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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Potato bar March 3 at Mt. Morris Church

Disciples United Methodist Church, 102 Maple Ave. in Mt. Morris, is hosting a potato bar from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3. No registration is required. Freewill donations will support the missions of the church.

OREGON LIBRARY

Illinois Storm Chaser’s Severe Weather 101 - 6 p.m. Monday, March 4

Join us as we take a dive into the basics of severe weather. Topics include storm chasing, local climatology, past tornadic events, severe weather safety and preparedness. There will be a Q&A.

Nick Bartholomew is a veteran storm chaser who has traveled across the country chasing down Mother Nature’s worst weather. He is the owner of Severe Weather Information LLC, which is focused on providing entertaining and informative weather programs for all ages.

Bartholomew has been featured in local and national news stories.

Registration is required at www.oregonpubliclibrary.com or by calling 815-7322724.

Story Time (18 months to 6 years)

10 a.m. Mondays. Stories, activities and fun. Go online or call to register.

Find A Character Ticket!

What is a Character Ticket? A Character Ticket represents an image of a character from that specific book. Character Tickets will be hidden in books in the children/ youth book collection. After you check out a book and find a Character Ticket in the book, you may adopt that character doll and take it home. Open to Oregon Public Library cardholders only. May adopt only once.

Knit & Crochet is back on Mondays

The group will meet at 1 p.m. and is open to anyone. From beginner to expert, all skill levels are welcome. Bring any hand craft and work on it while socializing. Need help getting started with your knitting project? Stop in on a Monday. Registration is requested. Visit www.oregonpubliclibrary. com or call 815-732-2724.

Trivia Night

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at Cork N Tap. Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Grab your friends and have a night of fun. Trivia will cover general knowledge of literature, movies, math, science, history

Call the church at 815-734-4853 for more information or email secretary@disciplesumc.org.

Men’s prayer group to meet March 2

The next Community Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be at 7 a.m. Saturday, March

and more. Program is intended for ages 18 and older. Register your team of up to six players at 815-732-2724 or www.oregonpubliclibrary.com. There will be prizes.

Ink with A Friend Monthly Card Club

6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Sending personal cards to your friends and family is a way to let them know you care and are thinking about them. All designs include colored cardstock, designer series paper, detailed stamped images, die cut pieces, matching ink, ribbon and embellishments. All cards come with matching envelopes. Whether you’re a new card maker or a seasoned pro, our kits are suited to every skill level. Sign up today to reserve your spot. Oregon patrons only. Registration is required at 815-732-2724 or www.oregonpubliclibrary.com

Try It Tuesday

1:30 or 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 (choose your time slot)

Cricut Design Space 101: This class will teach you the basics of creating in Cricut Design Space.  Registration is required. Call 815-732-2724 or visit www.oregonpubliclibrary.com.

Lego Club

3 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. For second graders and older School’s out for break so grab some friends and come build something. The club is designed to provide an enjoyable activity that stimulates and develops spatial intelligence. Registration is required.

Yoga Wednesdays

9:30 a.m. Functional Yin-Yasa

This class is a hybrid of yang (active yoga) with yin (passive yoga). We will use fundamental yoga postures combined with functional movements to build strength and warmth followed by passive, long-held poses to help with flexibility and mobility of the joints and soft tissues. A yoga mat and blocks will be useful for this class. All levels welcome. Oregon library patrons only. Registration is required. This class fills quickly. Call 815- 732-2724 or visit www.oregonpub -

2, at the Forreston Reformed Church, 501 S. Third Ave.

“Come enjoy the food and fellowship as we pray for the needs of our community,” the Rev. Lyle Zumdahl of Forreston Reformed Church said.

A freewill offering for the local food pantry will be accepted.

liclibrary.com.

Book Clubs

The 2WBC meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, to discuss “Separate Peace” by John Knowles.

Cocktails & Crimes will meet at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 17, at Breakers.

The Afternoon Book Club meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, to discuss “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline.

Books on Tap Book Club meets at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 21, at Cork & Tap to discuss “The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray” by Joe Siple.

Is This Just Fantasy? Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at the library to discuss “The Blood Trials” by N.E. Davenport.

Books on Tap Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Cork & Tap to discuss “Did You Hear About Kitty Kar” by Crystal Smith Paul.

Oregon Writers Group

Group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.

The OWG is a gathering of writers or writer wannabes who meet to support one another and further their own writing. The purpose of the group is to help and encourage you in your writing. If you need brainstorming ideas, we can help suggest ideas or aid with the creative process.

Passport Services

The Oregon Public Library offers passport application processing. Patrons seeking passport services should call the library before their visit to ensure an official processor is available at that time and for a checklist of items you will need for the appointment.

OPLD Dial-A-Story and Oregon Public Library StoryWalk @Oregon Park West Call 815-732-2724, follow the prompts and presto ... a story! Current story is “A Place for Birds” by Melissa Stewart. At the StoryWalk is “Bunches of Bunnies” by Louise Mathews.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

We

Oregon, Mount Morris, Dixon get OSLAD grants to redo parks

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – More than three-quarters of a million dollars in state grants will be put toward two parks in Ogle County.

The Oregon Park District received a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant for work on Oregon Park East.

The village of Mount Morris got $152,600 to redevelop Zickuhr Park.

The Dixon Park District also received an OSLAD grant. It got $68,200 to upgrade the basketball court at Vaile Park.

OSLAD is a state-financed program with dedicated funding through a portion of the state’s Real Estate Transfer tax. It is offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Recipients can get up to $600,000 for development/renovation projects or up to $1.725 million for acquisition projects on a dollar-to-dollar match.

Almost $55 million was awarded to 111 park projects throughout Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Jan. 30. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded almost $585 million.

Oregon Park District’s Park East

The total cost to redevelop Oregon Park East is about $1.2 million. Improvements will include a new playground, half-basketball court, nine-hole disc golf course, improvements to the existing baseball field, a 1/2-mile trail loop, improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Act requirements and creation of a dedicated parking lot.

OPD has been planning improvements at Park East since 2019, when a master plan specifically for that park was created, Executive Director Erin Folk said. The selected improvements were identified through community input sessions and surveys, she said.

“I think these are going to be good amenities we’re going to be adding for the community at large, but also for visitors,” Folk said. “It’s nice to see us focus on the east side of the community with these improvements, as well.”

Work on the baseball diamond includes the addition of lights, removal of fencing, ADA improvements and drainage upgrades that will minimize the work required to maintain it, Folk said.

The trail loop will tie into a shareduse path from Illinois Route 64 to Lowden State Park that is being built.

The 1.88-mile Rock River Heritage Trail will provide access to the park and downtown Oregon for residents and visitors. It will run along the eastern shoreline of the river within the right of way of the unmarked state highway, River Road and within

Lowden State Park, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

OPD’s matching funds for the OSLAD grant are allocated through the district’s capital improvement project plan completed every five years, Folk said.

Construction, which OPD doesn’t expect to occur until 2025, will not impede the Chana School Museum, she said.

“All improvements will remain away from that area and not provide any impact on their operations,” Folk said.

Mount Morris’ Zickuhr Park

The total cost of the Zickuhr Park project is $305,200. Components include a picnic shelter, additions to the existing play structure including ADA-compliant sections, redoing the half-court basketball area, game tables, a pollinator garden with interpretative signage, fitness stations and

a sunset overlook with seating.

“It offers more for the younger kids that live on the northwest corner of Mount Morris,” Parks and Recreation Trustee Jim Hopkins said. “All the rest of the parks are across Route 64.”

Based on community feedback, the adult exercise stations and sunset overlook were added, he said.

“A lot of people commented on liking to sit out there for the sunsets, so we did incorporate some of that,” Hopkins said.

A full walking path around Zickuhr Park was part of the original project plan, but the plan had to be revised when Mount Morris found out July 26, 2023 – about halfway through the application period – that it didn’t make the state’s distressed community list for fiscal 2024. Distressed communities are eligible for 100% forgiveness up to $600,000 on the OSLAD grant.

Mount Morris was listed as a distressed community the past few years, but came off the list because equalized assessed values increased. With the village’s change in status, it became eligible to get up to 50% of the OSLAD grant forgiven.

As a result, the Zickuhr Park redevelopment costs had to be scaled back from the original budget of $632,000, of which the village would have been responsible for $32,000.

Hopkins said some community members have reached out about financially supporting the project, but nothing is finalized.

“Once we get into the discussions of the next phase on the bidding, I’m hoping to come up with a number of what it would take to finish the walk-

ing path and then reach out to the people who had mentioned wanting to help,” he said.

The hope is to break ground at Zickuhr Park in 2025 and have it done by the following summer, Hopkins said.

Dixon Park District’s Vaile Park

Dixon Park District’s total project cost will be $136,400. The project involves resurfacing, repaving and painting the basketball court at Vaile Park and installing acrylic basketball backboard hoops.

