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Ogle County Fair begins July 31 with tractor show
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Antique Tractor and Implement Show will be the opening event at the 2024 Ogle County Fair.
The show will start with the flag-raising ceremony and tractor drive at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, followed by the Ogle County Fair Queen Pageant at 5:30 p.m.
The tractor display will be on the grounds from Wednesday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 4.
Exhibitors are requested to register their tractors and have them in place by 4 p.m. July 31.
Each participant who brings a tractor
or implements to display at the show will be recognized with a Dash Plaque as a token of appreciation for their participation.
For more information, visit the Ogle County Fair website or call Remmer Schuetz at 847-878-1491.
Carnival rides and the midway will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The Illini Stock & Tractor Pulls are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The Ogle County 4-H Fair is held in conjunction with the Ogle County Fair and features 4-H exhibits and livestock judging.
Other events planned for the fair include:
Thursday: 4-H Bucket Calf Judging
(Building C, beef barn) 6:30 p.m.; SheezIt’s Band (Ogle County stage), 7 to 10:30 p.m.; 4-H and Jr. Dairy Goat MilkOut Production Contest, (Building D, goat barn), 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 4-H Dodgeball Tournament, (Building C, beef barn), 6:30 p.m.; Big Hat Rodeo (Grandstand), 7 p.m.; Killer B’s Band (Ogle County stage), 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: Chainsaw Carving Auction (beef arena), 6:30 p.m.; Demolition Derby (Grandstand), 6:30 p.m.; 4-H Master Showmanship Contest (Buildings C, D, A, swine, sheep and beef barns), 7 p.m.; Route 38 Band (Ogle County stage), 7 to 10:30 p.m.
For a complete schedule of both fairs, visit oglecountyfair.com/fair-schedule.
Oregon Area Chamber announces annual Chamber Dinner
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the red carpet for its annual Chamber Dinner scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at The River’s Edge Experience, 103 S. First St., Oregon.
The event, organized by the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, is open to all Chamber members and the community.
“The annual Chamber Dinner is a prestigious event where we honor the best of the best in Oregon,” Chamber of Commerce Director Chance Munroe said.
Nominations are being sought for the following awards: Volunteer of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year,
THOSE WERE THE DAYS PROGRAM
Hough to speak about Mt. Morris on July 27 at Oregon Depot
Rob Hough IV, Mt. Morris fire chief and a sixth-generation Mounder and historian, will be the presenter for the Oregon Depot’s
OREGON LIBRARY
Local Author Open Mic Night, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8
Local authors are invited to an open mic night to share poetry, short stories, excerpts of their novels and more. Register at www. oregonpubliclibrary.com or call 815-732-2724 for more information. Registration is required. Produce Swap, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17
Food swaps are local gatherings where
CORRECTIONS
Civic Leadership Award and Welcome to the Chamber Award (for new members of the past two years).
Tickets for the event are $40 for Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers.
“We also offer exclusive sponsorship packages for those who wish to support the event and gain special recognition,” Munroe said.
Packages are $600 for priority recognition, program advertising and a table for six and $350 for priority recognition, program advertising and a table for four.
“Additionally, we are accepting gift card donations, regular donations and $200 wine pull sponsorships to support our cause,” Munroe said.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., followed by a welcome and dinner hour at 6 p.m. Awards will be announced at 7 p.m.
“All proceeds from the event will go toward the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to supporting our community and empowering local businesses to grow and succeed,” Munroe said. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our community members and businesses. Your participation and support are invaluable to us.”
For more information, to buy tickets or to submit nominations, go to oregonil. com or contact the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-732-2100 or chamber.director@oregonil.com.
Those Were The Days program at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 27.
Hough’s presentation titled “Mt. Morris of Yesteryear” will look at the village of Mt. Morris from the late 1800s through the mid
1950s using photos Hough has collected through the years.
For more information, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, Chris Martin at 815-742-8471 or Otto Dick at 815-440-0639.
people swap excess homegrown produce. Any food remaining at 6 p.m. will be donated to local pantries. Book Clubs
Is This Just Fantasy? Book Club will meet Tuesday, July 30, to discuss “The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi” by Shannon Chakraborty. The 2WBC meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, to discuss “The Notebook” by
Accuracy is important to the Oregon Republican Reporter. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
Nicholas Sparks. Cocktails & Crimes will meet Sunday, Aug. 18.
The Afternoon Book Club meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, to discuss “The Lacuna” by Barbara Kingsolver. Books on Tap Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Cork & Tap to discuss “The Clinic” by Cate Quinn.
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Historical museum finds new home in College Hall
Exhibit highlighting Mt. Morris’ history from 1830s through 1870s opened in June
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – Slowly but surely, the Mt. Morris Historical Museum is moving into its new home.
For decades, the museum was in the basement of Mt. Morris Village Hall, accessible only by appointment or during an election, when voting was occurring across the hall.
“The museum has had an admirable location for a long time, but it’s time to be in a better quality space,” Howie Herman said. “We now have a newly formed committee – all local folks – who are really working hard to tell the story of Mt. Morris.”
Herman chairs the Mt. Morris Historical Committee, which is under the purview of the Mt. Morris Village Board.
Over the past several months, committee members have worked to move museum items to a space in College Hall – formerly the Kable News building – on the Mt. Morris College Campus.
College Hall, located at 16 S. Wesley Ave., is owned by John Russell. On June 25, the Village Board unanimously approved renting space on the first floor of the building for $625 a month with no increase in rent for at least three years.
Village President Phil Labash said having a line item in the budget to support the museum’s first year of development and beyond was a priority for him.
“It’s actually been a goal of mine for a couple years, so I’m excited that it’s actually moving forward,” Labash said.
It’s going to take more than a year to move everything and design all the exhibits, but the first one – a wall telling the story of what Mt. Morris was like from the 1830s through 1870s –opened June 7, Herman said.
It’s a big hit, with several hundred people coming through since it opened, he said. People love the stories and photos, Herman said.
Labash said he was there opening night and has visited with friends almost every week since.
“Every time I go in, I’m excited to see different people learning about the history of Mt. Morris,” he said.
The excitement and enthusiasm from the public is something committee members are incredibly grateful for, Herman said.
“We’re anxious to hear from the public of any ideas of things they think our committee should work on or any particularly compelling stories they’d like to see us present in the museum,” he said.
Herman credited Kerry Knodle and Spencer Mosner from the Midway Village Museum in Rockford and Edwards Creative Services for their assistance in getting the museum set up.
Mosner, a curator at the Midway Village Museum, and Knodle, a tenured volunteer there, met with committee members and “gave us a lot of tips and pointers,” Herman said.
Edwards Creative Services is a professional museum design company in Milan, Illinois.
“I have to give them a lot of credit,” Herman said of the company. “We did almost all the writing, sourced all the photos and information from history books, but Edwards really took all of that and put it into a professional grade museum design and this is what put the polish on our efforts.”
One of the committee’s main goals is to tell local stories with local artifacts, Herman said.
“The early part of Mt. Morris, we
have very few artifacts,” he said. “But as the decades go by, we’ll have more tangible things to display.”
The committee hopes to have a second wall exhibit that discusses the final quarter of the 19th century set up sometime next year, followed by an exhibit about the Kable brothers, Herman said.
Twin brothers Harvey and Harry Kable founded the Kable News Co.
through which they distributed many of the publications printed at their other business, Kable Brothers Printing.
Other stories the committee hopes to share include how shopping and schools have evolved over time, Herman said. They also plan to include some displays that are changed out
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Mt. Morris Historical Committee chairman Howie Herman points June 21 to the historical timeline on one of the walls in College Hall, the former Kable News Co. building on the historic campus square in downtown Mt. Morris.
The Mt. Morris Historical Museum contains items showcasing the village’s history. The museum is now located in College Hall, the former Kable News Co. building on the historic campus square in downtown Mt. Morris.
Work, food, fellowship and fresh water for feathered friends
Before I can really begin, I have to go out and fill the bird bath. The birds are sitting on the back of the patio chairs wondering where is the person who keeps the bird bath filled with fresh water where they can bath and drink. So I need to take care of the outdoor life before I can write on museum life.
Now that the life around my patio is taken care of, I can think about the past week at the museum. During the past several days, my granddaughter joined me at the museum, the Lutheran Church women came for a program, Cody Cutter was there for an interview and I was busy looking for a missing book.
We had decided that as soon as the Underground Railroad program was over we would start figuring out how the Pines book was really going to look. So Beth and I gathered on Monday to figure out the layout for the book and we talked about what was going to be in it.
Several weeks ago, Lily and I had cut apart pieces of the text and we
Betty Obendorf POLO HISTORY
had paper clipped pictures to go with the text. Now anyone with technology sense would say, “Good grief, Betty, don’t you have any technology sense at all?” No, I do not, but Beth has it all figured out and she can take it from there and magically get it on the computer.
Then at nine on Tuesday morning, Beth, Linda, Lily and I were ready to give a program to the church women. They came with drink, dessert and had ordered pizza for all of us. It was a delightful morning and we had lots to talk about in the way of quilts, fancy work and a dying art. How many of you women make your own handkerchiefs and put a little tatted edge on them or make lovely quilts today for someone that you know?
In the afternoon we met with Cody and he found out what we all do at
the museum and how we all got started in this work that keeps our history alive in Polo. It was great visiting with him and hearing about his writings in Kaleidoscope. Look for the article.
Later in the week, Lily and I cleaned out a closet at Aplington House since I was looking for a book. We did not find the book but the closet is now clean and ready for some new shelves to be put in where we removed a file cabinet.
