Oregon_Republican_Reporter-05-30-2025 by Shaw Media

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA alumni dinner, auction is June 14

OREGON – Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Mt. Morris-Oregon FFA Alumni Pork Chop Dinner and Auction

The dinner is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds. A live auction follows the dinner.

Cost for a one pork chop dinner remains at $10. The price for a two pork chop dinner remains at $13.

Tickets for the event are available by

OREGON LIBRARY

Level Up at Your Library summer reading program begins

Registration for the 2025 youth summer reading program at the Oregon Public Library is ongoing. The program, which runs from June 2 to July 25, is available to Oregon library district residents 3 years old through 11th grade. Activities, books, prizes, story time, special presenters, movies and more are part of the program. Registration is required, so contact the library for more details. An adult summer reading program also is available for those 18 and older.

Youth Programs from June 2-13. Registration is required for all programs.

Story Time, 10 a.m. Monday, June 2 (18 months to 6 years old)

Activity Time, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5, (first grade and older). They will be making dragon eggs.

Story Time, 10 a.m. Monday, June 9 (18 months to 6 years old)

Animal Quest, 1 p.m. Monday, June 9, (ages 7 and older). Come see, touch and learn from the founders of Animal Quest, a Chicago-area 5-acre farm that is home to more than 130 animals. This is an interactive presentation at the library with live animals.

Dungeons & Dragons-One Shot, 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 (13 years and older).

Ogle County Mini Food Center Pantry

A donation box for the local Ogle County Mini Food Center Pantry is located in the library’s northwest lobby entrance. A list

calling Alumni President Jon Sheely at 815-978-2264.

Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event, but the price of the one pork chop dinner will increase to $12 and the price of the two pork chop dinner will increase to $15.

Carryout dinners will be available.

The auction will feature an assortment of interesting items, many of which are viewable at facebook.com/MtMorrisOregonFFAAlumni, the Alumni’s Facebook page.

The pork chop dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the Mt. Morris-Oregon

FFA Alumni Association, which helps fund activities in conjunction with OHS FFA chapter, including providing funds to help OJSHS students participate in FFA activities and scholarships for OHS students continuing their education after high school.

Anyone unable to attend the pork shop dinner and auction may contribute by sending a monetary donation to the Oregon FFA Alumni, care of Oregon Junior Senior High School, 210 S. 10th St., Oregon, IL 61061.

– Shaw Local News Network

of acceptable food items is posted along with more information about the food center, which is located at Conover Square.

Book Clubs

The 2WBC will meet at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, to discuss “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, to discuss “James” by Percival Everett. Cocktails and Crime will meet June 22. Stop by the library for more details.

Is This Just Fantasy? Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. in June at the library to discuss “Paladin’s Grace” by T Kingfisher. Books on Tap Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Cork & Tap to discuss “The Last Animal” by Ramona Ausubel.

Ink with A Friend Monthly Card Club, 6 p.m. Monday, June 16

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

CORRECTIONS

Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.

Try It Tuesday – Tuesday, June 17, at 1:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. (Choose your time slot)

Fourth of July wreath. Welcome the Fourth of July with your own handmade clothespin wreath. This is an adult only class for those 18 and older. Registration is required. Call 815-732-2724 or visit oregonpubliclibrary.com to register.

Functional Fitness, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

In this class, we use exercises based on whole-body movements to restore posture, improve body mechanics, build strength and endurance and fine-tune balancing skills. We start with a slow warmup followed by core exercises and then explore how to use these tools based on real situations in daily life. Bring your yoga mat. All levels are welcome. Oregon library patrons only. Registration is required. This class fills quickly. To register, call 815-732-2724 or visit oregonpubliclibrary.com.

Knit & Crochet, 1 p.m. Mondays

From beginner to expert, all skill levels are welcome to join. Bring any craft and work on it while socializing. Need help getting started with your knitting project? Stop in on a Monday. Registration is requested. Visit oregonpubliclibrary.com or call 815-732-2724 to register.

Community Seed Library

Harvesting your garden? Have extra seeds? Donate them to the community seed library. Seeds are free for anyone.

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In their honor on Memorial Day

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Wreaths were laid at two locations and one was thrown into the Rock River on Monday, May 26, to honor the sacrifice and service of veterans during the Oregon VFW’s Memorial Day program. The day’s events also included a program at the Riverside Cemetery, patriotic music by the Oregon High School Band and a family-themed celebration at the post. Events also were held in Polo and Mt. Morris.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Veteran Matt Alford speaks as Girl Scout Lauren Hickman and a Boy Scout get ready to place a wreath during the Memorial Day service May 26 at Riverside Cemetery in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Vietnam War veteran Jerry Frana prepares to throw a wreath into the Rock River from the overlook at Oregon Park East in honor of veterans who served at sea. The wreath dedication was part of the Oregon VFW’s Memorial Day services. ABOVE: Madelaine Alford, 6, of Oregon places flowers at a grave during the Oregon VFW’s Memorial Day service at Riverside Cemetery in Oregon. LEFT: Veterans fire their rifles during the gun salute as part of the Memorial Day service at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial Day started as Decoration Day in 1868

It is Memorial Day weekend and I have been gathering flowers from my flower beds to take to the cemeteries. Peonies, iris, weiglia and lilacs although they are almost finished. But they smell so good in the car as you ride along.

In past years I would gather up the little girls in the family and we would visit the little ones who are nestled in the cemeteries.

Gladys, Bruce Melvin and Bethany who did not make it safely into this world. Life was not easy for women in past years as they had their children. Life expectancy is better now.

Kevin at the Polo Historical Society has been busy visiting all the graves of our veterans. They all now will have flags on them for this Memorial Day weekend. My sister’s grave will have a flag on it and my

Betty Obendorf POLO HISTORY

thanks go to Kevin.

Memorial Day started as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, to honor 620,000 soldiers who died in the Civil War. Mary Ann Williams came up with the idea.

Armistice Day was added Nov. 11, 1918, to honor those who lost their lives in World War I. Decoration Day was not thought of that much when we added Armistice Day.

The first Civil War grave to be marked was in Warrenton, Virginia. The first soldier to be honored was John Quincy Marr, who died June 1, 1861. He was killed in the Battle of

Fairfax Court House.

As Memorial Day kept going, it became a time to gather at the cemetery and honor all our family members. We now have parades to honor all our veterans. We honor those who are no longer with us and those who have given their service who are still with us.

Walk through a cemetery on Memorial Day and see all the flowers on all the graves. It is a beautiful sight to see.

In 1995, Fairmount Cemetery had restoration work done to the iron fence, which was 58 years old at that time. It was built in 1937. They had talked about tearing it down and I am glad they voted against doing it. Once something is gone, it is gone forever.

Instead, they repainted it and rebuilt the pillars. The article in the Tri-County Press on Dec. 21, 1995,

spoke of an earlier wire fence. At that time, in 1995, Duane Garkey and Al Forney were running the cemetery and keeping things going. It takes much work to keep all in great shape.

When I have visitors, it is interesting how they love to drive through the cemetery and think about the people who lived here many years ago. I fill them in on what they did and the families they had.

