Oregon_Republican_Reporter-09-01-2023

Earleen Hinton

sings the national anthem at the start of

football game against North Boone on Aug. 25.

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Foundation program provides new books for every first grader

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

Oregon School District first grade teachers Dawn Merrill, Olivia Phalen, Gretchen Nelson, Erica Cann and Kenzie Dusing received checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation on Aug. 21.

The checks will enable every first grade student in the Oregon school district to receive a new book every month this school year.

“This program is so beneficial to our students and families,” said Merrill, a 31-year teaching veteran. “Getting books into kids’ hands and homes is very important. It benefits approximately 100 OES first grade students each year who receive a brand-new book every month.”

In 2018, Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation president Julie Robinson saw a Facebook post from Merrill and her teaching colleagues asking for donations to buy books for their students throughout the year.

Robinson contacted Merrill and offered the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation’s resources to fund that endeavor every year and it became the Foundation’s 9x9x9 Program. For

OREGON LIBRARY

Library closed on Labor Day

The Oregon Public Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.

Wizard of Oz themed Mystery Dinner Event – Friday, Sept. 15

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The show starts promptly at 6 p.m. Held at River’s Edge and catered by Hazel’s. Mystery dinner tickets are on sale at the library. Enjoy an evening of mystery and try to solve the case of the missing Ruby Slippers. For information, call 815-732-2724 or visit our website or Facebook page.

The Power of Story with Colson

Whitehead – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6

We are thrilled to welcome two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead to Illinois libraries.

The No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “The Underground Railroad,” “The Nickel Boys,” “Harlem Shuffle,” “The Noble Hustle,” “Zone One,” “Sag Harbor,” “The Intuitionist,” “John Henry Days,” “Apex Hides the Hurt” and a collection of essays, Whitehead is only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the fiction category (for “Underground Railroad” in 2018 and “The Nickel Boys” in 2020).

His highly anticipated latest book, “Crook Manifesto,” is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. His

Foundation

OCUSD first grade teachers receive checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation to buy books for first grade students this year. From left are Foundation member Becky McCanse, teacher Dawn Merrill, Foundation member Paula Diehl, teachers Olivia Phalen, Gretchen Nelson, Erica Cann, Kenzie Dusing and Foundation President Julie Robinson.

just $9 a child, a first grader will receive one book a month for nine months – nine books during the school year.

The program has continued every school year since 2018-19. During the pandemic when in-person learning was suspended, the foundation paid the postage to have books delivered to each first grader.

“We are so thankful to the Mt. Morris Library Foundation for helping us accomplish this year after year,” Merrill said.

The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit orga-

reviews, essays and fiction have appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Harper’s and Granta. Whitehead has received a MacArthur Fellowship and Guggenheim Fellowship and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, among others. In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded Whitehead a National Endowment for the Humanities Medal. Whitehad has taught extensively, including at Columbia University, Princeton University and Brooklyn College. He lives in New York City.

The event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility.  Registration is required at 815-7322724 or www.oregonpubliclibrary.com.

Mondays – Story Time

(18 months to 6 years old) at 10 a.m.  Stories, crafts and fun. Story Time is taking a break. Go online to register for the next session, which will begin Sept. 11.

Try It Tuesday – 1:30 or 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 (choose your time slot)

nization that supports the Mt. Morris Community Library through funding by matching every memorial gift given to the library and by supporting the library’s services and programs.

Donations are welcome and anyone can become an annual member of the foundation for $25 a year or you can a lifetime membership for $100.

The funds are invested and used to support the library.

More information is available at the Mt. Morris Community Library or the MMCLF page at mtmorris-il.org.

Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Scrub and lip scrub. It’s pumpkin time. Love the smell? We will be making pumpkin and brown sugar scrub along with a lip scrub for fall. All supplies are provided. Registration is required at www.oregonpubliclibrary.com.

Book Clubs

The 2WBC Book Club meets at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 13 to discuss “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift.

Cocktails & Crimes will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Ogle County Brewery. The Afternoon Book Club meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, to discuss “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann.

Is This Just Fantasy? Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the library to discuss “Magic for Liars” by Sarah Gailey.

Books on Tap Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Cork & Tap to discuss “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.

Trivia at the Rock River – 12:30 p.m., first Thursdays of the month

Test your knowledge of sports, history, movies and more. Bring your friends and make a team of four or come alone and join a team when you arrive. Registration is required at www.oregonpubliclibrary. com or call 815-732-2724.

Photo provided by Sandra Stengel, Mt. Morris Community Library

Judge delays decision on defense motions in double-homicide case

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An Ogle County judge granted one defense motion Tuesday, but again delayed his decision on other defense motions for a Stillman Valley man charged with killing his ex-wife and their 3-year-old son in 2016.

Duane Meyer, 41, of Stillman Valley, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead and their son, 3-year-old Amos Meyer, died.

Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe granted a motion by defense attorney Christopher DeRango, of Rockford, that asked the court to bar state witnesses from “testifying to their opinions as to their opinions to the credibility of any witness.”

“As to the other motions, I am taking two more weeks,” Roe said, noting he was still researching case law. “When I have that completed, I will forward my decision onto the attorneys.”

Roe said he should have his decision completed by Sept. 15. He set Meyer’s next status hearing for 9 a.m. Sept. 26.

During a May 4 hearing, DeRango asked Roe to exclude information gathered by the prosecution from being presented to a jury, arguing some of it was “irrelevant” or would be “prejudicial” to his client.

In January, DeRango entered 21 motions in limine and asked that they be sealed before debate in open court.

Motions in limine are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. The motions are made by attorneys when seeking to exclude certain evidence from being presented to a jury.

DeRango and his co-counsel, Patrick Moore, presented their exclusion arguments while Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten made counterarguments.

Some of the motions made in the case pertain to crime scene photos, autopsy photos, internet searches, cellphone photos, text messages between Meyer and others, surveillance videos of vehicles and comments made to police officers during the investigation.

DeRango argued that some comments made to police were hearsay

and not admissible. He characterized internet searches, which he said the state alleges were made by Meyer before the deaths, as “dubious” and “prejudicial” to his client.

He argued the prosecution should not be given a “blanket pass” for presenting evidence.

Leisten argued the evidence was relevant and, based on case law, should be allowed.

“The jury can weigh the evidence,” Leisten said.

DeRango said there were 6,000 pages of discovery and more than 1,000 text messages between Meyer and a friend before the deaths. He said the messages were made in the midst of a “contentious divorce” and, he argued, that some of the messages were taken out of context and should not be allowed as evidence.

Leisten disagreed, arguing the messages showed it was a “planned homicide” and showed “what was going on

in the defendant’s mind.”

Maggie (Rosko) Meyer, a teacher at the Chana Education Center, filed for divorce in 2014. Court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

Tuesday’s hearing was one of several since the murder charges were filed in October 2019.

In November 2022, Roe ruled that Duane Meyer’s cellphone records would be allowed as evidence at the trial.

When asked by Roe how long of a trial attorneys were expecting, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock estimated the trial could take two weeks. DeRango said the defense portion would take three days.

Meyer remains in the Ogle County Correctional Center on a $10 million bond.

Earleen Hinton

Duane Meyer, 41, of Stillman Valley, is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom by Correctional Officer Dan Daub on Aug. 29.

Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer and Amos Meyer

Mother accused of killing son in 2021 gets continuance to Sept. 13

Safranek’s attorney granted more time to examine medical review of client

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The defense attorney for an Oregon woman accused of killing her 7-year-old son in 2021 was granted three more weeks to examine another medical review of his client.

Sarah Safranek, 36, appeared in court Aug. 23 with assistant public defender Michael O’Brien, who asked Ogle County Judge John Redington to allow more time for him to consider a recent review of his client’s history of “mental health issues” by court-appointed expert Dr. Jayne Braden, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Sycamore.

Safranek has pleaded not guilty to five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery for the suffocation death of her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton, in February 2021. An autopsy showed the boy also suffered a ruptured liver.

Nathaniel, a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School, was found unresponsive and not breathing about 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at his home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Safranek was arrested two months later, April 21, 2021, and indicted May 4, 2021. She pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021, and remains in the Ogle County Correctional Center on a $2 million bond.

Earlier this year, Redington denied O’Brien’s request to hire additional medical experts for Safranek, despite his argument that she has “a long history as to past mental health care” and those health issues are “directly connected to her defense.”

Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley and O’Brien filed a motion in March saying Safranek’s right to due process required the appointment of and/or use of one or more experts to review certain discovery materials and/or provide testimony.

They asked the court to approve an additional expert to “review and evaluate mental health records” of Safranek, including her condition at the time of the alleged crime.

They argued extensive mental health records were provided by the state and revealed a “substantial history of mental health issues, mental

illness and related services.”

Isley and O’Brien said they believe the prosecution will present those records – whether directly or indirectly – to prove Safranek committed the alleged crimes and asked Redington to allow another expert to be hired to provide an “independent review on behalf of the defendant and potentially be used as an expert witness.”

In his response to the defense motion, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said an indigent defendant is not entitled to an expert “merely because the expert would be helpful, valuable, or important to the defense.”

Redington agreed, saying case law cited in the motion requires any additional hiring of experts be “crucial” to the client’s defense. He said Safranek already had been evaluated by a court-appointed expert who looked at her mental health history.

He suggested the first court-appointed expert, Braden, again review Safranek’s history.

Redington set Safranek’s next court appearance for 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Rock did not object to the continuance.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Redington ruled Safranek fit to stand trial after review-

ing a mental health evaluation requested by the defense.

According to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Department of Children and Family Services had visited the Safranek/ Burton household about a dozen times over two years, following up on five

reports of suspected abuse and neglect. Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing.

Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced.

• Kathleen Schultz contributed to this story.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Sarah Safranek enters an Ogle County courtroom Aug. 23 for a status hearing. She is charged with killing her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel.

Rebecca Rhea of Dixon stands behind photo memory boards of Nathaniel Burton and her family that she and her husband displayed at an Oct. 23, 2021, fundraiser for Oregon Elementary School in memory of the 7-year-old. Nathaniel stayed with the Rhea family for several years. Nathaniel’s mother, Sarah Safranek, is charged with his murder.

Nathaniel Burton

Eighth annual StrawFest Day a success, organizers say

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com and EARLEEN HINTON and ehinton@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – The eighth annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition culminated with a day full of activities, music and awards.

StrawFest Day took place on the Mt. Morris campus Aug. 26 and featured a crafters’ market, blacksmith demo, Rustic Ridge Axe Throwing, round straw bale races in the street, a food truck and live music by Truman’s Ridge, a bluegrass band. It was the final hurrah of the event that showcases large straw sculptures and ran from Aug. 11-27.

“I think it went very well overall,” organizer Jeff Bold said. “I think the really cool thing about this is there’s always somebody there. It’s an openair, outdoor event people can come to any time and the setting on the campus in the shade is perfect for it.”

The U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition started in Rochelle in 2016 after artist Fran Volz visited the small village of Höchenschwand, Germany, which hosts an annual straw sculpting competition that draws thousands of visitors. The event moved to Mt. Morris in 2017, where it is hosted by Encore! Mt. Morris.

“Overall, it was well-attended,” Bold said of StrawFest Day. “We feel it was a big success. StrawFest Day was a lot of fun, and we’ll continue to grow it year over year.”

Four straw sculptures were entered in this year’s competition and were showcased alongside entries from past years. Sculptures must be a minimum of 6.5 feet in height, length or width and at least 90% straw on the surface, according to competition rules.

Straw sculptors Chris and Cecilia Mann of Rockford said it took them about one month to build their creation, “Three-Toed Straw Sloth.” They used as much recycled materials as they could find, Chris Mann said.

The Manns have participated in the contest since 2018, when they entered “Strawsquash.” Other sculptures they’ve made include a snail and a turtle.

“That seems to be a theme in our work. We do slow-moving animals,” Chris Mann joked.

This year, the straw they got was from someone who does antique threshing, Cecilia Mann said. It made for nicer straw and improved the look of the sculpture, she said.

“We enjoy doing it,” Chris Mann said. “We think it’s a fun event for families to bring kids out to especially. I really like that they’re able to save the straw sculptures year to year.”

A plaque for volunteer Rose Avey was dedicated in front of the bandshell during a short evening presentation.

Avey, who passed away earlier this year, was a lifelong Mt. Morris resident, graduate of Mt. Morris High School and StrawFest and Let Freedom Ring volunteer.

Her plaque reads: “MMHS Class of 1971, Mighty Mounder, Rose Sheely Avey.”

The ninth annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition is scheduled for Aug. 9-25, 2024. StrawFest Day will be Aug. 24, 2024.

Awards

First place for Peoples’ Choice was “Oscar the Grouch” by father-daughter duo Mark and Danica Rogers of Rochelle. The “Sesame Street” character took second place in the Artists’ Choice category.

Husband and wife team Chris and Cecilia Mann of Rockford claimed first place in Artists’ Choice and second place in Peoples’ Choice with their “Three-Toed Straw Sloth” sculpture.

“For the Love of Rose” – a giant rose with a spinning bumblebee near the petals – created by Doreen White of Forreston won third place in Peoples’ Choice. White made the sculpture in memory of Rose Avey of Mt. Morris, who died in November 2022.

Steve Lentz of Montello, Wisconsin, took third place in Artists’ Choice with “Swimming Bliss,” which depicts a mother dolphin and her calf riding a wave.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

“Oscar the Grouch” was one of four straw sculptures on display in Mt. Morris. Oscar was created by Danica and Mark Rogers of Rochelle.

“Overall, it was well-attended. We feel it was a big success. StrawFest Day was a lot of fun, and we’ll continue to grow it year over year.”

Jeff Bold, StrawFest organizer

“Three Toed Straw Sloth” was created by the husband and wife team of Chris and Cecilia Mann of Rockford.

Congress School cost $60,000 to build in 1899

(Editor’s note: This column about the Congress School originally ran in June 2021.)

It did not take long for the community to realize that the blue limestone building built in 1867 for about $20,000 was not adequate.

The Tri-County article on Dec. 24, 1887, suggested they buy up all the lots on the block with the Presbyterian Church on one corner and the Lutheran Church on the other corner and then place the new school squarely in the middle of both of them.

That is exactly what they did.

A history of the schools described the new school as a “larger, handsome, cream-colored brick with straight lines and colonnades at both north and south entrances.” This school cost about $60,000.

When the cost to build the school went over the amount they had figured, it was Bryant Barber who used his own money to make up the difference, according to an article in the newspaper.

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

Barber also put in the trees and shrubbery to landscape it. I always loved the sidewalks as a child and we would roller skate up and down them. Barber was secretary of the board at the time of the building of the school.

At the open house, Mrs. J.B. Moore, age 90, climbed the stairs all the way to the top where the high school students had their classes. That would have been a pretty good trek since I remember all the steps.

Once the older people got to the top, they reflected back on their own school days and discussed the differences. They had more than 2,000 visitors at the open house.

Another article, dated Nov. 11, 1899, in the Tri-County Press, listed all the pictures that had been donated by families. Betty Swanson donated to

the Polo Historical Society the picture her family had given to the new school in 1899. We have placed that picture at Aplington House in the downstairs hallway.

I wish I could remember some of the pictures in the school but I do not.

One gentleman, who had been opposed to building the new school, commented while looking over the finished building, “Well, this is a fine building and the only fault I have to find with it is that I have no one to send to school and be benefited by it.”

On the first day of the new school opening, the students who paid tuition saw it double from the previous year.

It also was noted in the Nov. 25, 1899, Tri-County Press that there were students from Haldane that came by train on the Illinois Central Railroad.

On opening day, Mrs. R.G. Shumway gave all the teachers a bouquet of carnations to welcome them into the new building. It was not just one carnation but a whole bouquet for each teacher. That must have brightened

Polo Historical Society picnic is Sept. 13 at Henry School

The Polo Historical Society picnic will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Henry School. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Enjoy the old school.

up each room.

By 1907 the high school had 135 students with $1,200 in tuition being paid for by out-of-town students.

By 1921 the school was crowded and they started to think of building a high school somewhere else in the community.

In 1927 the high school students moved out and it became the Polo Grade School for all eight grades. Kindergarten was added in 1927.

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

1916 resolution was adopted in Oregon favoring free mail delivery

By OTTO DICK

In 1775, one year before the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was appointed our nation’s first postmaster. Before this time, mail in the colonies was handled by Britain’s Royal Mail service.

The following is a brief history of the U.S. Post Office.

Post riders were the earliest postal carriers in American history, traveling along a system of post roads that the federal government created.

