Polo_Tri-County_Press-01-27-2023

POLO

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The Tri-County Press,OgleCounty News andoglecountynews.com areadivision of ShawMedia. OgleCountyNewspapersalso printstheMt.Morris Times, ForrestonJournalandOregon Republican Reporter.

TheTRI-COUNTYPRESS (USPS No. 638-530)ispublished weekly by B.F.ShawPrintingCo., ShawMedia. Periodicalpostage paid at Polo,Illinois.

POSTMASTER Sendaddress changes to TRI-COUNTYPRESS, 113N. Franklin, Polo,IL61064. Phone815-732-6166, ext. 2516.

Allrights reserved. Copyright 2023

POLO SENIOR CENTER

ExerciseWithRonna everyTuesdayat9a.m. and10:15a.m.,andeveryThursdayat11a.m.and 12:15p.m.

GamesEveryThursday at1p.m.-Euchre, MexicanTrain FourthThursdaysfrom10-11a.m. Benefits Access forseniors,RockRiverCenterstaffwillbe heretoanswerquestionsandhelpwithaccessto benefitsespeciallyforseniors.

Sunday,Jan.29BreakfastandBluegrass -Breakfastservedat11:30a.m.,Musicstartsat noon.FeaturingMountainGrassandFriends Suggesteddonation$3.

PINE CREEK NEWS

ByKARENMERLAK

Thesnowisstartingtostick around. Thefrostedtreelinewasasighttoseeon mywaybacktoPoloonSaturdaymorning. WelooktoGodinaweatallofHiscreation andthenaskHimforcomfortwhenweface achallenge.Helovesusallthetimeandwe aregrateful.

Thismorninginchurch,wewere greetedbyMargeHammes.PastorSuzanne HallStoutsharedhermessageforthe morning.VickiHayhelpedwiththeopeningofourservice.WeweresmallinnumbersandfullofloveforGodandeachother.

NextMondayeveningistheOurTable Community MealatFaithUnitedMethodistChurch.FaithDiscoveryChurchand ourchurchwillbeworkingtogethertoprovideafreemealforanyonewhowouldlike toattend.Wehopetoseeyouthere.

ThispastTuesdayevening,DebOhlwine,VickiHay,PastorSuzanneandImet foraquickmeetingforworshipideas. Afterourbusinesswasdone,wehad a muchneededvisitthatincludedlotsof laughter.

Afterthemeetingatchurch,Iheaded overtotheChurchoftheBrethrenforour regularmeetingofPEOChapterDW.The meetingwashostedbyNancyCline,who

BrainWits classJan.30at11:30a.m.,light lunchserved.

Valentine’sDance Friday,Feb.10,from6to 9p.m.Featuring3Dsound.Horsd’oeuvreswillbe served.Cost$10aperson.

Theseniorcenter,inconjunctionwithAmerican ClassicTours,isofferingtwoextendedtripsin 2023.

MichiganShores, July31-Aug.4Travelaround LakeMichiganviamotorcoach.Includesferryride acrossLakeMichigan,SleepingBearDunes, CastleFarms,FrederikMeijerGardens,DeGrand-

The PoloLionsClub sponsoreda team to bowl at the Polo School Foundation

Bowling Day Fundraiser atPlum Hollow Family CenteronJan. 21. The team consisted of Lion Tim Rockwood, Mark Zeigler, Justin Grobe andRay Marschang Zeigler had the high score of 210 for the team It wasasuccessfulday for the schoolfoundation.

PhotoprovidedbyJeffShort

champsBlueberryfarm,SaugatuckDuneBuggy Rideandmuchmore.Fourbreakfasts,four lunchesandfourdinnersincluded.

BlackHills&Badlands -Oct.5-10.This wonderfultripincludesroundtripairfarefrom Chicago.StayatbeautifulCusterStateParkgame lodge,seeKeystone,IronMountain,Bluebell Canyon,takeaJeepSafaritoseethebuffalo,and enjoya1880trainride.VisitthefamousWall Drug,Mt.Rushmore,theBlackHills,CrazyHorse Memorialandmuchmore.Pleasecallorstopin formoredetails.

servedabeautifuldessertafterourbusinessmeeting.

TheprogramwasgivenbyEmilyDitzler whosharedthestoryofourfounders.She sharedherdeliciousbutterscotchcandies. JoiningusfromPineCreekwereLisaCoffman,BeverlyCoffmanandMaggieHenning.

OnSaturday,LyleandSherylHopkins andtheirfamilyattendedtheweddingcelebrationfortheirgranddaughter,Mallory. JamesandNancyHopkinsjoinedthefamilyandfriendstocelebratethehappycouple.

Mydaughter,StephanieHalab, andher husband,João,attendedafriend’swedding inNewOrleans,Louisiana,overtheweekend.Mysons,ClintandMattMerlak,have beenworkingontheirownprojectsincludingfixinguptheirownfleetofvehicles.

Winterscanbetricky.Thereissomethingsopeacefulabout aquietsnowfall. FrommyperchinthesoundboothonSundaymorning,IcouldlistentoPastor Suzanneandwatchthequietsnowflakes floattotheground.

Evenwithallofitsbeauty, wintercan bringdangerousmomentstoourarea. I havehadsomeclosecalls.Ihaveeven damagedafewvehiclesontheicyroads Whenwestartgettingallofthewind,ice

andcoldtemperatures,Istartdreamingof warmerdays.

Theseasoncombinesmuchbeautyand manychallengesforeachofus.Everything weseeincreationcomesfromGod.On morningslikethis,wecangiveourthanks to Him for all He has done. His world has so muchforustoappreciate.

Whenwefacethosechallengesthatlife brings,wecanturntoGodforhelpand comfort.Heispowerfulenoughtocreate allthatwecansee.Still,Heisgentle enoughtohearourcriesforhelp.Hewill bewithusaswefaceanythingthatcomes ourway.

Godishere foryouandme.Hislove reachesall.WithallthatHehascreated, youareevenmoreimportanttoHim.God’s giftofloveandcomfortisgivenfreelytoall ofus.WeonlyneedtoacceptHislove.

IhopetoseeyounextSundaymorning atourchurchinthecountry.Wegladly welcomeyoutoworshipandjoinusin prayer Comeandshareinthefellowship, singpraisesandspendtimegettingtothe Onethattrulylovesyou.

•KarenMerlak livesinPoloandis a memberofthePineCreekChristian Church.

ByEARLEENHINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

AStillmanValleymancharged withkillinghisex-wifeandtheir 3-year-oldsonin2016willappearin courtagainMarch20forahearingto determinewhatevidencewillbe allowedathistrial.

DuaneMeyer,40,ofStillmanValley,appearedin OgleCountycourt Tuesdayforastatushearing.

HeisintheOgleCountyCorrectionalCenteron$10millionbond, chargedwithfourcountsoffirst-degreemurder,twocountsofaggravated arsonandonecountofconcealmentof ahomicidaldeath inconnectionwith theOct.19,2016,housefireinByronin whichMaggie(Rosko)Meyer,31,was founddeadandtheirson,3-year-old AmosMeyer,died.

OgleCountyJudgeJohn“Ben”Roe setamotionhearingdateforMarch20 afterrequests fromdefenseattorney ChristopherDeRangoofRockfordand AssistantState’sAttorneyMatthew Leisten.

DeRangosaidhis20motionsin liminewouldtakeseveralhoursto address.

“Thismaytakeahalfofdayto address,”DeRangosaid.

DeRangosaidapotentialwitness listsharedbyLeistenwiththedefense alsohadbeenreceived.

Leistenfiledfivemotionsforthe prosecution.

Motionsinlimine aremadeby attorneyswhenseekingtoexcludecertainevidencefrombeingpresentedto ajury.Someofthemotionsinclude crimescenephotosandcellphone records.

Roeagreedthat the motionswould besealeduntiltheMarchhearingand askedbothattorneyswhenthey thoughtthey’dbereadytogototrial.

“Weneedtosetatrialdateatsome point,”Roesaid.

DeRangosaid hewouldpreferto waittosetatrialdateuntilafterthe Marchmotionhearing.

“I’d prefertowaituntilafter the motionsareheard,”DeRangosaid.

HealsotoldRoethathewashaving “difficulty”whentryingtomeetwith Meyerwhilehewasincustody.Roe acknowledgedDeRango’scomment

andsaidofficialswereworkingon resolvingthatissue.

Maggie,ateacherattheChanaEducationCenter,filedfordivorcein2014. Courtrecordsshowthedivorcewas finalizedinSeptember2016.

Tuesday’scontinuanceisoneof severalsincethemurderchargeswere filedinOctober2019.

InNovember2022,Roeruledthat cellphonerecordsmadebyMeyer wouldbeallowedasevidenceatthe trial.

Meyerhadtoldinvestigatorshe wasnotinByrononOct. 18,2016,but FBIanalystJosephRasckehadcellphonetowerdatathatshowsotherwise,theprosecutionsaid.

Meyersaidhearrivedatthehome about6:30thatmorningtopickup Amos.Hefoundthehouseonfire, grabbedAmosfromaroomupstairs andtriedtoresuscitatehimonthe frontlawn;theboywaspronounced deadashorttimelater at aRockford hospital.Maggie’sbodywasfoundona couchonthefirstfloor.

Accordingtotheprosecution,data onMeyer’sphoneshoweditwashittingoffthecelltoweronBarkerRoad inByronfrom 5p.m. toabout10:30 p.m.onOct.18.Afterthat,itwassendingasignaltothecelltoweronEast HalesCornerRoadinStillmanValley.

At11a.m.thenextday,onOct.19,a detectivespoketoMeyerathisparents’houseonEastHalesCornerRoad inByron.Meyertoldthedetectivethat hewasathisfamily’s farminChana until11a.m.Oct.18,thenwenttohis homeinStillmanValley.Hesaidhe leftaround5p.m.togobow-hunting onthefarm.

HewasinChanauntilabout9p.m., thenwentbacktohisStillmanValley home,wherehestayed untilabout 6a.m.thenextmorning,whenheleft topickupAmos.Chanaisoutsidethe

BarkerRoadtowercoveragearea.

TheprosecutionarguedtointroducemapsandtestimonybyRascke,a memberoftheFBI’scellularanalyst supportteam,who“plottedtheestimatedlocations”ofMeyer’scellphone onOct.18and19,usingmethodshe hasemployedinhundredsofcases.

Suchanalyticalevidence hasbeen allowedinstateandfederalcourtsfor welloveradecade,andRasckehastestifiedmultipletimesasanexpertin cell-siteanalysis,despitedefense objections,LeistentoldRoeinaprevioushearing, DeRangohadarguedthatthecellphonerecordsRasckeusedwere “Palmerrecords,”orrecordsthat werepreparedbyacompany,inthis case,Verizon,forthesolepurposeof litigation, notrecordscreatedduring thenormalcourseofbusinessforreasonsthatbenefitthebusiness.

