Activate your digital subscription today. Email: digitalactivation@shawmedia.com
OFFICE
211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
Phone: 815-526-4420
Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions in our service area are free on a requester basis.
To subscribe or discuss your delivery, contact Subscriber Services.
Rochelle News-Leader (USPS #004-083 / ISSN #1045-3059) is published Monday and delivered to homes by Shaw Media, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068
Periodical postage paid at Rochelle, IL and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to Shaw Media, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068
DEPARTMENTS
To reach all other departments, call 833-584-NEWS.
NEWSROOM news@oglecountynews.com
CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com
HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com
RETAIL ADVERTISING info@shawmediamarketing.com
Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
Subscriber Terms and Conditions may change at any time. The current version will supersede all previous versions. The most current version of subscription terms are posted on the website under Terms and Conditions.
Ogle County Life and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2025
Common sense versus facts about crime
Common sense tells us that crime is rising. Large majorities agreed that it was in Gallup polling last year, as well as in 23 out of 26 previous yearly surveys. But what seems to be an obvious fact is an illusion, a product of something psychologist Daniel Kahneman called “availability.”
The illusion collapses when we look at the facts about crime rates. Data collected by the FBI and by the Department of Justice reveal that crime has actually decreased dramatically over the three decades covered by those Gallup polls.
The FBI data are based on reports from police departments across the nation. The Justice Department’s come from surveys asking the public if they’ve personally been victimized by crime. Their estimates are higher than the FBI’s, because citizens don’t always report crimes to the police.
Both show, nevertheless and in almost lock-step, a dramatic fall in crime rates since 1993. Examples from FBI statistics include reductions of 49% for violent crime and 74% for robberies, as reported by the Pew Research Center on April 24, 2024, at pewresearch.org. The Justice Department’s surveys reveal even steeper declines. Murder rates spiked during and immediately after the Covid epidemic of 2020 but have since resumed their downward trend.
Steven Pinker, in his book, “The Better Angels of Our Nature,” demonstrates that this is part of a larger trend away from violence that’s been going on, with bumps along the way, since the beginning of civilization. We have far to go before we’re a crime-free society, but, compared to the historical record, we live in remarkably peaceful times.
We all rely – we must rely – on common sense in our daily lives. But it used to tell us that the earth stands still and the sun revolves around it, much as it insists today that crime is rising. Daniel Kahneman’s book, “Thinking Fast and Slow,” reveals why common sense fails
us so often.
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Lowell
Harp
His book is the result of a career devoted to the study of how humans make decisions. He found that, most of the time, we judge the frequency of events like crime based on how easy it is to remember them, instead of an actual count. He called this “availability,” a strategy that, he said, “inevitably produces systematic errors.”
The availability strategy has served an important survival role throughout human evolution. We usually don’t have the time to investigate and analyze all the facts, and it burns up a lot of precious energy to do so. Availability is quick and effortless.
Dramatic news reports of assaults, robberies, and other crimes are more available to us than facts and statistics, which are harder to find, boring and often difficult to understand. It’s no surprise that they have such power over us. We’re programmed, so speak, to overestimate the frequency of criminal acts.
Availability fuels President Trump’s campaign to justify sending troops to American communities. He couples the rising-crime myth with another one about lawlessness run amok in cities controlled by Democrats and their liberal policies.
Cities have higher crime rates than small towns and rural areas and the larger the city is, the higher its crime rate is likely to be. Crime rates in fact grow faster than the population does, as demonstrated by Yu Chang and colleagues, in a paper published in the International Journal of Information and Decision Science (Volume 9, 2018). Most major cities are controlled by Democrats, so it’s easy to come under the
Byron Middle School eighth graders give the thumbs up after visiting the OSF Saint Katharine booth Friday, Oct. 17, at Sauk Valley Community College. Pathways Playground invited 1,300 eighth graders to the college. Alex T. Paschal ON THE COVER
We all rely – we must rely – on common sense in our daily lives. But it used to tell us that the earth stands still and the sun revolves around it, much as it insists today that crime is rising.”
Lowell Harp, columnist
impression that crime and the Democratic Party go together.
But a study by Justin De Benedictis Kessner and colleagues, published at science.org by the National Institutes of Health on Jan. 15, 2025, looked into the President’s claim by examining three decades of records. They found that, “Electing a Democrat rather than a Republican as mayor leads to no detectable impact on police staffing or expenditures on criminal justice, nor does it lead to changes in crime or arrest rates.”
Sarah Steffen and Gianna Grun, with the German news service, DW, at dw. com on Sept. 3, reported essentially the same result regarding last year’s crime rates in the 100 largest cities in the U.S.
The President relies on availability, where stories and pictures triumph over facts and analysis, to promote these and other myths. This is the realm of electronic media like television, radio, and the internet, as opposed to printed sources, which are more compatible with rational thinking, and we’re increasingly vulnerable to it. The President is in this sense more the symptom than the illness.
The antidote is a renewed respect for facts, reason, the written word and science - and a healthy skepticism toward common sense.
•Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. For previous columns, follow him on Facebook.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Pathways Playground inspires 1,300 Sauk Valley eighth graders to dream big
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
Hands-on activities and career chats gave local middle schoolers a glimpse into their futures Friday, Oct. 17, during the annual Pathways Playground career exploration event.
Hosted by Regional Office of Education 47 at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, the event drew more than 1,300 eighth graders from 19 schools in the Sauk Valley.
“Pathways is designed for students to try on different careers in high school before they decide on college or career or trade schools,” Pathway Navigator Chanda McDonnell said. “What we’re doing today is trying to plant the seed for students and give them that idea of what might be out there after school.”
For some attendees, the highlight was exploring business opportunities. Corben Considine of Byron said his favorite part of the event was learning about entrepreneurship.
“I want to be able to have fun with my friends and make some money,” Considine said. “I don’t know what I want to do yet, but I’m thinking about it.”
For other students, including Makayla Pineda of Ashton-Franklin Center, the hands-on activities stole the show.
“I really liked the ultrasound activity,” Pineda said. “We took a wand with some jelly and rubbed it around the belly, and we could see the head and different parts of the baby.”
At the CGH Medical Center booth, Nursing Program Director Jennifer Grobe gave students a taste of hospital life. She taught basic CPR, showed how respiratory therapy works and let students practice injections on training materials.
“I like to get them hands-on so they know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when they start biology class,” Grobe said.
Grobe also highlighted a variety of health care roles beyond nursing, including radiology, surgical technology, dietary services and even maintenance and kitchen positions, emphasizing teamwork and the many paths students can take in the medical field.
Created under the state’s 2016 Post -
secondary and Workforce Readiness Act, the Illinois College & Career Pathway Endorsement Program allows students to earn a formal endorsement on their high school diploma or transcript
by completing a series of structured requirements designed to prepare them for life after high school in their chosen career path.
Students choose from one of seven
career pathways:
• agriculture food and natural resources
• health sciences and technology
• finance and business services
• arts and communications
• information technology
• human and public services
• manufacturing, engineering, technology and trades
“There’s different incentives for doing these Pathways, and requirements to earn those endorsements on your transcript,” McDonnell said.
According to the PWR Act, to qualify for the endorsement, students must:
• complete an individualized learning plan that outlines their college pathway and relates to their career goals and plans for financial aid. They also must include a resume and a personal statement.
• complete at least two career exploration activities or one intensive
Kristin Loy (left) and Bob Ebbesmeyer of the Northern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association show eighth graders X-rays and necrotic samples Friday, Oct. 17, during a career fair at SVCC.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Agri-King rep Emily Appel speaks with Morrison eighth graders Friday, Oct. 17, during the Pathways career fair.
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A Rochelle woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Interstate 88 near Ashton, the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police said Wednesday.
At 9:22 a.m. Oct. 20, the Illinois State Police and the Rochelle Fire Department responded to Interstate 88 westbound at milepost 71 in Lee County, according to the news release. Four individuals were taken to area
hospitals after the crash. Araceli Zepeda, a 27-year-old female Rochelle resident, was pronounced dead Monday night because of injuries suffered in the accident.
A Ford Transit Connect was driving westbound on Interstate 88 when a Mazda CX-7 approached it from behind and struck the rear end of it at a high rate of speed, according to an ISP news release. The Mazda left the roadway to the right and overturned multiple times. Three occupants of the Mazda, including Zepeda, who was a passenger, were ejected from the vehicle and
taken to regional hospitals with injuries. The driver of the Ford Transit, a 41-year-old male from East Dundee, was taken to an area hospital with injuries.
The driver of the Mazda was a 21-year-old female from Chicago. The passenger in the Mazda that was not Zepeda was an 18-year-old female from Rochelle. ISP did not release information on the extent or status of their injuries, or the status of the Ford’s driver.
Zepeda was unresponsive when found by first responders. Treatment
efforts were initiated, and she was flown to a Winnebago County hospital by OSF Life Flight. While at the hospital, Zepeda underwent treatment for her injuries. Despite all life-saving measures, she was pronounced dead later that evening at 7:59 p.m., according to a Winnebago County Coroner’s Office news release.
An autopsy has been completed, and the cause of death is pending further studies. The crash remains under investigation by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office and the ISP. No traffic charges were listed in the ISP release.
100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County meet
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Creston-Dement Library recently hosted 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County for their quarterly October meeting.
This quarter the charitable group gave $114,000 to United Way of Ogle County for their work with children younger than 5 to encourage and support early reading skills by sending an age-appropriate book every month.
This is especially important for rural neighbors who may not have easy access to a library. The program is called Imagination Station, and was founded by Dolly Parton.
The other program the money will support is Summer Eats, a program to feed children when school is not in session.
This program has already given 2,295 meals since its inception. For more information for this and other helpful programs in Ogle County go to uwogle. org.
Every quarter, members of 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County meet to choose between three deserving charities.
Each member gives $100 and the accumulated funds are presented to the charity of choice. A small gift becomes part of a larger gift which supports the community.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member or about the donation process contact Deanna Forrest at forrestdede5@gmail.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/oglegives.
Ogle County Board denies one solar permit, OKs one
Roof project begins on historic county courthouse
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
At its monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, the Ogle County Board unanimously denied a special-use permit for a community solar energy facility in Marion Township and approved a special-use permit for a community solar energy facility in Leaf River Township by an 11-10 vote.
The denied special-use permit was for the construction and operation of a 4.99-megawatt solar field on 33 acres in the 8,000 block of North Kishwaukee Road on agriculturally-zoned land. Marion Township voted against the solar permit, along with the county’s zoning board of appeals and planning & zoning committee.
