Earleen Hinton Harold Hill,
by
a
of “The Music Man” on March 7. Story: Page 2. ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ VOLUME 174 NO. 3 • SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851 Friday, March 15, 2024 • $1.00 One section • 20 pages Published every Friday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media INDEX Betty’s Column 4 Classifieds 17-19 Colbert Column 14 Library News 2 Mt. Morris Police ... 10 Otto’s Column .......... 4 Property Transfers 16 Sheriff Activity ....... 10 Sports ................. 14-15 DEATHS Joana Glendenning, Eleanor M. Jenkins, Chester “Tom” Williams, Page 12 One-man play Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris to present play March 22-24 / 5 NEWS
portrayed
Logan Sarver, sits on
library desk next to Marian (Sarah Eckardt) during a scene in Oregon High School’s performance
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Oregon students perform ‘The Music Man’
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman, breezed into the Oregon High School theater as students performed “The Music Man” on March 7-10.
Hill, portrayed by OHS senior Logan Sarver, tried to con the citizens of River City into thinking he was organizing a band before Marian, the town’s librarian portrayed by junior Sarah Eckardt, transformed him into a respectable citizen.
Hinton
In addition to Eckardt and Sarver, this year’s student cast was Abi Fletcher, Elliot Peeling, Leland Howard, Macklynn Rager, Isaac Ebert, Jade Brewington, Evie Helton, Sebastian Alford, Phoenix McCaslin, Caleb Ward, Owen Flanagan, Alease McLain, Emily Kerchner, Paloma Sampaio, Liz Messenger, Tristyn Smith, Kylie Krug, Grahm Todd, Sebastian
Senior of Distinction
Oregon High School’s
Bank Retail
OREGON LIBRARY
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!
A Character Ticket represents an image of a character in 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 cardhold-
CORRECTIONS
ers only. May adopt only once.
Ward and Maxx George.
Stage and tech crew members were Trevor Alexander, Tim Davis, Addelyn Eichholtz, Evie Helton, Ahren Howey, Toyne Howey, Gabby Hoyle, Sofia Mateos-Blanco, Edward McArthur, Sophia Oltman and Emily Watters. The construction manager was Hayley Wolge. Hailey-Jane Becker was the stage manager.
Pit orchestra members were Noelle Girton, Aralin McLain, Isaac Kramer, Gavin Warner, Rivers Schafer, Gavyn McArthur, Ben Welle, Teagan Champley and Caleb Ehrler.
Production crew members were directors Andy Eckardt and Zach Hall; Jeff Stultz, design/construction; Matt Sarantakos, tech director; Utahna Denton, costumes; Garry Guldin, programs; and Michael Cermak, T-shirts.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Women’s Club’s antiques show is March 23-24
OREGON – The Oregon Women’s Club’s 72nd annual Antique and Vintage Show will be Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24, at the Blackhawk Center, 1101 W. Jefferson St. The event includes more than 40 dealers.
Entry fee is $8 a person.
Hours for the show are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The event offers free parking and homemade concessions. Antique appraisals will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for $5 an item.
Money raised goes to local charities and projects.
Recycle old electronic devices March 22
OREGON – The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department is hosting a residential electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 22, at 909 Pines Road in Oregon. The event is for Ogle County residents only and a free permit is required in advance.
To obtain a permit, call 815-732-4020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil.gov and provide your name, address, phone number and email address by 4 p.m. March 21.
Knit & Crochet is back on Mondays
The group will meet at 1 p.m. Registration is requested. Visit www.oregonpubliclibrary.com or call 815-732-2724.
Book Clubs
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.
Accuracy is important to the Oregon Republican Reporter. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
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.
The 2WBC meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, to discuss “The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time” by Mark Haddon.
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2
County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com
Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS
Ogle
•
Photo provided by Oregon School District
March Senior of Distinction is Sage Namaste-Rose, who poses with Stillman
Banking Representative Jodi Peters. Namaste-Rose received a gift card for her achievement.
Earleen
Evie Helton, portraying Amaryllis, and Elliott Peeling, portraying Winthrop, perform during Oregon High School’s presentation of “The Music Man” on March 7.
Chad will
determine and manage a budget that is best for Ogle County
Chad will
work hard and be fiscally responsible with your tax dollars
Chad will
work in conjunction with the Ogle County Board
Chad will
be honest and forthcoming about the budget of the Coroner’s Office
Why?
• Chad understands you work hard for your money.
• Taxpayers and their taxes are important to Chad, and he will be mindful about balancing the budget and taxpayers’ rates.
• Chad owns his own funeral home business - doing the accou8nting and paying bills are routine tasks he handles every day. You can trust Chad as an experienced, life-long resident of Ogle County.
3 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE
Horner4Coroner
Chad is
Horner4Coroner@gmail.com Horner4Coroner.com
CHAD HORNER
OGLE COUNTY CORONER
Our grandparents influence us as we grow
Thank you to all the people who stepped up to make a great program for the Polo Historical Society on March 6.
Kevin, our tech guy, worked with Susan Zook on the big screen with pictures of her time teaching in Nepal and her recent visit to the country. It is so nice to have someone like Kevin skilled in that area. For Susan to have pictures from 50 years ago to show comparisons of then and now was a big help.
Susan had said at first it was maybe about 20 years ago when she taught school there. Then as she really got to thinking accurately, she realized it was 50 years ago. Time really moves along in our lives.
The pictures of then and now really helped give us a good history of how the years have gone for the country of Nepal.
Kevin also had the program online for people to watch at home.
Thank you to Ted for running the
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
meeting for me since Mike was gone and to my son, Bruce, for handing out the cookies I had baked earlier. I had tucked them away in the refrigerator and it was a good thing since I was not feeling well at all last week.
Early in February, I had picked up a bug that left me with a cough that just did not want to go away and talking was not something that helped. Keeping my mouth shut is rather difficult. I did make it to the meeting but I just sat and listened.
Our meeting was packed with many people interested in what Susan had to say and show. She brought many interesting items connected with her program. Some she had
bought 50 years ago and some she had gotten when she recently visited. They fit in perfectly with her topic as the evening progressed.
I have heard many fine comments on the evening.
Ted then filled us in on what is coming up for the Polo Historical Society. In April, we have a board meeting with no program. That has worked out well because we can spend more time discussing items and we can even do some things together that need to be done.
On May 8 at the Polo Senior Center, we will have Dr. David McCartney from Naperville with slides and information on the Graehling and McCartney families. These will be pictures of early Polo. How many of you remember Melvin McCartney. He picked up the mail from the depot in Polo. Dean, his son, was in my Class of 1950.
That family was connected to the Orient House, which became Parkside Hotel.
David sat as a little boy with his grandmother while she showed him pictures of early Polo and his family. He became very interested listening to the stories and he wrote on the back of the pictures who everyone was in the family. Very unusual for a child.
When I worked with my grandmother, it was flowers she told me all about as we sat and pulled weeds together. Naturally it was a love for flowers that I grew up with and have today.
Our grandparents really do influence us as we grow.
In June, we will have our trolley tour of the Lime Kiln, Buffalo Cemetery and Henry School during Town and Country Days. Kevin will post things on Facebook, so keep watch.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train had two coffins
By OTTO DICK
At 7 a.m. Friday, April 21, 1865, Abraham Lincoln’s coffin and his son Willie’s coffin were taken by honor guard to the Washington, D.C., depot.
Lincoln’s son Robert Todd rode the funeral train.
Abraham Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, was too distraught to make the trip.
Doing research on the funeral train was the first time I learned there were two coffins in the presidential car.
The train departed at 8 a.m. with more than 9,000 people witnessing the
train’s departure.
As the funeral train left Washington, D.C., themes represented the 36 states in the Union. These included 36 ladies dressed in white and wearing a black sash, waving 36 flags, 36 gun salutes and 36 stars.
Arches draped over the railroad tracks also were popular. In Illinois, there were arches over the railroad tracks in Joliet, Bloomington, Lincoln, Elkhart and Williamsville.
The president’s railroad car named the United States was modified to a funeral car and designed in emblems of mourning to meet the rest of the funeral train in Washington, D.C.
The funeral train passed through Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana before reaching Chicago.
From Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, the funeral train traveled 1,700 miles over 22 railroads. Through seven states, millions of mourners gathered along the railroad tracks. Heading toward Springfield, the funeral train grew to four trains. Many unplanned stops were made along the tracks for brief memorials. At these stops, citizens placed wreaths on the coffin, sang and built memorial arches showing their grief for the president.
Eleven planned memorial services
were conducted. There were elaborate preparations and massive displays at the services in Baltimore, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago and the burial in Springfield.
Lincoln’s funeral train was the first national commemoration by rail of a president’s death.
In 1856, Lincoln gave a one-hour speech right here in the relatively small town of Oregon, Illinois.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Black Hawk Art Restoration Board announces spring fundraiser
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Black Hawk Art Restoration and Development Committee will host a fundraising event at the NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14.
The Eagle’s Nest Luncheon and Matinee: The Blind will include a special buffet luncheon in the Taft Campus dining hall followed by a performance of “The Blind.”
“The Blind” originally was written by
French playwright Maurice Maeterlinck and performed at the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony, inspiring a Lorado Taft sculpture of the same name. This year’s performance will feature BARD members, Oregon Park District staff and NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus staff and is directed by Debbie Dickson of Oregon.
There will be a silent auction and the opportunity to tour the historic Lorado Taft Field Campus to see original Eagle’s Nest Art Colony structures.
2024 commemorates the five-year anniversary of the completion of the
Black Hawk Restoration Project in which significant repairs were made to Lorado Taft’s iconic Eternal Indian Statue. Landscaping of the statue pavilion was completed in 2023. This year’s fundraiser aims to ensure the permanent ongoing maintenance of the Eternal Indian Statue. Funds raised by BARD from the luncheon will be presented to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and dedicated to ensuring the historic Eternal Indian Statue remains beautiful for years to come.
The Eagle’s Nest Luncheon and Mati-
nee: The Blind is a cooperative effort between the NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus, BARD and the Oregon Park District. Registration for the event is open to the public until April 7 and can be done in person at Nash Recreation Center, by phone at 815-732-3101 or online at www. oregonpark.org.
Registration fee is $70 for Oregon Park District residents and $80 for nonresidents. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and Oregon Park District Youth Scholarship fund.
4 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS LOCAL HISTORY
100thbirthday celebration
Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, PGA to present one-man play March 22-24
MOUNT MORRIS – The Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, in collaboration with the Performing Arts Guild, will present a one-man play “Heaven, How I Got Here” on Palm Sunday weekend 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.
The play, starring Chicago area actor Tom McElroy, imagines the story of the thief crucified next to Jesus Christ.
“We are so excited to bring this unique production to our community,” said Bruce McKanna, pastor of
“Hot ‘n’ Cole”
the church. “It’s a fresh take on a familiar story that is powerful and quite possibly life-changing. Even though this drama is drawn from the Bible, you don’t have to be a Christian to find it captivating.”
McElroy is a seasoned veteran of the 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.