Also, how many have families still here today? It can be quite a different evening spent in a cemetery reflecting on the past.

Cemeteries tell a story of your community – who lived in it and what they did – so it is important to keep them looking neat and tidy.

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

Rockford DAR member designed Illinois’ first state flag

During a visit to Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, D.C., Ella Park Lawrence, who was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, noted there was no flag of Illinois on display.

She was eager to lobby for an Illinois state flag. She sent hundreds of letters to members of the General Assembly encouraging them to support a bill creating a state flag.

She offered a $25 prize to the Illinois DAR Chapter submitting the best design for the flag. In 1911, a $25 prize was a considerable sum, equivalent to about $600.

The winner, Lucy Derwent of the Rockford DAR Chapter, placed the Great Seal of Illinois on a plain white background.

State Sen. Raymond Meeker introduced legislation to adopt the design. The measure passed and automatically became law on July 6, 1915.

More than 50 years would pass before any suggestions to change the flag were proposed in 1968.

Chief Petty Officer Bruce McDaniel of Waverly, serving in Vietnam at the time, wrote to state Rep. Jack Walker express-

OGLE COUNTY HISTORY

ing his concerns that unlike other state flags in his mess hall, the Illinois flag could not be identified because it did not carry the state’s name.

Responding to McDaniel’s request, Walker sponsored a bill to amend the Flag Act of 1915 into law on Sept. 16, 1969.

At this time, Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie appointed a flag committee. It made several recommendations and on July 1, 1970, a new flag design was approved. It was a white flag with the word “Illinois” and the emblem of the state seal. It was approved and began flying at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield.

The flag depicts the Great Seal of Illinois, which originally was designed in 1819 and was similar to the Seal of the United States.

In the eagle’s beak is a banner with the state motto (State Sovereignty, National Union.) The dates on the seal – 1818 and 1868 – represent the year Illi-

Illinois state flag’s design became law on July 6, 1915.

nois became a state and the year in which the Great Seal was redesigned. It is one of nine U.S. flags to feature an eagle.

Recently, after a Flag Commission narrowed down thousands of flag designs to 15, the public was able to

vote for their favorite.

In March, the current state flag was the decisive winner in the Flag Redesign Contest.

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

Otto Dick

Photo provided by Otto Dick

The

City officials kill proposed ordinance seeking more regulation of public demonstrations

Oregon City Council votes 5-0 to table proposal ‘indefinitely’

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A proposed ordinance that would have required organizers of public demonstrations to apply for permits was tabled “indefinitely” by city leaders Tuesday night after one Oregon resident said its passage would have been “an act of tyranny.”

Ordinance 2025-011 was introduced by City Manager Darin DeHaan in April. DeHaan told city commissioners that the new ordinance was needed to give the city necessary information and time to prepare for public demonstrations.

Its introduction followed three “Hands Off” rallies held April 5, April 19 and May 1 on two city sidewalks surrounding the historic Ogle County Courthouse in the city’s center.

Those events, organized by Indivisible of Ogle County, the local chapter of the Indivisible Project network – a grassroots organization founded in 2016 –included signs opposing President Donald Trump’s policies and executive orders during his first 100 days in office.

The rallies drew 400, 250 and 150 attendees, respectively, and were held at the intersection of state Routes 64 and 2. The Oregon rally was one of several May 1 rallies that drew hundreds of thousands around the world and in the U.S.

Before the first rally, Jan Buttron of Chana met with officials from the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon Police Department, the Oregon Fire Protection District and the city of Oregon to make sure safety guidelines were followed.

DeHaan told the council in April that he believed a permit process was needed because Oregon was a small community with limited resources and a demonstration permit would allow the city to prepare by having the necessary law enforcement and ambulance services available.

He said the Indivisible organizers and demonstrators were “great to work with” and that he fully supported the First Amendment and citizens’ rights to assemble but was concerned that future demonstrations could create safety issues if more people attended.

“If the city’s intention is to provide services, then the city needs to come up with a request for services process,” Dickson said. “You can deny or approve services. ... You cannot dictate to an assembly that is peaceable. And that belongs to the people. Government was created to preserve liberty and tonight I request that this ordinance be properly killed by whatever process is expedient.”

After the public comment period, Mayor Ken Williams said the ordinance was intended to help the city address logistical issues for crowds that gather.

Buttron was one of five people who spoke out against the ordinance at the May 13 council meeting. She questioned the timing of its introduction, adding the rallies were needed because the country was in a “constitutional crisis” because of President Trump’s policy decisions and executive orders.

She said President Trump has deported American citizens and other individuals without due process – some to prisons in other countries – and committed other unconstitutional acts.

Tuesday night, Buttron said the rallies represented peaceful and nonviolent views against Trump’s actions.

“If these things weren’t happening, we would not be out there,” Buttron said. “We have followed all of the rules. We will continue to do that.”

Veronica Mathews offered each commissioner copies of case law that she said showed how such a ordinance would be “sweeping control over public expression” and a violation of First Amendment rights.

“I know this discussion is about process, not passage. But the questions you ask tonight will shape the future of this ordinance. And more than that, they will shape how the public understands your intent,” Mathews said. “That’s why I hope you’ll sit with this ordinance not just as decision-makers, but as neighbors. As people who know how this town works. How it has always worked. Because what this ordinance represents isn’t safety policy, it’s a shift in relationship between the public and the government. And the more people read it, the more that shift becomes clear.

“What concerns me most is this: when authority is broad and the rules are

vague, enforcement becomes unpredictable. Even with the best of intentions, policies like this can be misused – or be perceived as being used unfairly. And once public trust starts to erode, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild. None of this is an attack. I know how seriously many of you are taking this. I also know you’re hearing from residents who are genuinely alarmed,” Mathews said.

John Dickson said the proposed ordinance was on the “wrong” path.

“It sets the government above the people by requiring permission to assemble, arbitrarily defining assembly size, allowing a single entity to grant approval, stipulating ineffective appeal process and requiring details of minutia – and it is an act of tyranny,” Dickson said.

“The sidestepped point is when two or more people meet it is considered an assembly. Assembly is a right of liberty. A quotation familiar to all of us,” Dickson said quoting from the Constitution. “Rights are not to be traded away nor restricted in their exercise. Asking for a permit to assemble is as despicable as asking for permission to speak, write, print or pray. The only qualification of assembly is it shall be peaceable. It is up to the people to assemble and do so peaceably.

“The people have the right to assemble in a peaceable manner, to consult for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives and to apply for redress of grievances. These are the limits of governing you have sworn to uphold,” Dickson said.

He said the city could provide a process for requesting additional city services if organizers of public demonstrations thought they were needed.

Williams said traffic control, crosswalks for pedestrians, public restroom access and other details were issues city officials thought the ordinance could help address.

“Basically we’re trying to assist,” Williams said. “And so what we were saying if you look at the ordinance is we really want to help but trust us we won’t go too far.”

Williams said he was not in favor of adding more ordinances.

“I don’t think we need another ordinance,” Williams said. “I was going to go ahead and make a motion to table it ... and that would basically kill it. I also want to open it up for discussion.”

