Oregon Republican Reporter

H E AT I N G A N D A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G

815.625.HVAC loescherhvac.com

VOLUME 170 NO. 12 • SERVING OGLE COUNTY SINCE 1851

COUNTY NEWS

FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 • $1.00

SPRING SHOPPING

Parks Reopen

White Pines and Lowden reopen just in time for the weekend. / 16

REGIONAL NEWS

$100 A Head An area hog farmer sells his stock for $100 a head. / 13

2020 Graduation Ogle County

schools are trying to figure out how to have commencements. / 11

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Stephanie Barnes of Sycamore picks out plants at Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers in Oregon on May. 2. The greenhouse did a brisk business after Illinois Governor JB Prtizker eased his executive order to allow greenhouses to reopen.

One Section - 20 Pages

INDEX Ag News....................13 Barn Fire................... 10 Betty’s Column......... 4 Blood Drive................ 8

Church News............12 Classifieds......... 19-20 Library News..........7-8 Marriage Licenses.... 9

Otto’s Column........... 6 Property Transfers...16 Public Voice............... 8 Sports........................14

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Nancy Jo Bingham, Scott R. Bowers, Bobby L. Bull, Theresa M. Hoover, Betty J. Rucker, Thomas A. Shouer, Shirley L. Smith, , Pages 17-18

Oregon Republican Reporter / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 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.

Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com.

You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.

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

SCHOOL NEWS

Students start picking up belongings District ends school year a week early

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Oregon school district students and parents returned to the school one last time this week to pick up locker belongings.

Staff worked to pack up the belongings and pickup times were staggered and took place on separate days.

The district made the choice to end the school year a week early due to the current online system being used with COVID-19 putting a halt to in-person learning in March.

“Our originally scheduled last day of school was May 20, but we are aware that some of our students have been struggling with completing their assigned work during remote learning,” Superintendent Tom Mahoney wrote in a Facebook post. “To address this, we have moved the last day for new work to be due to May 13.

May 14-20 will be used for students to make up missing and incomplete assignments. Students who have no missing or incomplete work must still report attendance due to the state requiring 174 days of attendance.

Teachers will be putting in extra work with students during that week. If miss-

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

Faculty members and helpers at Oregon High School helped students find their personal belongings May 5 at the Blackhawk Center. Through the end of the week, students will be allowed to pick up their items during specific times. ing or incomplete work is expected from students during May 14-20, they will be notified by the school they attend.

“Families, it is our hope that by providing this additional time and support to your student(s) they can complete the

work necessary to move on next school year,” Mahoney wrote. “As I have stated previously, if you are facing difficulty, please reach out to your child’s teacher or principal, and we will work with you to support your child.”

ICON UPDATE

Iron Mike in holding pattern due to COVID -19 Mayor wants it back in place ‘as soon as possible’

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Oregon Mayor Ken Williams envisions a reopened Oregon this summer with citizens and their pets able to use the iconic “Iron Mike” fountain near the Ogle County Courthouse.

But those things can’t happen yet.

After the statue was removed over the winter to be cleaned before it can be moved further away from the road, COVID-19 delayed work that needs to be done by gathering volunteers. Williams recently spoke with the committee in charge of Iron Mike and couldn’t give a completion date.

“The project is ready to go, you just need volunteers,” Williams said.

In recent years, a car jumped the curb near the fountain near Washington Street and Illinois 2 and came within inches of hitting it. The statue is made out of a material that would shatter, not bend. It was decided that Iron Mike had to be moved from the parkway to inside the sidewalk on county property.

The decades-old fountain will be placed with old paving bricks. An engineering plan is in place. Some construction workers will be donating time. Williams said he’s unsure if the fountain has been painted, cleaned and sandblasted yet as planned.

Iron Mike has three drinking levels, one for dogs, one for horses and one for people. The landscaping around it will be done by the city and county once it’s reinstalled.

“We want to get it done as soon as possible,” Williams said. “It would be nice to have that symbol out there when Oregon gets back up and running.”

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Marseyne Snow of Oregon visited the historic Iron Mike water fountain in 2018 with two of her Bernese Mountain dogs. The public fountain is a popular stop for dog walkers and their furry friends.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Rochelle Foods reopens

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Ogle County stood at 140 COVID19 cases as of Tuesday. Two county deaths have taken place thus far and 47 individuals have recovered from the virus.

Some of the county, such as golf courses and some state parks,

reopened on May 1 with restrictions. Masks are now required at nearly all public places.

Many of Ogle County’s COVID19 cases stemmed from an outbreak at Hormel’s Rochelle Foods plant.

The plant reopened Monday after being closed for two weeks and test-

ing all of its nearly 900 employees.

There were 123 confirmed cases at the plant, some of those individuals live outside the county.

With its reopening, the plant is taking additional safety measures such as deep cleaning of high-touch areas, reconfiguration of common

areas and workstations, revised shift scheduling, new guidelines on carpooling and more extensive social distancing measures.

The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 98 cases in the 61068 zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White Rock.

Stillman Valley and Byron’s zip code, 61084, has six cases in it according to the IDPH site.

Pritzker announces regional, phased-in plan for reopening economy

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a plan for the gradual reopening of the state’s economy on a region-by-region basis on Tuesday, but suggested it could take several months or even a year before the state fully reopens.

Public Health’s emergency medical service regions. They include a northeast region, primarily Chicago and its surrounding suburbs; a north-central region; a central region; and a southern region.

The first phase, known as the “Rapid Spread”, is what all of Illinois was in from mid-March through the end of April. During that phase, a strict stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only

essential businesses remain open.

Beginning May 1, all of Illinois moved into the second phase.

Pritzker also said the General Assembly might begin meeting before the end of May to address a handful of critical issues, including the state budget.

Read more and see a map of the regions at www.oglecountynews. com

It only takes a second... to change your life.

Tammy and Robin

Scholl Insurance Agency, Inc Family Owned and Operated For 115 Years Polo • 815-946-2324

www.schollinsurance.com

• Friday, May 8, 2020

“Until we have a vaccine or an effective treatment or enough widespread immunity that new cases fail to materialize, the option

of returning to normalcy doesn’t exist,” Pritzker said during his daily briefing in Chicago on Tuesday.

“That means we have to learn how to live with COVID-19 until it can be vanquished.”

Pritzker outlined the “Restore Illinois” plan that divides the state into four regions and lays out the criteria for each one to move through five stages of reopening.

The four regions are drawn around the Illinois Department of

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Ogle County at 140 COVID-19 cases as of May 5

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

LOCAL HISTORY

At least the bluebells have cooperated this year

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society Some warm days have arrived that have been perfect for sitting in the sun.

This is the time of the year when we always enjoyed heading for the lime kiln. The blue bells would be in bloom and the drive-way headed back to the lime kiln would be a touch of blue.

I had some in Eagle Point but they never seemed to take off and instead I would find myself having to weed them each year.

No one had to weed those in the woods that lined the driveway back to the lime kiln so why couldn’t mine do what they were supposed to do?

Then we moved to town and I dug some and attempted to grow some at that place. Still they did not do well.

I resigned myself to just driving by the entrance to the lime kiln since the blue bells seemed to be everywhere and one could see them from the main road.

Then we moved again and this spring I heard someone say, “Mom, you have blue bells growing in the flower bed near the grocery store.”

There they were coming up everywhere and I do not even have to weed them! They take care of themselves and all I have to do is sit in the sun and enjoy them.

I haven’t even wanted to go to the lime kiln even though I am certain the blue bells are lovely

as they line the woods along Galena Trail Road.

I wonder what the people thought as they traveled the trail years ago. Did they stop and look at the flowers along the way or were they in too much of a hurry to reach their destination?

This week I have been busy searching through my columns of past years after receiving an email from Carol Ames George. Does that name ring a bell? It did for me when she introduced herself.

She is the daughter of John Ames who graduated from Polo High School many years ago.

