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Recent row with nixing military orders
A recent controversy has arisen over the duty of military members to follow orders.
Several politicians, including those who also are veterans, have said in a video on Nov. 18, directed at current serving members of the military, that “You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”
The politicians are Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.
Pundits suggest that this video was aimed at the current president, insinuating that he has given illegal orders. Authorizing blowing up drug boats in the Caribbean or the deployment of the military in U.S. cities has fueled speculation among the left that these may be illegal orders. However, none of the six politicians in the video could point to an order given by the president that was illegal.
Members of the military, upon enlistment, swear that they “will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,” according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (USMJ). Orders that are clear violations of the U.S. Constitution, international law or treaties such as the Geneva Convention are examples of illegal orders. Members of the military presume that the orders they receive, that are consistent with the USMJ, are legal.
IT’S YOUR WRITE
Oregon city manager gives thanks to area community volunteers
To the Editor:
After this year’s Candlelight Walk in Oregon, I’ve been reflecting on what volunteerism truly means in our communities. We often talk about human capital in terms of workplace skills and economic value – but spending another year with the dedicated volunteers behind the Candlelight Walk, Autumn on Parade, and area non-profits has reminded me that human capital is so much more than that. Our community volunteers embody a form of human
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Chuck
Roberts
Since members of the military already receive education on the UCMJ, especially Article 92, which establishes that they must obey lawful orders and disobey unlawful orders, the video produced by these politicians clearly has a political rather than an instructional motive. However, if a member of the military refuses an order, insisting it is illegal, a military judge (in a court-martial) determines whether the order was legal or illegal. If the judge determines that the order is legal, then the member of the military will be determined to be guilty of disobeying orders and may end up in a suite at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (military prison).
Of the six politicians in the video, Kelly stands out as the only one subject to the USMJ. He is a retired Navy officer, receiving pension-related benefits, and can be recalled to active duty. According to military.com, “When an officer retires, their commission normally remains in force and effect forever. In return for the privilege of being legally entitled to being addressed by their military rank and getting all their retirement benefits, they basically remain an “officer of the United States” until death. That means that, if there is a recall, the officers can be brought back without an act of Congress or presidential recall.”
The Department of War is investigating bringing Kelly to active duty and submitting him to a court-martial for sedition. DOW asserts that Kelly’s comments constituted conduct “to the prejudice of good order and discipline” or a violation of U.S. code, which prohibits encouraging disloyalty or insubordination among the armed forces. There is precedent for this, as indicated in United States v. Dinger and United States v. Larrabee, where military appellate courts reaffirmed that retirees receiving service-related benefits under the jurisdiction of the USMJ can be tried for offenses after retirement. However, there is no precedent of a sitting senator being court-martialed after retirement. Kelly has been fundraising based on his comments in the video. (The Independent) It does not take a genius to conclude that this smells politically motivated. The implication that the current president is preparing to issue illegal orders is a form of political speculation. Using the serving military as a political pawn is contrary to the integrity and stability of the armed forces. The six politicians in the video could not point to any illegal order given by the president. Their discussion encourages doubt in military discipline, undermining national readiness and going against the national interest. A court-martial conviction of Kelly would tamp down such seditious commentary but also would spark a political firestorm unheard of in recent years.
• Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle.
capital rooted in generosity, dedication and genuine pride in creating something special for others. I enjoy stoking the fires at Candlelight Walk each year as my small contribution, but I can’t say enough about the incredible team that brings the entire event to life. And it’s not just Candlelight Walk and Autumn on Parade, so many other local events, school activities and non-profit organizations simply wouldn’t exist without the volunteers who give their time and energy to make everything possible. These volunteers are the ones who build the winter wonderland, who create the
magical experiences we look forward to, who spark joy as a parade passes by, who serve others in need. They’re the heart of our events, the force behind the magic, and a shining example of what true human capital looks like in a community. As 2025 comes to a close, I want to recognize all our area volunteers who work so hard and add so much to our community. As you reflect on your New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to make volunteering one of them for 2026 and beyond. Happy holidays.
Darin DeHaan Oregon city manager
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Steve Strang (center) is pictured with his grandson, Tyler Isham-Schmitt (left).
Photo provided by Tyler Isham-Schmitt ON THE COVER
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Grandson of Rochelle’s longtime Santa dons suit to keep holiday traditions alive
Tyler Isham-Schmitt steps in this season where his grandfather, Steve Strang, who died Oct. 2, left off
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
For more than 20 years, the Rochelle community has had a Santa Claus it could believe in.
That Santa was at every lighted parade and old-fashioned Christmas Walk. He visited school classes, nursing homes, the Community Action Network Shopping Trip, the Vince Carney Community Theater, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library and more.
Rochelle children over the past 20 years never had to wonder why Santa Claus looked a little different than he did the last time they saw him.
That Santa Claus was Steve Strang. This Christmas season will be Rochelle’s first without him. Strang died Oct. 2 after a 6½-year battle with ALS. The disease never stopped him from fulfilling his Santa responsibilities or from making the most of his time with his family, even in recent years after it took the use of his arms.
Strang came from a family that loved Christmas, and he passed it on to his own. He had a 58-year total history as Santa. His family would gather and his father and uncles would take turns in the suit. When Strang got into high school, his turn as Jolly Old St. Nick came. He carried the mantle through the remainder of his life.
“It was just known that we were booked up during Christmas time,” said Strang’s wife, Sally Sawicki, who sewed his Santa suits and played Mrs. Claus. “We couldn’t go up north on vacation until after Christmas. Everything stopped so he could be Santa. He had a special thing with kids. Everything revolved around Christmas with him.”
Strang’s daughter, Wendy Schmitt, helped her father build his sleigh in the garage for the Rochelle lighted parade. She also played an elf alongside her father, making sure Santa got to all of
his appearances. Grandchildren often would play the part of snowmen and accompany him as well.
When Strang’s grandchildren were little, he would play Santa at family gatherings. And when they’d get older, they’d become Santa’s helpers.
“He just loved Christmas,” Schmitt said. “He liked doing things for other people. He liked to make the kids happy. He would go out of his way. He got a lot of letters from kids and kept them. Sometimes he was able to get those kids stuff they needed. He really enjoyed it.”
Christmas will be different this year for Strang’s loved ones. But the mantle of Santa Claus has been taken up, and will remain in the family. Strang’s grandson, Tyler Isham-Schmitt, will be making appearances in Rochelle this holiday season as Santa Claus.
Isham-Schmitt will use the same sleigh as his grandfather. Sawicki and Schmitt believe the love for Christmas is genetic, and that Strang would be proud of his grandson.
“I just want to do it for him,” Isham-Schmitt said. “He got me into Christmas. I’ve always loved being a part of it with him, ever since he stuffed me into a snowman suit that was three times my size when I was little. We had to stuff newspapers in it just to keep it up.”
Even as his ALS worsened, Strang never complained about his condition or pain or going out in the cold for events, such as parades. Schmitt’s stepdaughter rode with him in the sleigh in the parade and waved to people, acting as Santa’s hands.
Strang remained positive and upbeat in his later years despite his condition. He still wanted to go out and do things with his family, and that’s just what they did. A veteran, he took an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., with Schmitt accompanying him. The family took trips to Disney World and to North Carolina. He and Sally took their usual trips up north to the lake.
Two years is the average remaining life expectancy for someone after being diagnosed with ALS. Sawicki called the past 6½ years the family had with Steve “priceless.” She thanked the Department of Veterans Affairs for its help in getting Strang an accessible van, wheelchair, hospital bed and caregivers.
“He made the most of his final years,” Schmitt said. “I remember when Sally called me and told me he was diagnosed with it. I figured we would only have him a couple more years. And he made it two years. And then came three and four. He just kept going. It was never about him. Even when he got sick with
ALS, it still wasn’t about him. He wanted to make sure that everyone else was taken care of. He put other people first.”
Strang’s loved ones remember him as a family man who was always there and could be called at any time, day or night, if something was needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he still fulfilled his Santa responsibilities, bringing his sleigh and passing by for pictures that wouldn’t break restrictions. That was who he was, Schmitt said.
“That’s how the whole town knew him,” Schmitt said. “When he was walking into physical therapy, it wasn’t ‘There’s Steve.’ It was, ‘Santa’s here.’ It’s nice that a lot of people got to know him and see what we saw in him. He was very special. He will be missed by many.”
Strang made special moments with his family, and thousands of Rochelle children. Sawicki recalled one specific case of that.
“I remember one little girl that he was Santa for at a daycare,” Sawicki said. “Steve always wore the same blue mittens with his suit. And then she saw him again the next year at kindergarten. I heard the girl tell her dad, ‘That’s the real Santa Claus. The ones that you take me to see at the mall are all phonies.’”
Photo provided by Tyler Isham-Schmitt
Steve Strang (right) is seen with his daughter, Wendy Schmitt.