“This does not meet our comprehensive plan for Ogle County, nor for Marion Township,” Board Vice Chairwoman Pat Nordman said.
The approved special-use permit was for the construction and operation of a 3.5-megawatt community solar energy facility on 25 acres in the 8,000 block of North Pecatonica Road on agriculturally-zoned land. That project passed unanimously at the county board’s lower levels.
Voting against the Leaf River Town-
ered a number of special-use permits for solar facilities in recent years, often hearing public comments from residents against them.
At its June meeting, the board denied a special-use permit for a solar facility in Mt. Morris Township by a vote of 17-4 with residents citing the property’s value as farmland.
Back in December, the board narrowly approved a special-use permit for a solar project between Forreston and Polo after previously denying that project due to it being on productive farmland.
Focus House
The board voted unanimously to approve a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of Focus House, which will be celebrated with an event Nov. 14 at Luna in Rochelle. Attendees and speakers will include past and present directors, teachers and board members and the event will showcase what has happened at the county-owned facility over 50 years.
ship solar facility were Board Members Skip Kenney, Jackie Ramsey, Ryan Reeverts, Dan Miller, Aaron Mudge, Rick Fritz, Lyle Hopkins, Brian Daws, Steve Huber and Joseph Simms.
“I will be voting no on this,” Kenney said. “I understand the significance behind this and the work that went into putting it together. What I don’t understand is why Springfield puts its nose into our business along with the other 101 counties in our state. Springfield has taken all of the [solar siting] authority away from us.”
The meeting saw attendance from many county residents against solar developments, with a small handful bringing and holding up signs. In August, the board voted unanimously to deny two special-use permits for solar energy developments in Scott and Marion Townships.
The Ogle County Board has consid-
That petitioner changed its siting to less-productive farmland and filed a lawsuit against Ogle County for the denial, stemming from a recent new state law that set statewide standards for wind and solar farm siting and took away previous local controls such as at the county level.
Facilities
Board Member Don Griffin said during the meeting that progress on a new roof on the historic Ogle County Courthouse has begun. Scaffolding work was underway Tuesday with completion planned for Wednesday before roofing work’s start on Thursday. The project is planned to be completed by the end of December.
Sterling Commercial Roofing was the low bidder for the project at $813,125, with a $30,000 general contingency allowance.
The Ogle County treatment facility just north of Rochelle provides a continuum of services for at-risk youth including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming.
Referendum
The board unanimously approved a resolution to submit an advisory referendum to the voters of Ogle County regarding the federal scholarship tax credit.
The federal scholarship tax credit offers up to $1,700 for individuals that donate to scholarship granting organizations. If Illinois opts in, scholarship funds could be used by students in both public and private schools for a multitude of educational services, including tutoring, additional educational classes, books or online educational materials, educational therapies for students with disabilities, fees for standardized or college admission exams and fees for dual enrollment.
The referendum will take place during the March 17, 2026 general primary election.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Ogle County residents hold up signs against solar panels at the Ogle County Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 at the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.
Scaffolding has started to go up at the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon ahead of a planned new roof project.
Leaf River man gets probation for stalking woman and 3-year-old
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Leaf River man was sentenced to 30 months’ probation Oct. 17 after pleading guilty to felony stalking.
Tyler Bunting, 35, received the sentence through a plea agreement during a hearing at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon.
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss told Associate Judge Anthony Peska that Bunting “knowingly engaged in a course of conduct” directed at a Leaf River woman knowing that his conduct would cause her to “fear for her safety” and that of her 3-year-old daughter.
Court records allege Bunting “monitored, observed, or surveilled” her residence in August and had called the woman 20 times on Aug. 13 and sent messages pertaining to her daughter on Aug. 7, 12, 13 and 14.
“He sent text messages and called her numerous times,” Voss told Peska. “He was also outside her residence.”
Voss said Bunting’s criminal history included convictions for possession of illegal drugs and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Bunting’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Brandon Gecan, said his client had agreed to plead guilty to the offense.
“I’m told you want to plead guilty to this?” Peska asked.
“Yes sir,” Bunting replied.
As part of the plea agreement, one felony charge of stalking, two felony charges of cyberstalking, and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct were dismissed.
Bunting also was sentenced to 130 days in jail, but was given credit for time served (65 days), satisfying that aspect of the sentence.
Bunting can’t possess firearms or other dangerous weapons and must inform his probation officer of any change of address within three days of that change and permit home visits and submit to searches of his person or property if requested by his probation officer.
Bunting also is prohibited from consuming or possessing cannabis or any other controlled substance unless it is prescribed by a physician.
Bunting must submit to DNA testing within 45 days and pay that collection fee.
As part of his sentence, Bunting was ordered to have no contact with the victims and cooperate and complete any psychological, mental health treatments and therapy as ordered by the probation department.
In addition, Bunting was ordered to pay $750 in fines and costs over the course of his probation sentence.
Additional conditions of his probation include no contact, directly or indirectly, with children younger than 18; not be employed or be present at any business or location that caters to, attracts, or allows access to minors; and not participate in Halloween activities that have access to children or use of a mask.
Bunting also was ordered not to use a phone, internet or social media to connect or communicate with minors and provide any passcodes or login information to the probation department for monitoring of that provision.
ROCHELLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Rochelle puts out another request for proposals for development of former Hickory Grove site
Fiegenschuh: ‘We’re optimistic we’ll be able to go forward with a project this time’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The city of Rochelle put out a request for proposals (RFP) on Sept. 24, for developers interested in purchasing and building on the former site of Hickory Grove at 1127 N. Seventh St., City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said Oct. 15.
The Hickory Grove building demolition was completed in early 2021 and the land has been vacant since. The city assumed ownership of the deteriorating building in early 2020 for $1 with the intention of demolishing it and seeing development of the property.
The building was previously owned by the Ogle County Civic Center Authority board, which was under the Ogle County Board umbrella. The city decided to purchase the site so it could control it and likely would’ve had to deal with it later if it was abandoned due to OCCCA being in financial trouble.
Since the demolition and site clearing, the city has seen limited interest in the site and the city council rejected a formal proposal from one developer for a mixeduse development. The city also saw informal interest from a grocery store; that did not materialize.
Development proposals for the site are due to the city by Oct. 23 and the city council would make a final decision on a finalist in January or February, City Community Development Director Michelle Pease said.
Since the demolition, the city has worked with the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel and the Concord Towers condo association next door on a land swap agreement that was recently completed. The city acquired parking spaces, the condo association got access to a new garbage corral and the hotel received land for a pool.
The city also recently began work with the Illinois Department of Transportation on a stormwater detention area at the rear of the Hickory Grove property that
will be part of the state’s upcoming Illinois Route 251 reconstruction and widening project.
With the footprint of the Hickory Grove property set, the city is moving forward with the RFP.
“I think the city council is ready to try to see if there is potential interest in the site,” Fiegenschuh said. “Within the last four months we were able to get the property completely replatted. The council wanted to see what kind of interest there is after getting all of that done. We’re optimistic we’ll be able to go forward with a project this time.
“The council has said it’s a marathon, not a sprint. They’re not going to take a project that they don’t think is a good fit for the community and that spot. Hopefully we have some good submissions that piques their interest and we can enter into an agreement. We’ll see.”
Pease said developers have shown recent interest in the property, some local and some from the region. A review team will consider the RFP submissions. The property is zoned B-2 highway commercial and the IDOT project will provide stormwater detention for a potential developer.
“Jeff and I have talked with several developers,” Pease said, “Some have proposed a mixed use where you would have commercial retail on the first floor and residential on the second floor. That’s the only way housing is allowed in B-2 highway commercial zoning. A couple of other developers have been restaurants that fit our demographics that would be sup -
The City of Rochelle put out a request for proposals on Sept. 24, for developers interested in purchasing and building on the former site of Hickory Grove at 1127 N. 7th St., City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said Oct. 15.
ported within the region. That’s what we’ve heard so far.”
Pease said the Hickory Grove property resides within a high-traffic area in the city’s northern corridor, which is why she believes the business that eventually locates there will be successful. The property is in the city’s Northern Gateway tax increment financing (TIF) District, which will make some of an eventual project eligible for TIF funding and aid in future area development projects.
TIF districts generate funds when property values within them rise. The difference then goes into a fund that can be used for development agreements with businesses and infrastructure projects.
“Any property value improvement will be captured and put into our TIF funds to be used for development projects,” Pease said. “When something goes there, it will be a win-win because the value was previously zero because it was
publicly owned when it was Hickory Grove. It will be back on the tax rolls.”
Fiegenschuh said the city will come to a TIF redevelopment agreement with a developer if the city council chooses a project for the site. TIF funds cannot be used for new construction costs, but they could go towards site development, utility extensions, parking lot work, detention work or interest on loans.
“I think the city made a very good decision buying that property and tearing Hickory Grove down and marketing it,” Fiegenschuh said. “OCCCA couldn’t keep it open and kept up and the council decided to take over the property and tear it down. Even if we don’t find a deal this time, what’s there now is better than what was there before.”
The city’s northern gateway has seen development in recent years, such as the addition of Benny’s Corner Market and the renovation and opening of Breakthru Beverage. With a possible developer for Hickory Grove and the Illinois Route 251 reconstruction and widening upcoming, the city is excited about the corridor’s prospects.
“In a few years, it’s going to look beautiful,” Fiegenschuh said. “There will be a pedestrian path and new ornamental lighting with our new banners. Hopefully that sparks interest from other businesses in the area to redevelop. We’ve had discussions with some of the businesses on Illinois Route 251 about redeveloping their properties. Hopefully we’ll see some of that and a new business next to the hotel and a lot of foot traffic.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
The Hickory Grove building demolition was completed in early 2021 and the land has been vacant since. The city assumed ownership of the deteriorating building in early 2020 for $1 with the intention of demolishing it and seeing development of the property.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry seeks donations for Thanksgiving dinners
Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry is seeking donations to provide holiday meals to local families in need.
The meals will include a box with stuffing, gravy mix, vegetables, canned sweet potatoes, dry potatoes, rice, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, hot cocoa and dessert mix – made possible in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank – and a 6- to 8-pound turkey breast purchased from a local grocery store. Dinners will be distributed from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 on a first-come, first-served basis or while supplies last.
A monetary donation of $15 will allow Loaves and Fish Food Pantry to provide a local family the opportunity to enjoy a traditional holiday meal with their loved ones this Thanksgiving. To sponsor one, two or more families, send your gift to Loaves and Fish Food Pantry, Box 202, Mt. Morris, IL 61054. Please send your gift by Nov. 15.