Commissioner Tim Krug immediately made a motion to postpone the ordinance indefinitely with Melanie Cozzi making the second.

Commissioner Terry Schuster said he liked Dickson’s suggestion that the city develop a “request for services” process. “Because that was the intent,” Schuster said. “There was no other intent behind this.”

In May, Schuster, Krug and Cozzi questioned the definition of “spontaneous” gatherings such as candlelight vigils and were concerned they could fall under the new guidelines.

Commissioner Josiah Flanagan agreed the motion should be postponed.

The motion to table the ordinance passed unanimously 5-0.

“Yes, it’s over,” Williams said.

“I’m just glad they made the right decision,” Buttron said after the vote.

“I’m glad I don’t have to spend any more sleepless nights doing research,” Mathews said.

The next rally titled “No Kings” is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14.

Earleen Hinton

Veronica Mathews speaks out against a proposed ordinance at the Oregon City Council meeting May 27. The ordinance would have required organizers of public demonstrations to seek a permit in advance.

Lineup announced for 13th season of Jamboree concert series

Free outdoor concerts in Mt. Morris start in June

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – Summer officially starts June 20, but the Campus in Mt. Morris will come alive June 13 with free music concerts on Friday nights.

The 13th season of the Jamboree Free Concert Series begins June 13 when Rick Lindy performs Roy Orbison hits from 7 to 9 p.m.

The list of concerts includes tributes to the Rolling Stones, Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Leaf River Summer Daze to offer plenty of family fun June 6–8

LEAF RIVER – Ogle County’s 2025 festival season kicks off June 6-8 with Leaf River Summer Daze, a family-fun event that features fireworks, a tractor pull and a parade.

“Every year, Leaf River Summer Daze brings the community together for a fun-filled weekend of tractor pulls, family activities, parades and a spectacular fireworks display – all set in the heart of charming downtown Leaf River,” said Tara Hagemann, who handles marketing for the festival.

This year’s schedule includes:

• Fireworks show Friday, June 6, at dusk

• Saturday, June 7, morning Car

There also will be blues, soul, 1950s and 1960s music and bluegrass.

“We’ve got 12 Fridays and a few Saturdays scheduled with a variety of superb bands performing for your listening pleasure,” Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben said.

All concerts will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the band shell. Times and locations differ for the concerts July 4 and 5.

“Local charitable organizations will be serving food concessions on every Friday night from 6 p.m.,” Ubben said.

“Just 4 Fun Ice Cream will provide sweet treats and the Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center ‘popcorn girls,’ Emmie and Lily, will serve fresh popcorn on most nights, too.”

Ewe and Me Acres will host a farm-

Show, downtown

• Saturday evening, Illini State Tractor Pulls

• Sunday, June 8, afternoon, Ogle

County Sheriff K-9 demonstration

• Grand Parade through town after the K-9 demonstration

• Two-day Craft & Market Fair full of vendors

“Leaf River Summer Daze is a true celebration of our small-town roots,” said Dawn Plock, event chairwoman.

“It’s the perfect way to kick off summer with friends, neighbors and visitors from across the region.”

Admission is free, except where noted. The full schedule and vendor information is available at leafriversummerdaze. org.

ers market with fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more from 4 to 8 p.m. every Friday on the Campus.

Here’s the 2025 concert schedule:

June 13: Rick Lindy – Roy Orbison tribute

June 20 : Rocks Off – Rolling Stones tribute

June 27 : Johnny Lyons and the Pride –classic rock

July 4: SHiNDiG! – 1960s tribute band. Concert is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 105 W. Brayton Road as part of the Let Freedom Ring block party.

July 5: Bagshot Row – 1950s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll. Concert is from 6 to 9 p.m. uptown for the Let Freedom Ring car show.

July 11: The All-Star Superband – Big

First Fridays Open Mic on June 6 at Oregon VFW

OREGON – First Fridays Open Mic will present its monthly show at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Oregon VFW. Admission is free. Freewill donations are accepted.

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

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

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

– Shaw Local News Network

Band jazz

July 18: Grass Attack – Bluegrass

July 25: Chicago Tribute Anthology –Music from the band Chicago and more Aug. 1: Brass From The Past – classic rock

Aug. 8: The Jimmys Featuring Marcia Ball – blues, funk, soul and R&B

Aug. 9: Surf Zombies – surf rock

Aug. 15: Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets – 1950s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll

Aug. 16: Mr. Myers – reggae, rock, pop and calypso

Aug. 22: Heartache Tonight – Eagles tribute

Aug. 23: Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones –1950s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll

Aug. 29: Fortunate Sons – Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute

Photo provided by Lowell Harp Claw hammer banjo player and sometimes upright bass player Michael Mott was awarded a plaque at the previous First Fridays show in honor of his performance of authentic old-time folk music.

Best showing ever for Oregon at state meet

Hawks bring home medals in hurdles, high jump, 400

By ANDY COLBERT

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

CHARLESTON – With state places in four events and 22 points, the Oregon girls track and field team had its best showing ever at the Class 1A state meet.

The Hawks were 11th in the team standings. El Paso Gridley won the meet with 56 points.

Leading the way for Oregon was freshman Jillian Hammer, who placed third in the 100-meters hurdles and fifth in the 300 hurdles.

Senior Grace Tremble placed fifth in the 400.

Junior Skylar Bishop was fifth in the high jump for the Hawks.

Competing against Lia Patterson of Tuscola, who ended her career with 16 state medals and seven championships,

Hammer ran personal bests of 15.17 in the 100 hurdles and 44.46 in the 300s. Patterson won both events with times of 14.39 and 43.16.

Hammer’s 15.17 was only .02 off Cydney Long’s 2014 school record, also set at the state meet. Long lost to Class 1A record holder Jenny Kimbro of Catlin Salt Fork, whose mark (13.97) Patterson was unable to reach.

Kimbro also holds the 300 record (42.51), a mark that Hammer has three more years to shoot for, along with attempting to claim a first-ever title on the track for the Hawks.

Shot putters Brenna Noon (2021) and Jenae Bothe (2022) and pole vaulter Ashley Harvey (2004) achieved state titles for Oregon in field events.

In both the prelims and finals, Tremble came from behind on the final straightaway. She ran a personal best (57.68) by two seconds in the finals to take fifth.

See STATE FINALS, page 12

in Charleston. Hammer finished fifth in the 300 hurdles.

You’re Invited

Join Rock River Center in Our Celebration!!

Saturday, June 21, 2025

12:00pm - 2:00pm RIBBON CUTTING followed by OPEN HOUSE

Rock River Center 810 S. 10th Street, Oregon

5:00 pm DOORS OPEN for Guests attending the evening performance

5:30 - 7:00 pm SHOWTIME

Our evening performance will be The Four C Notes.

This is a ticketed event and details are as follows:

• Tickets may be purchased at Rock River Center

• Cost: $60.00 per person

• Limited seating available.

• Heavy appetizers will be served.

• Meet and greet with staff

• Historical photos

• Light refreshments

Rock River Center’s mission is to provide resources, activities, and services that improve the quality of life for Ogle County’s older adults, the disadvantaged, caregivers, and the greater community.