She is also the granddaughter of Daniel Franklin Ames of Elgin who bought the Polo creamery in 1938 or 1939. I told her we came to Polo in 1938

so we arrived at the same time in this community.

John and his brother, Chuck Ames were excellent Polo athletes and I remember my father talking about them.

Carol wondered about the blast of the creamery in 1943 and did I know anything about it?

Of course I did and I had at the museum a wonderful file of all the information. But we were under quarantine and I was not leaving the house.

I remembered writing about it and could I find it? I had no clue as to the year and so I started in looking through all my columns I had stored in my computer. Finally a column named, “Florida Phone Call” made me wonder what that was about. It was March 1, 2015 and the Column Gods were with me.

It was a call from John Gillot of Florida wanting to know the names of our milk dairies of Polo.

I started to name them and finally he said he thought it was now a funeral home. I said, “That’s the one that blew up.”

That got me into writing about the dairies and the explosion.

In just a few minutes time I could send three columns and a list of all the dairies in Polo to Carol and she was delighted.

When I get to the museum, I will pull the file and send her more material. But for now, computers are amazing.

Protection For Your Farm & Home Insurance Needs People helping people. It’s an idea as old as civilization itself and it’s theconcept behind your local Mutual Insurance Company.

Since 1877

Christy Partner Eastman Your Trusted Mortgage

2 W. Main Street Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Other locations: Rockford . Freeport . Belvidere

NMLS # 461022

Phone Number: 815.291.4023 www.unionsavingsbank.com

Stability • Service • Strength

SM-ST1775525

815-938-2273 • 800-938-2270 www.fmic.org

FORRESTON SCHOOLS

5

option for students to remove their face covering during individual recognition.

Participants must pre-register to assist in overall planning at www. surveymonkey.com/r/Class2020CelebrationRSVP. The event is limited in number of vehicles and is not open to grandparents, aunt/uncles, other family members or close friends.

Streaming options will be available and communicated in the near future and the celebration will be broadcast live by WCCI 100.3 FM. In addition, specific check points will be in place to verify pre-registered attendees as well as face covering for all individuals.

“More information regarding specific parameters for this day will be sent as they become available,” the school’s website said.

Visit www.fvdistrict221.org for more information.

Check out What’s Cookin’ www.rockrivercenter.org & on Facebook Rock River Center, Inc. wishes to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all of our 2020 What’s Cookin’ Sponsors. We hope to see everyone at next year’s event,

Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Barnacopia 2570 North Westbranch Road • Polo, IL

SAVE THE DATE!

Gourmet: Barnacopia, Ogle County Beef Association, Exelon Knife: Stillman Valley Lions Club, Oregon Healthcare Pharmacy, KSB Fork: Central Bank, Matsock Insurance, Shawn Blobaum Thrivent Financial Tablespoon: Ogle County Cook & Rec., Sterling Federal Bank, Stillman Bank

An eye exam is a good idea, especially if things are starting to look a little fuzzy around the edges.

Dr. Kurt K. Nelson Optometrist

629 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois • 815-284-6866 Member of the American Optometric Association.

Therapeutic Licensed.

Teaspoon: The Flower Patch, The Kitchen Table, Ogle County Cooking Team, Berry View Orchard, Moring Disposal Pinch: Lynnies Kitchen, Oregon Living & Rehab. Center, Serenity Hospice & Home, Hairy Cow Brewing Co., Village Bakery, Hazel’s, Mount Morris Senior Center, Bonvallet Dental

A Fundraiser For The Rock River Center

815-732-3252

SM-ST1777495

• Friday, May 8, 2020

Forreston High School will be providing a “Drive-In Celebration” for the Class of 2020 on Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m.

Students must arrive in cap and gown at FHS with their parents and siblings who are staying at home together, to view and listen to the graduation ceremony from their vehicles.

The ceremony will take place in the east parking lot. Students will be allowed to exit their vehicle for individual recognition and the district will ensure photos are taken and provided to families.

Only students and staff will be allowed to exit their vehicle and no restroom facilities will be available.

Each attendee will be required to pre-register for the event and all individuals, including students, staff, and family members must wear a face covering throughout the celebration.

The only exception includes the

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Having Fun • Helping Others Drive-in celebration for Celebrity Judges • Great Food Cash Bar Forreston students May 17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

LOCAL HISTORY

White Rock Burg used to be a large settlement 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 White Rock Township is one of the six Ogle County Townships that lies east of the third Principal Meridian.

Traveling east on Rt. 64 you cross Meridian Road located west of Kings.White-Rock Township contains 16 one square sections of land with Section 16 designated as a school section.

Most of the early settlers settled at White-Rock Grove along Stillman Creek in 1837. This area was where the early settlers observed a layer of snow white rock formation embedded in the limestone bluffs.

The Chicago and Iowa trail passed through the township and was one of the main trails during the settlement of Ogle County.

It entered White-Rock Township east of the town of Lindenwood located in Lynville Township. At Lindenwood, the trail branches two ways: the north fork goes to Byron and on to Dubuque, Iowa and the south fork goes through White Rock Burg, Payne’s Point, Oregon and on to Central Iowa.

During the Civil War, White Rock Burg was one the largest settlements in eastern Ogle County. Civil War news was sent to Chicago over the telegraph lines.

White Rock Burg received the Civil War news from the stage coach traveling from Chicago that stopped there on their way through Oregon, etc.

The White Rock Union Church was where the young men of the community met on Aug. 11, 1862, to

TOP LEFT: Around 1850 John Hayes built a square stone house built to withstand storm, earthquakes and other disasters. The stone was hauled by ox carts and cut on the premises. The lookout on the top was a place to observe the workers in the fields. Three generations of the Hayes family lived there. TOP RIGHT: Captain Campbell is buried here in White Rock Cemetery. Photos by Otto Dick enlist in Co. H. 92nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. Later White Rock Burg was the busiest place for miles around.

White Rock Burg had two stores, two blacksmith shops, harness shop, a shoemaker, a country doctor and a tavern.

King’s Station (now Kings) was founded in 1876. During WWI, the Chicago, Rockford and Northern Railroad ran seven passenger trains a day between Rockford and Rochelle.

We have a photo of the Kings Depot at the Oregon Depot. Veterans from Oregon traveled to and from Camp Grant located where the Rockford Airport is now located.

At one time Saturday nights in

Kings were a very busy place. In the 1920s the businessmen sponsored a “Community Sing”. In the 1830s they sponsored free movies on the street.

Around 1850 John Hayes built a square stone house built to withstand storm, earthquakes and other disasters. The stone was hauled by ox carts and cut on the premises.

The lookout on the top was a place to observe the workers in the fields.

Three generations of the Hayes family lived there and now this home is owned by Melvin Nefstead.

A mile west of this house is the Capt.

John Campbell farm.

A stone marker marks the spot where the Banditti shot John Campbell in his backyard. John was Cap-

tain of the Regulators organized to drive out the Banditti outlaws. This was before we had law and order in Ogle County.

Marilyn and I like to discover Ogle County with our maps for evening drives. There are many places that no longer exist and name changes.

In White Rock Township the Village of Whiterock Gap no longer exists and Kings station is now named Kings.

The railroad passing through Kings once had seven passenger trains each day. A college friend of Marilyn is buried at White Rock Cemetery. We stood up for her at her wedding and she sang at our wedding at the old Stone Church in Oregon.

were severely damaged. Cost of repair, material replacement and cleaning was $570.13. The Library was closed to the public for one week.

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.

We Now Have Overdrive for E Books!

Readers may browse OPL’s digital collection, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free with a valid library card. This service is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets and Chromebook™ without wait lists or holds.

Through Libby, readers can also “send

OREGON LIBRARY “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling.

Did You Know?

In January 1933, a small fire, probably from faulty electric wiring in the basement of the west wing of the Library, burned and charred a section of the floor of the children’s room. 200 books were totally destroyed and 481 books

(Information compiled from historical documents found in cupboards in the Library office and Ogle County Reporter Jan. 18, 1933.)