Leaf River Soaring Eagles participate in Festival of Trees
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Leaf River is celebrating the season with the Festival of Trees hosted by the Charles D. Bertolet Foundation.
Several trees will be on display at the Bertolet Building at 103 W. 2nd St. The trees will be on display starting Dec. 13. There are a variety of trees.
The Leaf River Fire Department has a unique tree made of hoses and a tree
skirt of old uniforms.
The Leaf River Garden Club has a tree divided into seasons. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club designed a tree after their club. It is colored in green, gold and white to match the Ogle County 4-H blanket tree skirt.
On Dec. 6, the members decorated the tree with lights, garland, clovers, eagle and gold ornaments, and topped it with a stuffed eagle. Voting on your favorite tree can be done up until Dec. 20.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR THE STILLMAN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Stillman Fire Protection District for 2025 will be held on December, 22nd , 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stillman Fire Station, 200 Rural Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois, 61084.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Chad Hoefle, Fire Chief, 200 Rural Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois, 61084. (815) 645-8211.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $1,166,095.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $1,287,000. This represents a 10.37% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $0.00.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $0.00. This represents a 0% increase over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $1,166,095.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $1,287,000. This represents a 10.37% increase over the previous year.
Photo provided by Lydia Sherburne Kolton Motszko, Finn Slattery, Theo Slattery, Hazel Friday, Lydia Sherburne and Izabel Cortinez are seen.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Oregon Living & Rehab Center
collecting food donations
Oregon Living & Rehab Center, 811 S. 10th St., is collecting food donations through Dec. 22 to help local families in need.
The center is accepting canned vegetables, beans, soup, rice, pasta, cereal, shelf-stable milk, baby formula, peanut butter, canned protein, cooking oil and spices.
Place items in the donation box at the front entrance.
Polo Chamber launches home and business holiday decorating battle
The Polo Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Home and Business Holiday Decorating Contest to showcase holiday spirit, brighten up the community and spread festive cheer.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third and honorable mention in both home and business categories.
Complete the online sign-up form no later
than Friday, Dec. 19. Go to www.polochamber.org to register.
Judging will take place from Dec. 20-23. Participants are asked to have their lights on from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening during these dates.
“We encourage all members to participate or help spread the word,” according to a Chamber news release. “Let’s work together to make Polo shine bright this holiday season!”
Ogle County students named to dean’s list at chiropractic school
The following students were named to the 2025 summer trimester dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa: Gyvanziel Quinonez of Kings and Britney Salinas of Lindenwood.
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport and Port Orange, Florida.
Christmas by Candlelight is Dec. 21 at Mt. Morris church
The community is invited to Christmas by Candlelight at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris.
An evening of Christmas carols, special music by the adult and children’s choirs, and the Advent wreath will be presented, all by candlelight.
Cake and coffee will be served afterward.
The church is located at 102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris.
United Way of Ogle County treats Bertolet Memorial Library youths
United Way of Ogle County recently treated Bertolet Memorial Library’s youngest patrons to a morning of fun winter books, creative crafts, and tasty snacks to promote literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
All patrons under the age of 5 were enrolled to receive a free book each month. Contact United Way of Ogle County to register your child.
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center to host Bingo/Birthday lunch
The following events are happening at the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center. Bingo and birthdays
Dec. 17: Bingo and Birthday lunch. Bingo starts at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Craft
1 p.m. Dec. 18: Join the center for a free craft presented by Momentum Health Care. Tacos and trivia
6 p.m. Dec. 18: Bring a team or come as a single and join a team for tacos and trivia. Tacos are $2 each. Trivia is $2 per player. Cookie exchange
6 p.m. Dec. 19: Bring two dozen homemade cookies and go home with some new favorites.
Noon Year’s Eve party
11:30 a.m. Dec. 30: Count down to celebrate the New Year at noon. – Shaw Local News Network
BYRON
ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH
624 Luther Drive, Byron, IL 61010 815-234-5277
Pastor: Vicar Michelle Wandersee
All are welcome to weekly Sunday Worship services at 9:00am
Holy Communion is served every Sunday.
A Contemporary Style Worship with our Praise Team is on every 3rd Sunday of the month.
A recording of each Sunday’s service is available on our Facebook page: All Saints Lutheran Church and on our website: http://www.allsaintsbyron.
org Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade students are held at 10:15am each Sunday.
Middle School Confirmation class for 6th grade - 8th grade students are held at 10:15 am each Sunday. Both classes begin in September and end in May.
Adult Bible Studies are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm and on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
Visit our website for more information or email us at allsaints624@ hotmail.com.
CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHURCH
205 N. Peru St., Byron 815-234-8737 www.cornerstonefamily.church
Sr. Pastor: Erik Ness, NextGen/ Family Pastor: Collin Nicholls
Children’s Ministry Director: Katie Dodd
Worship Service on Sundays at 10am with Children ‘s Worship Service and Nursery Available
Revive Jr High and Sr High Youth Ministries Meet Sundays at 6:30pm
Numerous Small Groups Available for All Ages throughout the week
Please call our Church Office or visit our website for more details . Office Hours: 8:00am -4:30pm Mondays-Thursdays
BYRON ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
226 E. 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010 - Phone 815-234-7431 – Fr. Romeo
“Mio” Pavino
Weekday Masses: Tuesday – Friday 7:30am, Weekend Masses: Sat. 5:00 pm, Sun. 8:00 am and 9:30 am, Reconciliation: Fri. 8:00 am – 8:30 am; Sat. 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm or by app. Eucharist Adoration Fri. 8-9am www.saintmaryinbyron.org secretary@saintmaryinbyron.org
UNITED CHURCH OF BYRON
A Member of the United Church of Christ
701 W. Second Street; PO Box 927, Byron IL 61010, 815-234-8777
Email: ucb@comcast.net
Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org
Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious
Youth Ministry Coordinator: Richard Simpson
Sunday Schedule & Worship opportunities:
Service of Meditation & Prayer: 8:15am- 8:45am
Adult Sunday School Hour: 9am
Kids Sunday School: (for ages 3 thru 5th grade) during the 10:30 worship Coffee & fellowship time: 10:00am - 10:30am
For complete ministry schedule and other activities, please check our website or Facebook page or contact the church office.
Whoever you are or wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
BEACON HILL ASSEMBLY
OF GOD
“Building Faith for Life”
6467 N. German Church Rd., Byron, IL - Ph. (815) 246-2685beaconhillbyron.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 448, Byron, IL 61010
Pastor: Gary Cortese
Service Times: Sundays at 10AM; Wednesday night Faith-Lift at 6:30PM
Find us on Facebook/Beacon Hill Assembly of God
CHANA
AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY
FORRESTON
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
402 2nd Avenue, Forreston, IL 61030, Phone 815-938-3203Pastor Scott Ralston
Sunday Worship 9:00 am; Sunday School 10:00 am FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
402 First Ave., Forreston, IL Phone: 815-938-2380
Worship at 9:00 a.m. (childcare provided) with coffee and fellowship
immediately following. Sunday School Age 3-Adult, 10:15 am.
God is Good, All the Time, All the Time, God is Good! ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH
Celebrating 175 Years!
West Grove Rd. At Columbine Rd.
Worship Service 10:30 am. Communion is served every Sunday.
“Singing the Song of Christian Faith in Worship, Service, Learning, Outreach and Welcome” in a beautiful rural setting.
Everyone is cordially invited to be with us.
Follow Us on Facebook “St. James Lutheran Church”
LEAF RIVER
LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Billy Hardy Sunday Morning: 9:30am Bible Classes for all ages 10:30am Worship Service with nursery available. Live stream available at leafriver.church/live-now 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River, IL 61047 815-738-2205 office@leafriverbaptist.org leafriver.church
LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
104 E. 3rd St., Leaf River, IL 61047 - Phone: 815-345-3038; Pastor Cherie
immanuel-lindenwood.org (for sermons, events, etc.) 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049 815-393-4500 • office@immanuel-lindenwood.org
Sunday Mornings: Divine Service @ 9am; Food & Fellowship @ 10am; Sunday School and Adult Bible Study @ 10:30am Food Bank: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-11am Pastor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock pastor@immanuel-lindenwood.org
KINGS
ELIM REFORMED CHURCH
140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068 • Pastor Marv Jacobs Phone 815-562-6811 E-mail: goelimchurch@gmail.com Website: www.goelimchurch.org
Sunday morning worship 10:00 am
MOUNT MORRIS
DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“By God’s grace in Christ, we LIVE, LOVE, and SERVE” All are welcome here!
9:30 a.m. – Sunday Worship with Communion open to all, followed by fellowship hour 10:45 a.m. Sunday School (Sep. – May)
102 N. Maple Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4853 secretary@disciplesumc.org www.disciplesumc.org Pastor Marcia Peddicord
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS
102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org
Senior Pastor: Bruce McKanna. Associate Pastor: John Foss Sunday Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. 9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship. 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship with Childcare and Children’s Church.
MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Allure of Pinecrest Grove Community Building (S. McKendrie Ave. and Evergreen Lane) Mt. Morris, IL. 61054 Phone 815-734-4573 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. followed by fellowship time and Christian education. Worship service available online, call or email for details. Email: mtmorriscob@gmail.com
MOUNT MORRIS
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH MT. MORRIS
308 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris IL | Phone: 815-734-6354 | Rev. Josh Ehrler Worship Services: Saturday 5:30 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM. Sunday School 10:45AM www.trinitymmil.net| facebook.com/tlcmm
OREGON
EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD
East Oregon Chapel Church of God
The Sharing is Caring Church
107 N Daysville Rd. Oregon, IL Phone: 815-732-2960
Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM We look forward to meeting you!
LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST
Pastor Dave Rogula 4962 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon, IL 61061 lighthouseUMC@yahoo.com
Worship at 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of each of month. Lighthouse will lite up your life!
LITTLE PRAIRIE MENNONITE CHURCH
1831 S Harmony Rd. Oregon, IL 61061
Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Morning, 7:00 PM 1st & 3rd Sunday Evening, 7:30 PM 2nd & 4th Wednesday Evenings of the Month. Pastor: Norman Reinford 779-861-3700
OREGON CHURCH OF GOD
860 W. Oregon Trail Road, Oregon, IL. 61061 Phone: 815-732-6847 www.oregoncog.com Pastor Michael Hoffman; Associate Pastor Nathan Massie Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am; Worship - 10:30 am Tuesday - Prayer Group - 9:30 am; Women’s Bible Study1:00 pm Thursday Men’s Group - 7:00 pm
OREGON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
505 Hill St. Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 732-2642
Pastor: David Snow “A Christ-centered, Bible-believing, family-oriented ministry.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Morning Service 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Afternoon Service 1:15 p.m.; Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 S. 4th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 | 815-732-2994
www.oregonumc.org
Pastor Rev Megan Smick 9:00 am Adult & Youth Bible Study
10 am Worship & Children’s Sunday School In-person or live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OregonUMC 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Meal All are welcome!
RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
609 S. 10th Street Oregon, IL 61061
Pastor Craig Arnold ~ 812-236-1213
Sunday Service @ 10:45 AM ~ contemporary style worship with coffee and doughnuts in our cafe! Online worship is also available via Facebook. We believe in sharing Communion every Sunday as an act of worship. RiverKids Service @ 10:45 AM for nursery-6th grade ~ provides a safe and fun environment where kids can learn about who God is and who they are because of Him.
Encounter Youth Ministry for kids in 7th-12th grade meets on Sunday afternoons. Please see our Facebook page for scheduled dates and times. For complete ministry info and events, visit us online at Riverstonecc.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/RiverStoneChristianChurch
ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
902 Mongan Drive (at the top of Liberty Hill), Oregon, IL 732-7211 -Office Rev. Eldred George Webpage: saintbrides.org • E-mail:saint.bride.church@gmail.com
Worship Services: Sunday 10 am Holy Communion with Hymns Christian Education Available
OREGON
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
301 N 4th St, Oregon, IL 61061 - Phone 815-732-7383 - Fr. Bernard Sehr;
Mailing/Office Address: 8 81 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061
Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm, Sun. 8:30 am and 6:00 pm
Weekday Masses: Mon. 12:05 pm, Wed. and Fri. 8:30 am
Communion Service: Tues. 8:30 am; Reconciliation: Sat 3:30-4:00 pm or by appt. Eucharistic Adoration: Wed. 9-10 am www.stmaryop.org stmary-oregon@rockforddiocese.org
Sunday: Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 am. Sunday School at 9:00 am. Wednesday: AWANA (Sept – April) from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Men, women, youth Bible Studies throughout the year. See website for all activities or contact the church office.
KISHWAUKEE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
8195 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 / 815-965-1940 Rev. Nick Garner, Pastor www.kishchurch.org
Sunday Schedule: Discipleship Hour 8:45 AM, Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM, Gathered Worship 10:00 AM For complete ministry schedule check out our website or call the church office.
VALLEY EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
Lead Pastor Barry Norris
103 S Maple St, Stillman Valley, IL 815-645-8872 | www.valleycov.org
Sunday Morning 9am ‘Gather’ for learning & conversation, 10:15am Worship both onsite and online at facebook.com/VECCfSV Home of Valley Covenant Preschool 815-645-8882 Director Jill Huber
Bible Studies, Youth Group, Bread of Life Food Pantry
Please visit website for more information or contact the church office M-F 9am-2pm
Coffee & Chat (Everyone is welcome!): Tuesdays 8-10am
Visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel for online worship
Serenity Hospice to host chat for Holiday grievers
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing hardship.
Serenity Hospice and Home is hosting a special Blue Christmas event to offer a space of comfort, reflection and hope for anyone who may be struggling during this time of year.
The gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the Pinecrest Grove Theater at Allure of Pinecrest, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris.
Sponsored and led by The Serenity Shed Bereavement Center and Sinnissippi Centers, the evening will feature gentle music, words of encouragement, and moments of quiet remembrance. The Blue Christmas service is designed to acknowledge the complex emotions
that can arise during the holiday season and to offer community support for those experiencing feelings of loss, loneliness or sadness.
“This event is meant to remind people that it’s OK to not feel joyful during the holidays,” Serenity bereavement coordinator Denise Caldwell said. “There is strength in coming together, honoring our grief, and finding light in the company of others who understand.”
The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend, regardless of faith background or connection to hospice services.
Events and programs are made possible through support from the Ogle County Community Mental Health 708 Board, which helps fund initiatives that promote mental health and emotional well-being throughout the community.
For more information, call Serenity Hospice and Home at 815-732-2499 or visit www.serenityhospiceandhome.org.
Ogle County releases
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The holiday season is in full swing, but soon it will be time for the décor to be put away and the Christmas tree taken down.
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department is once again coordinating Christmas tree recycling in Ogle County.
The trees will be ground up into usable mulch instead of going to a landfill. Mulch will be available at no cost for pickup at most locations. Please remove all decorations, lights, garland and the water stand. If using a tree bag for transport, remove the tree from the bag and keep the bag for use next year.
Only trees are accepted at these dropoff points; wreaths or other designs with metal frames are unable to be mulched and are not accepted.
The drop-off locations are as follows. They will be in operation from Dec. 26 to Jan. 16.
• Leaf River: 208 Railroad St. (near water treatment plant)
• Monroe Center: Lichty’s Landscaping, 309 Pacific St. (south of railroad tracks)
• Mt. Morris/Oregon: Oregon Park District Maintenance Dept., 507 Hill St.
• Polo: Southwest corner of East Colden Street and South Green Avenue
• Rochelle: The city will chip trees left at the curb the first two weeks of January; nonresident drop-off at Atwood Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street.
In some areas, FFA groups from Byron, Forreston, Oregon and Polo high schools will be collecting trees left at the curb Jan. 10.
Please have the tree at the curb by 8 a.m. for this service. As with drop-off, remove all decorations and do not place the tree in a bag. The areas where this service is provided are Adeline, Baileyville, Byron, Forreston, German Valley, Mt. Morris, Oregon and Polo. For information, call the OCSWMD at 815-732-4020 or visit oglecountyil.gov.
Christmas Services Christmas Services
December 24 ~ 5 PM
December 24 ~ 5 PM
Christmas Eve Service
December 24 ~ 5 PM
Christmas Eve Service
Candlelight, Carols & Special Music
Christmas Eve Service
Candlelight, Carols & Special Music
Candlelight, Carols & Special Music
United Church of Byron
United Church of Byron
United Church of Byron
701 W. 2nd St. Byron, IL
701 W. 2nd St. Byron, IL
701 W. 2nd St. Byron, IL
Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious
Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious
Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious
United Church of Byron, Illinois
United Church of Byron, Illinois
United Church of Byron, Illinois
Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org
Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org
Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org
Oregon artist sculpts Cinderella in the snow
7-foot snow sculpture of Disney character stands outside Conover Square Mall
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Visitors to Oregon’s downtown commercial district can thank Mother Nature and an artistic Oregon businessman for the 7-foot snow statue of Cinderella that graces a corner outside the Conover Square Mall.
While most Ogle County residents were figuring out how to get rid of the almost 12 inches of snow that fell across the region Nov. 29, sculptor Fran Volz of Rockford was getting inspired.
“The snow came down and there was lots of it. I checked out the weather forecast and it was going to be cold,” said Volz, owner and operator of Fran Volz Studios in Conover Square, 203 N. Third St. “She’s here because there was snow.”
Volz is a seasoned, professional sculptor when it comes to creating images in several mediums, including snow and his specialty – bronze.
He started sculpting snow in his front yard in Arlington Heights in the 1980s.
“I liked the interaction with the neighbors and people who would stop by. Then someone told me about the competition at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford,” he said.
Volz competed in the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford, winning in 2015 and 2017. He ran a studio in Rochelle before moving it into Conover Square.
