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OREGON 815-732-3282 ROCHELLE 815-562-5571

OREGON Republican Reporter VOLUME 170 NO. 9 • SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851

FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 • $1.00

COUNTY NEWS

In Jeopardy An Oregon landmark is struggling due to pandemic measures. / 11

COUNTY NEWS

MOBILE PANTRY

Five Years Later April 9 marked the fifth anniversary of the EF-4 tornado. / 16

COVID-19 Ogle County has 27

cases and one death as of Tuesday, April 14. / 3

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

Yvette Sellers (left) checks in a vehicle looking to pick up some food Tuesday morning in Oregon, when the mobile pantry came to town.

Sellers, the Agency Area Leader for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, counted up 137 families picking up food in the first hour “which is typically the busiest, but we’ll stay until 11:30” she said. More photos on page 18.

INDEX

One Section - 24 Pages

Betty’s Column......... 5 Byron Library............. 9 Church News............12 Classifieds......... 22-24

Colbert Column.......14 Environment.............19 Oregon Library.......... 7 Oregon Police..........20

Otto’s Column........... 6 Property Transfers...21 Public Voice..............13 Sheriff’s Arrests......20

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Julia Grace Miller (Musgrove), Larry E. Thibeault, Wanda J. Wiggins, Page 20

Oregon Republican Reporter / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OREGON BEAT

2 OREGON Republican Reporter oglecountynews.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 732-6166 ext. 2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County.

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CLASSIFIED SALES 815-284-2222 OBITUARIES 815-732-6166, ext. 2591 ehinton@oglecountynews.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-732-6166, ext. 2591 ehinton@oglecountynews.com Editor Jeff Helfrich 815-732-6166, ext. 2590 jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Advertising Sales Lori Walker 815-625-3600, Ext. 2555 lwalker@oglecountynews.com Oregon Republican Reporter, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media.

Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal, and Polo’s Tri-County Press.

The OREGON REPUBLICAN REPORTER (USPS No. 411-420) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media.

Periodical postage paid at Oregon, Illinois, 61061.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to OGLE REPUBLICAN REPORTER, P.O. Box 8, Oregon, IL 61061. Phone 815-732-6166, ext. 5306.

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2020

YOUR GOVERNMENT

Meeting on cannabis business is April 21 Comments can be made in person or online

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com A special use permit request for a new craft grow cannabis business in Oregon will be the topic of an April 21 public meeting, both online and in person.

The meeting, hosted by the Oregon Planning Commission, is scheduled to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Oregon City Hall. A previous meeting, scheduled for March 17, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tree Pharm is a cannabis craft grow operation that wants to locate in the former Basler’s Ace Hardware building at 807 Pines Road in Oregon.

The city council will have to grant a special use permit to The Tree Pharm before it can conduct business. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the council.

An ordinance allowing cannabis businesses within the city limits was approved by the council on Nov. 26 by a 3-2 vote.

The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, an online meeting platform. Oregon City Administrator Darin DeHaan will be hosting the meeting from city hall.

Residents can make public comments on line or in person. No more than five people will be allowed in the building at one time and social distancing must be practiced.

“If there are more people than five,

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

This is the building being considered for a craft grow cannabis business. It is located at 807 W. Pines Road in Oregon where the former Basler’s Ace Hardware was once located. they will have to wait outside,” Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said. “We’ll be rotating people if we have to. If it’s a group with the same message, we ask that they choose a spokesperson.”

Williams said the city was comfortable with the idea of holding a public meeting via Zoom after the positive experiences it has had with recent council meetings on the platform.

A craft grow is a business licensed by the Department of Agriculture to cultivate, dry, cure, and package marijuana, to make it available to sell at a dispensary or use at a processing organization.

The proposed location is currently in the commercial highway business district. The prospect of it was discussed at an Oregon Planning Commission Meeting on Feb. 18.

The Tree Pharm was represented at

the meeting by local residents Ed Messenger, David Murray, Cole Johnson and Tyler Hagemann.

“I think the meeting was positive for us,” Ed Messenger said. “I think they’re open to having the cannabis business in the area. That’s the area they pushed it to go to when we first started having conversations.”

Rick Ryland, a member of the planning commission, sent a letter to the editor pleading for residents to speak out against allowing The Tree Pharm in town.

“Please voice your opposition to this business in Oregon via Zoom or in person,” Ryland wrote. “To every concerned parent, grandparent, educator and truth-telling person: Do this before it is too late. We are a tourist town, not a pot town.”

SCHOOL NEWS

Oregon School District sets tentative dates for prom, graduation, promotion

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

The Oregon School District updated its current plans for prom, graduation and eighth grade promotion on its Facebook page Wednesday amid the COVID-19 pandemic and currently-closed schools.

Prom has been postponed until June 6.

Should the statewide shelter in place be extended, a secondary rescheduled date will be July 18.

The district is hoping to hold graduation on its original date of Sunday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at the Blackhawk Center.

If the shutdown is still on, graduation will be held on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at an undetermined location.

If the shutdown goes past June 19, a third date is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. at an undetermined location.

Eighth grade promotion will be held Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Blackhawk Center.

If that can’t happen, it’ll be resched-

uled to Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at an undetermined location.

Another date is tentatively in place for Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at an undetermined location.

Information regarding rescheduling will be shared as soon as possible, the post said.

Superintendent Tom Mahoney said last week on a Facebook live question session that he believes there’s a good chance schools are closed for the remainder of the year.

Currently, the statewide shelter in place is scheduled to expire on April 30.

COVID-19 IN OGLE COUNTY

One county death due to the pandemic

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Ogle County Health Department confirmed two more cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the county’s total to 27.

Ogle County had its first death due to COVID-19 on April 8, a person in their 80s. New cases have been

announced by the OCHD nearly every day since April 2. Ogle’s first case came on March 30.

Details about the individuals will not be released to protect their privacy. The individuals and their close contacts are being monitored by the OCHD. The OCHD took to Facebook late last week as requests came in from county residents requesting to know where the cases of the pandemic were located.

“Please understand and respect that we are not going to release that

information due to patient confidentiality,” an OCHD Facebook post said. “At this point in the progression of COVID-19, there is no need to name the town.”

“With the current number of cases and the expected increase in future positives, one should assume that COVID-19 is in their community already.”

Press releases have stressed that individuals who believe they may have COVID-19 stay home and call their health provider first. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath.

Residents were also directed to stay home and practice social distancing.

OREGON CITY COUNCIL

New police officer sworn in over Zoom meeting Budget impacts of COVID-19 discussed Zach McKean was sworn in over Zoom online as a new officer for the Oregon Police Department during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

McKean wore a suit and was read his oath by Mayor Ken Williams.

The open position was created when Shawn Melville was promoted to chief after former Chief Darin DeHaan was transferred to the position of city administrator in the city clerk’s office.

“We got really lucky here,” Melville said of McKean’s hiring.

“There are other departments in our

Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

Zach McKean was sworn in as an Oregon police officer over Zoom on Tuesday. budget.

The city has lost all revenue from gaming since businesses with machines closed. Gaming revenue usually amounts to $100,000 a year and supports funds including city hall infrastructure and economic

development.

Oregon’s one percent sales tax supports infrastructure projects.

With some businesses closed, most of that has been lost since the start of the pandemic. City sales tax usually amounts to $60,000-$70,000 a year.

In terms of state sales tax shared with the city, Schuster estimates around $70,000 won’t be received due to the pandemic. Motor fuel tax revenues will also take a hit with less drivers on the roads and gas prices down.

“Come May and June when we finalize the budget, we may ask for some belt tightening,” Schuster said. “But, we have healthy reserves. We don’t have concerns about the employment of anyone who works for the city. We haven’t committed to any expenditures we can’t handle.”

Get the Latest Updates on COVID-19 in Northwest Illinois fhn.org/coronavirus

• Free Online Screening Tool • Screening Hotline • Testing Criteria and Information

• COVID-19 Symptoms • How to Protect Yourself • Local Updates • Local and National Resources

• Friday, April 17, 2020

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

area that have been short-handed for a year or more. We were able to hire somebody within two weeks. I think that says a lot about our city and how it’s run and our police department.”

McKean graduated from Polo High School and lives in Forreston.

He has six years experience in law enforcement. He’ll be on the road within two or three weeks, Melville said.

Melville also said “things have gotten a little bit better” in town with people adhering to social distancing after some issues in parks and different areas with people gathering.

COVID-19 Budget Impacts During the commissioner reports portion of Tuesday’s meeting, Finance Commissioner Terry Schuster discussed how the COVID19 pandemic will impact the city’s

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

COVID-19: Ogle cases now at 27 as of Tuesday

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

IN THE CLASSROOM

Forreston ag teacher wins national award Parks is awarded $3,000 worth of classroom equipment

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Forreston Junior Senior High School Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Kelley Parks is currently trying to teach her students online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel terrible for them because they need to be doing handson learning,” Parks said. “The greenhouse is not being put to use. They can’t see their hard work pay off. I’m sending them videos from the greenhouse and my Kelley Parks farm.”

When Parks’ students return to the classroom, they’ll have an extra $3,000 worth of equipment to work and learn with. She was one of the three high school science teachers in the nation to receive the Vernier Technology Award this year.

Vernier makes probe equipment that will be used with students’ Google Chromebooks to measure things like moisture in soil and pH balances and oxygen in water. They’ll be used throughout the ag program going forward.

“I was starstruck,” Parks said. “I did not think a second year ag teacher from Northern Illinois would win this. I did it because I wanted the equipment. I was really surprised.

Forreston Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Kelley Parks (left) explains to students how their large aquaponics system will work and produce food. Photo supplied.

This is the grant I thought I’d never get.”