The roads connected small post offices, where people would wait in line to collect their mail. By 1789, 75 post offices and 2,400 miles of post roads served a population of almost 4 million Americans.

By the late 1700s stagecoaches began replacing post riders and by 1850 mail was delivered all the way to California.

In 1813, six years after Robert Fulton’s first commercial steamboat line in New York, Congress authorized the postmaster to transport mail.

In 1860, the Pony Express began running between Missouri and California. The

2,000-mile route took about 10 days, changing horses at relay stations located at 10- to 15-mile intervals.

After the Civil War, mail was delivered by train. From the 1860s to the 1970s, clerks would sort and distribute mail on trains crossing the country. Trains handled 93% of all nonlocal mail in the U.S.

In 1899, an electric automobile collected mail in less than half the time of a horsedrawn wagon. The use of electric and gas-powered automobiles replaced the horse-drawn vehicles by 1933.

In the early 1900s postal carriers experimented with motorcycles delivering mail.

The first U.S. mail flight took place in 1918. The first

airmail service used pilots and planes borrowed from the U.S. Army.

Victory Mail during World War II was sent overseas on rolls of film. The film was developed and printed copies of the letters were delivered to soldiers.

The first mail delivery to Oregon from Buffalo Grove was once a week, one year

after Oregon was founded by John Phelps in 1837.

In Oregon, mail was not delivered to homes for the next 79 years.

Oregon’s post office was built in 1939 and has served the community for 84 years.

Before the post office building was built, the postmaster’s home served as the post office. Later, the post office was housed in buildings in the downtown.

In 1916 a resolution was adopted in Oregon favoring free mail delivery. The U.S. Mail Department required that all Oregon streets be properly marked with signs and each resident was provided a number and mailbox.

A few residents opposed free mail service saying streets would be deserted because people would stay at home and not go downtown to pick up their mail.

The postmaster said the new service would provide employment to three or four people in the city.

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

Photo provided by Otto Dick

An early Post Office car makes a delivery.

Balerollingwinners

StawFest organizer

Jeff Bold (left) awards

$50 to Seth Larson of Shorewood (right) and Alex Phillips of Monee (center) after they won the hay bale rolling contest Aug. 26 in Mt. Morris. Bale rolling was one of the activities at StrawFest Day. The pair won the event in 10.89 seconds.

OBITUARIES

STEVEN P. ANDERSON

Born: December 6, 1960

Died: July 27, 2023

Steven P. Anderson, 62, of Forreston, IL passed away

Thursday, July 27, 2023 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born December 6, 1960 in Rockford, IL to Don and Pauline (Johnson) Anderson. Steve was retired from Woods Equipment Company in Oregon, IL after 35 years as the lead setup man. He took great pride in his work at Woods Equipment Company. He was an avid

MARY “BETH” ELIZABETH KALBFUS

Born: March 10, 1947 in Springfield, Ohio

Died: August 22, 2023 in Oregon, Illinois

Mary “Beth” Elizabeth Kalbfus, age 76, passed away at home with her family by her side. She was born in Springfield, OH on March 10, 1947 the daughter of Laird and Mary (Stinchcomb) Allender. She is a graduate of North High School in Springfield, OH; Class of 1965. While in high school, she won a 2nd place award for interior design with Seventeen Magazine. She earned her Associate’s degree in computer programming from Rock Valley College. She worked for many years as a programmer and then payroll administrator for Quebecor in Mt Morris. Beth married the love of her life Bill Kalbfus on March 11, 1967. Together they built a fulfilling life together. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She possessed an artistic soul and found great joy in expressing herself through various creative outlets including being a member of the Mt. Morris Performing Arts Guild, ceramics, oil painting, and making doll houses and dioramas

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Donald and Marian DeWall to mark 70 years of marriage

Donald and Marian DeWall of Forreston will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary Sept. 9 with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. at the River Valley Complex, 605 S. Main St., Leaf River.

The event will be hosted by their children, Louanne (Ron) Glisan, Joanne (Rick) Canfield, Susanne (Brian) Janssen, Deanne (Roger) Wagner and Darrell (Kathy) DeWall.

Donald and Marian have 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed working on his Ford pulling truck and attending truck pulls. Music was important to Steve and he also really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter Angela (Chris Aden) Anderson of Forreston, IL; granddaughters Lilly Aden and Annie Aden; three brothers Randy (Vikki) Anderson of Forreston, IL, Richard (Dawn) Anderson of Colorado, and Dean Anderson of Freeport, IL; and his dog Opie. Preceding Steve in death are his parents and nephew Rich Anderson.

A celebration of life will be held from 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Saturday September 16th at the Moose Lodge in Mt. Morris, 101 Moose Dr, Mt Morris, IL 61054. A memorial has been established in Steve’s memory.

and decorating her home for Christmas (as many as 52 trees!). But, her biggest creative passion for the last 25 years was quilting. She was a member of multiple quilting groups including a founding member of Sew What Quilting Group and a member and past President of the Foreston Country Crossroads Quilt Guild. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carol. She is survived and missed by her husband; Bill of Oregon; sons, Andrew (Brooke) Kalbfus of Rockford and Rob (Julie) Kalbfus of Washington, IL; sister, Susan (Mark) Ryman of Salisbury, NC, grandchildren, Alex (Trevor) Neuzerling, Dennika (Jimmy) Marx; Aidan Kalbfus, and Kaiyah Kalbfus. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 16, 2023 at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon with Pastor Dave Rogula and Mark Ryman officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 AM prior to the service. Memorials are established for the American Cancer Society or Serenity Hospice and Home. To leave an online condolence please visit www. farrellhollandgale.com

Join the family in their celebration or send cards to P.O. Box 443, Forreston, IL, 61030.

Please omit gifts.

First Fridays Open Mic is Sept. 1

OREGON – The First Fridays Open Mic will present its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on Friday, Sept. 1.

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

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

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

“The event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience,” said Lowell Harp, one of the event’s organizers.

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

Earleen Hinton

Donald and Marian DeWall

Photo provided by Lowell Harp of First Fridays Lowell Harp performs at last month’s First Friday, which was at the Ogle County Fair.

Polo Pool helps kids, adults beat the heat

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

POLO – The Polo Pool gave residents a place to beat the heat last week when it opened from 5 to 8 p.m. as temperatures climbed to triple digits.

Kids and adults wasted no time hitting the water Aug. 24. Brother and sister Ryder and Robyn Roe, ages 6 and 4, of Polo were taking turns sliding into the pool from the water slide as their parents tried to lure them from the fun with the promise of pizza.

Kalen Spengler and her son Oliver, 3, also of Polo, paddled back and forth in the shallow water.

Located at 303 Webster St., the pool started “back-to-school” hours Aug. 14 but reopened last week when the region was hit with 100-degree temperatures.

Admission is $3 for Polo residents and $5 for those living outside the city.

The pool is one of the last remaining outdoor public pools in the area. “Backto-school” hours are 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 4. The pool can be reserved for private parties during the week. For more information, call 815-946-3406 or visit the pool’s Facebook page.

ABOVE LEFT: Robyn Roe, 5, of Polo closes her eyes as she slides into the Polo Pool on Aug. 24. The pool was open from 5 to 8 p.m. during the recent hot spell to give people a place to cool down. ABOVE: Ryder Roe, 6, of Polo paddles away from the slide at the Polo Pool on Aug. 24. LEFT: The Polo Pool was the place to beat the heat on Aug. 24, when temperatures hit triple digits.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

By ANDY COLBERT For Shaw Media

FORRESTON – Still smarting a bit from a 30-28 conference loss to Fulton last year, Forreston coach Keynon Janicke had to feel his team was headed in that direction again after a disappointing first half Friday, Aug. 25, in which four of five promising drives stalled.

Trailing 18-8 and kicking off to the Steamers to start the second half, Forreston needed a spark to get it out of its lethargy and prevent a repeat of 2022.

“Last year’s game gave me a heart attack,” Janicke said. “After the first drive tonight when we didn’t score, I didn’t see much energy or grit. We needed to be more physical. They were more than we were.”

In a complete turnaround, the Cardinals rebounded for a 22-18 victory in a game between the No. 3 and No. 4-ranked teams in Class 1A.

“Our coaches got on us really badly,” said Kaleb Sanders, who scored the clinching touchdown midway through the fourth quarter on a 16-yard cutback run. “We came out and proved what kind of grit we had. Once we got the

defensive stop, we turned the switch and took control.”