Library Closure Due to the shelter in place order the Oregon Public Library will be closed until

See OREGON LIBRARY, Page 7

FORRESTON LIBRARY eBooks/WiFi Even though the library is closed, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360 and Biblioboard.

If you would like more information on creating an account, please message us on Facebook 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.

Preschool Outreach If your preschooler would like to receive a story page and activity sheet through the mail, please call the library

at 815-938-2624 or message us on Facebook or through email.

Census 2020 Local and state funding depends on an accurate count for the census. If you haven’t completed yours, please do.

Everybody counts!

POLO LIBRARY Temporary Library Building Closure 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.

Online Resources You are still be able to use Axis 360, OMNI/Overdrive, Libby, and Biblioboard for e-resources (books, audio books) and we will continue to share resources on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ pololibrary) to help fill the gap while you can’t use the library.

Continued from Page 6 to Kindle®”. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees.

Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use. To get started enjoying ebooks, audiobooks and more, visit https://omnilibraries.overdrive. com/ or download Libby today.

Library Cards Do you have a library card?! Oregon Public Library is issuing library cards remotely to residents during the current closure to access our digital collection.

A library card is available to anyone who lives within the Oregon Public Library District. Please share with someone that may not have a library card! Click here for more information! http://oregonpubliclibrary.com/ services/library-cards/.

Big News!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mt. Morris and Oregon Public Libraries are temporarily waiving non resident fees and offering that anyone living within the boundaries of the Oregon Unit School District can sign up for a tempo-

Materials Renewed All currently checked out materials have been renewed until May 29th 2020 Summer Reading Program June 1- July 31 “Dig Deeper: Read,

rary library card.

This special digital card will allow access to the library’s electronic resources for a limited time period which will be helpful in supporting students’ e-learning as well as meet other informational and recreational needs.

This temporary card is valid until Sept. 1.

To apply for a free temporary card, please visit http://oregonpubliclibrary. com/services/library-cards/ to complete the online form or email Mt. Morris library at mmlib@mtmorris-il.org.

Senior Chats! - NEW Are you home alone, would you like a call from your favorite library staff member? Call the Oregon Public Library 815-732-2724 and leave a message with two days of the week that work, what time of day and who you would like to speak with from the library.

We don’t want anyone feeling isolated during this unusual time and we miss our patrons!

What Ya Watchin’ Wednesdays every other Wednesday Join the Library Director, Hilaree Lombardo and Adult Programmings, Cari Berg to discuss what you are watching during shelter-in-place. We will share

Investigate, Discover!”

Our 2020 Summer Reading Program has gone digital! We have programs for all ages. Visit our website, pololibrary. org, to register.

Polo Library History 150 Years Ago From History of Ogle County Literary Society - Public Library According to board meeting minutes of May 24, 1871: The site was chosen, it being upon the main business street and therefore easy of access, yet being away from the noise and bustle and dust of the business and therefore more pleasant for young people, especially for

our thoughts on various television shows, Netflix series, Movies, Podcasts, and more. Visit our Facebook page for the Zoom link to our next discussion on May 6 at 7 p.m. Of course, we will cover The Tiger King!

Trivia Night - May 13, 6 p.m.

We will be using Crowdpurr for our Trivia format as long as we are under shelter-in-place. Check our Facebook posts for the link to the website.

Video Story Time We are continuing to post a Video Story Time to our Facebook page every Thursday while the Library is closed.

It might be just stories and suggested activities or maybe some off- site guests. So check out the Oregon Public Library Facebook page.

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) TumbleBooks - eBooks for eKids! is a collection of animated talking picture

ladies wishing to visit library rooms.

Wi-Fi Access Wi-Fi is still available outside of the library building by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password.

Questions?

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815-946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary.org.

We sincerely hope that everyone stays healthy and safe during this time. 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.

2020 Census As of April 12, Oregon’s Census response rate is 67.1% but we can get to 100%!

The 2020 Census will ask a few simple questions about you and everyone who is or will be living with you on April 1, 2020. It takes only a few minutes to complete. Online Response -Visit my2020census.gov to begin.

Please note that if you are responding online, you must complete the census in one sitting, as you don’t have the ability to save your progress. Phone Response English: 844-330-2020.

Phone lines are open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The Oregon Public Library is located at 300 Jefferson Street in Oregon. 815732-2724.

• Friday, May 8, 2020

• OREGON LIBRARY

Need a Library Card?

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 email library@ pololibrary.org for more information.

7 OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Library Closure To help prevent the spread of COVID19, Forreston Public Library will remain closed until further notice All programs/activities are cancelled and all due dates have been extended.

You may return materials in the book drop at any time.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

COMMUNITY EVENT

Blood drive in Chana is May 27

Chana United Methodist Church, located at 606 Main Street in Chana, will host its annual Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 27.

Staff from the Rock River Valley Blood Center will draw blood between 2-6 p.m. In our current world, with the coronavirus, this year’s blood drive is more crucial

than ever.

The center’s staff has stressed that all safety precautions will be in place. Staff will be wearing masks and donors should also wear masks.

Tables and chairs will be spaced 6’ apart in all areas. Appointments will be needed to avoid crowding.

Donors must be at least 17 years

old (16 with parental consent), weight at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. First time donors should bring a photo ID. All blood types are needed.

Senate “tied up in an impeachment procedure.” When there is an impeachment trail going on, the Senate can do nothing else, period.

Trump has tried to get money to the people, a bill with just that issue. Nancy Pelosi had attached riders for the Clinton Foundation and for abortion, both issues are irrelevant to this crisis, thus the money for the people got delayed.

Paraphrasing Charlie Resse: The 100 Senators, 435 Congressmen, one President and nine Supreme Court Justice’s equal 545 people, 100% responsible for all the domestic issues and problems that affect the 300 million rest of us. But, the biggest problems are the

self-serving, professional politicians. they have failed to properly represent their constituents.

Donald Trump is a “businessman” who thinks and works like a businessman. He has stirred up a whole lot of ‘taboo issues” of the professional politicians, things that are hurting the people. we need to listed to what he says and not how he says it.

He is brash and oftentimes obnoxious, but he gets things done.

He always has worked “shoulder to shoulder” with his employees and he sincerely wants what is best for the people.

There needs to be a balance between

health (virus avoidance) and the economy.

I know people who are “out of their jobs,” with no income. Financial pain causes depression and despondency, even suicide.

Do you hear the painful cries of these people Mr. Sanders?

What has the other side offered that would help these people. (Clinton Foundations, abortion, dependency on big government) And who doesn’t celebrate (crow) when something good happens?

The Byron Library may be closed, but there is still WiFi available!

instructional videos. With your membership, you’ll enjoy award-winning instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking and more.

All classes are taught by experts, with new classes added daily. All you need is your library card to gain free access: https://www.creativebug.com/ lib/byronlib

email you your new library card number and PIN number. Your actual card will be mailed out to you.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Carole at 815-595-4559 or visit RVBC.org.

PUBLIC VOICE Schwartz says Trump is not responsible for COVID-19 To the Editor,

In response to the letter by Verlis Sanders in the April 10, Tri County Press.

I have not seen the two letters that he referred to that were in the Telegraph.

So this is in response to just what Mr. Sanders has said. I’m thinking that he is the one who needs new glasses and hearing aids. I’m sorry for his health issues, but, President Trump is not responsible, he did not cause the pandemic.

When the first awareness of this COVID-19 was known, Congress had the

Marilyn J. Schwartz

Polo

BYRON LIBRARY Byron Public 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?

Check out our eBooks!

The library may be closed, but you can still get library books without leaving home! Visit the Byron Library’s webpage to access our eBook resources – OMNI, eRead Illinois, Hoopla, and Biblioboard.

All you need is your smart device and your library card. Available 24/7!