Roedisagreed.

TheMarch20hearingissetfor 9a.m.incourtroom302.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Duane Meyer is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom on Tuesday fora status hearing.He

Maggie and Amos Meyer

$1.19 million bus barn, storage shed project OK’d

OregonSchoolBoard approvesprojectduring Jan.17meeting

ByALEXAZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

Anexpenditureof$1.19millionfor anewbusbarnandstorageshedfor theOregonSchoolDistrict was approvedlastweek.

OnJan.17,OregonSchoolBoard membersvotedtoaccepta$1,199,306 bidfromSjostrom&Sonstoinstall a busbarnwithwashstations, astorage shedandaconcreteapronaroundthe busbarn.Thenewbusbarnwillreplace theonelocatedattheformerDavidL. RahnJuniorHighSchoolinMt.Morris,whichthedistrictsoldlastyear.

“It’sprettystraightforward.We knewweweregoingtohavetodoit,” DistrictSuperintendentTomMahoney said.“Costswerealittlehigherthan weinitiallyexpectedbecauseofconstructioncostincreases.Thebidcame inalittlehigherthanwethought.”

Groundcouldbebrokenonthe

OBITUARIES

BENTONADAMCOULTER

Born: November20,1982

Died: January16,2023

BentonAdam Coulter,age40of Waterman,ILpassed awayonMonday, January16,2023at MercyMedicalCenter inAurora,ILasaresult ofafarmaccident.He wasbornonNovember20,1982inDeKalb, ILthesonofRobertandMary(Millspaugh) Coulter.

BenwasunitedinmarriageonMay17,2003 toChristiGentryandtheyspentthenext19 yearshappilytogether.Hislife’sdreamwas toownhisownfarmandhewascurrently employedasafarmmanager.Benwasahard worker,awonderfulhusbandandfather,and adedicatedfriend.Hewasalifelongscout andwasaCubScoutMasteraswellasan assistantBoyScoutleaderinWaterman,IL whichwasfoundedbyhisgrandfather.He wasaboardmemberoftheDeKalbCornFest Committee.Benenjoyedtheoutdoors,especiallyfishingandcampingandwasalsoa talentedwoodworkerandknownforhislove ofanimals.Hewasnotamanofmanywords, butmusicspoketohim,andheuseditto communicatewhatwasinhishearttothose heloved.Benwasalovinghusband,father, son,brother,uncle,nephew,andcousinwho

projectsassoonasApril,Mahoney said. How long it takes to complete will depend on how long it takes to get the materials,whichareonafour-tosixmonthleadtime,hesaid.

“We hope we get it ready early enoughtohave[theproject]doneby the beginning of the 2023-24 school year,” Mahoney said. “The timeline goalistobedonebyAug.1.”

In the meantime, the district is leasing the DLR bus barn for $1 a year, he

willbedeeplymissedbyhisfamilyandmany friends.

Heissurvivedbyhiswife,ChristiCoulterof Waterman,IL;hischildren,EmilyCoulterof DeKalb,ILandJacobCoulterofWaterman, IL;hisparents,RobertandMaryCoulterof Oregon,IL;hissiblings,Robert(Lisa)Coulter ofSeattleWashington,CharlesCoulterofOregon,IL,andShelley(David)LozanoofSpring Hills,FL;aswellasmanynieces,nephews, aunts,uncles,andcousins.

Benwasprecededbyhisgrandparents.

AFuneralServicewasheldat2:30PMon Saturday,January21,2023,atNelsonFuneral Home,1001E.GarfieldSt.,Waterman,IL.IntermentfollowedinNorthClintonCemetery, Waterman,IL.Benwouldwanttractorsathis service,andallwerewelcome.

Friendscouldvisitfrom10:00AMuntil theHourofServiceonSaturday,January 21,2023,attheNelsonFuneralHomein Waterman,IL.

Inlieuofflowers,donationscanbemadeto theCoulterfamilyincareofNelsonFuneral Homeat1001E.GarfieldSt.Waterman,IL 60556.

ArrangementsbyNelsonFuneralHomes& Crematory,www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or815-264-3362.

said.

The project will be funded multiple ways, with the district initially paying forthecapitaloutlaywithcashoutof reserves,hesaid.

The state will reimburse 75% of the busbarnconstructionoverthenext20 years, Mahoney said. Because transportation is a mandated service, the statereimburses75%ofalltransportation costs, including purchases of schoolbuses,hesaid.

ARVILLAM.SIDDENS

Born: November1,1926inSterling,IL

Died: January21,2023inSterling,IL

ArvillaM.Siddens, 96,ofSterling (formerlyofPolo) passedawaySaturday, January21,2023with familybyherside. ShewasbornonNovember1,1926inSterlingILtoOlive(Cassell) andErnestCassens

ArvillalivedonthefamilyfarminMalvern ILuntilthefamilymovedtoPoloIL.Shemet andmarriedEmmons“Jim”Knudson.They weremarriedOctober7th,1950inPoloand precededherinJanuaryof1983.Arvilla wouldalwaysattendtheMalvernGang Reunions.Shethengotreacquaintedwith hergradeschoolcrushCharlesSiddens.They weremarriedOctober1998andhepassed January2009.

Arvillaworkedmanyjobs.Sheworkedat thePoloTelephoneOffice,PoloCleaners,and PoloSchoolDistrict.Shewenttoworkat KableNewswhenherdaughterwas6years oldtoearnmoneytobuyherapianoand

A$50,000schoolmaintenancegrant fromthestatealso willgotowardthe busbarn,Mahoneysaid.

“Becausewe’rehealthyinour reserveandwehaveahealthyworkingcashbalance,wehavethemoney todo it,”hesaid.“We’renotborrowingmoneytodoit.It’sano-interest costtous.”

Mt.MorrisresidentBruce Obendorf,whowaspartofaninformaladvisoryboardthatfoughttokeepDLR open,disapprovedoftheexpenditure.

“Oneofthereasonsforgettingrid ofRahnwasthattheywere goingto savemoney,”Obendorfsaid.“The boardmembersandthesuperintendent madesuchanissueduringthe wholeRahndiscussionthattheydidn’t havethemoney[tomaintainit].They didn’thavethefundbalances,the reservesratioat50%ofrevenues,that theyweren’tmeetingthat –andnow allofasuddenit’sacceptabletospend $1million?”

Obendorfalsoquestionedthenecessityofabusbarn,andcriticizedthe factthatboardmembersdidn’tdiscuss theprojectonJan.17priortovoting.

endedupworkingthereuntilherretirement. Afterretirement,shecaredforherprecious granddaughters.

ArvillalivedinMalvern,IL,Polo,Sterlingand herlast9yearsshehasresidedatHeritage WoodsAssistedLivinginSterling.Sheloved livingthere.Herfamilywouldliketotakethis opportunitytothankthestaff,residents,and RN’sfortheirgreatcareofArvilla.

SurvivedbydaughterDonna(Ed)Dyer,Polo; granddaughtersAngie(Tracey)Hill,Polo,Emily(Tom)Goddard,Carbondale,Ellie(Scott) Roberts,Polo;greatgrandchildrenSophie Watts,Polo,MackenzieWagner,Carbondale, Parker,Haileigh,BrileeGoddard,Carbondale, Ava,CarlyRoberts,Polo;halfsisterNancy Cassens,Sterling,IL;specialgod-daughter ShellyShull,Decatur,Alabama;manyCassenscousinsoftheSterlingareaandcousin RitaSwansonwillholdaspecialplaceinour heartsasshewasArvilla’sgotoperson.

ArvillaisprecededbyhusbandsJim KnudsonandCharlesSiddens;sisterLenora Bakener;brothersVernandEvCassens Agravesideservicewillbeheld11:00a.m. onJune2,2023atFairmountCemeterywith PastorJohnTrotterofficiating.

PoloFamilyFuneralHomeishandlingall arrangements.Tosendcondolencesplease visitwww.polofamilyfuneralhome.com

OregonRepublicanReporter,Mt.MorrisTimes,Tri-CountyPress, ForrestonJournal: Only$39ayearforsubscriberslivinginOgleCounty. Call815-6322520tosubscribe!

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

An Oregon school bus sits in front ofthe bus garage located south ofthe high school. SeeBUSGARAGE,

Oregon working toward installing EV charging station

ByALEXAZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

Oregoncityofficialsaretaking stepstoaddanelectricvehicle chargingstationtotheFifthStreet municipalparkinglot.

Installationofnecessaryinfrastructure–including an electricitymeter, conduitandelectriccable –and a site surveyarethecurrentsteps,City AdministratorDarinDeHaansaid. They’llalsolikelydosomesidewalk work toensureAmericanswithDisabilitiesActaccesstothesite,andaim toleaveaccessforAutumnonParade

•BUSGARAGE

Continuedfrom Page4

Mahoneysaidbusestypicallylast aboutfiveyearsandstoringtheminside extendstheirlifebytwotothreeyears.

OnFeb.22,2022,OregonSchool Boardmembersvoted4-2tocloseDLR attheendofthe2021-22schoolyear andmoveseventhgradeandeighth gradestudentstoOregonHighSchool.

Thedecision camedespitepleasfrom Mt.Morrisofficialsandresidentsto

events,hesaid.

“It’smorethanjustplunkingthis thingdown,”DeHaansaid.“We’retryingtotakeallthosethings into account.”

OnDec.13,citycouncilmembers unanimouslyvotedtoOKaseven-year contractwithBlinkCharging,aFlorida-basedcompanythatmanufactures, owns,operatesandprovidesEV chargingequipmentandservices.

ThecontractwithBlinkis a “hybrid,”whereBlinksuppliestheEV chargingequipmentandthecityprovidestheinfrastructure,DeHaansaid.

“Thenit’sacost-sharing,”hesaid.

keeptheschoolopen.

DLRwasthelastremainingschool inMt.Morris.TheMt.MorrisSchool DistrictmergedwiththeOregon SchoolDistrictin1994becauseof financialreasons.

Mahoneyfirstproposedclosing DLRinMay2021,citingdecreasing enrollmentthroughoutthe district andincreasingmaintenancecostsat DLRasreasonstodoso.

InAugust2022,theOregonSchool Boardacceptedahighbidof$51,000 fromFredKenney,ofOregon,forthe

“Wepayan$18userfeeandthenwe geta60-40splitofanychargebeyond theirelectricbill.”

The citywouldget40%oftherevenuefromthechargingstation,accordingtothecity’scontractwithBlink. ShawMediaobtainedacopyofthe contractfromthe cityuponrequest. ThechargingstationisaLevel2chargercapableofdeliveringupto65miles ofchargeinonehour, andwillallow uptotwovehiclestochargeatonce.