The defensive play Sanders was referring to was an interception on the second play of the second half. Sophomore Carson Akins picked off a pass by Fulton’s Dom Kramer (11-for-21 for 179 yards) near midfield.

“It was a huge thing for a sophomore and allowed us to get back in the game,” Janicke said.

Fullback Owen Mulder, who Janicke called a tank, ran for 10 yards to start a 57-yard scoring drive. Dane Setterstrom added 22 yards and Mulder capped it off with a 1-yard score after converting a fourth-and-goal on the previous play.

That pulled the Cardinals to within 18-14, and whatever physical advantage Fulton had in the first half began to dissipate. Additionally, Steamers players began to suffer cramping and minor injuries.

“Their power running game got us at the end,” Fulton coach Patrick Lower said. “They made plays when they had to.”

Earleen Hinton

Forreston’s Alex Ryia runs for a big gain against Fulton on Aug. 25.

• FORRESTON

Continued from page 9

Up until that point, it was Fulton making the plays, converting its first four fourth-down attempts, the last of which was Kramer scrambling for nine yards after Forreston got to within 18-14. Unfortunately for the Steamers, they were unable to take advantage and turned the ball over on downs after a pass to Baylen Damhoff at the back of the end zone fell incomplete in double coverage.

Earlier, Kramer and Damhoff connected on a 60-yard scoring bomb on a perfectly executed play. The two other first-half Fulton scores came on fourthand-goal passes to Trevor Tiesman and Jacob Huisenga.

“Those were deflators,” Janicke said. “It’s the kind of adversity we need to respond to. Fourth downs really hurt us.”

Ahead 18-14 going into the fourth quarter, the Steamers defense stopped Mulder on fourth down. But a threeand-out gave the ball back to Forreston. With the Cardinals taking over at their 42-yard line after a punt, the precision Forreston rushing attack, quarterbacked by sophomore newcomer Brady Gill, went 10 plays for its final score. During the drive, three Steamers play-

ers went down with cramping.

“Heat was a factor,” Janicke said. “I’m proud of our work regimen and the way our guys were able to stay physical.”

Down 22-18, Fulton dug itself an even bigger hole with Damhoff mishandling the ensuing kickoff and Kramer flagged for intentional grounding. With 5:16 left, Fulton had a second-and-20 from its own 5-yard line.

A limping Tiesman snagged a 32-yard pass to give the Steamers hope. After a 10-yard penalty, Huisenga caught a 15-yard pass to move Fulton into the red zone.

On a fourth-and-1, Coehen Kirchner stopped a scrambling Kramer for a solo tackle to preserve the victory. Janicke finally could relax.

“When he rolled out, I took my chance and crashed on him,” Kirchner said.

Forreston finished with 304 yards rushing with Micah Nelson (13 carries, 87 yards), Mulder (15 carries, 64 yards) and Alex Ryia (7 carries, 56 yards) leading the way.

Fulton had 301 yards of offense – 122 rushing and 179 passing.

“Fulton is an outstanding team and their coaches do a great job having them ready to play,” Janicke said. “For a young team, they gave us all we could handle.”

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Fulton’s Baylen Damhoff hangs on to a pass and heads to the end zone as Forreston’s Alex Ryia dives to try to catch him Aug. 25.

Forreston’s Micah Nelson (13) stretches for yards against Fulton.

Forreston and Oregon win season openers

Back at my recreational hobby of covering high school sports for the 27th year, with the first order of business a Forreston-Fulton football game.

What always impresses me with Forreston is how efficiently it runs its offense. No matter what the personnel, it continues to work year after year. The term “well-oiled machine” is a worn-out cliché, but that is how this team functions.

Fulton was a worthy opponent and appeared destined to win headed into the second half. Even though the Cardinals put up 180 first-half rushing yards, they had trouble finishing drives while Fulton’s big-play capability allowed it to convert on third and fourth downs.

So what was the difference in the second half?

Forreston was better conditioned to handle the rigors of a long evening in the heat. Add in its propensity to grind out yards and Fulton’s defense began to reel.

Still, it was a close game, with Fulton almost pulling it out at the end because of its passing attack. These were two evenly matched teams with

Forreston converting its PATs and Fulton not scoring in the PAT department in Forreston’s 22-18 win. Last year, it was the opposite scenario in a 30-28 Fulton win.

Unlike other years, Forreston doesn’t have any star players. The Cardinals didn’t need them. Guys stepped up and made plays when needed, including sophomore quarterback Brady Gill directing the offense in his first game.

My hometown of Oregon got its biggest gridiron win in almost a decade. Like the Forreston-Fulton game, the Oregon and North Boone game couldn’t have been more even. It was a 0-0 score going into the second overtime.

The reason this win was so important is it was a make-or-break game for the rest of the season. Whichever team lost was facing an uphill climb for a playoff berth.

Chatting with Oregon Athletic

Director Mike Lawton after the game, he felt the difference was Oregon put in the hard work all year to get to this point. It was a chore in the weather and Oregon was prepared, just like Forreston.

Since 2014, Oregon has not won more than three games in a season. With likely wins over cellar dwellers Rock Falls and Rockford Christian, the Hawks will reach this mark and also have a shot against mid-tier teams in the Big Northern conference.

The BNC has been a tiered league for several years, with Byron, Dixon, Stillman Valley and Genoa-Kingston at the top. It will be tough for Oregon to reach that level, but it at least has a shot at a winning season.

With much of its starting unit back, Byron is the clear-cut favorite to win Class 3A and Dixon is a ranked Class 4A team. Stillman Valley also will be a tough foe for Oregon.

After that, it is wide open. Genoa-Kingston is down, Rockford Lutheran is somewhat of a wild card as a private school and Winnebago is beatable. If the Hawks can pull off five wins, a slot as one of the larger

schools in 2A isn’t out of the question. For sure, five wins gets them in. Whether they are in 3A or 2A remains to be seen.

On one of my many family trips to Utah, I happened to hear a school administrator there say how much school morale is impacted by having a successful football team. That helps sets the tone for the rest of the year, he said.

Getting back to classification, 1A got much tougher with Sterling Newman dropping down. The Comets opened the season with a win over 2A state-ranked Rockridge.

Newman has several 2A state titles.

Another parochial powerhouse down to 1A is Belleville Althoff, which has had postseason success in 4A. Rockford Lutheran also is 1A.

A fourth straight 1A state title by Lena-Winslow is definitely in jeopardy.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 30 years.

Andy Colbert

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Boys soccer

Oregon Hawk Classic: At the 10-team soccer tournament in Oregon on Aug. 25-26, Sterling took fourth (2-1-2) and host Oregon finished fifth (3-1-1).

The Golden Warriors beat Princeton 2-0 and Orion 4-0 in Friday’s games.

On Saturday, they tied Woodstock 0-0, then lost 2-0 to Richmond-Burton followed by a 1-0 loss to Woodstock in the third-place game.

The Hawks beat Riverdale 4-1 and Schaumburg Christian 2-0 on Friday.

On Saturday, they lost 7-0 to Mendota, then tied Princeton 4-4 before beating Princeton 5-0 in the fifth-place game. Hawks 3, Rockford Christian 0: Steven Guardado, Keaton Salsbury and Leo Cardenas each scored for the Hawks at Oregon Park West on Monday. Gavin Morrow and Owen Wynn each had an assist. Deryk Withers had five saves in goal.

Girls golf

Oregon finishes third at its eight-team tournament: At Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris, Aurora Rosary was the team champion with a 409, Plainfield Central was the runner-up with a 426 and Oregon was the third-place finisher with a 445. Polo and Newman also competed but didn’t have enough players to register a team score.

The Hawks’ Aniyah Sarver shot a

101 to finish third and teammate Sarah Eckardt fired a 105 for ninth. The Comets’ Ellie Rude carded a 106 to finish 10th.

Rosary’s Liv Brennan was the individual champion with a 95. Teammate Viv Ruby was the runner-up with a 98. Newman 237, Forreston (incomplete

team): The Comets defeated the Cardinals at Emerald Hills.

Ellie Rude led the way for Newman with a 55, Sophia Ely shot a 56 and Reagan Hammes tallied a 62. Madison Duhon carded a 64 and Lauryn Francque added a 74 for the Comets.

Aspen McGlynn (57) and Hannah Harvey (61) competed for Forreston.