Introducing Creativebug!

We now offer Creativebug to our library patrons! It is a go-to resource for high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts

We would like to thank all of our family, neighbors, and friends from the 1st United Methodist Church in Dixon, and friends from our restaurants for all the cards, flowers, and greetings as Ken and I celebrated our 70th wedding anniversary on March 18. Sadly, Ken passed away on April 14, but we were blessed to be able to celebrate our anniversary through the outpouring of congratulations from everyone which meant so much to us.

Thank you again dear friends...

Ila Mae Sieberns. "

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

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!

• Lawn L M Maintenance i •P Pressure W Washing hi • Spring/Fall Cleanup • Landscaping • Gutter Cleaning • Snow Removal • Free Estimates “When Perfection Matters” | Call Steve Hershberger, Owner

815-973-6215

SM-ST1776270

P.E.O. NEWS

IN BRIEF

ByronFest cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

Brayden Bradshaw with almost 250,000 initiated members.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood has provided over $304 million in financial assistance to more than 102 thousand recipients.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood also owns Cottey College, a fully accredited, private liberal arts and sciences college for women with two-year and selected four-year programs, located in Nevada, Missouri.

ByronFest has joined two other area festivals that have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ByronFest officials announced last week that this year’s event, held in downtown Byron, has been cancelled.

“With summer fast approaching, we have been gearing up for the big weekend. However, given our current environment, the ByronFest

MARRIAGE LICENSES Ogle County Clerk Laura Cook has issued the following marriage licenses.

April 24 Brian Joseph Muzzarelli and Mallory

Danielle Netzel, both of Byron.

April 30 Anders Mark Peterson and Emily Nicole Painter, both of Rochelle.

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-ST1775363

• Friday, May 8, 2020

P.E.O. Chapter IU, Oregon, has announced that their nominee, Brayden Bradshaw, daughter of Chris and Nicki Bradshaw, has been awarded a $2,500 P. E.O. STAR Scholarship.

In the fall, Brayden will be attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago majoring in Early Childhood Education.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating high school girls based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success.

Brayden is the seventh girl from Oregon High School to win this scholarship.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded Jan. 21, 1869, at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is an international philanthropic educational organization which promotes increased educational opportunities for women.

There are nearly 6,000 local chapters in the United States and Canada

9 OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Brayden Bradshaw is P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Winner

Steering Committee had to make the tough decision to cancel ByronFest for 2020,” committee members said.

“The decision did not come lightly as we focused on the future of the festival, the safety of our community, the uncertainty of being permitted to host the event and coming to the time of the year we would begin to take on major expenditures.

“We want to thank our volunteers, our presenting sponsor Byron Bank, our annual sponsors, community partners, vendors and our wonderful festival goers! The ByronFest Steering Committee will begin working now for ByronFest 2021, July 9-11, 2021.”

Leaf River Daze and German Valley Days, scheduled for June, have also been cancelled due to COVID-19.

BARN BLAZE

Fire departments respond to barn fire on May 3

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Stillman Valley firefighters were one of five departments who responded to a barn fire on N. German Church Road on Sunday. Here, firefighters walk back to their trucks after distinguishing the fire which was started from a brush burning too close to the structure.

Five area fire departments responded to a barn fire at 5244 N. German Church Road on May 3.

At 4:41 p.m. hours the Ogle County 911 center received a call that a barn was on fire.

The alarm was immediately upgraded to a Box Alarm Response bringing addition equipment to the scene from surrounding fire departments.

When Byron firefighters arrived on the scene they saw smoke coming from the eave area of the barn.

“The fire was quickly extinguished and part of the barn was overhauled to ensure no hidden fire underneath the siding or the roof. No injuries were reported,” a post on the Byron Fire Department’s website said. “The cause of the fire was determined that the fire had extended from a pile of tree branches that were being burned on the property.”

The Byron Fire Protection District was assisted by Stillman Valley Fire Protection District, Leaf River Fire Protection District, Mt. Morris Fire Protection District, and the Oregon Fire Protection District.

NW Illinois' Largest Furniture, Mattress Matt Ma ttre tt ress ss & AAppliance pplililian pp ance an ce Deale DDealer eale ea

WE ARE HERE E FOR YOU! We are still open n tto provide essential all sservices to our community! ommu unity!

RS-RRS000266743_V6

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

If you have questions about service, parts, and new production information, feel free to stop ne by the store at 20 East Stephenson Street, call 815-235-4911, or check our Facebook page!

81 Rite-Way's Management & Staff are available Ri very difficult times. #AmericaStrong ve

OVER O

DELIVERY AVAILABLE • LOW PRICE GUARANTEE • SERVICE AFTER THE SALE

48

ritewayfreeport.com | Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-4 | 815-235-4911 20 E. Stephenson St | Downtown Freeport

YEARS Serving Freeport and the surrounding communities fforbrand name furniture, mattress and appliances to make your house a home!

SCHOOL NEWS

Forreston plans drive-in after state cancels graduations

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Oregon and Polo School Districts still plan on holding graduation ceremonies for students this summer after Illinois Superintendent Carmen Ayala sent out a statement last week cancelling all in-person ceremonies during the state’s stayat-home order.

Due to COVID-19, in-person schooling was canceled for the remainder of the school year earlier this month. The current stay-athome order stretches until May 30.

Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney said Thursday that the state’s release hasn’t changed his district’s plan. In recent weeks the district put in place tentative

reschedule dates of June 19 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. The locations of both are to be determined.

“We haven’t had any thoughts about a virtual ceremony right now,” Mahoney said. “We also have a later date in August. It’s a challenge to plan everything because of how many students might have moved on already to college or the military. We have a number of military students each year.”

Stephens Insurance & Financial Services Inc Scott Stephens, Agent www.scottlstephens.com Oregon, IL 61061 Bus: 815-732-6690

THE ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER’S I-CASH PROGRAM WANTS TO RETURN OVER

$3.5 Billion TO OWNERS

Put auto and home together for hundreds in savings.

When you have a State Farm car and a State Farm home, get ready to drive around with a big, money-saving State Farm smile.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY.

ADULTS DISCOVER PROPERTY TO CLAIM WHEN THEY SEARCH

ILLINOISTREASURER.GOV/ICASH

®

To find out if you have cash or property, visit www.Illinoistreasurer.Gov/icash.

™

If you do not have access to the internet to search for unclaimed property, a computer may be available at your local public library.

I-CASH BY THE NUMBERS Reported to Treasurer’s Office 9/1/19 – 2/29/20 Reports Properties Cash Shares

4,921 704,534 $150,713,509 28,151,299 Returned to Owners 9/1/19 – 2/29/20

1103161.1

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

Number of paid claims Cash and share value returned

87,701 $106,004,555.86

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT

unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov or 877-581-3689

These properties have been placed in the custody of the State Treasurer, to whom all further claims must be directed. Infomation regarding the amount or description of the property and the name and address of the holder may be obtained by any persons possessing an interest in the property at www.IllinoisTreasurer.gov, 877-581-3689, or by addressing an inquiry to the State Treasurer: Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, Unclaimed Property Division, PO Box 19495, Springfield, IL 62794-9495. Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois

• Friday, May 8, 2020

Get our 3-Bed, 2-Bath, 4-Door, V-6 discount.

Polo Superintendent Chris Rademacher talked to his school board on Monday and effectively rescheduled Polo’s original graduation date of May 24 to June 21 at 2 p.m. at the high school.

That date is Polo’s plan unless additional guidelines are put in place that don’t allow it.

“I think everyone is interpreting it differently right now,” Rademacher said. “As far as a virtual ceremo-

ny, we’ll do whatever we have to for the kids. We’ll know more in the next couple weeks.”

Forreston High School tentatively plans to hold a drive-in celebration for its class of 2020 on May 17 at 2 p.m. The date was originally planned for graduation and is currently designed for students joining military service to still be able to participate.