At the end of the week, my son Steve came out to help me in my flower garden and we had a delicious meal from Faith Methodist Church. I loved the sweet corn and the pulled pork was fixed just the way I like it.
Early Sunday morning, we headed to Faith Lutheran Church in Forreston and I love the old church and the beautiful old stained glass windows. It was nice worshipping with them.
On the way home, Steve and I had a wonderful lunch at the Dogwood Inn at what we used to call 64. It was real good old-fashioned home cook-
ing. They had quiche, shepherd’s pie in little squares with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes just the way I like them and great fried chicken plus all sorts of other food.
I polished off the afternoon at the ice cream social for our church at the Polo Senior Center with peach pie and other goodies.
I really sound like Dan Terry and all his food experiences. Remember how he used to write about all the food he ate? He was editor of the TriCounty Press. He enjoyed good cooking and that is exactly what we did today. Plus good fellowship with people at church, at the Polo Senior Center and at the museum earlier in the week.
You cannot beat small town gatherings and my birds are busy flying in for a drink of fresh water. I enjoy watching them as I work at my computer.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
George Washington was president one year before the first census
The first federal population was taken in 1790 and has been taken every 10 years since. The census was legally mandated by Congress 14 years after the Declaration of Independence (1776) and seven years after the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson managed the first census and later was the third president of the United States from 1801-1809.
In 1790, the most populated state was Virginia and the most populated city was New York. In 2020, the most populated state was California and New York was still the most populated city. In 1790, the U.S. population was 3,929,326. It has increased to 308 million people in 2020.
The original 1790 Census included U.S. territories and American citizens living overseas were not
• HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Continued from page 3
once or twice a year with new stories to keep the museum fresh, he said.
“The topics to tell and stories to tell are endless,” Herman said.
Museum hours
The Mt. Morris Historical Museum is open from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays
Otto Dick OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
counted. During this census, traditional housing was where two people lived and slept. George Washington was president one year before the first census.
Today, the census determines the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and the amount each state receives in federal funding.
Also today our individual records are confidential to protect our privacy.
The most recent census was recorded April 1, 2020.
The latest estimates from the Illi-
during the Kable Concert Band performances and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays during the Mt. Morris Jamboree concerts.
Kable Concert Band concerts run through July 31. The Mt. Morris Jamboree events go until Aug. 30.
Once the concerts are over, the Mt. Morris Historical Committee will announce new museum hours, Herman said. It plans to be open one Saturday a month, but those dates and
nois census are as follows:
• Population: 12,812,508
• Education: bachelor’s degree or higher, 37.7%
• 5,246,429 housing units
• 320,795 businesses
• Medium household income: $76,708
• Employment rate: 61,7%
• People not covered by health insurance: 6.6%
• 5,056,350 total households
• Illinois veterans: 4.8%
Illinois census estimates give a good example of some of the information collected.
The following information is listed on the internet by the Census Profile
Results for Ogle County, Illinois:
• Ogle County total population: 51,788
• Median household income: $75,782
times are not yet set, he said.
ADA accessibility
The museum is not Americans with Disabilities Act accessible, but it’s working on that, Herman said.
“There are steps when you go into this building and there is a brand-new lift there, but the state hasn’t quite approved that for use,” he said. “But we will eventually be able to say we’re an accessible building for our purposes.”
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.4%
• Employment rate: 59.8%
• Total housing units: 33,632
• Without health care coverage: 4.9%
• Total employers: 1,020
The Census Bureau says Ogle County has 758.8 square miles of land and is the 17th largest county in Illinois by total area.
The above information concerning Illinois and Ogle County has been listed to show what information is available. I made no attempt to verify the amounts given by researching other sources or finding other statistical information for Illinois and Ogle County.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Donating to the museum
The Mt. Morris Historical Committee is accepting item and financial donations, Herman said.
To donate financially, send a check to Mt. Morris Village Hall, 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, with the envelope and check itself clearly marked as being for the Mt. Morris Historical Committee. To donate items or ask any questions about the museum, call Herman at 815-499-9107.
Malta man appeals conviction for killing Mt. Morris woman and unborn baby
Carol Stream paramedic accused of strangling woman because he didn’t want baby to interfere with his ‘carefree playboy lifestyle’
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A Malta man is appealing his convictions and subsequent life-in-prison sentences for murdering a Mt. Morris woman and their unborn son in 2020.
Matthew Plote, 36, asked the appellate court in an appeal filed July 16 to reverse his convictions and sentences, acquit him of all charges or remand the matter back to Ogle County for a new trial.
The notice of appeal filed July 16 by Plote’s trial attorneys Liam Dixon and John Kopp does not lay out his arguments why the convictions and sentences should overturned.
An Ogle County jury found Plote guilty of killing Melissa Lamesch, 27, on Nov. 25, 2020, just one day before Thanksgiving and two days before their baby was to be born.
Jurors deliberated for two hours before finding Plote guilty of 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.
Calling it a “brutal crime,” Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe sentenced Plote on June 27 to life in prison after hearing victim impact statements from Lamesch’s mother, father and sister and arguments from attorneys.
Roe said he considered all arguments and evidence, and in addition to the life sentence, sentenced Plote to 60 years in prison for the death of the baby and 15 years in prison for setting the Lamesch home on fire in an attempt to conceal the deaths. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Court records indicate Plote had been transferred from the Ogle County jail to the Northern Reception and Classification Center at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet.
Roe said the sentences were appro-
priate despite Plote’s lack of criminal history when considering Lamesch was “fighting for her life and her baby boy’s life” for four to six minutes as she was strangled to death.
Court documents also show that Plote is now indigent and asked for an appellate defender be appointed as his appeal proceeds through the court system.
Mt. Morris firefighters testified they were called to the Lamesch home on South Hannah Avenue about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 2020, and forced their way into the home, where they found Lamesch laying on the kitchen floor not breathing and covered with soot and debris.
When she was dragged from the burning home and placed into an ambulance, there was no electrical activity in her heart and she was pronounced dead at 4:54 p.m., firefighters said.
During the trial, detectives accused Plote, a Carol Stream paramedic, of strangling Lamesch because he didn’t want the birth of his son to interfere with his “carefree playboy lifestyle.”
In an initial police interview on Nov. 25, 2020, Plote told detectives that Lamesch had wanted him to be involved with the baby but he initially “wasn’t on board,” but went to her home to “work things out.”
Plote told police he stayed “about an hour” at Lamesch’s home and they talked at the kitchen table before mov-
ing to the couch to have what he described as consensual sex. He said he then left the home by walking out the front door.
He chose not to take the stand during the jury trial.
Cassie Baal, Lamesch’s older sister, told jurors that she was on the phone with her sister when Plote appeared at the family’s childhood home the day she died.
“She said she would make the conversation quick and would call me right back,” Baal testified.
Prosecutors argued Lamesch never called Baal back because Plote had killed her and then set the home on fire.
Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse argued that Plote intentionally put an entire neighborhood at risk when he set the home on fire after killing Lamesch.
She said the crimes were especially “sick” because Plote had been employed in a profession that was supposed to help people.
Kruse argued for a life sentence and said evidence at the trial indicated Lamesch had died while fighting for her life and her baby’s life.
A forensic scientist with the Illinois State Police Forensic Lab in Rockford testified that Plote’s DNA was found in fingernail scrapings taken from Lamesch’s right and left hands. He also said semen found in Lamesch’s vagina also fit Plote’s profile as did cheek swabs taken from the dead baby.
Forensic pathologists Dr. Mark Peters and Dr. Amanda Youmans told jurors that Lamesch was strangled before firefighters recovered her from her burning home.
They testified that abrasions on Lamesch’s face and scalp and bruises on her legs and thighs all occurred before she died and no elevated levels of carbon monoxide were found in Lamesch’s blood. Her “full-term male fetus” had no abnormalities. Lamesch also had minimal thermal wounds, they testified.
Youmans said Lamesch’s neck, face, eyes and larynx all showed signs of strangulation. Hemorrhages in the muscles in her neck were caused by pressure being applied to that area, and when Youmans cleaned soot and debris from Lamesch’s body, she discovered more injuries she said were consistent with “blunt force.”
Those injuries, Youmans said, were found on Lamesch’s forehead, head and temple and were consistent with “multiple blows to her head.”
“Her injuries were consistent with her fighting back,” Kruse said during the June 27 sentencing hearing. “The terror she must have felt while she was fighting for her life and her baby’s life ... this defendant should never be free again. That is a just sentence for this man’s action in wiping out these two lives.”
At the sentencing hearing, Baal said her sister had “joy in her voice” before “evil” arrived at her door. She said she is continually “swimming in grief” and regrets things she might have said during the phone call.
Lamesch’s mother, Deanna, of Malta, said she and her family lived in fear as the investigation into the death took 469 days before Plote was charged. She said she and her family had waited 1,213 days for a guilty verdict and 1,310 days for the sentence.
Dixon said Plote had spent his entire career helping people as a paramedic and also had been an Eagle Scout. He asked the court to consider Plote’s “zero criminal history” before rendering a decision.
When asked by Roe if he wanted to make a statement before the sentence was given, Plote softly said, “I share the pain and loss of Melissa and Barrett.”
Lamesch was a 2011 graduate of Oregon High School and an emergency medical technician at Trace Ambulance Service in Tinley Park. She moved back into the family home in October 2020 and was scheduled to have her labor induced Nov. 27, 2020.
Earleen Hinton file photo
Matthew Plote, 36, of Malta, is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom by Ogle County Court Security Officer Dan Daub on Sept. 7, 2023.