Boys golf

Six Sauk Valley area boys golf teams competed at the 12-team Rock Falls Invite at Deer Valley Golf Course. In the small-schools division, Forreston took third with a 371. The Cardinals were led by medalist Kaden Brown’s 79. Daylen Rahn tallied a 94, Kendall Erdmann carded a 97 and Heath Schubert chipped in a 101 for the third-place finish. Kaden Ganz and Darin Greenfield added 102s for the Cardinals.

Forreston 178, Newman 190: The Cardinals downed the Comets in a nonconference matchup at Emerald Hills.

Forreston’s Kaden Brown was the medalist with a 40, Kendall Erdmann and Heath Schubert fired 45s, and Darin Greenfield chipped in a 48 for the 12-stroke win. Kaden Ganz tallied a 53 and Hayden Stralow carded a 56 for the Cardinals.

See ROUNDUP on page 13

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Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Steven Guardado makes a move against a Riverdale player during a game at the Hawk Invite on Aug. 25 at Oregon Park West.

Continued from page 12

Fulton 164, Forreston 169: The Steamers edged the Cardinals in an NUIC dual meet at Sunset Golf Course.

Forreston’s Kaden Brown was the medalist with a 35, Kendall Erdmann and Darin Greenfield tallied 43s, and Heath Schubert chipped in a 48. Kaden Ganz (53) and Daylen Rahn (54) also competed for the Cardinals.

Owen Van Zuiden led Fulton with a 38, Jacob Voss fired a 40, Brady Read shot a 41, and Chase Dykstra and Zach Winkel each chipped in 45s. Dawson Price added a 47 for the Steamers.

Volleyball

Durand def. Polo 25-23, 25-14: The Bulldogs swept the Lady Marcos in an NUIC crossover match.

Leaders for Polo were Bridget Call with seven kills and six digs, Camrynn Jones with four kills and six assists, Courtney Grobe with four kills, three digs and two aces, and Ellie Wells with nine assists. Madison Glawe chipped in four digs for the Lady Marcos.

Oregon def. Dakota 25-21, 25-15: The Hawks topped the Indians in straight sets in a nonconference match.

Leaders for Oregon were Kenna Wubbena with five kills, eight digs, two blocks and three aces, Lexi Ebert with 10 assists and six digs and Madi

Shaffer with seven digs and an ace.

Football

Oregon 6, North Boone 0: It took two overtimes, but the Hawks prevailed in their season opener when Logan Weems scored on a 3-yard run in the second overtime. Weems led the Hawks with 139 yards on 28 carries. Oregon quarterback Jack Washburn completed five of 12 pass attempts for 24 yards with Dalton McCammon catching one pass for 11 yards.

The Hawks had 152 yards rushing and 24 passing yards.

North Boone’s Connor McKibben tallied 40 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Jack Christianson completed 14 of 29 passes, with Julian Rodriguez notching five patches for 75 yards.

Dixon turns tables on Stillman Valley: The last two times the Dukes and Cardinals met, the Cardinals prevailed 20-14 (2021 Week 4) and 36-6 (2022 Week 4). This year was a different story.

Dixon junior Tyson Dambman

started the game with a bang, returning the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. From there, it was all Dukes. Senior quarterback Tyler Shaner rushed for two touchdowns in a three-touchdown first quarter and finished the night 10-for-15 passing for 93 yards with 140 rushing yards and three rushing scores in the 28-14 road win over Stillman Valley.

Senior running back Aiden Wiseman rushed for 84 yards on 11 carries, and junior wide receiver Cullen Shaner added four catches for 41 yards for the Dukes.

Newman 12, Rockridge 7: At Rockridge, the Comets won a nail-biter against the Rockets.

Sophomore quarterback Evan Bushman connected with senior wide receiver Isaiah Williams on a 3-yard touchdown pass with five seconds left to win the game.

Newman’s Brady Grennan gave the Comets a 6-0 lead in the first minute with a pick six. The Rockets answered Grennan’s score with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Cullen Schwigen to Landon Wheatley in the second quarter, but couldn’t close the deal in the fourth quarter.

Bushman finished 12 for 24 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown. Leading receiver Mac Hanrahan caught four passes for 75 yards.

See ROUNDUP on page 14

Earleen Hinton

Oregon quarterback Jack Washburn (15) runs for a gain against North Boone on Aug. 25 at Landers Loomis Field.

Continued from page 13

Lena-Winslow 68, West Carroll 0: The Panthers scored 48 first-half points and rolled to a shutout over the Thunder.

Nick Tippett rushed for 73 yards and a team-leading two rushing touchdowns for Lena-Winslow.

West Carroll was held to 12 yards of total offense.

Galena 28, Eastland-Pearl City 6: Jaxsyn Kempel rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries as the Wildcatz fell to the Pirates.

Kempel’s score came on a 37-yard second-quarter run. Draven Zier added 66 rushing yards, and Will Birchen had 43 rushing yards and a 50-yard kickoff return for Eastland-Pearl City.

Eight-man football

Polo 62, Peoria Heights 14: Quarterback Brock Soltow accounted for four total touchdowns – one passing and three rushing – as the Marcos dismantled the Patriots.

Soltow hit Noah Dewey on a 38-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter and found the end zone on runs of 8, 1 and 6 yards. He racked up 110 rushing yards on 14 carries and went 2 for 3 passing for 61 yards.

Dewey had a 10-yard rushing touch-

down, and Carter Merdian threw and rushed for touchdowns. Merdian’s touchdown pass was a 40-yarder to Billy Lowry and his rushing score was an 11-yarder. Delo Fernandez added 58 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries for Polo.

Peoria Heights’ Camron Williams scored two kickoff return touchdowns.

Milledgeville 48, River Ridge 0: Connor Nye accounted for five total touchdowns, 61 rushing yards and 129 passing yards as the Missiles steamrolled the Wildcats.

Connor Nye threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Konner Johnson, a 25-yard touchdown pass to Spencer Nye and rushed for two 1-yard touchdowns and one 2-yard touchdown.

Spencer Nye added a 22-yard rushing touchdown and a safety.

Photo provided by Emily Joines, Polo High School

Polo’s Brock Soltow runs with the ball during the season opener Aug. 25 against Peoria Heights.

StarGuard Elite gives 5-star rating to Oregon Park District and Catch the Wave staff 15

OREGON – StarGuard Elite conducts an on-site and surprise audit of the Oregon Park District aquatic facility and staff each year. This year’s audit was completed Aug. 10.

StarGuard Elite awarded the facility and staff with a five-star rating, the highest rating a facility can receive.

“I am very proud of our team in the work they have done to achieve the five-star status. Everyone has a role to play and results from the audit show how well everyone is working together. From building maintenance, lifeguards and administration, all should be commended for a job well done,” Erin Folk, executive director, said in a news release.

Past audits routinely included only lifeguards who were working based on the time of the day that StarGuard Elite would choose to conduct its unannounced review. This year, all

OREGON POLICE

Oregon Police Chief Joe Brooks reports the following police activity.

Aug. 19

Maddix Z. Swanson, 18, of Sterling, was issued a citation at 6:56 p.m. for speeding 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Kyle D. Bouland, 34, of Dixon, was issued citations at 9:50 p.m. for speeding 50 mph in a 30-mph zone and no valid driver’s license. The violations occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Austin G. Bettner, 23, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 10 p.m. for three outstanding warrants, one out of Lee County, one out of Stephenson County and one out of Carroll County. Bettner was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Aug. 20

Robert D. VanDyke, 42, of Oregon, was issued citations at 12:03 p.m. for failure to wear a seat belt as a driver and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred near the intersection of Eighth and Clay streets.

Trevor J. Davis, 22, of Sycamore, was issued a citation at 9:32 p.m. for speeding 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Alexander D. Hinshaw, 18, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 10 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 900 block of West Washington Street.

Six parking citations and 11 verbal

lifeguards were in the facility for a scheduled in-service training and all guards were included in the review.

warnings were issued Aug. 7 through Aug. 20.

Aug. 21

Cassandra M. Hawkins, 33, of Rochelle, was arrested at 8 a.m. for driving while license suspended. Hawkins was released with an I-bond and scheduled to appear in court. The violation occurred in the 200 block of East Washington Street.

Robyn L. Pierson, 34, of Oregon, was arrested at 9:39 a.m. for driving while license suspended. Pierson was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violation occurred in the 200 block of South Fourth Street.

Tara J. Hendricks, 38, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 5:27 p.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 300 block of West Washington Street.

Shyanne A. Hanson, 19, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 5:43 p.m. for use of a cellphone while driving. The violation occurred in the 300 block of Franklin Street.