Parks filled out four grants this year and got them all. She says she uses that as a teaching point with her students that are currently applying for scholarships and to colleges.

Parks was supposed to travel to receive the award at a ceremony, but it was cancelled due to COVID19.

“I was kind of upset,” Parks said.

“I was excited to go to Boston. We

were supposed to sit with the owners of Vernier. I was excited to share what I do at the conference. I was going to be the only ag teacher there.”

The probing equipment will play a large part in the aquaponics system that Parks and her classes have been working on. The farm will eventually be used to grow fish and lettuce.

Everything for the project has been approved. Plumbing work just needs to be done. It is on hold for the moment with FJSHS being closed.

“We’re hoping to get a plumber in there and start it up in the fall,” Parks said. “Tilapia fish take nine months to get to harvest. That’d be perfect for a May fish fry.”

Parks’ students from this year may still have a chance to see some of their work pay off. A greenhouse sale will still be held at an undetermined date for the plants that have been growing. It will likely include online ordering and curbside pickup, she said.

The University of Illinois Extension, Ogle County, will have free weekly webinar sessions on environmental topics at 1 p.m. on Thursdays. They are: Planting for the Pollinators, April 23, how to attract different pollinators to the yard.

Natural Lawn Care part 1: assessment, April 30, Tools and techniques to better assess a lawn for better natural lawn care.

Natural Lawn Care part 2: Strategies, May 7, understand lawns and find tools to create a natural lawn

care action plan.

Managing Waste in the Home, May 14, overview of management of municipal solid waste in the US, materials that can be recycled or composted, locating recycling and composting facilities nearby, and strategies for decreasing household waste.

Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report, May 21, overview of the state’s efforts to improve water quality at home and downstream by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in lakes, streams,

and rivers. Also covers best management practices for reducing nutrient loads from wastewater treatment plants and urban and agricultural runoff; and how the strategy has progressed.

All About Clouds, June 25, covers various types of clouds, including unique clouds only seen in a few locations and what weather is expected with each variety.

Go to go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironmentWebinars and click on the title of each seminar to register or for more information.

EXTENSION NEWS

Environmental topics will be subject of free U of I webinar sessions

LOCAL HISTORY

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society

O

helps at those services. The church of course was empty.

Meanwhile Kenneth and I at home had the Easter service on email early in the morning by Pastor Terrie of our church. Then we got a service from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.

Our family had gone to that church in 1964 when we visited New York. It was a wonderful church. We also listened to other ministers on Fox News.

We ended up on our iPad with our granddaughter’s service in North Carolina since Tara sings

BUSINESS OPPOPRTUNITY

Shaw Media launches grant program for local businesses Shaw Media has announced the launch of a community grant program to help local businesses continue advertising during the challenging times created by the COVID-19 crisis.

Nearly 30 Shaw Media publications are participating in this program, jointly allocating up to $1,000,000 in matching advertising credits to assist local businesses.

As a family owned business, Shaw Media is committed to supporting local partners and helping them reach customers.

To apply for this grant program or find more information, please visit www.shawmedia.com/community-grant and complete the online application.

This program is open to locally owned and operated businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Grant credits are available for a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $10,000

and can be used towards print or digital advertising in their local Shaw Media news products.

Grant credits will be awarded in April, May and June and must be used within the month.

Completed applications will be reviewed and a Shaw representative will reach out to confirm approval.

Questions regarding this program can be directed to your local Shaw Media publication.

Shaw Media, founded in Dixon in 1851, is a media company with newspapers, magazines, niche publications, websites, and video/digital production services in the Chicago suburbs, Northern Illinois and Iowa. Shaw Media is the third oldest, continuously owned and operated media company in the nation and publishes the Oregon Republican Reporter, Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal, and Tri-County Press.

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• Friday, April 17, 2020

ur family all had unique ways of spending Easter and everyone had church services in a different way.

Amy and her family had their church in a drive-in type atmosphere in Marshall, Illinois.

Since her service was on the Internet, Bruce, Robin, Mallory, Allen, Adam, Holly, and Rose joined in at Mt. Morris. Andrew, Liz, and Archie joined in at Chicago. Beth joined in at Boston.

Krista and her family joined the service of their daughter Tara in North Carolina by Internet and Krista sent it on to us. In that service the minister and his wife were at the church but a 30 voice choir was all singing from each of their homes.

All the pictures of each choir member was up on a large screen each in a little box as they sang from their homes. They were all one big choir but each one singing miles apart. I found this incredible.

Nobody missed a beat and all ended up at the same time.

Susan and her family have all been at home together during this time of staying home and they got up and dressed for church. They gathered in their living room and watched a church service from the Quad Cities.

Steve’s family gathered in their living room while their big Catholic Church in Naperville was on line. Daniel, who is studying to be a priest,

in that choir.

Even though we were alone at Easter for the first time, we did survive. It has been difficult for Kenneth since he is a people person and he lives to be with his friends and family.

We never even traveled much because he would miss his buddies way too much to leave Polo.

We even had our Easter ham two weeks before and we were all “hamed” out. When I bring home a ham we have it baked first and then slice it up for sandwiches. Then we have ham and scalloped potatoes, ham with beans and corn bread, and we finally have ham and bean soup.

Now during all this time we would have had for breakfast, ham with scrambled eggs and ham with French toast, and maybe just plain fried ham and eggs.

When I would bring a ham home years ago the kids would all groan knowing full well what the menu would be for the next two weeks. That was just the way it was.

So this year as Easter approached I said to Kenneth, “What do you want to eat at Easter?”

I knew it would not be ham. His most favorite meal is pot roast and of course that is what he wanted. We also have gone to Susan’s Zook’s house for Easter dinner the past several years.

We always enjoy being with the O’Connor family.

This year we ate alone with Easter pot roast and we missed the family. We are all going to be glad when life returns to normal!!

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Easter services came on many different platforms

5

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

LOCAL HISTORY

OHS graduate of 1941 tells of WWII horrors Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK Maurice M. Sauer Jr. a graduate of Oregon High School in 1941 spent five months as a prisoner of war at Dresden Germany during WWII. Sauer was one of the three veterans to be interviewed for the History Channel program “Inferno: The True Story of Dresden.”

Maurice M. Sauer Jr. also born in Oregon May 23, 1923 and graduated from Oregon High School in 1941.

He attended the University of Wisconsin before entering the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as a surveyor in the artillery division in Europe and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

He became a POW during the Battle of the Bulge and spent the rest of the war in captivity in Dresden, Germany.

The following is his account while he was a POW at Dresden Germany.

This account definitely brings home the horrors of WWII. In this case Hitler was one of the leaders who caused many innocent people death, pain and misery.

Then at the end he couldn’t face defeat so he committed suicide.

Most of the time the leaders who declare war are never in the battles.

Two years after graduating from high school he was sent to Germany with an artillery unit. The story of his time as a prisoner really begins on Dec. 16, 1944.

“Three of us had taken refuge in a practically bomb proof cellar of a German house after having been under heavy shelling in a small valley. We were trapped for three days with little sleep.”

He said each of them took turns guarding the door, not knowing what was going to happen next. Three days later they heard German voices outside.

What to do was the issue. After five minutes of debating they chose to surrender.

“I felt like a coward but knew this was no time to play hero.”

The German soldiers marched the three men about a half-mile where they came upon a captured American truck with three other German soldiers sitting by it.

Sauer noticed a wounded American lying nearby. “Upon examining him further I found he was shot through the groin. This man told us our outfit was wiped out.

“The guards escorted us to St. Vith. On the way into town I noticed many of our men lying about on the fields, some with blood splattered faces.

“We were taken up the street where hundreds of G.I.s were lined up against a high stone wall, helmets thrown out in front of them and guarded by two machine guns.”

The prisoners were then marched into a courtyard guarded by 20 German Guards. There were a few rotten apples which the prisoners hungrily grabbed.

That night the ground was muddy and wet but the men tried to sleep in spite of the absence of

LEFT: This is a photo of Maurice Sauer in his Army uniform.

ABOVE: Sauer at the time of the interview with the History Channel.

BELOW: Sauer lived in this home at 407 S. 7th St. in Oregon.

Photos supplied by Otto Dick blankets. We became so cold we had to get up and walk around to keep warm.

The next morning none of the 200 prisoners were given any food or water.

“By eight o’clock most of us were pretty thirsty and some of the men went to the point of licking the dew from the grass.

“Our next designation was a small town where we boarded a train for Stalag.”

Along that march he saw great destruction. There were dead German soldiers, stiff and white as chalk as well as burned and damaged trucks and carcasses of horses.

“By eight o’clock I didn’t know whether I’d make it or not.”

Every step was an effort and some of the men were so weak they eventually passed out. Quite a few had nothing to eat in three days.

During brief stops Sauer would pick up snow to help quench his thirst and try to rest his aching muscles.

“After having walked approximately 16 miles we reached our destination and were forced to sleep outside again. In the morning we were given a small ration of food and marched to a

freight train and divided into groups of 60 and loaded into box cars. The floors were covered with horse and cow manure. With 60 men in one car there was no room to move around.

“Bombs were dropped close to the train and the guards let us out. We hurried to a hill nearby.

When the bombing was over approximately 20 of the men had been killed and one man near me had his leg blown off.

“I survived more bombings during the time as a P.O.W.”

MT. MORRIS VILLAGE

Downtown businesses could receive tax credits as a result

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Mt. Morris Village Board unanimously approved a motion on Tuesday to spend $15,000 in tax increment funding money on applying for its downtown area to become a historical preservation district.

That designation would result in 20 percent tax credits from the federal government and possibly an additional 25 percent in tax credits from the state government if the buildings and areas are approved. Projects for businesses in those buildings would benefit from those credits.

the $15,000 expenditure.