Melissa Lamesch
DeKalb man charged in assassination threat to state Rep. Jeff Keicher jailed ahead of trial
Forrest R. Brandon called non-emergency DeKalb police line 143 times in one day in 2022; court cites history in release denial
By KELSEY RETTKE krettke@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – A DeKalb County judge on Monday decided to keep jailed a DeKalb man accused of threatening to assassinate state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, citing in part the man’s criminal history of making false 911 calls to police.
Forrest R. Brandon, 58, will remain in custody at the DeKalb County jail in Sycamore without release pending trial. Brandon appeared for a second court hearing Monday in front of Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen. Brandon is expected to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15 on a charge of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Brandon was arrested and charged July 19 after police allege that he threatened to assassinate Keicher, a Republican, at an event planned for July 18 at DeKalb High School, according to court records.
That event, a senior health fair, was postponed July 17. Multiple GOP legislators had planned to host the event, which has been held before in DeKalb. In a voicemail, Brandon allegedly said he was upset because the fair was a partisan event held at a public high school, according to court records filed July 19.
Prosecutor Neil Michling of the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office argued that given the political climate, Brandon’s threats should be taken seriously. He pointed to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13. Brandon’s threatening voicemail was left on Keicher’s office line two days after the Trump assassination attempt.
“This is a very serious situation, especially in our community, which has had a shooter situation at Northern Illinois University. You just can’t make jokes, can’t lightly take these types of comments, judge, if somebody’s talking about showing up to a school to kill
State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, speaks as Sycamore Police Department detective Ryan Hooper looks on May 13, 2022, during the DeKalb County Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Service on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore. A DeKalb County judge on Monday decided to keep jailed a DeKalb man accused of threatening to assassinate Keicher.
somebody,” Michling said.
Authorities allege that Brandon confessed to the threat, saying that he “may” assassinate Keicher, “but claimed he never intended to carry out the threat,” Illinois State Police wrote in July 19 court filings.
Michling argued if Brandon were released others in the community also could be hurt if he were to carry out his threat to target a state representative. He pointed to former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the assassination attempt at Trump’s rally July 13 in Pennsylvania.
“We know it’s just a phone call, it’s a threat that was made, judge, but it’s way more than that. Because if these situations are not taken deadly serious, judge, they turn out to actually become a deadly event,” Michling said.
Brandon was charged and arrested without incident July 19 by DeKalb and Illinois State Police, DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd said. Brandon appeared alert during Monday’s court hearing, though at one point was seen shaking his head as prosecutors argued against his release.
The court filings include an edited transcript of the voicemail. Keicher
told Shaw Local News Network that the police transcript of the voicemail is accurate to the recording.
“Yeah, yes, sir, my name is Forrest Brandon. I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran. I wanna know what the [expletive] going on with you hosting a partisan event at a public high school. Screw you, Republicans. Hey, maybe I might assassinate you. I may. Not saying I will. I’m just saying I may,” Brandon allegedly said in the voicemail, according to court records.
Judge cites history of false 911 calls in lengthy ruling Court records allege that Brandon has a history of making false calls to 911 in DeKalb County. Brandon was charged four times in 2022 with making a false 911 call, according to court records.
Brandon’s defense lawyer, Chip Criswell of the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office, argued for his release, also pointing to his criminal history. He argued that while Brandon has an alleged pattern of making false 911 calls, he has not followed through with any of those threats to date.
“Judge, he’s got a history of picking up the phone and making bad decisions. That does not mean he poses a
real and present threat to safety and persons,” Criswell said. “Because despite those phone calls, despite those threats he’s made, he’s not harmed anybody.”
At the time of the assassination threat voicemail, Brandon was on conditional discharge for a conviction of misdemeanor disorderly conduct after he folded someone’s license plate in half, court records show. He was sentenced May 14, court records show. Part of his sentence agreement was a court order to appear for treatment at the Hines VA Medical Center and the Kendall County Health Department, Criswell said.
In his almost 15-minute ruling, Pedersen said it appears that treatment “has been ineffective.”
On Sept. 22, 2022, Brandon allegedly made a false 911 call, yelled and threatened to fight someone in front of the Jewel-Osco grocery store in DeKalb, Pedersen said, citing court records. On Nov. 1, 2022, Brandon allegedly threatened to cut a man’s throat, Pedersen said. On Sept. 14, 2022, Brandon allegedly called 911 twice in the city of DeKalb, alleging city corruption, and called the non-emergency line seven times to say city emergency dispatchers were “useless,” Pedersen said, citing court records. On Sept. 19, 2022, Brandon allegedly called the DeKalb Police Department non-emergency 143 times and then 911 line twice since 9 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2022, Pedersen said.
“Based on his history of using the phone to make false 911 calls, even after being repeatedly advised he was not allowed to do so, conditions [of release] could not mitigate the threat he poses to the community,” Pedersen said.
Pedersen said Brandon still would be able to access a phone in custody at the jail but was ordered to have no contact with Keicher.
Elected officials and local law enforcement on July 19 condemned the assassination threats.
“I think it’s a reflection of the heat of the political dialogue that’s going on in our country right now, and I’m hopeful that we can use it as a lesson to be able to calm down the rhetoric a little bit and talk about solving our issues, instead of violence,” Keicher said July 19.
Keicher said he feels safe and thanked area law enforcement for their vigilance. He said he plans to reschedule the senior health fair.
Keicher’s 70th District includes portions of DeKalb, Boone, Kane and McHenry counties.
Forrest R. Brandon, 58, of DeKalb
Mark Busch file photo
Judge denies rural Dixon man’s request to be released from jail on attempted murder charges
Defense attorney argues for mental health evaluation
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com and EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – An Ogle County judge again has denied a rural Dixon man’s request to be released from jail as he faces charges of attempted murder in the shooting of three police officers June 12.
Jonathon Gounaris, 32, appeared in court Monday. He is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card. He pleaded not guilty July 10.
Police allege he shot three members of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team after a three-hour standoff when police tried to enter his home at 402 Wild Rice Lane in Lost Lake, a rural subdivision east of Dixon commonly referred to as Lost Nation.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Ketter was shot in the face and taken by air ambulance to OSF Medical Center in Rockford, where he underwent surgery. He was released from the hospital June 14.
Sgt. Tad Dominski of the Oregon Police Department was shot in the arm and Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was shot in the torso during the June 12 incident. They were treated at KSB Hospital in Dixon and released later that evening.
The ERT is made up of individuals from agencies including the sheriff’s office, Oregon and Byron police departments and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department.
Gounaris also was shot during the gunfire exchange and taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was treated before being booked into the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford on June 18.
On Monday, Gounaris appeared in court before Judge John “Ben” Roe wearing handcuffs, leg irons and dressed in a yellow jumpsuit issued to inmates.
Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse said the sheriff’s office received a call the morning of June 12 from Gounaris’ mother, who was crying and told police that her son had made suicidal and homicidal threats and had access to two guns.
Kruse said the mother first called police after Gounaris had struck a deer about 2 a.m. and abandoned the damaged vehicle.
The mother told police that her son had barricaded himself in the home and threatened to kill himself or anyone else who tried to talk to him. She told authorities that her son suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and, in general, hated police, Kruse said.
Ogle County Public Defender William Gibbs argued again for Gounaris’ release in order to receive mental health treatment.
Gibbs also claimed that police never announced they were going to enter the house. He said he reviewed body camera footage of the incident, which was released by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office on June 18.
To view body camera footage of the shootings, visit www.youtube.com/
watch?v=7zEhLBrcn0g.
“The police were told not to enter the residence but they did anyway. They never said they were going in,” Gibbs said, “In viewing the video, at least 30 shots were fired into the house [by law enforcement] and only a few were fired outside the house [by Gounaris]. With proper treatment, he is not a real threat to anyone.”
Kruse disagreed.
“The evidence does not support the argument that they [law enforcement] were told not to enter the residence,” Kruse said, “He is a clear and present danger to everyone. No one is safe from this defendant.”
Kruse emphasized the seriousness of the injuries to law enforcement and said Ketter’s face is disfigured after his injury.
During a preliminary hearing July 10, Gibbs told Judge John Redington
that based on a mental health evaluation done at KSB Hospital in June, the doctors expressed a desire to place Gounaris in an inpatient treatment center.
On Monday, Kruse told Roe that Gibbs was asked to provide documents from KSB Hospital in support of these claims and has not done so.
Gibbs said he was going to enter a motion asking for a mental health assessment. Kruse said the state would not object.
Roe denied the request for release, but said he understood the defense’s argument for mental health treatment.
“The current conditions are necessary,” Roe said. “There is clear and convincing evidence that Gounaris has committed these crimes and that they are detainable offenses.”
Gounaris’ next court appearance is set for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 26.
Earleen Hinton
Jonathon Gounaris is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom July 22. Gounaris is charged with the attempted murder of three police officers after a standoff at his home near Dixon.
Bonus round needed to determine Little Mister at German Valley Days
Pageant also held for Little Miss
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
GERMAN VALLEY – It took a bonus round of questions Saturday to determine the winner of the Little Mister pageant at German Valley Days.
And that was even after an air guitar slide on the stage right in front of the three judges.
When the bonus round was tallied, Lawson Atwater, the son of Scott and Kara Atwater, took the crown, edging out four other would-be Little Misters.
Isabella Gentry was named Little Miss.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a tie before,” said Donna Smith, a member of the pageant committee.
The drama played out in front of a large crowd in the middle of Ben Miller Park on Saturday night.
“We even ran out of programs,” said Smith, adding that perfect weather helped boost attendance for this year’s event.