Oregon’s Cinderella took three days to complete, Volz said, starting with one of the piles of snow left after Conover’s north parking lot was plowed.
“There was a pile of snow and I started with that,” he said.
After constructing the base, Volz started collecting white, clean snow from the surrounding area by using a shovel to scoop it up into a wheelbarrow and moving it to the base. He said snow scraped from pavement can include oils and debris that affect the color and composure of the sculpture.
“There was plenty of snow around to find the pure, white variety,” he said.
He began scraping and forming the
snow into Cinderella using photos of the iconic Disney character.
“Over the years I have honed my skills,” Volz said. “I started with four to five photos for reference, but that was a two-dimensional image so I had to create three dimensions.”
To do that, Volz used a doll for scale.
“I had a doll for the general figure and I used a ruler to measure the dimensions – for example, 1 inch for 1 foot,” he said.
After the sculpting was complete, he sprayed a mixture of acrylic paint and water to give Cinderella her trademark blue dress and blonde hair.
Volz is credited with suggesting the idea for the U.S. Straw Sculpting Contest that started in Rochelle and now is
held in Mt. Morris. He also created the bronze statue at the Veterans War Memorial at Lawnridge Cemetery in
Rochelle. To learn more about Volz and his studio, visit franvolzstudios.com.
Photos provided by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Fran Volz created this Cinderella snow sculpture Dec. 4 on the northwest corner of Conover Square at 203 N. Third St. in Oregon.
Fran Volz paints the Cinderella snow sculpture he created Dec. 4, on the northwest corner of Conover Square, 203 N. 3rd Street in Oregon. Volz has a store in the mall.
Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department releases holiday tips
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The holiday season is in full swing all over Ogle County as residents and businesses are decorating and preparing for all of the festivities that lie ahead.
The holiday season, with all of the celebrating, also comes with a large increase in the waste produced.
Take some steps this holiday season to go green and have a more waste-free holiday experience.
Choose from some of the ideas below to go green this holiday season and reduce our waste footprint:
• When deciding on gifts, choose a gift of experience, gift cards or certificates if possible. These gifts are truly enjoyable for the recipient and require very little packaging, no shipping and
very little gift wrap. And will not become a burden to the recipient when the item has lost its use or value and would be disposed of.
• When entertaining, plan meals accordingly and plan for how to distribute the leftovers to your guests, or ask them to bring a reusable container for leftovers to take home. Skip the disposable plates and utensils and use washable and reusable items to avoid excess waste. There’s some extra work with doing the dishes, but very well worth it to avoid single use items.
• When preparing the house for the holidays, many people clean and have many items that are no longer wanted. Consider taking all of your gently used, but still useful items, to a local resale shop or another outlet that accepts donations. Doing so helps those in need and gives items another life as opposed
to final disposal in a landfill.
• When shopping, shop local first to help local businesses, avoid longer drives and avoid excess packaging from purchasing items online. Bring reusable shopping bags and consider gifts that last and have real value to the recipient.
• When wrapping gifts, avoid excess paper and trim and consider reusable gift bags or other creative gift wrap. The excess ribbons, bows and other trim is not recycled and ends up for final disposal, creating additional waste. Save gift boxes for reuse next year if possible, and try to recycle boxes from packaging and gifts. Remember to flatten boxes and keep them clean and dry for efficient recycling of these items.
• Remember the 10 county locations to recycle your holiday light strands, located at fire stations in Mt. Morris,
Byron, Rochelle and Stillman Valley, and at village halls in Forreston, Polo, Creston and Davis Junction. There also are containers at the old courthouse and at the county offices located at 909 Pines Road.
Finally, starting Dec. 26, there will once again be several drop-off locations around the county for your live tree so it can be recycled into usable mulch, and there will once again be pick- up service available in Oregon, Mt. Morris, Byron, Polo and the Forreston areas courtesy of the local FFA groups on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.
For more information on waste reduction and recycling in Ogle County, visit the county website and utilize the RecycleCoach widget, call 815-732-4020, or see OCSWMD on Facebook at Ogle County Solid Waste Management Dept.
Oregon Chamber of Commerce to suspend operations due to financial challenges
Oregon city manager:
‘They filled a vital role for our community’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Citing financial challenges, the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce announced Dec. 4 that it will suspend operations beginning Dec. 31, 2025.
“This decision comes after several years of difficult financial challenges that have made sustaining our current business model increasingly difficult,” according to a community message from the Chamber’s board of directors. “We have made extensive efforts to reduce costs, including selling our building and relocating to Phelps Plaza, reductions in spending, limiting software expenses and reducing staff hours.”
restructuring, or potential closure and dissolution.
The Chamber extended its appreciation to members, partners, ambassadors, volunteers and the area for their support. Next steps will be communicated directly with members and any dues collected for 2026 will be returned.
“We have operated believing wholeheartedly in a future where the Chamber could thrive and serve this community with strength and stability, but our current business model appears to have increasingly less relevance,” the statement said. “It is with regret that this suspension of operations must happen, but to have memberships that cannot be properly served is not an option.”
The Chamber’s office was previously located at 122 N. Fourth St. before relocating to the city-owned Sarah
Phelps Plaza at 418 W. Washington St. earlier this year. The Chamber’s Dec. 4 statement said its board will stay in place and work through the process of
Oregon City Manager Darin DeHaan called the news of the Chamber suspending operations “devastating” and said the city is working with the Chamber’s
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce announced Dec. 4, that it is suspending operations. The Chamber sold its building at 122 N. Fourth St. and relocated to the Sarah Phelps Plaza, 418 W. Washington St., in October.
Stillman Valley man pleads not guilty
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Stillman Valley man has pleaded not guilty to the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
Joseph G. Dreesen, 25, entered his not guilty plea Dec. 3 and asked for a jury trial when he appeared with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow, for a preliminary hearing.
Dreesen was arrested Feb. 26 by Ogle County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the FBI after a search warrant was executed at a rural Stillman Valley home.
Dreesen was charged Feb. 27 with the Class X felony and is accused of knowingly committing “an act of contact, however slight” with a 6-year-old boy between Feb. 19, 2024, and Feb. 19, 2025.
Dreesen is accused of touching the boy for his own “sexual gratification or arousal,” according to court records.
The preliminary hearing was held seven months after Dreesen was ruled
mentally unfit to stand trial after an evaluation by a court-appointed psychologist. At that hearing, Associate Judge Anthony Peska rejected Dreesen’s attorney’s argument to release him from custody until he was deemed to be fit again. Instead, Peska ruled that Dreesen would remain in custody.
Dreesen was determined to be fit again in November.
During the preliminary hearing, Kevin Most, a former detective for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and now a detective/sergeant for the Oregon Police Department, testified that the sheriff’s department began investigating Dreesen after a complaint by a relative.
Most said the boy told his father that Dreesen had touched him inappropri -
ately several times and would not stop when he asked him to.
During a Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center interview, Most testified the boy said the contact occurred when Dreesen was watching him after he returned home from school.
“He [the boy] would tell him to stop, but he [Dreesen] would continue,” Most testified.
During a Feb. 26 interview at the sheriff’s department in Oregon, Most said he and an FBI officer asked Dreesen about the allegations.
“When I asked him if he knew why he was being interviewed he said because we had found out he was messing with [the boy],” Most testified.
Most said Dreesen acknowledged several times that the boy did not want to “do it,” but he continued because it made him [Dreesen] happy despite knowing he was “ruining” the juvenile’s life.
Most said an FBI officer took part in the interview because Dreesen was being investigated by that agency for
allegedly possessing images of child sexual abuse. Dreesen is not charged in Ogle County for that offense.
During a preliminary hearing, a judge determines if there is enough probable cause to determine if the case should continue.
Prosecutors can call witnesses and police officers to the stand to testify and defense attorneys can ask them questions during cross examination.
Peska ruled that Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss had met the burden of probable cause to continue the case to trial.
Morrow entered Dreesen’s not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial. He requested the next hearing be set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5.
Class X felonies are punishable by six to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with three years to natural life of mandatory supervised release.
Defendants must serve 85% of their sentence and must register as a sex offender upon their release.
Joseph G. Dreesen
Ogle County sheriff hopes for conversations with governor, legislators on SAFE-T Act reform
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, along with other sheriffs in the state, released a statement Thursday, Dec. 4, expressing desire to work with Gov. JB Pritzker and the state legislature on revising the criminal justice reform SAFE-T Act that took effect in September 2023.
The statement was made in response to Pritzker saying the state government is “open to listening to what changes might need to be made” after a woman was set on fire Nov. 17 in Chicago. A Chicago man who has more than 70 prior arrests, including eight felony convictions, has been accused in the case.
The SAFE-T Act’s history
The SAFE-T Act eliminated cash bail. Judges still can order someone to be detained as they await trial, but the new system is instead based on an offender’s level of risk of reoffending or fleeing prosecution. The SAFE-T Act also reformed police training, certification and use-offorce standards, expanded detainee rights and gave the attorney general’s office authority to investigate alleged civil rights violations by law enforcement. It also required body cameras at all police departments by 2025.