The Mt. Morris performances will be McElroy’s first time in the role. Another performance is scheduled at his home church north of Chicago on the following weekend.
The play is based on a book of the same name, written by Colin Smith, author of more than a dozen books and senior pastor of The Orchard, a multi-campus church in the Chicago
area. Tim Gregory wrote the play’s script.
Tickets for “Heaven, How I Got Here” cost $5 each. To order, call 815734-4942 or reserve online at performingartsguild.com.
Doors will open a half hour before each show. Refreshments will be served afterward.
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 during services for children younger than 4 years old.
For more information, call 815-7344942.
The Music of Cole Porter Spring Concert
Featuring music from one of America’s most beloved jazz/theatre composers, audiences will become fans of Porter’s timeless classics! Porter’s witty, engrossing, and unique style has captivated listeners for decades! Matt and Cynthia Gruel enlighten listeners with biographical and musical background that will bring greater appreciation for Porter’s genius. Highlights include “Too Darn Hot,” “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love),” “You’re the Top,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Anything Goes,” “What is This Thing Called Love,” “I Love Paris,” “Friendship” and many more.
Friday, April 5, 2024 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Members: $25 and Non-members: $30
Tickets available online https://www.cmaaa.org/events.html
Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana 124 N. 4th St., Oregon, IL 61061
Phone: 815-595-5810 • Email: info@cmaaa.org
www.cmaaa.org • www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum
Preserve • Educate • Entertain
Photo provided Marian Leerhoff Garrett will be turning 100 years old on March 22. Send a card or note to her at 414 S. Wesley Ave., Mount Morris, IL, 61054, to help her celebrate.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
5 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 SM-ST2149851
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now by going to ShawLocal.com/games or by scanning the code at the right. eNewspaper readers, click the link above to play now.
Vote for Christie Cox for Ogle County coroner
As a pastor over the course of the past 20 years, I have on multiple occasions been asked to officiate funeral services in conjunction with Christie Cox at Polo Family Funeral Home.
Having known Christie and her family for over two decades, without reservation, I lend my full support and endorsement in her bid to serve the people as the next Ogle County coroner.
As an established funeral director and deputy coroner, Christie will bring to the office of coroner the knowledge, experience and consistency required to be effective in such a position. Having worked for and with multiple local funeral homes, Christie has developed relationships with families throughout Ogle County that will undoubtedly assist her in carrying out the occasional delicate duties of coroner.
Christie, alongside her husband, Marty, and their children have been active members of their local church for more than 30 years, where Marty’s father served as the pastor. This longstanding commitment to their faith community further solidifies their ties to the county and underscores the deep-rooted connections Christie has fostered, both professionally and personally. More importantly, her integrity is unwavering, which is a character quality often lacking in the political arena of our day.
As a businesswoman, Christie’s professionalism, poise and sensitivity will surely be an asset in dealing with the issues and challenges pertinent to the coroner’s office. She will serve with dignity and honor because that is who she is. Christie absolutely values life and has a sober respect for the deceased.
For these reasons, I urge the good citizens of Ogle County to cast their vote for Christie Cox for Ogle County coroner in the upcoming March 19 Republican primary election.
Luke N. Schier Polo
Ogle County needs and deserves Cox’s conservative leadership
To the Editor:
I was initially supporting Christie Cox for Ogle County coroner simply because I’ve known her for many years and always found her to be a person of integrity.
I recently sat down with Christie to discuss some of my concerns about the Ogle County coroner’s office, namely that their budget has doubled since I left office in 2018 and, even beyond that growth, they were significantly over their original budget several of those years.
I came away from that meeting confident that Christie shares my philosophy of needing to be fiscally conservative while maintaining great service to her constituents. When she is elected, she will run the office like a business, taking a hard look at office practices and spending to eliminate any waste and enhance productivity.
Ogle County needs and deserves this kind of conservative leadership. I hope everyone will join me in voting for Christie Cox for Ogle County coroner on March 19!
John
Coffman Polo
Christie Cox is ideal candidate for coroner
To the Editor:
As I sit down to write, many thoughts flood my mind.
I first crossed paths with Christie 35 years ago, and my life has been immeasurably blessed since. Together for 32 years in marriage, we’ve reached a depth of understanding that only decades of companionship can offer.
So, who is Christie Cox? She is, without exaggeration, the most extraordinary person I know. Nothing was ever simply handed to her. Christie’s early life was marked by stark poverty, yet she emerged with unyielding determination, striving tirelessly to carve out a better future not just for herself but for our three children as well.
When Christie made the bold decision to attend mortuary school, our family faced the challenge of her daily four-hour commute to Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois – yes, from Polo to Wheeling and back, every day. Through life’s ups and downs, Christie’s commitment has never wavered, not to our family, nor to the community she so loves serving. Her passion for her calling – to serve others – shines brightly in everything she does.
The journey to purchasing our funeral home wasn’t smooth, but through hard work and sheer dedication, we turned it into a significant success. Starting a business from scratch – initially from our home and eventually moving to a
commercial space – was a testament to Christie’s leadership. Under her guidance, not only has the funeral home flourished, but our startup has seen consistent growth, in both employment opportunities and sales.
Christie is a beacon of light to our three children and now 3.75 grandchildren, who are the joy of her life. Her kindness, caring nature and compassion are not only known to us, her family, but also to the many families she has supported through 24 years in the funeral business. She consistently places the needs of others above her own, often at the sacrifice of her personal time.
Now, regarding the budget. It’s common in relationships for one partner to be more conservative with spending than the other. Christie is someone who dislikes wasteful spending, ensuring you can trust her to manage county finances with the same vigilance she applies to our own, treating taxpayer dollars with the utmost respect. This is in stark contrast to the all-too-common governmental attitude of knowing better than the citizens how to spend their money.
Christie stands as not only the right choice for this position but also the ideal candidate for the citizens of Ogle County. There is, truly, no one more suited to the role of coroner of Ogle County. Christie is transparent about who she is and what she stands for, a rarity in today’s landscape.
I invite you to join me in supporting Christie Cox for coroner of Ogle County – a leader who has proven her dedication, compassion and integrity.
Marty Cox
Polo
Retired Whiteside County sheriff supports Christie Cox for coroner
To the editor and the esteemed residents of Ogle County:
As a former Whiteside County sheriff with a decade of leadership and more than 30 years in law enforcement, I write to you today not only as a fellow public servant, but as an advocate for the principles that underpin our shared commitment to justice, integrity and community welfare.
The role of coroner, a position of critical importance and trust, demands a candidate who embodies these values, equipped with both the expertise and the ethical fortitude to serve with impartiality and dedication. It is with
this understanding of the profound responsibilities entrusted to the coroner that I invite you to consider what truly qualifies someone to hold this office.
A coroner’s office is not just about managing the procedural aspects of untimely deaths, but also upholding the delicate balance between law enforcement, judicial integrity and public health. This role requires a candidate who can navigate these complexities with an unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency and independence.
In evaluating candidates, I urge you to look beyond the surface of political endorsements and campaign promises. Consider instead the depth of their understanding of the coroner’s multifaceted role, their readiness to serve without bias and their proven dedication to serving the community with respect and integrity.
Choosing the next coroner is not merely a decision for today, but a testament to your collective values and your vision for the future of Ogle County. It is an opportunity to affirm your trust in an individual who stands not just for what is expedient, but for what is right, ensuring that the office remains a beacon of unbiased service, safeguarding the well-being and trust of your community.
As someone who has dedicated years to serving in law enforcement, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of leadership that prioritizes the community’s needs above all else. It is from this place of experience and respect for the role you are now tasked with filling that I encourage you to consider these principles as you make your choice.
From my vantage point, observing the political landscape of Ogle County, Christie Cox emerges as a candidate worthy of serious consideration. I have known Christie Cox, her husband of almost 33 years, and their children, for over a decade. I can attest to the remarkable character and high caliber of her family. The integrity and values she embodies, nurtured within her family and demonstrated throughout her campaign, underscore her suitability for this critical position. Her approach to the role, emphasizing independence, community engagement and a principled dedication to the office’s sanctity, suggests a readiness to serve Ogle County with the respect and diligence it deserves.
Kelly Wilhelmi Sterling
6 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS
IT’S YOUR WRITE
IT’S YOUR WRITE
Support Horner for coroner
To the Editor:
We have known Chad Horner for many years and want to voice our support for him as the next Ogle County coroner. Chad has all the qualities that will make him an outstanding elected public official. As a former police officer and school teacher, we understand the traits necessary to be an effective public servant. First and foremost, a servant leader needs to understand their position is not about themselves. A public servant must understand their job is about those they serve and those with whom they serve. Chad fully understands this. Chad’s ultimate goal is to not just win the election but to humbly serve others.
The second trait a leader must possess is the ability to build relationships of trust and understanding. A common complaint against politicians is they do not meet our expectations. They make promises but do not carry them out and thus we lose our trust in them. Chad is committed to fulfilling his promises and steadfastly maintaining the trust a voter places with him. Chad is not a drive-by candidate. He has made a great effort to meet with, and talk to, as many people as possible. He listens empathically and earnestly. He has a unique ability to engage people and be fully committed to them in the moment.
After an interaction with Chad, you will walk away with a sense that you were heard and that you are better off for having met him. The scores of recent conversations Chad has engaged in with the people of Ogle County will guide his efforts, help him meet the expectations of those he serves, and build trust in our public officials.
Please consider voting for Chad Horner for Ogle County coroner. He has our support, and we know he will be an outstanding public servant.
Andre and Marguerite Brass
Byron
Lending
support
for Horner for Ogle County coroner
I am writing to lend my support to Chad Horner for Ogle County coroner. I first met Chad through his wife, Dionne. Dionne became employed by me as a freelance court reporter and we worked together for almost 12 years. During that time I got to know them on both a professional and personal level.
When you first meet Chad, you are struck by his big smile and laughter,
traits that are both welcoming and warm. You quickly learn that behind that man is a man with humility and integrity.
In 2012, Chad arrived at our family home to escort my mother to his family funeral home, where she would be prepared for her final resting place. He and his family were incredibly professional, kind, patient and fulfilled all our wishes, which is a tall task when you have four daughters to appease.
Sometime later, our daughter would babysit for Chad and Dionne’s children. We witnessed him as a husband and father and how he cares for his family. Chad also is a man of faith, a component of a man’s life that I think is extremely important in how you conduct your life.
I have no doubt Chad Horner has the background and experience to be the coroner of our county that we can be proud of. I highly endorse Chad Horner for the office of the coroner for Ogle County.
Doris Kennay
Ashton
Support for Ron Kern for Ogle County Board
To the Editor:
I am writing in support of Ron Kern’s candidacy for the Ogle County Board from District 5 in the upcoming primary election March 19.
The voters from District 5 will never find a more exceptional candidate to represent them. I have known Ron for more than 38 years here in Ogle County and his dedication to supporting both the industries of the county and the people working and living here makes him an exceptional person for the job. Plus, Ron brings fresh ideas, leadership abilities and experience from many types of board meetings. District 5 voters will be served well by electing Ron to represent their interest in Ogle County.