Noah D. Reber, 18, of Oregon, was arrested at 7 p.m. for a battery that occurred at 10 p.m. Aug. 19 in the 300 block of Lovers Lane. Reber was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Silas B. Brooks, 71, of Rockford, was issued citations at 7:59 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration and illegal transportation of alcohol as a driver. The violations occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.

Alexys S. Thorpe, 22, of Sterling, was

“StarGuard’s timing was perfect and allowed them to review all staff, as well as test the guards’ skills. In addi-

issued a citation at 8:34 p.m. for illegal transportation of alcohol as a passenger. The violation occurred in the 500 block of Gale Street.

Aug. 22

At 9:32 a.m., police responded to the 800 block of Rhoads Place for a report of a hit-and-run that had occurred involving a parked 2015 Chevrolet belonging to Amber L. Jordan, 39, of Oregon. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact the Oregon Police Department at 815-732-2162.

Cayden R. Lewis, 18, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 10:45 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 200 block of South 10th Street.

Aug. 23

At 4:05 p.m., police investigated a one-vehicle traffic crash in the 200 block of East Washington Street involving a 2007 Mercury driven by Norton F. Johnson II, 65, of Dixon. Johnson was issued citations for driving on the shoulder and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Aug. 24

Justin R. Jeter, 22, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 3:48 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violation occurred in the 400 block of East Washington Street.

Jeffrey M. Phen, 44, of Winslow, was arrested at 5:19 p.m. for driving while license suspended. Phen also was issued citations for operating a vehicle with an expired registration and operating an

tion, StarGuard’s auditor reviewed video footage of past pool shifts at their choosing to review guarding skills while on duty,” Folk said.

In addition to guard review and skills assessment, the auditor also rates the safety of the facility and daily documentation kept by the management team.

“The facility is very clean and organized. The staff have a great foundation of skills. It has been great to see this facility make marked improvements with every visit. Great job. The five-star rating is truly indicative of the professionalism and skills exhibited by Oregon Park District and Catch the Wave staff daily,” Folk said.

The Oregon Park District operates the Nash Recreation Center. The pool includes a bay area and a 25-meter, six-lane pool. The pool is available for swimming lessons, open swim, lap swim and aerobics classes. For more information, visit oregonpark.org.

uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred in the 1000 block of West Washington Street.

Aug. 25

Ashley M. Schell, 31, of Rockford, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. for two outstanding DeKalb County warrants for failure to appear and driving under the influence of drugs. Schell was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Tyrus N. Trampel, 26, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 4:26 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of Second and Adams streets.

Aug. 26

Skylar P. Carlson, 24, of Oregon, was arrested at 1:29 a.m. for driving under the influence of alcohol. Carlson was transported to the Ogle County jail. The violation occurred in the 900 block of West Washington Street.

A 16-year-old juvenile of Oregon was issued a citation at 6:08 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of Second and Webster streets.

Bria J. Petkovich, 29, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 6:50 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of Adams and Second streets.

Mary E. Stromberg, 62, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:04 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of South 10th and Webster streets.

See OREGON POLICE on page 15

Photo provided by Tina Ketter, Oregon Park District Catch the Wave staff members in the back row are Anaya Hitchcock, Laylah Burgett, Hailey Jane Becker, Emily Rasmussen and manager Carron Rodriguez. In the front row are Alex George, Isaac Brooks, Chase Clark, Elijah George and Jericho Wilde.

AUGUST 2023 MARRIAGE APPLICATIONS

The following marriage applications were filed Aug. 1-24, 2023:

Aug. 1

Zachary Martin Bernardin and Cecillia Jasmynn Basler-Stover, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

Isaias Evismar Ixba Cardenas and Alyssa Ruth Squires, both of Mt. Morris, Illinois.

Aug. 2

Luke Elliot Gill and Kaitlyn Michelle Gabric, both of St. Charles, Illinois.

Aug. 3

Jason Shane Fortenberry and America Perla Aurora Villa Mascorro, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

Charles Stephen Capozzoli and Nicole Noelle Petrovskis, both of Prospect Heights, Illinois.

Mitchell Ryan Edler and Carla Giovanna Rubio Rodriguez, both of Rockford, Illinois.

Quinton Alexander Pitrof, of Polo, Illinois, and Seven Frances Leake Gilligan, of Freeport, Illinois.

Aug. 4

Ian Asher Cochrane and Eden Mariah Gavic, both of Carpentersville, Illinois.

Patrick John Ryan III and Samantha

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Aug. 18-24

Warranty deeds

Mt. Morris Fire Foundation NFP to Mt. Morris Fire Protection District, 13 E. Main St. and 16 E. Front St., Mt. Morris, $0.

Christopher J. and Deana M. Blevins to Derrich and Stephanie Cooper, 1570 N. Limekiln Road, Oregon, $280,000.

Jeffrey A. Burger to Carlos Fior and Carole Vilchis, 5727 Poplar Drive, Oregon, $25,000.

Patrick L. Allen to Avery Carlson, 145 S. Fox Run Lane, Byron, $165,000.

Ann E. O’Brien to Mark V. and Debra S. O’Brien, 10331 E. Deer Creek Lane, Rochelle, $453,550.

Wayne Platek to Joseph E. and Cassandra N. Buhlig, 308 N. Division Ave., Polo, $158,250.

Oregon 404 LLC to Oregon 404 LLC and Paipa York LLC, 400 N. Fourth St., Oregon, $150,000.

David Beckman to Donna White And Heather White Housner, 192 Prairie Moon Drive, Davis Junction, $194,750.

Corey James and Laura Margarita

Twombly to Mary Nowak Kuhn, 3222 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $250,000.

Cheryl Baker to John and Katrina Shirley, 308, 310 and 312 Vermillion Lane, Dixon, $180,500.

Michael Bailey to Travis Carter, 314-316

Therese Reed, both of West Chicago, Illinois.

David Jacob Stille and Katelynn Kristine Shennett, both of Chicago, Illinois.

Michael Ernest Greer and Shirley Ann Martinez, both of Dixon, Illinois.

Mark Matthew Milburn and Jennifer Michelle Norman, of Polo, Illinois.

Aug. 7

David Terrence Wolf and Kristen Michelle Sager, both of Oregon, Illinois.

Aug. 8

Rodolfo Camarema and Yurisandra Velazquez Lafita, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

Walter Kelly MacKnight Campbell and Anne Marie Campbell, both of Davis Junction, Illinois.

Aug. 9

Travis John Jensen and Tera Lynn Smith, both of Braidwood, Illinois.

Jacob Dalton Byrd, of Creston, Illinois, and Cassandra Anne Sedakis, of Somonauk, Illinois.

Crystal Pardino and Kelly Leeann Fisher, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

Aug. 10

Noah David Ledger and Brooklynn Marie Schelling, both of West Lafayette,

Indiana.

Derek Richard Pearce and Nadine Lee Skelton, both of Grafton, Wisconsin.

Richard Lee Gresty II and Courtney Nicole Norup, both of Rockford, Illinois.

Dalton Gray Dotzler and Alexandria Marie Mlodzik, both of Belvidere, Illinois.

Aug. 11

Matthew Robert Gascoigne and Kailee Jo Stutzke-Meeks, both of Sterling, Illinois.

Scot Anthony Cincinnati and Haley Rae Zuberbier, both of Stillman Valley, Illinois.

Austin Reed Aldridge, of Davenport, Iowa, and Taylor Mackenzie Burger, of Byron, Illinois.

Tobi Dale Branscomb and Heather Michelle Pingel, both of Freeport, Illinois.

James Edward Arjes and Maricela M. Montelongo, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

Jacob Allen Buchanan and Molly Glen Luce, both of Rockford, Illinois.

Aug. 14

Ian Raymond Simon and Janelle Chua Tupino, both of Naperville, Illinois.

Aaron James Patten and Sarah Elizabeth Cochran, both of Chicago, Illinois.

Aug. 16

Zachary Jacob Nardi and Haley Renee Repass, both of Oregon, Illinois.

Brian Allen Yates, of Waterman, Illinois, and Jessica Lynn Hayes, of Hinckley, Illinois.

Aug. 18

Michael Patrick Hartung and Rachel Marie Scaman, both of Chicago, Illinois.

Patrick Dennis Kerrigan, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Amanda Marirose Briones, of Brookfield, Illinois.