“TheLevel2,itisnotthefastest charge,butit’sanaffordablewayto

SeeEV STATION, Page7

buildingandsurroundingproperty.

Areporttheinformaladvisory groupcommissionedsaidnecessary lifesafetyrepairstoDLRwouldhave cost$300,000,accordingtoObendorf.

ThecostoflifesafetyrepairsatDLR thatwouldhavehadtooccurwithin onetothreeyearswouldhavebeen morethan$3.59million,accordingtoa buildingusagestudybyMidwest SchoolConsultantscommissionedby Mahoney.Thestudyalsosaidanadditional$2.4millioninrepairswould havehadtobedonewithinthreeto10

years, andanother $993,531inrepairs wereoptional.

Thedistrict’sstudyalsoprojecteda cumulativetransportationsavingsof $30,600per yearifallMt.MorrisstudentsweretransportedtoOregon.

Mahoneypreviouslystated,onmultipleoccasions,thatclosingDLR wouldsavethedistrictatleast$200,000 ayearinoperatingcosts.

“They’velostallthesavingsthat theysaywerethereasonthatthey closedRahninthefirstplace,”Obendorfsaid.“Sothat’sdisappointing.”

Snow brings back memories of sledding down hills

SteveandCheriwerehere recentlyforthedayandSteve askedifhe couldtake down myChristmasdecorationsoutside. I toldhimthatIthoughtwewouldbe gettingmoresnowandmysnowman wouldlookfinesoIdeclinedtheoffer.

Throughthenightthesnowcame andmysnowmanthenfitintothe landscapeoftheyard.

Mytwofavoritetimesoftheyear areChristmas andwinter.Howmany ofyouwentsledding onahillinyour community?

Whenwelivedover in theFulton Streethouse,wespentallwinterslidingdownthehill.Itwasnotsaltedand askidswehadablast.

Maybetheydidnotdoasmuchsaltingandplowingthen.Isimplydonot rememberthatpartofitbutwedid muchslidingdownthehill.

ThenwhenIbecamegoodfriends withMargaretWilson,Ispentmywin-

POLOHISTORY

Betty Obendorf

tersiceskatingonthelittle stream thatranthroughthefieldnearthe PoloVeterinarianClinic.Itwasawonderfullittlestreamandwealwayshad agreattime.

WhenImovedtoEaglePoint,there wasasuperlittlepondupatGeorge andLoisSchmidt’sandwewouldgo upthereandiceskate. Onenever seemedtoforgethowtoiceskateand whileIwasnotagreaticeskater,it wasenoughtogetmeby.Ilovedit.

Mydadtaughtmehowtodrivein thewintertimeandIneverminded snowyroadsordrivingintoPoloto teach.NowasIage,IworryifIhaveto

getoutonsnowpackedroadsorice.

Thisweek,whenIhadseveral appointmentsinDixonandByron, I watchedtheweatherandwasrelieved whenourtemperaturewasabove freezing.Itisgreattohavetheluxury ofjuststayinghomewhileIwatch winteroutthewindow.

FridayafterIhadreturnedfrom Byron,IgotacallfromMikewhowas readytohangpicturesinthemuseum thatwerepartofDaleBlough’scollection.AfteraquickemailtoLindato tellherwewouldbeworking,Iheaded tothemuseum.

IknewifMikeneededhelp,Iwould notbemuchgoodonthatpartofit.

Sothethreeofusworkedhanging picturesafterBethandIhad looked thingsoverearlier.ThenMikeand Lindaworkedonthedisplaycasethat willholdtheBloughNativeAmerican arrowheads.Thatcaseisalmostready forJoeBleisteintostarttofigureout

wherethearrowheadswillgo.Ittakes severalofustogetallputtogether It alsotakestime.

ThenMike,LindaandIfiguredout whereabigpictureoffurniturewillgo thatcameinseveralmonths ago. Later,wewilldecidewhatgoesinto that.

WewanttoputupaPeekHomedisplaysomewheresomaybethatwillbe thespot.Wealways havesomething thatneedstobedone.

Icamehometiredandreadytosettleinmychair.Ithadbeenabusy weekofgoingand doingbutIdidget somethingaccomplishedathomeand atthemuseum.Nowthesnowhas madeitallwhiteagainanditisfunto watchtheanimalsoutsidescampering around.

•BettyObendorfisaretiredteacher andavolunteerforthePoloHistorical Society.

Kellogg Trail covereda distance of about 160 miles

ByOTTODICK

In1825,11yearsbeforeOregonwasfounded,OliverW. Kelloggandtwocompanionswiththeirwagonsandsome cattlestartedfromPeoriatodiscoverashorterrouteto theGalenaLeadMines.

TheycrossedtheRockRiverthreemileseastofthe presentcityofDixon,travelingbetweenwhatisnowPolo andMt.Morris.Fromtheretheycontinuednorthand northwesttoGalena. Thisroutecoveredadistanceof about160miles.

Priortothis timetheGalenaleadminers traveledup theMississippibyKeelboatsorwalkedorrodehorseson thebanksoftheMississippi. Thisroutewaschosento avoidthehardshipsofcrossingtheunchartedwilderness andIndians.

CharlesKnappCarpenterinhisbooktitled“TheEarly HistoryofNorthern Illinois”wrote:“WhatKellogg’s achievementmeanttonorthernIllinoismaybecompared tothatofColumbuscrossingtheAtlantictodiscoverthe westerncontinent.ThenameKelloggenduresastheone whoblazedthetrailthatopenedtosettlementthebroad stretchoftheleaddiggingsonthebanksoftheMississippiacrossthestatetoLakeMichigan.”

Forthistripheusedahorseandsmallwagon,hunting andfishingequipment,acompasstosteerby,ablanket,a

hatchet,etc.andstartedhistripuptheIllinoisRiverto Galena.

Carpenterdisagreed,callingthisrouteatrail.He calledthisrouteawagonroad.Lookingatamap,theKelloggTrailstartedatPeoria (FortClark),followedthe IllinoisRivernorthtoLaSalleandthencontinuednorth tothepresentsiteofMendota.

FromMendotahetraveled throughthepresentcities ofAmboy,Sublette, Dixon,Woosungandamilewestof Polo(BuffaloGrove).HethentraveledfromBuffalo GrovetoCrane’sGrove,whichislocatedfivemilessouth ofFreeport.FromFreeporttheytraveledwesttoGalena.

ViewingtheKellogg’smap,Inowappreciatethis groundbreakingevent(75yearsbeforethefirstcartraveledthroughOregon).

MarilynandIdrovetolocatetheCrane’sGrovearea. ItisnowaverylargeandbeautifulFreeportCamp GroundslocatedonCranesRoadnorthofthevillageof Baileyville.

AtonetimetheIllinoisCentralRailroadwentthrough Crane’sGrove.Twowomenwalkingalongtheroad pointedoutwheretheIllinoisCentralRailroadpassed throughCranesGrove.

•OttoDickisaretiredteacherandhasresearched OgleCountyhistoryforseveralyears.

TheJan.28programof“ThoseWeretheDays” willbepresentedbyJimDixon,formermayorof

Dixon,andTomWadsworth,aformerministerand publicrelationsspecialistfromDixon. Theirpresentation,heldattheOregonDepotat 10a.m.,willbeaboutthefoundingofOgleandLee countiesandtheDixonStagecoachCompany. Thesestoriesarefromthehistoryof“TheDixonsof

Dixon.”

TheDepotislocatedat401CollinsSt.

Formoreinformationaboutthe“ThoseWerethe Days”programs,callRogerCainat815-757-9715, OttoDickat815-440-0639orChrisMartinat 815-742-8471.

Founding of Lee, Ogle counties to be topicat Jan. 28 program

PhotosprovidedbyOttoDick

Pictured in these two photos are Kellogg Grove Memorial Park and Black Hawk War burial sites.

kindofgetstarted,”DeHaansaid.He addedthatwhileavehicleis charging,peoplecould visitthe museumortheColiseum.

AccordingtotheU.S.Department ofTransportation,EVcharging equipmentisavailableatthree speeds:Level1,Level2anddirect currentfastcharging(DCFC).

Level1chargerscantake40to50 hourstocharge an EVfromempty andfivetosixhourstocharge a hybridvehiclefromempty,theDOT websitestates.Level2equipment canfullychargeanEVfromempty infourto10hoursandahybrid vehiclefromemptyinonetotwo hours.

DCFCequipment“enablesrapid chargingalongheavy-trafficcorridorsatinstalledstations”andcan chargeanEVin20to60minutes, accordingtotheDOTwebsite.Most hybridvehiclesdon’tworkwith DCFCs.

CityCommissionerTimKrug questionedwhytheyweren’tinstallingDCFCequipment.DeHaan explainedthatitwasamatterofcost.

“Thehardpartiswehavenodata set,”DeHaansaid.“SowhenIwork withBlink,Blinksays,‘Wellhow manyEVvehiclesareinhere?How oftenaretheyused?’…Wejustdon’t

haveagoodideayetwhatwehave forvehicles.”

AccordingtotheIllinoisSecretaryofState’swebsite,therewere 35,504EVsinthestateand53EVsin OgleCountyasofNov.15,2021.Asof Nov.15,2022,thereare55,333EVsin Illinoisand77inOgleCounty.These totalsdonotincludehybridvehicles.

Thestate’srecordsofEVsper countygobacktoNovember2017;at thatpointtherewere8,031EVsinthe stateandthreeinOgleCounty.

“Something’sbetterthannothing,”Krugsaid.“This isagoodway totopoff.Peoplearecomingin,they cantopofftheirvehicles,notlooking foracompletecharge.”

DeHaanmetwithanelectrical engineerJan.20andreviewedthe city’soptionsforhowtogetpowerto thesite.

“Oncetheengineercomes back withthescopeofwork,we’llthen seekanelectriciantocompletethe work,”hesaid.“Oncewegetpower tothelocation,thenBlinkwillcome inandputthestationin.”

Itseemsliketheconduitcanbe boredintoplace,sotheblacktop shouldn’tneedtobeworkedon, DeHaannoted.Theexistingmeter sitson anoldplywoodframe;that willberedone.

PriceofEVcharging

Chargingratesvaryfromlocation tolocation,anddependonthetypeof

chargingequipment,aswellasthe vehiclebeingcharged,accordingto anFAQonBlinkCharging.com. Usersshouldrefertotheirowner’s manualforbatterysizeandcharge speedstohelpdeterminecharge costs,theFAQsaid.

“Chargingratesforourstations areindicatedonthechargers,”the FAQreads.“Chargingratesarealso displayedontheBlinkCharging mobileappwhenyouselect a chargingstation.”

It’snotreallypossibletoknowthe exactcostofachargeuntilyou’re charging,DeHaansaid.Ratesfluctuatethesamewaygaspricesdo,he said.