The Thanksgiving meal boxes will be distributed to neighbors in Mt. Morris, Leaf River and the surrounding area.
Any donations received above the amount needed to buy the meal boxes will be used to buy food for the pantry. The pantry has been serving an increasing number of individuals and families as groceries and the cost of utilities, housing and transportation continue to rise.
In the past year, Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry has provided food to an average of more than 430 individuals and 166 households each month, including at least 94 children and 106 seniors every month.
The pantry also will be distributing Christmas gifts to neighbors in December. Donations of new hats, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets will be accepted any time until Dec. 1. Donation bins are located at Mt. Morris churches and the Mt. Morris Senior Center.
The pantry is a partner with Northern Illinois Food Bank, which provides food to food pantries and feeding programs across 13 Illinois counties.
For more information about the food pantry, call Loaves and Fish Food Pantry at 815-613-8776. The pantry is open from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of
the month and 2 to 4:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays.
Committee looking for members to build horse barn at fairgrounds
Build-a-barn is looking for some horse-loving people to be on its committee to build a competition horse barn at the Ogle County
Fairgrounds.
It will be having its annual meeting at 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Bertolet Memorial Library in Leaf River. The library is located at 705 Main St.
For more information, call Lynne Radville at 815-238-7892.
– Shaw Local News Network
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Build-a-barn is looking for people to be on its committee to build a competition horse barn at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.
IDNR invites vendors to pre-bid meeting for concession operation at Lowden State Park
Interested businesses get chance to learn about process on bid, contract
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites interested vendors to attend a mandatory prebid meeting for operating a concession and camp store at Lowden State Park in Ogle County.
The pre-bid meeting will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the concessions building.
During the meeting, participants will receive essential details on the bid submission process, contract terms, expectations and requirements.
IDNR encourages all interested vendors to register in BidBuy at www.bidbuy.illinois.gov.
There is no cost to register. Additional site-specific concessions information is available on the BidBuy website. Search NIGP code 961-15 to receive notifications for upcoming IDNR concession pre-bid meetings.
Lowden State Park, 1411 N. River Road in Oregon, attracted more than 420,000 visitors in 2024.
The historical park near Illinois Route 2 features
camping, hiking trails, fishing and boating on the scenic Rock River.
Admission to Illinois state parks is always free.
Local
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Lowden State Park is located east of Oregon along River Road. The park is home to the Black Hawk Statue, campgrounds, hiking trails and picnic areas.
City in ‘serious talks’ with developer about data center locating in Rochelle
City manager: ‘If we do it correctly, it would be a huge financial impact’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The city of Rochelle and Rochelle Municipal Utilities are in “serious talks” with a developer about a data center locating within city limits in the near future, City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said Wednesday.
A data center is a building, a dedicated space within a building or a group of buildings used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
DeKalb recently saw the addition of a 2.3 million-square-foot Meta data center worth over $1 billion.
Land near the Byron nuclear plant also recently was rezoned to industrial use with eyes on a data center development.
In the past year, the city of Rochelle has taken steps to attract a potential data center, including establishing a mar-
ket-based electric rate for RMU customers who want to secure power directly through wholesale markets while continuing to use RMU as their local provider. The City Council also has amended its zoning code to allow for language on data centers and data warehousing.
Much of a potential agreement with a data center would hinge on RMU and power needs. Data centers are large consumers of electricity.
“There is a lot of interest,” Fiegenschuh said. “We are in serious talks with one developer. At the end of the day, we want to be able to grow, so we don’t want to sell off too much of our power load. We’re having conversations. If we do have an agreement, it will be one that benefits the data center, but more importantly, our utility and the city. We don’t bring something to the City Council unless it benefits RMU and the city first.”
Blake Toliver, RMU superintendent of electric operations, said bringing a data center to Rochelle involves “a lot of moving parts,” including working with ComEd, which is RMU’s tie point into the electric grid, on transmission expansion and reconductoring. RMU’s expenses for that work would be in an agreement with a data center.
RMU’s current largest electric cus -
tomer is about 10 megawatts. A data center could be five to 10 times larger than that, Toliver said.
“It’s a much larger feat,” Toliver said. “A lot of engineering goes into getting the power there and making sure it’s reliable. Data centers, like any other customer, don’t want to see interruptions or changes in level.”
Fiegenschuh said developers are most concerned with access to power. One would potentially be located within Rochelle’s industrial-zoned areas near one of RMU’s electric substations. The city manager said a development agreement with a data center could come before the City Council in the next couple of months, with a build within three years.
If power-related matters and a development agreement are worked out in the right way, a data center could be large economic windfall for the city and RMU, Fiegenschuh said.
“If we do it correctly, it would have a huge financial impact,” Fiegenschuh said. “A data center would pay property taxes based on the value of the lease. Those taxes would go to all the taxing districts. The facility wouldn’t bring a lot of people into the community and schools, but the schools and all the tax-
ing districts get a portion of their property taxes.
“And if we do it right, it provides more load and more revenue for RMU. We would charge them a utility tax that would help fund our roads and storm sewer.”
RMU’s water department also would play into a data center development. Data centers are large users of water. Toliver said newer data centers are using closed-loop cooling systems that recycle the same water internally to keep systems cool, which has lowered the effects of wastewater treatment. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water a day still would be used by a data center, he said.
Toliver said a multifaceted approach has been required for preliminary work on a data center locating in Rochelle.
“It’s just about making sure all the right players are in the room when you’re having these discussions,” Toliver said. “Anytime we’re having these discussions, our engineering firm is involved, along with legal and our power marketing folks. For something new that’s 2 or 3 megawatts, that’s easy, and it’s what we deal with every day. When you’re talking 50 to 100 megawatts, that’s not something we see every day.”
Jeff Helfrich
The Rochelle Municipal Utilities building at 33 Lincoln Highway in Rochelle. An agreement between the city and data center would hinge on RMU and power needs.
experience before graduating. This can include completing a career-interest survey, attending a career fair, interviewing someone from their chosen career field, participating in a college visit and job shadowing, or visiting a local business.
• complete at least two team-based projects with adult mentoring that focuses on solving a problem related to their chosen career field.
• complete 60 cumulative hours in a paid or for-credit, supervised career development experience, concluding with an evaluation of their professional skills. This can be completed at any point throughout their four years of high school, including during the summer.
• complete two years of high school coursework, or demonstrate equivalent competencies, leading toward a postsecondary credential with recognized labor market value. This includes a minimum of six hours of early college credit that can be earned by taking dual-credit classes, Advanced Placement classes or college classes.
• demonstrate college-ready profi -
earn a $100 credit at Dixon’s Sauk Valley Community College. In 2021, SVCC – in partnership with ROE 47 – was awarded a $249,000 grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to support career pathways for high school students. It was the first phase of a four-part grant cycle totaling $747,000.
Additionally, students who earn their endorsement in the education pathway are advanced to the final round for the Golden Apple Scholarship, which provides the winners with four years of free college tuition and fees.
In 2022, Gov. JB Pritzker signed Public Act 102-0917, which requires all Illinois high school districts to begin offering college and career pathway endorsements. Starting with the Class of 2027, districts must apply to the state to offer at least one endorsement area –either on their own, through a career center or in partnership with other districts.
• Dixon Public Schools District 170
• Rock Falls High School District 301
• Morrison School District 6
• Amboy School District 272
• Ashton-Franklin Center School District 275
• Forrestville Valley School District 221
• Regional Safe School Center for Change
• Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico District 3
• Byron School District 226
• Rock Falls Elementary School District 13
• Sterling School District 5
• Whiteside Area Career Center
• Ohio School District 17
• Rochelle Township High School
• Oregon School District 220
• Polo School District
• Chadwick-Milledgeville School District 399
• Eastland School District 308
ciency in English and math by graduation. This can be done in one of several ways, including earning the required scores on the ACT, SAT or college placement tests; achieving the required GPA set by their local community college; or receiving a grade of “C” or higher in transitional English and math classes.
Students with an endorsement also
By 2029, they must add a second endorsement, and by 2031, districts with more than 350 high school students must offer a third.
“We’re up to 18 school districts that now offer Pathways in their high schools,” McDonnell said.
Participating school districts include:
• Riverbend School District 2
As of July 1, all districts must either apply to offer the required number of endorsement areas or have a board-approved plan in place to meet the deadlines. Districts also have the option to opt out by passing a formal resolution through their school board.
For more information, call ROE 47 at 815-625-1495 or visit roe47.org.
Alex T. Paschal
Gold Star FS representative Alan Baker shows Morrison eighth grader Keagan Bruins the controls for a tractor simulator Friday, Oct. 17, at Sauk Valley Community College.
Halloween activities in Leaf River set for Oct. 31
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Halloween activities in Leaf River are set for Oct. 31.
The afternoon will begin with the Leaf River Lions sponsored Costume Contest at 4:30 p.m., which will be held at the Bertolet Memorial Building.
There will be several classes for judg-
ing as follows: 0-2 years; 3-4 years; 5 years and kindergarten; first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, middle school, high school and adult. First place in each division will receive $5, second place will receive $3 and runner up will receive $1 (everyone will receive a prize).
Again this year will be the Group Theme, with a first prize of $10 and second
Meridian schools receive donation from Northern IL CPR & First Aid
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid has announced a financial donation to Highland Elementary School to buy fun and engaging new equipment for students to use on the playground.
The contribution, announced Oct. 14, aims to enhance playtime and promote physical activity during recess.
The funds will allow Highland Elementary to acquire a variety of new playground supplies, such as sports balls, cornhole boards, new soccer goals, and other materials designed to encourage cooperative games, creativity and active play for all students.
“While our primary focus is on safety, we also understand the critical role that play has in a child’s development,” said Zach Oltmanns, owner of Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid. “We are thrilled to support Highland Elementary in provid-
prize of $5. Each individual can also participate in their individual group.
Everyone in costume will receive a free hot dog sandwich, chips and beverage. There will be hot dog meals available for donation for those not dressed up.
Come and enjoy seeing the many costumes and the fun everyone is having. You can also enjoy a bite to eat before getting all that candy!
The “Trunk ’n Treat” event will follow, starting about 5:30 p.m. We invite the public to park their cars along Blaine and Second Streets, with their trunks open, ready to pass out treats.
Those in costume will proceed along the rows of cars and receive their treats. The village has agreed to block off the area to provide a safe place for trick or treating.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
OSF Saint Katharine to host walk-in flu shot clinic in Oregon
The OSF Saint Katharine Center for Health in Oregon will offer a walk‑in flu shot clinic Monday, Nov. 3.
The shots will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their clinic, 1307 W. Washington St.