I hope you will join with many of us in supporting Ron Kern in the upcoming primary election.
Dan Head Oregon
Forrestville Valley School Board offers information on 1% sales tax proposal
To the Editor:
The Forrestville Valley Board of Education hosted a town hall meeting Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Forreston Jr./Sr. High Library. The purpose of the meeting was to provide information to
Ogle County residents regarding the 1% sales tax question that will be on the ballot March 19.
I wanted to provide our residents with a summary of this meeting.
Outside of property taxes and state and federal funds, school districts are quite limited in how they can generate revenue. The 1% sales tax provides an additional revenue source for all schools in Ogle County.
The 1% sales tax is estimated to provide an additional $300,000 PER year to the Forrestville Valley School District. These funds can be used for mental health professionals, school resource officers or facility projects and updates.
The 1% tax would apply to everything in the municipal and county sales tax base as well as eligible online sales. There are some exceptions and the following will NOT be taxed: groceries, medicine, cars, trucks, farm equipment and services.
If something is not currently taxed it will not be included in this additional sales tax.
The tax collected from all of Ogle County sales would be distributed to area schools based on student enrollment. When we calculate our current student enrollment with the estimated tax, the estimate is an additional $300,000 per year.
If passed, our school district would start to receive additional revenue as early as this October. Our district commitment is to prioritize funds toward student mental health services, school safety and ongoing facility needs.
The language on the March 19 ballot will read: Shall a retailer’s occupation tax and a service occupation tax (commonly referred to as a “Sales Tax”) be imposed in Ogle County at a rate of 1% to be used exclusively for school facility purposes, school resource officers and mental health professionals?
My goal is to provide information to residents for review before March 19. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Superintendent [Sheri] Smith. She can be reached in the district office at 815-938-2036.
You also may visit the district website at www.fvdistrict221.org for a complete presentation from the town hall meeting, Q&A documents and more information.
Thank you, Chip Braker Forrestville Valley Board of Education president
Former Kable News building to get entrance that’s ADA compliant
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
MOUNT MORRIS – The former Kable News Co. building’s entrance is getting an upgrade.
On Feb. 27, Mount Morris Village Board members unanimously approved tax incremental financing funding not to exceed $44,000 for Skills on Point to renovate the downtown building’s entrance to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The 132-year-old building now is called College Hall, Village President Phil Labash told Shaw Media in a phone interview Feb. 27.
College Hall and Skills on Point are owned by John Russell, whose purchase of College Hall was finalized March 1, 2023.
Skills on Point is based in Rockford and provides ongoing medical education for health care professionals.
Russell is a nurse practitioner and has a doctorate of nursing practice, among several other certifications.
Located at 16 S. Wesley Ave., the building was constructed in 1890 and 1891 to serve as Mount Morris College’s College Hall.
When the school closed in 1932, twin brothers Harvey and Harry Kable purchased College Hall and founded the Kable News Co. through which they distributed many of the publications printed at their other business, Kable Brothers Printing.
Kable News since has expanded into several similarly named parent and subsidiary corporations.
“One of the reasons why the [Village] Board is excited about this renovation project is because our museum is actually going to be in the former lobby,” Labash said. “This will make it ADA-accessible to the public as well.”
The village’s museum currently is located in the lower level of Mount Morris Village Hall and rarely is open to the public.
The goal is to move the museum items to College Hall in phases and have it ready to open by June 1, Labash said.
7 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024
Alexa Zoellner file photo
The former Kable News Co. building now is called College Hall.
Judge sets conference for former Boy Scout leader from Morrison accused of sexually abusing Scout in 2004
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – An Ogle County judge agreed March 6 to a special conference with attorneys in April for a former Boy Scout leader accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy 20 years ago.
Jason L. Endress, 44, of Morrison is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred in 2004 when he was a director at Camp Lowden, a Boy Scout camp east of Oregon.
Endress has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On March 6, Endress and his attorney James Mertes appeared before Judge John Redington. Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Allison
Huntley represented the state.
“I have been advised that you are both asking for a 402 conference,” Redington said.
A 402 conference is intended to be an open process where attorneys and a judge discuss relevant information regarding the case and a potential outcome. Defendants are not present during the conference, but must agree to waive their presence before it is held.
Redington set the conference and a subsequent hearing for 11 a.m. April 22. Huntley did not object to the continuance.
“Even though you won’t be in the
room with us, I want you here in the courthouse so Mr. Mertes can meet with you right after the conference,” Redington told Endress.
Endress, a teacher at Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, for 22 years, was put on paid administrative leave in August 2023.
He was arrested in July 2023, after the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department received a call from Emily Cross, chief operating officer of the Blackhawk Area Council, who told police the organization’s hotline received a call with the allegations.
The council is chartered by the national Boy Scouts of America and is headquartered in Rockford, serving southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois. In Illinois, it runs Canyon Camp, between Stockton and Apple River, and Camp Lowden.
During an August 2023 preliminary hearing, Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Brian Ketter testified he contacted the hotline caller, who said he was a camper at Camp Lowden in 2003 and 2004, when Endress, then 25, was a director.
According to court documents, the alleged sexual contact occurred May 24 and Sept. 6, 2004.
Ketter also testified that he and an Illinois State Police special agent listened in on a telephone conversation that the man had with Endress on July 20, 2023.
Endress is free on $100,000 bond after posting 10%, or $10,000. He has no criminal history in Iowa or the Sauk Valley area, according to court records.
• Reporter Kathleen Schiultz contributed this story.
Rockford man facing 17 charges is asking for unredacted grand jury transcripts
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The defense attorney for a Rockford man charged with 17 offenses, including narcotics racketeering, delivery of methamphetamine, methamphetamine conspiracy, armed violence and possessing a firearm as a felon, told an Ogle County judge March 6 that his client still wants to see unredacted transcripts from grand jury proceedings.
“My client is asking for the grand jury transcripts held in Lee County and he is asking for unredacted copies,” Ogle County Public Defender Michael O’Brien told Judge John Redington.
O’Brien is representing Delano Albert, 34, who has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center in Oregon since his arrest in October 2023.
Albert was indicted in June 2023 by a statewide grand jury on the charges for what prosecutors said happened in January, February, March, April and May in Winnebago
and Ogle counties. He also is charged with being an “armed habitual criminal” in a 17-page indictment filed by the Illinois attorney general.
Certain text in court documents sometimes is concealed to protect witnesses or informants.
Assistant Attorney General Gregg Gansmann, the special prosecutor for the case, appeared at the March 6 hearing with O’Brien and Albert.
O’Brien said prosecutors want certain information in the grand jury transcripts to remain redacted. He suggested the court view the transcripts “in camera” and then make a ruling on the issue. That request would allow Redington to review the transcripts privately in his chambers.
However, Redington said O’Brien and Gansmann can present him with their written arguments within two
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE MONTHLY ACTIVITY FOR FEBRUARY
STERLING – Illinois State Police Troop 1 troopers issued 1,312 citations and 1,837 written warnings and made 29 criminal arrests during the month of February.
411 citations were issued for speeding,
39 citations for distracted driving violations and 97 citations for occupant restraint violations.
Troopers investigated 48 traffic crashes, assisted 277 motorists and
weeks and cite case law to support their positions.
“Then I will address it,” Redington said, setting the next court date for 1 p.m. April 3.
Since Albert’s arrest, Redington has denied his request to be released as his case continues through the court system. Gansmann has argued that Albert should not be released because he is a “real and present danger” to others and the community and would be a flight risk if released.
During a November 2023 hearing, Gansmann told Redington that Albert made “numerous” deliveries of methamphetamine and cocaine to undercover officers or police informants. He said one of the deliveries was in Ogle County.
According to some of the indictments, Albert possessed between 100 and 400 grams of methamphetamine and between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine.
One of the indictments accuses Albert of being an armed habitual criminal, noting he possessed a hand -
gun after being convicted of possessing more than 1 but less than 15 grams of cocaine in 2008 in Winnebago County.
Gansmann also said that when police searched Albert’s residence in Rockford on May 16, 2023, they found three loaded handguns. He also said Albert was a convicted felon, has two previous convictions for armed violence and had a loaded weapon in his bed while police were searching his residence.
O’Brien argued that Albert should be released because of medical issues that can’t be addressed in the jail. Redington denied the request and remanded him back to the jail.
Albert can appeal Redington’s decision within 14 days of the hearing through the 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.
conducted 540 commercial motor vehicle inspections of which 61 were placed out-of-service for safety reasons. There were 21 arrests for driving under the influence.
Troop 1, which encompasses Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties, investigated no fatal traffic crashes in February.
Delano Albert
8 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS
Jason L. Endress
CRIME AND COURTS
Judge denies request to move double-murder trial out of Ogle County
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A judge denied a defense request March 7 to move an upcoming jury trial out of Ogle County for a Malta man accused of killing a Mt. Morris woman and her unborn baby in 2020.
Judge John “Ben” Roe denied the motion, but told attorneys he could revisit the motion after jury selection.
Matthew T. Plote, 36, is accused of killing Melissa Lamesch, 27, and her unborn baby on Nov. 25, 2020, and then setting fire to her home in Mount Morris to conceal their deaths. Plote faces four counts of first-degree murder, three counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child and one count each of residential arson, aggravated domestic battery and concealment of a homicidal death.
Plote has been held at the Ogle County Correctional Center on $10 million bond since his March 9, 2022, arrest. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has appeared for multiple hearings at the Ogle County Judicial Center.
Plote’s jury trial is scheduled to begin March 18 at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon and last five days.
On March 7, Roe heard arguments
from Plote’s attorneys, Liam Dixon and John Kopp of Sycamore, and Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse regarding the motion for a change of venue.
Kopp said media coverage of the case, including social media posts, would create a “substantial prejudice” for his client. Kopp said he did not wish to make an oral argument in open court because there was a member of the press in attendance. Instead, he asked Roe to rely on his written motion asking the trial be moved to another location.
Kruse said “adverse publicity” was not reason enough to move the trial and that the defense’s motion did not offer any evidence that would be supported by case law to move the trial.
“Media coverage does not rise to the level for a change of venue,” she said, adding that any potential jurors would be asked about any media influence during the selection of the jury.
Both motions were sealed and not available for public view.
Voir dire, which in French means “tell the truth,” is the process where the judge and attorneys ask potential
jurors a series of questions to determine each juror’s suitability to serve. The process typically results in some prospective jurors being excused from serving in the trial – either by attorneys or the judge.
Roe denied the motion, but said it would be appropriate to reconsider it again at the conclusion of voir dire.
Roe also denied two other defense motions in liminie – one regarding chain of custody for DNA testing and results and the other on post-Miranda statements made by Plote.
Lamesch was found about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 2020, after firefighters responded to 206 S. Hannah Ave., Mt. Morris, where they encountered heavy smoke and blaring smoke detectors.
Lamesch was found on the kitchen floor and pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving measures. She was a 2011 graduate of Oregon High School and an emergency medical technician at Trace Ambulance Service in Tinley Park. Her baby was due Nov. 27, 2020.
