament, and eight individuals in the round robin event.

The men’s round robin event winners were, first place Cecilio Marquez, second place Steve Carbaugh and third place Russ Cordell. The women’s round robin event winners were, first place Holly McCann, second place Barb Light and third place Bethani Larson.

The double elimination team tournament winners were: First place prize of $100 went to It’s a Nguyen Nguyen Situation team made up of Michael Nguyen and Eric Nguyen, second place prize of $80 went to the Judah Mass team made up of Cecilio Marquez and Judah Mas-

The Pickle Jar award was won by the team of Hannah Rehfeldt and Zac Bargman.

Photos provided by Randy Fruin

ABOVE: The double elimination team tournament winners were: First place prize of $100 went to It’s a Nguyen Nguyen Situation team made up of Michael Nguyen and Eric Nguyen, second place prize of $80 went to the Judah Mass team made up of Cecilio Marquez and Judah bruch and third place prize of $60 went to Masbruch and third place prize of $60 went to the Local Couple team made up of Randy and the Local Couple team made up of Randy Rachel Cordell. BELOW: The men’s round robin event winners were, first place Cecilio Marquez, second place Steve Carbaugh and third place Russ Cordell. The women’s round robin event and Rachel Cordell.

There was also the Pickle Jar award winners were, first place Holly McCann, second place Barb Light and third place Bethani Larson. of two jars of pickles awarded to the team of The pickleballerz who ended up in the Pickle Jar by losing their first two games and then winning their last two games.

The pickleballerz team is made up of Hannah Rehfeldt and Zac Bargman.

A good time was had by all and good sportsmanship was shown throughout the event. We look forward to seeing a fourth pickleball event next year.

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Oregon Junior High School cross country runner Kollins Anaya blazes a trail at the Schmidt Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Oregon Junior High School cross country teams continue to impress this season, delivering strong performances at the Schmidt Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Fuller Forest Preserve.

Running a shortened 1.25-mile course under sunny skies, both the girls’ and boys’ teams proved their grit, teamwork, and determination.

The girls’ team placed an impressive fifth out of 12 teams, led by Kollins Anaya, who captured first place overall with a winning time of 7:29.72.

Close behind were Marie Ramirez (22nd, 8:28.62) and McKenna Mosely (29th, 8:36.6), who ran nearly stride for stride.

Rounding out the top five scorers were Mara Bell (46th, 9:14.1) and Presley Contreras (61st, 9:59.5), with strong support from Caroline Kaskavage (65th, 10:07.2) and Oakleigh Kiesling (93rd, 11:45.5).

On the boys’ side, the Hawks soared to a third place team finish out of 11 schools. Sixth grader Graham Kaska-

vage medaled with a sixth-place finish in 7:06.6, while fellow sixth grader Nicanor Anaya finished 17th in 7:25.6.

Not far behind were Callum Groenhagen (19th, 7:34.2) and Luca Wesley (24th, 7:40.9), with Wesley Rogers (37th, 8:15.6) rounding out the scoring.

Solid efforts by Weston Dillon (63rd, 9:31.0) and Hayden Roos (87th, 11:07.3) added depth to the boys’ lineup.

Coaches Nic and Emily Anaya expressed pride not just in the results, but in the heart these young athletes bring to the course.

“What inspires me most about this group is the way they push each other to be better,” Nic Anaya said. “Every practice and every race, they show up not just for themselves but for their teammates. That’s the kind of spirit that builds lifelong character – not just fast times.”

“These kids are learning that cross country is more than running – it’s about resilience, teamwork, and giving your best no matter the challenge,” Emily Anaya said. “Watching them rely on one another and rise to the occasion week after week has been nothing short of incredible.”

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

OJHS Cross Country places 5th at invitational

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Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Forreston football, golf and homeschooling Last year, Forreston’s football team was 2-7 because of losses to teams they could have beaten. This year, they are 4-1 because they are winning those same types of games.

The thrilling 22-20 win over Galena was an example of this. The Cardinals appeared to have the game under control with a two-score margin in the second half before the Pirates came up with some fourth-quarter heroics to nearly win with no time left on the clock.

In a similar situation last year, Forreston lost to Galena 19-18. In the NUIC with wins at a premium, it is essential to extract every advantage you can.

Other than a blowout over Dakota, it’s been a playoff atmosphere each week for Forreston and the upcoming game with EPC is a prime example of this. Galena beat EPC, so there’s no reason to think Forreston can’t win, though the opposite is possible too.

While on the topic of Forreston athletics, a very good boys golf team faces some equally intense competition in the regional. At the 1A regional that was held this past Wednesday, the Cardinals battled NUIC champ Dakota and the top three teams from the BNC in Rockford Christian, Rockford Luhteran and Byron for team advancement to the sectional.