“Themarketadjuststherates,” DeHaansaid.“IfBlinkseesnobody’s usingitbecausetheirratesaretoo high,whywouldtheydothat?”

There are multiple phone apps peoplecanusetofindEVcharging stationsandseethecurrentcostto chargeatthatstation,DeHaannoted.

DeHaansaidifchargingrates becomeanissue,thecitymightbe willingtoadjustthepercentageof revenueitreceives sothecostcould belowered.

“We’renotlookingatthisfor money-making,”hesaid.

Blinkrepresentativesdidnot returnShawMediarequestsforcommentorfurtherclarificationon prices.

PhotoprovidedbyLowellHarp Liz and Jeff Wagnerarea popular duo who perform their repertoire oftraditional andmodern bluegrass tunes atFirst Fridays and other venues.

Next First Fridaysis Feb. 3

TheFirstFridaysOpenMic’snextshowis Friday,Feb.3,attheOregonVFW.

Theshowstartsat7p.m.Admissionisfree, althoughajarisavailablefordonations.

“Performerscansignupfortimeslotson a first-come,first-servebasisthismonth.InterestedpartieswhohavequestionscancontactJerry Ticeat815-449-2660,”saidLowellHarp, organizer.

TheVFWislocatedat1310W.WashingtonSt.in Oregon.Itprovidesampleparking,alongwiththe availabilityofarestaurantandbarwithinthe building,Harpsaid.

Afishfrywillrunfrom4to8p.m.

FINANCIALPLANNING

Commoninvestmentterms toknow

Theimportanceofinvestingisundeniable. Withsomuchtogainfrom successfulinvesting, novicesmaybenefitfromarundownofcommoninvestmentterms.

•401(k): Apopularwaytosavefor retirement,a401(k)isanemployer-sponsored retirementplan.Individualswitha401(k) make pre-taxcontributionsduring eachpayperiod andsomeemployersmatchthesecontributionsuptoacertainpercentage. Moneyina 401(k)canbewithdrawnatanytime,butthere isapenaltyonwithdrawalsmadepriortothe accountholder reaching 591⁄2yearsofage.

•Bearmarket: Abearmarketisamarketin whichstockpricessharplydeclineoveraprolongedperiodoftime.Bearmarketsmaybe inspired by anarrayoffactors,includingrising unemployment.

•Bonds: Bondsarealow-riskinvestment thatattractnoviceswhoarenotyetcertainof theirrisktolerance.Bondsareloansto governmentsand evencorporationsthatpayinterest totheindividualswhoinvestinthem.

•Bullmarket: Theoppositeofabear market,abullmarket referstoamarketinwhich stock pricesarerising.

•Diversification: Diversificationisasavvy

investmentstrategyinwhichinvestorsspread outtheirinvestmentssotheirportfolioisasdiverseaspossible.Whendiversifying,investors mayinvestinstocks,bonds,IRAs,a401(k),and othervehicles.

•Dividend:Adividendisapayment madeto ashareholderina company.

•Individual retirementaccount(IRA): An IRAis a retirementaccountindividualsopenon theirown.Therearevarioustypes of IRAs,and contributionstotheseaccountsarepost-tax.

•Marketindex: TheDowJonesIndustrial Average(DJIA)isperhapsthemost recogniz-

ablemarketindex,thoughit’s nottheonlyone. Amarketindexsuch astheDJIAtracksthe financialmarketbyanalyzingdatafromvarious companies.

•Mutualfunds: Mutualfundsareapopular waytoinvest.AccordingtotheinvestmentexpertsatJ.P.MorganAssetManagement,witha mutualfund,moneyisraisedbyaninvestment companyandistheninvestedinaportfolio thatincludesstocks,bonds,options,commodities,ormoneymarketsecurities.

•Share: Theonline financial resourceMint notesthatashareisaunitofownershipin acompany orinan asset.Shareholdersare eligibleforbenefits,includingpayouts,whena companymakesmoney.

•Stock: Stocksarelong-terminvestments that represent an ownershipstakein a company.Mostinvestorsinvestincommonstocks, whicharenotsubjecttothesame conditionsas preferredstocks.Preferredstockstendtobe lessvolatilethancommonstocks,thoughthat securityalsomakesthemless profitablewhen thestockperformswell.

Knowledgeofthesebasicinvestmentterms canserveasagoodfoundationfornoviceswho wanttobegininvesting.

Tips to picktherighttime to retire

retire isaffectedby ahostofvariables, sowhat’sagood timeforoneindividualmaynotbeideal foranother.However,professionalson thecuspof retirement canconsider thesetipsasthey trytopicktheright timeto retire.

willbe reduced by 25percent.If individualswait untilthey’re66or, insomecases,67, to claimSocial Securitybenefits,theywill receive theirfullbenefits.TheSocial SecurityAdministrationnotesthat thosewhocan waituntilage70to claimbenefitswill receiveasmuch as132percentofthe monthly benefittheywouldhave received atfull retirementage.

Professionalsworkhardto achievebothshort-andlong-term goals.Retirementcertainlyqualifiesasalong-termgoal, and many peoplespenddecadesbuilding andinvestinginanesteggthat theyhopewillhelpthemenjoy theirgoldenyearstothefullest extent.

Thedecision regardingwhento

•Consider age-relatedbenefits. The United Statesfeaturesgovernment-sponsored retirementincome programsandit behoovesindividualstofamiliarize themselveswiththerulesofthose programssotheycan maximize theirbenefits.

Age-relatedrules governthe SocialSecuritybenefits programin theUnitedStates,where individualscanbeginclaimingbenefits atage62,thoughthosebenefits

•Payoffyour debts. Carrying debtinto retirementcanberisky. Ingeneral,it’sidealtopay offall debts,includingamortgage and car payment,before retiring.Doingsocanprovide more financial flexibilityandmakeiteasierto manageunforeseenexpenses, suchasthoseincurred dueto healthproblems.

•Consideryour retirement livingexpenses. Itgoeswithout sayingthatasizablenest eggwill beanecessityforanyonehoping tolivecomfortablyin retirement. Butthetrickypartis figuringjust

howbiganesteggmightneedto be.In suchinstances,individuals canspeakwitha financialadvisor anddiscuss whattheir retirement livingexpenses will be.Conventionalwisdombasedonthe ConsumerPriceIndexsuggests individualswillneedto replace between 70and80percentof theirpre-retirementincomeafter callingitacareer.Buteventhat figureisnotsetinstone,asrising inflation,suchastherapidspike experiencedin2022, canquickly put retireesin financialjeopardy. Byestimatingtheexpensesthey might havein retirement,individualscanbegintoseejust how close orfarawayfrom retirementthey maybe.Budgetforinflationso anyspikeinlivingexpensescanbe easiertomanage.

Manyindividuals recognizethat there’snoperfecttimeto retire. Butafewsimplestrategiescan helpprofessionalsmakethebest decisionpossible.

Callorvisittodayand

ROCK FALLS 1801First Avenue (815) 625-1110

STERLING 3210E.Lincolnway (815)625-4300

DIXON 1021North GalenaAvenue (815) 284-8500 www.commstbk.com

Kids can setthepace for longterm health

pamineinthebrain,causingpleasurablefeelingsthat reinforcethe behavior.Stockingthe refrigerator andpantrywithslicedfruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, lean proteinlikehummusandwhole wheatdippingcrackerscansetthe courseformore responsibleeating behaviors.

Eatmealsandshoptogether

Long-termhealthisnotsomethingthatmanyyoungpeople routinelyconsider.Afterall,it’s easytofeelinvincibleduring one’s childhoodandadolescence.But thestepsthatyoungpeople take earlyoncanaffecttheirhealthas theygetolder.

AccordingtotheCentersfor DiseaseControlandPrevention, establishinghealthybehaviors duringchildhoodandadolescence

ismorebeneficialtolong-term healththantryingtochangepoor behaviorsinadulthood.Thefollowingaresomewaysyoungpeoplecansetthecourseforhealthy outcomesthroughoutlife.

Prioritizehealthyfoods Accordingtothechildhood recreationgroupMountainKids, habitsandactionsperformed subconsciouslyarehardtobreak because repeat habitstriggerdo-

Kidscanlearnwhathealthy eatingandportioncontrollooks likeifitis modeled by theirparents.Childrenshouldbeinvolved with readingnutritionlabelsand understandingtheingredientsthat comprisethefoodstheycommonlyeat.Whendiningout,choose restaurantsthatutilizemenus thatindicatethecaloriccontent ofmeals.Childrenwilllearnto recognizeandembracenutritious foodsandthatcancontinueinto adulthood.

Eatingasafamilyalso benefits mentalhealth.StanfordChildren’s Healthsayseatingtogetherasa

family can encourage children’s confidenceinthemselvesand improvecommunication.Childrenwho regularlyconverseand interactwith theirparentsmaybe lesslikelyto engageinsubstance abuseoract outatschool.

Increase physicalactivity

TheCDCsays21percentofadolescentsaged12to 19 areobese, andtwoin fivestudentshavea chronichealthcondition.Athome andinschool,adultscanencouragephysicalactivityasaneffective means to prevent obesity. The DepartmentofHealthandHuman Service recommendsthatchildrenand adolescentsagesix and older get atleastonehouraday ofmoderateorvigorousaerobic activity,suchasrunningorbiking. Muscle-andbone-strengthening activitiesalsoare recommended. Kidswholearnearlyonto appreciatephysicalactivity reaplongtermbenefits thatextendwellinto adulthood.

Another continuancein Mt. Morris murder case

MatthewPloteischarged withkillingMelissa Lameschand herunbornson

ByEARLEENHINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

AnOgleCountyjudgeagreedto continueapretrialhearingtoMarch foraMaltamanchargedwithkillinga Mt.Morriswomanandherunborn soninNovember2020.

MatthewT.Plote,35,ofMalta appearedincourtJan.19withhis defense attorney, JohnR.Koppof Geneva, infrontofJudgeJohn“Ben” Roe.

PloteischargedwithkillingMelissa Lamesch,27,ofMt.Morrisandher unbornsononNov.25,2020,andthen settingfiretoherhousetoconceal theirdeaths.

Lamesch’sbabywasdueNov.27.

Plotefacesfourcountsoffirst-degreemurder, threeofintentional homicideofanunbornchildand one eachofresidentialarson,aggravated domesticbatteryandconcealmentofa homicidaldeath.

Thursday’shearingwascontinued lastDecemberafterKoppsaidhehad yettoreceiverecordsregardingphone recordsandLamesch’smedical recordsbeforeherdeath.

OnThursdayhesaidhewasstill waitingtoreceivethatinformationas wellasreportsfromtwocoronerswho examinedLameschfollowingher death.

State’sAttorneyMikeRocksaid coronersfrom Peoriaand Winnebago CountyexaminedLamesch.