Other contestants for Little Mister were Lee Hammil, Kash Wilson, Jack Schoeny and Ashton McShane. Also competing for Little Miss were Harper Smice, Lenora Schneiderman, Addison
Wilken, Andie Scheffner, McKinley Schopf and Aaliyah Espinosa.
The event included each contestant answering age-appropriate questions they selected randomly.
Judges Jasmine Brinkmeier (Stephenson County Fair Queen), Addison Ames (Stephenson County Fair’s Junior Miss) and Shy Ditzler (2020-21 Stephenson County Fair Junior Miss) asked for the bonus round after conferring on their selections.
MVP award
As the final tally was decided, Smith announced the Most Valuable Person Award.
“Tonight this is mighty different that usual,” Smith said. “It is different because the recipients are no longer with us. It is being awarded in memory of a couple who farmed in the German Valley area their whole lives. The German Valley Lions Club is happy to dedicate this award to the
late Lewis and Esther Stykel.”
Smith said the Stykels were a young married couple when they moved to German Valley in the 1950s. After Lewis’ two years of service in the armed forces in Hawaii, the couple returned and resumed working on their farm.
“Upon his release, he resumed his farm work and she worked alongside him all the way,” Smith said.
Lewis was “hardworking, dedicated, kindhearted and generous, business type person” who also volunteered for the German Valley Fire Department for 27 years, eventually serving as assistant chief. He also was president of the board for the German Valley Farmers Grain Company, Smith said.
“Given their generosity and community spirit, they used their estate to establish a foundation that continues to benefit German Valley long after their passing,” Smith said. “Their foundation has contributed over $2.5 million to the German Valley area, which has been a vital benefit to the community.”
The MVP Award presentation followed a day full of events that marked the 51st year of the festival.
The festival included activities for kids, bouncy houses, a parade, fireworks and a pork chop dinner at the German Valley Fire Station.
Earleen Hinton
Lawson Atwater and Isabella Gentry were named German Valley Days’ Little Miss and Mister on July 20.
Picture-perfect weather for German Valley Days
ABOVE: Fabi DeForge of Rockford makes a huge bubble as Russell and Henry Coy, 5 and 6, of German Valley watch during Jason Kollom’s “The Bubble Guy” event July 20 during German Valley Days. ABOVE RIGHT: The German Valley Red Hat Ladies wave to the crowd from their float during the German Valley Days parade July 20. RIGHT: The German Valley Golden Eagles 4-H Club walks with their float past Ben Miller Park during the parade.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Shaneka Meyer of Rockford and Zach Noone of Freeport take a selfie with Stiltwalker Jason Kollom during the German Valley Days parade July 20.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity:
July 15
Jessica Peterson, 39, of Mt. Morris, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for driving while under the influence when she turned herself in at the Ogle County jail about 8:30 a.m. There was no bond set on the warrant and she appeared in court at 1 p.m. Peterson was released on a recognizance bond and given a court date of Aug. 12.
July 16
Jeffrey Decker, 53, of Lombard, was cited for disobeying a traffic control device, seat belt violation and operating an uninsured vehicle after deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of Illinois Routes 26 and 64 about 9:49 p.m. An investigation showed Decker was westbound on Route 64 in a Mazda SUV when he traveled through the T-intersection with Route 26 and continued off the roadway. He struck an embankment and went airborne before coming to rest. Decker was checked at the scene by Polo EMS and taken to KSB Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
July 17
Perla Moreno Rangel, 41, of Rochelle, was cited for a stop sign violation after deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of North Mulford and East Lindenwood roads at 4:18 p.m. An investigation showed Moreno Rangel failed to yield the right of way and struck a vehicle driven by Dustin Gutierrez, 39, of Davis Junction. Gutierrez’s vehicle then struck a vehicle stopped at the intersection driven by Samantha Leombruni, 22, of Byron. Gutierrez was taken by Rochelle Fire Department ambulance to Javon Bea Hospital for minor injuries. Moreno Rangel was given a future court date.
OREGON POLICE
July 8
At 8:26 a.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of North Sixth Street resulting in the arrest of Alex R. Davis, 33, of Oregon, for criminal trespass to real property and disorderly conduct. Davis was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was processed and released with a notice to appear.
At 4:33 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of North Sixth Street resulting in the arrest of Alex R. Davis, 33, of Oregon, for disorderly conduct. Davis was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was processed and released with a notice to appear.
Deputies responded to a crash with injuries in the 100 block of East Town Line Road at 5:50 p.m. An investigation showed Andrea S. Hackbarth, 44, of Oregon, was driving a Volkswagen Passat west and struck a Cub Cadet lawnmower driven by James W. Shepard, 60, of Leaf River. The Cub Cadet was westbound, mowing the north ditch while partially in the roadway when it was struck by the Volkswagen. Shepard was ejected from the lawnmower. Hackbarth reportedly was blinded by the sun. Shepard was taken by Byron EMS to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for injuries. The Byron Fire Department and EMS assisted at the scene. No citations were issued.
July 19
William S. Mongan, 31, of Oregon, was arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs after deputies responded to a report of a male subject unresponsive in a vehicle in the area of Illinois Route 38 near South Center Road about 9:19 p.m. Mongan also was cited for stopping/parking in the roadway. Mongan was taken by Rochelle Fire Department EMS to a local hospital. Mongan was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.
July 20
Terrance T. Matthews, 51, of Wheaton, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 3000 block of north Illinois Route 2 outside Oregon about 12:16 a.m. Matthews also was cited for operating a vehicle with expired registration. Matthews was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
Joel Wadsworth, 46, of Mount Carroll, was arrested for a failure to appear warrant after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of North Mount Vernon Road in
rural Forreston about 9 a.m. Wadsworth was taken to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond.
Christopher D. Strite, 32, of Mt. Morris, was cited for failure to reduce speed, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper lane use after deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 7000 block of North Mt. Morris Road about 12:12 p.m. An investigation showed Strite was traveling north on North Mt. Morris Road when Strite’s vehicle entered the ditch before striking a guard rail and overturning. Strite was taken to FHN Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Strite was given a future court date.
Curtis Palmer, 42, of Leaf River, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to an unresponsive male in a vehicle in the 9000 block of North Hedge Road in Byron about 1:10 p.m. Palmer also was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol. Palmer was taken to the Ogle County jail, processed and released on a notice to appear.
Nicholas Liston, 43, of Byron, was cited for reckless operation of an ATV, improper lane use and no insurance after deputies and Byron Fire Protection District responded to an ATV crash in the 3900 block of East Oak Grove Road about 5:47 p.m. An investigation showed Liston was driving a Polaris ATV, lost control in the south ditch after striking a culvert and came to rest in a field. Liston was taken by Byron EMS to a local hospital for suspected serious injuries.
Derek E. Taylor, 42, of Lacon, was arrested for criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting or obstructing a peace officer after deputies responded to the Byron Dragway, 7287 North River Road, about
8:12 p.m. for an unwanted subject. Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined before being released on a notice to appear. The Byron Police Department and Byron Fire Protection District EMS assisted at the scene.
Anthony Anderson, 64, of Rockford, was cited for passing in a no-passing zone, improper lane use and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after deputies responded to a three-vehicle head-on crash in the 10000 block of north Illinois Route 2 about 8:46 p.m. An investigation showed Anderson was driving a Nissan Sentra north when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone and struck an oncoming southbound Toyota Rav4 driven by Sharon Schreiner. Schreiner then lost control and struck a Honda Civic occupied by two juvenile females. Schreiner and the two juvenile females were taken to SwedishAmerican Hospital for apparent minor injuries. Anderson was given a future court date. The Byron Fire Protection District assisted.
July 21
Kenneth M. Williams II, 57, of Polo, was arrested for domestic battery after deputies responded to a domestic problem in the 500 block of East Colden Street in Polo about 12:03 a.m. Williams was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
Taylor Young, 26, of Davis Junction, was arrested and cited for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the parking lot of Dollar General in Davis Junction about 12:41 p.m. Young’s vehicle was towed from the scene. Young was released from the scene on a notice to appear.
Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
July 9
Lisa R. Harrell, 35, of Kansas City, Missouri, was issued a citation at 7:20 a.m. for speeding 44 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Robert P. Trenholm, 65, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 8:37 a.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 200 block of South Fourth Street.
Aspen N. Goza, 33, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 9:16 a.m. for speeding 42 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Nicholas C. Bausman, 39, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:25 a.m. for operating a vehicle with suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 300 block of South Fourth Street.
Amber N. Holder, 30, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:51 a.m. for passing a school bus while loading and unloading. The violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.
Clayton R. Parker, 77, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 10:12 a.m. for speeding 42 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
David R. Duncan, 60, of Oregon, was
issued a citation at 10:56 a.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver. The violation occurred in the 800 block of North Seventh Street.
Kory J. Harner, 30, of Elburn, was issued a citation at 11:49 a.m. for speeding 44 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Joshua R. Pickering, 35, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 12:05 p.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver. The violation occurred in the 100 block of North Third Street.
See OREGON POLICE, page 12
New arena at Franklin Creek Natural Area a hit with horses, riders
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
FRANKLIN GROVE – It was the perfect setting on a perfect day as horse enthusiasts and their steeds of all ages took part in the inaugural event at the newly renovated horse arena at Franklin Creek Natural Area.
Human and equine participants basked in sunshine and moderate temps as they officially marked the opening of the new Franklin Creek Arena before competition started at the Rock River Trail & Horseman Association’s grand opening show.
“This has been a yearlong process,” said Janna Ulrich of Ashton, co-host for the show and RRTHA member. “All the work was done by volunteers. We basically have an allnew facility, new posts, new signs, new hitching post ... everything.”