During the finance portion of the meeting, the board unanimously approved a motion to suspend loan repayment for The Campus Cafe on funds it used to complete repairs on its roof. The Campus Cafe’s dining room is currently closed due to COVID-19. Their loan repayment will resume in July.

The village board also unanimously approved a motion to delay liquor license, gaming and amusement fees from May 1 until Aug. 1 in an effort to help businesses currently dealing with lost funds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bars in the village usually pay around $1,000 in total for those fees.

Late fees for residents on water, sewer and garbage payments were suspended for April, May and June due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sixty days will be allowed prior to any water shutoff.

Facebook Page Follow our Facebook for resources during this closure and updates. The Library staff will be posting updates and new virtual resources as they become available. You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the Oregon Public Library Facebook page.

Stay healthy and happy reading! Check out Oregon Public Library on

Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media

Ashley Sarver is working with the Village of Mt. Morris as an architect and consultant.

The meeting was held online via Zoom. This was the first online meeting the village board has had.

OREGON LIBRARY Did You Know?

In December 1908, the new Carnegie library in Oregon was ready to be occupied.

The books and pamphlets were all dusted and packed into boxes by the librarian, then slid down the long flight of stairs at the First National Bank building, placed on wheelbarrows and wheeled over to the new building.

The library was not closed during the move and books were given out as usual all but one evening.

On Dec. 12, 1908, books were circulated from the new building for the first time.

(Information compiled from historical documents found in cupboards in the Library office)

Library Closure Due to the shelter in place order the Oregon Public Library will be closed until further notice. All programs have also been cancelled. We hope to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and contribute to the health of the community.

Since we are a fine free library you will not be accruing fines for overdue materials, so don’t worry about returning your items.

Use our WiFi outside of our building by connecting to the Oregon Library Guest Access WiFi network that doesn’t need a password.

Goodreads “Anybody else miss having the libraries open? Are you looking for a place to talk about all the books you have been reading while we are stuck in quarantine or maybe even get some new recommendations?

Do you want to know what the next book club picks are so you can get a head start?

Like most libraries COVID-19 had forced us to shut our doors for a while and we really miss our patrons.

We miss seeing all of your smiling faces and chatting about books and life in general. In an effort to stay connected with all of you we thought Goodreads might be a great place to check in with each other and learn what books everyone has been reading lately.

We can use this discussion to talk about current reads and/or recommend books to each other. We are all in this together and hopefully everyone has enough books to keep them busy until we reopen.

Goodreads!”

See OREGON LIBRARY, Page 9

rehab, recover, return home. www.simplythefinest.net

• Friday, April 17, 2020

“Two current business owners and a prospective downtown property owner have made it clear that the credits that would flow from historical preservation designation are, if not essential, at least critical to the investments that they would make downtown,” Mt. Morris Economic Development Group Member Rob Urish said.

Ashley Sarver is working with the city as an architect and historic tax credit consultant on the project.

The process could take from nine months to a year for full approval.

“We may come across some buildings that have been altered so much that they would be considered non contributing buildings,” Sarver said. “But our goal is to get as many structures within the downtown of Mt. Morris to be contributing.”

The downtown area is already in a TIF district. The city currently has $127,000 on hand in TIF funds after

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Board approves spending for historical preservation

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| AREA NEWS

8

COVID-19 IMPACT

Dixon animal shelter is facing uncertain future Drastic revenue loss for area shelter due to COVID-19 pandemic

BY ERIC INGLES Shaw Media The COVID-19 pandemic has left Granny Rose Animal Shelter struggling to stay afloat.

The shelter is mostly closed to the public, and no volunteers are coming in with the stay-at-home order in effect until the end of the month. “[We’re] trying to do some adoptions with the applications online,” shelter manager Judy Lohse said.

“We will try to schedule appointments where they will meet the pet and then, hopefully, get someone adopted. It’s hard. People are supposed to stay at home, so it’s a fine line. You want to get the pets adopted, but then it’s coming out of your home to adopt a pet.”

The shelter has employees who take care of feeding and cleaning, but it’s the volunteers who usually walk the pets or help get them used to socializing with people.

“Plus, we operate the Granny Rose Canine Enrichment Center and, because of no gatherings over 10 [people], all of our training classes have had to be postponed until who knows when,” Lohse said.

The result has been a drastic loss

of revenue. No money is coming in from adoption. No money is coming in from training classes. The shelter still will board pets when people go out of town, but no one is going on vacation, so no money there, either.

“We’re just sitting and hoping somebody sends us some money to pay the bills,” Lohse said.

The pet population at Granny Rose is down right now. The shelter has 13 dogs and 17 cats, where usually there would be 18 to 20 dogs and well over 20 cats.

For the pets that are left, there have been offers to foster, but the situation hasn’t been right.

“A lot of the dogs that we have here right now don’t get along with other dogs,” Lohse said. “All of the people who have offered to foster say ‘Well, I have two other dogs and a big fenced-in yard and everyone can play together.’ That’s not going to work.”

For now, the shelter will continue, to operate, but with no income, Lohse doesn’t know how long they can hold out.

Items such as food or cat litter can be left in the shelter’s entryway; staff is in the building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to bring those items inside.

Monetary donations can be mailed or made over the phone via card transactions.

The shelter’s address is 613 River Lane, Dixon IL 61021. Call 815-2887387 to donate money, or for more information on how to help.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Judy Lohse, the manager at Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon, gives a treat to Rocco. LEFT: Hayley Richardson receives a lick on the nose from Rocco. Richardson takes care of the dogs at Granny Rose. BELOW: A cat soaks up sun in the cat room.

POLO LIBRARY

Library Closure To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Forreston Public Library will remain closed until Forrestville Valley schools reopen. All programs/activities are cancelled and all due dates have been extended.

Please check our Facebook page for updates.

Library Closed In cooperation with the Governor’s Stay-at-Home orders, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Polo Public Library is closed until further notice and all programs scheduled during this time have been cancelled or rescheduled. All currently checked out materials have been renewed until May 29.

EBooks/WiFi Even though the library is closed, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360. If you would like more information on creating an account, please message us on our Facebook page or email forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com and we’ll help you get set up. You may also access the Internet outside the library by connecting to our WiFi. No password is required.

AXIS 360 You are still able to use Axis 360, OMNI/Overdrive, Libby, and Biblioboard for e-resources (books, audio books)

Facebook Please check our Facebook page regularly as we are planning to add more e-resources and programs soon!

Temporary Cards If you are new to Polo and haven’t had a chance to get a library card, or maybe you aren’t normally a reader but would like to try ebooks during this time, we will be issuing temporary library cards for people in Buffalo Township. If you are interested in this, please visit our Facebook page (Facebook.com/pololibrary)

or email library@pololibrary.org for more information.

WiFi Available WiFi is available outside of the library building by joining the Polo Public Library guest access network, no password needed.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary. org. We sincerely hope that everyone stays healthy and safe during this time.

BYRON LIBRARY Library Closed Due to the shelter in place order issued by the state of Illinois, the Byron Public Library is completely closed until further notice.

Due dates have been extended by our library system so there is no need to worry about late fees! If you need to contact the library you can send us a

message through email, Facebook, or our website, or you can leave us a message at 815-234-5107. Practice social distancing and stay safe, everyone!

Parking Lot WiFi Don’t have reliable Internet at home?

The Byron Library may be closed, but there is still WiFi available! Park along our two age categories: 16-20 years of age and 21 and up.

Continued from Page 7

Video Story Time While the Library is closed, we will try and post a Video Story Time to our Facebook page every Thursday. It could be just stories and suggested activities or maybe some off- site guests.

Summer Reading Program Bookmark Contest Flashback! Myra and Lorena Nava-Moyotl, 2020 Summer Reading Program Bookof Oregon, take part in a summer reading mark Contest deadline has been extendprogram in July 2012. ed to May 1, so while you’re at home consider this an art assignment! please list Lego Challenge as the subject Send it to us via email or mail it to the of your email. You need to submit your Library. photo entry no later than April 30 via email to oregonlibrary@yahoo.com.

Adult Coloring Contest Adults: Are you sitting at home with your kids, why should they get all the cool links and projects?

Are you just stuck at home and boredom setting in? Pull out those Adult Coloring books and get coloring.

Oregon Public Library will be holding an Adult only coloring contest. You can print a coloring page off the Internet or rip one out of your Adult coloring books. You have until April 30th to mail your coloring sheet to the Library.

Must include name, email address and phone number on the back. There will be

south wall and look for the WiFi network names and passwords in the window.

Available 24/7.

Check Out Our eBooks!

The library may be closed, but you can still get library books without leaving See BYRON LIBRARY, Page 10

Available Resources for Your Stay at Home Online Resources: Audiobooks & eBooks are available on Axis 360 and Biblioboard.Links are available on our website: oregonpubliclibrary.com/ online-resources/TumbleBooklibrary (www.tumblebooklibrary.com) is a collection of animated talking picture books, read-alongs, ebooks, quizzes, lesson plans, and educational games which is used by thousands of schools and public libraries in over 100 countries across the world.

TumbleBooks can be accessed by our patrons from the comfort and safety of their homes! Go to the Library website, free educational resources for login procedures.

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• Friday, April 17, 2020

• OREGON LIBRARY Lego Challenge While everyone is practicing social distancing, Oregon Public Library would like to extend a challenge to all those Lego lovers! The challenge begins now and continues to April 30.

There will be three age categories, 7 years & under, 8-12 years and 13 years & up and there will be prizes. Entries will be judged on authenticity and detail.

Entries will be posted on Facebook.

Once the Library has reopened to the public, we want to display the winners at the Library.