VanVickle was president of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association when the SAFE-T Act was written and passed. His desire is to see judicial discretion restored, accountability strengthened, and ensuring that victims’ rights remain at the forefront in a potential revision, the statement said. He hopes the governor and legislators will engage directly with frontline law enforcement as they evaluate next steps.
“I welcome an honest, expert-led conversation about what is – and is not –working for public safety in Illinois,” VanVickle wrote. “Law enforcement across the state has raised consistent concerns about provisions that restrict our ability to detain violent and repeat offenders. We all want fairness in the justice system –but fairness cannot come at the expense of victims or our communities. When individuals accused of the most serious crimes are released after a single hearing, victims lose confidence and families feel less safe. That must change.”
The main change VanVickle would like to see in a revision to the SAFE-T Act
is judges having more control over the detention or release of defendants. The Ogle County sheriff said the legislation has yielded different results in each of Illinois’ 102 counties.
Some counties have seen jail populations cut in half, while others have seen them rise significantly, VanVickle said. That is due to counties’ operations differing and lawyers interpreting the law differently in each county, he said. After the SAFE-T Act, defendants are being released almost immediately, or serving longer than they would have before 2023, he said.
“We’ve seen people that get arrested on a no bond failure to appear warrant on Thursday now sit in jail potentially until Monday,” VanVickle said. “Whereas preSAFE-T Act, they would have been out the next morning. Those are issues we see when they take away that judicial oversight. For me, that’s the biggest issue at hand, not allowing the judges to make those decisions.”
VanVickle cited the case of a woman who was arrested, transported to the Ogle County Jail for a detainable offense and kept in jail due to being “an issue with society” and was in a “true mental health situation”. She remained in jail for almost five months with no avenue, such as bond, to be released to seek care, he said.
The sheriff also cited cases of failure to appear arrest warrants issued if someone doesn’t show up to multiple court dates. A policy has been instituted by the sheriff’s office to only service those warrants north of Interstate 80 due to the likely quick release of those arrestees, he said.
“Because we know they’re going to get out of jail, so it makes no sense to go all the way across the state to pick up somebody to just be released immediately,” VanVickle said. “Those are the unintended consequences of taking judi-
cial discretion away.”
VanVickle: Act has had negative effects on safety, taxpayers
Daily population numbers in the Ogle County Jail taken at the end of the day are typically low-to-mid 40s since the SAFE-T Act took effect. Prior to 2023, numbers were typically in the upper 60s. VanVickle said overall numbers of inmates processed into jail since 2023 are actually slightly higher, due to multiple arrests and quick releases under the new system.
The abolition of cash bail has created more processing and release work for Ogle County Jail personnel.
“Our corrections staff is three deputies on the day shift,” VanVickle said. “They still have to do rounds and take care of the jail population and get them to court, all while doing the processing for new inmates that are all basically in and then right back out. It has definitely created a strain on staff that really is a concern and, at some point, will need to be addressed through more staffing.”
Ogle County’s jail was constructed in recent years and opened in early 2021, and was designed to be operated pre-SAFE-T Act. Now-nonexistent bail money was planned for the county’s debt service.
“The jail is now essentially funded 100% by taxpayers,” VanVickle said. “The vast majority of our taxpayers don’t go to jail, but they have to fund the facility. It has not been that way in the past. Previously fines, fees and bond money contributed to that. Now it’s all on the backs of the taxpayers. It was previously never that way. That wasn’t our plan when we built the jail.”
The Ogle County sheriff believes bond
has a place in the criminal justice reform structure, namely as a way to ensure that people attend court appearances. He said that process has become “more cumbersome” since the SAFE-T Act.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office deputies are paid for their time in court on cases, and VanVickle said defendants not appearing in court due to less consequences is causing additional cost.
“It’s an unfunded mandate, spending more overtime dollars to have people in court and defendants don’t show up,” VanVickle said. “I remember one day being at the courthouse and over 30 different defendants didn’t show up for one court call. It definitely is an issue.”
VanVickle still is involved with the ISA’s executive board as its treasurer and as a past president. He will be part of an ISA legislative call in coming weeks on the topic of the SAFE-T Act. It is the Ogle County sheriff’s hope that discussions on criminal justice legislation are had by the legislature in coming months.
VanVickle estimates that “probably 90 percent” of sheriffs in the state would support a revision to the SAFE-T Act. As ISA president at the time of the legislation, he was the lone sheriff to testify in front of the legislature.
“I was asked one question: ‘Will you stop referring to offenders as criminals?’ That’s pretty much how the supermajority of the state legislature has worked with law enforcement since I’ve been in law enforcement,” VanVickle said. “That’s the frustrating part, the safety of our communities. While they came up with a catchy little title for the act, it hasn’t made our communities safer. It’s made it safer for the criminals.”
Alex T. Paschal Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle.
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Attorney for Rochelle teen asks for more time
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The attorney for a Rochelle teenager who is facing felony charges for shooting at a vehicle in October told an Ogle County judge Wednesday, Dec. 3, that he needs more time to review evidence that prosecutors have provided.
“I’ve been getting additional discovery. I need time to review it,” Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow told Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska.
Morrow represents Camren Hastings, 18, who is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated use of a firearm as a person under the age of 21, a Class 4 felony.
Both charges were filed in connection with an Oct. 4 incident in which Hastings is accused of firing a gun in the direction
of a vehicle that was occupied by another person.
Hastings has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest in late October.
Discovery is the pretrial legal term used to describe evidence prosecutors refer to as they attempt to prove a case in court. During discovery, prosecutors and the defense exchange information to prepare for trial.
Morrow said he also needed time to review a new motion filed by Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten asking the court to compel Hastings to provide access to his iPhone.
In that Dec. 2 motion, Leisten said the iPhone was recovered from a shelf where Hastings was sleeping when police searched his home in the 400 block of Lake Lida Lane on Oct. 28. Leisten also is
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seeking the passcode for another cellphone during the search.
Police said the October search warrant stemmed from an Oct. 4 evening incident in which “a vehicle had been shot approximately 13 times in the 100 block of Willis Avenue.”
At an Oct. 29 detention hearing, Leisten said Hastings was one of a group of 10 individuals walking on the street shooting guns about 11:10 p.m. Another juvenile has been charged in connection with the incident, but juvenile charges and hearings are not available to the public.
Leisten’s Dec. 2 motion asks the court to compel Hastings to provide access to the iPhone.
“The defendant told Detective [Matthew] Wittenberg that he could not remember the passcode for the iPhone that is the subject of this motion,” Leisten said in the Dec. 2 motion. “The defendant confirmed that both cellphones belonged to him.
Therefore, the people are seeking an order from this court compelling the defendant to provide the password to the
iPhone pursuant to the search warrant’s order.”
Leisten said a password/passcode is needed to gain access to the phone. “The defendant has not provided the passcode, and the detective does not have any means to ‘crack’ the passcode at their department,” according to the motion.
A Nov. 25 search warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to press the fingers of Hastings to any ‘Touch ID sensor’ of any Apple brand device for the purpose of unlocking it.
Peska remanded Hastings to the Ogle County Jail and set his next court date for 9 a.m. Dec. 24.
During Hastings’ Oct. 29 hearing, Leisten said video footage obtained by officers showed four males and two females – some appearing to be juveniles – running into a nearby cornfield. He said it appeared that between 13 to 14 shots were fired at the vehicle during the incident and that police collected 12 bullet casings and two firearms near the scene.
Camren Hastings
HONORING OUR AMERICAN HERO
Holcomb’s Adams served in U.S. Army 1955-1957
Dewayne
Adams:
‘It teaches you to listen to commands and have respect for people and property’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Dewayne Adams of Holcomb served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. His duty included driving a supply truck during the Korean War.
Adams volunteered for the draft in 1955, figuring he would probably be drafted anyway with the Korean War winding down and the Vietnam War ramping up. He went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri before Fort Lee in Virginia for supply school. He was then put on a boat to Korea.
“I had never been on a boat before,” Adams said. “Everyone got seasick. It was crazy. I lived on Coke and soda crackers for three days. I got to Incheon, South Korea, and they took us on a bus and we got assigned jobs. I was a truck driver in the service. I could drive anything that had wheels.”
The Holcomb man, now 90, was stationed at ASCOM (Army Service Command) City near Incheon. The large army logistics and supply depot supplied U.S. and U.N. forces with necessities like fuel, ammunition and food. The depot was so extensive that it became known as a city, complete with its own facilities for personnel.
Adams worked with 10 warehouses and supplied divisions up north and would pick up requisitioned items and deliver them.
“You were assigned a duty when you got there,” Adams said. “It was either working in a warehouse, delivering supplies or working in an office. I didn’t want to work in an office. We had everything in that compound from an M1 rifle to tires, truck parts and more. It was a good job.”