No appointment is necessary. Individuals may check in at the registration desk and present their insurance card to receive a flu vaccination. The clinic is open to the public and aims to make flu shots easily accessible throughout the community.
High‑risk groups, including children, seniors, pregnant individuals and those with chronic conditions, are encour aged to get the vaccine to prevent serious complications, according to a news release.
small businesses.
Event highlights include:
• Doughnuts with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Families are invited to enjoy doughnuts, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, take photos, and participate in holi‑ day themed coloring activities in the school cafeteria.
• Live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy festive tunes performed by Korey C. Pepper Music.
• Food prepared by the Polo FFA that will be available to buy.
• A children’s craft area hosted by Pinecreek Christian Church.
Crafters and vendors are encouraged to participate in this community event. Booth spaces are available for $25. Registration forms can be found online at linktr.ee/polochristmasfestival and must be submitted by Nov. 21 to secure a spot.
ing more opportunities for their students to be active, collaborate, and have fun.
It’s a joy to know our contribution will lead to more smiles and healthier recess periods.”
The new equipment will be a welcome addition, giving students a wider array of activities to choose from and helping to reduce congestion on fixed structures.
“We are incredibly thankful for this thoughtful donation from Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid,” Highland Elementary School principal Jacque Buchanan said. “Recess is a vital part of the school day. Having a variety of engaging equipment means every student, regardless of their interests, will find something fun to do. This gift will make a huge difference in enriching our students’ outdoor experience.”
Highland Elementary plans to buy the new playground equipment immediately and integrate it into the school’s recess activities in the coming weeks.
Polo Veterans Day program set for Nov. 11 at Centennial School
A Veterans Day program will be held from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 11 (doors open at 12:15 p.m.) at the Centennial Elementary School gymnasium in Polo. The guest speaker will be Patrick McBride.
Polo Christmas Festival announces return of holiday craft and vendor show Dec. 6
The Polo Christmas Festival Committee announced the return of the annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Show, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Centennial Elementary School.
The event will feature handcrafted items and unique products from local artisans and vendors, offering attend ees the opportunity to find one ‑ of‑a ‑ kind holiday gifts while supporting
For more information about the Polo Christmas Festival, follow it on Facebook at @PoloChristmasFestival.
Byron’s Weekley performs in Whitewater Symphony Orchestra
Caleb Weekley from Byron, who is studying music at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, will perform in the university’s Whitewater Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra during the 2025 26 academic year. Weekley plays percussion for the group, which includes 43 student musicians.
The group performs at UW Whitewa ter’s Gala Concert, an annual tradition that features nearly every student ensemble in the university’s Department of Music. All profits from the event support the department’s scholarships.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Meridian School District
Northern Illinois CPR & First Aid on Oct. 14, announced a financial donation to Highland Elementary School to buy fun and engaging new equipment for students to use on the playground.
King Blacktop
3499 N. Tower Rd., Byгоп 815.234.4171 kingblacktop.com
Serenity Hospice and Home 1658 S. IL Route 2, Oregon, IL Serenityhospiceandhome.org
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE SERVICES
PARKS & RECREATION
The Serenity Shed 131 N. 3rd St., Oregon, IL 815.732.2499
TITLE COMPANY
CONSIGNMENT/RESALE SHOPPING
1310 W. Washington St., Oregon
815.732.6851 facebook.com/oregonvfwpost8739
Angel Treasures Resale Shop
201 IL Route 64, Mt. Morris, IL 815.734.0504
BLACKTOP & SEALCOATING
ReRuns
120 W. 2nd St., Byron 815.406.8060 rerunsbyron.com
King Blacktop 3499 N. Tower Rd., Byron 815.234.4171 kingblacktop.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM (closed Wed) & Sat & Sun 9AM-2PM
CONSIGNMENT/RESALE SHOPPING
Angel Treasures Resale Shop
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS/SERVICES
201 IL Route 64, Mt. Morris, IL 815.734.0504
Central Illinois Loans
310 Eagle Dr., Rochelle
ReRuns
815.561.4035
120 W. 2nd St., Byron 815.406.8060 rerunsbyron.com
FOOD, DINING & LODGING
Fritz’s Wooden Nickel
Central Illinois Loans 310 Eagle Dr 815.561.4035 centralillinoisloans.com
Stillman Bank
208 N. Walnut St., Stillman Valley, IL 61084 815-645-9828 www.facebook.com/fritzswoodennickel
White Pines Lodge
608 W. Blackhawk Dr., Byron 815.234.5626 1445 IL Route 2 Nor th, Oregon 815.732.7956
6712 W. Pines Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 (815) 655-2400 visitwhitepines.com
101 East Main St., Stillman Valley 815.645.2266 stillmanbank.com
GARDEN CENTER
HEALTH SERVICES
Hidden Timber Gardens
462 S. Chana Rd., Chana 815.751.4162 hiddentimbergardens.com
Rochelle Community Hospital 900 N. 2nd St., Rochelle 815.562.2181 rochellehospital.com
HEALTH
SERVICES
Rochelle Community Hospital 900 N. 2nd St., Rochelle
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING SERVICES
Serenity Hospice and Home 1658 S. IL Route 2, Oregon, IL Serenityhospiceandhome.org
Sinnissippi Centers
212 W Blackhawk Dr. PO Box 1095 Byron, IL 61010 Phone: (815) 209-0998
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
RE/MAX Hub City
Rock River Title 412 W Washington St., Oregon 815.732.5291 rockriver title.com
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING SERVICES
Sinnissippi Centers
815.732.3157 1321 N. 7th St., Rochelle 815.562.3801 sinnissippi.org
100 Jefferson St. Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: (815) 732-3157 1321 North 7th Street Rochelle, IL 61068 Phone: (815) 562-3801 www.sinnissippi.org
PARKS & RECREATION
INSURANCE AGENCIES
244 May Mart Drive, Rochelle 815-562-7588
remax.com
RE/MAX Professional Advantage
REAL ESTATE AGENC Y R E/ M A X of Rock Valley 606 E Washington St., Oregon 815.732.9100 rockvalleyproper ties.com
404 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron 815-234-4663 remax.com
SENIOR SERVICES
SENIOR SERVICES
Rock River Cent
Rock River Center
Forreston Mutual Insurance Company
Byron Forest Preser ve 7993 N. River Rd., Byron 815.234.8535 byronforestpreser ve.com
208 S. Walnut Ave., Forreston, IL 61030 815-938-2273 www.forrestonmutual.com
The Serenity Shed 131 N. 3rd St., Oregon, IL 815.732.2499
810 S. 10th St., Oregon 815.732.3252 rockrivercenter.com
810 S. 10th St., Oregon 815.732.3252 rockrivercenter.com
Community Unity Ogle County
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Blanche Jones Charitable Trust benefits Polo Library, Polo Area Senior Center
The Blanche Jones Charitable Trust was created by Blanche Jones in 2002 to be used for charitable purposes upon her death and it keeps on giving. Jones personally selected trustee advisers Perry Byers, Mike Davis and Paula Faivre. She also listed the priorities of the trust to be the Polo Area Senior Center and the Polo Library. The trust began distributing funds in 2007. As of 2025, The Blanche Jones Charitable Trust has donated $337,419 to the Senior Center and $318,075 to the Polo Library.
Polo’s CrossRoads Community Church to host trunk-or-treat event Oct. 25
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. Saturday, 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 Sunday, Oct. 19.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Paula Faivre
Paula Faivre (left) presents a check from the Blanche Jones Charitable Trust to Polo Senior Center Director Kathy Wragg.
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any
but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have com pleted the puzzle, there will be 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
Aussie peacekeepers
Solution: 18 Letters
Anzacs Base Bomb Captor Clerks Club Corps Court martial Crete Crime Cruiser Deadly Egypt Enemy Fight Greece Grit Gulf War Guns Hero Hospital Hunting Ills Injury Iraq Jets Lethal Lost Mates Mess Missile Ports RAAF Rank Rescue Rats of Tobruk Rifle Rocket Sabre Safe Senior Ships Spear Train Unit
Solution: Overseas deployment Date: 10/24/25
Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com
Speed Bump
DRIVE TIME
Tips to winterize your vehicle
The elements pose a unique challenge to motor vehicles, and that’s particularly notable when seasons change. Though the shift from spring to summer or even summer to fall may not be too significant, drivers who want to safeguard their vehicles would be wise to take certain measures to prepare their cars or trucks for winter weather. Winterizing a car can be an important part of vehicle maintenance. That’s particularly true for vehicle owners who live in regions where winter is marked by especially cold temperatures and/or significant snowfall. As fall gives way to winter, drivers can take these steps to winterize their vehicles.
• Address tires and tire pressure. The experts at Kelley Blue Book note the danger of aging and/or poorly inflated tires, particularly in winter. Icy, wet and/or snow-covered roads can be dangerous to traverse, so it benefits drivers to examine their tires prior to winter. Worn down treads reduce traction and make it more difficult for vehicles to stop, which is already challenging on roads where ice is present. It’s equally import-
E. Flagg Road Rochelle 815-561-6144
Open M-F 7:30AM-5PM
ant to keep tires properly inflated, as KBB reports each 10-degree dip in temperature can lead to a one-pound loss in air pressure. Poorly inflated tires can decrease performance and safety on the road.
• Check the battery and replace it, if necessary. Another step to winterize a car involves the battery that helps to keep the vehicle running. The automotive experts at Firestone note that sinking temperatures force the chemical reaction within vehicle batteries to slow, which reduces
At Mason Smith Auto Repair, our mission is to provide exceptional auto repair services that you can trust. We are dedicated to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly & safely on the road.
the amount of power the battery can generate. In fact, Firestone estimates a battery can lose as much as 60 percent of its strength in freezing temperatures. Firestone urges drivers to get a battery assessment test prior to winter to ensure the battery is healthy enough to endure the coming months. If the assessment indicates the battery is weak, replace it prior to winter.
• Check fluid levels. Routine vehicle maintenance at an auto body shop or car dealership typically involves checking and topping off fluid
levels. Book such an appointment in advance of winter to ensure the vehicle has coolant, which KBB notes is formulated to resist freezing. Without sufficient coolant, a vehicle engine can suffer significant damage. Windshield washer fluid also should be filled to ensure the windshield can be sufficiently cleaned of salt during and after snowstorms. A pre-winter oil change also can help the vehicle run smoothly throughout the colder months.
• Inspect belts and hoses. KBB notes cold weather weakens belts and hoses, which can become brittle and fail in low temperatures. Belts and hoses should be checked prior to winter. Engines can overheat, electrical system problems can emerge and power steering may be compromised if belts and hoses are allowed to fall into disrepair.