“That’s the most-used basketball court in Dixon,” DPD Executive Director Duane Long said. “There’s 15 to 20 kids down there a night in the evening. Some of them ride their bikes. Some drive cars. That tells you the age range that uses it.”

Currently, there’s one basketball court. The redesign includes the addition of a second full-sized court, he said.

DPD plans to seek community support to help match the OSLAD grant because they went over budget on the canoe launch last year, Long said.

“We have the money, but we want to keep our projects in line,” he said. “If there’s community involvement out there, I think that can only help the project. The park district will be working on that the next couple months.”

The hope is to have the project completed this spring, but that’s not for sure and no dates are set, Long said. It might be done in 2025.

“Our whole mission last year was to improve that park and now we’ve got a grant to redo the centerpiece of this park,” Long said. “It’s going to be the best basketball court that Dixon’s ever seen.”

Photo provided by village of Mount Morris

The concept plan for upgrades to Zickuhr Park in Mount Morris as prepared by Hitchcock Design Group. The village received a $152,600 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which has a 50-50 match.

Photo provided by the Oregon Park District

The shaded areas in the lower right corner of this drawing show what changes are coming to Oregon Park East.

Museum serves as research source for visitors

We are very fortunate at the Polo Historical Society to have people from all over the U.S. personally interested in our museum and the people who volunteer with the museum. Some we have met years ago and they still like to come back to Polo.

For example, I met Kevin from California in 2009 and he is still coming back to Polo to research a little more. He loves to come to our picnic at Henry School and he plans to attend this year in September.

Our meeting was very interesting. I am sharing with you the column I wrote in December 2009 after meeting with Kevin the very first time:

Last Friday morning I was busy at the museum sorting files and trying to get them in the right places when the library called. Betty Shepardson wanted to know if I knew that Division Street once was called Freeport Road. No, I did not know that and Betty said it was on a map. I asked what was the date of the map and Betty said, “The map is 1854.”

I had never seen an 1854 map of Polo and Betty said she would make me a copy of this map that a man from California had with him. By two o’clock I was very tired and since no one had showed up at the museum, I headed for the library, picked up the map and went home. I looked the map over as I ate my lunch and then took a little nap.

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

The phone woke me up and the man from California asked if he and his mother from Black Earth, Wisconsin, could come out. That was a first for me and I gave them directions. I glanced at the house, found it presentable and then quickly made a cold drink of blended fresh strawberries in pink lemonade. Delicious.

By this time a beautiful white Cadillac was pulling into the driveway and I welcomed them inside. Very gracious people and over cold drinks we started to look at his research. A true genealogist in every sense of the word. The first name was Schuyler Lunt and I said to him, “Did you know that he was an abolitionist and helped on the Underground Railroad with John Waterbury, Kenneth’s great-great grandfather?” No, he did not know that.

Schuyler Lunt came in 1837, a year after Waterbury’s Delaware Colony group from New York, and another early family was the Hall family. They were part of his research also and it was Hall, not Hull, as I have written about recently. It did not take long for

Polo Historical Society program is March 6

A Polo Historical Society program will take place March 6 at the Polo History Museum.

There will be no business meeting and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. with Susan Zook. Her program will be on Nepal,

me to say, “We have got to go back to the museum and look at J.W. Clinton’s scrapbook.”

We stopped first at the Polo Wedding Chapel and Jim O’Conner gave us a wonderful tour, inside and out. They were very impressed at what Jim and Christina had done. When Kevin found out that Jim owned other buildings downtown, he said, “He will eventually make Polo look great.” The church was shining and all ready for a wedding the next day.

At the museum, we started with Clinton’s scrapbook and Kevin found the book a gold mine. We use the original newspaper pages carefully glued by Clinton many years ago to make copies.

I made copies and it was wonderful to have all the information right there and not at Aplington House. This was the first time I had used it for someone since we had moved the files.

a landlocked country in South Asia situated in the Himalayas.

Zook taught there 50 years ago and recently visited again.

Come join us for refreshments and an entertaining program.

Kevin said to me, “Where are all the newspaper books?” I told him they were at Blackhawk Waterways and the library where all information is on microfilm. Thirty years ago, he had come to the actual newspaper office where we now have our museum and had looked up things he needed. He turned and said, “I sat right over there and they copied pages for me.”

We made certain that all of the extra material is in Schuyler Lunt and the Hall family’s file for future use and Kevin will be sending genealogy material for the file. I have found more information for him that I will mail and I was pleased with the nice donation to the Polo Historical Society. I am sure it was the strawberry lemonade that did the trick.

• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is only 271 words long

By OTTO DICK

Following the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863, the removal of the fallen soldiers from the Gettysburg battlefield graves and their reburial in graves at the National Cemetery began Oct. 17.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a three-day battle in the American Civil War fought between Union and Confederate forces between July 1 and July 3, 1863, in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

On Nov. 19, the day of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, reburial of Union soldiers was less than half complete.

Lincoln’s address can be seen as one of the greatest and most influential statements in American history. The speech was only 271 words long. It began with the now famous phrase “four score and seven years ago,” referring to the signing of the Declaration of Independence 87 years earlier.

Lincoln continued by describing the U.S. as a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. He recalled the Civil War was a test that would determine that our nation could survive.

He mentioned the sacrifices of those who died at Gettysburg. “These dead shall not have died in vain,

that the nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Located in the Library of Congress is a mural by artist Elihu Veddler. The figure in this mural bears a tablet with Lincoln’s famous phrase “a Government of the People, by the People and for the People.”

The featured speaker at the event was Edward

Everett. His speech “The Battles of Gettysburg” lasted two hours. Lengthy cemetery dedication addresses such as Everett’s were common at cemeteries in this era.

Newspaper reports described the Gettysburg Address. Of course, the Republicans and Democrats differed.

The Democrat Chicago Times editorial stated the following, “The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat and dishwatery utterances of the man who has to be pointed out to intelligent foreigners as the president of the United States. The Republican New York Times was complimentary and published the speech. The Springfield Illinois newspaper also printed the entire speech, calling it a perfect gem.

The Lincoln Address Memorial, designed by Louis Henrick with the bust of Lincoln by Henry Krike Gush-Brown, was located at the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1912.

Back to Oregon, Illinois. It’s interesting that Lincoln’s speech in Oregon was two hours long and his famous Gettysburg Address was a few minutes long.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.

Photo provided by Otto Dick Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863.

Jen’s Artisan Breads thriving in new home

Bakery located at former Mt. Morris school

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – Walk down a handful of stairs, open the door to Jen’s Artisan Breads and you’ll enter a cozy but not cramped bakery. Walls painted a color reminiscent of a summer harvest warm the already inviting space.

A pair of couches and three chairs surrounding a coffee table about 15 feet past the door are just some of the seats available. To the right, about a halfdozen other small tables are set up throughout what used to be a school cafeteria.

Past those are a few shelves loaded with loaves of fresh bread, a fridge holding select cheeses, fruits and drinks and a checkout counter with a display case showing some of the other baked goods for sale.

Depending on the day, you might see someone preparing dough in the kitchen, which is visible to customers much like it was to the students who once ate there.

“Sourdough is the belle of the ball between the bread and the pizza crust,” owner Jen Koertner said when asked about customers’ favorite bread.

Quiches and croissants also are bestsellers, the self-taught baker said.

“I’ve been told that my croissants compete with what you find in Europe,” Koertner said. “I’ve worked really hard to perfect those.”

Koertner said she fell in love with

the style of baking she uses for her breads and pastries while she was stationed in Europe as a member of the U.S. Army.

Upon returning to the U.S. in 1992, she “saw a need for those authentic, nonprocessed baked goods,” she said.

The breads sold at Jen’s Artisan Breads are fermented, contain minimal commercial yeast and use an unbleached, unbromated flour, Koertner said.

Add some salt and water – and sourdough culture for that kind of bread –and you’ve got most of the ingredients, she said.

“The bread ferments and it develops

flavor over that fermentation,” Koertner said. “Because it’s fermented, it has a lower glycemic level. It’s easier to digest. It doesn’t have all the preservatives and junk in it. Then I bake it in a steam oven so you have a nice, crispy crust and a nice, chewy crumb.”

Jen’s Artisan Breads – a dream that came to fruition 11 years ago – moved to the former David L. Rahn Junior High School’s cafeteria Oct. 1 after five years in Pinecrest Grove. Koertner rents the space from building owner Fred Kenney.

“It just continues to go gangbusters,” Koertner said. “It’s crazy and I’m excited that we’re in this school and this really

Stop in

Jen’s Artisan Breads is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 105 W. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris.

More information can be found on its Facebook page and Instagram (username jens_artisan_breads_).