Renovation of the 100-foot-by-200foot outdoor arena, located near the park’s equestrian trails and camping area, also included tearing out the old grass surface and replacing it with sand mixed with dirt to make a better surface for the equines.
“It used to be nothing but grass,” Ulrich said. “Now look and see how nice it is.”
RRTHA, based at Franklin Creek Natural Area, 13 miles east of Dixon, is the second-oldest incorporated saddle club in Illinois.
Longtime RRTHA member Keith Spangler of Nachusa participated in his first trail ride 74 years ago at RRTHA’s first home, Dixon stables, in north Dixon.
“We rode through private land and the state school, which is now the prison,” he said as he gave the opening remarks before the arena’s official ribbon-cutting. “Part of the club’s popularity was that Ronald Reagan rode there with the people at the stables.”
He said RRTHA has had many homes since its inception and at times was “homeless.”
Club members were instrumental in getting an equestrian area at Franklin Creek.
“This was a lot of work, a lot of effort,” Spangler said. “After they got it designated as an equestrian area, they provided hours of volunteer time and funds, a lot of each.”
Volunteers also built restrooms, a shelter, trails, water bars, the announcer’s stand and the arena.
“We are here today for our first speed show in over a decade,” he said. “The old arena was nice, but this is fantastic.”
The renovation was done in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the state agency
that oversees parks and recreation areas.
Matt Hoogerwerf, site superintendent for Franklin Creek Natural Area, said the new arena was a “fantastic addition” to the park and praised the efforts of RRTHA members for their assistance with the project.
“We couldn’t do it on our own,” Hoogerwerf said. “The funding and staffing. It looks amazing. People will enjoy this for generations. And we truly appreciate it.”
John Gelwicks, IDNR site technician, likened the new arena to a “cathedral” that complements the park’s natural features and trails.
“I feel like I work in a church. My greatest joy is seeing the park being utilized the way it is,” he said.
Ulrich also praised IDNR’s cooperation and support and gave special thanks to the local businesses that also contributed.
Those sponsors included Ace Hardware, Dixon; Dr. Bonnie Harder, DC, VSMT Equ. S.T. Chiropractic; Rooney’s; Becker Auto Body; J&A Equine; Cain Millwork Inc.; Diamond G Ranch; Squirrelly J Ranch; Whispering Hearts Equine; Dewald Horseshoeing; Skye Quick - Equine Massage Therapy; Queens Trucking and Construction Inc.; Mimini General Store; 1010 Americold Logistics; and Brad Kessel Arena Drag.
“This is our first show with the new arena,” said Ali Ligtenberg, show co-host. “We are so excited to get this done.”
The show
The daylong show included friendly competitions to test horsemanship skills. In the “poles” event, riders were timed as they weaved their horses through a line of plastic poles twice. In the “flags” event, riders had to circle a barrel and grab a flag from a bucket before looping around two more barrels and placing the flag back in the third bucket. Barrel racing, always a crowd favorite, also was on the schedule.
Vendors offered horse specialties, including chiropractic services and massages.
Age divisions for riders ranged from PeeWees to Seniors.
Ellen Inman, 75, of Davis Junction, started competing in barrel racing at the young age of 60.
“I had ridden in trail rides, but I never got past a lope,” she said after competing on Heather, a 6-year-old mare in the poles competition. “I started barrel racing at 60. I had to drive my kids and grandkids to all their barrel racing events and I finally said I wanted to give it a try.
“And now I am having the time of my life,” she said, smiling.
Earleen Hinton
Ellen Inman, 75, of Davis Junction navigates her horse Heather through the poles competition July 20 at the Rock River Trail & Horseman Association’s grand opening show.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR OGLE COUNTY
July 13-19
Warranty deeds
Patrick J. Johnson to John P. Boyce, 1027 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $230,000. Lyle and Sheryl Hopkins to Hopacres LLC, one parcel in Eagle Point Township and two parcels in Pine Creek Township $0.
• OREGON POLICE
Continued from page 10
Velma M. Roby, 64, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 12:30 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 400 block of North Fourth Street.
Ronnie A. Gallagher, 44, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 1:09 p.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver. The violation occurred in the 200 block of West Washington Street.
Megan L. Gassaway, 33, of Byron, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. for driving while license revoked. Gassaway also was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. Gassaway was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released. The violations occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Martinique R. Parker, 21, of Freeport, was arrested at 2:49 p.m. for driving while license suspended. Parker was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear. The violation occurred in the 200 block of West Washington Street.
Brian L. Beggs, 50, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 3:57 a.m. for speeding 41 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Wyiatt D. L. Ackerson, 29, of Byron, was issued a citation at 4:12 p.m. for speeding 42 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Steven A. Lawrence, 58, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 5:23 p.m. for speeding 42 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
July 11
Yanko Y. Lyubomirov, 55, of Chicago, was issued a citation at 2:08 p.m. for speeding 60 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 400 block of East Washington Street.
Christopher P. Jamieson, 44, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 8:10 a.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 100 block of North River Road.
Jennifer L. Conklin, 48, of Chicago, was
Dylan Simler to Bryan Meier, 15331 W. Harper Road, Forreston, $308,500. Lee County and Lee-Ogle Transportation System to Reagan Mass Transit District, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $101.
Ronald L. Crisp and Dixie J. Crisp to Rodney H. McMaster and Carla D.
issued a citation at 3:05 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 35-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 900 block of Pines Road.
Waqas Ahmad, 37, of Rockford, was issued a citation at 3:36 p.m. for disobeying a traffic control device. The violation occurred at the intersection of Webster and 10th streets.
Abigayle R. Miller, 19, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 3:56 p.m. for disobeying a traffic control device. The violation occurred at the intersection of Jefferson and 10th streets.
Kelly S. Strohman, 55, of Chana, was issued a citation at 4:56 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
Robert S. Dalphonse, 53, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 5:11 p.m. for speeding 58 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
Michael D. Gosnell Jr., 47, of Chana, was issued a citation at 5:35 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
Ricky L. Williams, 63, of Polo, was issued a citation at 6:04 p.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver. The violation occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.
Nicole M. Mason, 41, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:02 p.m. for improper lane use. The violation occurred in the 800 block of Pines Road.
July 13
Mary A. Easterbrooks, 20, of Rochelle, was issued a citation at 3:23 p.m. for speeding 61 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
Gregory J. Hunt, 51, of Hinckley, was issued a citation at 4:10 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
Drake S. Hammonds, 18, of Ashton, was issued a citation at 4:46 p.m. for speeding 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 500 block of South Fourth Street.
Danny F. Nolasco, 30, of Rockford, was issued citations at 5:05 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration and
McMaster, 1050 N. Pickwick Dr., Rochelle, $242,000.
Bradley R. Crull and Kerry Ward to William D. Upton, 16616 E. Crill Road, Monroe Center, $175,000.
William D. Upton to Arturo Almanza, 16616 E. Crill Road, Monroe Center, $300,000.
operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Kaitlyn R. Heider, 33, of Savanna, was issued a citation at 5:08 p.m. for speeding, 51 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 300 block of East Washington Street.
At 8:10 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of Mix Lane resulting in the arrest of Natalya K. Creegan, 34, of Mt. Morris, for endangering the life or health of a child and two counts of domestic battery. Creegan was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was left in the custody of the correctional officers.
July 14
Jay D. Charleston, 70, of Rock Falls, was issued citations at 1:31 p.m. for speeding 41 mph in a 30-mph zone and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.
Michael P. Lopez Jr., 35, of Rock Falls, was issued a citation at 1:35 p.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.
Tyler S. Bettner, 39, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 1:49 p.m. for speeding 53 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 500 block of East Washington Street.
Mboboci G. Manyuki, 33, of Rock Island, was issued a citation at 3:34 p.m. for speeding 53 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Maureen A. Huyett, 44, of Macomb, Michigan, was issued a citation at 3:54 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Brandon J. Lee, 46, of Lombard, was issued a citation at 4:42 p.m. for speeding 40 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Kimberly M. Swartz, 52, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 7:07 p.m. for speeding 64 mph in a 45-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 1200 block of West Washington Street.
July 15
Jennifer A. Alaniz, 47, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 6:34 p.m. for operating
Rachael Stahl, Gregory Stahl and Joseph Stahl to Timothy S. Harriman Jr. and Nichole Stephanie Molnar, 212 E. River View Dr., Byron, $60,000.
Rene L. Smith, Rene L. Cowart, Rene L. Schwartz and James Schwartz to Jesse
See PROPERTY TRANSFERS, page 16
a vehicle when registration is suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 200 block of Madison Street.
July 16
Guadalupe Mejia-Rosas, 50, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 5:52 p.m. for no valid driver’s license. The violation occurred in the 600 block of West Washington Street.
July 17
Harry E. Snyder, 66, of Byron, was issued a citation at 10:48 a.m. for speeding 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.
Steven K. Tieman, 70, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 11:47 a.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of South 10th and Jefferson streets.
Wendy S. Stevens, 54, of Oregon, was issued citations at 12:45 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred at the intersection of South 10th and Webster streets.
Leann Grace, 26, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 1:03 p.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred at the intersection of South 10th Street and Pines Road.
At 6:49 p.m., police investigated a one-vehicle traffic crash in the McDonald’s parking lot, 211 S. Fourth St., involving a 16-year-old from Oregon who struck the fence along the east side of the parking lot. No citations were issued.
July 18
A 17-year-old from Chana was issued a citation at 3:49 p.m. for speeding 46 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 500 block of North Fourth Street.