Winter can be a challenging time of year for cars and trucks. Various strategies to winterize a car before the mercury drops can make it safer to be on the road when the weather turns cold.
DRIVE TIME
Common car noises and what they might be indicating
Although there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm.
Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.
High-pitched squealing
Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.
Rattling in the wheel
If you hear rattling inside of a wheel at low speeds which stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Clicking
If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed.
Squeaky or scraping windshield wipers
Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A
bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.
Clunking sounds
Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in off-roading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
Humming, whining or whirring
These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic.
Flapping noise
A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue.
Squealing under the hood
Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes.
These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage.
Stillman Valley FFA advisers and Ag teachers featured in magazine
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Stillman Valley High School Agriculture Department was highlighted as the feature story in the Fall 2025 Volume 2, Issue 1 of Prairie Career Advocate.
The Prairie Career Advocate is a publication by The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, which focuses on career development for students in rural and small school districts. It highlights exemplary programs, shares success stories and offers information to help schools improve their career and technical education offerings and align them with the needs of students and the local community.
The publication highlights both Lauren Waugh and Jay Williams’ back -
grounds along with their struggles and accomplishments in the agricultural education space.
“To the FFA Advisors who came before me, thank you for the opportunity to return to my hometown and continue the longstanding tradition of Stillman Valley Agriculture and FFA,” Williams said. “Thank you to all of our agriculture community for your continued support and making this one of the best places for students to learn and grow in agriculture and FFA.”
“I feel very thankful that we had the opportunity to meet with John and his team. They did a fantastic job highlighting what our students are able to do, as well as some of the struggles that many small rural programs face,” Waugh said.
To see the story, visit airssedu.org/ post/fall-2025-pca.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Ogle County Historical Society to meet Oct. 27
The Ogle County Historical Society will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday. The meeting will be at the carriage house located behind the Nash House Museum at 111 N. Sixth St. in Oregon.
The historical society will be accepting nominations for the offices of secretary and treasurer and for the board of directors for the 2026 and 2027 calendar years.
Membership to the county historical society is what funds its ability to preserve history so the public always is welcome to attend.
Brown announced as University of Central Arkansas graduate
The University of Central Arkansas held August commencement on Aug. 9 in the Reynolds Performance Hall on campus. Morgan Brown of Byron graduated with a Master of Science.
The university conferred approximately 460 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School.
Ogle County residents named to SNHU summer president’s list
Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students on being named to the summer 2025 president’s list: Kaylee Lorenz and Gregory Taylor of Stillman Valley, and Trevor Hegge and Jazmin Semple of Byron. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.
Polo’s Clark named to DMACC’s president’s and graduation lists
Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson recently released the names of students eligible for the summer semester president’s list.
To be eligible, a student must have
completed a minimum of six credits and earned a 4.0 grade-point average for that semester.
Among them was Harper Clark, an emergency medical technician student from Polo. Clark was also among the more than 1,000 students who graduated from the summer semester at DMACC.
Marlatt,
Bailey make summer 2025 SNHU dean’s list
Southern New Hampshire University recently congratulated Brian Marlatt of Oregon and Casondra Bailey of Mt. Morris on being named to its summer 2025 dean’s list.
The summer term runs from May to August. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eightweek terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Arellano
to host veterans appreciation program and expo
State Sen. Li Arellano Jr. (R-Dixon) is inviting veterans and their families from across the 37th District to join him for a special event honoring their service and dedication.
The event will feature remarks from Terry Prince, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“We want our veterans to know how much they’re valued,” Arellano said.
“This event gives us the opportunity to say thank you in person and learn more about the incredible people who have served our country from right here in our district.”
The Veterans Appreciation Program and Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W. 10th St. Attendees can connect with representatives from veterans’ organizations and local agencies, receive information on available programs and resources and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Those interested in attending can email moldenettel@sgop.ilga.gov to RSVP.
Photo provided by Stillman Valley High School
The Stillman Valley High School Agriculture Department was highlighted as the feature story in the Fall 2025 Volume 2, Issue 1 of Prairie Career Advocate.
Small Business Bingo returning to Rochelle with two events in coming months
Ashley Patrick: ‘It’s really turned into a community project at this point’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
After raising a total of $36,540 for various local nonprofits over eight events since its inception in 2023, Small Business Bingo will return to Rochelle with two events in November and December, said Ashley Patrick, event organizer and AP Massage Therapy owner.
The first event will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, to raise money to be split between the Community Action Network and Rochelle VFW Post 3878. The second event will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, to raise money for Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and HOPE of Ogle County. Both events will be held at the hangar at Flight Deck Bar & Grill at 1207 W. Gurler Road in Rochelle.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. both nights. The cost is $15 per person for 10 rounds of bingo. Raffles are also available for an additional cost. Food and drinks will be available. It is free to reserve a table for your group and highly recommended to make reservations for bingo.
Bingo. From the Heart raised money each year with a large gala to benefit nine area nonprofits, many of which Small Business Bingo has helped in the past. From the Heart raised $90,000 in its final year.
“I felt obligated to have another largescale event for our community,” Patrick said. “There are very few that have the turnout we have of 300-plus people. I know Small Business Bingo is different from From the Heart, but it’s still a large gathering to support some of those same causes.
Patrick came up with the idea of bingo nights in the community, with prizes donated by local businesses, to raise money for area nonprofits in 2023. Attendance in the past years has numbered in the hundreds, with over 10 nonprofits benefiting.
“We will be pairing Shining Star and HOPE of Ogle County, who both help families,” Patrick said. “I know last year CAN couldn’t help every kid in need on its list for its local Christmas shopping trip, and I wanted to help them to be able to do that this year. This will be the first time one of our events has financially benefited the VFW and CAN.”
The Small Business Bingo nights also
serve to spread awareness of the causes they benefit, which Patrick hopes will move people to donate, volunteer or utilize their services. The events this fall will also include a food drive or toy drive to benefit area causes in exchange for raffle entries.
Despite not holding an event since January, Patrick said the community has been excited upon hearing about the return of Small Business Bingo. Patrick chose to hold another event after feedback from residents that asked when it would be coming back.
Local nonprofit From the Heart ceasing operations also played into Patrick’s decision to bring back Small Business
“Anyone can participate in Small Business Bingo because of the $15 cost. That goes a long way and gets people involved. People feel like their $15 goes a long way and at the end of the night when we see what we’ll be donating, people enjoy that and feel like they were a part of it.”
Patrick has seen a large turnout of volunteers to help out with the upcoming events, after they were hard to come by to help run past events.
“I love to see new faces and people helping out,” Patrick said. “I have new guest bingo callers that I’m excited about. People are reaching out to me about all kinds of different ways to help and that has given me a boost. We will have a good balance this year with people wanting to be involved. I feel it’ll work out well.”
Photos provided by Ashley Patrick
Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows serves as a guest bingo caller at a past Small Business Bingo event.
After raising a total of $36,540 for various local nonprofits over eight events since its inception in 2023, Small Business Bingo will return to Rochelle with two events in November and December, event organizer and AP Massage Therapy owner Ashley Patrick said Oct. 13.
JOYCE A. SANDERS
Born: November 16, 1945 in Rockford, IL
Died: October 19, 2025 in Franklin Grove, IL
FRANKLIN GROVE, IL
– Joyce A. Sanders, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Meadows of Franklin Grove Nursing Home in Franklin Grove, Illinois.
Born on November 16, 1945, in Rockford, IL, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Albert J. and Jennie (Nuppenau) Nordman. A lifelong
area resident, she was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon, IL, where she married the love of her life, Carl Sanders, on September 26, 1965.
Joyce held various roles throughout her working life, beginning at Kable News in Mt. Morris and later serving as a hospital receptionist and buyer at Etnyre. She was known for her warm heart, loyalty, and kindness.
Joyce had a passion for travel, enjoying adventures throughout the United States and Europe. She found great joy in gardening, canning, and watching classic westerns like Gunsmoke. A proud and patriotic American, Joyce loved collecting Americana and celebrating her country’s heritage.
Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her grandchil-
dren were her pride and joy, and time spent with them was her most cherished gift.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Alan Nordman; sister, Janice (Jay) Miller; brothers-in-law Jay Miller, James Henn and Randy Buskohl; and nephews, Jason Miller, Jason Henn, Robert Buskohl, and Ryan Buskohl. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Carl Sanders of Franklin Grove, IL; daughters, Cheri (Jody) Clemmons of Eads, TN; Jenni (Ken) Yingling of Polo, IL; and Christina (Doug) Kitson of Polo, IL; sister, Judy Buskohl of Sterling, IL; grandchildren, Kennedy (Brandon Ramirez) Yingling, Abigail Yingling, Nathaniel Yingling, Emily Kitson, and Zoey Kitson; and her best friend and sister-in-law, Sharon Nordman of Leaf River, IL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Farrell
Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon, IL. A second visitation will take place prior to the funeral on Friday, October 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, beginning at 9:00 AM until the start of services at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Terease Whitten officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest at Franklin Grove Cemetery in Franklin Grove, IL.
Memorials in Joyce’s name may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in her memory please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
TURKEY SHOOT
Wildlife Conservation Club 3501 S. Sweeney Rd. Chana, IL 61015
Gun Raffle
Silent Auction
Please call 815-631-0161 or 815-978-1796 for more information - Kids shoots - 12 and under - Beef Raffle *2 chances for ½ beef & freezer* - Wacey’s wheel of prizes
AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY
A&T Auction Services, LLC
LIVE & Online Auctions
Travis Cunningham 815-297-4595
Located in Forreston, IL www.aandtauctionservices.hibid.com
Lenny Bryson Sales of ALL Kinds! 815-946-4120 www.lennybrysonauctioneer.com
Whitetail Properties Real Estate / Ranch & Farm Auctions
Todd Henry - Broker, Land Specialist / Licensed in IL Cell: 815-997-2256
Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit awards presented at Coliseum Museum
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Awards were presented for the Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit at the awards reception at the Coliseum Museum on Oct. 10.
Judge Jon Wildman recognized the following artists who entered their art in the exhibit that is now on display on the main floor of the Coliseum Museum in Oregon until Nov. 15.