Established in 1975, Rock River Center, is celebrating 50 years of service to Ogle County Seniors, Caregivers, the disadvantaged, and the greater community in 2025. Our Open House will be free and open to the public. Our evening celebration will be a ticketed event with heavy appetizers, entertainment by The Four C Notes and more!

Photo provided by Oregon High School

Oregon’s Jillian Hammer (right) stands on the podium alongside state champion Lia Patterson of Tuscola after Hammer finished third in the 100 hurdles May 24 at the Class 1A state meet

Forreston-Polo edges Winnebago for championship

By ANDY COLBERT

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

OREGON – Coaches everywhere will tell you that track and field sectionals primarily are about qualifying individuals and relays for the state meet.

Forreston-Polo had plenty of those at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional on May 23, but its most exciting moment came when the meet ended and it was announced Forreston-Polo had beaten top seed Winnebago 120-117 for the team title.

On paper, Winnebago, the defending state champion, was favored to finish ahead of both of its main rivals, Forreston-Polo and Rockford Christian.

Coming into the final event, the 4x400-meter relay, Forreston-Polo led Winnebago 112-111.5, aided by Winnebago forfeiting a potential 10 points when its No. 1 seed in the 300 hurdles false-started three events earlier.

Needing to finish ahead of Winnebago in the relay, Forreston-Polo’s Brody Schwartz, Hayden Vinnedge, Eli Ferris and Noah Dewey blazed to a 3:27.9, one spot ahead of Winnebago (3:29). Rockford Christian won with a 3:27.44.

“Winnebago is a historic program and is so well-coached. To contend with them the way we did tonight is fantastic,” Forreston-Polo coach Tony Hardin said. “I know it is a cliché, but it was a complete team effort. We hit every single field event and won the 4x100 relay as a second seed. That got us going.”

Actually, Forreston-Polo hit on five of the six field events because it doesn’t have pole vaulting. Winnebago earned first and third place in that event, creating a 16-point handicap for Forreston-Polo to overcome.

Knowing the relays would be its best chance to place downstate, Hardin opted to concentrate fully on them instead of picking up points in the individual sprints. Considering Forreston-Polo won the 4x100 and 4x200 and took second in the 4x400, that decision paid dividends.

“The handoffs are still paying off and looked very fluid,” Dewey said. “I’m very confident we can get on the podium [downstate].”

The 1:30.21 showing in the 4x200 by Ferris, Schwartz, Dewey and Jonathan Milnes is ranked fourth-best in 1A. The

4x400 relay also is No. 4 in the state and closing in on the school record of 3:26.4.

In the 4x100, Mercer Mumford jumped in with Schwartz, Milnes and Dewey for a 43.54, a time that would have medaled last year.

“We’re only going to get better,” Hardin said. “Other than Dewey, everyone else is a sophomore.”

The biggest surprise of the meet was Forreston-Polo shot putter Jakob Kobler besting his PR by more than 5 feet to claim first place with an effort of 48-1. It came after Kobler trailed in the prelims by more than 2 feet.

“Everything clicked and what a great atmosphere,” Kobler said. “I was really encouraged by my family, coaches, teammates and girlfriend.”

“He had been inconsistent all year,” Hardin said. “In warmups, he had incredible throws and that gave him confidence. It allowed him to go out, relax and have fun. The last time we were in Oregon, his brother Johnny also qualified. We like it here.”

Sadly for defending champion Briggs Sellers of Oregon, Kobler’s shot put knocked him into third and out of qualifying with only the top two placers moving on. Sellers, who had a comeback win in the final round last year, finished one-quarter inch behind Wyatt Gentry of Indian Creek.

In a loaded high jump field in which the winning height was 6-7 and seven jumpers qualified, both Milnes and Ferris joined that group with 6-foot clearances.

Forreston-Polo triple jumper Billy Lowry claimed second place with a 42-1,

well above state qualifying.

The final Forreston-Polo field event qualifier came in the discus with Hunter DeWall popping a 145-10, good for second place. With throwing coach Steve Chris-

tensen directing the charge, Forreston-Polo outscored Winnebago in the shot and discus 22-1 in points.

Earleen Hinton

Forreston-Polo boys track and field team members and coaches celebrate winning the Class 1A Oregon Sectional championship May 23 at Landers-Loomis Field.

• TRACK AND FIELD

Continued from page 8

In the closest finish on the track, Vinnedge nipped Alex Casanas of Hinckley-Big Rock 51.20-51.21 in the 400. Casanas was ahead at 200 meters before Vinnedge made his final charge to the tape.

“Hayden timed his dip better at the finish line,” Hardin said.

It was a double delight in the 110 hurdles with Ferris winning at 15.88 and Lucas Nelson taking third and hitting the 16.26 state qualifying right on the number. After just missing state qualifying in wrestling, Nelson was elated to finish his senior year with a trip to the state track and field meet.

“It was so good to end the season this way,” Nelson said. “Because of a stress fracture, this is only my third time running them.”

Oregon, which took fourth with 77 points, had state qualifiers in junior Daniel Gonzales and sophomore Nick Burke.

Coming off a slight injury, Gonzales ran 1:58.66 to place second in the 800 meters.

“My strategy was to go out fast, keep time and finish strong,” Gonzales said. “After tripping on the rail last year at state, this time it is podium for me.”

With 2024 Hawks state pole vault medalist Leo Cardenas on hand to offer tips, Burke continued Oregon’s strong tradition in the vault with a second-place effort.

Class 2A Rochelle Sectional

In tough weather and even tougher competition, Byron managed to qualify two individuals for the Class 2A state meet.

At the Rochelle Sectional on May 22, Sam Gentz moved on in the shot put and Tim Starwalt advanced in the 3,200 run.

“Rochelle was one of the tougher sectionals in the state,” Byron coach Mike McHale said. “Having 2A powerhouse and potential trophy team in Sycamore, in addition to Dixon, that really made every event tough. The weather only added to the difficulty as qualifying by time became really challenging. I thought our team fought really hard throughout the meet.”

Sycamore won the meet with 130 points, followed by Dixon and Sterling. Byron came in a respectable sixth with 47 points among the 16 teams.

Starwalt ran a personal best 9:52 to place second in the 3,200. Aaron Conderman of Dixon was first at 9:47.

“Traditionally, I’m more of a miler, but starting to get into longer distances,” Starwalt said.

Gentz was short of his best marks, but his third place shot put of 51-4 met the state-qualifying standard. He joined five other shot put qualifiers in an event least dependent on the weather.

The biggest disappointment for Byron was the 1,600-meter relay.

Seniors Liam Connell, Hunter Haas and Dylan Springer and sophomore Braden Dietrich missed qualifying by a narrow margin. Finishing in third, their time of 3:30.56 was .16 short of state qualifying. No doubt the weather played a factor as the foursome has been under that mark in previous meets.

Springer was only a half second off qualifying in the 400 meters with a 51.67 clocking.

Another near miss was in the discus (145-9 state qualifying mark). Freshman Brady Kann had a PR of 144-6, good for fourth place.