A grand opening is scheduled for March 9 with a ribbon-cutting about noon.

cool space that we’ve transformed. We get lots of former students … who come in and they want to see the building and they really enjoy the space.”

Koertner started Jen’s Artisan Breads in 2013 at the now closed Irish Lady Farm store and also was selling at the Oregon farmers market. She had a full-time cleaning business at the time.

“As the bread picked up, I just let go of cleaning jobs,” Koertner said. “It has just continued to evolve from there.”

She moved to Pinecrest Grove after about five years. The commercial kitchen there “opened a whole new world of possibilities.”

The move to the old school gave Koertner even more room to continue growing her business, she said.

“Coming here has just added more possibilities, hosting events and maybe the possibility to rent the space for people for baby showers or gatherings or, you know, whatever,” Koertner said.

How does STEM relate to literacy? Let’s take a look

You likely have seen or heard the acronym STEM in all kinds of media. For this month, we will look at what it stands for, how it relates to literacy and what it means for us as parents and grandparents.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It has received much attention as these disciplines are necessary for preparing our students for 21st-century jobs. There also is an emphasis on making sure that girls, as well as boys, are interested in these areas. There are STEM elementary schools whose focus for instruction is specifically in these areas.

At times you’ll also see the acronym STEAM, which adds the Arts to the above list. It is important that we provide opportunities for our children in all areas. We want them to know and understand all aspects of the

Mary Gardner

world around them and that world is full of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

One thing that ties STEM and STEAM to literacy is the idea that we want our children to be literate in all of these areas. That broadens our definition of what it means to be literate. Traditionally, it referred to a person who could read and write. Today, the definition expands to include skills and knowledge in many fields. Being literate in STEAM, as well as in reading and writing, is essential for succeeding in today’s world.

The thinking processes involved in STEM and STEAM also connect

directly to literacy. Consider these steps in an engineering design process: Identify the problem, research and brainstorm, build, test and then either present solutions or improve and start the cycle again. STEM and STEAM activities promote deeper thinking, problem-solving and persevering through difficulties. These activities also involve discussions about failure and what we do when something doesn’t work the first time. These are all vital skills that good readers and writers need as well.

How can we support the ideas and the thinking skills of STEM and STEAM? We can foster the natural curiosity of our children and grandchildren. We can encourage thinking and problem-solving in all activities. We can look for books that link to the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. There are

many quality books for children about inventors, for example. We can support and encourage children if they try something and it does not work the first time. We can help them discover things such as which objects will sink and which will float. We can help them learn from the wonder of the garden by having them join us in all phases of caring for vegetables and flowers. We can let them build things on their own without directions. We can let them play!

Possible resources for STEM and STEAM activities and events can be found at https://niusteam.niu.edu/ programs-events/.

• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

Jen’s Artisan Breads owner Jen Koertner stands in her bakery Feb. 16. The business is located in the former David L. Rahn Junior High School in Mt. Morris.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

Feb. 13

Robert L. Cook, 33, of Rochelle, turned himself in on an outstanding Ogle County failure to appear warrant about 5:04 a.m. Cook posted bond and was released with no return court date.

Adam Malone, 33, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 19000 block of Illinois Route 72 in Monroe Center about 10:25 a.m. Malone also was cited for failure to obey a stop sign. Malone was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Deputies, Rochelle and Flagg Center Fire Protection District and EMS, Ogle County Emergency Management and Flagg Township responded to the 15000 block of East Flagg Road in rural Rochelle about 3 p.m. for a report of a car versus house. An investigation showed Christopher Speiden, 55, of Ashton, suffered a medical emergency causing him to lose control of his vehicle at which point he proceeded off the road before striking two houses. The scene was secured with the collective efforts of local residents, witnesses, first responders, township workers and Atlas Towing and Speiden safely was assisted from the vehicle. Speiden received medical treatment on scene.

Feb. 14

Juan G. Gutierrez, 29, of Rochelle, turned himself in on an outstanding Ogle County traffic warrant about 10:32 a.m. Gutierrez was released on a recognizance bond and given a court date of March 11.

Feb. 19

A 16-year-old female was arrested for domestic battery after deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic disturbance in the 3000 block of North Brookville Road. The female was taken into limited custody and released to her parents.

Albert Brooks, 40, of Dixon, was arrested for outstanding Ogle and Lee county warrants after deputies investigated a disturbance in the 300 block of Chippewa Lane about 8:14 p.m. Brooks was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.

Feb. 20

Bobby Jo Hamilton, 42, of Byron, was arrested for driving on a revoked license and a Stephenson County warrant after a traffic stop in the 7000 block of North River Road at 6:38 a.m. Hamilton also was cited for speeding 1-10 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Hamilton was taken to the Ogle County jail for the warrant. He was issued a notice to appear and future court date for the other charges. The Byron Police Department assisted.

Feb. 21

Yulisa Regalado-Lopez, 25, of Rochelle, turned herself in to the Ogle County jail for an outstanding Ogle County warrant for canceled, revoked, suspended registration about 8:45 a.m. She appeared in court at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 and was released on a recognizance bond. Regalado-Lopez was given a future court date of 9 a.m. April 8.

Antonio Martinez, 31, of Rochelle, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for violation of order of protection about 11:15 a.m. No bond was set on the warrant. Martinez appeared in court at 1 p.m. Feb. 21. Martinez was held without bond and given a future court date of 10 a.m. Feb. 28.

Fabian J. Ruiz, 23, of Chicago Heights, turned himself in on an outstanding Ogle County failure to appear warrant about 1:49 p.m. Ruiz posted bond and was released with no future court date.

Jerry Nantz, 53, of Rochelle, was arrested for violation of order of protection after deputies were advised a violation of order of protection occurred within Rochelle city limits near the

intersection of Flagg and Queens roads about 8:43 p.m. Deputies found Nantz and his vehicle near the intersection of Flagg Road and 20th Street about 8:49 p.m. and conducted a traffic stop. Nantz was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.

Feb. 22

Uredi Mulinga, 24, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for speeding about 12:30 p.m. at the Ogle County Courthouse. Mulinga appeared in court and was released on a recognizance bond. He was given a future court date of 9 a.m. April 8.

Taylor Winstead, 24, of Dixon, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the intersection of Illinois Route 2 and Ashelford Drive in Byron about 3:09 a.m. An investigation showed Winstead failed to reduce speed to avoid an accident and rear-ended a vehicle attempting to turn onto Ashelford Drive from Route 2. Both parties were cleared by Byron EMS on medical refusals. Byron EMS and the Byron Police Department assisted at the scene.

Feb. 23

A 15-year-old male, of Monroe Center, was taken into limited custody for battery after deputies investigated a battery complaint involving the 15-year-old and a juvenile female victim at 10 a.m. The male was released to his guardian.

Rachael A. Smith, 38, of Rockford, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine after a traffic stop in the 6000 block of north Illinois Route 2 at 1 p.m. She also was cited for expired registration, suspended registration/uninsured and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Smith was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear with a future court date.

Montana Chesko, 21, of Rochelle, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for

aggravated battery to a nurse about 3 p.m. Chesko appeared in court and was arrested on a failure to appear warrant. Chesko posted bond and does not have a future court date.

Joseph Roth, 48, of Byron, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 6000 block of North River Road at 6:02 p.m. Roth was released on a notice to appear.

Feb. 24

Anna E. Ramsby-Thrower, 42, of Freeport, was arrested for driving on a suspended license after a traffic stop on Illinois Route 251 at the intersection with East Lindenwood Road at 1:12 p.m. Ramsby-Thrower also was cited for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Ramsby-Thrower was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Arturo E. Morales-Jiminez, 47, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 2000 block of south Illinois Route 251 about 10:25 p.m. Morales-Jiminez was taken to the Ogle County jail, processed and released on a notice to appear.

Damian Rodden, 23, of Oregon, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of north Illinois Route 2 at 10:29 p.m. to investigate a domestic disturbance. Rodden was released on a notice to appear. The Oregon Police Department assisted.

Feb. 25

Elizabeth Blascak, 35, of Cherry Valley, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of Kishwaukee Road about 2:36 p.m. Blascak was released from the scene on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Filed Feb. 16-22

Warranty deeds

The late Linda K. Fultz to NSM Trust 314, Neal August and Sandra Kay

Madlena, trustees, 314 W. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris, $155,000.

Thomas J. Hartnett III to David Gabriel

Berger Suncais Da Cruz and Brittany A. Gray, 312 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $143,000.

Blake A. Benesh to George C. and Lynette F. Hallauer, one parcel in Rockvale Township, $110,000.

Benjamin and Chantel O’Rorke to Juan

Martinez, 567 W. Second St., Rochelle, $110,000.

Ewa and Alojzy Czaplinska to James R. and Christine J. Macklin Trust, James R. and Christine J. Macklin, trustees, 5839 S. Indian Trail, Rochelle, $404,000.