Roe also again denied the defense’s standing request to allow Plote to be released from custody as his case proceeds.
In December 2023, Dixon and Kopp had filed a motion asking Plote be released under the SAFE-T Act, a new law that allows defendants to be
released on a no-cash bond. Under the 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.
In denying the motion for pretrial release, Roe said he examined grand jury transcripts, Illinois State Police reports and autopsy findings before making his decision. He said the charge of murder was a detainable offense and there were no conditions or combination of conditions that could mitigate the real and present threat to people or the community if Plote were to be released.
During a previous hearing, Kruse said Plote should continue to be detained because of the violent nature of the charges, stating he “strangled a woman to death who was pregnant with his son and then he lit the house on fire the day before Thanksgiving.”
Kopp argued that Plote is presumed innocent of all charges as he awaits trial and has no other criminal history. He said that during the months between Lamesch’s death and Plote’s arrest he was not charged or accused of any other offenses – including traffic charges – and never tried to leave the area while the investigation continued. Kopp said Plote was not a flight risk or a threat risk to anyone if he were to be released.
Continuance granted for Mt. Morris man as defense seeks mental health evaluation
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The attorney for a Mt. Morris man charged with attempted murder told an Ogle County judge March 7 that he is seeking a mental health evaluation of his client and likely will file a motion asking that the court determine his fitness to stand trial.
Malachi M. Voight, 18, did not appear in court March 7 after his attorney, Brandon Gecan of Tess, Crull & Arnquist in Rochelle, asked that his appearance be waived since he was undergoing inpatient treatment at a Chicago-area clinic.
Gecan said he had just been in contact with Voight before the start of the hearing.
“He was just beginning a group ses-
POLO POLICE
Feb. 27
Mark A. Smith, 33, of Polo, was arrested at 1:08 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant. Smith was transported to the Ogle County jail.
sion, so I am asking that his presence be waived for treatment purposes,” Gecan told Judge John “Ben” Roe.
Voight was arrested by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies, who allege he hit a 62-year-old man in the head with a dumbbell, tried to strangle him and bit off a piece of a toe of a 60-year-old woman during a Feb. 14 altercation at Mt. Morris Estates, east of Mt. Morris.
The two alleged victims and Voight were treated at KSB Hospital in Dixon, deputies said. Voight was arrested upon his release on Feb. 27. Voight also is charged with two counts of aggravated
Feb. 29
Robert A. Alender, 35, of Prophetstown, was cited at 2:40 p.m. for the operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Alender was released with a
battery of a person older than 60 and two counts of aggravated battery.
Voight’s detention hearing was Feb. 29, when prosecutors argued to keep him in custody, arguing that attempted murder was a detainable offense, there was a preponderance of evidence that he committed the offense and that Voight posed a “real and present” threat to the victims and community if he were released.
The defense argued that Voight could be released with a combination of conditions. Roe agreed. He released Voight with the conditions that he stay at a home in Machesney Park when not in treatment, wear a GPS monitoring bracelet, attend school, check in daily with the Ogle County probation department and comply with any recommendations from its staff and not break any
notice to appear.
General calls for service Feb. 19 to March 3: citizen complaints/assist, 7; animal complaint, 1; disturbance/ domestic, 1; fire/medical assist, 3;
laws or consume any alcohol or nonprescription drugs.
On March 7, Gecan said he would be requesting a mental health evaluation by Jayne Braden, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Sycamore, and requested a 30-day continuance.
Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse did not object to the continuance and Roe set the next hearing for 3 p.m. April 11, reiterating that Voight continue to adhere to all the conditions ordered for his release. An Ogle County probation officer told Roe that Voight continues to be electronically monitored while he is receiving treatment at the facility.
“He needs to appear in person at his next court appearance,” Roe told Gecan, referring to Voight, “unless he’s in inpatient care.”
alarm/open door, 1; lock out, 4; traffic stop, 10; county assists, 4.
Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
Matthew Plote
CRIME AND COURTS
Malachi M. Voight
9 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024
Mount Morris man arrested after March 10 search
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MOUNT MORRIS – About 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 10, Mount Morris police, assisted by officers from the
MT. MORRIS POLICE
Mt. Morris Police Chief Michael Cicchetti reports the following police activity.
Feb. 27
About 4:40 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Hitt Street for a traffic violation. The driver, a 16-year-old male juvenile of Mt. Morris, was issued citations for no valid driver’s
OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:
March 4
Darla M. Russell, 33, of Dixon, was arrested for driving while license suspended and an Ogle County contempt of court warrant after a traffic stop on Illinois Route 2 at Lost Nation Road just inside Lee County at 8:27 a.m. Russell was taken to the Ogle County jail for the warrant and given a notice to appear for the driving while license suspended.
Fabrico A. Primera-Cuicas, 25, of Chicago, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop on Illinois Route 72 at North Marrill Road at 11:20 a.m. He also was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and a turn signal violation. Primera-Cuicas was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
William E. Bergeson, 22, of Sycamore, was cited for driving while under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed/too fast for conditions and expired registration after deputies and the Polo and Mt. Morris fire protection districts responded to a single-vehicle crash at White Pines State Park, 6712 W. Pines Road, about 5 p.m. An investigation showed Bergeson was driving a dark blue Mitsubishi and negotiating a curve when they lost control, struck a tree and overturned. Burgeson and a male passenger were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Burgeson was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
Oregon Police Department, executed a search warrant in the 10 block of West Lincoln Street.
The search was based on information that police had been gathering for the past few months, Mount Morris Police Chief Michael Cicchetti said in a
license, operating an uninsured vehicle and no valid registration. The juvenile was released to a parent/guardian.
March 3
Police were dispatched to the 300 block of East Lincoln Street at 2:40 a.m. for the report of a disturbance. After an investigation, Tyler A. Brown, 28, of Mt. Morris, was
March 5
Sadiki Raymond, 35, of Rockford, turned himself in on an outstanding Ogle County failure to appear warrant about 8:43 a.m. Raymond appeared in court and was released. Raymond is set to return to court on March 27.
March 6
Travel Hester, 23, of Rockford, was cited for driving while license suspended and expired registration after a traffic stop on a 2012 silver Mitsubishi Lancer in the 16000 block of east Illinois Route 72 about 1:35 p.m. His vehicle was towed from the scene. Hester was released on an I-Bond and given a future court date.
Brantel Valentine, 24, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop near the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and Eddy Road about 10:29 p.m. Valentine also was cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Valentine was released from the scene on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
March 7
Megan Hall, 38, of Freeport, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at the intersection of Tower and Montague roads about 2 p.m. She also was cited for no front license plate. Hall was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
Jericka Latiker, 31, of Peoria, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop for obstructed registration and an equipment violation on Interstate 39 mile marker 106 about 7:50 p.m. Latiker was released on a notice to appear and given a future court
news release.
After the search was completed, Michael D. Cox, 59, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, (methamphet -
amine), possession of a controlled substance (crack/cocaine), possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver (crack/cocaine) and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernaila. Cox was transported to the Ogle County Correctional Center.
arrested for burglary to a motor vehicle and criminal trespass to property. Brown was transported to the Ogle County jail.
Police conducted a traffic stop in the 10 block of North Seminary Avenue at 3:30 p.m. for a traffic violation. Christian R. Kettwich, 29, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for driving while license suspended.
Kettwich was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.
Additional police activity in February
Village ordinance violations, 32; traffic stops, 44; total calls for service 741.
Allsubjectsarepresumedinnocent unlessprovedguiltyinacourtoflaw.
date. The Illinois State Police assisted.
March 8
Harley Beck, 22, of Mendota, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for operating an uninsured motor vehicle after turning herself in at the Ogle County Jail about 2:21 p.m. Beck has a
court date of 9 a.m. April 5.
March 9
Renae A. Stevens, 52, of Byron, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies
See SHERIFF REPORTS, page 12
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10 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A July jury trial has been scheduled for an Oregon woman accused of killing her 7-year-old son in 2021.
Sarah Safranek, 37, who is facing five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery in the February 2021 death of her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton, appeared in court Tuesday with her attorneys, public defenders Michael O’Brien and Kathleen Isley.
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock suggested the trial be set for the week of July 8. Isley concurred.
Judge John Redington set the trial for July 8-12 with a final pretrial hearing date for 3 p.m., July 3. He ordered all pretrial motions to be filed by April 22 with responses due by May 6. He said arguments on any pretrial motions would be heard at 1 p.m., May 17.
Safranek has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since her arrest on $2 million bond in April 2021. She appeared in court in person on Tuesday wearing handcuffs and
Sarah Safranek
shackles in an orange jumpsuit issued to prisoners.
On Nov. 3, 2022, Redington ruled that Safranek was fit to stand trial after reviewing a mental health evaluation requested by the defense.
In October 2023, O’Brien filed a motion seeking Safranek’s release from jail under the SAFE-T Act.
On Tuesday, Redington again denied her release, saying the charges against Safranek are detainable offenses.
Nathaniel, a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School, was found unresponsive and not breathing about 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.
Court records indicate that an autopsy showed the boy also had a ruptured liver.
Safranek was arrested April 21, 2021, and indicted May 4, 2021. She pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021.
Ryan, 11, Peyton, 13, and Colson Garnhart, 12, of German Valley, pose by the farm scene they created at the Forreston FFA Alumni Toy Show on March 9.
Earleen Hinton
Forreston FFA Alumni Toy Show a
hit with visitors and vendors
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
FORRESTON – More than 60 vendors took part in the 36th annual FFA Alumni Farm Toy and Craft Show on March 9 at Forreston High School.
Ryan Garnhart, 11, of German Valley, was checking out some of the toys for sale.
“They have some very unique items here. Some very nice pieces,” he said.
Ryan and his brothers Peyton, 13, and Colson, 12, entered their farm dis-
play at the show.
So did Bekah Gillingham, 9, of Freeport, whose parents have a cattle farm. Bekah opted to create a dairy farm for the show.
“I like cows,” Bekah said. “My dad helped me make the fence using toothpicks and fishing line.”
The show, a fundraiser for the Forreston FFA, offered a silent auction, raffle drawings and a lunch stand.
For more information, visit www. forrestonffaalumni.org or email forrestonffaalumni@gmail.com.
killing
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July jury trial scheduled for Oregon mom accused of
7-year-old son
ELEANOR M. JENKINS
Born: June 22, 1933
Died: March 5, 2024 in Polo, IL
Eleanor Marie Jenkins of Polo, aged 90, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on the evening of March 5th, 2024.