Xander Vajgrt’s effort of 11-9 in the pole vault would have won the Class 1A Oregon Sectional, but was good for only fourth place at Rochelle behind three vaulters with PRs ranging from 15 to 17 feet.

Senior Jack Potter and freshman Evan Northup tied for fourth in the high jump with 5-8 clearances for Byron.

Stillman Valley’s 400 relay of Dominic Valentino, Tyler Ayotte, Ian Seper and Ethan Szarkowicz finished fourth in 44.59.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Forreston’s Noah Dewey (right) heads to the finish line May 23 in the 4x200 relay at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional at Landers-Loomis Field. Dewey, Jonathan Milnes, Brody Schwartz and Eli Ferris won the race and advanced to the state meet.

RIGHT: Milnes takes the baton from Schwartz in the 4x200 relay.

Forreston’s comeback attempt not enough

Strong start gives Fulton its 4th straight regional title

By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com

AMBOY – Getting off to a strong start mattered for Fulton when it meant the most May 24.

With six runs in the first inning in the Class 1A Amboy Regional title game, the Steamers built a lead large enough that Forreston couldn’t erase in a 7-4 win at Amboy City Park’s Parker Field.

It was Fulton’s fourth straight regional baseball championship.

The string of four consecutive regional titles is the longest in program history for the Steamers (16-13) and a first for Fulton High School sports since the volleyball program won four straight from 2001-04.

“Four in a row is great,” Steamers coach Brent Dykstra said. “These kids worked all year for this. Sometimes we were a little underrated, but they give their hearts out and play 100% every game. That’s what does it. Our offense was hot in the first inning and we came out swinging, and from that point our defense and pitching knew it was their job now to hold it.”

Fulton took advantage of three Cardinals errors and had two hits, a walk and a hit by pitch as it batted around in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Caden Wilkin was hit by a pitch and Braedon Meyers reached on an infield error to put runners on the corners for Braeden Brennan, who hit a sharp roller to short that was bobbled to score Wilkin. Jacob Huisenga singled to drive in Meyers and Dane Van Zuiden walked before Forreston starting pitcher Alec Schoonhoven was relieved by Brendan Greenfield.

Chase Dykstra’s sacrifice fly brought in Brennan and starting pitcher Dom Kramer’s line drive to the left-center field fence scored Huisenga and Van Zuiden. An errant throw on a groundout off Jacob Voss’ bat brought home Kramer.

The hot start helped Kramer throughout most of the day on the mound.

“It felt amazing to have been right out on top in that first inning,” Kramer

said. “The energy helps a lot. The dugout was loud. The bats were hot. Insurance helps a lot out on the mound, and the guys behind you.”

Other than the first inning, the Cardinals (27-8) retired the Steamers in succession in four of the remaining six innings. Fulton scored once more in the fifth inning on another Cardinals infield error with two on and none out.

Forreston coach Mike McClellan said he makes it a point to his team that the first three outs matter a lot in any game, but it fell apart at the wrong time.

“You can’t give them six in the first,” McClellan said. “When you do that, it’s an uphill battle. After the first inning, we played just like we always do. You just can’t eliminate that kind of an inning. It would be different if it was just one guy, but we threw three balls away. One of the things we did all year when we got in trouble was to manage it, giving up two or three and being able to score runs all year. If we limit that to two or three instead of six, it’s a different game.”

Kramer pitched the first 4⅔ innings in picking up the win.

Greenfield singled in Kendall Erdmann, who had reached on a double, for the Cardinals’ first run in the third inning, Daniel Koehl scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning, and Connor Politsch drove in Erdmann and Darin Greenfield with a two-out single in the fifth that signaled the end of Kramer’s time on the mound.

Meyers relieved Kramer and got himself out of pressure situations in the fifth with the bases loaded, the sixth with runners in scoring position and the seventh with two men on. He retired the final two batters who represented game-tying runs.

“Obviously I was feeling a little bit nervous, but it’s just a game at the end of the day, so why get nervous?” Meyers said. “I just tried to stay as calm as I can and do my job, and everyone else can do theirs, too.”

Erdmann finished with three hits and Politsch had two. No Steamers player had a multi-hit game.

Fulton advanced to the Class 1A Lena-Winslow Sectional, where it played Rockford Lutheran on May 28 at Lions Park.

Earleen Hinton

Forreston’s Kendall Erdmann throws to first base after forcing out Fulton’s Jacob Huisenga at second base during the Class 1A Amboy Regional title game May 24.

COLLEEN Y. DIKKERS

Born: May 23, 1937 in Forreston, IL

Died: May 23, 2025 in Freeport, IL

Colleen Y. Dikkers, of Freeport, IL, passed away on her 88th birthday on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Winn Prairie in Freeport, IL. She was born May 23, 1937 at home in Forreston, IL, the daughter of Onne A. and Laura (Ocken) DeWall.

Colleen was a 1955 graduate of Forreston High School and a 1959 graduate of Central College, Pella, IA where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught 2nd grade at Cunningham School in Beloit, WI. A highlight of her teaching career was having Janet Lynn, an eventual Olympic figure skating medalist, as one of her students. While working as a

DEAN HELTON

Born: June 21, 1934 in Lebanon, VA Died: May 22, 2025 in Polo, IL

Dean Helton, 90, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Dean was born June 21, 1934 in Lebanon, VA to James and Rosa (Mitchell) Helton. He came into life with his twin sister, Jean, who preceded him in death. Dean was married to his devoted wife Sandra (Ludewig) Helton on October 24, 1998.

Born: February 3, 1940 in Dixon, IL

Died: May 22, 2025 in Richmond, IN

Elizabeth Ann Herbst was born February 23, 1940, only child of Leslie H. and Margaret W. Herbst, in Dixon, IL. She graduated from Polo Community High School in 1958, part of the first graduating class in the new building. She married David L. Itnyre on April 4, 1959, and they lived on a dairy farm in Winslow, IL. She worked at Winslow State Bank until 1968. Their only son, Ronald Leslie Itnyre, was born in October 1968. She and David moved to Brookville in 1976 to run a 300-acre beef farm. Elizabeth was a homemaker and helped with the farm. They were active at Brookville United Methodist Church. In 1990, they moved

summer camp counselor, she met her future husband, who was attending a young farmers Rural Youth event. On July 14, 1962, she married Larry Dikkers at Forreston Reformed Church. Upon starting a family, Colleen became a full-time homemaker and substitute teacher. She was a loving and caring mother to three daughters. With her home economics education, she enjoyed teaching her daughters to sew and bake for their various 4-H projects. She was known for her many delicious homecooked meals and desserts. Larry and Colleen lived on the same farm, near Baileyville, for almost 60 years until moving to Freeport in 2021.