Unfortunately, only three squads advance on. Last year, Forreston was

VIEWS Andy Colbert fourth, but sent Kaden Brown, Darin Greenfield and Daylen Rahn to the sectional as individuals.

Brown, who is wrapping up his career as one of the best golfers in school history, also qualified for the state meet. With the scores posted by the team this season, it is not out of the realm to make state.

Since the regional was after the press deadline, I don’t have the luxury of knowing the results to comment on them.

Oregon, led by Jackson Messenger, faces a couple heavyweights in Fulton and Riverdale, but have a solid chance to be the third qualifier. This year has been exceptionally good for 1A golf in the northwest part of the state.

Rochelle golf coach Glen Mehrings is wrapping up a 31-year career and has his best team ever, with at least five players capable of shooting in the 70s. He has never sent a team downstate, and it sure would be a neat send off gift if the Hubs could pull it off.

As a long-time observer of high school sports, I’ve always contended that golf is most mentally taxing of all

prep sports, especially come post season.

Oregon’s school board is considering allowing home-schooled kids to compete in sports. Some schools allow this and some don’t.

Let them play. Just because parents choose to offer a different form of education for their children, it shouldn’t take away the opportunity to play IHSA sports.

With declining enrollments and participation levels, it is even more cause for the home schoolers to have a role in interscholastic competition at Oregon.

Another off-the-field news item came from nearby Mendota. Did you know that 1984 grad Larry Gies donated $100 million to the University of Illinois athletic department, the largest ever received by the Illini and one that guarantees the football stadium will be named Gies Memorial Stadium, in honor of his father Larry, a U.S. Army veteran.

“This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country,” Gies said in a news release. “With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten – and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future.”

Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, a private equity firm.

Gies is one of many financial giants all over the country that have changed the face of college sports.

Anymore, someone with big pockets can legally buy a football or basketball team for their alma mater. Remember the old days, when the NCAA would investigate schools with boosters bribing recruits.

Wow, times have changed. One thing that hasn’t is the popularity of college football. Attendance and TV ratings are as high as ever.

It wasn’t too many years ago that some folks predicted the demise of football at all levels because of concussions (CTE). As the governing bodies toned the game down, the diehards complained that it was becoming more like flag football.

In a testament to the resilience of the game, which I contend is the finest team sport ever invented, all the changes to make it safer did not detract from its beauty to watch. That brutal hitting has been replaced by a more artful form of physicality and one that appeals to football fans everywhere.

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

What are realistic expectations for this NIU team?

His team minutes removed from a 6-3 loss to San Diego State on Saturday, NIU coach Thomas Hammock posed a rhetorical question toward the end of his news conference.

“We have 18 new starters and seven new coaches,” Hammock said. “What are the realistic expectations?”

The glib answer, of course, is to have scored more than three offensive touchdowns in four games this year.

But it’s an interesting question that deserves more than a glib answer. Plus, it would be a repetitive topic at this point.

With a defense as good as the Huskies have been, a conference title should be a realistic expectation. With an offense as bad as the Huskies have been, a three or four-win season would hypothetically seem reasonable.

What are realistic expectations for the

son. The Huskies are 1-3. The offense entered Saturday ranked 133rd out of 134 teams in scoring offense at 12.7 points per game. They are pretty much guaranteed to be 134th next week.

They came out of the gate Saturday with a 62-yard scoring drive to take a 3-0 Huskies? There’s really no simple answer lead. They managed 117 the rest of the to the question. But it’s worth trying to game. They made one more trip into answer.

SDSU territory, reaching the 44 but turnAt the start of the season, it seemed ing it over on downs. that another seven or eight wins and a Hammock pulled starting quarterback bowl berth wasn’t an absurd expectation. Josh Holst at one point for true freshman If things broke right, with the Huskies Brady Davidson. After he was interfacing all the projected top teams in their cepted on his second pass attempt, Holst Mid-American Conference farewell tour, returned to the game. being in the picture for a conference title A reasonable expectation with this seemed like a legitimate expectation. offense? Three or four wins.

And if things broke poorly, a four-win But the defense gave up two field goals season would have been on the table.

Saturday to a San Diego State team fresh Fast forward four games into the seaoff a 34-0 win against Cal. One on the

VIEWS Eddie Carifio

Aztecs’ first drive of the game, one as time expired in the fourth. And they really stepped it up situationally in the second half.

So many new starters. So many new coaches. A 1-3 start against two Power 4 schools and three Top 20 defenses doesn’t seem unreasonable, even if it is disappointing because the defense played well enough to win at least two of those games.

But even Hammock said earlier in his news conference, the schedule shifts to conference play, in which the Huskies will face teams on equal ground from a resource standpoint. It starts next week against a 1-3 Miami team that shut out Lindenwood this week, but also has allowed 34.33 points per game against FBS schools, the 123rd best in the country.