OPL would like you to construct out of Lego bricks a replica of one of the following: Oregon Public Library, Chana Schoolhouse, Ogle County Courthouse, The Eternal Indian, Oregon Park West, or Oregon Dam area.

It can be no taller than 1-2 feet high and no wider than a placement (approximately 12” by 16”). Landscaping and detail is important…the more detail the better.

Your Lego Challenge entry must contain the following, name, age/grade, address, and 3 photos of your creation.

The photos should show the progression of your construction from beginning to end. When submitting your entry

and we will be posting on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/pololibrary) other resources to help fill the gap while you can’t use the library.

LIBRARY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

FORRESTON LIBRARY

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Lifescape still delivering meals to Ogle, Lee seniors

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Much of the country’s population may now better understand how it feels to live like one of the senior citizens that Lifescape Community Services delivers Meals on Wheels to.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down most public places, but Lifescape is still delivering meals to Ogle, Lee, Boone and Winnebago County seniors, more than it did before. The number currently sits at a little over 1,000 a day. They’ve added anywhere from 150-200 meals per day.

They’ve loosened their restrictions on who is eligible to receive meals in terms of age or impediments. Now, the only requirement is that you need to be 60 years or older.

“Isolating the already isolated is a big concern,” Lifescape Marketing Director Zach Satterlee said.

Lifescape tries to take on clients immediately after they call. Drivers have been wearing gloves and facemasks. They are being extra vigilant, changing their gloves after every stop.

Lifescape is also still running its transportation services and vehicles are being cleaned often.

None of Lifescape’s buildings are open. Its adult protective services and comprehensive care coordination services are being done over the phone by case workers. Lifescape has suspended its congregate dining service that took place at local locations such as the Rock River Center in Oregon.

• BYRON LIBRARY

Lifescape Community Services Meals on Wheels Driver Takara Watson stands in front of her truck. Lifescape is currently delivering around 1000 meals to area seniors each day during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo supplied.

“Being a good senior citizen or anyone, it’s good to go out,” Satterlee said. “For them, it was their congregate dining. They also have their routines interrupted. We’re super eager to get through this and continue our normal services.”

While delivery drivers are trying to limit contact and risk as much as possible with the seniors they deliver to, their deliveries often serve more than one important purpose.

“When this virus is not going on, we’re serving the most socially isolated people,” Satterlee said. “Some of the only people they see are our drivers. It also serves as a daily check in. They make sure they’re OK. We call medical services and others if needed. It saves lives often.

People have fallen down or there’s

home! Visit the Byron Library’s webpage to access our three eBook resources – OMNI, eRead Illinois, and Biblioboard. All you need is your smart device and your library card. Available 24/7.

Library Cards Don’t have a library card to access our digital services? No problem! Just send us a selfie, a picture of your driver’s license, a picture of your utility bill, and your cellphone number, and we will email you your new library card number and PIN number. Your actual card will be mailed out to you.

Introducing Hoopla!

Big news! The Byron library has added Hoopla to our digital services! Patrons now have access to online e-books, movies, music, comics and audiobooks for FREE with your library card.

Hoopla is available on your computer and on your mobile phone or tablet with the Hoopla app.

Check it out in your app or play store or on hoopladigital.com today! Available 24/7!

Local History Are you interested in local history?

The library has several resources to get you started in your search. Check out the library’s local history page at http:// byron.lib.il.us/services/local-history/.

Available 24/7!

Visit the Byron Library Facebook page to keep up to date on library news and virtual programs. Be sure to also check out the Byron Library and Byron Library Teen Instagram pages.

Continued from Page 9

been gas leaks.”

Satterlee said that Lifescape will consult with the Department on Aging on whether or not it will reopen completely after April 30 or whenever the shutdown is lifted.

Who will be put at risk will have to be evaluated, he said.

Until then, he advised any seniors who need assistance or anyone who

knows of one to call Lifescape at 815963-1609.

“We can’t isolate those that have already been isolated,” Satterlee said. “They need to be fed and checked on. Please check on your elderly parents, friends and neighbors. We’re always a good place to start, too.”

CELEBRATING OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! We’ve been fortunate to meet great people and proud to have saved them money on lab testing.

Thanks to all who have allowed us the opportunity to serve you.

If you haven’t been in, we’d love to meet you.

We are here to help Mon.-Fri 7am-4pm 832 N Galena Ave., Dixon 815-677-9384 www.valulab-dixon.com SM-ST1766137

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

Pandemic translates into $65,000 loss, so far in 2020

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

Danny Pierce, the executive director at Stronghold Center in Oregon, stands on a walkway outside the Stronghold Castle April 8. Stronghold is seeing an impact from the coronavirus since they can’t host any groups or camps during this time. Many of the buildings in site have been closed down and have electrical shut off to help save money while they are closed. losing their chances to be socially active.

“It is interrupting their faith,” Pierce said. “But it’s also grounding it for some. Some people are leaning on their faith more than ever. What a wonderful blessing it would be to have camp. It’s a difficult time for faith-based organizations. Fellowship and gathering are part of what we do.”

LOMC Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon is in a similar situation to Stronghold. Its website said it is working on options for this summer and beyond and no firm decision has been made regarding summer camps and other groups.

The LOMC board will be discussing and making decisions “very soon” regarding summer camps and visiting groups.

“LOMC will be back when it is decided by authorities that it is safe to do so,” The site said. “And when LOMC determines we can safely Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media have guests and campers onsite and can financially provide a safe and Bunk rooms inside the Stronghold Castle in Oregon sit empty and quiet. Stronghold is seeing the impact of the coronavirus. quality experience.”

• Friday, April 17, 2020

Executive Director Danny Pierce estimates that Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center has lost around $65,000 in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide shutdown.

And if business interruption extends into the summer months, it could be a lot more.

“With the shelter in place, we’ve been closed since March 20,” Pierce said. “It’s been a major economic blow. We’ve lost thousands in reservations. Some are re-booking and some are not. We run year round.

The heartbeat is the summer camp program.”

The center, located just north of Oregon along Illinois 2, has seven buildings including a castle that are rented for various purposes. For this time of year, it’s usual to have five or six groups renting on a weekend.

Stronghold does its own programming and meals.

Pierce said that summer camps are “absolutely” in jeopardy at Stronghold. The center is making contingency plans.

“Our contingency plans depend on staffing,” Pierce said. “We need that first. We hire about 20 people for the summer. Some are international.

They can’t get visas or know if they can fly here. How many families will be willing to come out or send their kids after this? I understand the hesitancy. There’s a lot of unknowns.”

Pierce said he and the Stronghold board have met with State Rep. Tom Demmer and Congressman Adam Kinzinger as well as local organizations like the Oregon Park District on what options they have.

Those options include programs and loans through the recently-passed federal C.A.R.E.S. Act put in place to combat the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonprofits like Stronghold are eligible for the loan and payroll programs.

“We’re trying to understand which would be best for us,” Pierce said.

“The board will make the decision.”

Summer camps are held for children, teenagers and families at Stronghold, a faith-based organization. Pierce is concerned about children, who are already out of school,

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center in jeopardy

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| CHURCH NEWS

12

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH 9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist.

815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH

609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

416 Prospect St., Dixon John Lewis, Pastor 815-677-9199

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

ST. MARY CHURCH 301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

Congress Ave. & Webster St. Pastor Leslie Lake PoloCob@risebroadband.net

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris Pastor Josh Ehrler 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

How to submit church news Changes in church listings and articles about special church services and events can be emailed to news@oglecountynews.com.

For more information call 815-732-6166 ext. 2591.

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

SPECIAL EVENT The Oregon High School athletic department along with many of its fellow schools in the Big Northern Conference will be participating in the nationwide #BeTheLightmovement this Friday evening, April 17.

At exactly 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time), the stadium lights of Landers-Loomis Field (as well as other fields

together,” said a Facebook post from school officials. “Our Oregon High School athletes spent countless hours preparing for their spring seasons and they are understandably hurt — especially the seniors who may see their final year of high school athletics come to an end. As a whole, athletics are an important part of the high school experience, treasured by students who will remember them as some of the best

parts of their time in school.

“We believe it is important that our community recognizes this and continues to move forward to support these students,” the post said.

Students, families and community members are welcome to drive by Landers-Loomis Field on Hawk Drive during this time to view the light. All persons should remain in their vehicles at all times and maintain appropriate social distancing norms.

Chief of Police and the sheriffs of the State of Illinois, and against the Federal Government.

There is a public meeting scheduled at City Hall on Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. during the Planning Commission Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is whether or not to grant Tree Pharm Cannabis Craft Grower a permit for their business in the old Ace Store on Pines Road.

They want to grow marijuana now, but their future plan is to open a dispensary where pot can be sold.

Because of the COVID 19, the City Hall can only have five people present. But you can voice your opinion via Zoom, an Internet conference site that will be hosted by new City Manager Darin DeHaan.

Please voice your opposition to this business in Oregon via Zoom or in person. To EVERY concerned parent, grandparent, educator, and truth-telling person: DO THIS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! We are a tourist town not a pot town!

Unfortunately the Planning Commission is only an advisory to the City Council. This April 21 meeting is where the public can voice their opinion, but the final vote will be on April 28 before the city council.

Please call these council members that voted for these pot businesses to operate in our city and urge them to vote no. Terry Shuster 815-988-5167; Kurt Wilson 815-988-3202; Melanie Cozzi 913-522-1379.

ership.

Increasing COVID-19 testing statewide, the incredible momentum to turn McCormick Place into an alternative care site and engaging the Army Corps of Engineers to open shuttered facilities are significant accomplishments.