Colleen was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, IL, where she was a long-time Sunday School teacher and participated in the United Methodist Women organization. In the early years, she was a member of the Good News Singers, a local women’s singing group. She also belonged to

After moving to Polo, he worked as a model maker at Central Quality Industries; a machinist at Hujo Tool & Die and Imeco before retiring from the tool room at Wahl Clipper. He truly never met a stranger. He would start a conversation and be friends by the time a person left. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or make as a machinist or carpenter. He was very gifted in being able to see a project finished before he even designed it. He was very proud of presents he made for friends and family. In his younger years he touched many lives as a scout master and part time police officer and then over the years as a mentor to many and a special friend to countless others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jean Bain, Virginia Helton, Ethel Rasnake,

to Hazelhurst, where David died in 1994. Elizabeth became Eagle Point Township Supervisor in 1994, a job she did for 25 years. She worked for the Ogle County Coroner’s Office, 19982008. Elizabeth’s special passion was sewing doll clothes, quiet books, and stuffed animals. Her granddaughter, Annetta May Itnyre, born 2002, especially enjoyed the many clothes and dolls her grandmother made for her. Elizabeth relocated to Richmond, IN in 2019 to be closer to Ron’s family. She passed away there peacefully on May 22, 2025. Elizabeth is survived by her son Ron Itnyre, daughter-in-law Alisa Clapp-Itnyre, and granddaughter Annetta Itnyre, of Richmond, IN.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 Tuesday May 27, 2025 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation in Sterling. Visitation will be one hour prior from 1:30PM-2:30PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com

the Stephenson County Home Extension for over 50 years where she held various officer positions.

She enjoyed attending the sporting events and activities of her children and grandchildren, and Larry and Colleen continued to support the local basketball teams for many years. Special vacations included trips to Branson, MO and a family trip to Cubs Spring Training in Mesa, AZ. In the later years, she loved watching game shows, especially Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and watching Cubs games with Larry.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Larry Dikkers of Freeport, IL; three daughters, Anne (Mike) Wisniewski of Fox River Grove, IL, Sarah (the late Tim) Walker of Hoffman Estates, IL, and Carol (Wayne) Jackowski of German Valley, IL; three grandchildren, Matt (Kelly Jo) Wisniewski of Chicago, IL, Alissa Wisniewski of Chicago, IL and Adam Walker of Hoffman Estates, IL; two step-grand-

Mary Kate Roberts, Ruby Tignor, and Eva Mitchell; brothers Garland Helton and Wayne Helton, son Ronald Helton and grandson William Helton.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, sisters Edna Ferguson, Lebanon, VA and Betty Bales, Bristol, TN; his sons the Rev. Frank (Teresa) Helton, Ellettsville, IN, Phillip Helton of Bristol, VA daughter Sandy Hayes of Bristol, TN, step children Laurie (Jeff) Burke, Oregon, IL, Michael Ludewig, Virginia Beach, VA and Melissa (Matt) Lance, Dixon IL. Also, grandchildren Justin (Lisa)Helton, Jeremy (Julie) Helton, Hannah (Ben) Ollen, Holly Harper, Seth (Alexis) Helton, Samuel (Zoie) Helton, Anthony Parks (Jessica Lane), David Helton. Shannon (Stacey) Amos, Tabitha (Erik) Norris, step-grandchildren

children Sara (Andrew) Simons of Mt. Juliet, TN and Ryan Walker of Mundelein, IL, and three step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Jean (the late Neil) DeWall of Baileyville, IL and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Neil DeWall, sister and brother-in-law Rosalie and Paul Park, and son-in-law Timothy Walker.

Colleen’s family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Winn Prairie and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 30, 2025 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 217 S. Hickory St., Shannon, IL. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, Rockford Rescue Mission, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Travis (Jozi) Burke, Tyler (Abby) Burke, and Kortney Graham, 15 great-grandchildren, Kiana, Asher, Angel, Izzabella, Gabriella, Angelo, Ava, Cherish, Nona, Lafoy, Winter, Whisper and Willow; step-great grandchildren David and Hayden; great-great grandchildren A’kian and A’keem several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. He will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Polo Family Funeral Home 110 E. Dixon St. Polo. Services will be following at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with burial in Fairmount Cemetery in Polo with Rev. Frank Helton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial has been established in his name.

OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS

May 18-24

Warranty deeds

Christine E Magnuson to English Butterly LLC, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-16-352-010, $0.

Josie Real Estate Ltd to Jj&r Real Estate Company, 150 N. 15th St., Rochelle, $450,000.

Sharon Webster and Daniel A Webster to Patricia Verzak, 607 S. Garfield St., Leaf River, $175,000.

James Ellis and Danielle A Ellis to Daniel A Webster and Sharon Webster, 11015 W. Haldane Road, Polo, $315,000.

William A Patrick to Charles N Mach and Mary Kay Mach, 5393 S. Mill Pond Road, Rochelle, $245,000.

Steven Charles Tyrrell and Kayla Tyrrell to Matthew Murray and Sarah Temes, 420 Wayne Road, Rochelle, $200,000.

Shirleya Haufle to Melissa Messer, 1249 Westview Drive, Rochelle, $216,000.

Karen A Larson and Karen Ann Houston Printz to Makala Arn, 207 E. Grant St., Stillman Valley, $220,000.

Dianne Marie Paulus to Nicole Trost, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-24-276-019, $197,500.

Michael Berns to Timothy Richard Jennings, 10665 Kyte Road, Rochelle, $232,000.

Richard Haan Jr and Louis R Haan to Bryce A Scheffler, 226 E. Blackhawk Drive, Byron, $45,000.

Tanner L Grobe and Alexis J Grobe to Garret Martin Moser, 7981 S. Pine St., Dixon, $275,000.

ELIZABETH ITNYRE

Boys track and field state qualifiers after stellar performances at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional

Forreston’s Hayden Vinnedge runs the first curve of the 400 on May 23 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional at Landers-Loomis Field. He won the race and advanced to the state meet.

• STATE FINALS

Continued from page 7

On a day of PRs for the Hawks, Bishop leaped 5 foot, 2¼ inches to beat out four other competitors for fifth place. All made the same height, but Bishop came out ahead by making it on her first attempt.

Forreston’s Bree Schneiderman, a sophomore, ended a stellar season with sixth place in the 100 (12.34) and fifth in the 200 (25.61).

In both races, Emma Randecker of West Carroll set Class 1A meet records at 11.91 and 24.49. She also won the 400 in 55.78.

In the preliminaries, Oregon had a couple of close calls. The 1,600 relay of Lorelai Danhorn, Taylor Weems, Bishop and Tremble finished 11th with a 4:14.18

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Continued from page 11

Sarah Leigh Miller and Bret Miller to Patricia E Borell, 907 S. 5th St., Oregon, $161,000.

David J Myers and Gail E Myers to Phil Mcdermott and Mia Mcdermott, 605 S. Garden Ave., Forreston, $63,500.

David J Myers and Gail E Myers to Phil Mcdermott and Mia Mcdermott, 506 E. State St., Forreston, $68,500.

David J Myers and Gail E Myers to Phil Mcdermott and Mia Mcdermott, 303 N. Maple Ave., Forreston, $78,500.

David Myers and Gail Myers to Phil Mcdermott and Mia Mcdermott, 209 S. 5th Ave., Forreston, $53,500.