“We will continue to stress we understand this is not a replacement for a traditional graduation ceremony, only an attempt to make the very best of a unique situation,” Forrestville Valley School District Sheri Smith said in a press release.

Alternate graduation dates of June 20 and July 18 will be kept for Forreston. The May 17 event is optional and students are not required to attend. There will be strict parameters that must be followed to ensure social distancing, equality for all students, as well as overall safety and wellness for everyone.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Oregon, Polo still planning to hold graduations

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 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

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

Pandemic causes shortage of slaughterhouses for livestock

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

ABOVE: Mike Pfeiffer loads 20 hogs into a semi-trailer for a customer May 2 in rural Ashton. Pfieffer offered up 220 of his hogs for sale in a Facebook post. BELOW: Trucks and trailers lined about a half mile of Gurler Road on May 2 as customers waited in line to purchase and pick up their live hogs. People traveled from all over Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan to purchase around 220 of Pfeiffer’s hogs and 40 hogs from another area farmer. loads that week.”

President Trump signed an executive order last week mandating that meat packing plants stay open. Pfeiffer believes social distancing will cut down on capacity.

Pfeiffer has been raising pigs for over 40 years and usually produces about 3,200 a year. Usually, pigs support his grain farming operations. That’s another aspect of his business that has taken a hit with the ethanol market down and bad weather last year.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Pfeiffer said.

“I hope I never see anything like it again.”

Rochelle Veterinary Hospital Dr. Ni Dr Nicole le M Marquardt dt Dr. Taryn Pfeiffer Dr. Lynn Deets Dr. Steve Baker

Boarding Bo di • G Grooming Dentistry • X-ray Surgical Laser • Gas Anesthetic Laser Therapy

1381 North 7th Street, Rochelle

815-562-5207

Hours: M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon

• Full Service Optical Lab • Contact Lenses (including bifocal & specialty lenses) • Comprehensive Eye Health Exams • Diagnosis/Treatment of Eye Diseases • Great Selection of Eyeglass Frames

Northwest Eyecare • 815.732.3121 314 W. Washington St. • Oregon, IL www.northwesteyecare.com

• Friday, May 8, 2020

Mike Pfeiffer didn’t come up with the idea to sell his pigs individually on his own.

The Ashton farmer was watching TV and learned of a South Carolina couple that did the same and had success.

“I told my wife that we had to do it,” Pfeiffer said. “We had to avoid euthanasia and burying them.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has closed meat packing plants around the country, interrupting the supply chains and leaving farmers like Pfeiffer without anywhere to offload their pigs.

When too many are crammed into a pen, it encourages cannibalism among the herd and food costs rise. The only other option is paying to euthanize and bury the pigs.

Pfeiffer’s wife, Joan, took to Facebook last week to advertise the pigs for sale to individuals at a cost of $100 a head.

“I was overwhelmed by the people that called and asked,” Pfeiffer said. “We had to turn people away. We had people from Missouri, Kentucky and Minnesota call about the pigs.”

On May 2, Pfeiffer sold just over 200 pigs that he had available. Buyers had to bring their own trailers and pay in cash.

The buyers will have to process the pigs themselves. Pfeiffer said he checked with local processors and was told there was no availability. He said the buyers must have access to someone to process them the way a deer would be after being killed.

Pfeiffer’s pigs were market ready and between 270-300 pounds. They were locally grown on his family farm and non-GMO and antibiotic-free.

Normally, he’d get around 45 cents per pound for the pigs. Selling them for $100 basically amounts for him to break even, he said.

“My Tyson buyer told me to wait four weeks ago,” Pfeiffer said. “That’s when we last sold.

Usually it’s once a week. He had to refuse 25 semi

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Ashton farmer sells his pigs for just $100 a head

13

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

POLO SPORTS

COVID & BUSINESS

Polo football to be under new, and old management

BY ERIC INGLES eingles@shawmedia.com The Polo football program is under new management, and it is old management.

Athletic Director Ted Alston, who led the Marcos for 11 years before stepping down after the 2010 season, once again will serve as the head coach, taking over for the now-retired Jeff Bumsted.

“I’d been out of it now for about 10 years,” Alston said. “I enjoyed coaching, I think I coached 16 years straight, gave it up so I could be around my boys more as they went through high school. They were playing sports and I didn’t want to miss all of their stuff.

When I was back in a position where I could coach, we were in pretty good hands, and I felt that once Jeff retired, I thought I’d like to come back and run a program again.

Oregon small businesses seeking grants through city

BY JEFF HELFRICH Ted Alston

“It is exciting. You miss being around the kids and being a part of the Friday night atmosphere. It just kind of started to get into my blood again.”

Alston led the Marcos to a 48-58 record, including five straight playoff trips from 2005 through 2009 before Andrew Hofer took the reins for five seasons, going 27-23 and making a pair of playoff trips.

Alston steps in for Bumsted, who retired after the 2019 season in which the Marcos won the 8-man state title in a 50-26 win over Milford-Cissna Park.

“Coach Bumsted and I are very good friends, very close,” Alston said. “He was my assistant for many years. He’s a great coach.”

Much of what Bumsted ran with the Marcos will remain in the playbook under Alston.

Alston will stay on as Polo’s athletic director.

jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon city officials have shifted their economic development efforts from attracting businesses to keeping the ones they have.

Six Oregon businesses are working to acquire grants up to $25,000 each from the state through the city. The Downstate Small Business Stabilization application is funded by Community Development Block Grant funds.

The businesses include Hector’s Cocina, Father & Son Pizzeria, Franklin Street Pub, Hagemann Enterprises, Joanne’s Total Image Salon & Spa and Fischers, Inc. “Cities can apply and take the money and allocate it to businesses,” Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said. “There’s a formula for it and businesses fill out the

forms. It’s fairly paper-intensive but it’s been working pretty well.”

The grants come at no cost to the city. The businesses wouldn’t have to pay back any of the money.

A public hearing will be held on the application on May 12 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom and at city hall. The city council has to approve the application as a resolution before it can be submitted.

Dixon is another city that has worked to apply for CDBG funds for its businesses. Williams said that other cities have applied multiple times with different sets of businesses and that this may not be the only application that Oregon submits.

“We’re glad to be able to help the businesses,” Williams said.

“Our economy, especially in the downtown, is service-oriented. We want to make sure they make it through this.”

MAJOR MA JOR LEAGUE LEAGUE

SERVICE. SERVICE. From backyards to big leagues, count on me From backyards bigyou leagues, count on me to be there.

I canto help get the coverage you need Iand discounts to be there. canthe help you get you the deserve. coverage you

need and the discounts you deserve.

Stephens Insurance & Financial Services Inc Scott Stephens, Agent 500 Gale St Oregon, IL Insurance 61061 Stephens & Financial Services Inc Bus: 815-732-6690

Scott Stephens, Agent 500 Gale St Oregon, IL 61061 Bus: 815-732-6690

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

P090127.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

COVID-19 & RECREATION

BY EARLEEN HINTON & JERRY LINDSEY Shaw Media

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Jerry Lindsey/Shaw Media

ABOVE LEFT: John Tuttle of Oregon walks his rescue dog, Gracie, on a trail at Lowden State Park on May 1. ABOVE RIGHT: Kyle Vinnedge and his son, Hayden, of Forreston fish from a dock at Morrison-Rockwood State Park.. the relationship of the people in the boat) and mushroom hunting,” the IDNR website said.

“All visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, shelter reservations, interpretive educational programs, beaches, special events and concessions will remain closed; turkey hunting will remain suspended at state parks.”

Area parks now open in Northwestern Illinois are: Black Hawk State Historic Site, Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Hennepin Canal State Trail, Lowden State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Prophetstown State Park, Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, and White Pines Forest State Park.

Tom Buskohl, of Polo, didn’t waste any time Friday morning in grabbing his fishing pole and heading to Morrison-Rockwood State Park.