Janice R. Gohlke Trust 1, Morey D. Weiss and Brenda L. Owens, trustees, to William R. Fisher, 209 N. Tamarack Drive, Dixon, $218,000.

Quit claim deeds

The late Christopher J. and Patricia A. Jung by heir and Geralyn P. Kocan to James Kocan, 290 W. Margaret Fuller

Road, Oregon, $0.

The late Sandra K. Shade by heirs and Deborah K. Sweitzer to Kathy I. Gantz, 4742 N. Mt. Vernon Road, Forreston, $0. Storybook Gardens LLC to Jana K. Gruben, 403 Lincoln Highway and 413 W. Fourth Ave., Rochelle, $0. Trustees deed

James Keller Trust, Jamie K. Budden and Jamie Keller Budden GST Trust, Jamie K. Budden, trustee, to KBH Properties LLC, 3925 S. Talbott Road and 16015 W. Milledgeville Road, Polo, $0.

Sheriff’s deed

Ogle County Sheriff and Mary Jean Bridgeforth to GSRPM Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 20031, JP Morgan Chase Bank, trustee, 309 N. Ninth St., Rochelle, $0. Trustee deed Trust

Julie A. Ebens, trustee to Hale Hanson Hale Family Trust, Joseph J. Ebens, Brian A, Hale and Ruth E. Hanson Hale, trustees, 504 S. Oak Meadow Drive, Oregon, $430,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Jury finds Rochelle man not guilty of sexual assault of child

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – After deliberating for 15 minutes Feb. 21, an Ogle County jury found a Rochelle man not guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Marcus A. Klein, 30, was charged after prosecutors said he inappropriately touched a 3-year-old between December 2021 and October 2022, when the girl was visiting his home in Rochelle. A charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse was dismissed.

Klein had testified Feb. 21, telling jurors that he never did anything of a sexual nature with the girl and only put ointment on her for medical reasons, which included a urinary tract infection.

Under questioning by his attorney Richard Haime, Klein said the girl’s mother, with whom he once had a relationship, made up the accusations because he moved on to another relationship.

Klein took the stand after his parents and sister testified that they never saw him inappropriately touch the child.

The prosecution called five witnesses Feb. 20 after the eight-man, four-woman jury was selected.

The girl testified from an adjacent

Another

courtroom Feb. 20, answering questions from Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss and Haime.

The girl said she understood why she was in court and gave brief responses to questions as she held a stuffed animal.

Prosecutors requested that the child, who is now 5, be allowed to testify remotely so as not to be intimidated by seeing Klein in court. Haime objected, but Judge John Redington allowed her to testify via a video link alongside victim advocates in the adjacent courtroom.

The girl’s mother testified that in December 2022 she saw the girl touching herself in a manner that prompted the mother to take the girl to Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center in Dixon, where the child was interviewed.

When Haime asked whether she had “made up” the accusation against Klein, the mother replied, “Absolutely not.”

She agreed with Haime’s characterization of her relationship with Klein as “tumultuous.” She and Klein also admitted to sending several heated text messages to each other, some of which were entered into evidence by the defense.

Shannon Krueger, a nurse practitioner with the Medical Evaluation

Response Initiative Team in Rockford, said she examined the girl in December 2022, when her mother brought her in to be evaluated.

The team, operated by the University of Illinois College of Medicine, provides specialized, pediatric expert medical exams in a child-friendly atmosphere to suspected victims of child abuse and neglect.

Krueger said the girl told her that Klein had touched her and then she wanted her mother to return to the room.

Kindra Short, a former child forensic interviewer with Shining Star, said she interviewed the girl without her mom in the room and the child also told her that the defendant had touched her.

Short said she had the girl indicate on a drawing where the contact occurred.

The jury then watched a 30-minute recording of the girl’s interview with Short.

When a child makes an allegation of physical or sexual abuse, Shining Star conducts forensic interviews in an “age-appropriate manner while utilizing trauma-informed techniques to ensure trauma is not endured by the child,” according to the organization’s website.

Short said the interview technique

allows children to tell their stories in a way that is comfortable for them. When a forensic interview is conducted, a team of professionals, including Department of Children and Family Services investigators, law enforcement and prosecutors, is available to watch the interview through a monitor in a separate room.

In their closing arguments to jurors, prosecutors characterized Klein’s contact with the girl as “more than a wipe.”

“This was something different. It wasn’t to put on ointment,” Voss said.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten asked jurors to use common sense and take into account the age of the girl when considering her testimony.

“She was not coached,” Leisten said. “There is no way a 3-year-old can maintain a motive for her mother.”

Haime told jurors the state failed to prove the allegations against Klein and said the accusations were a result of “malicious parent syndrome” manufactured by the girl’s mother, who “hated” Klein.

“There is no evidence – none,” Haime said. “It is impossible to prove what didn’t happen. It is your duty to come back and acquit Mr. Klein.”

continuance requested, granted for Oregon man accused of possessing videos of children engaged in sex acts

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The defense attorney for an Oregon man charged with possessing videos of children engaged in sex acts asked for and received another continuance as an evaluation of his client has yet to be received.

Ogle County Public Defender

Michael O’Brien requested the continuance for his client, Kris D. Stubblefield, 32, as they appeared before Judge John “Ben” Roe on Monday for a status hearing.

Kris D. Stubblefield

Stubblefield was arrested Oct. 21, 2023, by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies after a monthslong investigation and search of his home, prompted by a tip from the National Center for

Missing and Exploited Children. Charging documents say all the children were younger than 13 and some were as young as 3, with the offenses occurring in August and October of 2023.

Stubblefield has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges.

On Monday, O’Brien told Roe that the defense still was waiting for a court-ordered evaluation to be completed. O’Brien requested the next hearing be set for 2:30 p.m. March 7. Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse did not object to the continuance.

In December, Roe ordered an evaluation of Stubblefield and denied his request to be released from jail to serve as a caregiver for his ailing grandfather. Stubblefield has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since his arrest, but has requested numerous times to be released from custody as his case proceeds.

In previous hearings, O’Brien said

Stubblefield’s incarceration continues to be a hardship on his family since he would be providing caregiving services to his grandfather if he were released. He has citied Stubblefield’s cooperation with law enforcement, adding Stubblefield did not try to elude law enforcement and has no history of violence.

Kruse again renewed the state’s argument to keep Stubblefield in custody, citing reports from the Illinois attorney general and the sheriff’s office that he is a registered juvenile sex offender and was in possession of more than 1,500 images on his phone of children engaged in sex acts with adults and some with other children.

She said in a previous hearing that Stubblefield’s conviction as a juvenile was for aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child younger than 9 years of age.

In previous denials of Stubblefield’s request for release, Roe said “criminal acts involving the internet” would be difficult to restrict or

monitor if Stubblefield were to be released.

He again denied Stubblefield’s release.

Stubblefield filed an appeal of an Oct. 24, 2023, decision by Judge Clayton Lindsey after one of his first court appearances.

That appeal was denied Dec. 15 by the Appellate Court of the 4th District.

Stubblefield’s appeal was filed under the Pretrial Fairness Act. It argued he should be released because the state did not meet its burden of proving any real threat existed to people or the community if Stubblefield were released.

The appeal followed passage of the controversial SAFE-T Act, which was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court and allows defendants to be released on no-cash bond. Under the new law, judges still decide whether a defendant is a flight risk or poses too much of a threat to one person or the community to allow release.

Chicago actor to perform one-man play in Mount Morris

MOUNT MORRIS – A Chicago-area actor will take the stage in Mt. Morris this month to bring a unique perspective to a centuries old event.

Tom McElroy will star in “Heaven, How I Got Here,” a one-man play imagining the story of the thief crucified next to Jesus Christ.

The play will be presented by the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris in collaboration with the Performing Arts Guild at the Pinecrest Grove Community Theatre, 500 Evergreen Lane.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24.

McElroy is a seasoned veteran of stage, TV, film and radio. Over the past 20-plus years, he honed his skills in Chicago and regional theater and then broke into TV and film.

TV roles include being on “Early Edition,” “Chicago Code,” “Prison Break” (recurring), “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med.”

McElroy’s film appearances include “The Dark Knight, What If...?,” “Southside With You,” “The Law of Moises,” “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain” and “Pardoned by Grace.”

For several years he was the voice of “Unshackled!,” the longest-running radio drama in history.

McElroy grew up in Zion, north of Chicago, and always has known acting was his calling, although he didn’t make it his full-time profession until he was 38 years old.

that he knew he wanted to go into acting full time.

McElroy said he is looking forward to playing the thief on the cross in the upcoming production in Mt. Morris.

“I love the play,” he said. “It’s a journey that’s wonderfully made. I can relate to every part of the role.”