Adams grew up in Holcomb with 10 siblings. Getting into the service resulted in his first train ride, plane ride and ship ride. While deployed to Korea, he took rest and recuperation time in Japan, which he enjoyed. He saw things he never would have seen if he wasn’t in the Army.
Four of Adams’ brothers served in the military as well. His brothers, Ben and Fritz, were in the U.S. Marines for four years and saw combat action.
Ben Adams was missing for 16 months before he was found safe.
Bill Adams served the Army and Jerry Adams served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Every Adams brother found their way home.
“Serving your country is just the way it was back then,” Adams said. “It was a way of life. Every young man in this country should go into the service for at least six months. It teaches you to listen to commands and have respect for people and property. I don’t see enough of that in the world today. That’s what it taught me.”
After his service, Dewayne Adams came home and worked at Del Monte and Knox Motor before farming for 18 years. He worked as a crop adjuster for another 18 years after that and retired.
The Holcomb man believes the discipline and work ethic he learned in the military helped him in his career.
He’s a member of the Rochelle VFW Post and the Stillman Valley American Legion Post.
“I take a lot of pride in being a veteran and the service of my family members
and friends,” Adams said. “I’m glad I went to serve the country.”
Honoring our American Hero is a feature on local veterans. To submit a veteran or service member for consideration,pleaseemailJeffHelfrich at jhelfrich@shawmedia.com.
Jeff Helfrich
Dewayne Adams of Holcomb served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. His duty included driving a supply truck during the Korean War.
Dewayne Adams, now 90, was stationed at ASCOM (Army Service Command) City near Incheon.
Photo provided by Dewayne Adams
Small Business Bingo event in Rochelle raises $4,680
Previous bingos have raised a total of $46,930 for various area nonprofits
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A Small Business Bingo event was held Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Flight Deck Bar & Grill in Rochelle saw almost 300 attendees and raised $4,680 to be split between Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and HOPE of Ogle County, event organizer and AP Massage Therapy Owner Ashley Patrick said.
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 past years has numbered in the hundreds with more than a dozen nonprofits benefiting. Small Business
County, Shining Star
braved winter conditions and a full parking lot, which Patrick said showed the community’s dedication to support the event “no matter what.”
“Overall things went really well,” Patrick said. ”It was nice to have so much volunteer help and a lot of new faces that came out to set up and do things during the event. It makes me feel good that more people want to get involved and see it continue. We had bad weather that wasn’t great for parking and we still had almost 300 people attend. We filled a lot of boxes with canned goods to donate to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry.”
Bingo has raised a total of $46,930. The Dec. 2 event was the last leg of a two-leg run in 2025 after four events a year in the past.
Tuesday’s bingo night also included a canned food drive to benefit the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, with donors receiving raffle entrees. Bingo players
Raising a total of $10,390 over a twoevent run in 2025 is a fact Patrick is proud of, especially with the events happening after a 10-month layoff. Events are held in the winters at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center hangar. The venue is the largest in town and is only
Jeff Helfrich file photo
Small Business Bingo Founder Ashley Patrick (right) speaks Nov. 6 at an event at Flight Deck Bar & Grill in Rochelle.
Continued from page 13
board and director to figure out ways to support Oregon-area businesses going forward.
DeHaan said work is underway on reactive ideas, such as creating an informal organization to work with local businesses to find ways to support them as the chamber did.
“You hate to see a local chamber close,” DeHaan said. “They were our liaison for our local businesses and made a great impact. They were always there for us, working on community events that drew tourism. In the past they helped us through COVID-19 and getting grant work done on behalf of businesses. They filled a vital role for our community. We’re sad to see them close their doors.”
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce worked on organizing and facilitating events, business retention and development and more. DeHaan said that with Oregon being a tourism-focused economy, the city and the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation will do what it can to see that work continue in some fashion.
• BINGO
Continued from page 20
available in the winters.
Patrick called raising almost $47,000 over 10 events “crazy to think about.” It was her original hope that 50-60 people would attend the first event in 2023.
“It’s very humbling to imagine that we took something so simple and made it into this,” Patrick said. “I love that people love it and that they’ve shown how dedicated they are to it. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without everyone’s help to make it happen.”
Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center works with families and children in Ogle and Lee counties who have been victims of child abuse. The work is done alongside law enforcement, prosecutors, DCFS and medical providers when there’s been allegations of severe physical or sexual abuse or kids that have experienced violent crimes, domestic violence or child deaths in the home.
As the area’s domestic violence support agency, HOPE of Ogle County provides free and confidential services including counseling, support groups, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and a 24/7 hotline.
released a statement saying it was saddened by the news and thanking the chamber for its years of support. AOP assured the community it is an independent organization and the fall festival will continue in coming years.
“We assure the public that our festival will continue to deliver a memorable fall celebration for years to come,” the AOP statement said.
The city rents space to the chamber at the Sarah Phelps Community Plaza. DeHaan said the city has had discussions about the next steps for the space with the chamber’s situation and wants it to remain community-focused and as an information hub.
Events organized by the chamber included Oregon’s Candlelight Walk, and DeHaan said he fully expects that event to continue in coming years despite the chamber’s operations suspension.
“They have a strong committee that works on that. I don’t see that going away,” DeHaan said. “We’ll work to help make sure it’s successful in the future. If there are ways that we can help with an overall marketing cam -
paign on behalf of businesses, we’ll work closely with them to see if we can help with that. Chambers are strategically involved in entrepreneurial development and we have to figure out how we can continue to encourage entrepreneurial spirit here in Oregon and Ogle County going forward. The city will look at ways to do that.”
Following the news of the chamber’s suspension of operations, the Autumn on Parade board of directors
The Oregon city manager said the city will take whatever steps it can to help businesses amid the chamber’s current situation.
“Our businesses are our backbone, from employment to bringing in sales tax and having a nice variety for residents and people that come and visit our community,” DeHaan said. “Our businesses both large and small are vitally important to us and certainly the city is already scrambling to try to fill a large void without the chamber in ways we can support that.”
shown the community’s dedication, and people asking her throughout the year when the events will return “fuels the fire” to keep hosting them, she said.
As far as a 2026 return for Small Business Bingo, Patrick said she has a desire to bring it back if she’s able to secure sponsors for venue costs.
“The biggest challenge is venue sponsorship,” Patrick said. “If we can figure that out, I am willing to keep it going. If the people are going to show their dedication to keep showing up no matter what, I want to continue to provide it. I am really hoping to do it next year.”
What started as an idea with hopes to attract 50 to 60 bingo players has grown into a tradition that has raised almost $47,000, filling Rochelle’s largest venue time and time again. But the model hasn’t changed.
The Rochelle Christian Food Pantry is open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays and gives food to those in need and has seen record need in recent months.
services are so needed.”
“I think spreading awareness of nonprofits is one of my main goals with these events,” Patrick said. “Maybe people don’t understand what these nonprofits do or they’ll support it more if they have a better understanding of what they do. Or maybe someone that needs their services finds out about them. I think it’s very important. Their
Patrick said she enjoys seeing bingo players that have become regulars over Small Business Bingo’s 10 events. Many regular players have become volunteers that help with the events, which saw a lot of new players in its latest run, she said.
With 8 to 10 months between each run of Small Business Bingo, Patrick has wondered in the past if crowds will return. The fact that they have has
“I feel like I’ve stayed true to my original goal of making it community-minded,” Patrick said. “I want people to feel the connection of coming together as businesses and community members for a good cause.
“It’s a small idea. Giving doesn’t have to be a big gesture. People can now see that their $15 to play makes a huge difference. I love that we’ve been able to take something simple and make it into such an impactful thing. Small things can make a big difference.”
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce announced Dec. 4 that it is suspending operations. The Chamber sold its building at 122 N. 4th St. and relocated to the Sarah Phelps Plaza, 418 W. Washington St. in October.
Photo provided by Ashley Patrick
Small Business Bingo organizer Ashley Patrick (center) presents a check for $4,680 to representatives from HOPE of Ogle County and Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center.
Pecatonia man gets periodic imprisonment for fleeing Ogle County police in January
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Pecatonica man has been sentenced to 18 months periodic imprisonment for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer during a high-speed chase in January.
Jered T. Vautsmeier, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 4 to the misdemeanor offense when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court with his attorney, Glenn Jazwiec.
Charges of driving with a suspended license and four traffic-related charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Under the plea agreement, Judge
John “Ben” Roe agreed to sentence Vautsmeier to serve 189 days in the Ogle County Jail, starting Jan. 20, 2026.
Vautsmeier initially was charged with fleeing from Ogle County sheriff’s deputies after a 6:24 p.m. traffic stop Jan. 6 near Polo.
Information released by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office at that time said that at one point Vautsmeier was traveling 125 mph in a 55-mph speed zone.
“The vehicle fled from deputies at a
high rate of speed until the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns.
The vehicle was located a short time later in Leaf River and again fled from deputies.