AssistantState’s AttorneyHeather

LibertyVillage

Krusesaidthestatealsowasseeking recordsfromtheeightfiredepartmentsthatprovidedmutualaidtothe Mt.MorrisFireDepartmentonthe nightofthefire.

Roeagreedtocontinuethehearing toMarch1forfurtherstatusonthe discoveryitems.

“Fortherecord,thedefenseagrees withthecontinuancefortoday?”Roe asked.

“Yes,”Koppsaid.

Plotehasbeenincustodyatthe OgleCountyCorrectionalCentersince hisMarch8,2022,arrest.Heappeared incourt wearingthestandardorange jumpsuitandinhandcuffsandleg irons.Twoofhisfamilymemberssat inonerowofthecourtroom’spublic seatingareawhiletwoofLamesch’s familysattworowsbehindthem.

Lameschwasfoundabout4:30p.m. afterfirefightersrespondedto206S. HannahAve.inMt.Morris,where theyencountered heavysmokeand blaringsmokedetectors.Shewas foundonthekitchenfloorandpronounceddeadatthescene,despitelifesavingmeasures.

Shewasa2011graduateofOregon HighSchoolandanEMTatTrace AmbulanceServiceinTinleyPark.

Prosecutorshaveyettoofferapossiblemotiveinthecase,buthavesaid LameschandPlotekneweachother beforethekillings.

Trial set for Polo man accused of killing Oregon man in 2020

ByKATHLEENA.SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

Athree-daytrialisscheduledin MayforaPolomanchargedwiththree countsoffirst-degreemurderinthe deathofanOregonmanshotmore thantwoyearsago.

CodyW.Neuschwanger, 26,facessixto60years,upto lifeinprisonifconvictedin thedeathof37-year-old DevinBailey,whowasfound woundedinahomeinthe 1100blockofFirstAvenue inRochelleabout9:15on Oct.29,2020.

Bailey wasrushedto RochelleCommunityHospital,wherehewaspronounced deadofagunshotwoundtohistorso.

Neuschwangeralsoischargedwith aggravatedbatterywithafirearm,

whichcarriessixto30years. TwoPolomen,then17,alsowere chargedwithmobactionintheshooting,whichatthetimeRochelleChiefof PoliceEricHigbysaidwastheresultof adomesticargumentthatgotoutof hand.Theywerereleasedtotheirparents.

Neuschwangerhasbeen freesinceJan15,2021,after posting$10,000ofhis$100,000 bail,whichwas reduced from$500,000onNov.4,2020, overtheobjectionofthe prosecution.

Histrialisscheduledfor May16-18inOgleCounty Court,withastatushearing setforMarch15.

JudgeJohn“Ben”Roeis presiding.NeuschwangerisrepresentedbyChicagoattorneyMichael Johnson.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Matthew Plote is escorted into an Ogle County courtroom by court officials Jan. 19.

Melissa Lamesch andher unbornson died Nov. 25, 2020, at her home in Mt Morris.

Cody Neuschwanger

Oregon’s Surmo moving on to bowling state finals

AnOregonbowlerisoneoftwo areabowlerstoadvancetothe statemeetwithstrongshowingsat theRockfordGuilfordSectional onJan.21atDonCarterLanes.

Oregon’sGavvinSurmoand Dixon’sClark Bonnewellboth placed inthetop13individually andearnedtwoofthesevenindividualadvancingspotsforthis weekend’sstatetournamentatSt. ClairBowlinO’Fallon.

Surmobowledasix-game series of1,300, rollinggames of 184, 234and233inthemorning, thenfollowingthatwithgamesof 238,224and187intheafternoon. Heplaced10thoverallandwas thethirdindividualstatequalifier.

Bonnewellstartedstrongin his1,286series,bowlinggamesof

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Girlsbasketball

Polo57,Milledgeville23: ThePologirls basketballteamrolledtoan11-point first-quarterlead,thenoutscoredMilledgevilleby22overthenexttwoquartersto pullawayfora57-23winonJan.18.

LindeePoperandCamrynnJonesledthe Marcoswith14pointsapiece,while CourtneyGrobeaddedninepoints,five assistsandfoursteals.Jonesnabbedthree steals,snaggedfourreboundsanddished threeassists,andPopergrabbedsixboards togowiththreeassists,twoblocksandtwo steals.

LiliannaSmithandMarissaSturrupledthe Missileswitheightandsevenpoints,and OliviaSchurmanaddedfivepoints.

256,261and181inthemorning, thengamesof133,207and248in theafternoon.Hewas13thoverall andearnedthefifthindividual qualifierspot.

OregonandSterlingbothcompetedasfullteamsinthe16-team field.Oregontook13thwith a 5,499,andSterlingwas16thwitha 5,303.Hononegahwontheteam titlewitha6,544,whileHarlem (6,494),BelvidereNorth(6,022), Huntley(5,877),Mundelein(5,876) andLakeZurich(5,867)also advancedtostate.

Hononegah’sCharlieHuntwas medalistwitha1,445,wellahead ofrunner-upTJCzabajofLake Zurich(1,381).

Theotherindividual state qualifierswithSurmoandBonnewellwereBelvidere’sChad

Morgan(1,324),Mendota’s LandonBauer(1,312),Vernon Hills’ZackShoemaker(1,299), Sycamore’sEvanBorowicz(1,266) andStevenson’sJacksonSher (1,258).

OtherOregonbowlersrolling sixgameswereBrandonRowe witha1,097seriesand235high game,StylarLongwitha1,089 seriesand231highgame,and RobertoHernandezwitha1,000 seriesand204highgame.MatthewStahlhada520inthree games,includinga211highgame, andBryanImmeladdeda493in threegamesfortheHawks.

Dixonhadtwootherindividual competitors:DavidLairdhad a 1,057seriesanda211highgame, andCodyGeilrolled a956series fortheDukes.

Girlsbowling

Oregon2,936,Rochelle2,796: TheHawks wontheirhomefinaleatTown&Country LanesinMt.Morris,takingthefirstandthird gamestotoptheHubs.

AvaWightclosedouther603serieswitha 242highgame,whileKendraEhrlerhada 565seriesand203highgame,and MackenzieAlfordaddeda547seriesanda 201highgameforOregon(10-3).Trinity Hultquisthada474series,KylieKrugrolleda 380,andAhrenHoweychippedina367. CassidyVincentledRochellewitha638 series,includinggamesof218and236. AnahiAlanisaddeda531seriesanda210 highgame.

Winnebago50,Oregon19: TheHawksfell behind26-12byhalftime,thenwere outscored15-2inthethirdquarterofaBig NorthernConferencelossontheroad.

HadleyLutzhadninepointstoleadOregon, andfiveotherplayerseachscoredtwo.

EllaProviandAnnaPalmerscorednine pointsapieceforWinnebagoas10players scoredfortheIndians.

Morrison71,Oregon38: TheFilliesbuilta 43-23halftimelead,thenputawaythe visitingHawkswithan18-5fourth-quarter scoringrun.

ShelbyVeltropledMorrisonwith29points, DianaRobbinsscored16,CamrynVeltrop had12andJordanEadsaddedeight.

LeadersforOregonwereHadleyLutzwith 23points,MariahDrakewithsevenpoints, andMyaEngelkeswithfourpoints.

Dixon42,Oregon11: TheDuchesses rolledtoa42-11roadwinattheBlackhawk CenterastheHawkscommitted12first-half turnoversandscoredonebasket.

MariahDrakepacedtheHawkswiththree points,threereboundsandtwosteals.

ThirteenDuchessesplayersrecordedastat inthe31-pointwin.EllaGovighad14points andfourreboundsandHarvestDaytallied ninepoints,fourrebounds,threestealsand twoassists.

Amboy31,Forreston27:TheClippers

trailed9-2afterthefirstquarter,butrallied towithin11-10byhalftime,thentooka24-15 leadintothefourthquarterinanNUICSouth roadwin.

MaeveLarson’s11pointspacedAmboy, whileCourtneyOrtgiesenaddedeightand AddisonPertellscoredsix.

BrookeBoettnerledForrestonwitheight points,whileRyleeBroshousscoredseven pointsandJennaGreenfieldhadsix.

BothBroshousandGreenfieldhittwo 3-pointers.

Oregon2,773,Erie-Prophetstown2,203: TheHawkswonallthreegamestodefeat thePanthersinanonconferencedualat TriplePlayLanesinFulton.

AvaWightopenedher576serieswith gamesof200and202toleadOregon. MackenzieAlfordrolleda521series,Kendra Ehrleraddeda507,andTrinityHultquisthad a503.KylieKrug(353)andAhrenHowey (313)roundedouttheHawks’lineup.

HannahNeumillerledErie-Prophetstown witha469series,PhoebeDeNevehada413, andLillianMcWilliamsaddeda367.

Boysbasketball

Polo49,Forreston47: TheMarcos amasseda25-15halftimelead,thenheldoff afuriousCardinalsrallytowintheNUIC Southmatchupathome.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Oregon’s GavvinSurmo celebrates a strike with his team during the IHSA Rockford Guilford Sectional onSaturday.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Oregon’s Ella Dannhorn (3) and Dixon’s Hrvest Day (30) reach fora loose ball duringaJan. 21 game at the Blackhawk Center.

BrockSoltowpacedPolowith18points, whileCarsonJonesandCarterMerdian addedninepointsapiece.

BrendanGreenfieldhadagame-high20 pointsforForreston,andBrockSmithscored11.

Byron67,Oregon58: TheHawkslosta BigNortherngametotherivalTigersonthe road.RyanTuckerscored17pointsforByron, andCarsonBuseradded15.

Forreston48,Oregon46: TheCardinals led25-23athalftimeand41-35through threequarters,thenheldoffafourth-quarter surgefromtheHawksinanonconference gameinForreston.

NikoValenzuelascored22pointstopace Forreston,andBrockSmithaddedeight pointsand10rebounds.

JordanCroegaert’s16pointspacedOregon, whileJamesonCaposeyscored12and AnthonyBelladdedseven.

Oregon60,Amboy53: TheHawkstrailed 39-26athalftime,butoutscoredtheClippers 12-4inthethirdquarterand22-10inthe fourthforanonconferencewinatthe BlackhawkCenter.

NoahJohnsonhitfour3-pointersand finishedwith20pointsforOregon(8-14), whileJordanCroegaerthad10points,Ryan Harknessaddedeight,andEthanJames scoredseven.JamesonCaposeyand AnthonyBellbothscoredsixpoints.Bellhit two3s.

Hawks beat Rock Falls, fall to Dixon

TheHawkwrestlerstraveledtoRockFalls onJan.19totakeontheRocketsandthe DixonDukes,withatleastashareoftheBig NorthernConferencetitleonthelineagainst Dixon.