Born on June 22, 1933 in Kewanee, Illinois, the daughter of James and Nina (Nelson) Quayle, she married William Ryan Jenkins on June 27, 1953 at Visitation Church, Kewanee. As her father was the Kewanee Park Superintendent, Eleanor and family lived above the Baker Park Clubhouse on the 2nd floor. She learned to golf at a young age from her father, the Baker Park
CHESTER “TOM” WILLIAMS
Born: July 8, 1947 in South Bend, Indiana
Died: March 7, 2024 in Freeport, Illinois
Chester “Tom” Williams, 76, of Forreston, Il, passed away Thursday March 7, 2024 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. He was born July 8,1947 in South Bend, IN, the son of Brainard and Naomi (Creech) Williams. Chester married Mary “Ellen” Marney on October 22, 1982 in Oregon, IL. He was a 1966 graduate of Oregon High School. He served in the United States Marines from January of 1966 and retiring in September of 1994; where he served as a Gunnery Sergeant and Aircraft Electronics Technician. He worked
• SHERIFF REPORTS
Continued from page 10
responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 2000 block of East Water Road about 12:20 a.m. She was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
Shawn M. Remrey, 31, of Mount Carroll, was arrested for driver’s license expired more than one year after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of North Adeline road at 9:20 a.m. Remrey also was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Remrey was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
Cody S. Meier, 35, of Forreston, was arrested for driver’s license expired
Pro. She also began her love of swimming, spending most summer days at the Northeast Park Swimming Pool.
After graduation from Kewanee High School in 1951, Eleanor, a talented seamstress, taught sewing at the Singer Sewing Machine Company in Kewanee. She then married and began raising her family. While raising 4 children, she pursued a degree in education, attending 7 different colleges, over an 8 year span, receiving her Associate’s degree from Sauk Valley Community College in 1969 and her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1972.
Eleanor was a teacher’s aide for 2 years at Congress School. Hired as a teacher in 1975, she taught at Congress School and Polo Junior High School for a few years. She then became the 4th Grade Teacher at Centennial School, retiring from that position in 1993.
Eleanor was on the sidelines at football
at the Byron Nuclear Plant as security from 1988-1999, and at Vitner’s as a mechanic. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and being with his beloved dog, Sophia.
Chester is survived by his wife, Mary “Ellen” Williams of Forreston, IL; daughters, Sara (Alan) Degenhardt of Pecatonica, IL and Jennifer Williams of Mt. Morris, IL; brother, Larry R. Williams of Chadwick, IL; and grandson, Shaye Alford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Richard Williams.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday March 12, 2024 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in FREEPORT, IL, with Chaplain Sean Huguenn officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon, IL. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory.
more than one year after a traffic stop in the 5000 block of north Illinois Route 26 at 2:06 p.m. Meier also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and given a verbal warning for speeding. Meier was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
March 10
Vincente Estrada-Martinez, 42, of Chicago, was arrested for aggravated battery after deputies responded to a report of a physical altercation in the 3800 block of South Daysville Road, Oregon, about 1:03 a.m. The victim was taken by Oregon EMS to a local hospital for their injuries. Estrada-Martinez was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
Charges are accusations and all people are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
games and behind the players’ bench during basketball games, keeping the statistics for her husband, Coach Bill Jenkins. Post-games would find her calling these stats and scores into the local newspapers.
During her retirement years Eleanor enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, planting and weeding her gardens, sewing, doing projects at the house, swimming, attending school events for her grandchildren, and going to PCHS football games where her son Terry coached the Frosh-Soph football team, assisted by her husband Bill.
Survivors include her two sons, Terry (Pam) Jenkins of Polo and Tim (Libby) Jenkins of Polo, two daughters, Kalah Jenkins of Geneva and Kathy (Mark) Scholl of Polo, a sister, Betty Jones of Geneseo, seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
JOANA GLENDENNING
Born: March 21, 1929 in Oregon, IL
Died: March 7, 2024 in Oregon, IL
Stillman Valley, IL – Joana “Joan” N. Glendenning, age 94, died Thursday, March 7, 2024. She was born March 21, 1929 in Oregon, IL the daughter of Ailt and Mary (Gigous) Joesten. She attended Oregon, Pleasant Hill, and Stillman Valley Grade Schools. Joan graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1946. She attended Prospect Hall Secretarial School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She married Bruce Glendenning on February 24, 1951 in Stillman Valley, IL. Joan worked 25 years at Continental Dynamo and Motor Company as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed playing the piano and was the pianist/organist for the Davis Junction United Methodist Church for more than 30 years. Over the years Joan loved spending time with her family, baking, putting puzzles together, working in her vegetable garden, and in later years sewing. Joan enjoyed many things, weekly trips to the County Market grocery store where the employees treated her as their friend, visits
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two nieces, a nephew, and a great-great grandson.
Visitation will be at Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St., Polo, from 5:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Private graveside services will be held in Kewanee, Illinois, where she will be laid to rest by her beloved husband.
At the family’s request, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and/or scented lotions due to a family member’s medical condition.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials supporting the Polo Schools Foundation (Centennial School), CGH Medical Center Health Foundation (specifying Dementia Project) or the Serenity House and Hospice Center.
Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
from friends Cathy, Connie, and Charlotte, niece Sandra, nephew Larry, and especially the Sunday afternoon “Sunday Club” visits with sister-in-law Janet Conderman. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bruce F. Glendenning, and brothers Nelmer and George Joesten. She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann (David) Ankney of Stillman Valley; grandsons Zachary Ankney of Olivia, Minnesota, and Zane Ankney of Ames, Iowa; brother Robert Joesten of Louisville, Colorado; sister-in-law Janet (Danny) Conderman of Davis Junction, IL; many nieces and nephews; special friends Edie Fowler, Connie Kunce, Charlotte Meiter, Beryl Terviel, and Cathy Williams. Joan’s family would like to express a special thank you to those who have assisted with her care over the years, Tina Champlain, Alka Bond, and Melinda Gocken. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley with the Rev. David Bogner officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at the Stillman Valley Cemetery. A memorial fund is established for the Village of Progress in memory of her niece Becky Glendenning, the Serenity Hospice and Home, and the Stillman Valley Cemetery Association. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Homes assisted the family.
12 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS OBITUARIES
Construction begins on new building for city of Polo, Buffalo Township
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO – The city of Polo and Buffalo Township hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for their new joint municipal building March 6.
Both are contributing to the cost of the $1.93 million building at 118 N. Franklin Ave., about two blocks north of the current city and township halls.
“We’re very excited about breaking ground for the new City Hall,” Polo Mayor Doug Knapp said. “It’s something that’s been needed for a long time. We’re looking forward to the new structure and the facility that will offer us a nice place to do business.”
Construction crews started digging March 4 and were working on pouring concrete for the building’s footing during the groundbreaking.
“They’re going excellent,” said Darin Stykel, a project manager with the project’s engineer, Fehr Graham. “Because of the great weather this year, we’re getting ahead in the season and we’re lucky that Irving Construction could be available to start so soon, which should accelerate the project.”
Both the city and township struggle with old buildings deemed too small. When the Polo City Council goes into closed session, attendees must wait outdoors until they finish discussions. City staff and officials
also have been making note of the leaky roof for several years.
The new municipal building will be 4,800 square feet, Stykel said. It will include off-street parking, which isn’t available at either Polo City Hall or Buffalo Township Hall.
“It looks good, like we’re going to get something done,” Buffalo Township Supervisor Phil Fossler said while looking over the site. “It’ll be quite an addition to the town to have a joint municipal building with the township and the city of Polo cooperating. That should be done in a lot more small towns.”
The shared space will save the township a little more than $15,000 a year, Fossler said.
“That’s the biggest thing,” he said. “If we can save the taxpayers some money, we’ll do that.”
Polo city officials have discussed purchasing or building a new city hall since at least 2020.
In 2020 and 2021, they sought to buy the former CedarStone banquet hall at 610 S. Division Ave. However, contracts fell through and many residents expressed a desire for Polo City Hall to remain in the downtown area. Talks continued with plans considered and discarded before finally landing on building the new joint municipal building.
Construction is expected to be completed this year.
Polo City Council issues bonds to help pay for new city hall
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO – Financing more than half of the $2 million cost to build a new Polo City Hall/Buffalo Township Hall required a slight change in plans.
On March 4, Polo City Council members unanimously approved issuing general obligation bonds not to exceed
$1.25 million to finance capital improvements “including, but not limited to, the construction of a new city hall and paying for costs related thereto.”
Alderman Jim Busser was absent.
The building, which will be located at 118 N. Franklin Ave., will house city of Polo and Buffalo Township officials. Both municipalities are contributing to the cost of the project.
“It’s designed so it’s sufficient for any future needs we may have,” Polo Mayor Doug Knapp said at the City Council’s Feb. 19 meeting. “I know it’s going to be a lot of money, but it’s going to be a feather in our hat. We didn’t put any bells and whistles on it.”
City Council members accepted a $1.93 million construction bid from Irving Construction Co., of DeKalb,
during the Feb. 19 meeting. At the same time, they hired Fehr Graham for construction engineering services related to the project for $139,000.
Buffalo Township is putting $250,000 toward a downpayment and the city is putting $500,000 toward that, Knapp said.
See POLO CITY COUNCIL, page 15 13 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 ATTENTION BUSINESSES Reserve your booth now! To Reserve Your Booth Contact Sauk Valley Media at 815-632-2566 or marketing@saukvalley.com DEADLINE IS APRIL 5 TH Home Show Saturday, April 20 10am - 5pm Northland Mall • Sterling, IL
NCAA basketball tournaments now on center stage
It’s a wrap for the Illinois high school basketball season and fans now can devote their attention to the NCAA tournament. It used to be that the IHSA tourney extended into the college postseason and attendance suffered because of it.
That is one of the reasons the IHSA brought Classes 1A through 4A together on the same weekend, cutting the season short by a week.
Smart move and it also made more sense not to have the girls and boys championships spread out over four weeks. Plus, attendance is helped with all four title games being played on the same day.
Still, crowds at Champaign were miniscule compared with the glory days of the 1960 and ’70s. Likewise with media coverage.
The IHSA tournament used to be front-page news in the big Chicago dailies while the NCAA got second billing. Today, you hardly see a mention of the preps.
Still, it means a lot to the communities that made it downstate and people from Byron sure had to enjoy their time at the State Farm Center.
It was basketball royalty with Benton as their opponent. Back in the glory days of the 1960s, the Rangers
held their own with the best in the state in a one-class system.
In watching the game on TV, Byron appeared to be the aggressor from the mid first quarter on, forcing turnovers and pounding the boards. In a rare feat, Byron had more offensive rebounds than Benton had defensive ones.
That led to 56 field-goal attempts to only 39 for Benton. With stats like that, one would have thought the Tigers won.
Unfortunately for Byron, their shots weren’t dropping and that proved to be their demise. One example occurred early in the third quarter, when the Tigers had a 3-on-1 after a turnover and failed to convert on two shots under the basket. Later in the same quarter, it was three missed shots near the basket.
Ryan Tucker hit a 3-pointer that would have been good in the NBA, but that was it. The Tigers were only 1-for-13 for the game from beyond the
Earleen Hinton
The Byron Tigers pose with their student section after winning the Class 2A supersectional in Sterling on March 4. The Tigers beat Chicago Latin 85-71 to advance to the state finals. Byron finished third at state.
Byron finishes third at Class 2A state boys basketball tournament
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
CHAMPAIGN – The Byron Tigers lost a game and won a game en route to a third-place finish for Class 2A schools at the boys basketball state finals in Champaign on March 7.