July 20
At 3:05 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 400 block of South Second Street involving a 2016 Chevrolet driven by Jonathan P. Coleman, 52, of Oregon, that struck a 2016 Nissan driven by Rickie F. Boyden, 72, of Oregon. No citations were issued.
Nineteen verbal warnings and four parking citations were issued July 8-21. Chargesareaccusationsandallpeople arepresumedinnocentuntilprovedguilty in a court of law.
Chana School says thanks for all the help at fundraiser
By CONNIE STAUFFER Chana School Museum
OREGON – Thank you Ogle County for rallying to help the Chana School Foundation make the offered match of $10,000 by a generous private benefactor during this year’s benefit sale to support the 1883 Chana School Museum. The Chana School Foundation raised enough money from the sale plus donations from businesses and individuals to surpass the $10,000 match. We have amazing support from the communities of Ogle County.
For this event to have been successful, many had to pull together. The Chana School Foundation would like to thank the city of Oregon for the use of the lower level of the Oregon Coliseum for this year’s sale. The location of the Coliseum is central to the town of Oregon but also convenient for all in Ogle County and travelers from outside of Ogle County.
Our local newspapers always have done an excellent job of advertising for the benefit sale over the years, but this year the Ogle County Life (Jeff Helfrich) and Shaw Local News Network (Earleen Hinton) covered the event, stressing the opportunity to support
the sale event’s matching funds offer in order to reach the goal of $10,000.
The Chana School Foundation is so thankful for these newspapers supporting the historical Chana School Museum.
The sale wouldn’t happen if generous folks didn’t donate items for the event. A big thank you goes out to the many who donated items to create this year’s sale to benefit the Old Chana School Museum. Each year the sale features the usual and the most unusual of items making the event a worthy trip for shoppers from all over.
Volunteers run the 1883 Chana School Museum. Volunteers are the key to the entire sales event. Thanks to all who helped with this fundraiser.
Volunteers set up the Coliseum for the event by putting up tents, tables, signs, etc. Again this year, Boy Scout Troop 52 worked days before the sale helping with the setup by carrying tables, setting up table rows and assembling sign posts for the tables.
Other youth organizations that helped were Oregon High School’s Coach Justin Lehman and several of the wrestlers, OHS teacher Zack Hall and representatives from the Oregon High School choir and band and a 4-H group. Adult volunteers came in over a four-day period collecting items brought in, organizing and pricing items. Cleanup volunteers carried out and took down tables and tents. Another group of volunteers loaded items and hauled away leftover items to the next not-for-profit organization.
It was lots of work, but it was fun talking and laughing as things got done. Volunteers from years past helped and many new volunteers shared their time and efforts for the first time this year. The Chana School Foundation would like to give a big thanks to all of the many who helped with this year’s sale fundraiser.
The Chana School Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization and receives no
tax money. This big fundraiser event is a major source of money for the project along with donations and grants.
Things left over from this year’s sale benefited other not-for-profit organizations. The Oregon Church of God received much of the leftovers from this year’s sale so that it could have an event to benefit “family camp.” The Lee County Council of Aging selected books from this year’s sale for their seniors.
The Oregon library gathered children’s book for the children’s summer program. Faith Lutheran of Rochelle took linens for a project. The Living and Rehabilitation Center in Oregon got several items. The Oregon Methodist Youth Program got some hand tools. Leydig in Dixon received clothes and miscellaneous items.
Thank you again Ogle County for supporting the Chana School Museum, which stands as an example of rural 1880s way of life and education. The museum is open during major events in Oregon and by appointment (call 815-732-2447 or 815-979-2903). School groups are welcome for day trips back in time to experience life and education from the late 1800s.
Earleen Hinton file photo
The historic Chana School is located in Oregon Park East, along River Road.
Ogle County ZBA postpones meeting on Constellation’s rezoning request
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A meeting to hear a request to rezone 658.8 acres of land around the Byron Generating Station was postponed July 16 to allow for the completion of further documentation.
In a meeting that lasted less than five minutes, Ogle County Zoning Board of Appeals members unanimously voted to grant Constellation Energy Generation, which owns the land and nuclear station, a continuance to July 25.
“We want to make sure that our application is complete and the Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation
District has sufficient time to prepare the reports for the property,” said Ryan Tozer, Constellation’s local government affairs manager. “Constellation’s goal is to be a transparent partner with Ogle County during the rezoning process. We look forward to providing a full presentation on July 25 with the rest of our team.”
Constellation is asking that 17 land parcels in Rockvale and Marion townships be rezoned from AG-1 Agricultural to I-1 Industrial; half of one parcel is zoned R-2 Single-Family Residential. The company also is asking that data centers be added as a special use in I-1 Industrial districts.
“We didn’t have enough time to
meet the Open Meetings Act to do a cancellation [of the ZBA], so we had to hold the meeting, open it and then they entertained the continuation,” Ogle County Planning and Zoning Director Mark Miller said after the meeting.
The July 9 meeting was a special ZBA meeting, Miller said. He said it was scheduled to take place as soon as possible while still meeting requirements for legal notices at the request of Ogle County Board Chairman John Finfrock.
“He wanted this not delayed,” Miller said.
The ZBA is one of three bodies that considers zoning petitions before the Ogle County Board makes a final deci-
sion. The other two bodies are the Ogle County Regional Planning Commission and the Supervisor of Assessments and Planning and Zoning Committee.
On June 27, the RPC voted 3-2 to recommend that the Ogle County Board deny Constellation’s petition.
The Ogle County ZBA is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. July 25 in the thirdfloor boardroom of the Old Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. Fifth St., Oregon.
Both the RPC and ZBA recommendations will be reviewed by the Supervisor of Assessments and Planning and Zoning Committee and then sent to the full County Board for a final decision.
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO – The city of Polo has allocated $30,000 from its Business Development District No. 1 toward six facade grants.
The facade grants will be up to $5,000 each, Polo Alderman Randy Schoon said.
“You’re not going to get the $5,000 until the project is completed to our satisfaction and it’s got to be something on the outside of the building,” Schoon said.
The facade grants cannot be used to pay for interior work, he said.
“The interior of the building, you’re opening up a can of worms because you’ve got to go inspect it,” Schoon
said. “What we’re looking to do is more on the outside, more of a permanent thing and it stays there. It’s essentially to fix up our downtown.” Grants will be awarded based on the merit of an application, he said.
“The better you fill it out, the more detailed about your plans you are, when everything’s done and it looks real good, here’s your $5,000 and no
strings attached,” Schoon said.
Polo’s BDD No. 1 was created Aug. 15, 2022, on a 5-1 vote by City Council members. It encompasses the downtown and some surrounding blocks, as well as the length of Division Avenue.
Within the BDD, an additional 0.5% sales tax is collected on most goods,
FACADE GRANTS, page 16
Swingbilly RFD ready to rock Jamboree stage July 26
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – Perfect weather and music from an iconic rock band resulted in a record crowd July 19 for the Jamboree free summer concerts series in downtown Mt. Morris.
“The crowd stretched into the middle of the street and they finally closed those two blocks of Wesley. It was a pretty great night for old Mt. Morris,” said Larry Ubben, Jamboree organizer.
Chicago Tribute Anthology played hits from the “golden age” of Chicago, re-creating songs from the band’s first 11 albums at the band shell in the village’s historic downtown campus.
Next up is western swing band Swingbilly RFD, which returns for a two-hour free concert at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26.
“Swingbilly RFD is a Rockford-based group that plays traditional honky-tonk and western swing music as it was performed in its golden age of the ’40s through the ’60s,” Ubben said. “The group is comprised of some of the area’s most accomplished musicians and the instrumentation is the same as it was back in the day … vocals, upright bass, acoustic guitar, steel gui-
tar, fiddle and drums.”
The band plays music from Hank Williams Sr. to Bob Wills to Loretta Lynn to Patsy Cline, Ubben said.
“Their music spans generations and is guaranteed to get your toes a-tappin’ and your face a-smilin’,” he said.
Concessions for the evening will be provided by Oregon’s Rock River Center in partnership with the Ogle County Pork Producers. They will be
serving pork chop sandwiches, chips, pop and water. Grandpa’s Ice Cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade stand will be there, too, all starting at 6 p.m.
Jonny Lyons and the Pride on Aug. 2
Jonny Lyons and the Pride returns at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2.
“Jonny knows how to command an audience, whether he’s fronting his band Jonny Lyons and the Pride, tak-
ing the stage as The Man in Black or the King of Rock and Roll, standing alone with an acoustic guitar or even laying down the drums for Lance Lipinsky in his band The Lovers. Whatever the occasion, you can be sure to expect an electrifying performance,” Ubben said.
Concessions for the evening will be provided by Chapter CU, P.E.O., which will be serving hot dogs, brats, chips, soda and water. Just For Fun Ice Cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade will start serving at 6 p.m.
Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the campus along with other craft and plant vendors from 5 to 8 p.m.
“On either side of the band shell, the Sandstone Encore Art Gallery will feature a new show and the new location of the Mt. Morris Historical Museum in the newly renovated College Hall will be open during the concerts,” Ubben said. “Please bring a blanket or chair or enjoy the new benches and join the fun on our beautiful, historic campus in the center of Mt. Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue and enjoy the free concerts.”
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Earleen Hinton
The lawn was full in front of the band shell during the Jamboree concert July 19 in Mt. Morris.
• FACADE GRANTS
Continued from page 14
according to the ordinance that established it. Things such as medications, medical appliances, food meant to be
• PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Continued from page 12
Miles, 845 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $179,000.