The pursuit was again terminated a short time after it entered Winnebago County,” according to a sheriff’s office release.
Vautsmeier and his vehicle were found by Pecatonica police in Winnebago County, where Ogle County deputies took custody of Vautsmeier.
Original charges included driving on a suspended license, driving more than 35 mph over the speed limit, improper lane use, disregarding a traffic control device, improper display of registration
and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told Roe that Vautsmeier had “willfully failed or refused to obey” an Ogle County deputy’s signal to stop his vehicle.
Vautsmeier was ordered to pay $370 in fines and costs and received one day credit for time already served in the Ogle County Jail.
Periodic imprisonment allows nonviolent offenders to serve jail time in intermittent periods such as nights or weekends in order to maintain employment or receive treatment.
Jered T. Vautsmeier
BARNEY BRENT SHELBURNE
Born: May 26, 1965
Died: November 19, 2025
Barney Brent Shelburne, 60, of Stillman Valley, IL, passed away November 19, 2025, at his home.
Barney was born May 26, 1965 in Noblesville, IN. He was a treasured son to Howard Dale and Rebecca Jacquelyne ‘Jackie’ Wire Shelburne. Growing up as the ninth of 11 children, Barney shared his childhood with six brothers and four sisters. Barney
CHARLES BRADFORD
Charles “Chuck Edward Bradford, 81, of Byron, IL, passed on 12/10/2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Farrell Holland Gale F.H., Oregon, IL. Additional information: www.farrellhollandgale.com.
grew up in Rochester, IN, and graduated from Rochester High School in 1983. Barney was a hard worker with a drive to get things done. While in high school, he worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken and eventually became a manager. As a kid, Barney liked to hang out at the fire department where he fell in love with the profession. He joined the Rochester Fire Department as a volunteer and got hired full time, eventually becoming the assistant chief. He left the fire department to make the move to Illinois, where he worked at the family business, Rogers Brothers Galvanizing. He also worked at Rockford Tech Systems. Barney married the love of his life, Lorraine ‘Rayne’ McKinnon Shelburne in Rockford, IL, on July 6, 1991. Barney loved life and lived every day
like it was his last. He enjoyed a good practical joke and making people laugh. He had a big heart and would give the shirt off his back to help a friend in need. He enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his Harley with his friends. Barney was a member of the Eagles Club, Sons of the American Legion, SM&SF Club, and the Steel Pigs.
Left to cherish Barney’s memory are his wife, Rayne; his children, Landon (Krystal) Shelburne of Wabash, IN, Sydney (Corey Carlson) Shelburne of Knoxville, TN, Sara (Trae) Varney of Stillman Valley, IL,and Jenna (Ethan Engelkens) Shelburne of Stillman Valley, IL; sisters, Betsy Shelburne of State College, PA, Misty (Tim) Depoy of Warsaw, IN, and Mindy (Hector) Navarro of Rochester, IN; brothers,
Jeffery Shelburne of Rochester, IN, Rodney (Darla) Shelburne of Warsaw, IN, and Randy (Carol) Shelburne of Rochester, IN; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and two crazy fur babies, Kaya and Remi.
Preceding Barney in death are his parents, Howard and Jackie; brothers, Gary, Scott and Rusty Shelburne; and sister, Tammy See. There will be a celebration of Llife for Barney at the SM&SF Club, 1010 Sandy Hollow Rd., Rockford, IL 61109, on December 22nd from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a private burial of his cremated remains at the IOOF Cemetery in Rochester, IN, at a later date, with a luncheon following for those friends and family from Indiana who would like to pay their respects.
Online Only Personal Property Auction
Joyce Orsted Estate
St. Mary Catholic Church
Christmas Services
Christmas Eve Mass: 4:30PM at Oregon 5PM at Polo
Midnight Mass: 12 Midnight at Oregon
Christmas Mass: 9:30AM at Oregon
Mary, Mother of God Vigil: December 31, 2025 5PM at Oregon
Mary, Mother of God Mass: January 1, 2026 8:30AM at Polo
Two Locations:
301 N 4th St Oregon 211 N Franklin Polo
904 Clay Street, Oregon, IL 61061
Thursday, December 18th 8AM to Sunday, December 21st 5PM This is an Online Auction.
Please visit https://aandtauctionservices.hibid.com/ for full sale viewing beginning 12/17/2025. Pictures will be uploaded prior to that date as they are available.
Personal Property: Household items; furniture (antique and modern); large CocaCola memorabilia collection; glassware, dishes, & collectibles; various antiques; jewelry (costume & other); various tools & garage items; local memorabilia items & other; some toys & games (vintage & more), including collectible cars; Collection of coins & paper money; gas snowblower; charcoal smoker/grill; much, much more!
Item Viewing: Items will be available for online viewing @ 8am on 12/17/2025. If you wish for more information on an item or an appointment to view an item, please contact A & T Auction Services directly.
Pick-Up: Pick-up for items will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd from 4-7pm at the address listed above. Alternate pick-ups will be offered for those needing accommodations for the holiday. Please be sure to communicate with the auctioneer.
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
Take Out Available!
(Order by Dec. 23rd!)
maxsons Christmas
Seatings 11AM & 1PM
Christmas Dinner pick-up times 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM
Adults $35 Seniors $33 Kids (7-12) $20
Buffet Dishes:
Turkey, Porkloin, Brocoil Rice Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Pot Roast, Scalloped Potatoes, & MORE
Carving Station Dishes
:
Ham & Brisket
24 Foot Dessert Table
Reservations Are Required For Holidays To Reserve Your Table Give Us A Call At (815)732-6761 Or Message Us On Facebook At Maxsons Restaurant Riverboat Oregon IL
Kids! Come see our awesome Santa display!
Closed Christmas Eve
Open New Year’s Eve 11AM - 8PM
Closed New Year’s Day
HOW TO PLAY
Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Pickles
Wizard of Id
Alley Oop Garfield
Hagar the Horrible
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Daddy Daze
JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in
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 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
Club elections
Solution: 22 Letters Accountability Agile Argue Bylaws Chair Close Collaboration Conference room Cost Data Debit Dissent Drinks Dues Executive Favour Gavel Hands Icebreaker Ideas Kickoff Lists Minutes News Norms Order Past Plan Procedure Reports Risk Roles Secretary Timekeeper Topic Urge
Solution: Every member needs to vote Date: 12/13/25 Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com
Speed Bump
pr sentative for the estate is Denise Miller, 8898 S Lynn St., Rochelle, IL 61068. The attorney for the estate is Amanda J Martinez, 5732 E Riverside Blvd., #201, Loves Park, IL 61111.
The estate will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk
e, within six months from the date of the first publication, no later than June 15, 2025 andany claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must bemailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has beenfiled.
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
In the Matter of:
HAROLD H. FLEENOR, Deceased
2025 PR 64 PUBL ICATION
NOTICE - CLA IMS
Notice is given of the death of Harold H. Fleenor, who died on August 19, 2024, a resident of Ogle County, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on December 3, 2025, and the Representative for the estate is Denise Miller, 8898 S Lynn St., Rochelle, IL 61068. The attorney for the estate is Amanda J Martinez, 5732 E Riverside Blvd., #201, Loves Park, IL 61111.
The estate will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk
Claims against the estate may be filed on or before June 15, 2026, that date being at least six (6) months from the date of the first publication.
Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both.
Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it
Claims against the estate may be filed on or before June 15, 2026, that date being at least six (6) months from the date of the first publication.
Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both.
Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Attorney Amanda J. Martinez ARDC#: 6287970
The Law Office of Amanda Adams Martinez LLC 5732 E. Riverside Blvd., #201 Loves Park, IL 61111 815-491-8065 amartinez@adams martinezlaw.com December 15, 22, 29, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILDRED PAAR, Deceased 2025 PR 67 NOTICE OF CLAIM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILDRED PAAR, Deceased 2025 PR 67 NOTICE OF CLAIM
Notice is given of the death of Mildred Paar, who died on September 2, 2025. Letters ofOffice were issued on December 5, 2025 to Susan Hagen, as Independent Administrator, whoseaddress is 409 N Barber Ave., Polo, IL 61064, and whose attorney is Kelly Flessner of EhrmannGehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC, 114 E Everett St., Suite
Notice is given of the death of Mildred Paar, who died on September 2, 2025. Letters ofOffice were issued on December 5, 2025 to Susan Hagen, as Independent Administrator, whoseaddress is 409 N Barber Ave., Polo, IL 61064, and whose attorney is Kelly Flessner of EhrmannGehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC, 114 E Everett St., Suite 300, Dixon, Illinois 61021.The estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Chapter 755 ILCS5/28-4 of the probate act, any interes ted person terminate s independent administration at anytime by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Clerk of the Ogle County Court.Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, or with the representative,or both within six months from the date of the first publication, no later than June 15, 2025 andany claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must bemailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has beenfiled.