The Executive Order from a few weeks ago requiring health insurer payment of telemedicine is another decisive action that cleared the way for non-COVID-19 patients to maintain treatment with physicians and health systems.

Governor Pritzker’s daily battles to obtain personal protective equipment, ventilators and other critical resources are very much appreciated as we near a surge of expected COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The days and weeks ahead will be difficult, but decisiveness and ability to make hard choices is critical right now.

Thank you Governor Pritzker for doing what is right to protect the wellness and safety of us all.

Sincerely,

PUBLIC VOICE Resident against craft grow marijuana business To the Editor,

Tell Your Children the Truth about Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence is a “sound the alarm” book by award -winning journalist / novelist Alex Berenson that every citizen of Oregon should read.

He warns that cannabis advocates and the media have misled us about the drug’s safety. There is powerful evidence that marijuana can be deeply harmful to mental health.

Tell your children the truth about marijuana. They will think that there is no danger in using it since it is now legal here.

The reality is that the THC content of marijuana in the 60s and 70s was at 2%. Now the THC content is anywhere from 17-28%. That means it is far more addictive. And the more addictive, the more you use, resulting in a greater possibility of mental illness and even violence.

On Nov. 26, the Oregon City Council passed an ordinance allowing cannabis businesses to operate in the city – against the recommendation of the Planning Commission, against the Ogle County Board, against the advice of the

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Doctor, CEO thank Pritzker To the Editor:

Illinois physicians and hospitals commend Governor J.B. Pritzker for his steadfast leadership during the COVID19 pandemic.

Every day he faces tough choices and he is clearly making decisions with the interests of Illinoisans in mind.

Our governor is also taking the time to listen to the experts. A good example was his recent Executive Order extending civil liability protection to health professionals and hospitals during this crisis.

The Illinois State Medical Society and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association jointly asked his office to issue this order. It did not take long for our conversations with the Governor’s office to lead to much-needed protections for frontline health care workers.

We thank the governor for his lead-

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President and CEO, Illinois Health and Hospital Association

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• Friday, April 17, 2020

in the Big Northern) will be turned on for exactly 20 minutes.

“Be The Light” is an initiative to support student-athletes who have had their season taken from them because of the Covid19 pandemic.

“Our hope is that our lights shining in the dark can be a beacon for our community representing not only hope but the idea that we are all in this

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Landers Loomis Field to be lit for #BeTheLight on April 17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

COMMUNITY EVENT

Stuck at home? Clear the clutter, donate to sale Chana School Museum Sale date is yet to be determined

BY CONNIE STAUFFER Chana School Museum Volunteer Spring is here. It is time to clean out clutter and unused items for the 1883 Chana School Museum’s annual rummage sale.

We are all following the “stay home” order right now because of COVID-19. Get your mind off being stuck at home and focus on the positive idea of making space at your house or apartment by doing the long overdue chore of sorting, organizing, throwing out, and gathering of old unwanted items.

Set aside those collected items that you may not want anymore but would be a treasure to someone else.

Start in a bedroom or hall closet and slowly go through your house or apartment separating items that you currently use from those items that don’t fit anymore, are out of date, or just

aren’t what you want anymore.

Put items in bags or boxes and store in a corner of a room, porch, garage, or basement.

You will feel so much better cleaning out unwanted items that are taking up space.

We are not able to pick up items right now.

The date and location of the sale is pending at the moment as well.

Our annual fundraiser brings in usually enough funds to pay the year’s expenses for the Museum.

However, with the “stay home” order in place we are on hold like so many businesses, schools, etc.

We ask you to focus on cleaning out at home.

If you haven’t worn the item or used the item in

10 years most likely you are storing this item for your children to clean out after you are gone. Do them a favor and down size now.

Large entertainment centers, large appliances, microwaves, blinds, and a few other items will not be accepted for our sale.

Once we have a date, we will announce phone numbers to call for pick up of large items such as couches, tables, etc. or any other questions that you may have.

We will give you more information about when and where for the sale as soon as we can.

Your support in years past have saved the old building, restored the 1883 schoolhouse, and presently maintain the building and programs.

The 1883 Chana School is on the National Register of Historical Paces Since 2005.

It is open to the public by appointment. The schoolhouse is available for programs, weddings, and special groups. The school is the location for many school field trips where the children dress in 1800s attire and experience a whole day of education and traditions from that era in Rural Illinois.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay home and stay safe!

SPORTS COLUMN

Sports pages won’t be the same after COVID-19 Time to examine other issues

A

ll over the country in both big and small newspapers, sports staffing level are seeing major cuts.

They’ve been occurring for several years, but with the onset of COVID-19, they’ve gone to a new level.

Be it lay-offs or outright terminations, sports pages will never be the same again. Well-known sportswriters at major metropolitan papers are no longer plying their trade. Beat reporters for various sports have gone missing in action, leaving once vibrant coverage sorely lacking.

Without anything to write about, remaining sports guys have been transferred to the news department. My best friend in the business, Brian Weidman, received a furlough after nearly 30 years at Sauk Valley Media.

Even after the coronavirus phenomenon begins to fade away, newspapers will continue to look different. Not only has the pool of available reporters been depleted, but it is less likely than folks will seek careers in journalism because of the bleak prospects.

Where does that leave our local coverage of the high-school scene?

This is only conjecture, but I don’t think we will ever return to the times when plenty of fodder was available to fill scrapbooks to overflowing.

Or for the matter, does today’s younger generation even care that much about a newspaper when Twitter, Instagram and selfies seemingly have a higher priority.

COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

Those of us old-timers in the newspaper business still remember when the next day’s paper was the only source for information and photos.

Today, we can only shrug our shoulders and realize those good old days are over.

Life moves on and to that end, I was thinking about what direction for this column to head.

Instead of just sports, maybe it’s time to make it all encompassing.

Change in Structure For example, Oregon recently made a decision to go to a city-management form of government.

The new job title for outgoing police chief Darin DeHaan is huge story for a town of under 4,000.

Additionally, Shawn Melville steps up to chief in replacing DeHaan. My first thought is those of us in Oregon are fortunate to have two men of character is these positions of leadership.

The pair have demonstrated exemplary commitment to Oregon and are down-to-earth regular guys. They are the type of people that anyone in town could feel comfortable with.

Questions may be asked to why a small town like Oregon would need a city manager, especial-

ly if it has survived 182 years without one. Or, why was this post suddenly sprung on the public without any prior knowledge to it?

The basic premise of bringing on a public administrator is that governmental goods and services can be managed more effectively and efficiently.

No offense to elected officials, but they do not possess the same tools as a trained administrator.

Be it aldermen, city council members or a county department head, the basis for them being in said position is due to a popularity (voting) contest.

A city manager is a trained professional, such as DeHaan earning a master’s degree in public administration. Theoretically, he will have superior skills in delivery of public goods and services.

With $15 million in assets, Oregon will have someone with expertise in managing financial and human resources.

Another key component is long-range strategic planning, something than can be lost to those elected who think only in the term they are serving for.

The bottom line is the ability of a public-sector manager to reduce overall costs of government by doing a better job than elected amateurs.

Employees that work under this form of government should also see their jobs easier to facilitate with professional management.

It should be noted that the city manager is not a power broker, the ultimate decision-making still resides in the mayor and council.

What the city manager can do, though, is offer professional advice.

BUSINESS NEWS

Tampico native owned Shell Stations in Oregon, Polo, and Mt. Morris

BY CODY CUTTER SHAW MEDIA

Art Johnson, owner of Johnson Oil, passed away on April 7. He was 94. Shaw Media file photo wife of 61 years, Darlene, worked at his side for many years until she died in 2011, and his daughter, Kathy Peugh, handles day-to-day operations.

Grandchildren eventually came into the business as well.

Johnson grew up in rural Tampico and graduated from the former Tampico High School in 1944. Soon after, he enlisted in the Navy and served on a catapult crew on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater of World War II. After the war, he delivered fuel and heating oil for Sinclair

• Friday, April 17, 2020

STERLING – Arthur J. Johnson, known as “Mr. Johnson” to his employees, associates and customers at Johnson Oil Shell and BP gas stations for more than 60 years, died Tuesday at his home. He was 94.

Johnson opened his family business in 1959 selling heating oil and bought his first Shell gas station a few years later in Amboy.

The company grew to 80 locations throughout northern Illinois and eastern Iowa, including Shell stations in Rock Falls – his longtime headquarters – Sterling, Dixon, Morrison, Fulton, Lanark, Polo, Mt. Morris, Grand Detour, Oregon, Albany, Hillsdale, Princeton, Walnut, LaSalle-Peru, Mendota, Oglesby Utica, Ottawa, Morris and Marengo.

As his company grew, so did the number family members who worked with him. Johnson’s

in Sterling and Rock Falls for 10 year before establishing his own business.

Since 1969, Johnson Oil has been rewarded by Shell each year with a vacation prize for being one of the company’s top jobbers.

Johnson Oil also gives back to many local functions: Johnson was a chairman of United Way campaigns, and he was the winner of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce’s 1993 Shoulder to the Wheel Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the community.

“We want to be involved,” Johnson told Sauk Valley Media in September, in a story about his company’s 60th anniversary. “Schools, chambers, city functions; each town is really a neighborhood business, and we’re a venue we can offer to that neighborhood. We want to be part of it.”

Among is survivors are Peugh; his sister, Madeline DeDecker; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling, with burial in Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.

Memorials may be made to Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice or St. Mary‘s.

McDonald Funeral Homes in Rock Falls is handling arrangements.

REGIONAL BEAT | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Johnson, owner of Shell stations, dies at 94

15

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

APRIL 9, 2015 TORNADO

April 9 was 5-year anniversary of EF-4 tornado Sheriff ’s home was one of 30 destroyed

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com April 9 marked the five-year anniversary of an EF-4 tornado with 200 mph winds that damaged 179 structures and demolished 30 homes in eastern Ogle County near Rochelle.