McElroy and his wife live in a northern suburb of Chicago. They have five children between them and eight grandchildren.

The play is based on a book of the same name, written by Colin Smith, senior pastor of The Orchard, a multi-campus church in the Chicago area. Tim Gregory wrote the play’s script.

McElroy said he hopes audiences will come away from the production with a deeper understanding of the Gospel.

“I hope that they will really fully connect with what Jesus did for them on the cross and if they don’t know him that they will soon,” he said.

Tickets for “Heaven, How I Got Here” cost $5 each and all are general admission. To order, call 815-7344942 or reserve online at performingartsguild.com.

Doors will open a half hour before each show. Refreshments will be served afterward.

“Essentially I was born with it, but it was muffled,” he said with a grin. “I grew up in a conservative home. We didn’t go the movies.”

He acted in skits at school and church, as well as high school plays, which earned him a best actor in the school award.

He said it was during a “holy moment” backstage while portraying Christ in the Zion Passion Play

The play is not recommended for children younger than 10.

The Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris is located at 102 S. Seminary Ave. Worship services are held each Sunday at 10 a.m., preceded by Sunday School for all ages at 8:30 a.m. Child care is available for children younger than 4 years old.

For more information, call 815-734-4942.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Photo provided by the Performing Arts Guild Actor Tom McElroy (left) and Performing Arts Guild technical director Jeff Bold go over the sound and lighting instructions for the upcoming presentation of “Heaven, How I Got Here” at the Pinecrest Grove Community Theatre in Mt. Morris. The play will be presented March 22-24 by the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris in collaboration with the Performing Arts Guild.

First Fridays music is March 1 at Oregon VFW

OREGON – The next First Fridays Open Mic is at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at the Oregon VFW.

“The event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience,” said Lowell Harp, an event organizer.

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

• JEN’S ARTISAN BREADS

Continued from page 5

Jen’s Artisan Breads regularly supplies about 10 wholesale stores, including the SuperValu in Oregon and the Polo Grocery Store. It also provides the Ogle County Brewery in Oregon with its flatbreads and pizza crusts, Koertner said.

She couldn’t say how many people are regular customers.

“A lot of these people in here right now I’ve never seen,” Koertner said, gesturing to the half-dozen folks in her store the morning of Feb. 16. “It’s just more new people coming in.”

On “bake days,” when everything’s freshly made, about 20 people will come into the bakery, she said. Pop-up

“Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier,” Harp said.

For questions, call Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.

The VFW is located at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon. There is ample parking and a restaurant and bar within the building. A fish fry runs from 4 to 8 p.m.

events such as the pizza night it hosted Jan. 27 can draw upward of 100 people.

“Bake days” thus far have been Tuesdays and Fridays, but Koertner said she’s also planning to start baking Mondays and Thursdays. It’ll mean longer days for her and her employees, who arrive at the bakery about 2:30 a.m. and work a 12-plus-hour shift, but there’s a reason, she said.

“I really see a need and we’re getting a response, so I’m going to start having fresh quiche and breakfast pizza and some other things,” Koertner said. “I’m going to start having fresh food every day because the people are coming in for it.

“I just love making food for people and doing things that nobody else is really doing.”

Democrats donate to area food pantries

Members of the Ogle County Democratic Central Committee recently donated a total of $800 to eight Ogle County food pantries.

The Ogle County Democrats have raised more than $3,200 for area food pantries over the past four years, committee member David “Skip” Donald said in a news release.

“I am so proud of our members

again this year,” Donald said. “Helping people is what the Democratic party is all about.”

For more information about the Ogle County Democrats, visit Oglecountydems.org. or attend one of their monthly meetings.

Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Oregon VFW.

Photo provided by Lowell Harp

Robin Henry (left) and Sandy Harp won flowers in First Fridays’ monthly drawing. Randy Holland and Larry Wallace each won guitar accessories in the drawing for musicians.

Photo provided by David “Skip” Donald Ogle County Democratic Committee member David “Skip” Donald delivers a donation to Darlene Shafer, treasurer of the Polo Lifeline Food Pantry.

Polo American Legion delivers care packages to local veterans

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

POLO – Members of the Polo American Legion did their part to try to make the holiday season a bit brighter for local veterans.

Commander Cynthia Reynolds, Senior Vice Commander Becky Davis and Adjutant Marddi Rahn of Polo American Legion Patrick Fegan Post 83 delivered Battle Buddy Boxes to local veteran shut-ins and deployed service members over the holiday season.

A Battle Buddy Box is a box that contains personal items – needed, wanted items, Rahn said in a news release.

“These boxes are intended for veterans who enter a hospital for a procedure or sickness, in a nursing home, simply need a pick-me-up or any deployed member,” Rahn said. “The program is intended to give veterans a sense there are fellow Americans that still care about their needs and appreciate what they have done for our country.”

In December 2023, Reynolds and Rahn delivered Battle Buddy Boxes to two veterans living at the Polo Rehab and Healthcare Center and had a

lovely visit with one of the veterans and their family, according to the release.

“It was much appreciated. The following day, Senior Vice Commander Davis and Adjutant Rahn visited Pat McPherson at his home and delivered a box and enjoyed time spent reminiscing about previous duty stations and time spent in the military. Also Commander Reynolds and Adjutant Rahn sent off a Battle Buddy Box to one of the American Legion members who has been deployed over the holidays,” the release said.

“These care packages were a small token of appreciation for the veterans and what they have done for their country,” Rahn said. “Each veteran appreciated the box, but the visit was more meaningful and enjoyable. Polo American Legion Post 83 is grateful to have had an opportunity to honor those veterans and those who still serve.”

American Legion Patrick Fegan Post 83 meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at 110 E. Mason St. in Polo.

For information on joining the American Legion or helping with community activities, email patrickfeganpost83@gmail.com.

Photo provided by Marddi Rahn

Polo American Legion Patrick Fegan Post 83 Senior Vice Commander Becky Davis and Adjutant Marddi Rahn deliver a Battle Buddy Box to Pat McPherson in his Polo home.

OBITUARIES

Delmar Elva Rothermel was born in Polo, IL on December 2nd, 1938.  He was one of seven children born to Lester and Celia Rothermel, of Polo. Delmar graduated from Polo High School in 1956.  He enjoyed playing the cornet in the band, and frequently played Taps at military funerals in Polo.  He achieved his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting Management at Northern Illinois University in 1960. He honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, from 1961 to 1967.  He trained and served in Fort

MARLENE FAITH FORD

Born: May 23, 1948 in Freeport, IL

Died: February 17, 2024 in Franklin Grove, IL

Marlene Faith Ford, 75, of Polo, passed away, Saturday February 17, 2024, at Franklin Grove Living & Rehab. Marlene was born May 23, 1948, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of John A. and Martha (Tiedens) Ruter. She grew up on the family farm near Baileyville. She was a 1966 graduate of Forreston High School where she was the Homecoming Queen and FFA Sweetheart. Marlene graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa. She then earned her Masters from Northern Illinois University. She married Phillip Schuler

Testingthewaters

Leonard Wood, Missouri, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and Illinois.  He ranked SP5 and was recognized and awarded for expert marksmanship in his Ordnance Unit, a skill he also used in his love of pheasant hunting.  He greatly enjoyed working in Accounting, Management and Sales.  He had an accomplished career at Crum & Forster Insurance Co. in Freeport for 25 years, before becoming the Farmers Insurance Agent in Freeport for 20 years, prior to his retirement.  He was a life-long fisherman, Chicago Cubs fan, and Kansas City Chiefs fan.  He was totally dedicated to his wife and family.

Above all else - Delmar would always say his greatest accomplishment was marrying Violet Meyer of Adeline, IL on Dec. 17th, 1961 at Polo Methodist Church.  The two were

on September 21, 1984. Mr. Schuler passed away August 12, 2003. She married Brad Ford August 12, 2005. Marlene worked as a school psychologist for the Ogle County Educational Cooperative. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport. She always looked forward to entertaining all her friends and ensured a good time for all.

Surviving are her husband, Brad Ford of Polo; son, Zac Gill of DeKalb; step-children, David and Laura Ford; and brother, Rev. Paul Ruter of New Paltz, New York.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, David.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday February 24, 2024 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Freeport. Visitation Friday 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm February 23, 2024 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, FORRESTON. Please sign Marlene’s guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com

inseparable and shared over 60 years of marriage.  Vi worked by his side as his Office Manager for many years at Farmers.  They enjoyed many trips together with family and friends, and listening and watching live music and dancing together.  Hee Haw, The Grand ‘Ole Opry, and Saturday Night Polka were their favorites.  Delmar and Vi lived in Polo, Kansas City, Streamwood and Freeport before settling in Shannon in 1980, where they raised their son, Brad, and daughter, Valerie.  Delmar enjoyed Toastmasters, and also served in the Masons in Shannon, including being its Lodge Master.