Byron fell to Benton 50-42 in the semifinal game, but rallied back later
arc. Tucker also had an acrobatic reverse layup.
Shooting only 30%, the Tigers did manage to take a 37-36 lead. They harassed the Rangers enough to win, but couldn’t get it done on offense.
Going from a high school gym to a college arena, it takes awhile to adjust to the different dimensions and Benton didn’t exactly shoot lights out either, going 6-for-19 in the second half.
Nonetheless, making it downstate is the big reward most teams in the state are looking for.
I’m guessing there was more excitement for Byron in winning the supersectional than winning the third-place game downstate. Be it individual or team sports, sometimes getting there can be better than being there.
The word on the street is that Byron has an excellent chance for the trifecta of having a boys team downstate in each of the three sports seasons. Byron has a highly touted boys baseball team.
Let’s not forget the boys golf team finishing eighth as one of the smallest schools in 2A. Quite an accomplishment.
A bit of trivia: Quinn Virgil, former
head coach at Oregon, serves as an assistant to Matt Huels at Byron. He also served as an assistant to Benton coach Ron Winemiller when Winemiller was at Forreston in 2003 and 2004.
Here’s a neat story and also one that chronicles the fascination with the state tournament.
As a 10-year-old in 1960, Patrick Heston started the “Predictors Club” with a couple of college students. The trio had caught March Madness fever and the sole purpose of their club was to predict how the IHSA basketball tournament would turn out.
Soon, it expanded to 250 people and then up to 400. Members of the media, coaches, former players and officials sent their picks in by mail to Heston with an early deadline of Dec. 31.
That’s an example of the hype Illinois March Madness garnered. The contest went on for decades until its members began to die or lose interest.
With Heston and another man in his 80s the only ones left, the Predictors Club recently disbanded.
• 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.
in the day to beat Williamsville 62-48.
Against Benton, Carson Buser led the Tigers with 16 points, followed by Ryan Tucker with 10, Jake Hiveley with eight and Caden Considine with seven.
In the battle for third place, Tucker scored 24 points and Cason Newton had 17. Hiveley added seven points.
The Tigers ended the season at 31-3.
Chicago (Phillips) beat Benton 54-47 in the championship game March 9.
Andy Colbert
GUEST VIEW
14
County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Provided By Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk & Recorder CHECK YOUR VOTER STATUS OGLE COUNTY VOTERS
Ogle
Softball
Newman 9, Forreston 5: The Comets took a 3-0 first-inning lead and then scored in every inning between the third and sixth to take the season-opening win over the Cardinals in head coach Madison Koerner’s first game.
Jess Johns earned the complete-game win in the circle, allowing five runs (four earned) on three hits and striking out 14 with nine walks. Johns also went 3 for 4 with an RBI and scored two runs.
Jenna Greenfield went 2 for 4 with an RBI to lead Forreston.
Baseball
Forreston 8, Genoa-Kingston 3: The Cardinals took a 6-1 lead through four innings and cruised to a season-opening win over the Cogs.
Kendall Erdmann, Carson Akins, Brendan Greenfield and Patrick Wichman had two hits each to lead Forreston. Mickey Probst had two RBIs for the Cardinals.
Daniel Koehl pitched three shutout innings.
BIG NORTHERN ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS FOR ACADEMIC BOWL
Here are the Big Northern All-Conference selections for academic bowl, which recently completed the 2023-24 season.
First Team All-Conference: Carson Jacobson, Winnebago; Nathan Stauter,
• POLO CITY COUNCIL
Continued from page 13
The original plan was for the city to get a 30-year loan from a bank to cover the remainder of the cost, but a state statute brought to city officials’ attention within the past few weeks made that impossible, he said.
“There was an Illinois statute that wouldn’t allow us to borrow $1.25 million for 30 years; you would have to pay it back within 10 years for any of the banks we went to visit,” Knapp said. “So the only alternative was the bonding service, which was actually about a 4.6% [interest rate] and the other was 4.9% and a couple were 5%.”
Aldermen Randy Schoon and Tommy Bardell questioned why city attorney M. Thomas Suits had not alerted them earlier of the statute and expressed their displeasure with the situation.
“How is it that we got this far into the process before we realized we couldn’t take out [loans] that we were shopping around with the banks for?” Bardell asked.
Suits said the Feb. 19 Polo City Council meeting was the first time he had heard that the city wanted to do a 30-year loan.
“I knew that it was going to be at the banks, but I didn’t know we were going to get 30 years,” he said. “So I
Dixon; Ben Mugrage, Byron; Merrick Hill, Winnebago; Hayden Rehberg, Byron; Molly Maloy, Rock Falls; and Abigail
Fletcher, Oregon
Second Team All-Conference: Elias
thought, ‘I’d better check on that.’ So I looked up the statute … and I did call to let you know the next day.”
Bardell and Schoon disagreed and said the 30-year loan had been discussed before the Feb. 19 meeting.
“I got approached today and told we all made ourselves look like fools because we did not know this,” Schoon said. “We’ve been talking about this for five years now. For five years, we’ve been talking about that amount of 30-year loan debt.”
Also on March 4, council members unanimously voted to bypass the first reading of the ordinance issuing the general obligation bonds. Ordinances usually must be presented at two separate meetings, with the vote taking place at the second meeting.
A public hearing on the $1.25 million general obligation bonds is set for March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Polo City Hall, located at 115 S. Franklin Ave.
The City Council also unanimously OK’d an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Dixon and the Dixon Police Department to buy $2,344 worth of excess ammunition for use by the Polo Police Department. The Dixon Police Department had excess ammunition after buying new firearms.
The council also unanimously approved buying $12,300 worth of paint from Clearview Pools Inc., of South Beloit, to repaint the Polo pool at Keator Park.
Lopez, North Boone; Hailey Sickler, Rockford Lutheran; Nick Austin, North Boone; Gavin Sweat, Stillman Valley; George Sober, Byron; Charlotte Maher, Winnebago; Zachery Walker, Rock Falls;
Emily Sluis, Rockford Lutheran; and Jarik Scott, Genoa-Kingston
Honorable mention: Aidan Price, Dixon; Landon Paff, Stillman Valley; and Evan Shenberger, Byron
Alex
Paschal
T.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP 15 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 Adventure Choose your with a Home Equity Loan Like us on Facebook Put Your Equity to Work… …while you head off to play! Whether you prefer beach strolls or park hikes, Jet skis or ski slopes, choose a UNION Savings BANK Home Equity Loan to make your getaway easy and affordable. We can help you use the equity in your home to fund your vacation -- at a low, fixed interest rate that saves you big over using a high-rate credit card. Enjoy fast, local loan decisions with a personal approach! Your branch manager is ready to help. Apply now at (815) 235-0800. Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC Phone Number: 815.734.4116 www.unionsavingsbank.com 1 W. Hitt Street Mt. Morris, IL 61054
Forreston’s Jenna Greenfield fields a throw at second base as Newman’s Madison Duhon steals second March 11.
March 1-7
Warranty deeds
Richard L. and Christian L. Bailey to Megan Sneyd, 601 Sixth Ave., Rochelle, $122,000.
The late Rosemary B. Troxel by heirs, Tom R. Troxel and Susan G. Whiting to Drew P. Mitchell, 302 S. Campbell Ave., Polo, $140,000.
National Residential Nominee Services Inc. to Kevin and Lauryn Ywanauskas, 383 Red Fox Drive, Davis Junction, $292,500.
Adrian and Taylor Rico to National Residential Nominee Services Inc., 383 Red Fox Drive, Davis Junction, $292,500.
Austin and Allyson McDaniel to Richard L. Bailey, 609 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $100,000.
Joseph S. and Breana N. Brewin to Aaron Moore, 3367 S. Manor Drive, Oregon, $150,000.
Connie L. and Douglas E. Wood to Joseph L. and Linda Ambrose Tayon, 301 Park Drive, Dixon, $142,500.
David M. and Roberta M. Franco to John, Leticia and Andrew Schnobrich, 2341 W. Egan Road, Byron, $251,500.
Gary L. Asher to Austin D. Luepkes, 1354 E. Kysor Drive, Byron, $250,400.
Classic Heritage Rentals LLC to Marco and Adriana Hernandez, 7108 S. West St., Rochelle, $45,000.
The late Darrell L. Hagemann by heirs to Poverty Nob LLC, 1260 E. Old Wagon Road, Oregon and one parcel in Rockvale Township, $0.
Kelly Nalon to Carol A. Dufoe, 10797 W. Fairmont Road, Polo, $174,900.
Hub Shuttle Inc. to Heidi A. Essery, 4954 E. Nordic Woods Drive, Byron, $244,000.
Franklin D. Ramsey Jr. to Gilberto Rodriguez and Rita Salinas, 1108 W. Ave B, Rochelle, $142,000.
Anthony J. Marmion and Kristina Lively to Andrew and Kathryn Grant, 304 W. Willow St., Forreston, $185,000. Haywell LLC-Westwood to Enrique Hernandez Garcia, one parcel in Flagg Township, $40,000.
The late Robert Spinden by heirs to Katharyn Bunton, 8113 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour, $104,000.
Quit claim deeds
Judith Young to Christine M. Sheffler and Kelly A. Hildebrand, 4084 W. Wisconsin St., Grand Detour, $0.
Gayle Jean Bennett to Nancy Virginia and Dana Carr and Gayle Jean Bennett, 105 E. Chicago Ave., Davis Junction, $0.
Daryl D. Butts to Fifth Street LLC, 602 N. Fifth St., Oregon, $0.
Shannon L. Satti to Bradley A. Byer, 10685 E. Diane Lane, Rochelle, $132,000.
Trustees deeds
Monroe Center Union Church, Lyddia A. Hare, Rosemary Hall and Vicki R. Rippentrop, all trustees, to Tyler Alexander Durham, 307 Main St. and one parcel in Monroe Township, $176,500.
Plautz Trust 81575, Doris A. Ferb and Christopher M. Mueller, trustees, to Gen3 Land and Cattle Co. Inc. to two parcels in Woosung Township, $5,919,406.
Plautz Trust 81575, Doris A. Ferb and Christopher M. Mueller, trustees, to David Samuel and Margo Glickman Jakobs, one parcel in Woosung Township, $1,262,890.
Sheriff’s deed
Ogle County sheriff and Derek Anderson, Lisa M. Casey, Lisa M. Anderson, the late Todd M. Anderson and Gerald Nordgren to Rocket Mortgage LLC and Quicken Loans LLC, 745 Golden Prairie Drive, Davis Junction, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Award-winning quilter to speak at meeting March 18
FORRESTON – Karen Grover, an award-winning quilter from Rockford, will present the program for Country Crossroads Quilt Guild at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 18.
“Karen is known for her unique, original designs and her generous sharing of knowledge in creating these,” said Ruth Whitney, publicity chair. “Karen plans to share some of her favorite quilts along with some of her recent creations, which include this year’s challenge, her ‘Temperature Quilt.’ We will get to learn some tips and tricks for creating this specific quilt. The program will be followed by refreshments, a business meeting and show and tell.”