“It was really busy early,” Bus-

kohl said. “I love Rockwood, I have always taken my sons and grandsons here. I always attend the fishing derby sponsored by Whiteside County Sheriff Department.”

Kyle and Hayden Vinnedge, of Forreston, also tried their luck at

Rockwood.

“I office at home and we are homeschooling Hayden (9) and a 7-year-old daughter, so I’m glad the weather is good enough

See STATE PARKS, Page 16

Sinnissippi Centers Services during the Coronavirus outbreak

Sinnissippi Centers is continuing to provide care and offer hope to individuals with a behavioral health concern during the COVID-19 outbreak.

2 years after he was diagnosed with bipolar and are We are taking advantagedisorder, of technology Kevin attempted to take life by able to use video and phone tohisprovide most jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge of our services at this time.

IF YOU NEED SERVICES Please call ahead at 800-242-7642 Worried about losing their life savings?

You can still protect much, and maybe all, You can still protect much, and maybe all, of their assets assets for forthe thefamily. family. of their

Call for Consultation Call JoeFree Oettel, MCEP, CFP®800-726-4125 217-726-0176 Protecting Families from the DEVASTATING Estate & Retirement Planning Cost of Nursing Homes for 28 Years!

www.Lighthouse-Financial.com

Join us!

If you are in crisis we areforavailable No cost admission seatinga day. at that toll-free numberLimited 24 hours available

Offices in Dixon, Mt. Carroll Oregon, Rochelle, Sterling

800-242-7642

• Friday, May 8, 2020

It’s official. You can now hike and fish at two state parks in Ogle County, as long as you continue to practice social distancing.

Lowden State Park, north of Oregon, and White Pines State Park, between Oregon and Polo, reopened to the general public on May 1.

That was just in time for Tricia Clark, of Sterling, her two-year-old son, Declan, and Summer Trenholm of Dixon.

“We haven’t had anything to do about two months,” said Tricia as the trio walked across the bridge over Pine Creek on Friday. “We are just going to walk around today and look at the water.”

Declan stopped long enough to find a rock and toss it into the creek.

Further down the creek, Mary McConnaghay and Kyle Akins of Sycamore, were fly fishing.

“We actually caught a few,” said Akins. “A trout and some smallmouth bass.”

“It’s such a nice day,” added McConnaghay.

Ten miles to the east, John Tuttle of Oregon and his rescue dog Gracie were hiking on a trail at Lowden Miller State Park.

“Isn’t it wonderful that the park is reopened?,” said Tuttle. “Gracie is enjoying it.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced last week that Lowden would reopen May 1. White Pines and a handful of other area parks, joined that list via the IDNR website on Friday.

“Parks will be open from sun-up to sundown. Guests will be allowed to engage in activities such as wildlife observation, hiking, biking, equestrian use and fishing (both from the bank and boats with a limit of two persons per boat regardless of

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Some state parks open just in time for weekend

15

• STATE PARKS

16

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Continued from Page 15

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Tricia Clark, of Sterling, and her son, Declan, 2, joined Summer Trenholm for a walk through White Pines State Park.

to get out. It is a huge change from homeschooling,” Kyle said.

IDNR’s website said visitors must follow these guidelines: • Practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet of distance between yourself and others • Stay home if you are sick or feeling any symptoms, such as fever, coughing, troubled breathing, and/ or other flu-like symptoms • Visit alone or with members of your household • Stay local and visit parks that are closest to where you live • If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, please move to another area or return another time/day to visit

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm/elbow.

At the direction of the Illinois Department of Public Health, restrooms, shower buildings (for restroom and handwashing use only) and flush toilet buildings with hand washing facilities are currently open.

“This is a trying time for all of us.

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate uncharted territory.

Please feel free to email us at DNR. Parksadmin@Illinois.gov with additional questions,” the website said.

The parks were closed by Pritzker in March as part of an executive order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers recorded week of April 24-30.

Warranty Deeds • Randall and Dina Dornink to Jason D. Untiedt and Brianna M. Boyer, 13090 W. Milledgeville Road, Polo, $98,000.

• Nitram Properties Inc. to Wayne and Priscilla Cole, 200 Martin Ave., Oregon, $0.

• Vulcan Building LLC to Melissa A. and Melandro R. Tallada Jr., 1106 Burlington Way, Davis Junction, $179,900.

• Haehwan K. and Steve C. Ann to Joel and Kristina Altenhoff, 9538 N. Woodgate Lane, Byron, $247,000.

• New Life Assembly of God of Oregon to Daniel L. and Rosemary Dingler, 401 S. Eighth St., Oregon, $70,000.

• Karen S. Swanson, Lucas and Michelle D. Pauley, also Swanson to Lara Cash, 701 S. Seventh St., Oregon,

$89,900.

• Ruth E. Shelly to Maison N. and Samantha F. Crawford, 411 Williams Drive, Oregon, $107,000.

• Clarence E. and Jean Mactaggart to Robert and Joy Harris Hawley, 615 N. 10th St., Rochelle, $165,000.

• Daniel Parson to James L. and James P. Read, 326 W. North St., Creston, $159,900.

• John B. and Phyllis A. Roe to Brian J. and Terri L. Kasmar, 104 Tilton Manor Drive, $82,000.

• US Bank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 100 S. Broadway St., Forreston, $0.

• Donald K. and Sandra Drake to David D. and Susan Drake, 12817 N. Fork Creek Road, Forreston, $68,500.

• AJ Homes LLC to Timothy McBride and Jenna, Michael A., and Linette J. Feltes, 226 S. 10th St., Rochelle,

$121,000.

• German Fonseca to Ian Lundstrom and third party, Leaf River Township, 201 E. Second St., Leaf River, $72,500.

• Michele A. Nathan to Edward J. and Maybeth L. Turek, 1008 Northwestern Ave., Davis Junction, $165,000.

• Anthony S. and Carla K. Benesh to Rebecca S. and Adam K. Hazzard, 616 E. Washington St., Oregon, $245,000.

was released on a $3,000 I-Bond with a return court date of July 29 at 9 a.m.

Oscar Regalado, 26, of Stillman Valley, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop in the 11,000 block of East Illinois 72.

Regalado was given an I-bond for his citation and released from the scene.

fence post. Flentge was not injured in the crash and refused medical treatment.

Flentge was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was released on a $3,000 I-Bond.

Quit Claim Deeds • David D. and Joshua D. Asbury to John Chupp, 102 Mississippi Drive, Dixon, $400.

• Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God to Daniel L. and Rosemary Dingler, 401 S. Eighth St., Oregon, $0.

Trustee’s deeds • Carol A. Wander Declaration of Trust, Kristopher T. Wander, trustee, to

Richard King, 3053 S. Chamberlain Road, Rochelle, $315,000.

• Richard J. and Michelle R. Nelson, trustees, to Keith F. and Louise M. Erhart, one parcel of farmland in Mount Morris Township, $154,000.

• Den Trust 1013, David E. Nelson, trustee, to Keith F. and Louise M. Erhart, one parcel of farmland in Mount Morris Township, $154,000.

• Darrell E. Ellett Trust 32717, Darrell E. Ellett, trustee, to Keenan Jones, 639 S. First St., Rochelle, $39,000.

Executor’s Deed • The late Lucille P. Ruthe by executor to Kirk C. and Angela R. Janicke, 202 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $18,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity April 28 Craig M. Larson, 23, of Rochelle, was arrested at 6:15 p.m. for violation of an order of protection at an address in Rochelle. Larson was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released to the Correctional Staff and held in lieu of bond.

May 2 Jason Erickson, 35, of Rockford, was arrested at 3:58 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at First Avenue and Cherry Street in Forreston. Erickson was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he

May 3 Emily Flentge, 25, of Rockford, was arrested at 12:29 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle/ motorist assist in the area of 5000 East McCormick Road.