Best of Show went to Timothy Griffith of Cherry Valley for his oil on canvas painting
“Sante Fe Sunflower;” first place went to Paula Kuehl of McHenry for the pastel “Sandy Shore;” second place went to Cindy Bear of Belvidere for the watercolor “Ripples, Reflection, and Relaxation;” third place went to Robb Robbins of Oregon for his oil on canvas “Quiet Reflection;” and honorable mentions went to to Linnea Koch of Sterling for her etching “Fantasea;” Paula Kuehl for the pastel, “Waterfall;” Bob Cholke of Rock-
ABOVE: Best of Show winner “Sante Fe Sunflower” with Jon Wildman and Timothy Griffith. TOP RIGHT: First place went to Paula Kuehl of McHenry for the pastel “Sandy Shore.” BOTTOM RIGHT: Second place went to Cindy Bear of Belvidere for the watercolor “Ripples, Reflection, and Relaxation.” LEFT: Third place went to Robb Robbins of Oregon for his oil on canvas “Quiet Reflection”.
ford for his photograph “Three Trees;” and Kathe Wilson of Oregon for her watercolor “Rock River Bridge.”
Visitors also are allowed to vote for their favorite art piece, with the People’s Choice winner announced at the close of the exhibit.
The Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit fea-
tures a record-setting 44 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from Oct. 1-Nov. 16.
The Coliseum Museum’s mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more.
Additional information can be found on the website, www.cmaaa.org and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum/.
Rochelle DAR selects winners of Constitution contest
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle Chapter DAR recently celebrated Constitution Week with a program titled “We the People” discussing six key players at the Constitutional Convention.
In order to encourage discussion about the constitutional form of government as the nation approaches the 250th birthday of the U.S., the chapter sponsored a Word Search contest open to all school-age youths in K-12. Two winners, who each received $50, were drawn at random from the submitted word searches. The winners were Jason Peerboom and Aaliyah Beatty.
The next contest that the Rochelle Chapter is sponsoring is the American History Video Contest for grades 5-12. Students are encouraged to submit a video, not to exceed three minutes, relating to the following topics: Grade 5-8: “Lunch with a Signer” and Grade 9-12: “Revolutionary Era Figure.”
Each grade will compete separately, with monetary prizes to be awarded, and grade winners being sponsored for the state level competition.
Details and the required forms to accompany each video can be found at ildar.org/ chapters/rochelle/pages/contests.html.
All entries must be submitted online no later than Nov. 1.
Photos provided by Coliseum Museum
Photo provided by Rochelle DAR
The winners, Jason Peerboom and Aaliyah Beatty, are shown with Sarah Flanagan, Rochelle Chapter regent and library director.
Oct. 13-17, 2025
Warranty deeds
• Byran R. Robidoux to Alyson Augustyn, 315 W. 2nd St., Byron, $197,000
• Hre Builders Llc to Ashley Gelznikas and Garret Wermager, 363 Mill Ridge Drive, Byron, $374,000
• Phyllis Scott to Kory R. Walk and Alexis M. Walk, 3096 E Water Rd, Byron, $290,000
• Alan S. Pals and Vickie L. Pals to Leaf Rivers Farms Llc, 4497 W. Egan Road, Leaf River, and one parcel in Leaf River Township: 03-12-151-001 $2,299,682
• Russell B. Reid, Deceased By Heirs, to Ng Victor, 203 S. Clark St., Monroe Center, $10,800
• David C. Knie, Trustee, Eileen Y. Knie Tr, and Charles J. Tr to Knie Family River Retreat Llc, two parcels: 21-09-276-003 and 21-09-277-007, $0.
• Bay Precision Inc. to James E. Hourigan and Joann M Hourigan, 2811 Brookes Island Rd, Oregon, $87,500
• BINGO
Continued from page 22
Small Business Bingo will hold two events this year after holding four per year in the past.
Patrick believes that will yield good turnouts to both events and that has played into why volunteer turnout has been high.
Local businesses are generous when it comes to donating bingo and raffle prizes, Patrick said.
• Christopher T. Kruk and Ludith L. Kruk to Christopher T. Kruk Trustee, Judith L. Kruk Trustee, Revo Kruk Tr, 105. S. Lauren Court, Oregon, $0.
• Kristyn M. Bielskis to William Craft, 332 N. Franklin St., Byron, $186,560
• Hub Shuttle Inc. to Richard J. Kroner and Creena M Kroner, 201 W. Mcconaughy Ave., Rochelle, $164,000
• Kory R. Walk and Alexis M. Walk to Patrick D. Southwick and Christina R. Southwick, 7813 E. Wildwood Rd, Stillman Valley, $430,000
• Patsy K. Mahoney and Laura Robb Elan to Laurie Controis, Trustee, and Laurie Controis, Rev Tr, 308 S. 8th St., Oregon, $247,000
• Chad Alan Scott to Keyshawn Stallworth, 1008 Lincoln Hwy, Rochelle, $160,000
Quit claim deeds
• Cody L. Starr and Bethany R. Starr to Cody L. Starr, 1051 W. Meadow Ln, Rochelle, $0.
• Alexandra Williams, Alexandra Mathe -
Patrick enjoys seeing the creativity that businesses take and the reaction to the prizes by bingo players.
“And the businesses that donated get to see that excitement,” Patrick said.
“The energy of it is so much fun. People don’t want to miss Small Business Bingo or see it go away. That makes me feel good. It’s really turned into a community project at this point. Everyone is invested in seeing it be successful. It’s something we all come together on to do good for our community,” Patrick said.
son, and Zachary Matheson to Alexandra Matheson and Zachary Matheson, 235, 305 W. 3rd St., Byron, $0.
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck to Diane K. Hemmersbach and Diane K. Hemmersbach, No parcel or address listed, $0.
Trustee deeds
• Dale A. Dewall Trustee, Dale A Dewall Tr, Carol F. Dewakk Trustee, and Carol F. Dewall Tr to Cole A. Dewall, 5369 N. Summer Hill Rd, Forreston, $170,000
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck Trustee and Patricia M. Lingbeck Tr to Diane K. Hemmersbach, Kenneth D. Lingbeck and Michael J. Hemmersbach, one parcel in Leaf River Township: 04-05-200-002, $0.
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck Trustee and Patricia M. Lingbeck Tr to Diane K. Hemmersbach, Kenneth D. Lingbeck and Michael J. Hemmersbach, one parcel in Leaf River Township, 04-05-400-007,$0.
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck Trustee and Patricia M. Lingbeck Tr to Diane K. Hemmersbach, Kenneth D. Lingbeck and
Michael J. Hemmersbach, 157 W. Egan Rd, Leaf River, $0.
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck Trustee and Patricia M. Lingbeck Tr to Diane K. Hemmersbach and Kenneth D. Lingbeck, two parcels in Maryland Township: 03-21-400-006 and 03-28-200-004, $0.
• Kenneth D. Lingbeck Trustee and Patricia M. Lingbeck Tr to Kenneth D. Lingbeck, two parcels in Maryland Township: 03-21-400-006 and 03-28-200-004, $0.
Deeds in trust
• Bruce A. Hongsermeier to Bruce A. Hongsermeier Trustee, Cynthia Hongsermeier Trustee, and Bruce & Cynthia Hongsermeier Tr, four parcels in Mt. Morris Township, 08-22-400-019, 08-22-400020, 08-22-400-021 and 08-27-226-008, $0.
• James W. Eckstein and Karen E. Eckstein to James W. Eckstein Trustee, Karen E Eckstein Trustee, and Cornerstone Tr, 114 949 N. Etnyre Ter, Oregon, $0.
Auction.
Please visit https://aandtauctionservices.hibid.com/ for full sale viewing beginning 10/29/2025. Pictures will be uploaded prior to that date as they are available.
Personal Property: Selling items from several consignors–Household items; glassware; dishes & collectibles; sports memorabilia & trading cards; beer signs & memorabilia; vintage furniture; antiques; books; artwork; vintage local memorabilia & yardsticks; Jewelry–costume, gold, & silver; records; tools; yard/garden items; and so much more! Everything must go–something for everyone!
Item Viewing: Items will be available for online viewing @ 8am on 10/29/2025. If you wish for more information on an item or an appointment to view an item, please contact A & T Auction Services directly.
Pick-Up: pick-up for items will be held on Thursday, November 6th from 4:30-7:00pm at the sale site listed above.
Terms & Conditions: This is an absolute sale. There will be a 10% Buyer’s Premium added to all items sold. Items can be purchased with cash, GOOD check, or credit card. There will be a 3.5% fee added to any credit card transaction.
Follow A & T Auction Services on Facebook for more information!
Travis Cunningham, Auctioneer IL Lic. # 441.002600
A & T Auction Services, LLC atauctionservices@gmail.com 815-297-4595
School District #22 6 Job Postings
FARMLAND AUCTION
County, IL Sa turd ay, November 15, 202 5
Sale will be held at 11:00 AM at the Pine Creek Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 8111 W Penn Corner Road, Polo, IL 61064
The 160 acres of farmla nd will be selling in 5 surveye d Parcels A,B,C,D,E. Parce ls A and E are tillable grounds with Open Tenancy for 2026. Parcels C and D is timber/retired quarry ground and will be sold together. Parcel B is the nice 2 story country home on 5 acres with 2 car garage, corn crib and barn. This pr operty is located in Sections 31 and 32 of Pine Creek Townshi p, Ogle County, Illin ois.
For more information including maps, tax info, soil types, etc, plus terms and conditions, visit: www.auctionzip/publicauctionservice.com or www.lennybrysonauctioner.com
Ogle & Winnebago County, IL
FARMLAND AUCTION
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Sale to be held at: Prairie View Golf Club/ Pavillion 6734 German Church Road Byron, IL 61010
350 Acres +/- Sel ling in 7 parcels NO COMBINATIONS OPEN TENANCY FOR 2026
Section 17 Byron Tow nship, Ogle County, IL Tract 2) 31.521 Surveyed Acres & Various Outbuildings Tract 3) 86.121 Surveyed Acres
Section 8/17 Byron Township, Ogle County, IL Tract 4) 39.489 Surveyed Acres
Section 26 of Byron Township, Ogle County, IL Tract 5) 19.33 Platted Acres
Section 35/36 Byron Eas t Township, Ogle County, IL Tract 6) 29.53 Platted Acres Tract 7) 102.98 Platted Acres
Section 28 Winnebago Township, Winnebago County, IL
Tract 8) 43.87 Platted Acres
For complete listing of sur vey, sale bill, maps, tax info, and ter ms & conditions, etc visit www.lenn yb ryson au ctioneer .com
For I nformation Contact: Ow ner, Alvin Oltmanns Trus t Lenn y Brys on - Auction eer Joe McCoy, Stillm an B an k Trust Dept Ph: 815-946-4120
Attorney, Dave Smith Ph: 815-732-6124
MOBILE HOMES POLO
Vintag e Hi-Fi, Guitar, B and Instrument & To y 'ONLINE AUCTION' hacksauction hibid.com
BIDDING OPENS: Thur, Oct 30 @ 8am
PREVIEW: Thurs, Oct 30 10am to 2pm
BIDDING CLOSES: Sun, Nov 16 @ 5pm
Hack's Antique Center, 400 W. Third St., Pecatonica, IL 61063
Featuring Sansui 9090 Stereo Receiver, Bang & Olufsen of Denmar k, Pioneer & Motorola, Audio-Amplifiers-Reel to Reel Tape Decks- Turn Tables, Gibso n & Jackson Electric Guitars-Amps-Peavey Speaker s, Pearl & Ludw ig Drums, Evans & Sonar, Percussion, Alesis Keyboard, Band Instruments & Gear, Epiphone, Movie Projectors & Reels, Original Spider -Man Super 8 Movie, Memorabilia, Jordon 23 Bulls Jersey, Vintage Model Kits-Renwal- Monogram-Revell-Lindberg, Original LEGO Toy Sets, Train s, Character Board Games, Hallo ween Collection, Advertising & Signs, Large Collection of Vintage Playboy Magazines from 1954-2000's & Rare Memorabilia, Vintage Hot Rod Magazines, Porsche, 1926 Einar Johnson Amateur Boxing Collection & Much More.