Guild meetings are at 7 p.m. at the Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road in Forreston, on the third Monday of each month (except December).
Visitors are welcome; there is a fee of $5 at the door. Membership dues are $20. For more information, call Program Committee Chairs Shelly Holverson at 815-297-2381 or Karen Bolen at 815-233-9836 or Guild President Chyree Rohde-Lincoln at 815-275-2759.
TRANSFERS
PROPERTY
16 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Not-for-Profit Provider For all your senior living needs, choose the name you know and trust... 2170 W. Navajo Dr., Freeport • 815-297-9902 www.LibertyVillageofFreeport.com The Area’s Premier Senior Living Facility of Freeport Liberty Village 1) MODEL #103 WACO ................$22,780 BALANCE OWED $14,500 2) MODEL #202 TOPEKA ..............$34,050 BALANCE OWED $16,000 3) MODEL #403 AUGUSTA ............$42,450 BALANCE OWED $16,500 4) MODEL #502 SANTE FE ...........$44,950 BALANCE OWED $20,500 NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED • Make any plan design changes you desire! • Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual • Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included • NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! Offer not available to American Log Home Dealers* BBB A+Rating 4 LOG HOME KITS SELLING FOR BALANCE OWED, FREE DELIVERY BEFORE CALLING: VIEW at www.americanloghomesandcabins.com Click on House Plans SERIOUS ONLY REPLY. Call (704) 602-3035 ask for Accounting Dept. SM-ST2149176 ESTATE SALE LOG HOMES PAY THE BALANCE OWED ONLY!
Whole
11.2-24 tires; 1949 IHC W-6 Standard Tractor w/ 16.9-30 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.
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.
SHOP – TOOLS (3-4 WAGONS FULL): US General 30 double R.A. Tool Box; HD 12T Bearing Press;
FARM EQUIPMENT – “EXTRA CLEAN/WELL MAINTAINED!”
1971 IHC 1456 D. Tractor, like new w/ IH cab, 18.4-38 tires & duals, 540-1000 PTO, front wts, new batteries, good T.A., $16,000 spent on tractor, only 7435 hrs, sharp!; 1967 IHC 806 D. Tractor w/ yr. round cab, M&W Turbo, WF, good T.A., like new 18.4-38 tires & duals, 540-1000 PTO, front wts, 6752 hrs, sharp!; 1958 IHC 560 Gas Tractor w/ WF, fast hitch, Good T.A., like new 15.5-38 tires, front & rear wts, electronic ignition, low hrs, very clean!; 1952 IHC Super M Gas Tractor w/ 5 speed, NF, pulley, fenders, like new 14.9-38 tires, 3 pt, 8044 hrs, very clean!; Allis-Chalmers WD45 Tractor w/ snap coupler, P.A. wheels, WF, wts, 14.9-28 tires, 5 yr. restoration! AC D-17 LP Gas Tractor w/ Kelley Hyd. Loader, WF, 2 point, 16.9—28 tires, 5415 hrs, very good!; Bush Hog #1445 18’ Hyd. Fold Disk; IHC #55 Disk Chisel Plow-12’ w/ 5 shank; IHC 20’ #45 Field Cultivator; Kewanee #180 -12’ Chisel Plow, 11 shank; 8-IHC Suit Case Wts; Lindsay 22’ Drag & Cart; NH 331-3 Beater Manure Spreader; Gleaner F-2 D. Combine “Corn Plus” w/ 4-30” Corn Hd, 18’ Grain Head, runs well!; AC 3-B Snap Coupler Plow; AC 4-R Front mt. Cultivator fits WD-WD45; AC Manure Loader fits WD; JD 7000, 8RN Planter w/ monitor; Assort. 5’ & 6’ Drag Sections; 3 pt. 10’ Chisel Plow; IHC #836 Corn Head; IHC #1020 Grain Head; JD 6-R 3 pt. Cultivator; 18’-3 Section Pull type Roller; Drive over Wagon Hoist; JD RM 7’ Cycle Mower; Rare AC SnapCoupler Sub Soiler; EZ-Flow 350 Gravity Box w/ HD Gear; Kill-Bros 350 Gravity Box w/ MF Gear; IHC #45-12’ Field Cultivator w/ Harrow; Farm Rite 400 gal. Trailer Sprayer w/ 27’ Boom; IHC #470-16’ Disk, sharp!; IHC #550 3 pt. 5 B. Plow w/ Harrow; Older JD 8-R. Corn Planter 495A?; IHC 4 Section Rotary Hoe; AC 2 pt.-8’ Rear Blade; 2 Flair Wagons & Gear; End Gate Seeder; Kewanee 40’ PTO lift Elevator #500; PTO Buzz Saw.
OTHER: 1 Wagon full Tools & Misc. items; 1 Wagon full of Farm Toys (Tractors, Cars, Trucks, many NIB); Collector Plates-Wildlife, etc; Feed Bags; Other Farm Related Antique Items.
website for directions to farm. Lunch Stand and Portable Toilet on grounds Check website for many pictures. www.Proauctionsllc.com
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.
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.
SELLER: JAMES LEE STUKENBERG TRUST
LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 4207 TOWNLINE RD. LEAF RIVER, IL 61047
• NW Soils: Osco, Rockton, HEL Ground
• Spring 2024 Possession
• 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
IL
RICK
17 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 CLASSIFIED FARM AUCTION SAT. APRIL 13 10:00 A.M.! DOUG HILDEBRAND ESTATE 4994 EDSON RD., ROCKFORD, IL 61109 RICK GARNHART, AUCTIONEER German Valley, IL 61039 815-238-3044 IL Lic: 440000901 • WI Lic: 2844-52
South of Rockford, IL on I 39 to Baxter Rd east to Mulford Rd, south 1 ½ miles to Edson Rd, west 1 mile to farm.
Location:
Note: Very
Terms: Cash
credit
Lunch
grounds. Check websites for many pictures.
www.auctionzip.com AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION SAT. MARCH 23 10:00 A.M.! PAUL J. GITZ ESTATE 4118 S. PARK RD., FREEPORT, IL RICK GARNHART, AUCTIONEER German Valley, IL 61039 815-238-3044 IL Lic: 440000901 • WI Lic: 2844-52 IHC TRACTORS & OTHERS: 1977 IHC 1486 Diesel Tractor w/cab, wf, hyd, wts, 3 pt, 540-1000 PTO, 20.8-38 tires & axle duals; 1966 IHC 806 Diesel Tractor w/ Cab, wf, 3 pt, hyd, 18.4-38 tires, wts & duals; 1964 IHC 806 Diesel Tractor w/ wf, 3 pt, 540-1000 PTO, flat top fenders, 18.4-34 tires & duals; 1959 IHC 560 Diesel Tractor w/ flat top fenders, nf, hyd standard drawbar, 16.9-38 tires; 1953 IHC Super M w/ nf, 13-38 tires, pulley, standard drawbar, repaint, nice!; 1952 IHC Super C Tractor w/ nf, 10-36 tires; 1946 IHC B Farmall w/ nf, wts, 9-24 tires, PTO, 1946 IHC “A” Tractor w/ wf, wts, belly Mower, new
clean Farm Auction of quality Tractors & Equipment. For further information call John 815-988-7579.
or check w/ picture ID. Number system to be used. Current letter of
if not known by Auction Company.
Stand & Port-a-Pot on
www.Proauctionsllc.com
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
AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS FARMLAND AUCTION
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.
GARNHART, AUCTIONEER
German Valley, IL 61039 815-238-3044
AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS ROCK FALLS MO RRISON GARAGE SALES EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk. 815-626-8790 ESTATE SALE
MAPLE AVE SAT. 9a-2p & SUN. 10a-2p
Lic: 440000901 • WI Lic: 2844-52
402
Household, Washer and Dryer, Refrigerator, Small chest Freezer, Sofas, Recliner, Beds, Dressers, Holiday, and Much more. Pictures on Faceb ook. Questions Quality Estate Sale 563-321-8237
IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT FOR THE TWENTY-THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Maria Krpan Deceased Case No 2024PR000015 INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATION
NOTICE TO:
[x] Creditors and Claimants
[X] Unknown Heirs and Legatees*
1. Notice is given of the death of Maria Krpan, who died on October 27, 2023 a resident of DeKalb , Illinois.
2. The Representative for the estate and his/her address is: Martin T. Krpan 1501 Daniel Ct. Sycamore, IL 60178
3. The attorney for the estate and his/her address is: Kelly J. Robar, Esq P.O. Box 415 Sycamore, IL 60178
4. Claims against the estate may be filed on or before September 16, 2024. **Claims against the estate may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 133 W. State St., Sycamore, IL 60178, or with the Representative, or both. Any claim not filed with in that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. * * *
5 On February 26, 2024, an Order Admitting the Will to Probate and/or Appointing the Rep resentative was entered.
6. Within 42 days after the effective date of the original Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the validity of the Will as provided under Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/6-21).
Representative, or both. Any claim not filed with in that period is barred.
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. * * *
5 On February 26, 2024, an Order Admitting the Will to Probate and/or Appointing the Rep resentative was entered.
6. Within 42 days after the effective date of the original Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the validity of the Will as provided under Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/6-21).
7. Within 6 months after the effective date of the original Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the Court to contest the validity of the Will as provided under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (755 ILS 5/8-1).
8. The estate will be administered without Court supervision unless an interested party terminate s independent supervision administration by filing a petition to terminate under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4).
March 15, 22, 29, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
ESTATE OF HAROLD W. MCMICHAEL
Deceased No. 2024PR11
CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of HAROLD W MCMICHAEL. Letters of Office were issued to CARRIE
FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF HAROLD W. MCMICHAEL
Deceased No. 2024PR11
CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of HAROLD W MCMICHAEL. Letters of Office were issued to CARRIE I. MCMICHAEL as Independent Representativ e on February 29, 2024, whose attorneys are SAUK VALLEY LAW GROUP, LLC, 100 West 1st Street, Suite B, Rock Falls, Illinois 61071.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, or with the Representative, or both, on or before September 12, 2024, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entatives and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions To efile, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit https://efile illinoiscourts.gov/ service- providers. htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http:// www.illinoiscourts. gov/FAQ/gethelp asp
Dated March 5, 2024
Carrie I. McMichael, Independent Representative
Daniel C. Hawkins
SAUK VALLEY LAW GROUP, LLC
service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http:// www.illinoiscourts. gov/FAQ/gethelp asp.