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ROCHELLE 40, LA SALLE-PERU 7

Defense picks off Cavs’ offense three times

By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent

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After disappointing losses the past two weeks and upcoming road trips to Morris and Kaneland, Rochelle’s football team desperately needed a win.

Taking down La Salle-Peru 40-7 on Friday, Sept. 26, the Hubs salvaged their season and put themselves in a good position for playoff qualifying.

“Playing quality opponents in one of the toughest 5A conferences in the state, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Rochelle coach Kyle Kissack said. “I was happy with our kids being resilient and fighting through adversity with more injuries and a tough loss to Sycamore last week.”

At first, it didn’t come easy against L-P (1-4, 0-2). The Cavaliers stopped an opening 10-play Hub drive and then put together a couple first downs of their own behind the arm of Marion Persich.

In what would become many big plays on defense for Rochelle (3-2, 1-1), linebacker Reece Harris intercepted Persich at the Hub 30-yard line. Dylan Manning and Keegan Albers also would have interceptions.

On the next play, sophomore QB Cohen Haedt connected with a wide-open Dylan Manning for a 70-yard touchdown pass. It is extremely rare for Rochelle to pass on first down and the Cavaliers were caught with their entire defense set up to stop the run.

“It’s important for us to be able to throw on double-tight [end],” Kissack said. “We’ve struggled to do that the last couple weeks. Moving forward, we’re going to have to do that to keep teams off guard.”

It was the first of four consecutive TDs for Manning.

“It was a good time to call pass,” Manning said.

On its next drive, L-P had a chance to do the same to Rochelle, but a 40-yard flea-flicker from Persich to an open Landon Zellers fell past his reach. Still, Persich rambled 16 yards for a first down and then found Zellers for another first down to move into Hub territory.

“Their quarterback is a great player

OGLE COUNTY LIFE Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

Hubs get back on track, rout La Salle-Peru

Photos provided by Marcy DeLille

ABOVE: Rochelle’s Dylan Manning (10) eludes a tackle of a La Salle-Peru’ defender during a Friday, Sept. 26 game in Rochelle. BELOW: Rochelle’s Brode Metzger tackles La Salle-Peru quarterback Marion Persich during Friday’s game in Rochelle. who can make things happen,” Kissack said.

But the Hub defense came up with three straight gems to force a fourthand-18 punt. First, it was Tyler Gensler sacking Persich for an 8-yard loss. Then Brode Metzger, who sacked Persich for 10 yards earlier, batted down a pass. On third down, Harris almost had his second interception after the Persich was besieged by the defense.

“Our defense executed the game plan as well as they could and were able to get off the field in the first half,” Kissack said.

The Cavalier defense had a respectable outing in the first half by stopping three Hub drives. It appeared both teams would go to half with Rochelle up 7-0, but Manning scored on a fourth-down jet sweep with 16 seconds left.

“We did OK in the first half with our defense,” L-P coach JJ Raffelson said.

“But, when it comes down to it, we need to execute better on both sides of the ball.”

Manning had a 63-yard touchdown called back for holding early in the third quarter, leading to a fourth-and-32. A punt gave the Cavaliers the ball on

outrun defenders to the goal line.

After the Albers’ interception, Manning made it 28-0 on a 10-yard score in the fourth quarter. With 156 yards, Manning wasn’t even the leading ground gainer for the Hubs.

That honor went to Roman Villalobos with 207 yards and the final two touchdowns. On a 77-yard score, the 195-pound fullback bulled over a defender with a crushing blow and ran untouched the rest of the way. He added a 47-yard ramble to close out the scoring.

“The longer the game goes on, the better we play,” Villalobos said. “We came out in the second half and wanted it more than they did. After losing to Sycamore, we were hungry. It was the first time that I’ve ever had two straight losses in high school.”

Rochelle’s side of the field, but they could Rafe Helmig caught a 20-yard touchnot muster a first down. down pass from Persich for L-P’s lone “We need to come out ready to play. score. That cut the lead to 28-7 in the We didn’t do that,” Raffelson said. fourth quarter. Overall, Persich comManning put the game away on the pleted 14 of 28 passes for 134 yards. Rylynd next play with a 58-yard touchdown run. Rynkewicz led the way with 4 catches.

He looked to be stopped at midfield, but Rochelle had 397 yards rushing comlike he has done so many times in his pared to 65 for L-P. Gensler led the Hubs career, he found a way to break free and with 7 tackles and 2 sacks.

SPORTS Rochelle fullback Roman Villalobos (40) tries to break free of a La Salle-Peru defender during Friday, Sept. 26, game in Rochelle.

Ogle County Life / shawlocal.com • Monday, October 6, 2025

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Photo provided by Marcy DeLille

FULL STEAM AHEAD R​ ochelle High School football team bounces back from two tough losses to streamroll rival La Salle-Peru / 23