The tornado first touched down in Lee County west of Ashton before destroying most of its 30 homes in a subdivision northwest of Flagg Center.

The twister then cut a northeasterly path through Ogle County to the small DeKalb County village of Fairdale where two women were killed and most homes devastated.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle’s home was one of the homes destroyed northwest of Rochelle.

He also organized most of the first responders’ efforts in the hours after the storm.

“From my perspective, I think people take severe weather more seriously,” VanVickle said. “It was significant. We heard quite a bit that they Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media don’t happen here prior to that and ABOVE: Homes and autos were demolished on E. Kuehl Ct, northwest of Rochelle, after the EF-4 tornado ripped through the people were shown it isn’t the case.” subdivision. BELOW: A utility worker picks up debris as he walks past destroyed homes the next day.

Ogle County saw an EF-1 tornado last week and VanVickle said residents and first responders were vigilant and aware of the storm’s danger.

VanVickle said the county was prepared for the 2015 tornado, but he noticed some deficiencies in communication that could be improved.

Those efforts have been made since, he said.

“We’ve tried to improve that through things like social media and our smartphone app,” VanVickle said.

Hundreds of volunteers poured into the area in April 2015 to lend their time and expertise to help victims sift through wreckage and clean up debris.

Only a handful of county residents suffered only minor injuries due to the tornado.

“It’s devastating,” VanVickle said at a press conference back in 2015.

“My house is gone.”

VanVickle’s family was not at home when the storm struck shortly after 6:30 p.m. Thursday. His family dog escaped from the rubble.

“It definitely changed the family dynamic for us,” VanVickle said. “It brought us closer together. It does change you. The biggest thing was taking care of the kids. It was traumatic for them.”

COVID-19 & YOUR SAFETY

Operations have been increased at the request of the state

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Friday that county emergency operations have been increased at the request of the state.

Emergency preparations have involved planning possible sites for alternative housing for those involved with COVID-19 or increased requests for resources such as food or personal protective equipment.

“We have multiple sites in mind for alternative housing and we’ve started planning that,” VanVickle said. “We don’t anticipate a need at this point.”

VanVickle said the locations of

the alternative housing won’t be revealed to the public.

The sheriff’s office has been focused on increased requests for food and feeding everyone though food banks or panties. Local industries have helped with donating food, VanVickle said.

VanVickle called the county’s emergency operations a “clearing house for information.”

“It’s information on equipment or food or personal protective equipment,” VanVickle said. “It’s a one stop shop. For example, nursing homes can call and say what they need and that can be worked on.”

Planning is being done with surrounding counties on how to work together on an emergency. That could include more first responders or staff if necessary. Ogle does emergency operation activation drills around the Byron Nuclear Plant each year in preparation for a possible emergency.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

This is one of the emergency vehicles that can be used by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department. This vehicle was on display at the 2018 Ogle County Fair.

Rochelle kids “busy” practicing social distancing

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

Rochelle resident Amy Waddle was impressed with the way her children adhered to social distancing this week during nice weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo supplied.

Levi and Zachary Waddle of Rochelle usually spend their free time outside in their neighborhood playing street hockey, soccer and baseball.

This week, they sat on opposite sides of the street from their friends and talked for quite a while. They’re adhering to social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They did kick the ball back and forth across the street a little, though.

“It melts my heart that they’re following the rules but it breaks my heart that they can’t play like they used to,” the boys’ mom, Amy Waddle said. “Especially when their friends are right across the street.”

Amy felt so strongly about seeing the boys follow the rules that she submitted a photo to Shaw Media Illinois’ Good News program.

Amy said it’s been hard to explain to the boys, ages 11 and 7, why they can’t play like they normally do. She was especially worried because Levi has asthma

and the family does know some people who have been sick lately.

“Every house on our street has one and two kids between the ages of 2-14,” Waddle said.

“They’re constantly all outside.

They run across the street. It’s been quite a change for them.”

Waddle is a special education teacher at David L. Rahn Middle School in Mt. Morris through the Ogle County Educational Cooperative. She’s now schooling her own kids and some online with schools closed.

“I work with eighth graders, so it hurts knowing I might not get the chance to say goodbye to some of them,” Waddle said.

“After spring break is supposed to be the best time of the year.”

At Shaw Media Illinois, our journalists are working tirelessly to inform our communities of closings, cancellations, actions of state and local governments, and the ways in which our communities are adapting to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

But we know there is so much more positive news out there, and we want you to help us tell it.

Submit news at www.shawmediaillinois.com/goodnews/.

• Friday, April 17, 2020

GOOD NEWS

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Sheriff details current emergency operations

17

SPECIAL EVENT

Food bank’s mobile pantry visits Oregon

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

ABOVE: As the cars pulled up occupants were asked how many families they needed to provide for and were given that number of boxes. CENTER: A volunteer directs a vehicle over to a distribution station. BOTTOM LEFT: A vehicle with a sign of safety waits to pull into the lot. BOTTOM RIGHT: Cars lined on North Third Street in Oregon to file into the church’s lot.

Ogle County residents lined up in their vehicles along North Third Street in Oregon on Tuesday morning to pick up food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry.

Agency Area Leader Yvette Sellers was busy checking residents in as they arrived to pick up food items in the back parking lot of St. Mary’s Church in Oregon.

Sellers said she counted up 137 families picking up food in the first hour. “That is typically the busiest, but we’ll stay until 11:30 a.m.,” she said.

The mobile pantry makes regular visits to outlying areas within the group’s service area.

Food boxes included three meats, vegetables and several kinds of shelf stable foods.

As cars pulled up, occupants were asked how many families they needed to provide for and were given the appropriate number of boxes.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a non-profit organization that engages the community to solve hunger in Northern Illinois.

Manufacturers, local groceries, corporations, foundations, and individuals come together to donate food and funds, and evaluate and repack food for distribution to more than 900 partner feeding programs – the food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs that serve more than half a million people every year.

Northern Illinois Food Bank has centers in Geneva (West Suburban Center), Park City (North Suburban Center) Rockford (Northwest Center), and Joliet (South Suburban Center).

Find out how you can volunteer, donate or get involved at www.SolveHungerToday.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sheriff ’s office responds to calls via phone when possible

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com With confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ogle County nearing 20, Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Friday that there haven’t been any cases or issues with the pandemic in the county jail so far.

The jail was closed to visitors on March 13. Those visits can now be done remotely. Temperatures are being taken of those in the facility and questions about symptoms and contact are being asked. People being brought in for out-of-county warrants are being kept separate from Ogle inmates before they’re taken to other counties in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve been proactive on that for

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Ogle County Jail is located on the corner of Jefferson Street and South Fifth Street.

A new jail is currently under construction a block west of the current jail. school resource officers being freed up.

VanVickle hopes a nonactive community for now will mean a safer community.

Get free oak seedlings this week The Ogle County Solid Waste Department will be distributing free oak tree seedlings donated from the Living Lands & Waters Million Tree Project starting Thursday, April 18 until noon on Saturday, while supplies last.

There will be a total of 800 bur oak, red oak and swamp white oak trees available on a first come, first serve basis.

Open burning discouraged The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department discourages all open burning at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The open burning of landscape waste and ground vegetation is particularly risky at this time due to the smoke conditions produced by open burning and the possibility of uncontrolled fire spread.

Since the COVID-19 virus is a respiratory virus, nuisance smoke conditions can cause breathing issues and make pre-existing conditions, such as asthma,

“Intoxication of a driver is a significant amount of our calls,” VanVickle said. “People will still drink at home, but hopefully DUIs will be lessened.”

worse.

Nuisance smoke conditions may also make the impact of the virus worse on afflicted residents.

Also, when fires are uncontrolled and first responders are required, those personnel come in close contact during the response, and can spread out emergency personnel and resources unnecessarily.

Other means of dealing with landscape waste include mulching thatch and dead leaves with a mower, using a home compost pile for grass, leaves, and twigs, or having a waste hauler take it away.

It is recommended that local Ogle County residents only take up to 20 seedlings each to plant on their property while supplies last.

The seedlings can be picked up in the parking lot of the OCSWD on Pines Road in Oregon.

The Million Trees Project was initiated in 2007 to help further the Living Lands and Waters

Contact the OCSWMD at 815-7324020, on Facebook at Ogle County Solid waste Management Dept., or go to oglecounty.org.

Department cancels recycling for April due to COVID-19 The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, in following the state-wide guidelines for COVID-19 restrictions, has cancelled all recycling events scheduled for April.

The April 18 collection event for latex paint and paper shredding and the April 24 residential electronics are cancelled.

mission to protect, preserve and restore the natural environment of our nation’s major rivers and their watersheds.

The Project’s mission is to not only clean up the riverways, but to also enhance the watershed by planting native trees and removing invasive plants.

For more information, contact the Ogle County Solid Waste Department at 815-732-4020.

The May residential electronic recycling is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and Friday, May 29, if the state-wide restrictions are lifted.

The County Annex building, at 909 Pines Road in Oregon, is currently closed to the public and no entry is permitted.

No dumping of electronics or other items is permitted.

Call the OCSWMD office at 815-7324020 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or check the county website at www.oglecounty.org, or Facebook at Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department for more information.

• Friday, April 17, 2020

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

well over a month,” VanVickle said.

“We’re doing testing, social distancing, and using personal protective equipment. Those have all been in place for a while.”

VanVickle said his office has been following directions from the state on operations related to COVID-19.

Deputies and staff have been fitted for masks and are trying to respond to calls via phone when possible.