Marc and Theresa Bowen to Amber Hackiewicz and Perry Hathcock, 7268 E. Vista Dr., Stillman Valley, $424,900.
James E. White and Ellen L. White to David Golan and Sandra K. Golan, 5296 Harlan Dr., Rochelle, $192,500.
Kent R. Chalus and Susan E. Chalus to Rodney E. Hayenga, trustee, Cynthia A. Hayenga, trustee, and Hayenga Trust 78, 5414 S. Mill Pond Road, Rochelle, $262,000.
Catherine L. Bemis to Brandon Schaffer, 202 N. Reynolds St., Mt. Morris, $94,000.
Lonna L. Nelson to Steven R. Peterson and Kathleen S. Peterson, 8447 N. Hales Corner Road, Stillman Valley, $400,000.
Steven R. Peterson and Kathleen S. Peterson to Jacob R. Pfab and Nicole C. Scullion, 6794 N. Summit Dr., Byron, $315,000.
Jordan Sanders and Charisa A. Yager to Joshua Smith, 3737 W. Lightsville Road, Leaf River, and 9095 N. Small St., Leaf River, $210,000.
Mary Jo Norberg and Matthew T. Kyger to Peter Joseph Angsten Jr., trustee, Alexis Louise Angsten, trustee, and Angsten Family Trust, 204 W. Provost St., Polo, $44,900.
eaten off the premises where it was sold and titled purchases – a car or boat, for example – are not subject to the additional tax.
According to a brochure by Jacob & Klein and The Economic Development Group, which helped Polo establish
Olivia Anne Joline Hernandez to Richard McQuality, 2763 Brooks Island Road, Oregon, $70,000.
Scott A. Chambers and Melissa Chambers to Alvin Ray Ward and Robin J. Mcquade-Ward, 129 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $215,000.
Michale A. Stukenberg and Colleen M. Stukenberg to Michael A. Stukenberg, trustee, Colleen M. Stukenberg, trustee, Michael A. Stukenberg Revocable Trust and Colleen M. Stukenberg Revocable Trust, 12 parcels in Maryland Township, 9296 W. Illinois Route 72, Forreston, 11123 W. Illinois Route 72, Forreston, 7881 N. Columbine Road Cell Tower, Forreston, 7833 N. Columbine Road, Forreston, and 7630 N. Mile Road, Forreston, $0.
Planet Home Lending LLC to John Gomez, 5531 S. Forester Dr., Rochelle, $184,500.
David and Derek Willey to David C. Zindell and Elizabeth P. Andreas, 6447 E. Possum Trail, Oregon, $269,000.
Michael L. Knoup and Tammy M. Knoup to Brian Combs, 833 Fairground Circle Dr., Oregon, $360,000.
Andrea Serriteno to Julie M. Hanson, 331 Rosalind Road, Rochelle, $145,000.
Kathleen Leal to Hayden Klapp, 305 N. Division Ave., Polo, $108,000.
Toni L. Norden and Toni L. Yount to Ruby Valencia, 214 N. Etnyre Ave., Oregon, $85,000.
Steven W. Young and Jonathon A.
BDD No. 1, BDD funds commonly are used to help fund plans and studies, land acquisition, site preparation, public infrastructure, renovations to existing buildings, construction of new buildings, reduced financing costs and relocation costs.
Young to Pamela and Bemis Lester, 8298 N. Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, $193,500.
Marshall C. Unzicker and Kelly M. Broederdorf to Jason A. Skinner and Jessica L. Skinner, 505 N. Fifth St., Oregon, $75,000.
Quit claim deeds
Eileen I. Anderson to Forrestville Valley School District 221 Board of Education, 503 and 505 Main St, Forreston, $0.
David M. Dinges and Luara Dinges to Byron Blackhawk Rental LLC, 303 E. Blackhawk Dr., Byron, $0.
David M. Dinges and Jan. R. Twardowski to Byron Union Rental LLC, 112 S. Union St., Byron, and 113 S. Union St., Byron, $0.
David M. Dinges and Jan. R. Twardowski to Byron Front Rental LLC, 115 E. Front St., Byron, $0.
Karen S. Sommer, deceased by heirs, to Ronald E. Sommer, 306 S. Fletcher Ave., Mt. Morris, $0.
Kaitlyn Deraitus to Jordan Deraitus, 111 Third Ave., Forreston, $0.
Jose B. Diaz to Jessica Gomez Alvarez, 501 Autumnwolf Dr., Davis Junction, $0.
Scott A. Windsor to Scott A. Windsor and Shawn R. Windsor, $0. Trustee deeds
Wallace J. Burke, trustee, Wallace J. Burke Trust, Laurine Anna Burke Trust and Laurine Anna Burke, trustee, to Michael and Troy Feece, two parcels in
“We have every intention, as this thing grows, maybe we expand [the facade grants],” Schoon said. “Take that $5,000 and make it $7,500 or make it $10,000.”
Applications are available at Polo City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Ave.
Flagg Township, $1,556,510.
Myron Johnson, trustee, Jo Ann Johnson, trustee, and Myron and Jo Ann Johnson Living Trust to Saldal Properties LLC, 1027 Avenue E, Rochelle, and 927 Avenue E, Rochelle, $308,000.
Randell C. Calvert, trustee, Randell C. Calvert Revocable Trust 1, Roberta A. Calvert, trustee, and Roberta A. Calvert Revocable Trust 1 to Elijah L. Hoffman and Rachelle Lauren Hoffman, 7908 N. Winding Oak Lane, Stillman Valley, $385,000.
Nancy C. Hay and NCH Trust 1118 to Brennan A. Peters, 2741 S. Chana Road, Chana, $242,500.
Deeds in trust
Lyle and Sheryl Hopkins to Lyle Hopkins, trustee, Lyle Hopkins Living Trust, Sheryl Hopkins, trustee, and Sheryl Hopkins Living Trust, 7074 W. Penn Corner Road, Polo, $0. Transfer on death instrument
George L. Cox and Debra K. Cox to Cheyenne S. Cox, 408 W. Center St., Mt. Morris, $0.
Dixie L. Dzielak and Daniel R. Dawson III to Jaydn CL Aliprandini, 125 E. Merchant St., Byron, $0. Judges deeds
Ogle County Circuit Judge, James D. Felts, Renee J. Felts and RJF Revocable Trust to James D. Felts, 01723 E. Spring Creek Road, Oregon, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
CLASSIFIED
EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
AG SERVICE TECHNICIAN
DAMBMAN SERVICE , INC
in Milledgeville is NOW HIRING Service, repair and assemble farm equipment. Ability to read schematics and parts diagrams Proficiency in the use of all tools of trade. Perform r equired inspections
Diag nose problems and determine needed repairs. Keep accurate, detailed and easy to read records of work performed. Computer skills
Custo mer Service: help load product into vehicles Must be friendly and willing to learn new products to answer customer questions.
Forklift Operation: receive product off trucks, keep inventory and keep shop clean Driver s license required. Apply online
https:// www.dambmanservice.com/ jobs-tractors- dealership careers- page or send resume to fax: 815-493-8792 email: curt@dambmanservice.com
HAZELHURST ANNUAL FALL CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 8:30 AM
Cont act us by August 16 with your list for the sale bill/advertising
Consignments can be brought to the auction site: between the hours of 7:30am & 5pm (gates locked) August 27, 28, 29, 30 but 31st only t ill noon, open again September 3 & 4 We reserve right to reject, loads will be screened!!!
INFO - LYLE HOPKINS (IL#440.000185) POLO, IL 815-441-1251 815-946-2660 EMAIL – SLPASPOLO@GMAIL.COM JOHN HOPKINS 815-994-1836
LENNY BRYSON (IL#440.000158) POLO, IL 815-946-4120
LOCATION - MRS. SHERWOOD SHANK FAMILY FARM
Sauk Valley Community College Job Openings:
Accounting Assistant
Perform responsible accounting activities for the Business Office. https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1915
Athletic Trainer
Develop, coordinate & administer a comprehensive sports medical program https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1921
Custodian/Security (3rd S hift)
https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1890
Enro llment Mgt S pecialist
Assist and guide the verification portion of enrollment. https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1909
Financial Assistance Specialist
Advise students & perform office activities related to financial assistance https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1920
Foundation Coordinator (Part-time)
Develop & coordinate SVCC's student recruitment for Career / Technical programs. Assist fundraising efforts w/businesses & manufactur ers. https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1922
HR Specialist
Perfor m highly responsible office and administrative duties https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1893
Marketing Coordinator
Responsible for coordination of marketing and PR for SVCC. https:// jobs.svcc.edu/ postings/1924
Sauk Valley Community College
Attn: Human Resources 173 Illinois Route 2 Dixon, IL 61021 EOE e-mail: employment@svcc.edu
AUCTION
Shanno n, IL 61070 Watch for Auction signs Lunch Stand
See adva nce salebills, possible color photos on our website at auctionzip.com-Public auction service or LennyBrysonAuctioneer.com
FRIDAY, AUG UST 9, 2024
REAL ESTATE (SOLD AT 10:00 AM)
218 East Ba dger Street, Shannon, IL
(east end of town north Rt 72, on Stanton, west on Bad ger)
The lot 120'x120' has a 70'x30' partially heated shop with attached living quarters (no basement). Zoned Commer cial
Will start with Live Auction at 11:00 AM and with online bidding for machinery at 11:30 AM.
Online Bidding available through EquipmentFa cts www .Equipme ntFacts.com
For registration questions, please contact EquipmentFacts at 908-788-2025.
Online Buyer Premium 4.5% charged. Live Simulcast bidding day of sale and prebidding available ahead of auction.