He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Rothermel-Nelson of Ridott, Il and son Brad Rothermel of Durand, IL.  He also leaves behind a brother, Rae Rothermel of Machesney Park, IL, his Sister-in-law, Sue Rothermel of Polo

and brother-in-law Dan Hartman of Polo.  His legacy also includes three granddaughters, Celia, Elizabeth and Sarah and their mother, Kathy (Brown) Rothermel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Violet, his sisters, Phyllis Ruter and Calista Hartman, his brothers, Harlan Rothermel, Alan Rothermel, Darrell Rothermel, and his son-in-law, Jim Nelson.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 29, 2024 beginning at 10:30am and a service to follow at 11:30am all at Walker Mortuary of Freeport.  His final resting place will be next to his wife, Violet at Haldane Cemetery.  A memorial has been established in his name.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.

Lessons learned from basketball tournament action

What did we learn from girls sectionals and boys regionals in basketball?

Let’s start with the girls.

Stillman Valley and Rock Island Alleman appear to have developed a rivalry. The Pioneers knocked off SV twice this season, first in the Dixon Holiday Tournament championship game and then in the sectional final.

Last season, it was SV disposing of Alleman in the regional final.

All three games were close. Both programs match up well and we likely will see more of the same in the future.

In losing a back-and-forth regional championship game to Woodstock Marian in overtime, Byron did not reach the sectional. Still, Byron will be a force next season.

In addition to reaching the sectional final, congratulations to Stillman Valley coach Bobby Mellon for earning his 200th win.

What about Rockford Lutheran? In the IHSA’s classification system for private schools, it has been in 3A and 2A and this season was down to 1A. It’s all too confusing for me to research whether Rockford Lutheran will be 2A again or stay in 1A.

In the most interesting of the 1A

GUEST VIEW

sectional finals, Rockford Lutheran lost to No. 1-ranked Galena 46-30. Many observers felt Galena’s claim as the No. 1 team in the state was in jeopardy with big, bad Lutheran from the Big Northern Conference dropping down to 1A.

Not so. The Pirates dominated play in the game.

In what may have been a mild upset, Galena (31-2) lost to Illini Bluffs (30-4) in the supersectional. That makes defending state champ Okawville the favorite to win 1A.

The Big Northern Conference had a girls sectional finalist in 1A, 2A and 3A, a rare feat to be represented in that many divisions. The only one left standing was Dixon, which made it to the supersectional before getting mauled by 3A terror Lincoln, perhaps the best team in all of Illinois.

In boys action, there were a lot of regional semifinal upsets with Polo over Newman, Morrison over Rock Falls and Lena-Winslow knocking off

Scales Mound. Coming into the season, Scales Mound had been ranked No. 2 in the state for 1A.

The only certainties were Byron and Pecatonica. They rolled their competition in regional play. Ironically, both appear destined for sectional finals with teams they lost to by almost identical (79-71, 77-71) scores in the regular season, even though both will be favored to win those rematches.

For 2A Byron, it will be a chance to get back at Rockford Christian, which prevented the Tigers from being undefeated league champs. But with all the upsets in the postseason, the Tigers need to get there first.

Likewise with Pecatonica in 1A. It comes in as a sectional favorite and also the local team with the most clear-cut path to state.

Polo lost in the regional finals to Eastland. The Marcos had a 22-8 lead, but basketball is a game of runs and 16 straight points by Eastland spelled doom.

Earlier this season, Polo coach Matt Messer told me his team was hurt by lulls. Unfortunately, it carried over to the worst possible time.

Still, Polo, under Messer, continues to get as much out of its talent as any program around. The Marcos

blend quite well together.

Listening to the Newman-Polo regional semifinal game on the radio, it appeared Polo might fold after taking control early. Newman did regain the lead, but the Marcos came back to life for the win, sparked by Carter Meridian refusing to allow his senior season to end.

Much has been said about Catholic schools losing athletic prowess and I wonder if Newman is being affected by this? This year, traditionally strong football and basketball programs bowed out quite early in the playoffs.

Perhaps the retirement of longtime coach and athletic director Mike Papoccia has hurt athletic prospects.

Mention was made of Polo having all these consecutive 20-win seasons. What Newman has done might be more impressive.

Under one of the best-prepared coaches in the business, Ray Sharp, the Comets have won 20 or more games in 11 of the past 12 full seasons of basketball.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 31 years.

Andy Colbert

Eastland charges back to knock out Polo

By DAN WUSSOW dwussow@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – It’s been a long time since the Eastland boys basketball team won a regional title. With a 48-38 win over Polo in the Class 1A Forreston Regional final Feb. 23, that drought finally came to an end.

“It feels great, man,” Eastland sophomore forward Parker Krogman said. “It’s been 10 years since our school’s gotten a regional for boys basketball, so it’s amazing.”

Polo (17-14) came out with red-hot shooting in the first quarter as it rolled to a 19-8 lead. Senior wing Brock Soltow led the charge with 11 points, including a deep buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the left wing.

“Our defense was doing a great job of limiting them to one shot. We were really active,” Polo coach Matt Messer said about the hot start. “And then down here [on offense], we were patient, we were playing through Soltow and he was making good reads whether it was getting to the rim or kicking out and finding people. And we were knocking down shots.”

A left-wing 3 by sophomore guard JT Stephenson stretched the lead to 22-8 early in the second quarter, but the Cougars came charging back. A 9-3 run over the last 6:02 cut the deficit to 25-17 at halftime.

Eastland (25-9) opened the third quarter on a 16-0 run to take a 33-25 lead and stayed in front the rest of the game.

“That’s how we expect to come out every game. It didn’t happen this game, so we had to make it happen in the second half,” Eastland junior guard Adam Awender said. “We just talked more on defense, got into gaps, got ball pressure so they can’t make those easy skip passes for the easy shot.”

Awender sparked the surge with a layup on a baseline cut with 7:04 remain-

ing and scored a fast-break layup off a steal and hit a left-corner 3 during the 16-point swing that spanned 5:23. A pull-up midrange jumper by Krogman gave Eastland its first lead of the game at 26-25 with 4:50 to go.

The Cougars led 36-29 at the end of the third quarter.

Polo rallied to within four points twice in the fourth quarter, but drew no closer.

Stephenson buried a left-corner 3 off a Soltow drive-and-kick to get to within 36-32 at the 6:37 mark. Soltow fouled out with 4:48 to play as the Marcos trailed by six, but senior guard Carter Merdian hit

two free throws to draw to within four again at 38-34. Over the last 3:20, junior guard Peyton Spears went 8 for 10 from the free-throw line to keep the Cougars’ lead intact.

Krogman had a game-high 18 points and four rebounds, Awender had 12 points and six rebounds and Spears chipped in 11 points and six rebounds for the Cougars.

Soltow finished with 15 points, five rebounds, four steals and four assists, Stephenson scored nine points on three 3-pointers. Merdian had six points and five rebounds for Polo. Junior guard Gus Mumford also had six points.

“It was a wonderful season. You saw these kids, win or lose, these guys played really hard,” Messer said. “They poured everything into just about every game. It hurts, it stings, but I hope when it’s all over they really realize how much the people and the town of Polo appreciated the way they played.”

Polo 44, Newman 37

The Marcos built a 24-15 halftime lead and held off the No. 5 Comets for a regional semifinal win Feb. 21. Polo was led by Merdian with 16 points, followed by Stephenson with nine and Soltow with eight.

Earleen Hinton

Eastland’s Parker Krogman shoots as Polo’s Nolan Hahn (11) and Carter Merdian (10) defend Feb. 23.

Alleman proves too tough for

By ANDY COLBERT For Shaw Local News Network Correspondent

OREGON – Stillman Valley’s season came to an end in a 45-36 loss to Rock Island Alleman in the Class 2A Oregon Sectional final Feb. 22.

Playing before a large crowd at the Blackhawk Center, the Cardinals fell to Alleman by an almost identical score for the second time this season.

A 48-37 loss to Alleman in the finals of the Dixon Holiday Tournament was sandwiched between 14 straight wins by SV, which finished with a 30-5 record.

In both games, the Pioneers got early leads and SV was never able to make a dent in them.

“Anytime they scored and looked like they could go on a run, we responded,” Alleman coach Steve Ford said.

With Payge Barger hitting a 3 to start the game for SV and Taylor Davidson and Mya Janssen also scoring in the first quarter, the Cardinals trailed only 10-9. After that, it was a struggle to score. The Cardinals were held to only two baskets in the second and third quarters combined.

“They did a good job of pressuring us,” SV coach Bobby Mellon said. “We weren’t able to get the ball where it needed to be.”

Alleman upped its lead to 18-9 before Joslyn Nanni made a much-needed 3-pointer to stem the tide. Other than three Davidson free throws, those were the only points SV could muster.