Aug. 21

Shane Cody Cook and Erica Nicole Grove, both of Mt. Morris, Illinois.

Marshall Arnold Fink and Catherine Paige Behrens, of Lanark, Illinois.

Aug. 22

Skylar Austin Cavazos and Haleigh Suzanne Geerts, both of Polo, Illinois.

Aug. 23

Michael James McMurray, of Kirkland, Illinois, and Laura Ann King, of Esmond, Illinois.

Aug. 24

Joshua Ronald Deshazo and Mellodi Irene Koelker, of Stillman Valley, Illinois.

William Ryan Schmeda and Desiree Joy Lehua Bennett, both of Lake Villa, Illinois.

• OREGON POLICE

Continued from page 15

Vermillion Lane, Dixon, $4,000. Brandt R. Eastman to Dennis E. and Maryann Komes, 11463 W. state Route 64, Polo, $363,000.

Tony S. and Anthony Benesh to Nicholas and Chelsea Palmer, one parcel in Rockvale Township, $197,500.

Marybeth Scott to Christian Smith, 208 N. Mulberry Lane, Dixon, $150,000.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 205 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 207 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 209 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Kassy L. Wallace to Londa G. Gibbs, 410 S. Congress Ave., Polo, $82,700. Salvatore and Susanna Tranchina to Nate and Kathryn Drew, two parcels in Oregon-Nashua Township, Oregon, $95,000.

Nancy R. Nichols to Jonathan P. Stauffer, 2371 N. Cass St., Polo, $98,000.

Brian K. and Lori S. Smith to Kevin L. and Linda L. Branscomb, one parcel on Lemke Drive, Byron, $36,500.

Teresa Bullock to Earvin T. Sturges and and Yolanda Marshall, 1228 Tilton Park Drive, Rochelle, $226,000.

Claude E. Keller to Mt. Morris Fire Protection District, 14 E. Front St., Mt. Morris, $75,000.

Richard Haan Jr. to Mt. Morris Fire Foundation NFP, 13 E. Main St. and 16 E. Front St., Mt. Morris, $230,000.

James T. and Brenda L. Sklavanitis to Mt. Morris Fire Protection District, 11 E. Main St., Mt. Morris, $81,000.

Summit Ag Fund III LLP to Acretrader234 LLC, two parcels in Pine Creek Township and two in Grand Detour Township, $2,900,000.

Quit claim deeds

William and Mary Knapowski to Luke W. Roach, 319 Slippery Rock Drive, Dixon, $0.

Gregory and Christine Watson to Daniel and Elizabeth Watson, one parcel in White Rock Township, $24,000.

Trustees deeds

Vera M. Johnson Revocable Trust 1, Alan W. Ranz, trustee, to Steven Golabeck, 306 Third Ave., Forreston, $110,020.

Gloria Haury Trust, Robert J. DeVries, trustee, to Randy L. and Dawn M. Huenefeld, 17704 W. White Oak Road, Forreston, $112,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Aug. 27

Janaesha M. Yarbrough, 27, of Rockford, was issued citations at 12:54 a.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The violations occurred in the 500 block of North Fourth Street.

Daniel D. Wean, 48, of Oregon, was arrested at 1:22 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol with blood-alcohol content greater than .08%. Wean also was issued a citation for improper lane use. Wean was transported to the Ogle County jail. These violations occurred in the 400 block of West Washington Street. James K. Stuckey, 32, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 4:42 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of Webster and 10th streets.

Three parking citations and 18 verbal warnings were issued Aug. 21 through Aug. 27.

Arrests listed are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

CLASSIFIED

Part Time Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers needed for Fal l Harvest Flexible hours. Experience req. 815-499-0463

Buil ding for lease: apx., 4200 sq. ft., laydown area apx 2 acre s, (2) 12'x 14' OHD shop area & office 815-535-3282

IT SYSTEMS MANAGER

We exist to provide gravity-flow storage solutions that save our customers space, time, energy, and money We accomplish this by doing the right things, all the time, for our company, employees, and customers.

Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

This position exists to provide outstanding IT infrastructure support - hardware, software, network and phone systems - to our Mallard team. This will be accomplished by ensuring all IT systems remain operational and reliable. In addition, this position exists to continually evaluate emerging technologies to prepare Mallard IT Systems for the future - scalability, reliability, sophis tication, and security.

Maj or Outco mes / Resp onsibilities: optimize and maintain 99.99% reliability of Mallard's computer network and tech services maintain an expert knowledge of IT best practices, technologies, policies, and regulations optimize technologies to maximize information / company security ensure a continuous improvement culture by actively seeking and implementing enhancements to processes, procedures, hardware and software.

Ed ucation / Qualific atio ns / Skills / Experience:

Education - Degree or Certification in an IT/Computer Science field

Experience - 3-5 years in IT syste ms/networking

Experience in implementing, configuring, and testing IT solutions

Strong planning and organizational skills

Outstanding communication skills - including wr iting, speaking and active listening

Strong creative and analytical thinking

Outstanding customer service, synergy, and team skills

We're 200 employees strong and growing

Come join our team!

Our Benefits include: 401(k); Dental insurance; Health insuranc e; Disability insurance; Paid time off

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.com

Retail store front approx 1,000sq.ft

$700/mo rent + dep. located in Downtown Dixon

Serious inquires 815-440-4817

Don't need it? Sel l it!

Place a classified ad with us!

833-584-NEWS

Home-site for Sale by owner on Woodside PlaceFieldstone II Sub Dixon For more info Call 815-440-0982

Sell those unwante d items with the help of a Classified Ad 833-584-NEWS

EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk 815-626-8790

Call 833-584-NEWS to announce weddings or engagements in Celebrations!

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

Dixo n Square Apts. 1540 Freedom Walk 815-284-3409 Wait List Ope n Su bsidized Housing currently accepting appl ications for 1 & 2BR Apts

LEG AL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the interest of: Noah Short, a minor

Case No: 2022 JA 2

EMPLOYMENT

MAINTENA NCE WORKER

Ogle County Ho us ing Authority is seeking a full-time Maintenance Worker to maintain all aspects of proper ties located in Forreston, Polo, and Oregon. Benefits include medical, dental, life, retirement , paid holidays, sick and vacation days.

Apply at:

1001 Pines Rd, Suite A, Oregon, IL 61061 or send resume to oglecountyha@oglecountyhousing.o rg

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Fe rris Dental is seeking a Dental

Assistant to join our practice to car e for our terrific patients in our team-oriented, patient focused environment of our Sterling dental office. The main responsibilities and roles include:

Enjoy a detail-oriented caree r

Relate well with people, clients and co-workers

Assist the docto r with direct patient care

Understand the complexities of treatments such as: implant, prosthetic, and endodontic procedur es

Interested applicants please email: thesaukv alleyd entist@g mail.com

We exist to provide gravity-flow storage solutions that save our customers space, time, energy, and money

We accomplish this by doing the right things, all the time, for our company, employees, and customers.

Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

This position exists to lead the manufacturing efforts of two (2) production facilities in order to meet customer requirements for quality and delivery

In addition, it exists to maintain and enhance the facilities and equipment in order to meet Mallard's production schedule and Strategic Plan

Maj or Outco mes / Responsib ilities: ensures the highest-quality pro duct is manufactured and delivered by leading the optimization of eng ineering and production efforts ensures on-time delivery of customer orders by leading the optimization of process flow ensures highest labor efficiency and lowest labor cost through active involvement in recruiting, training, scheduling and productivity

ensures a continuous improvement culture thrives at Mallard by leading and implementing a mindset of “How can we do this better?”

Ed ucation / Qualifications / Skills / Exp erience:

Bachelor's in Engineering: Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related

Oper ational Experience: 8-10 yrs in manufacturing (fabrication and assembly)

Equipment Experience: 3-5 yrs in operations which includes lasers, press brakes, robotic welding, and assembly automation Technical Management Experience: 3-5 yrs at a plant manager or manufacturing engineering manager level

We're 200 employees strong and growing . . . Come join our team!

Our Benefits include: 401(k); Dental insurance; Health insuranc e; Disability insurance; Paid time off

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.com

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

To: Richard Nelson and to Whom It May Concern, respondent(s), and to all whom it may concern, take notice that on July 11, 2023, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA R Russo, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “ In the interest of Noah Short, a minor”, and that in cour troom 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Ill inois on September 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act The court has authority in this proce eding to take from you the custody an d guardianship of the minor.