Dated March 5, 2024
Carrie I McMichael, Independent Representative
Daniel C. Hawkins
SAUK VALLEY LAW GROUP, LLC
100 West 1st Street, Suite B Rock Falls IL 61071 (815) 535-6769
March 15, 22, 29, 2024
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY - IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFERY ROSS CHEEVER, Deceased Case No 2024-PR-8 NOTICE TO CREDITORS THAT THE ESTATE OF JEFERY ROSS CHEE VER HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO PROBATE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Jeffery Ross Cheever on January 9, 2024. Letters of Office were issued on February 20, 2024 to Joshua R Cheever of 2237 Wooded Ridge Trail, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is Mark C Johnson, 321 W State Street, Suite 301, Rockford, Illinois 61101.
whose attorney of record is Mark C Johnson, 321 W State Street, Suite 301, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Ogle County located at 106 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representatives, or both, on or before September 16, 2024, the date six months from the date of first publication on March 15, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representatives is required by § 18-3 of the Probat e Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of the claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and the representative's attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Jos hua R. Cheever, Independent Admini strator
Prepared By : Mark C. Johnson ARDC No. 6211240 Attorney for Petiti oner 321 W. State Street, Suite 301 Rockford, IL 61101
March 15, 22, 29, 2024
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY - IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA KAY CHEEVER, Deceased Case No
2024-PR-9
stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered
Dated this 27th day of Feb ruary, 2024
Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court
on Monday, April 15th, 2024.
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY - IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA KAY CHEEVER, Deceased Case No. 2024-PR-9
7. Within 6 months after the effective date of the original Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a petition with the
I. MCMICHAEL as Independent Representativ e on February 29, 2024, whose attorneys are SAUK VALLEY LAW GROUP, LLC, 100 West 1st Street, Suite B, Rock Falls, Illinois 61071. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, or with the Representative, or both, on or before September 12, 2024, and any claim not filed
100 West 1st Street, Suite B Rock Falls IL 61071 (815) 535-6769
March 15, 22, 29, 2024
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Ogle County located at 106 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representatives, or both, on or before September 16, 2024, the date six months from the date of first publication on March 15, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representatives is required by § 18-3 of the Probat e Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of the claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and the representa-
NOTICE TO CREDITORS THAT THE ESTATE OF BRENDA KAY CHEE VER HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO PROBATE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS THAT THE ESTATE OF BRENDA KAY CHEE VER HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO PROBATE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Brenda Kay Cheever on January 18, 2024. Letters of Office were issued on February 20, 2024 to Joshua R Cheever of 2237 Wooded Ridge Trail, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is Mark C Johnson, 321 W State Street, Suite 301, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Ogle County located at 106 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representatives, or both, on or before September 16, 2024, the date six months from the date of first publication on March 15, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representatives is required by § 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copie s of the claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and the representative's attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Jos hua R. Cheever, Independent Admini strator
Prepared By : Mark C. Johnson
ARDC No. 6211240 Attorney for Petiti oner 321 W. State Street, Suite 301 Rockford, IL 61101
March 15, 22, 29, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In the interest of: Xenya Conti, a minor
Case No: 21 JA 40
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
To: All Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on February 27, 2024, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “In the interest of Xenya Conti, a minor”, and that in courtroom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on April 16th, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act. The court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.
If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notice s of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights. Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered
Dated this 27th day of Feb ruary, 2024
Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: JD, Deputy Clerk March 8, 15, 22, 2024
By: JD, Deputy Clerk March 8, 15, 22, 2024
Annual Town Meeting Notice is hereby given to the legal vote rs, residents of the Town of Buffalo in the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said Town will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 7:00 P.M. at POLO TOWN HALL, 117 N. Franklin Avenue, Polo IL 61064
March 15, 2024
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 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
GRASS MOWING BID REQUES T
The United Lost Lake Property Owners Association is soliciting sealed bids for community grounds mowing (excluding roadside) and other light landscaping work for the 2024 season. Bid specification packets can be picked up at the ULL POA office located at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 on Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM. All bids must be received by 3 PM on Monday, April 15th, 2024.
The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interest of the community.
March 15, April 5,
The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interest of the community.
March 15, April 5, 2024
ROADSIDE MOWING BID REQUEST
The United Lost Lake Property Owners Association is soliciting sealed bids for road side mowing for the 2024 season. Contrac tor must provide a flex-wing rotary mower. Bid specification packages can be picked up at the ULL POA office located at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL. 61021 on Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. The deadline for bid submission is 3 PM on Monday, Apri l 15th, 2024.
The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interes t of the community.
March 15, April 5, 2024
LE GAL NOTICE PUBLIC INSPECTION OF TE NTATIVE BUDGET AND PUBLI C HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the Village of Forreston for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2024, and ending April 30, 2025, is available for public inspection at the Forreston Village Hall, 301 N. Walnut Avenue, Forreston, Illinois beginning, March 15, 2024, during normal business hours.
Further notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said tenta tive budget will be held on Monday, April 1st, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Forreston Village Hall, 301 N Walnut Avenue, Forreston, Illinois at which time all persons will be heard thereon.
Tanya Shenberger Village Clerk
March 15, 2024
18 Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 OGLE COUNTY NEWS LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES
death
Brenda Kay
on January 18, 2024. Letters of Office were issued on February 20, 2024 to Joshua R Cheever of 2237 Wooded Ridge Trail, Cottage Grove, WI 53527 as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is Mark C Johnson, 321 W State Street, Suite 301, R kf
Notice is given to creditors of the
of
Cheever
d, Illi-
Don't need it? Sell it! Place a classified ad with us! 833-584-NEWS
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS AND RIGHT TO FI LE PETITION AND HEARING ON PROPOSED ISSUANCE
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Ordinance No. 24-03 adopted on March 4, 2024, the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois (the “City”), intends to issue alternate bonds, being general obligat ion bonds, in one or more series (the “Bonds”), payable from the hereinafter identi fied revenue sources, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,250,000, and bearing interest per annum at not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time the Bonds are sold, has determined that it is necessary to issue bonds to (i) finance various capital improvements within the City including, but not limited to, the construction of a new city hall, and (ii) pay certain costs of issuance of the Bonds. The Bonds shall be payable from (a) the City's distributive share of State income taxes, and (b) ad valorem prope rty taxes levied against all of the taxable property in the City without limitation as to rate or amount The ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds is attached hereto and appears below this notice.
Notice is hereby further given that if a petition signed by 200 or more registered voters of the City is submitted to the City Clerk of the City (the “City Clerk”) within thirty (30) days after the date of publicat ion of this Notice and the ordinance, asking that the question of the issuance of the Bonds (the “Proposition”) be submitted to referendum, then the Proposition shall be submitted to the electors of the City at the general election to be held on the 5th day of November, 2024 If no petition is filed with the City Clerk within said 30-day period, the Bonds shall be authorized to be issued. A form of petition is available from the City Clerk at the principal office of the City at 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois.
Sydney Bartelt, City Clerk City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois
ORDINANCE NO. 24-03
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) , in one or more series, of the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, in an aggregate principal amount not to excee d $1,250,000 for the purpose of financing the costs of various capital improvements within the City including, but not limited to, the construction of a new city hall and paying for costs related thereto
WHEREAS, the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois (the “City”), is a municipal corporation and body politic of the State of Illinois (the “State”), duly created, organized and existing under the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/1-1-1, et seq. (the “Municipal Code”), and having the powers, objects and purposes provided by said Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City (collectively, the “Corporate Authorities”) has determined that it is necessary to issue bonds to (i) finance various capital improvements w ithin the City including, but not limited to, the construction of a new city hall (the “Project”), and (ii) pay certain costs of issuance of the Bonds (as such term is hereinafter defined), all for the benefit of the inhabitants of the City; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of the Project, including legal, financial, bond discount, if any, printing and publication costs, capitalized interest, if any, and other expenses (collec tively, the “Costs”), will not exceed $1,250,000, and there are insufficient funds on hand and lawfully available to pay such costs; and
WHEREAS, up to $1,250,000 of alternate bonds need to be issued at this time pursuant to the Local Government Debt Reform Act of the State, as amended, 30 ILCS 350/1 to 350/18 (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the best interests of the City that the Project be completed, and in order to raise funds required for such purpose it will be necessary for the City to borrow an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,250,000 and in evidence thereof to issue alternate bonds, being general obligation bonds payable from the City's distributive share of State income taxes (the “Pledged Revenues”); and
WHEREAS, if the Pledged Revenues are insufficient to pay the alternate bonds, ad valorem property taxes levied against all of the taxable prop erty in the City without limitation as to rate or amount (the “Pledged Taxes”) are authorized to be extended to pay the principal of and interest on the alter nate bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Act, the City is authorized to issue alternate bonds, in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,250,000 for the purpose of providing funds for the Project and to pay the Costs;
NOW THEREFORE, Be It Ordained by the Council of the Cit y of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of Preambles The Corporate Authorities hereby find that all of the recitals contained in the preambles to this Ordinance are full, true, and correct and do incorporate them into this Ordinance by this reference.
Section 2 Determination to Issue Bonds It is necessary and in the best interests of the City to complete the Project, and pay the Costs, and, in order to do so, alternate bonds, in one or more series, of the City are hereby authorized to be issued and sold in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,250,000, and known as “General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source)” (the “Bonds”) of the City, said Bonds being payable from (i) the City's distributive share of State income taxes (the “Pledged Revenues”), and (ii) ad valorem propert y taxes levied against all of the taxable property in the City without limitation as to rate or amount (the “Pledged Taxes”).
Section 3 Publication. This Ordinance, together with a notice in the statutory form, shall be published once in the Tri-County Press, being a newspaper of general circulation in the City, and if a petition, signed by 200 electors (said number being the greater of (i) seven and one-half percent (7½%) of the registered voters in the City or (ii) the lesser of 200 registered voters or 15% of registered voters), is filed with the City Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of the publication, asking that the question of the issuance of the Bonds (the “Proposition”) be submitted to referendum, then the Proposition shall be submitted to the electors of the City at the general election to be held on the 5th day of November, 2024. If no petition is filed with the City Clerk with in said 30-day period, then this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect and the Bonds shall be authorized to be issued. The Circuit Court may declare that an emergency referendum should be held prior to said election date pursuant to the provisions of Section 2A-1.4 of the Election Code of the State, as amended. A petition form shall be provided by the City Clerk at the principal office of the City, locat ed at 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois, to any individual requesting one
Section 4. Additional Ordinances. If no petition meeting the requirements of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the Corporate Authorities may adopt additional ordinances or proceedings supplementing or amending this Ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of the Bonds and prescribing all the details of the Bonds, so long as the maximum amount of the Bonds as set forth in this Ordinance is not exceeded and there is no mate rial change in the purposes described herein. Such additional ordinances or proceedings shall in all instances become effective in accordance with applicable law. This Ordinance, together with such additional ordinances or proceedings, shall constitute complete authority for the issuance of the Bonds under applicable law
Section 5. Additional Proce edings. If no petition meeting the requirement of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the preparation and distribution of a
19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, March 15, 2024 LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES
preliminary official statement relating to the Bonds is hereby approved, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to deem the preliminary official statement nearly final. Section 6. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall be held invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or unenforceability of such section, paragraph, clause, or provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance. Section 7. Repealer. All ordinances, resolutions or orders, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed Section 8. Effect ive Date This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law PASSED this 4th day of March, 2024. APPROVED by me this 4th day of March, 2024. Doug Knapp Mayor, City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois ATTEST: Sydney Bartelt, City Clerk, City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois March 15, 2024 Sometimes it really is as simple as black & white. We have advertising solutions to fit your needs!
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