Quit claim deeds

Patrick O’brien to Patrick O’brien and

Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez leads the pack on the second turn of the 800 run May 23 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional at Landers-Loomis Field. He finished second in the race and advanced to the state meet May 29 at Eastern Illinois University.

clocking. They needed a time better than 4:12.21 to grab the ninth and final spot in the state finals.

Sonya Plescia, who had a 10-foot clearance as a sophomore in the 2023 preliminaries to make the state finals in the pole vault that year, had an off day and settled for an 8-6 vault in the prelims, just 6 inches short of moving on to the finals.

In the finals, 9-foot would have earned a medal.

Discus thrower Alease McLain, who came into the state meet with a 113-4 mark, finished her career at Oregon with a 97-6 showing.

Tremble leaped 4-11 in the high jump prelims.

Class 2A state meet

Byron senior Neve Schilling and junior Malia Morton earned state medals at the Class 2A finals.

Roberta O‘brien, 2105 E. Townline Road, Leaf River, $0.

First National Acceptance Company to Blackstar Stability Revitalization Trf1, 106 S. Second Ave., Forreston, $0.

Carla J Grove and Sharon J Leisson to R Wayne King and Deann King, 103 N. Barry Ave., Byron, $0.

Dennis Lundberg to Erika A Kundert and Jesse D Hulett, 115 W. 3rd St., Byron, $262,500. Fernando S Hernandez and Maria Luiza Villagomez Jaimes to Fernando S Hernandez, 428 Heartland Drive, Davis Junction, $0.

Drew E Kaufman and Kristin Kaufman to Drew E Kaufman, 307 W. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $0.

Troy Atchison and Cori Atchison to Troy Atchison, trustee; Cori Atchison, trustee; Troy Atchison Tr and Cori Atchison Tr, 3323 E. Brick Road, Oregon, and one parcel in Pine Rock Township: 17-06-200-009, $0.

Forreston’s Eli Ferris (center) and Lucas Nelson (right) race in the 110 hurdles May 23 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional at Landers-Loomis Field. The teammates advanced to the state meet at Eastern Illinois University with Ferris finishing first and Nelson placing third.

Rochelle’s Erin Murphy also earned a medal with a third-place effort in the shot put.

Schilling went 5-2¼ in the high jump and finished in fourth place. Six competitors made that height, but Schilling and Jacqueline Dill of Pinckneyville made it on their first attempts to tie for fourth. The others were relegated from sixth to ninth place. There also was a huge logjam in the prelims as 24 jumpers moved on to the finals with a 5-1 clearance. The standard number usually is about 12 finalists.

The winning height was 5-7 by Katie Kostro of Aurora Rosary.

Morton took ninth place in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.67. The winning time was 13.99. In the prelims, she needed a 15.38 to make the finals.

The Tigers also had a strong showing in the 1,600 relay with Schilling, Macyn

Troy Atchison and Cori Atchison to Troy Atchison, trustee; Cori Atchison, trustee; Troy Atchison Tr and Cori Atchison Tr, one parcel in Pine Rock Township: 17-06-200-009, $0.

Troy S Atchison and Cori E Atchison to Troy Atchison, trustee; Cori Atchison, trustee; Troy Atchison Tr and Cori Atchison Tr, 204 E. Blackhawk Drive, Byron, $0.

Trustees deeds

Dennis V Herrmann, trustee; and Dennis V Herrmann Declaration Tr to Dennis V Herrmann, 207 E. Mcconaughy Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Gregory D Macklin, trustee; James R Macklin, trustee; J Dale Macklin Rev Tr; Wanda L Macklin, trustee; and Wanda L Macklin Rev Tr, to Maryann Macklin, trustee; and Maryann Macklin Tr, one parcel in Lafayette Township: 23-17-300-004, 6089 S. Dement Road, Rochelle; and 6089 S. Dement Road, Rochelle,

Burris, Ashley Potter and Skylar Palmgren combining for a 4:10. That was 14th out of 39 teams, but short of the 4:06 needed to make the finals.

In the 800 relay prelims, Palmgren, Potter, Schilling and Morton ran 1:48.24, good for 29th.

Stillman Valley also was represented in the 2A preliminaries in several events.

In the 400, Alexandria Hoff ran 1:01.90.

In the 100 hurdles, Dionyesia Cantu-Ramos had a PR of 16.39 after joining an unusually high total of eight hurdlers to qualify out of the Sterling Sectional.

The 400 relay of Taylor Davidson, Saundra Broderson, Makinzie Lamb and Hoff clocked a 51.35. The same four girls had a 4:17 in the 1,600 prelims.

Broderson’s 4-11 in the high jump was 2 inches from the mark needed to make the finals.

Lamb ran 48.01 in the 300 hurdles.

$1,091,250.

Rickey L Reed, trustee, and Reed Land Tr to Kristen Mota, 1117 Mccall Court, Rochelle, $285,000.

Heels And Hardhats Contracting Corp to Beesing Welding Llc, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-04-300-002; 445 W. Pines Road, Oregon, $135,000.

Deeds

in trust

Robert E Coulter and Mary L Coulter to Robert E Coulter, trustee; Mary L Coulter, trustee, and Coulter Family Tr, 2591 S. Snyder Road, Oregon, and 2583 S. Snyder Road, Oregon, $0.

Jeremy L Coulthard and Stacy L Coulthard to Jeremy L Coulthard, trustee; Stacy L Coulthard, trustee; Jeremy L Coulthard Lv Tr and Stacy L Coulthard Lv Tr, no parcel information: 01-22-300-005, $0.

Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice

Photos by Earleen Hinton

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT

SU RGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation Call Attorney

Char les H. Johnson

1-800-535-5727

SPORTING GOO DS

KAYAKS (2) Emotion 10' and Emo tion Envy 11' Paddles for both.

2 lifejackets. Also outdoor storage rack. $600 for all Call 815-441- 3100

GENERA L LABORER

Shank's Veterinary Equipment, Inc. Milledgeville

Unskilled laborer to perform a variety of manual labor duties necessary as required in a manufacturing production facility.

We are growing in Sterling!

Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc for over 50 years has designed, engineered and specialized in producing customized material weighing and batching systems, bulk bag filling/packaging stations, bulk bag unloading systems, process controls and plantwide automation systems

LEAD MECHANICAL DESIGNER

40 hour week; Monday-Friday, other times/days as needed

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Skills Req uired and/or Duties: Attend work on the schedule established by the employer without excessive absenteeism; Follow all safe work practices; Be proficient at reading tape measur e; Clean production area; Sweep and remove debris; Clean up galvanized parts using hand held die grinder s and other hand tools; Grind or clean welded joint; Manually tap drilled holes or re-tap holes of galvanized weldments; Manually assist in cutting and grinding of foam covered padded boards; Manually move and carry raw materials thr oughout facility; Assist in crating and /or packaging of finished goods in preparation for shipment using packing materials and/or power hand tools; Wash equipment and/or vehicles; Proficient at following directions and instr uction; Assist in minor assembly of finished parts; Good communication skills; Clean up work area daily; Ability to lift 60 lbs; Proficient in time management; Ability to multi task; Ability to work well under pressure; Ability to wor k independently; Willingness to learn new skills.