TheHawkseasilyrolledoverRockFallsin theopener52-20,buttheDukestookthe momentumasthematchmovedintothe lowerweightsandtheyerasedanearly OregonleadtodroptheHawks44-18. Oregonisnow22-4fortheseason. AgainsttheRockets,LaneHalversongotit goingat145withanarmbarat1:16and GrantStenderranachickenwingat4:27. AnthonyBauercollectedaforfeitat160, LandynWindhamreversedtothebackat 3:40,andGabeEckerdandQuentinBerry receivedforfeitsat182and220.

EvanFlahartyhitathrowin20seconds andtheHawkswereup48-0.Theyforfeited 113andPrestonLaBaywentdowntoa17-2 technicalfalltofifth-rankedAaronMeenam at120.Inhisfirststartat126,GriffinMarlatt sufferedaninjuryandhadtodefault.

At138,EthanMowryfoughthardina6-2 loss,cuttingtheleadto48-20.EddieGomez finishedthemoffwitha15-6majordecision.

Wrestling

PolosweepsAmboytriangular: The MarcosdownedAmboy49-12andFulton 57-18.AgainsttheClippers,WyattMeiners (120),ColtonSaldecki(160)andShawn Pattan(220)wonbypin,WyattDoty(132) wonbymajordecision,andJosiahPerez (113)wonbydecision.SaldeckiandPattan woninlessthanaminute,andPoloalsotook fourforfeitwins.

AgainsttheSteamers,Perez(106),Meiners (120),DeloFernandez(152)andWaylon Harris(170)wonbypins.Pattan(220)added awinbydecisionforPolo,whichreceived

Stenderrananotherchickenwingtoput OregonontopofDixonearly.Bauer counteredforatakedownlatetotiethe scoreat10andcounteredforanother takedown15secondsintoovertimetotakea 12-10win,andaforfeittoEckerdextended theleadto15-0.

Windhamlostfourtakedownsina9-1 majordecisionlosstogiveDixontheirfirst points.Berrylostalateescapeandastalling pointandwenttoovertimetiedattwo,but helostareverseinthetiebreakerand couldn’tanswerandhewentdownbyone point.JonathanAlanizheldonfora5-4win at220,butthosewouldbethelastpointsfor theHawks.

Atheavyweight,Flahartyhadathrowfor whatlookedlikeapinbutwasn’tandhe gaveupalatetakedowntolosebyapoint.

Aforfeitat106gottheDukestowithintwo pointsandJacksonMessengergaveuptwo setsofbackpointsina9-1majordecision lossandDixontooktheleadandtheywere onaroll.TheinjurytoMarlattcausedthe Hawkstoforfeit120andLaBaylost8-2at 120.

Mowrywentoverinacradleat1:47and Halversoncouldn’tgetrollinginthe

fiveforfeitsfromFulton.

ZanePannell(182)wastheonlycontested winnerforFultonagainstPolo,securinghis victorybypin.

BobMittonInvite: Ledby132-pound championWyattDoty,thePoloMarcos placedeighthatthe21-teamtournamentin Orion.

Poloscored115points,whileAmboywas 16thwith60.5.Riverdalewontheteamtitle with255points,wellaheadofthehost Chargers,whoweresecondwith191.

Dotywona13-5majordecisioninthetitle boutat132,whileJosiahPerezlosta2-0

138-poundmatch,losing8-4.Withthematch outofreach,Oregonforfeited145.

HawkwrestlerseighthatLeRoy Afterfoursuccessfultournamentappearancesthisseason,Oregonneededfourwins infivemedalroundmatchestoekeoutan eighth-placefinish.FourHawksstarters missedthetournamentbecauseofmedical issuesandtwomoreexitedthecontestwith injuries.

Nineofthe11Hawkswrestlersreachedthe quarterfinals,butonlytwogotthroughto theroundoffourandjustfiveearned medals.GrantStenderpinnedhiswaytothe 152-poundfirst-placematchwherehewas dominantinan11-2majordecision.

QuentinBerrypinnedhiswaytothe 195-poundsemifinalwherehelost4-3,a stallingpointthedifferenceinthematch.He scoredalatereverseinthethird-place matchtoseala9-6win.

At132,EthanMowrywithstoodatough rideinthethirdperiodofhisopenertowin 6-2butwaspinnedinthequarterfinal.Inthe wrestlebacks,hepinnedin12seconds,was toughonhisfeetinthethirdperiodofa7-5 winandhookedupahighhalfnelsontopin at3:41totakefifth.

decisioninthechampionshipmatchat106 fortheMarcos.LucasNelson(126)and MadduxHayden(195)bothfinishedfourth, andWyattMeiners(120)wasfifthforPolo. Polo splits at home: The Marcos defeated NorthBoone54-24,butlosttoPrinceton 43-29inanonconferencetriangularinPolo. WyattDoty(132pounds)wonbypinand technicalfallinhistwobouts,whileShawn Pattan(220)addedapinagainstNorth Boone.Poloalsoreceivedsevenforfeits. LucasNelson(126),KaenynMcCarren (145)andMadduxHayden(195)allwonby pinagainstPrinceton.

At182,LandynWindhamwonbyamajor decisionbeforehewaspinnedin32seconds bytheeventualchampion.Inconsolation,he won12-9overteammateSethRoteinahard foughtmatch.

Intheconsolationsemifinal,Windhamended upwithadefensivepinwhenhisopponentput himselfonhisback.Inthefifth-placematch, Windhamswitchedtostartthethirdandwon 9-8forthefifth-placemedal.

AnthonyBauer,withmorethan30winson theseason,wasexplicitlyputinapigtail brackettostartthe160-poundbracketand hepinnedtwicetoreachthequarterfinal wherealostreversetothebackcosthim fourpointsandthematch.

Inthewrestlebacks,hescoredtwo first-periodpinstoreachthefifth-place matchbutwasnotallowedtocompete becausehehadreachedhismaximumoffive matchesfortheday.Bauertooksixthplace inthe“NoContest.”

AlsowrestlingforOregonwereJackson Messengerat113,PrestonLaBayat120, GabeEckerdat170,SethRoteat182asa non-scoringwrestler,JonathonAlanizat220 andBriggsSellersat285.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Oregon’s Anthony Bell (33) andByron’s Braylon Kilduff (23) reach for a loose ball duringa BNC gamein Byronon Jan. 20.

EarleenHinton/ShawMedia

Forreston’s Brendan Greenfield (12) is surrounded by Polo’s Brady Wolber (22) and Cayden Webster (23) duringaJan. 19 game.

Winter sports seasons are beginningto heat up

CongratulationstoGavvin SurmoofOregonforadvancingoutofthetoughRockford GuilfordSectionaltothestatebowling championship.

TheHawksophomoretookoneof theindividualqualifyingspotswith a 1,300pintotalforsixgames.

Havingnotbowledattheregional, Surmowaslikelythesurprisequalifierofthebunch.Hisserieswashighlightedbygames2-5of234,233,238and 224.Itdoesn’tgetmuchmoreconsistentthanthat.

NowitisthelongtriptoO’Fallon, siteofthe statefinals.Lastweek, Rockfordwasmentionedasahotspot forhighschoolbowlingandthesame istrueforthegreaterSt.Louisarea, notrenownforbowling.

Also,acorrectionfromlastweek.It wasHononegah,notHarlemthathad setnationalrecordsinbowling.It’s leadbowler,CharlieHunt,continued historridpacewitha1,445towinthe sectionalby64pins.

Harlemisrightuptherewith Hononegahonthenationalstageand finishedonly50pinsbehind(6,5446,494)atthesectional.Lookforthose twotobumpheadswithSalem(6,570) andO’Fallon(6,547)downstate.

AfterknockingoffBNCfoes StillmanValleyandLutheranlastweek,

OREGONPOLICE

Jan.16

PriscillaDiaz,21,ofMontgomery,was arrestedat8p.m.onanoutstandingKendall Countywarrantforfailuretoappearona drivingwhilelicensesuspendedcharge.Diaz wasalsoissuedacitationforspeeding, 49mphina30mphzone.DiazwastransportedtotheOgleCountyJail.Theseviolations occurredinthe600blockofN.4th Street.

Jan.17

At1:28p.m.,policeinvestigateda two-vehicletrafficcrashinthe1300blockof PinesRoadinvolvinga2004Hondadrivenby AnnetteL.Coble,85,ofOregon,whostrucka 2013GMCdrivenbyAshleyB.Goner,26,of Byron.Coblewasissuedcitationsfor operatinganuninsuredmotorvehicleand failuretoreducespeedtoavoidanaccident.

MichaelB.Tegtman,50,ofOttawa,was issuedacitationat6:11p.m.foroperatinga vehiclewithanexpiredregistration.This violationoccurredinthe300blockofW.

GUESTVIEW

Andy Colbert

theByrongirlsbasketballteam(22-2) wasfacingDixon(20-3)beforethiscolumnwenttopress.Nodoubtthiswas for the conference title and I would havelovedtotaketheshortrideto Dixontoseeit.

However,IaminUtah forthe expressedpurposeofwatching a hockeygame.Inthiscase,itwastosee my9-year-oldgranddaughterplay.It wasmyfirsttimebackatahockey rinksincebeingthrownoutofaChicagoBlackhawksgameinthelate70s.

Securityofficersdidnotappreciate methrowingarolloftoiletpaperfrom thefarreachesoftheoldChicagoStadiumanddisruptingaface-off.They actuallyhadaholdingcellinthebowelsofthefacilityformischiefmakers likeme.

AsaChicagopolicemanescorted medown,hesaidIwasfortunatenotto havedone anythingmoreegregious, asthenextstopinthedisciplinaryprocesswastheCookCountyjailandhe saidIprobablywouldn’thavefared

toowellthere.

Iwaswellbehavedattherinkin SaltLakeCity,homeofthemen’sand women’suniversity’shockeyteams. Whiletheselittlekidsdidn’tpossess theskilllevelofthepros,Ihadabetter timethananyBlackhawksgameIever wentto.Plus,Igottostayforthewhole thing,unlikeatChicagowhereIwasn’t releaseduntilthegamewasover. •••

CredittotheSterlingandPrinceton footballteamsforrecentlypullingoffa schedulingcoup.With RockIsland Allemanunabletofieldateambecause of lownumbers,which isastoryin itselfforaschoolwithfivestate-championshipappearances,Sterlinghadto findanewopponent.

Aboutthesametime,PrincetondiscoveredthatPeruSt.Bedewasleaving theThreeRiversConferenceandthey wouldbeshortagame.Coincidentally, itwasWeek5thatbothSterlingand Princetonneededanewopponent.

ThoughSterling(5A)has1,000studentsandPrinceton(3A)500,thetwo agreedtoplay. Thisiscoolbecause bothwerestaterankedthisfall,with PrincetonnearlybeatingElmhurst ImmaculateConception.Theotherbig factoristhepairusedtobeinaconferencetogether,thevenerableNCIC, andhadn’tmetsince1949.