After a brief investigation, it was determined that Flentge had driven her vehicle off the roadway and struck a

May 4 Derek V. Driver, 22, of Freeport, was cited for driving without a license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle at approximately 5:45 a.m. after deputies responded to a one vehicle rollover accident in the 11,000 block of North Illinois 26.

After an investigation it was determined that a silver Chevrolet Venture minivan driven by Driver, was northbound on Illinois 26. He lost control of

the vehicle when he over-corrected the vehicle on the gravel shoulder. The vehicle crossed the roadway and rolled over one time coming to rest back on its wheels.

Two passengers in the vehicle were transported to Freeport Memorial Hospital for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

Driver refused medical attention at the scene. Driver also had outstanding warrants issued by Ogle County. Driver is due to appear in court at a later date.

May 5 Gaige Lozdoski, 22, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for a failure to appear warrant.

Lozdoski posted $732 bond.

OBITUARIES Nancy Joan (Barber) Bingham, 86, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at her home with her family at her side.

Nancy was born on Feb. 1, 1934 to James W. and Mae U. (Miller) Barber in Rockton.

On Nov. 6, 1954, she married a handsome Irish man, James Alexander Bingham in Sycamore. After their marriage, they made their home in Rochelle and began a family that would grow in to seven children.

Nancy raised her seven children and they cared for their beloved handicapped daughter, Judy, at home for 35

SCOTT R. BOWERS

on June 8, 2013; daughter, Judith Ann Bingham on June 6, 2000; grandson, Chris Powell; great grandson, Leland Mueller; sister, Ella Austin; and brothers: James William Jr. and infant brothers, Eugene and Daniel.

Nancy is survived by her six children: James (JoAnn) Bingham, Jr., Joanie (Rick) Whaley both of Rochelle, Kathy (Jim) Dutmer of Lincoln, Nebraska, Steven (Deana) Bingham, Sr., Nancy L. Bingham both of Rochelle, and Patrick (Amy) Bingham of Bloomington; three sisters: Ida Hinton of Mt. Morris, Bessie Cipriani of Barstow, California

and Judy Frowein of Kissimmee, Florida, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There will be a private funeral at 2 p.m., on Thursday, May 7, with Pastor Karen Karczewski officiating.

The service will be streamed live on the Unger-Horner Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Burial will follow the service at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle.

Memorials may be made in Nancy’s memory to Unity Hospice or to the family.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.

Scott was employed since 2008 by the Boone County Sheriff Dept., mostly as a Task Force Officer with the DEA and the Metro Narcotics Unit.

He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, walking in the woods and spending time relaxing with family and friends at home.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Bowers of Lindenwood; son, Brayden and daughter, Brooklyn at home; father, Michael (Kerrie) Bowers of Oregon; mother, Dawn (Michael) Owens of

Rockford; brother, Craig Bowers of Chicago; sisters, Whitney Wieters and Katie (Lexi) Wieters; paternal grandmother, Dotti Bowers of Byron; maternal grandparents, Sandy Taylor of Oregon and Clarence (Linda) Morris of Mt. Morris; step siblings, Amanda (Nik) Manthei and Brandon (Alyse) Bolhous; parents-in-law, Tom and Eileen Cain of Oregon; brothers-inlaw, Brian Cain and Jonathan Cain; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Richard Bowers.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private family visitation and services will be held. Burial with a Boone County Sheriff’s Honor Guard will be in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon assisted the family with arrangements.

Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to send condolences.

BOBBY L. BULL Bobby L. Bull passed away April 28, 2020 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon.

He was born Nov. 27, 1936 to Lawrence and Iva Bull at Perryville, Arkansas. He married Betty Lincoln on June 26, 1956 in Rockford, and they raised four boys in Rockford and Forres-

ton before eventually retiring in Pecatonica.

Bob held several jobs throughout his life, most notably Dwyer’s Redi-Mix and 25+ years at Kable News in Mt. Morris. Bob is survived by his wife Betty; sons, Alan (Kathy), Larry, and Jeff (Becky); seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents;

brothers, Jack and Johnnie; sisters, Ruth Maxwell, Berniece Maxwell, Doris McNatt and Joyce Lassiter; great-granddaughter, April; and son, David.

No services are planned.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon.

“Your Next Fence�

Specializing in Agricultural, Horse, Residential & Commercial Fences Call us for all your fencing needs!

Ben Weaver, Owner * 815-677-1402 Servicing Lee, Ogle, Whiteside & Carroll Counties

Prairie Fence LLC

SM-ST1774890 SM-ST1 774890

­ €€ ‚ ƒ „… ƒ ƒ ƒ

 � � ��  �

17

• Friday, May 8, 2020

Scott R. Bowers, 37, a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, May 2, 2020 in Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford, following a sudden illness.

He was born Sept. 2, 1982 in Rockford, the son of Michael Bowers and Dawn (Morris) Bowers.

Scott graduated from Oregon High School in 2001, Kishwaukee Community College in 2003 and the University of Illinois Police Training Institute in 2005.

He married Melissa Cain on June 16, 2007 in Oregon.

years.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Nancy loved the outdoors and gardening, raising small animals and spent many hours knitting and crocheting various items for her family.

She helped operate Rochelle Dry Wall for many years and later opened a women’s clothing store, Nancy’s Great Fashions, in Rochelle, in which she owned and operated for 20 years. She was a member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim,

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

NANCY JO BINGHAM

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

OBITUARIES THERESA M. HOOVER Theresa M. Hoover, 95, of Atlanta, Georgia, died March 31, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard W. Hoover, and four brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, Gwen

BETTY J. RUCKER Betty J. Rucker, 87, of Mt. Morris, passed away May 3, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Polo.

Betty was born March 27, 1933, in Forreston, the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Johnson) Nicodemus.

THOMAS A. SHOUER Thomas A. Shouer, 85, a longtime Oregon resident, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, in Madison, Wisconsin.

He was born May 10, 1934 in Freeport, the son of Richard and Gladys (Knoll) Shouer.

Tom was a graduate of Freeport High School and Northern Illinois University and served in the US Army in Okinawa.

He married Darlene Remmers on May 29, 1963 in Freeport.

He was employed as a Sales Repre-

SHIRLEY L. SMITH Shirley L. Smith, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away at the age of 84 on May 3, 2020, in Frederick, Maryland. She was a resident of Heartfields at Frederick since March 2018.

She was born Nov. 28, 1935, and raised in Dixon. Shirley was the fourth of eight children of Oscar Sr. and Marjorie (Deardorff) Gardner.

In 1958 Shirley married Richard A. Smith in Oregon, and they enjoyed 43

A. Hoover, of Atlanta, Georgia; and a sister, Mrs. Patricia Ghelardini of Morton.

Theresa spent her early years in Pekin. When WW II began, she moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, working at a shipyard as a welder on LSTs. In 1945, she married Richard, also from Pekin and a flight instructor in the Navy.

After the war, Theresa, Richard, and daughter Gwen moved to Oregon, lovingly built by Richard, who worked there for the Quaker Oats Company.

Theresa and Richard later retired to Texas. In 1990, they moved to Atlanta to spend their remaining years with Gwen, CDC’s Director of personnel.

Theresa, Richard, Gwen and their kitties enjoyed over 20 wonderful years together.

Theresa’s ashes will be placed with her husband’s in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage, Illinois.

On Feb. 12, 1949 in Polo, she was united in marriage to Lowell “Dutch” Rucker.

She was a homemaker for many years taking care of her family.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara (Jim) Miller of Polo; daughterin-law, Marilyn Rucker; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dutch; daughter, Linda Russell;

son, Steve Rucker; and granddaughter Georgia.

Private graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden in Dixon.

A celebration of life will be at a later date. Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

sentative for Rockford Nehi Bottling and, with his wife, owned and operated Shouer’s Hallmark in Oregon from 1977 to 1994.

Later, he worked as a salesman for Chicago Motor Club.