On the positive side, the Cardinals’ defense held Alleman in check the final part of the second quarter until senior team leader Audrey Erickson made a 3-point buzzer-beater from the top of the key for a 22-15 Pioneers lead. She also did the same in the first quarter on a 2-pointer in the lane.

“Those two shots hurt,” Mellon said. “At the same time, we miss an open shot. That’s a seven-point swing.”

At the start of the third quarter, it was Erickson drawing a charge on Davidson, much to the delight of the Alleman fans who made the long trip to Oregon. Moments later, Adalyn Voss scored on a 3-pointer and it was a 10-point advantage.

“They draw offensive fouls, but I don’t think all were legitimate,” Mellon said.

Both Voss and Erickson were tasked with shadowing Davidson, much the same way they did in the first game. They also led Alleman in scoring with 10 and 11 points, respectively.

With the two teams trading points for the rest of the quarter, Alleman took a 33-24 lead into the fourth quarter.

Janssen gave SV some hope with a basket to make it 33-26 while Alleman

Valley

was in the midst of a seven-possession scoring drought.

But like every other time the Cardinals tried to go on a run, the Pioneers’ defense put on the brakes. This time it was in the form of a blocked Nanni shot that Voss quickly turned into a score on the other end.

That score seemed to catapult Alleman the rest of the way. The Pioneers scored on five of their next eight possessions.

The star down the stretch was Davidson, who had consecutive steals and layups to cut the lead to seven points with one minute left in the game. That was as close as the Cardinals would come. Alleman finished with 10-for-10 free-throw shooting for the nine-point win.

Davidson led all scorers with 19 points, every point hard-earned because of the attention she was getting from Ford’s game plan.

“The key was knowing where No. 15 [Davidson] was,” Ford said. “We had great communication on that. Erickson was our leader on that.”

Another thing that hurt SV was giving up three second-chance field goals in the first half. Combine that with Erickson’s buzzer-beaters and that’s 11 points that could have been zero points. It definitely could have been a different game and maybe one that wouldn’t have had Alleman in control.

“Sorry to see the season end,” Mellon said. “This was a special group we had.”

Earleen Hinton

Rock Island Alleman defenders converge on Stillman Valley’s Taylor Davidson during the championship of the Class 2A Oregon Sectional on Feb. 22 at the Blackhawk Center at Oregon High School.

436

Co , IL; A

Productive

800-716-8189

161.87 ACRES IN OGLE COUNTY

SAT. APRIL 6TH AT 10:00 AM

LIVE AUCTION HELD AT BERTOLET BUILDING

103 W. 2ND ST., LEAF RIVER, IL

Total of 161.87 Acres MOL offered in 1 Tract.

tires, pulley, fenders; 1928 IHC Farmall Regular Tractor, nf, also extra set steel wheels fit this tractor, to be restored; 1929 McCormick-Deering 10-20, wf, PTO, to be restored; M.F. 1938 Case DC Tractor w/ fenders, nf, 13.6-38 tires, hyd, PTO, repaint, nice; M.F. 202 Work Bull Loader Tractor w/ rear wt, 16.9-24 tires, shuttle gear!; M.F. 300 Loader Tractor w/ 50A Loader, 7’ Bucket, rear wts, flat fenders, 18.4-26 tires. All tractors are running and in clean condition.

TRUCKS AND LIVESTOCK TRAILER: 1986 Ford F350 Pickup XLT 4x4, flat bed, goose neck hitch, high mileage, not running; 1974 Chevrolet C-30 Ambulance Truck; 16’ Cattle Trailer Bumper Hitch; 1968 IHC 1890 Grain Truck, not running; 1967 IHC 1700 Grain Truck, not running.

Currently 110 Acres in row crop (119.5 PI) with good productivity.

34 Acres former old CRP/Hunting ground.

17.87 Acres building site, waterways, fence rows, road frontage.

FARM MACHINERY: IHC 6-16” Bottom 3 pt. Plow w/ Harrow; Top Air 40’ Trailer Sprayer, 600 gal; IHC 1450 Cadet w/ deck; IHC 1250 Mix Mill; Fox Forage Blower; J.D. 200 gl. Trailer Sprayer; 2 Fox 3000 Forage Harvestor’s w/ Corn & Hay Heads; Flow-EZ Bu. Gravity Box w/ 1074 Gear, nice; JD 953 gear w/ flair box & hoist; Glencoe 9 shank Chisel Plow w/ drag; 60’ 8” Auger w/ elec. Motor; IHC #490-20’ hyd. Fold Disk w/ flex Harrow; IHC-6R. Front Cultivator; IHC-4R. Front Cultivator; Gehl 72 Green Chopper; 16’ Green Chop Wagon; Kewanee 22’ Flat Fold Cultimulcher; 24’ 4 Section Harrow & cart; IHC 55T Baler w/ motor; IHC 4 cylinder Ind. Motor; Knight 410 Tandem axle Spreader w/ dual apron, hyd. Gate, 2 beaters; IHC Cyclo Planter parts; IHC 55T Baler, PTO; JD Rotary Hoe; Cart w/ End gate Seeder; 18’ Flat rack & Gear; Hesston #10 Stacker; Woods 214 Bat Wing Mower, parts; Cattle Squeeze Chute; 20+ Assort. Pipe Gates; Water Tanks.

SELLER: JAMES LEE STUKENBERG TRUST

LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 4207 TOWNLINE RD. LEAF RIVER, IL 61047

• NW Soils: Osco, Rockton, HEL Ground

• Spring 2024 Possession

SHOP – TOOLS (3-4 WAGONS FULL): US General 30 double R.A. Tool Box; HD 12T Bearing Press; Century AC-DC 250-295 Welder; 3 Bench Grinders; 20” Power Hack Saw; 16 Speed Floor Drill Press; 200 amp Battery Charger; 1000 Watt Battery Booster; 12” Craftsman Radial Arm Saw; Hyd. Floor Jack; Porta-Power; 2 Chain Saws; Air Tools; 1” Air Impact; RR Jack; Anvil; Power Mitre Saw; 50+ Nut & Bolt Containers; Milwaukee SawzAll; 1” Sockets; Ladders; Log Chains; 2 hp Demolition Hammers; XC Torch Set; Sand Blaster; Lg. amt. Hand Tools, Sockets, wrenches, etc. etc!

Note: This is a large Estate with many farm related items and tools. A nice lineup of IHC Tractors to be offered. Paul lived on the family Sesquicentennial farm his entire life, and was the original owner of many of the tractors to be sold. He had a special passion for Farmall tractors. Be sure to see the pictures on the website.

Terms: Cash or check w/ picture ID required. All equipment sold AS-IS condition. No exceptions. Number system to be used. Check website for directions to farm. Lunch Stand and Portable Toilet

www.Proauctionsllc.com

• Hard road frontage.

Attorney for Estate: Laird Lambert

Note: This property is an unusual opportunity to add to your farming operation, as well as advance potential recreational opportunities. View maps, photos, videos, sale terms and other at auction website. Call Rick Garnhart, Auctioneer for complete information

www.proauctionsllc.com

RICK GARNHART, AUCTIONEER German Valley, IL 61039 815-238-3044

IL Lic: 440000901 • WI Lic: 2844-52

Sire: SS Niagara Z29 Dam: RB Lady Denver 167-453

STONE CREEK LADY 453-1101 AAA 20138672

CEDBWWWYWRADGYHSCDocClawAngle PAP HSHPCEMMILK

Top 1%: CW, RE, $F |

Top 2%: YW, Milk, $B

Top 3%: WW, MW, $AxJ, $C |

Top 4%: Doc

Top 5%: $AxH

Top 10%: YH, $W, $G

MANY SERVICE AGE BULLS

Sire: Rathbun ChangeMaker E541 | Dam: LHA Lady Innovation 3189-514

STONE CREEK CHANGEMAKER 2246 AAA 20582497

CEDBWWWYWRADGYHSCDocClawAngle PAP HSHPCEMMILK +9+2.3+71+129+.30+.6+.82+25 +.45+.55+.86+.59 +10.8+14+26 AxHAxJMWMHCWMarbREFat$M$W$F$G$B$C +212+186 +63+.2+60+1.22+.99+.034+69+65 +109 +85+194+321

Top 3%: $F |

Top 4%: CW, $AxH |

Top 5%: $B, $C

Top 10%: WW, RE, $AxJ

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS

Associated Bank N.A.

PLAINTIFF

Vs. Kenneth Hopkins II; et. al. DEFENDANTS No. 2023FC39

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/17/2023, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on April 5, 2024 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Compl ex, 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public au ction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 11-34-479-001

Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043

Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance , including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calc ulated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fracti on thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twent y-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any r epresentati on as to qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Pla intiff and in "AS IS" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, pur chasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Con dominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no fur ther recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee 's attorney.