Live Auction will sell imme diately after Real Estate at lot west across from 18 East Badger, Shannon, IL
TRACT ORS - COMBINE - TRUCK
2013 Mahindra 5010 FWA, hydro, diesel, CAH, 870 hrs (50HCE300239) w/155 quick tach loader ; C-IH 7140 pow er shift, CAH, FWA, wghts, 3pt, 6222 hrs (500 hrs on new engine); IH 5088 diesel, CAH, 540-1000 PTO, DH, 18.4x38 duals; 7596 hrs (2540002V004356); IH SMTA gas, NF, PS (H78755); 2006 C-IH 2377 combine, Cummins eng, AFX rotor, stone trap, chopper, 20-20 display, Mauer bin ext, 2613 eng hrs, 1839 separator hrs (HAJ296706); IH 963 corn head 6-30” metal snouts (0730135V005766); C-IH 1020 platform 20'w/ 3” cut (58212); IH 944 for parts; Cub Cadet 1170 lawn tractor, hydro, gas, 17.5 hp eng w/42” deck; Cub Cadet LTX 1040, hydro, Kohler 19 hp eng w/42” deck; 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 4x4 ext cab, 5.3 gas eng, DMI bumper, 158,500 miles; 2020 Equinox LT all whl dr, 4 dr , 61,400 miles; tandem bumper hitch trailer 6 1/2 x 12' w/title
MACHINERY
C-IH 530B Ecolo-Tiger chisel plow , 5 shk, hyd disk blades w/leveler (20018); C-IH 4200 soil finisher 30” w/5 bar drag; IH 490 disk 20' w/7 1/2” spacings, hyd fold; DMI 3100 Nh3 applicator, 9 knife, pull type; Noble drag cart 24' w/hyd lift; C-IH 955 planter, 12-30”, front fold, row cleaners, monitor; IH 800 planter 6-30” , front fold, corn & bean dr ums; pile of Yetter row cleaners; Behlen 3pt rotary seeder (new); wagon, gear & IH endgate seeder; IH 300 rotary hoe, 3pt, 30', endpull; Hardi sprayer NAV 1000, monit or, navigator 60' booms; Taylor-Way 330 bat-wing 15' mower, 540 PTO, chains & stump jumper; Woods 84 rotary mower 3pt; 2 Unver ferth 530 gravity w ag-ons, rear brakes & lights; Brent 300 bu gravity wagon; Brent 250 bu gravity box on Kewanee gear; F&F 250 gravity box on Kory Gear ; Killbros center dump gravity wagon; K ewanee auger 8'x28” PTO; 3pt bale mover; Ho memade items-tractor dolly, head mover, 3pt sprayer, flatbed trailer 5'x8'; Nh3 bar; 40' stor age trailer.
TOOLS
Craftsman 5hp air compressor, 22 gal tank; McCullouch gener ator battery charger (FG5700AK); Delta 12” wood lathe plus knives; Delta planner ; Delta table saw; Milw auke e miter saw; Ryobi 9” band saw; Cal-Hawk drill press; Dremel 16” 2sp drill pr ess; elec chain saw; lots of hand and wood working tools & other misc.
WAYNE GAUL ESTATE RICK GAUL, EXECUTOR
Auctioneers: Polo, IL 61064
Cle rk s: Public Auction Service
Lenny Bryson (IL#0440000158) 815-946-4120 Lyle (IL#0440000 185) & Sheryl & John Hopkins Mark Ebert (IL#0440000341) 815-441-1251, 815-946-2660 or 815-994-1836
Terms - Cash, good check, Master Card, Visa, Discover credit cards All items must be settled for day of sale Number system will be used, have proper ID. Not responsible for accidents or merchandise after sold
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LLINOIS
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC.
PLAINTIFF, -vs-
Dave A Borgmann a/k/a Dave Borgmann; Julie A. Borgmann a/k/a Julie Borgmann; DEFENDANTS
NO. 23 FC 78 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
Pub lic Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on February 9, 2024;
Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on August 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sel l to the highest bidder for ten per cent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twent y-four (24) hours , the following desc ribed premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.
Said sal e shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.
Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.
Commonly known as 106 West Second Street, Leaf Riv er, IL 61047
Permanent Index No.: 03-26-128-004 and 03-36-128-005
Improvements: Single Family
Residential
The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property.
The judgment amount was $68,716.38. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301
Bannockburn, IL 60015
ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717
Nationstar Mortgage LLC. One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717
ILNOTICES@logs.com Randa l S Berg (6277119)
Michael N. Burke (6291435)
Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)
Laura J. Ande rs on (6224385)
Mallory Snyderman (6306039)
Thomas Belcz ak (6193705)
Debra Miller (6205477)
Amy Aronson (6206512)
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION
July 19, 26, 2024 August 2, 20 24 944508
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY G. COFFMAN, Deceased 2024 PR 37 NOTICE OF CLAIM
Notice is given of the death of Dorothy G Coffman, who died on October 19, 2023. Letters of Office were issued on June 28, 2024 to James Coffman as Independent Executor, whose address is 7270 S Glen Rd, Polo, IL 61064 and wh ose attorney is Kelly Flessner of Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC, 114 E Everett St., Suite 300, Dixon, Illinois 61021. The estate will be administered without cour t supervision unless under Chapter 755 ILCS 5/28-4 of the probate act, any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Clerk of the Ogle County Court.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, or with the representative, or both with in six months from the date of the first publica tion, no later than January 12, 2025 and any claim not fi led within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten days after i t has been filed.
Kelly L. Flessner
Kelly L. Flessner
Attorney for Executor
Prepared by:
Kelly L. Flessner
Ehrmann Gehlbach
E verett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021
815-288-4949 flessner@egbclaw. com
cour t supervision unless under Chapter 755 ILCS 5/28-4 of the probate act, any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Clerk of the Ogle County Court.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, or with the representative, or both with in six months from the date of the first publica tion, no later than January 12, 2025 and any claim not fi led within that period is barred.
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten days after i t has been filed.
Kelly L. Flessner
Kelly L. Flessner
Attorney for Executor
Prepared by:
Kelly L. Flessner
Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC
114 E. E verett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 flessner@egbclaw. com
July 12, 19, 26, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In the Matter of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, Deceased No. 2024-PR-38
CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, of Redondo Beach, California Letters of Office were issued on July 16, 2024, to DEBRA BAUMGARTNER as Independent Administrator whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. The estate will be administered without cour t supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested pers on terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.
terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Clai ms against the estate may be filed in th e office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before January 27, 2025, or wi thin 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mail ing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, wh ichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed
Debra Baumgartner Independent Administrator
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO.
2020-00018
TO: MICHAEL D.
ZUMDAHL
ERIKA R.
ZUMDAHL
OCCUPANTS
TENANTS
SPOUS E'S County Clerk of OGLE County: Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in sai d land or lots.
A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX18
Property located at 1440 MARIJON
DR., BYRON, I L 61010
Legal Description or Permanent Index No.
05-30-151-030
Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24
AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 2020-00050
TO: RICHARD P. BUCCI
JICTB, INC
OCCUPANTS
TENANTS
SPOUS E'S County Clerk of OGLE County:
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in sai d land or lots.
OCCUPANTS
TENANTS
SPOUS E'S County Clerk of OGLE County:
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in sai d land or lots.
A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX19
Property located at 305 E. OAKWOOD DR., BYRON, I L 61010
has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX19
Property located at 305 E. OAKWOOD DR., BYRON, I L 61010
Legal Descr iption or Permanent Index No. 09-11-326-002
Clai ms against the estate may be filed in th e office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before January 27, 2025, or wi thin 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mail ing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, wh ichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed
Debra Baumgartner Independent Administrator
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
TENANTS
SPOUS E'S
County Clerk of OGLE County: Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in sai d land or lots.
A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX18
Property located at 1440 MARIJON DR., BYRON, I L 61010
Legal Description or Permanent Index No. 05-30-151-030
Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
July 12, 19, 26, 2024
AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24 AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
Legal Descr iption or Permanent Index No. 09-11-326-002
Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24 AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LLINOIS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC. PLAINTIFF, -vs-
A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX19
Borgmann; DEFENDANTS
Property located at 305 E. OAKWOOD DR., BYRON, I L 61010
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
Dave A Borgmann a/k/a Dave Borgmann; Julie A. Borgmann
NO. 23 FC 78
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
Pub lic Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on February 9, 2024;
Legal Descr iption or Permanent Index No. 09-11-326-002
Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on August 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sel l to the highest bidder for ten per cent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twent y-four (24) hours , the following desc ribed premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.
Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24 AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
Said sal e shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to qua lity or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.
Said propert y is legally described as follows:
LOT TEN (10) IN BLOCK FOUR (4) IN THE VI LLAGE OF LEAF RIVER, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK "B" OF PLATS, PAGE 2 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATE D IN THE TOWNSHIP OF LEAF RIVER, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS Commonly known as 106 West Second Street, Leaf Riv er, IL 61047
Permanent Index No.: 03-26-128-004 and 03-36-128-005
Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24 AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in sai d county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed
Improvements: Single Family
Residential
Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner
The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property.
July 26, August 2, 9, 2024
The judgment amount was $68,716.38. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk
LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015
ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717
Nationstar Mortgage LLC. One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP
Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717
ILNOTICES@logs.com
Randa l S Berg (6277119)
Michael N. Burke (6291435)
Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452)
Laura J. Ande rs on (6224385) Mallory Snyderman (6306039) Thomas Belcz ak (6193705)
Debra Miller (6205477)
Amy Aronson (6206512)
THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE
a/k/a Julie