Tom was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris and Gideons International and was a charter member of Oregon Kiwanis Club.

He enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Darlene of Oregon; son, Dean (Jennifer) Shouer of Byron; grandchildren: Timothy Jacob Shouer and Sarah Jean Shouer of Byron, Nina Harp of Aurora and Mallory (Brandon) Herring of Mt. Morris; great grandchildren: Evelyn, Ezekiel and Elizabeth Herring of Mt. Morris; brother, Richard (Beverly) Shouer of Freeport; and nieces, Sally (Jim) and Emily Wonder of Caledonia and Julie Shouer of Barcelona, Spain.

He was preceded in death by his par-

ents and son, Curt.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, a private service with burial in Riverview Cemetery, Oregon will be held. Pastor Bruce McKanna of Mt. Morris Evangelical Free church will preside.

Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church’s home missions fund or for Gideon Bibles.

Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, assisted the family with arrangements.

Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to send condolences.

years of marriage. They could often be seen in Grand Detour, working in their yard or walking their dog and enjoyed visiting with their neighbors.

An avid gardener, Shirley’s yard was known for its beautiful flowers. She loved all animals, and she stopped to pay attention to and pet every dog and cat she met.

Shirley is survived by her daughters,

Roxi Smith (Florie Rothenberg) of Seattle, Washington and Angela (Douglas) Murphy of Jefferson, Maryland; sister, Carol (Frank) Arroyo of Tallahassee, Florida; and brother, James (Karen) Gardner of Apache Junction, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard A. Smith, in 2002; brothers Oscar Gardner, Jr. and Ronald “Dean” Gardner; and

sisters Joan Reilly, Nancy Steinberg, and Lucille Gardner.

A special thank you to the wonderful caregivers, nurses, staff, and residents of Heartfields at Frederick.

A service will be held in Dixon at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happy Tails Humane Society, 1408 McNeil Road, Rock Falls, IL 61071.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at StaufferFuneralHome.com.

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County.

Call 815-632-2518 to subscribe today!

A1

On or about May 19, 2020, the City of Polo intends to apply to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant from the State CDBG program. This program is funded by Title 1 of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. These funds are to be used to provide working capital for the benefit of: M&F Binding Co. d/b/a The Polo Room Northern Illinois TV J-Five Inc. d/b/a Jeff?s Refs Pinecricker Cafe d/b/a Dad's Bar & Grill

$25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00

The total amount of CDBG funds to be requested is $100,000.00 and will address the urgent needs of the businesses due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Sydney Bartelt City Clerk May 4, 2020 May 8, 2020

LOOKING FOR QUALITY NEWSPAPER CARRIERS Need to Routes Available Now place Dixon an ad?

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)

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

Call for available Motor Routes!

est. 1851

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

Call us 625-3600 284-2222

LEGAL NOTICES

101

STATE OF ILLINOISIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: DANIEL E. STROHECKER, 2020 P 33 Deceased.

CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of death of the DANIEL E. STROHECKER. Letters of Office were issued on April 15, 2020, to SARA MARTIN, as Independent Executor, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 Mason West Street, Polo, Illinois61064.Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication,or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required

by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be Claims barred. against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Center, Judicial 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: SARA MARTIN Independent Executor Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C.114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suits legal.com May 1, 8, 15 2020

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

House for Sale 414 E Lincoln, Mt Morris Illinois 3 bed,1 bath, full unfinished basement. $89,000 Owned by Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County Call Gail at 815-494-2114 or visit habitat oglecounty.org Equal Housing Opportunity

STERLING MUST SELL!!

3BR, 1¾ BA, sun porch, deck, 1 car garage. Asking $65,000. Make and offer.815-625-3778

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

FRANKLIN GROVE

WANT TO BUY 795

★★ 2 BR ★★ F.G. 815-751-2712

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

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.

MISCELLANEOUS 796 FOR SALE See More Online Photos, Commerce, Expanded Text

➛Look for WEB ID ➛Log on to: www.saukvalley. com MOBILE HOMES classifieds 315 FOR RENT ➛Enter the WEB ID in the WEB ID Box CHILD CARE 512 ➛View Photos, Expanded NO INDIVIDUAL, Text unless licensed or BUY ONLINE!! holding a permit as saukvalley.com a childcare facility, CLASSIFIEDS may cause to be published any ad- LIVESTOCK / vertisement solicit- SUPPLIES 840 ing a child care service.* A childDISABLED care facility that is LIVESTOCK licensed or operatWANTED ing under a permit issued by the IlliTop Prices Paid nois Department of Call toll free 815-871-2697 Children and Family Services may SCHAAP publish advertiseLIVESTOCK ments of the services for which it is lispecifically censed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley MOTORCYCLES 935 Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify 2010 Hyosung the validity of the license of any facil- GV250 motorcycle. $1,300 ity before placing a 815-441-2644 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))

• Friday, May 8, 2020

Information related to this application ill be available for review prior to the public hearing, as of May 8, 2020 at the City of Polo website and by calling the City of Polo City Hall at 815-946-3514 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interested citizens are invited to provide comments regarding these issues either at the public hearing or by prior written statement. Written comments should be submitted to Sydney Bartelt, 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL 61064 or cityclerk@poloil.org no later than May 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. to ensure placement of such comment in the official record of the public hearing proceedings. This project will result in no displacement of persons or businesses. For additional information concerning the proposed project, please contact Sydney Bartelt, 815-946-3514 or write to 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL 61064.

SEARCH FOR LOCAL CARS

The City of Polo will hold a public hearing on May 18, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. to provide interested parties an opportunity to express their views on proposed Downstate Small Business Stabilization application funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The public hearing will be held virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86409229259 and, if allowed, in person at 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL 61064. If the meeting is held in person, persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact Sydney Bartelt, 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, IL 61064 or 815-9463514 no later than May 15, 2020. Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations for these persons.

CARS815.com

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CLASSIFIEDS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Classified advertising

19

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 8, 2020

| CLASSIFIEDS

20

A2 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.

BEWARE OF INTERNET PUPPY SCAMS!

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)

Astrograph Stand up for what you want and what you know is right, and you will gain respect and boost your confidence. Turn this year into one of change, transition and personal growth that will help you move in a direction that offers clarity, perception and a clear path to a better future.

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Do what you do best and keep moving forward.

An unexpected change will lead to satisfaction and the lifestyle you desire.

Discipline and hard work will pay off.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You’ll gain insight into how best to deal with the people you encounter if you are observant. Taking action and doing what’s right will result in respect and assistance.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- If you reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a long time, it will bring back fond memories and entice you to pick up where you left off.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Stop worrying about what others are doing and start focusing on what you want to achieve. Make discipline, reliability and standing up for yourself priorities.

Romance is favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- Think before you

act. Give your or someone else’s emotions a chance to wane. Take part in physical activities or join groups that will appreciate what you have to offer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Stick to what’s important to you. A budget that encourages you to economize will also ease stress. A shift at home will bring you closer to a loved one. Romance is favored.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Look at your options and consider whom you would like to work alongside. A partnership structured to give both parties the opportunity to do what each does best without interference will lead to success.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Pour your energy into something that will challenge you physically, build strength and satisfy your adventurous needs. Don’t trust someone who is asking for too much.

Learn to say no.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Discuss your intentions with people who count. Getting approval and support to proceed will make your plans less stressful, more accessible and enjoyable to pursue.

Advertise Your Rentals in Ogle County Classifieds

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Do your own thing. Don’t feel the need to appease someone looking for free assistance. Put your time and energy into what will bring you the highest returns. Romance is favored.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Get together with people who share your sentiments. Your ideas and plans will make a difference.

An innovative approach will result in an exciting partnership.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- A financial deal or gain looks promising.

Confidently follow through with your plans. Property investments will result in personal and economic benefits. Romance and a celebration are encouraged. ©2020 UFS

Call

625-3600 or 284-2222