Hours: Full Time; minimum pay rate $17-$19/hr based on exper ience. Shifts: Monday thru Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 7am-12noon Overtime hours may be mandatory

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Opportunities for advancement include Production Welder and Painter Email cover letter & resume to: todd@shanksvet.com

Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and fabrication packag es using SolidWor ks

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Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOMs), fabrication drawings, explo ded views, shipping drawings, and assembly instructions.

Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable standar ds (e.g., UL, NFPA, OSHA) and customer specifications

Coordinate with vendors and internal purchasing for part selection and manufacturability.

Support field installations and service when required, including occasional travel.

Maintain design documentation and revisio n control processes.

Assist Production Staff when needed

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Proficiency in SolidWorks and DraftSight

Strong understanding of mechanical fabrication, including sheet metal, structur al steel, fasteners, pneumatics, and machining.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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Organi zed and Attention to Detail

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Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc, offers highly competitive wages & co mpany benefits. To apply, send resum e to :

SUMM ER RADIO I NTERNSHIPS

Di xon and Peru

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Assist with the preparation and production of radio shows, including scripting, research, and content development.

Help manage social media accounts and create content for audience engagement

Participate in live events, interviews, and special broadcasts.

Learn about programming, promotions, sales, and marketing within the radio industry.

Shadow experienced professionals and gain insights into the daily operations of a local radio station.

Qualificatio ns:

Currently enrolled in a college or university and eligible for college credit for internships.

Strong interest in radio, media, communications, and/or broadcasting

Excellent written and verbal communicatio n skills

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.-

ZACHARY RYAN RICHARDS, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendant 2024 FC 41 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 23, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on June 26, 2025, at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, front door entrance, OREGON, IL, 61061, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 909 N. 9TH STREET, ROCHELLE, IL 61068

Property Index No. 24-24-153-004

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $131,456.66.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty -four (24) hours The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments , or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certi ficate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The proper ty will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclos ure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

You will need a photo identi fication issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES Plaintiff's Attorneys, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 239-3432. Please refer to file number 24IL00371-1.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

RANDALL S MILLER & ASS OCIATES 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago IL, 60602 312-239-3432 E-Mail: ilpleadings@rsmalaw.com

Attorney File No. 24IL00371-1 Case Number: 2024 FC 41 TJSC#: 45-1204 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2024 FC 41 8190-954069

(Ogle County Newspapers May 30, Jun. 6, 13, 2025) 954069

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the Estate of JOHN A. WITMER, SR., Deceased

2025 PR 25 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JOHN A WITMER, SR. Letters of Office were issued on April 7, 2025 to JOHN A. WITMER, JR, As independent Executor Claims against the Estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Court, Ogle County, Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the estate's legal representative or both. 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.

By: John A. Witmer, Jr. Independent Executor Law Office Of Howa rd E. Gilbert & Assoc. Ltd. 1627 Lake Cook Rd., Suite 643 Deerfield, Il 60015 847-922-0869 justiceb@aol.com

May 16, 23, 30, 2025

POLO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT POLO FIRE PROTECTION AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING PUBLI C NOTICE IS hereby given that the TENTATIVE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE of the POLO FIRE P ROTECTION DISTRICT AND POLO FIRE PROTECTION AMBLANCE SERVICE DISTRICT in the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026 will be on file and available for PUBLIC INSPECTION at the Polo Fire Station located at 206 South Franklin Avenue, in the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, in said District from and after the date of publication hereof NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLI C HEARING on said BUDGET and APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE will be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of June, 2025, in said District and that the final action on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Trustees of said Polo Fire Protection District and the Polo Fire Protection Ambulance Service District at a meeting thereof to be held at 7:00 p.m., Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 23rd day of June, 2025 at the Polo Fire Sation in the City of Polo in said District.

By order of the Board of Trustees of said District, dated the 19th day of May 2025. Polo Fire Protection District

By: Kenneth Yingling, Se cretary of the Board May 20, 2025 May 23, 30, 2025

POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING

Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:30p m. on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by David Webster for a request a variance to deviate from the side yard setback, which would allow 50% of the 10 Foot side yard setback requirement at 505 N. Division Ave

This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-09-379-013, otherwise known as 505 N. Division Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.

Sydney Bartelt, City Clerk

May 23, 30, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Oregon Planning Commission on June 17th, 2025, prior to the Planning Meeting This meeting will be held at 5:30 pm in the Oregon City Hall Council Chambers at 115 N 3rd Street. This hearing is regarding a variance request submitted by Eric Kingery for the property located at 100 S. 7th Street Parcel #16-04-29604. The request is to install an eightfoot fence around the residence to reduce traffic noise and increase privacy. To join the City of Oregon's virtual Public Hearing on June 17th, 2025, look for the link at https://cityofore gon.org/planningcommission-agen da-and-minutes/ on the City's home page at Cityoforegon.org Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact City Hall at 115 N 3rd Street Oregon, IL 61061, 815-7326321 Every effort will be made to make reasonabl e accommodation for these persons.

May 30, 2025

To join the City of Oregon's virtual Public Hearing on June 17th, 2025, look for the link at https://cityofore gon.org/planningcommission-agen da-and-minutes/ on the City's home page at Cityoforegon.org Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact City Hall at 115 N 3rd Street Oregon, IL 61061, 815-7326321 Every effort will be made to make reasonabl e accommodation for these persons.

May 30, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGO N, ILLINOIS

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, an officer of the United States PLAI NTIFF

Vs. Jason M. Hicks; Laura A Hicks; Tabor Law Offices, P.C.; Survey-Tech, a Division of C.E.S., Inc.; John Deere Financial, F.S.B.; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants

DEFENDANTS

No. 2025FC17 NOTICE B Y PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Survey-Tech , a Division of C.E.S., Inc. Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claima nts That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, towit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 6538 E Hales Corner Rd

Stillman Valley, IL 61084 and which said Mortgage was made by: Jason M Hicks Laura A. Hicks the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registrat ion Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Leaderone Financial Corporation, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 201505766; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-1634 on or before June 23, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531

Our File No. 14-25-02243

NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3266258

May 23, 30, Jun. 6, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.-

ZACHARY RYAN RICHARDS, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendant 2024 FC 41 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 23, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:00 PM on June 26, 2025, at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, front door entrance, OREGON, IL, 61061, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Lot Seven (7) in Block Six (6) of Lane's Additi on to the Village of Lane, now with the City of Rochelle situated in the County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

Commonly known as 909 N 9TH STREET, ROC HELLE, IL 61068 Property Inde x No. 24-24-153-004

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $131,456.66.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certi ficate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The proper ty will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information

For information, contact RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES Plaintiff's Attorneys, 120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 239-3432. Please refer to file number 24IL00371-1.

RANDALL S MILLER & ASS OCIATES

120 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1140 Chicago IL, 60602 312-239-3432 E-Mail: ilpleadings@rsmalaw.com

Case # 2024 FC 41 8190-954069

(Ogle County Newspapers May 30, Jun. 6, 13, 2025) 954069