Pecatonia, IL 815-239-1436
www.hacksauction.com
I.A.F.L. #44 000128
VILLA GE GREEN - GENOA Railroad Ave, Genoa, IL 60135 815-234-2620
VillageGreenGenoa@ppmil.com "We are accepting applications" 1-Bedroom Apartments
Includes: Washer / Dryer , A/C, Garbage & Sew er and Community Room 24 hr. Emergency Maintenance 62 years of age or older, or disabled regardless of age Rental assistance available Extremely lo w income persons are encouraged to apply
by P.P.M. LLC of IL
VillageGreenMtMorris@ppmil.com
VILL AGE GR EEN - BYRON Blanchard Ct., Byron, IL 61010 815-234-2620
VillageGreenByron@ppmil.com "We are accepting applications" 1-Bedroom
STATE OF IILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
COUNTY OF OG LE –IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAY MOND R. FORNEY, DECEASE D. NO. 2025PR56
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATIONCLAIMS
Notice is given of the death of RAYMOND R. FORNEY, of Forreston
Letters of office were issued on October 8, 2025, to Robert A Forney, 2196 Winding Road, Longmont, CO 80504 whose attorney is Edward J. Mitchel l, 110 N Broad Street, Lanark, IL 61046
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S Fifth Street, Suite 300, Oregon, Illinois 61061 or wi th the representative, or both, on or befor e April 27, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18 of the I llinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice Any claim not filed by on or before that date is barred. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten (10) days after filing
the representative, or both, on or befor e April 27, 2026, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18 of the I llinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), the date stated in that notice Any claim not filed by on or before that date is barred. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten (10) days after filing E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To efile, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service provider Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FA Q/gethel p.asp or contact your local circuit clerk's office.
DATED: October 8, 2025 /s/ Rober t A. Forney (Representative) By: /s/ Edward J. Mitchell (Attor ney) October 20, 27, November 4, 2025
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To efile, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service provider Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FA Q/gethel p.asp or contact your local circuit clerk's office. DATED: October 8, 2025 /s/ Rober t
Managed
PUBLIC NOTICE Village Of Davis Jun ction, Il lin ois
An nual Treasu rer's Report of Cash Recei pts and Disbu rsements F or the F iscal Year E ndin g April 30, 2025 Published in compliance with Chapter 65, Secti on 5/3.1-35-65 of the Illi nois Compiled S tatutes
Receipts: GENERAL FUND; PROPERTY TAX 106,656; ROAD & BRIDGE TAX 33,145; TELECOMMUNICATIONS 17,546; LIQUOR / VIDEO GAMING LICENSES 7,700; ESCROW A CCOUNT -3,687; BUILDING PERMITS 81,505; LEIN REIMBURSEMENT 140; PLAT 10 FUTURE IMPR TIL 202511,000; ZONING PERMITS & FEES 500; STATE INCOME TAX 436,596; USE TAX 84,052; CANNABIS USE TAX 3,947; SALES TAX 166,709; STATE GRANT-EOC 7,426; OTHER GRANTS 578; INTEREST INCOME 23,213; MEDICOM 7,170; BALL FIELDSREVENUE 15,435; MERID IAN YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE 13,752; RENTAL INCOME 33,270; VIDEO GAMING 64,681;MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 68,712; DONATIONS/SPONSORSH IPS 13,200; INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT 7,442; TOTAL 1,200,687
MOTOR FUEL TAX; MOTOR FUEL TAX 113,494; INTEREST INCOME 2,420; TOTAL 115,914 TIF FU ND; REVENUE 26,717; INTEREST INCOME 8; TOTAL 26 ,725 WATE R F UND; PENALTIES 5,480; WATER SALES 241,019; WATER BASE RATE 35,335; BULK WATER / POOL FILLS 13,674; WATER RE CONNECT FEES 200; METER SALES 5,340; INTEREST INCOME 547; TOTAL 301,595 SE WER FUND; USE TAX 1,488; PENALTIES 6,657; WATER BAS E RATE 67,412; BULK WATER / POOL FILLS 348,779; WATER CONNECTION FEES 55,000; INTEREST INCOME 1,948; TOTAL 481,284
GARBAGE FUND; PENALTIES 2,872; WATER RECONNECT FE ES 157,930; TOTAL 160,802 LANDFILL FUND; HOST BENEFIT FEES 1,956,652; RENTAL INCOME 100,000 ; DONATIONS/SPONSORSHIPS 5,521; TOTAL 2,062,173
PAYRO LL: 0.01 TO 24,999.99
ALLVORD, ADRIENNE; BAGG, MALAC HI; BUHLER, ETHAN; CARLSON, ROGER; CARR, NANCY; CHRISTENSON, JENNIFER; DIPPNER, MARK; DOMINGUEZ, RYAN; HEREBIA, ISAIAH; KLAREN, BENJAMIN ; KLAREN, NOAH; MAAHS, JENNIFER; MAAHS, NATHAN; MAY, DAVID ; MERRIMAN, AN THON Y; MOODY JR, JAMES ; MOTISI, WILLIAM; REBER, JEFFERY; REINHOLD, KOEN; SAMPLES, CHRISTOP HER; SCHWANKE, GREGORY; SMITH JR, SE TH; SPANG LER, RYAN; TALBOT , JOHN; WARNER, BRITTANY; WHITE, WILLIAM; WURM, RICKY; YAROLEM, PATRICK; ZITKUS, LUKE
PAYRO LL: 25,000.00 TO 49,999.99 FLOYD, ERICA; SENATRE, LUCAS
PAYRO LL: 75,000.000 TO 99,999.99 FERGE, BRET; MAAH S, SANDRA
TOTAL PAYR OL L: 691,03 8.02
LIABILIT Y: 457 PLAN - 134886 128,972; AFLAC INSURANCE 10,545; FEDERAL PAYROLL TAXES 186,209; PEKIN LIFE INSURANCE 489; STATE DISBU RSEMENT UNIT 3,1 96; STATE PAYROLL TAXES 36,423; TOTAL 365,835
EXPENDITURES AND EXPENSES: AED ESSENTIALS, INC 3,348; AMAZON 9,800; ANCEL GLINK, P.C 134,500; B & F CO NSTRUCTION CODE SERVIC 73,441; BEACON ATHLETICS 3,073; BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD 80,993; BOBCAT OF ROCKFORD 11,124; BONNELL INDUSTRIES INC 7,058; BS&A SOFTWARE 4,141; BYRON BANK 5,3 85; CAPITAL ONE COMMERCIAL 6,951; CARBON ACTIVATED CORPORATION53 ,184; CIVIC PLUS LLC 9,258; CMJ TECHNOLOGIES 19,184; ComED 92,896; COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA INC 9,448; CONSERVE FS 4,505; CORE&MAIN 6,418; CORNERSTONE EMBROIDERY 7,045; C USTOM TRUCK ONE SOURCE 161,000; DAHM E NTERPRISES.INC 27,324; EUCLID MANAGERS 4,433; FERGUSON WATERWORKS #2516 12,205; FRINKS SEWER AND DRAIN INC 3,525; FRONTIER 6,023; GASVOD A & ASSOC IATES, INC 10,243; GERSHMAN, BRICKNER & BRATTON, INC 7,340; HAWKINS, INC 15,731; HOMER INDUSTRIES 3,675; ILLINOIS COUNTIE S RISK 105,0 28; Illinois EPA 10,000; ILLINOIS RAILWAY , LLC 3,773; JOHNSON TRACTOR 11,997; KELSO BURNETT CO 9,669; KEYSTONE HATCHERIE S, LLC 3,719; LAI LTD 8,080; LINDCO EQUIPM ENT SALES 3,477; LRS, LLC 6,353; MCMAHON ENGINEERS ARCHITECTS 86,481; MOBILE ELECTRONICS 2,914; NICOR GAS 6,621; NORTHERN ILLILNOIS SERVICE CO 4,443; NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISPOSAL SVCS 159,916; O'BRIE N CIVIL WORKS, INC 10,273; OGLE COUNTY LIFE 3,065; PDC AUTOMA TION 4,982; PRESCOTT BROTHERS 3,929; RAYNOR DOOR AUTHORITY 2,871; RKM FIREWORKS COMPANY 17,500; SENSUS USA INC 3,700; SHERWIN INDUSTRIE S INC 3,375; SIKICH LLP 12,000; SMITH OIL 25,70 8; STRATUS NETWORKS 3,709; SUNSET CINEMA INC 3,000; SURP LUS MANAG EMENT, INC 35,423; TALLGRASS RESTORATION, LLC 3,420; THOMPSON GAS 5,184; USA BLUE BOOK 13,978; VERIZON WIRELESS 11,507; VISA 76,340; VORTEX AQUATIC STRUCTURES 40,686; WALTER WILLIS 4,300; WILLETT HOFMANN & ASSOCIATES, INC 539,70 0; WOLF BROS TREE SERVICE 4,000; EXPENSE DISBURSEM ENTS UNDER 2,500.00 81,881
TOTAL: 2,126,252
Su bscribed and sworn to this 15th day of October, 2025 BRENDA OGNIBE NE , TREASURER VILLAGE OF DAVIS JUNCTION, IL LINOIS STATEMENT OF REVEN UE S COLL ECTED, EXPENDITURES PAID AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES - MODIFIED CASH BASISGOVERNMENTAL FUNDS F or the Year Ended April 30, 2025 Total Governmental General MFT
COLLECTED
Rock Falls downs Oregon in BNC finale
By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent
When playing its best, Rock Falls gets contributions from everyone.