“If we see anything that endangers the community or people we’ll act,” VanVickle said. “It’s a change for response and enforcement. We’re still doing traffic stops.”

VanVickle said that if a call isn’t likely to end in an arrest it will be handled over the phone. The example he gave was a civil matter like phone harassment where deputies would just be talking to people to gather information. The sheriff’s office is still fully-staffed and doing regular patrols, he said.

Deputies are doing more building checks as well now that they are empty. More deputies are now available due to schools being closed and

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

No COVID-19 issues in Ogle County Jail so far

19

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 17, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

20

OREGON POLICE

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF

Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

Alyssa M. Beauchem, 28, of Oregon. No citations were issued.

April 6 Donald J. Bigham, 63, was issued a citation at 11 p.m. for smoking in public places. This violation occurred at the Oregon Laundromat, 210 S. 4th Street.

April 12 Samantha R. Norup, 25, of Byron, was arrested at 1:48 p.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for resisting a peace officer. Norup was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

April 8 At 12:43 a.m., police responded to a disturbance call in the 400 block of N. 3rd Street, resulting in the arrest of Michelle M. Hose, 39, of Oregon for domestic battery and resisting a peace officer. Hose was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

April 9 At 6:19 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 200 block of N. 3rd Street involving a 2017 Toyota driven by Anna J. Withers, 15, of Oregon, and a parked 2004 Chrysler belonging to

OBITUARIES JULIA GRACE MILLER (MUSGROVE) Julia Grace Miller (Musgrove), 85, of Delavan, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

She was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on Aug. 8, 1934 and graduated from Janesville High School.

She married her high school sweetheart James Harlan Miller on Aug. 16, 1952. They have five children, 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Julia was very devoted to her family.

They lovingly called her the Energizer

LARRY E. THIBEAULT Larry E. Thibeault, of Webster, Texas, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020, at his home in Texas.

Larry was born May, 22, 1952, in Dixon, the son of Joseph and Ethel (Sjoberg) Thibeault.

WANDA J. WIGGINS Wanda J. Wiggins, 93, of Polo, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Wanda was born July 1, 1926, in Pine Creek Township, the daughter of John D. and Ethel (Powell) Sheely. She attended and graduated from Eureka College with a teaching degree.

At 6:39 p.m., police investigated a car vs building traffic crash just west of the intersection of 2nd and W. Washington Streets where a 2007 Chevrolet driven by Jeffery A. Reber, 37, of Oregon, struck the corner of the building located at 201 W. Washington Street.

Reber was transported to KSB Hospital and then issued citations for driving while under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and driving while under the influence of alcohol with blood alcohol content greater

than .08%.

Jo Allen M. Taylor, 46, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 8:01 p.m. for speeding, 54 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 400 block of N. 4th Street.

Five parking citations issued April 6-12.

General calls for service through dispatch April 6-12 Checking a Subject / Vehicle........... 8 Citizen Complaints............................. 8 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem........... 2 Assist EMS / Other Dept....................3 Disturbance / Domestic Battery...... 5 911 Hang-up / Open Line................... 5 Lockout Vehicle / Building.................1 Open Door/Window............................1 Alarm Response...................................1 Ordinance Violations...........................1 Traffic Stops........................................ 2

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity April 9 Jesse Maberry, 76, of Oregon, was arrested at 8 a.m. for theft, less than $500. Deputies were dispatched in response to a report of a theft at 1382 N. Illinois 2. Maberry was released on an I-Bond and will appear in court at a later date.

Taunya Hollis-Jared, 48, of Rockford, was arrested at 2:02 p.m. for disorderly conduct, two outstanding Ogle County traffic warrants, and theft, less than $500, for a separate incident that took place on Feb. 2 at the same location at an address on East Valley View Drive. Hollis-Jared was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was held in lieu of bond.

Bunny because her stubbornness in life always kept her going.

She had the “Miller” sense of humor which made people laugh.

Julia had a green thumb.

Her love of flowers and plants spoke for itself, as she had an array of beautiful plants and flowers throughout her home inside and out.

She loved the Lord, her church, her family and her friends. Julia grew up in the Footville, Wisconsin area but lived most of her adult life in Northern Illinois

in Mt. Morris.

She is survived by her children: Dwight (Ruth) Miller, Laura (Ron) Barker, David (Renee) Miller, Robin (Bob) Lafever and Lowell (Jani) Miller; Sibling in-laws: William (Dorothy) Miller and Robert (Linda) Miller; Grandchildren: John (Tara) Miller, Erika (Jared) James, Abbey Miller, David Miller, TJ (deceased) (Melissa) Bowker, Tiffany (Ron) Berry, Randy (Melanie) Bowker, Alyssa Bowker, Nelo Barker, Jamie Barker, Shara Miller, Kendra Miller, Julie (Richard) Byrd, Mark Lafever, Taylor

Lafever, Savannah Grace Lafever, Quincy (Daniel) Biadog and Zachary Miller.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, James Miller; parents: Ernest and Lottie Musgrove; parent in-laws: Fred and Lula Miller; siblings: Edith (Chuck) Shuman, John (Hope) Musgrove, Vernon (Jeanette) Musgrove; sister in-law: Florence (John) Fox; grandson: TJ Bowker.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic around us, a private family visitation and a virtual service at Betzer Funeral Home were held.

She was laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery, Evansville.

He owned Bug Free in Texas for over 20 years.

Larry graduated from Polo High School where he enjoyed playing basketball during those years. Spending time with family and friends was what he looked forward to most in a day.

Survivors include fiancé Karen Kava-

naugh; daughter Jackie Thibeault of Texas; sons Joseph Lee Thibeault of Missouri, Jeff Thibeault of Tennessee; sisters Shirley Maines of Polo and Irene Short of Polo; brother George (Sharon) Bowser of Marion, Illinois; three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents;

two sons Jeremy and John; and sister JoAnne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with a memorial being announced at that time.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

On April 15, 1950 in Polo, she was united in marriage to Thomas “Tom” Wiggins. She taught for many years and retired from Polo Community School District.

Wanda attended Pine Creek Christian Church for many years and was a devoted Christian.

She loved her husband and family

dearly, but had a special spot in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wanda was very fond of working with kids which made teaching that much greater.

Survivors include sons Thomas (Susan) Wiggins, Tim (Brenda) Wiggins, and Todd (Marta) Wiggins; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her husband Tom; two sons Joseph and Theodore; granddaughter Tara; three sisters; three brothers.

All services will be private with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Polo. A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

‘It’s abnormal, daunting and a change of pace for our officers.’

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

people by phone or outside rather than in homes for less serious incidents.

If you call for OPD to respond to your home, DeHaan asks that you let the department know if someone there is not feeling well.

“We’re minimizing the amount of time officers spend even in the office here,” DeHaan said. “Mostly they’re staying in their vehicles.

We’re working on this even amongst ourselves.”

$45,000. * Kenyon Brothers Co. to Doane Holding Inc., one parcel in Lynnville Township, $191,161. * Elizabeth and Brandon K. Eisenberg to Ryan J. Knoll, 401 W. Third St., Byron, $147,000. * Kevin P. and Victoria L. Pemberton to Amber Browning, 607 S. Third St., Rochelle, $69,000. * Bradley D. Fink to William T. Carden, 1118 N. Shadow Wood Drive, Byron, $193,000. * Jason M. McQueary to Jeremy Bruns, 244 E. Oak Grove Road, Byron, $380,000. * Dustin and Wendy Harriett, also Mitchell, to Matthew and Nicole M. Linder, one parcel in Buffalo Township, $167,000. * US Bank to Emilio Manuel Monroy, 1248 Tilton Park Road, Rochelle,

$76,500. * German-American State Bank to Aaron J. and Cristina M. Ainley, 105 Pacific St., Davis Junction, $90,000. * Atip Bajrami to Gary M. and Marge A. Wingert, 6543 N. Kathryn Road, Byron, $222,500. * Micheal C. and Rebecca K. Benge to Joshua D. and Holly A. Larson, 206 Parkview Drive, Oregon, $165,000. * Linda A. Swanson to Mark L., Joellen K. and Colton Winterton, one parcel in Leaf River Township, $222,441.

Ogle County On March 13, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle closed the county jail to visitors. Visits will now be done remotely. Intake policies have also been changed. Temperatures are being taken and questions are being asked.

People being brought in for outof-county warrants are being kept separate from Ogle inmates before they’re taken to other counties in an effort to fight the spread of COVID19.

As far as staff and patrol officers, they are being fitted for masks and temperatures are being taken. The Sheriff’s Office also implemented many of the policies that Oregon and other departments have such as limiting officers’ time in the office.

“Last week we started implementing a lot of the policies other departments are using,” VanVickle said.

“We’re doing more by phone and dispatch.”

VanVickle said his deputies are doing more building checks as well now that they are empty. He also has more deputies at his disposal due to schools being closed and school resource officers being freed up.

VanVickle hopes a nonactive community for now will mean a safer community.

“Intoxication of a driver is a significant amount of our calls,” VanVickle said. “People will still drink at home, but hopefully DUIs will be lessened.”

VanVickle is in charge of much of the emergency operations in the county. He did say that emergency operation is currently at level two, which is partial activation. That just means more planning is being done with surrounding counties in case of an emergency. That could include more first responders or staff.

“It’s pre-planning for down the road,” VanVickle said. “Putting ideas in place of what needs might be. We’re prepared. We do nuclear plant drills every year with emergency operation activation.”

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers recorded week of April 3-9.