Kelly L. Flessner
Attorney for Administrator
Prepared by: Ms. Kelly L. Flessner (ARDC 631282)
, ofOffice were issued on December 5, 2025 to Susan Hagen, as Independent Administrator, whoseaddress is 409 N Barber Ave., Polo, IL 61064, and whose attorney is Kelly Flessner of EhrmannGehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC, 114 E Everett St., Suite 300, Dixon, Illinois 61021.The estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Chapter 755 ILCS5/28-4 of the probate act, any interes ted person terminate s independent administration at anytime by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Clerk of the Ogle County Court.Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, or with the representative,or both within six months from the date of the first publication, no later than June 15, 2025 andany claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must bemailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has beenfiled.
Kelly L. Flessner Attorney for Administrator Prepared by: Ms. Kelly L. Flessner (ARDC 631282) Attorney for Petitioner Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 flessner@egbclaw. com
Dec. 15, 22, 29, 2025
Ti llman
Kelly L. Flessner Attorney for Administrator Prepared by: Ms. Kelly L. Flessner (ARDC 631282) Attorney for Petitioner Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 flessner@egbclaw. com
Dec. 15, 22, 29, 2025
Attorney for Petitioner
Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC
114 E. Everett St.,
Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to build a 215-foot self-support tower (225 ft w/appurtenances) located north of W Woosung Rd, approx. 976 feet NE of the intersection of W Woosung Rd and Central St, Woosung, IL 61091. Structure coordinates are: (N4154-30.7)/(W89-3219.9). The tower is anticipated to have FAA Style E (dual medium intensity) lighting. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR Form 854) file number is A1350020. Environmental E ffects: Interested persons may review the application at www.fcc. gov/asr/applica tions by entering the file number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmenta l Review at www.fcc.gov/ asr/environmental reques t within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC's website. Online filings are strongly encouraged Mailing address for a paper filing is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, ATTN: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. December 15, 2025
RJ Keene sets mark as Hawks bowling bests Sterling
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Oregon High School bowling team competed Tuesday night at Town & Country Lanes in Mt. Morris, defeating Sterling 3,464 to 2,860.
Hawk senior RJ Keene set the Oregon all-time dual record with a 795 series. Keene rolled 11 strikes in a row during game two.
“I just went with the flow and had fun with my team,” Keene said.
Other finishes from Oregon’s varsity
lineup included Caleb Ehrler (596 series),Ethan Rowe (557 series), Andrew Stahl (553 series), Ivan Hernandez (485 series) and Rylann Delehanty (478 series).
The victory moved Oregon’s varsity record to 2–1 on the season.
The Oregon junior varsity team moved to 3-0 with a 2,109-2,062 win against Sterling. Sophomore Asher Kramer led the JV with a 532 series.
For the third straight match, Oregon had fewer bowlers than its opponent and secured a win.
Prep Bowl was the biggest thing in state football in 1937
With the Class 5A to 8A state championships concluding Dec. 2 and 3, it’s time to put a wrap on the high school football season.
This was the latest the playoffs ever went because the weather Nov. 29 forced postponements. The 5A and 6A state title games were held at Illinois State University and the 7A and 8A state title games were played at Norther Illinois University.
There has been high school football played in December in the past. Before the state playoffs were instituted in 1974, there was a postseason playoff between Chicago public and Catholic schools called the Prep Bowl, usually held at Soldier Field.
It’s still held, but it’s a shell of itself. In its day, the Prep Bowl was the biggest thing in Illinois football, with crowds as high as 120,000 filling Soldier Field. I’m not making that up.
That is how many showed up in 1937 to watch Leo and Austin in the championship game. It remains a national record for attendance at a high school football game.
You might be saying, how could that be possible with Soldier Field’s capacity the smallest in the NFL at 61,500.
Before the era of luxury boxes, safety codes and bleachers instead of seats, the stadium had a much different configuration. People also were smaller than today and did not take up as much space.
The city of Chicago sponsored the
Prep Bowl until Mayor Richard J. Daley died in 1976. He was a huge proponent of it and interest began to wane afterward. Plus, the Catholic schools were hammering the public league schools on a regular basis and the IHSA postseason was becoming more important.
Compared to last year with seven state titles, the Catholic League settled for five with championships in 4A through 8A. Lena-Winslow, Wilmington and Byron took 1A, 2A and 3A, respectively.
Those three juggernauts will be at or near the top in 2026. They always are and long playoff runs give them an advantage of getting so much more practice time than everyone else.
Lena-Winslow has the bulk of its large physical line returning and simply will reload at the skilled positions. Similar to this season when it scheduled Rochelle, Lena-Winslow (230 enrollment) has scheduled Class 2A state champ Wilmington (400 enrollment) and Wisconsin state champion Darlington (260 enrollment) for nonconference games.
With Durand-Pecatonica moving to the Big Northern Conference for football, Byron isn’t able to schedule a
nonconference foe. The Tigers have loads of young talent coming through the program and will be the preseason No. 1 team in 3A, with IC Catholic also up there.
Of course, there is a ridiculous nature to preseason polls. In college football, Texas was No. 1 and Penn State was No. 2. Within a few short weeks, both dropped out of the top 25 after multiple losses.
When the regular season ended, half of the teams ranked in the poll fell out of the top 25, though Texas did return.
A better idea would be to scratch the concept and begin the polls partway through the season. Otherwise, it is just guesses based upon how a team did the previous year.
The biggest disappointment of the IHSA finals was East St. Louis being upset by Chicago Fenwick. Talented, speedy and big, East St. Louis is one of the least disciplined teams you’ll ever see.
In 8-man, Amboy has lots of players coming back and it’s possible we could see Polo and the Clippers in a repeat championship game. Polo’s tradition is such that it always will be there at the end.
On to basketball, bowling and wrestling.
An early basketball game between two of the top teams in the area took place Dec. 1 between Eastland and Forreston. In Robert DeVries’ first game as head coach, the Cardinals nearly
beat the No. 7 team in Class 1A on Eastland’s home court, losing in overtime after holding an eight-point lead in the second half.
Forreston hasn’t beaten Eastland since 2015 when DeVries was a senior on the team that took fourth downstate. Do you remember the other starters? Wyatt Kerchner, Ethan Groom, Kaleb Reining and Aaron Shelton.
Polo, which was in the midst of its remarkable seven-year run of 20-plus wins, gave the Cardinals all they could handle in the regional finals that year, losing 56-46.
The top streak of 20-win seasons in the area is 18 years by Rockford Boylan (1991-2008). Lately though, Boylan is taking it lumps in both basketball and football.
With an enrollment down to 558, it was 2-7 in football and 6-27 in basketball. Twenty years ago, there were 1,300 students.
Oregon has been one of the best small-school bowling teams in the state and this year in no exception. In November, RJ Keene set a school record with a 795 (247-290-258) series against Sterling, including 11 strikes in a row.
Those who bowl recreationally can relate to how big of a deal that is. Congratulations RJ.
• Andy Colbert is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Andy Colbert SPORTS VIEWS
Hawks teams are off to great starts
The Oregon Hawks varsity boys basketball team beat South Beloit (74-34) and Marian Central (68-53) at their season-opening Oregon Boys Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament.
The wrestling team defeated West Carroll (66-18) and Amboy (84-0) in its first home match.
– Earleen Hinton
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Oregon’s Tucker O’Brien puts up a shot over a Woodstock Marian defender at the Oregon Boys Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Oregon’s Cooper Johnson (2) drives to the basket against South Beloit on Nov. 24 during the tournament. ABOVE: Oregon’s Nelson Benesh (top) and Amboy’s Keaton Thompson wrestle at 138 pounds at Oregon High School on Nov. 25. LEFT: Oregon’s Kendra Ege holds Amboy’s Leah Dempsey on the mat during their 106 pound match on Nov. 25 at Oregon High School.
Hawks soar past Polo
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
TOP LEFT: Polo’s Mercer Mumford drives the lane as Oregon’s Cooper Johnson defends on Dec. 5 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Polo’s Aidan Messer (24) and JT Stephenson (00) reach for the ball as they battle Oregon’s Tucker O’Brien (5) and Landon Anderson (4) for a rebound. ABOVE: Oregon’s Cooper Johnson (2) drives the baseline against Polo. LEFT: Oregon’s Tucker O’Brien (5) shoots against Polo.
The Oregon Hawks varsity boys basketball team dominated Polo, 66-22, on Dec. 5 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. – Earleen Hinton
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1973: In college basketball, Tennessee beat Temple, 11-6, in one of worst games ever in 20th century. 1997: San Francisco 49ers retire Joe Montana’s #16 jersey.
Monday, December 15, 2025
SUCCESS ON THE MAT
The Oregon Hawks wrestling team beat Fulton, 47-30, and Polo, 72-12, in a tri-meet on Dec. 4 in Oregon / 30
Oregon’s Jacksyn Windam holds Fulton’s Christian Mitchell on the mat during the 215-pound match on Dec. 4 at Oregon High School.
Photo by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