That was the case Wednesday at Tabor Gym, as all 13 Rockets recorded a stat in a 25-16, 25-20 win over Oregon in the Big Northern Conference finale for both teams.
“We have a lot of trust in each other, so we work really well together. We really get that energy from each other and pick up each other and get that momentum to keep going,” senior Addison Miller said. “We all are very close, and we all just trust each other and enjoy when anybody makes a play.”
The Rockets (20-14, 6-3 BNC) host a
Class 2A regional next week, and go into Thursday’s regular-season finale with five wins in their last six home matches.
Rock Falls took control of the first set with an 8-3 run highlighted by two kills each from Miller and Taylor Segneri and an ace by Averie Payne. Oregon got within 14-13 on a kill and block from Skylar Bishop and an ace by Ashlee Mundell, but the Rockets pulled away again thanks to kills by Reyna and Kayla Hackbarth, then a closing service run by Bre Dallgas-Frey that featured another Hackbarth kill and a Dallgas-Frey ace.
Oregon (4-19, 3-6 BNC) led 5-2 to open the second set, and three straight aces by Ella Rowe put the Hawks up 11-8 and forced a Rocket timeout. Out of the break, Miller had a kill for a sideout,
then Kaltrina Lecaj had five kills in a 12-point span, with Jessa Adams and Segneri adding kills and Miley Bickett serving an ace in that surge, for a 19-14 lead.
Oregon got no closer than four points the rest of the way, and Adams elicited loud cheers from her teammates when her kill ended the match after a long back-and-forth rally.
Lecaj led the Rockets with seven kills to go with six digs and a block, and Segneri added six kills and three digs. Hackbarth, Reyna and Miller each finished with four kills, Bickett had 19 assists, seven digs and eight points, and Adams added a pair of kills. Isela Valdivia chipped in 16 digs, and Dallgas-Frey served for 11 points, including three aces.
Cassie Krup and Shaylee Davis each had three kills, with Krup adding three digs, and Bishop finished with two kills, a block and four service points for the Hawks. Addi Rufer led the back row with nine digs, Emma Eckerd added seven digs and five assists and Lola Schwarz chipped in six digs and a kill.
“Our goal was to be competitive, focus on our side and keep the ball mixed around on offense, and I thought we did all those things. Ultimately, we just didn’t have enough of that to take over,” Oregon coach Farrell Cain said. “Effort, for sure, was the name of the game, and some control. I thought in that second set for sure, we were doing a really good job of that, we just couldn’t pull out a win.”
Ogle County football playoff picture getting clearer
With one week left in the regular season, the football playoff picture is getting clearer. The good news for Byron is it probably won’t see IC Catholic right off the bat. The bad news, is that they might see them in the second round.
Let’s add another contender to the Class 3A bracket in potential No. 1 seed Richmond-Burton, which gave coach Mike Noll his 300th win last week. The former Big Northern Conference foe has a long tradition of playoff success and will not cave in to powerhouses such as Byron or IC.
The 3A bracket could be even tougher if Wilmington is bumped up from 2A. A playoff projection currently has them as the largest school in 2A. Their only loss is to 4A power Morris, 27-20.
Teams that have departed the conference such as R-B (7-0), Burlington-Central (7-1), Johnsburg (6-2) and Marengo (6-2) are one reason why the Big Northern has declined in football quality. However, those long drives are not missed, especially a place such as Johnsburg that seemed to have so many twists and turns to get there.
B-C wasn’t too bad of a drive, but its enrollment would have driven it out of the BNC anyway as they currently have 1,500 students. The same with Hampshire, which is approaching 2,000. Not the town’s population, but the high school enrollment.
Then there was Huntley, which replaced Forreston a year after the
Andy Colbert VIEWS
BNC’s inception. It went from a school that at one time was smaller than Forreston to 10 times larger at 2,746.
My only trip to Huntley was in 2001 when Oregon faced it in the second round of the playoffs. I bring this up because of a bizarre outcome in the final minutes of regulation.
Comfortably ahead 27-26 and close to running the clock out, Huntley got outfoxed by Oregon, whose only hope was to get the ball back. The easiest way for that to happen was for Oregon to purposely let Huntley score.
I’ve never got official confirmation from coach Bothe on that, but suddenly a Huntley running back cracked off a long touchdown run. A wiser play would have been for the runner to fall down after getting a first down, which would have allowed the clock to run out and preserve the win.
The extra-point kick put Huntley up by eight points, but Oregon at least had a sliver of hope. Not known as a fast-scoring offense, the Hawks dramatically scored a touchdown as time was running out.
All that was needed was a two-point conversion to send the game into over-
time, something thought implausible a minute or so before. And that’s what happened.
Unfortunately, the miracle win wasn’t to be as Oregon lost 41-34. But it was an exciting ending.
Speaking of enrollment, 2000 and 2001 were the peak of the combined Mt. Morris/Oregon consolidation with about 650 students, which was about what Huntley had at that time. Now, Oregon sits at 428.
Whatever happens in the playoffs to Forreston doesn’t matter. Its season is already a success as evidenced by its arduous journey to get there, culminating with a come-from-behind win over LeRoy on Saturday.
It was a 12-point swing at the end of the first half that made the difference. Already ahead by a point and seemingly unstoppable, LeRoy scored an apparent touchdown, but it was called back because of a penalty.
Getting the ball back at the seven-yard line with under two minutes to play, the Cardinals drove the length of the field to grab the lead and made it hold up in the second half with its time-consuming offense for a 26-13 win. LeRoy had a chance to get back in it, but an errant pitch on fourth down doomed the team.
Forreston doesn’t have the athleticism of some teams, but a disciplined approach limits those mistakes. That is critical to win the toss-up games, of which they went 4-0.
Some people wondered if Rockford Lutheran would show up to play Byron, which led 49-0 after the first quarter en route to a 77-0 final. That was only topped by the 79 points put up by Sterling Newman on Kewanee.
Byron (418) is one of three teams in the state with more than 400 points. Westville has 452 and Peoria 428. Dixon is next with 398.
Special mention in the BNC needs to go to Winnebago. In recent years, the Indians have been plagued by low numbers, but under coach Mark Helm always have played hard. This year is no exception, with Oregon fortunate to escape with a 20-18 win last Friday.
Although it is 2-6 going into the finale against Stillman Valley, Winnebago was close to being 4-4 and aiming for a playoff spot. It had a one-score, nonconference loss to Clinton, Wisconsin, and lost to North Boone by three points.
In maybe the most surprising result in the BNC this season, just when it looked like Stillman Valley had a clear path to the playoffs, it was North Boone shutting out the Cardinals 26-0. That puts even more importance on the Winnebago game with Stillman Valley. With a loss, the 4-4 Cardinals are out of the playoff picture.
• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.
Oregon, Polo football get Week 8 wins
Oregon’s Hernandez gets hat trick in playoff win
By KEVIN NEWBERRY knewberry@shawmedia.com
Football
Oregon 20, Winnebago 18: The Hawks held on to get their fifth win after leading 20-12 at halftime. Jakobi Donegan ran for 140 yards and two TDs for Oregon. Keaton Salsburg also ran for a score in the victory.
Polo 54, Hiawatha 14: The Marcos (7-1) led 48-8 at halftime en route to a fourth straight win by 40 points or more. Mercer Mumford ran for 131 yards and three TDs, JT Stephenson ran for two more and Quentin Hart found the end zone for Polo. The Marcos ran for 297 yards on 39 carries in the win.
Boys Soccer
Oregon 6, North Boone 3: Ivan Hernandez scored a hat trick, and Deryk Withers had six saves as the fourth-seeded Hawks (15-9) advanced to the Class 2A Byron Regional final against the top-seeded Tigers (16-5-1).
Oregon’s Jakobi Donagen turns the corner en route for a touchdown during action against Winnebago Friday, Oct. 17, at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon. The Hawks held on to capture their fifth win, 20-18. Donagen ran for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Byron beat Oregon 5-4 in a shootout during the regular season after the game was tied 4-4 in overtime. Aidan Hammer, Steven Guardado and Elliot Peeling also found the net against North Boone.
Oregon 4, Abingdon/Avon 1: At Oregon on Oct. 14, Aiden Hammer turned a hat trick for the Hawks in their final game of the regular season.
Steven Guardado added one goal and
one assist in the victory, Eduardo Garcia had two assists, Danny Chisamore IV had one assist and Deryk Withers had seven saves in goal.
Volleyball
Oregon 2, Rockford Lutheran 1 (21-25, 25-15, 25-18): At Rockford on Oct. 14, Izzy Berg led the Hawks with six kills and four blocks in a come-from-behind victory on the road.
Emma Eckerd added 12 digs, five assists and an ace while Ashlee Mundell had seven digs, three aces and two assists in the win.
Milledgeville 2, Polo 0 (25-15, 25-14): At Milledgeville on Oct. 15, Reese Mekeel led the Marcos with nine kills in a losing effort on the road.
Cam Jones added nine assists and eight digs, Brylee Laskowski had four assists and six digs and Grace Miatke had 11 digs.
Stillman Valley 2, Oregon 0 (25-21, 25-17): At Oregon on Oct. 16, Stillman Valley bested the Hawks in two sets.
Ella Rowe had seven digs and four aces in the loss, Mikaila Ellison added seven assists and four digs and Lola Schwarz had three kills, two aces and a dig.
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
ABOVE: Oregon’s Ivan Hernandez (right) celebrates with Irvin Acosta (17) after scoring a goal against North Boone on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the 1A Byron Regional. LEFT: Oregon’s David Eckardt plays the ball during a 1A regional match against North Boone.
Oregon holds on to 20-18 win
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Oregon’s Jayden Berry fights for yards against Winnebago on Friday, Oct. 17, at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Oregon’s Ethan Reed tackles Winnebago’s Cooper Larson. ABOVE: Oregon’s Ethan Reed tackles Winnebago’s Kaeden Langholf. LEFT: Oregon’s Aiden Currier (0) runs with the ball against Winnebago.
SPORTS
Oregon grabbed an early lead and then held on for a 20-18 win over Winnebago, Oct. 17 in Oregon / 30, 31
Oregon’s Jakobi Donagen (4) runs with the ball against Winnebago on Friday, Oct. 17, at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon. Donagen ran for two touchdowns in the 20-18 win.
Photo by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