Thiswillbeaclassiccontestand

hatsofftobothformakingthiswork. Sooftenschoolswon’tplayeachother becauseoffear.Notthesetwo.

Liketheirfemalecounterparts,the Byronboys(15-5)areinthemidstofa brutal stretch.FirstupwasPecatonica,thenLutheran,Dixon, Rockford Christian(21-1)andPrinceton(22-0). Withthatschedule,you’llfindoutin hurrywhatyou’remadeof.

Princeton musthaveatremendous groupofathletesgoingthroughthe schoolrightnowtohavethatmuch successinfootballandbasketball. That israretoshineinbothsportsin thesameyear.

Wrestlerscontinuetheslogtoward thefinish,withOregon’sroster beat upwithinjuries.Isthereatougher sportthanwrestling?

Rochellecontinuestoflyhighby winningtheInterstate8wrestlingtitle andsetting aschoolrecordfordual meetvictories.ImisstheBNCnothavingatournamentanymore.Thatwas muchmore competitivetoseethan dualswithsomanyforfeits.

•AndyColbert,anavidrunner,has beenasportswriterforShawMedia andhascoveredhighschoolsportsin OgleCountyformorethan30years

WashingtonStreet.

KathleenM.Garcia,56,ofOregon,was arrestedat9:21p.m.fordrivingwhilelicense suspended.Thisviolationoccurredinthe 300blockofS.4th Street.Garciawas transportedtotheOgleCountyJail.

AnaliesseE.Garriott,18,ofSterling,was issuedacitationat10:51p.m.forspeeding, 48mphina30mphzone.Thisviolation occurredinthe600blockofN.4th Street. Jan.18

DanielW.Kester,27,ofOregon,wasissued acitationat2:10a.m.foroperatingan uninsuredmotorvehicle.Thisviolation occurredinthe600blockofW.Washington Street. Jan.19

LawrenceF.Koehler,Jr.,43,ofRockford, wasissuedacitationat7:32p.m.for operatingavehiclewithasuspended registration.Thisviolationoccurredinthe 100blockofS.4th Street.

NataleeR.Lones,20,ofByron,wasissued acitationat8:33p.m.forspeeding,46mph ina30mphzone.Thisviolationoccurredin

the600blockofN.4th Street. Jan.20

At8:12a.m.,policerespondedtoa two-vehicletrafficcrashintheparkinglotof McDonald’srestaurant,locatedat211S.4th Streetinvolvinga2023JeepdrivenbyTracy A.Bolen,49,ofMt.Morris,anda2012Dodge drivenbyJessicaA.Lance,35,ofPolo.No citationswereissued.

ShaunBrodie,37,ofAbilene,Texas,was arrestedat8:57p.m.fornovaliddriver’s license.BrodiewastransportedtotheOgle Countyjail.Thisviolationoccurredinthe 400blockofN.4th Street. Jan.21

RyanA.Fox,17,ofOregon,wasissueda citationat7:50p.m.fordisregardingastop light.Thisviolationoccurredattheintersectionof4th andWashingtonStreets. ChristopherC.Howard,33,ofRockford, wasissuedacitationat8:27p.m.for operatingavehicleinviolationofthetinted frontsidewindowslaw.Thisviolation occurredinthe600blockofGaleStreet.

AlexiaM.Washington,27,ofRockford,was

issuedcitationsat9:15p.m.foroperatingan uninsuredmotorvehicle,andtwoseparate citationsforfailuretoproperlysecureachild undertheageof8inachildrestraint system.Theseviolationsoccurredinthe600 blockofN.4th Street.

Jan.22

BryceV.Hetzel,22,ofGreenfield, Wisconsin,wasissuedacitationat10”12 p.m.forspeeding,46mphina30mphzone. Thisviolationoccurredinthe600blockofN. 4th Street.

LivtarS.Dandona,25,ofGlendaleHeights, wasissuedacitationat10:28p.m.for speeding,40mphina30mphzone.This violationoccurredinthe800blockofW. WashingtonStreet.

Fiveparkingcitationsand15verbal warningswereissuedJan.16-22.

Pleasenote:Anyarrestslistedaremerely accusationsandthedefendantispresumed innocentunlessprovedguiltyinacourtof law.

OregonPoliceChiefJoeBrooksreportsthe followingpoliceactivity.

Mt.MorrisPoliceChiefMichaelCicchetti reportsthefollowingpoliceactivity.

Jan.6

Atapproximately7:45p.m.,police respondedtothe10blockofW.CenterSt. Whileinthearea,policelocatedJames Turner,52,ofMt.Morris,whowaswanted onaLeeCountywarrant.Turnerwastaken intocustodyandtransportedtotheOgle CountyJailwherehewasheldinlieuof bond.

Jan.12

Atapproximately9a.m.,policeweresent tothe400blockofE.HittStforthereport

PROPERTYTRANSFERS

Jan.13-19

WarrantyDeeds

AreliP.andMariaL.VillatoJoshuaand JacquelynBell,620WillowBendDrive,Davis Junction,$242,800.

BMEOgleFarmsLLCtoLeeE.Heeren Trust,LeeE.Heeren,trustee,oneparcelin ScottTownship,8271HalesCornerandone parcelonStillmanRoad,StillmanValley, $1,320,567.

ShawnMelvilletoTerrySchusterand PamelaA.Steele,504TrotterCourt,Oregon, $220,000.

BruceandDebraWigtiontoDawnMarcella Orr,311W.FrontSt.,Mt.Morris,$111,000.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF ACTIVITY

OgleCountySheriffBrianVanVicklereports thefollowingactivity.

Jan.16

RobertJ.Phinnessee,47,ofRockford,was arrestedfordrivingonarevokedlicense afteratrafficstopatIllinoisRoute72and NorthAdelineRoadat11:06p.m.Phinnessee alsowascitedforillegalwindowting. PhinnesseewastransportedtotheOgle CountyJail.

Jan.17

JohnHitchcock,40,ofMt.Morris,was arrestedfordomesticbatteryafterdeputies respondedtotheMountMorrisEstatesLot No.12ataround6:32p.m.foradisturbance. HitchcockwastransportedtotheOgleCountyJailandheldpendingacourtappearance.

SteveSmith,52,ofDixon,wasarrestedfor possessionofmethamphetamine15-100 grams(class1felony)andpossessionwith

ofadisturbance.Afteraninvestigation, BrandonD.Reints,41,ofMt.Morris,was arrestedandchargedwithdomesticbattery. ReintswastransportedtotheOgleCounty Jail.

Jan.13

Atapproximately2:15p.m.,police respondedtoasinglevehicleaccidentinthe 100blockofW.HittSt.Thedriverofa2009 Volkswagen,RobinS.Hilleman,59,was citedforoperatingavehiclewithsuspended registrationandwasgivenanI-Bond.

Jan.14

Atapproximately7:20p.m.,police

JonD.MillertoTannerE.andJasmineO. Miller,406E.KingSt.,Polo,$80,000.

GeorgeT.andSaraG.ThekkaneltoSeldal PropertiesLLC,824CarrieAve.,Rochelle, $755,000.

StephenM.andElinorJaneDegolierto JasonR.andKristen,1217CarrieAve., Rochelle,$236,000.

GailL.Blumeyer,alsoFruin,toAndrew Mulrooney,711S.SecondSt.,Oregon, $108,000.

Ships11LLCtoStoreMasterFundingXXI LLC,1320N.SeventhSt.Rochelle,$469,574.

VallynILLCOgleCountyFarmLandSeries toDremoLLC,5436E.FlaggRoad,Oregon, $655,000.

respondedtoahitandruncrashinthe10 blockofWestMainSt.Therewereno injuriesandnocitationsissuedatthistime.

Jan.20

Atapproximately8p.m.,policeweresent tothe300blockofEHittStforthereportof adomesticdisturbance.Afteraninvestigation,ChaE.Keller,34,ofMt.Morris,was arrestedonaLeeCountywarrantforfailure toappear.Kellerwastransportedtothe OgleCountyJail.

Pleasenote:Anyarrestslistedaremerely accusationsandthedefendantispresumed innocentunlessprovedguiltyinacourtof law.

POLO POLICE

PoloPoliceChiefTroyRandallreportsthe followingpoliceactivityforgeneral callsforserviceJan.9-22.

CitizenComplaints/Assist......................16 Juvenile........................................................1

AnimalComplaints....................................1 Disturbance/Domestic..............................1 Fire/MedicalAssist...................................8 Alarm...........................................................2 LockOut......................................................1

911HangUp................................................1 TrafficStops................................................1 CountyAssists...........................................2

MarleneIMackeytoDrainageSolutions LLC,310N.JeffersonAve.,Polo,$6,500.

ElaineKhortoElaineKhorandShakirHano Bannosha,3008W.OregonTrailRoad, Oregon,$0.

TrusteesDeeds

PhillipE.MessengertoLauraJ.Badtke, 4358W.stateRoute64,Mt.Morris, $155,000.

QuitClaimDeeds

CurtisW.SamoandWilliamP.BakertoHis CornerLLC,503CottonwoodCourt,Dixon, $0.

intenttodelivermethamphetamine(classXfelony)aftera trafficstopinthe4000block ofsouthIllinoisRoute2at around9:23p.m.Smithalso wascitedfornorearmudflaps andoperatinganuninsured vehicle.Hewastransportedto theOgleCountyJailandheld pendingacourtappearance.

Jan.19

NicoleJones,44,ofDeKalb,wasarrested fordrivingwhilelicensesuspendedaftera trafficstopinthe4500blockofnorthIllinois Route2ataround11:10a.m.Jonesalsowas citedforsuspendedregistration.Joneswas releasedfromthesceneandgivenafuture courtdate.

JoseA.ColindresChacon,35,ofRockford, wasarrestedfornovaliddriver’slicense

afteratrafficstopinthe 4000blockofsouthIllinois Route2at7:03p.m. ColindresChaconalsowas citedforoperatingan uninsuredmotorvehicleand notaillights.Colindres Chaconwasreleasedonan I-Bondandgivenafuture courtdate.

MeganLockingerwas arrestedfordrivingwhileundertheinfluence ofalcoholafterdeputiesandtheRochelle PoliceDepartmentrespondedtoacarinthe ditchatIllinoisRoute251andScottAvenue inHillcrestat9:51p.m.Lockingeralsowas citedforsuspendedregistration,operating anuninsuredmotorvehicle,disregardinga stopsign,improperlaneusageandleaving thesceneofanaccident.Lockingerwas

KennethE.andRhondaJ.HambleyTrust, KennethE.andRhondaJ.Hambley,trustee, toAustinD.Luepkes,1003W.Blackhawk Drive,Byron,$135,000.

WannerTrust,JohnM.WannerSr.,trustee, toStefanieObenhaus,305RidgeRoad, Rochelle,$227,000.

Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice

transportedtotheOgleCountyJailandheld inlieuofbond.

Jan.20

AmberAppelgren,38,ofMachesneyPark, wasarrestedforaggravateddrivingwhile undertheinfluenceofalcohol,drivingwhile undertheinfluenceofalcoholandnovalid driver’slicenseafterdeputiesrespondedtoa two-vehiclepropertydamagecrashatthe intersectionofIllinoisRoutes64and251at around5:13p.m.Appelgrenalsowascited forfailuretoreducespeedtoavoidan accidentandillegaltransportationofalcohol. ShewastransportedtotheOgleCountyJail andheldpendingacourtappearance.

Pleasenote:Anyarrestslistedaremerely accusationsandthedefendantispresumed innocentunlessprovedguiltyinacourtof law.

until4:30p.m. February 6, 2023 TheVillage of Mt.Morris is an EqualOpportunityEmployer

IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOFTHE15THJUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY,OREGON, ILLINOIS

MIDFIRST BANKPLAINTIFF, -vs-

Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees ofRichard T. Warren, Deceased; Cassandra Guist; Travis Warren; Julie Fox, as Special Representative for Richard T. Warren, Deceased; Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Lance Warren, Deceased; Unknown Heirs and/orLegatees of Conrad Warren, Deceased; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS NO.21CH34

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to aJudgment entered in the above entitled matter onDecember 16,2022;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, OgleCounty Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon,IL 61061, will on February24, 2023at10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, OregonIL 61061, sell to the highestbidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated inOgle County, Illinois.

Said saleshall be subject to general taxes, specialassessments or special taxes levied againstsaidreal estateand any priorliens or1stMortgages.Thesubject property is offered for sale without any representation as toquality or quantity of title or recoursetoPlaintiffand in"AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held andthe purchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Salewill be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitlethepurchaser to a deed upon confirmation ofsaidsale by the Court.

Commonly known as 108NorthWesley Avenue,Mount Morris, IL 61054

PermanentIndex No.:08-27-282-011

Improvements:SingleFamily

Residential

The property willNOT be open forinspectionprior to the sale and Plaintiffmakes norepresentation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $114,774.34. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYSAFTER ENTRY OFANORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURELAW.

For Bid Amountcontact:

Sale Clerk

LOGS LegalGroupLLP

2121 Waukegan Road,Suite 301 Bannockburn,IL60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717

MidFirst Bank

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS LegalGroupLLP Attorney forPlaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road,Suite 301 Bannockburn,IL60015 (847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119)

MichaelN.Burke (6291435)

ChristopherA.Cieniawa (6187452)

MichaelKalkowski (6185654)

Laura J.Anderson (6224385)

Mallory Snyderman (6306039)

Thomas Belczak (6193705)

Debra Miller(6205477)

AmyAronson(6206512)

THISIS ANATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IFYOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BYA DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROMSTAY, THIS NOTICE ISPROVIDED SOLELY TOFORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECTTHE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION.

January20,27, 2023February 3,2023 929522

IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOFTHE15THJUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY -OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZLLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF vs. JASON L. SIMS;A.R.ROOFING, SIDING & GUTTERS, INC.; DEFENDANTS

NO.2022FC24

Address:825 North 12th Street Rochelle, IL 61068

NOTICE OFSHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgmentof Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 28,2022, I,Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will onFebruary 24, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois,sell at public auctionto the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

COMMON ADDRESS:825North12th Street, Rochelle, IL61068 P.I.N.:24-23-281-006

The real estate isimprovedwith a single- familyresidence.

THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $106,739.03

Sale terms:25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds,is due within twenty-four (24)hours. The subject property is subject toreal estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied againstsaid real estate and is offered for sale without any representation asto quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shallreceive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale Theproperty will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makesno representations as to the condition of the property.Prospective bidders are admonished to checkthe Court file toverifyallinformation.

Pursuant to 735 ILCS5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held bythe sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirmingsale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeited to the State without further notice.

If this property is a condominiumunit,the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale,other than a mortgagee shall pay theassessments and thelegalfeesrequired by The CondominiumProperty Act,765ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR(HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYSAFTER ENTRY OFANORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURELAW.

For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC,30N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650,Chicago, IL 60602, telephone312-541-9710.Please refer to filenumber IL229526.

Sheriff of Ogle County,Illinois Johnson, Blumberg&Associates, LLC 30N.LaSalle St.,Suite 3650 Chicago, Illinois60602 Email:ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph 312-541-9710/ Fax 312-541-9711 JB&A # IL 22 9526 I3211300

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OFTHE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY

STILLMAN BANK, NA,Not IndividuallyBut As Successor Trustee OfThe TrustUnderThe Last WillOfElmer LeeNettz,Deceased, CaseNo.:2021CH

8 Plaintiff, VS. PETER DUNFEE, WENDY (DUNFEE) COLLINS, BRADLEY TOAN SHAVER and ANTHONY LEE SHAVER, Defendants

PUBLICATION TO UNKNOWN HEIRS TO: Unknown Heirs

of JerryLee Shaver

Take noticethat a Complaint was filedin the Circuit Court of Ogle County, 106 S 5th Street, courtroom 202, Oregon, Illinois that will impact the right of any natural born descendants of JerryLee Shaver. That failure to file an appearance therein will resultin a default judgment against any unknownheir.

This matter has been set for status onFebruary17, 2023, at 11:00a.m.

,a at the Courthouse in OgleCounty, 106 S 5th Street, courtroom 202, Oregon, Illinois.

Dated: January9, 2023

KimberlyA. Stahl January20,27, Feb.3,2023

Public Notice STAAT, LLC Self Storage 1010 PinesRoad Oregon,IL61061

Pursuant to the landlord'slien provisions inrental agreement between Mike Ballard unit#18, thisstoragecontaining personal property will be sold or otherwise disposed of onor after Febru-

ary 3,2023 at STAAT, LLC. Payment must be made in fullby February3,2023 toprevent this sale.

Jan.20&27,2023

Publication Notice of Court Date for Requestfor Name Change (Adult)

State of Illinois, CircuitCourt, Ogle County 2023-MR-000001

Request of: JamesRaymond Lies

Therewill be a court date on Request tochange myname from: James Raymond Lies to the new

name of: James Raymond Law

The court date will be held: March 1, 2023 at 9:00 A.M.

At 106 South5th Street, Oregon, OgleCounty, Courtroom:304 /s/ James Lies JamesLies January13,20,27, 2023

Call 833-584-NEWS toannounce weddings or engagementsin Celebrations!

Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOFTHE15THJUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY,OREGON, ILLINOIS

MIDFIRST BANKPLAINTIFF, -vs-

Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees ofRichard T. Warren, Deceased; Cassandra Guist; Travis Warren; Julie Fox, as Special Representative for Richard T. Warren, Deceased; Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Lance Warren, Deceased; Unknown Heirs and/orLegatees of Conrad Warren, Deceased; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS NO.21CH34

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to aJudgment entered in the above entitled matter onDecember 16,2022;

Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, OgleCounty Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon,IL 61061, will on February24, 2023at10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, OregonIL 61061, sell to the highestbidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the followingdescribed premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Said saleshall be subject to general taxes, specialassessments or special taxes levied againstsaidreal estateand any priorliens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as toquality or quantity of title or recoursetoPlaintiffand in"AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held and thepurchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Salewill be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitlethepurchaser to a deed upon confirmation ofsaidsale by the Court.

Said property islegally describedas follows:

LOT 4 IN MIDWAY ADDITIONIN THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOFRECORDED IN BOOK B OFPLATS, PAGE 30 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATEOFILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 108NorthWesley Avenue,Mount Morris, IL 61054

PermanentIndex No.:08-27-282-011

Improvements:SingleFamily

Residential

The property willNOT be open forinspectionprior to the sale and Plaintiffmakes norepresentation as tothe condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $114,774.34. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information.

NE WS

NO.2022FC24

Address:825 North 12th Street Rochelle, IL 61068

NOTICE OFSHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgmentof Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 28,2022, I,Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will onFebruary 24, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois,sell at public auctionto the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LOT SIXTEEN (16) IN BLOCK TWO (2) AS DESIGNATEDUPON THE PLAT OF STOCKINGS SIXTH ADDITION TO THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK E OF PLATS, PAGE 76 INTHE RECORDERS OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OFFLAGG,THE COUNTY OFOGLE AND STATEOFILLINOIS.

COMMON ADDRESS:825North12th Street, Rochelle, IL61068 P.I.N.:24-23-281-006

The real estate isimprovedwith a single- familyresidence.

THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $106,739.03

Sale terms:25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds,is due within twenty-four (24)hours. The subject property issubject to realestatetaxes, special assessments or special taxes levied againstsaid real estate and is offered for sale without any representation asto quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, thepurchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estateafter Confirmation of the sale Theproperty willNOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representations asto the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to checkthe Court file toverifyallinformation.

Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held bythe sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeited to the State without further notice.

If this property is a condominiumunit,the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale,otherthan a mortgagee shall pay theassessments and the legalfeesrequired by The CondominiumProperty Act,765ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR(HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYSAFTER ENTRY OFANORDER OF POSSESSION, INACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURELAW.

For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC,30N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650,Chicago, IL 60602, telephone312-541-9710.Please refer to filenumber IL229526.

Sheriff of Ogle County,Illinois Johnson, Blumberg&Associates, LLC 30N.LaSalle St.,Suite 3650 Chicago, Illinois60602 Email:ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph 312-541-9710/ Fax 312-541-9711 JB&A # IL 22 9526 I3211300

January20,27,2023 February3,2023

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYSAFTER ENTRY OFANORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURELAW.

For Bid Amountcontact: Sale Clerk LOGS LegalGroupLLP 2121 Waukegan Road,Suite 301 Bannockburn,IL60015

ILNOTICES@logs.com (847)291-1717

MidFirst Bank One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS LegalGroupLLP Attorney forPlaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road,Suite 301 Bannockburn,IL60015 (847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119) MichaelN.Burke (6291435) ChristopherA.Cieniawa (6187452) MichaelKalkowski (6185654) Laura J.Anderson (6224385) Mallory Snyderman (6306039) Thomas Belczak (6193705) Debra Miller(6205477) AmyAronson(6206512)

THISIS ANATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IFYOUR PERSONALLIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BYA DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY ANORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROMSTAY, THIS NOTICE ISPROVIDED SOLELY TOFORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECTTHE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. 8190-929522

January20,27, 2023February 3,2023 929522

OgleCountyNewspapers/ShawLocal.com•Friday,January27,2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOFTHE15THJUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY -OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZLLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF vs. JASON L. SIMS;A.R.ROOFING, SIDING & GUTTERS, INC.; DEFENDANTS