DIESEL SERVICE TECH

Full Time position

928 South Division, Polo, IL 61064

PTO, paid holidays 401(K), health benefits, competitive wages Call with any inquiries 815-946-2393 or visit us online at: birkeys.com/careers

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist

Bachelor's in education or related, 3 yrs in an educational setting; computer skills, excellent written/oral communication skills required.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1783

Adjunc t Faculty, C NA

Current license as RN (or eligibility for license) in IL, two (2) years of experience, Train the Trainer, & an appr oved evaluator certification or MSN & approved evaluator certificatio n requir ed

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1702

Assist ant Softball Coach

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1699

Sauk Valley Community College

Attn: Human Resources 173 Illinois Route 2 Dixon, IL 61021 EOE e-mail: employment@svcc.edu

AGAINST YOU AT

by Kimberly Hannold for property located at 201 S. 1st Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061 (PIN 16-03-183005).

Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact City Hall at 115 N 3rd Stree t Oregon, IL 61061, 815-732-6321. Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations for these persons.

Sept. 1, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNT YOREGON, ILLINOIS

Associated Bank

N.A

PLAINTIFF Vs. Kenneth Hopkins II; Jennifer Nash; Heritage Credit Union; PNC Bank, National Association; Capital One, N.A.; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Kipp Meyers, as Special Representative for Lesa K. Hopkins (deceased) DEFENDANTS No. 2023FC39

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU:

Jennifer Nash

Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins

tion;

One, N.A.; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins;

Unknown Owners and Nonrecord

Claimants; Kipp Meyers, as Speci al

Representative for Lesa K. Hopkins (deceased) DEFENDANTS No. 2023FC39

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN

TO YOU:

Jennifer Nash Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Lesa K. Hopkins Unknown Owners and Nonrecord

Claimants

Hopkins Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit:

COMMONLY KNOWN AS:

204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043 and w hich said Mortgage was made by:

Lesa K. Hopkins

Mortgage was made by:

Lesa K. Hopkins Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Docu ment No 201201208197; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court agai nst you as provided by law and th at the said suit is now pending.

ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPL AINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiff

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(630) 794-5300

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

Our File No. 14-23-04179

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043 and w hich said Mortgage was made by:

Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Docu ment No. 201201208197; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court agai nst you as provided by law and th at the said suit is now pending.

said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the C lerk of this Court, Kimbe rl y A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 610611634 on or before October 2, 2023, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPL AINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF PUBL IC HEARING

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300

NOTE: This l aw firm is a debt collector I3228040

September 1, 8, 15, 2023

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., a public hearing will be held before the Executive Director of the Illinois Finance Authority (the “Autho rity”), or his designee, inside the North entrance of One North Old Sta te Capitol Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62701, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, regarding a plan to issue not to exceed $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Solid Waste Disposal Reven ue Bonds, Series 2023 (Waste Management, Inc Project), of the A uthority, in one or more series (the “Bonds”). In the event that the designated hearing loca tion described in the prec eding sentence is not adequate to acc ommodate socia l distanc ing concerns of any persons who arrive at the designated time of the hearing or is otherwise unavailable due to health concerns, at the request of anyone present or if the space is otherwise unavailable due to health concerns, the Authority wi ll move the hearing outside in the immediate vicinity of the building and member s of the publ ic will be redirected to that locat ion. In addition, the publ ic hearing will be simultaneously accessible by resi dents, taxpayers and other interested persons telephonically on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., by dialing into the toll-free telephone conference line number: 888-494-4032, and entering access code: 795-179-0918. The proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned to Waste Management, Inc., a Delawar e corporation (the “Borrower”), and will be used to (i) finance all or a portion of the cost of the acquisition, constructi on, improving, installation and/or equipping of ce rtai n solid waste disposal fac ilities, and (ii) pay certain costs relating to the issuance of the Bonds, if deemed necessary or desirable by the Borrower.

Unknown Owners and Nonrecord

Claimants

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit:

Lesa K. Hopkins

Our File No. 14-23-04179 NOTE: This l aw firm is a debt collector I3228040

The expected initial legal owner or principal user of the fac ilities being financed with the proceeds of the Bonds is the Borrower or an affiliate of the Borrower (including Waste Management of Illinois, Inc., Countryside Landfill, Inc., Envi rofi l of Illinois, Inc., Waste Management of Five Oaks Recyc ling and Disposal Facility, Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Orchard Hills Landfill, Inc. and Advanced Disposal Services Valley View Landfill, Inc.). A general functional description, the location of ea ch such facility, and the estimated maximum aggregate principal amount of Bonds to be issued wi th respect to each such facility are listed below Location General Fu ncti onal Descripti on

31725 N. Route 83, Grayslake, Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, and

September 1, 8, 15, 2023

Lake County, Illinoismis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

COMMONLY

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the C lerk of this Court, Kimbe rl y A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 610611634 on or before October 2, 2023, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPL AINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

13998 E. 1400th Street, Macomb, Landfill new cell constructi on, excavation and $1,000,000 McDonough County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

Attorneys for Plaintiff

KNOWN AS: 204 Main St Holcomb, IL 61043 and w hich said Mortgage was made by:

10400 Hillstown Road, Marissa,Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $5,500,000 Saint Clair County, Illinoismis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

21233 W Laraway Road, Jol iet, Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $14,000,000 Will County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

Lesa K. Hopkins

Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Docu ment No. 201201208197; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court agai nst you as provided by law and th at the said suit is now pending.

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300

601 Madison Street, East Saint Louis ,Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $12,000,000 Saint Clair County, Illinoismis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

Our File No. 14-23-04179

18370 N. Somonauk Road, DeKalb, Landfill new cell construction, capping, excavation and $20,500,000 DeKalb County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

Kenneth D. Hopkins the Mortgagor(s), to Associated Bank National Association, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Docu ment No. 201201208197; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court agai nst you as provided by law and th at the said suit is now pending.

890 East 1500 North Road , Taylorvi lle, Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $4,500,000 Christian County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the C lerk of this Court, Kimbe rl y A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 610611634 on or before October 2, 2023, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPL AINT.

NOTE: This l aw firm is a debt collector I3228040

September 1, 8, 15, 2023

29755 S Prairie View Drive,Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $8,500,000 Wilmington, Will County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff

18762 Lincoln Road, Morrison, Landfill new cell construction, capping, excavation and $7,000,000 Whiteside County, Illinois mis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

8290 N. IL Route 251, Davis Junction,Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and $13,500,000 Ogle County, Illinoi smis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the C lerk of this Court, Kimbe rl y A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 610611634 on or before October 2, 2023, A

15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527

1145 Bear Road, Decatur,Landfill new cell constructi on, capping, excavation and$8,500,000 Macon County, Illinoismis cellaneous airspace and environmental costs

(630) 794-5300

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531

The Bonds are special, limited obligations of the Authority, payable solely out of the revenues and other funds pledged and assigned for their payment in acc ordance with a loan agreement between the Borrowe r and the Authority and the trust indent ure pur suant to whi ch the Bonds are issued. The Bonds do not constitute a debt of the Authority, the State of Illinois or any political subdivision thereof within the meaning of any provisions of the Constitution or statutes of the State of Illinois or a pled ge of the faith and credit of the Authority, the State of Illinois or any political subdivision thereof or grant to the owners thereof any right to have the Authority or the General Assembly levy any taxes or appropriate any funds for the payment of the principal thereof or interest thereon. The Authority has no taxing powe r.

Our File No. 14-23-04179

NOW, THERE-

NOTE: This l aw firm is a debt collector

The above notice of public hearing is required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended At the time and place set for the public heari ng, residents, taxpayers and other interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their views for or against the proposed plan of financing. In addition, residents, taxpayer s and othe r interested persons that attend the public hearing telephonically by dialing into the toll-free telephone conference line number noted above will be given the opportunity to express their views for or against the proposed pla n of financing at a designated point in the public hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the Executive Director of the Authority via (i) email at publiccomments@il-fa.com or (ii) mail at his office located at 160 North LaSal le Street, Suite S -1000, Chicago, I llinois 60601 until Sep tember 6, 2023.

NOTICE DATED: August 31, 2023.

September 1, 2023

FORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the C lerk of this Court, Kimbe rl y A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-

I3228040

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), if any person with a disabili ty as defined by the ADA needs special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, then not later than Sep tember 7, 2023, he or she should contact the Authority at (312) 651-1300.

September 1, 8, 15, 2023

By /s/ Chri stopher Meister Executive Director Illinois Finance Authority