Warranty Deeds • Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Jeff M. Foster, 507 N. All Saints Drive, Byron, $46,080. * Josette Angelique and John Barker to Dale H. and Laura J. Pitzer, 211 Miami Drive, Dixon, $220,000. * Kenneth R. and Eric R. Drucks to Patricia S. Day, 2724 N. Fawn Ridge Circle, Oregon, $155,000. * Stone Financing LLC to Jennifer L. Schroll, 1043 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $135,000. * Matthew R. and Sarah M. Gillam to Stone Financing LLC, 1043 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $135,000. * First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust 2006ff1, US Bank, trustee, to Frank R. Nasca, 908 N. Eighth St., Rochelle,

Quit Claim Deeds • 3 Bertos LLC to Lothan LLC, 908 Lakeview Drive, Rochelle, $61,500. * Christopher Mitchell to Wendy Harriett, 512 W. Mason St., Polo, $0. * Stone Hill LLC to Robert and Jennifer Marth, 405 E. Colton St., Polo, $20,504.21.

Trustee’s Deeds • Teresa Loyo Revocable Trust, Teresa Loyo, trustee, to Keith E. and Lynne M. Sondgeroth, 1603 Warrenton Court, Byron, $163,000. * Kathleen M. and George R. Tabor Trust 101, Kathleen M. and George R. Tabor, trustees, to Christopher L. and Isabel Wolter, 3906 S. Daysville Road, Oregon, $150,000. * Jack L. and Jean A. Allum Trust, Deanna Granston, trustee, to Richard J. and Janaan K. Harms, 2765 W. Pines Road, Oregon. * Raymond E. and Ruth Ann Keating Living Trust, Raymond E. and Douglas R. Keating, trustees, to Lyle H. and Linda R. Devries, 16584 W. Harper Road, Forreston, $834,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County! - Call 815- 732-6166, ext. 5306 to subscribe!

• Friday, April 17, 2020

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, local law enforcement has had to adjust to policing a nonactive community, or at least one that’s supposed to be nonactive.

“It’s abnormal, daunting and a change of pace for our officers,” said former Oregon Police Chief Darin DeHaan said. “All the time we’re used to spending around the schools, restaurants and bars, it’s a strange feeling.”

Law enforcement like the Oregon Police Department and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office have changed policies and protocols to protect the public as well as officers during the situation. They’ve also noticed differences since much of the county closed due to state and federal recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

DeHaan said calls are down for response on all different types of

issues. Bars are closed, and those are common to get calls from. And people who usually call for minor things aren’t right now. But vigilance is still high, DeHaan said.

“We’re trying to be more visible,” DeHaan said. “We’re worried about people taking advantage of the situation. We’re making sure empty buildings are secure.”

OPD has been checking on local grocery stories daily and making sure there aren’t issues with low stock or those looking to buy in a panic. There haven’t been issues yet, but DeHaan said if there are, contingencies are in place for the Illinois State Police to assist.

DeHaan, who is now Oregon’s city administrator, said the department hasn’t seen large gatherings.

Health officials are recommending that gatherings of more than 10 not take place. Protocols and plans with other departments to disperse people if necessary are being worked on.

“We’re not going to make a mass arrest,” DeHaan said. “The first step is education. But we have the authority to disperse that crowd with it being a state of emergency.”

OPD is asking all people to not make non-essential visits to the station. Officers may ask to speak to

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

COVID-19 prompts different approach for police

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Classified advertising Send A Smile With A

HAPPY AD

Happy 12th Birthday Patrick!

Love, Great Grandma

815-284-7653 OR 815-626-7653 OGLE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS

LEGAL NOTICES

101

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUITCOUNTY OF OGLE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: No. 2020-P-31 SUSAN M. BENESH, Deceased.

CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Susan M. Benesh. Letters of office were issued on March 23, 2020 to Todd Benesh, 2445 N. German Church Road, Oregon, Illinois 61061, as Executor, whose attorney is Kim D. Krahenbuhl, WilliamsMcCarthyLLP, 607 Washington Street, P.O. Box 339, Oregon, Illinois 61061.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both, within six months from the date of first publication of this notice, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

Dated this 26th day of March, 2020.

TODD BENESH, Independent Executor For the Estate of SUSAN M. BENESH, DeceasedKim D. Krahenbuhl WILLIAMS MCCARTHYLLPP.O. Box 339 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-2101 kkrahenbuhl@wilmac.com April 3,10,17, 2020

Need to place an ad?

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815-625-3600 815-284-2222

VOLUNTEERS

126

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar roll.com

BUSINESS PROPERTY

205

Building for lease: apx., 4200 sq. ft., laydown area apx 2 acres, (2) 12'x 14' OHD shop area & office.

815-626-8790

FOR SALE

BY OWNER

209

CEMETERY LOTS

226

Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling IL Four Family Lots For Sale (Section D) $450 each contact Kim at 480-818-0562

ROCK FALLS EFFICIENCIES! -InclusiveClean & Quiet 815-626-8790*

MOBILE HOMES 315 FOR RENT

CHILD CARE

512

NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is lispecifically censed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in it's care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes.

The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

WANT TO BUY 795

FRANKLIN GROVE ★★ 2 BR ★★ F.G. 815-751-2712

ROCK FALLS 1 & 2BR Hampton Apts.

815-625-7043

STERLING Sinnissippi Townhomes Spacious 2/3BR 2 story townhomes Central air, Good location. Laundry hookup.

(815)626-1130.

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, Antiques, etc. 24/7 779-245-2950

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE Four 20” 6 Bolt Chrome GMC Wheels. 60” Dozer/Snow Blade fits Simplicity legacy

(815) 440-5978

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE See More Online Photos, Commerce, Expanded Text ➛Look for WEB ID ➛Log on to: www.saukvalley. com classifieds ➛Enter the WEB ID in the WEB ID Box ➛View Photos, Expanded Text BUY ONLINE!! saukvalley.com CLASSIFIEDS

LIVESTOCK / SUPPLIES

840

DISABLED LIVESTOCK WANTED Top Prices Paid Call toll free 815-871-2697

SCHAAP LIVESTOCK

Keep In Touch Your newspaper keeps you connected to the faces, places, information and events that matter most to you.

Our print, online and mobile access has made it easier than ever to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in our community and around the world.

Call today to subscribe 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 Oregon Republican Reporter Mt. Morris Times Tri-County Press Forreston Journal

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Routes Available Now Dixon

4th Ave, Graham, Hubbell (Rt. 3102 - 58 customers) 1st-4th Ave, Palmyra St, Hill Dr (Rt. 3107 - 83 customers) Marclare, Apple, Brinton, Washington (Rt. 3081 - 90 customers)

Pass the Middleman…

Sterling and Rock Falls Several routes available! Call for more details.

CELEBRITY CIPHER by Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAY’S CLUE: X equals F

“JU YKPVOPTO AZBEO BT JU A P K T B T O P E D P. B E P W P K Y B W P S A B E V J V O D G . . . . B X B Y G O S E O B R O G P RV T O

Previous Solution: “You’ve got to go after your dreams. If you don’t make an effort, nothing’s ever going to change.” -- Kevin James

est. 1851

CALL 815-625-3600 EXT. 5301 Telegraph • 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

BEWARE OF INTERNET PUPPY SCAMS!

(c) 2017 by NEA, Inc., dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication 4-17

Snap Up a Deal in the Classifieds Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

815-625-3600 815-284-2222

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Visit the American Kennel Club website (www.akc.org) for tips on how to avoid getting scammed and to find a responsible dog breeder.

If you have been the victim of a scam, report it to your local authorities and your local BBB (www.bbb.org)

Get the Best Price for Your Car!

Call today to place an ad

815-625-3600 815-284-2222

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• Friday, April 17, 2020

HVRR.” -- HFZKE HZKY

Call for available Motor Routes!

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LOOKING FOR QUALITY NEWSPAPER CARRIERS

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Find Crossword Answers in today’s classifieds

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

Advertise Your Rentals in Ogle County Classifieds

Call

625-3600 or 284-2222 Astrograph Be secretive until you have formulated a plan and everything is in place.

Giving someone too much leeway will make your life difficult. It’s up to you to take care of your affairs if you want things to run smoothly. Your achievements will result in a memorable year.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Your charm and helpful suggestions will win favors.

Make sure that you don’t commit to something you don’t have the time or money to complete. Moderation will be required.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Consider your motives. To judge others without taking a good look at yourself isn’t going to help. Focus on educational pursuits, honest conversations and meaningful relationships.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Delegate your time wisely. You don’t want to neglect someone special or fall short when it comes to promises you made.

Consider an interesting offer.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Deceit is apparent when it comes to partnerships. You should be direct in all matters and look at each situation you face in detail.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Intelligent banter will encourage others to take you seriously. Participate in events that will raise your profile. The contributions you make will change your life. Romance is on the rise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Moderation will help you sidestep a problem. Distance yourself from people who overspend, exaggerate and promote indulgence.

Discipline and sticking to a routine are in your best interest. Romance is favored.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- A creative idea will push you in an unexpected direction. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone else. Stop worrying about what others think and do what’s best for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Keep jealousy under control. A loved one will not be impressed if you are overly possessive. Focus on being unique, innovative and independent. Make a longoverdue lifestyle change.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Someone will reveal your secrets if you share your inner thoughts. Don’t jeopardize your reputation or believe everything you hear. Rely on experience, intelligence and charm to get ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Deal swiftly with inevitable changes. The less time you spend laboring over something you cannot change, the easier it will be to step into something new and exciting.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Take a deep breath and forge into the future with optimism. Personal gains, new beginnings and a positive lifestyle change await. Put the past to rest.

Romance is on the rise.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Reach out to people you have enjoyed collaborating with in the past. Attend a reunion or visit places and do things you used to enjoy. Choose to be positive. ©2020 UFS