Upon pay ment in ful l of the amount bid, the purchaser shall rece ive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale . The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be ope n for ins pection and Plaintiff makes no represen tation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court fil e to verify all infor mation

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For informati on: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attor ney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontag e Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-23-04179.

I3238473

February 23, 2024 March 1, 8, 2024

RICHARD M.

Petitioners

BUTERA

ARDC# 6181834

Attorney at Law

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE IN RE THE GUARDIANSHIP OF: KALEB C. SMITH, and NOE GONZALEZ and ELIZABETH

COOK, Intervening Petitioners.

Case No 2019 P 39 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

TO: TINA COOK

Take notice that a petition was filed in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, for the Guardianship of a child named KALEB C SMITH.

Now, therefore, unless you, TINA COOK, file your answer to the Petition in this action or otherwise file your appear ance therein, in the said Circuit Court of Ogle County, in the City of Oregon, Ill inois, on or before the 8th day of March, 2024, a default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment will enter in accordance with the prayer of said Petition

Dated Febr uary 9, 2024.

RICHARD M

BUTERA, Attorney for Intervening Petitioners

RICHARD M.

BUTERA

ARDC# 6181834

Attorney at Law

728 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-9996 buteralawoffices @gmail.com

RMB/ram

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE IN RE THE GUARDIANSHIP OF: ROBERT J. MCINTYRE-COOK, and NOE GONZALEZ and ELIZABETH COOK, COOK, Intervening Petitioners.

Case No. 2019 P 40 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

TO: TINA COOK

Take notice that a petition was filed in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, for the Guardianship of a child named

ROBERT J MCINTYRE-COOK Now, therefore, unless you, TINA COOK, file your answer to the Petition in this action or otherwis e file your appearance therein, in the said Circuit Court of Ogl e County, in the City of Oregon, Illinois, on or before the 8th day of March, 202 4, a default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment will enter in accordance with the prayer of said Petition

Dated Febr uary 9, 2024.

RICHARD M. BUTERA, Attorney for Intervening Petitioners

RICHARD M.

BUTERA

ARDC# 6181834

Attorney at Law 728 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-9996 buteralawoffices @gmail.com RMB/ram

728 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-9996 buteralawoffices @gmail.com RMB/ram

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult) State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2024 MR 3

Request of:

Will Henry Ciaccio

There will be a court date on Request to change my name from:

Will Henry Ciaccio to the new name of:

Willow Mia Ciacc io

The court date will be held: April 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

At 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Ogle County, Courtroom: 304

There will be a court date on Request to change my name from:

Will Henry Ciaccio to the new name of:

Willow Mia Ciacc io

The court date will be held: April 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M

At 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Ogle County, Courtroom: 304

/s/ Will Henry Ciaccio

Will Henry Ciaccio

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change ( Min or) State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County

2024 MR 8

Request of:

Stephanie K. Whaley

State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County

2024 MR 8

Request of:

Stephanie K.

Whaley

There will be a court date on Request for name change (Minor Children) for these children: Adalyn Grace Munson to the new name of: Adalyn Grace Whaley

The court date will be held: April 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

Courtroom: 304

By video conference at: Zoom Log-in information: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/8637797

2394#success

/s/ Cassandra Gottschalk

Cassandra Gottschalk Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

Publication Notice of Court Date for

Request for Name Change (Mi nor Name Change) In the State of Illi nois, Circuit Court, Ogle Coun ty 2024 MR 2

REQUEST OF: Amy E lizabeth Wilder

TO CHANGE NAMES OF MINOR CHILDREN

There will be a court date on a

Request for Name Change (Minor Children) for these children:

Current Name of Minor Child:

court date on a

Request for Name

Change (Minor

Children) for these

children:

Current Name of Minor Child:

Asher Ryan Hoffa

Propos ed New

Name of Minor

Child:

Asher Ryan Wilder

Current Name of Minor Child:

Damian Kenny

Hoffa

Propos ed New

Name of Minor Child:

Damian Kenny Wilder

Court Date:

April 3rd, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. at 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL Ogle County, Courtroom 304 /s/ Amy Elizabeth Wilder

Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 1, 2024 2142695

Name of Minor

Child:

Damian Kenny Wilder

Court Date: April 3rd, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. at 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL Ogle County, Courtroom 304 /s/ Amy Elizabeth Wilder

Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 1, 2024 2142695

As sumed Name

Publication Notice

Public Notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2024, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: OFF-GR ID

2024, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:

OFF-GR ID

GREENS loca ted at 704 Adams St Oregon, IL 61061

Dated February 21, 2024.

Laura J. Cook

Laura J. Cook

Ogle County Clerk

March 1, 8, 15, 2024

Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS

Asher Ryan Hoffa

Propos ed New

Name of Minor

Child:

Asher Ryan Wilder

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS

Associated Bank N.A.

/s/ Will Henry Ciaccio

PLAINTIFF Vs. Kenneth Hopkins II; et. al.

Will Henry Ciaccio

DEFENDANTS

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

There will be a court date on Request for name change (Minor Children) for these children: Adalyn Grace Munson to the new name of: Adalyn Grace

Whaley

The court date will be held: April 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

No. 2023FC39

Current Name of Minor Child: Damian Kenny Hoffa

Propos ed New

Name of Minor

Child:

Damian Kenny Wilder

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

Courtroom: 304

By video conference at: Zoom

Log-in information: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/8637797

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/17/2023, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on April 5, 2024 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Compl ex, 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public au ction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

2394#success

/s/ Cassandra Gottschalk

Cassandra Gottschalk

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

Court Date: April 3rd, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. at 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL Ogle County, Courtroom 304 /s/ Amy Elizabeth Wilder Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 1, 2024 2142695

A PART OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34 IN TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIP AL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

BEGINNING AT A POINT 48 FEET SOUTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 7 OF SHEAFF'S ADDITION TO HOLCOMB, THENCE WEST 102 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 103 FEET, THENCE EAST 102 FEET, THENCE NORTH 103 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; SITUATED IN OGLE COUNTY IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS PIN 11-34-479-001

Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043

Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance , including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calc ulated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fracti on thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twent y-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any r epresentati on as to qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Pla intiff and in "AS IS" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, pur chasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Con dominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

GREENS loca ted at 704 Adams St Oregon, IL 61061

Dated February 21, 2024.

Laura J. Cook

COUNTY OF OGLE GERMAN AMERICAN STATE BANK, Plaintiff, vs. STEVEN O. BUSHEY, STATE OF IL LINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk

March 1, 8, 15, 2024

Case No. 2024 FC 12 PUBLICATION NO TICE

The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants in the above- entitled cause, that the above-entitled Mortgage Foreclosure action was fil ed on February 13, 2024, and is now pending.

1. The names of all Plaintiffs and the Cas e Number are identified above.

2. The Court in which this action was brought is identified above.

3. The name of the titleholder of record is: Steven O Bushey.

4. A legal description of the real estate sufficient to i dentify it wit h reasonable certainty is as follows :

Part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of the Northwest Quarte r (1/4) of Section 10, Township 24 North, Range 8, East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, desc ribed as follows: Commencing 2 rods South of the N orthwest Cor ner of said Quarter (1/4) Section; thence South on the Section line 8 rods; thence East 10 rods; thence North Parallel with the Section line 8 rods; thence West 10 rods to the Place of Beginning, situated in the Township of Lincoln, County of Ogle and State of Illinois

PIN:07-10-100-001

5. A common addr ess or description of the location of the real estate is as follows: 11947 W West Grove Road, Forreston, Illinois 61030

6.An identifi cation of the Mortgage sought to be foreclosed is as follows:

a. Name of Mortgagor:Steven O. Bushey

b. Name of Mortgagee:German American Sta te Bank

c Date of Mortgage: July 29, 2016

d Date of Recording August 3, 2016

e County Where Recorded:Ogle County, Illinois

f. Rec ording Document Identification:

Document No. 201604173

Feb. 16, 23, March 1, 2024

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no fur ther recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney.

Upon pay ment in ful l of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale . The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court fil e to verify all infor mation

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For informati on: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attor ney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontag e Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-23-04179.

I3238473

February

NOW THEREFORE, unless you, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, file your Answer to the Complaint for Foreclosure in this cause or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the offices of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Winnebago County, 400 West S tate Street, Rockford, Illinois 61101, on or before March 24, 2024 (which is the 30th day after the first publication of this notice), default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment for Foreclosure may be entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

RENO & ZAHM LLP

BY: /s/ Michael G. Schul tz

Michael G. Schultz, Attorney for German American State Bank, Plaintiff RENO & ZAHM LLP

Michael G Schultz (#6297569) 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400, Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 987-4050

mgs@renoza hm.com

February 23, March 1, 8, 2024