Polo_Tri-County_Press-02-02-2024

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS VOLUME 165 NO. 47 • SERVING THE POLO AREA SINCE 1857

Friday, February 2, 2024 • $1.00

NEWS

Moore Tires to rebuild Family-owned business to rebuild on Route 40 after devastating fire / 5

SPORTS

‘I’M MELTING’

High school roundup See how local teams fared in boys and girls basketball / 13-14

Continuance in Safranek case Defense attorneys need time to review information obtained in subpoena / 6

Earleen Hinton

Mother Nature has not been kind to this Polo snowman as part of his face begins to slip away Tuesday, Jan. 30. Mild weather has arrived in Ogle County after the winter storm that dropped between 10 to 13 inches of snow on the region two weeks ago. Temperatures for the end of the week were forecast to enter the 40-degree range.

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 4 Classifieds ..........17-18 Colbert Column ......12

Otto’s Column .......... 4 Polo Police ................ 2 Property Transfers..16

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Nancy Ann Fulton, Page 8

Sheriff Activity........16 Sports...................9-15

Driving to the basket POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS OLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS OUNTY PRESS

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

2

oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com

UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS Included in every subscription Activate your digital access today.

Visit: ShawLocal.com/digital-activation Call: 866-979-1053 OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 815-732-6166, ext. 2592 SUBSCRIPTIONS 1 month – $4.33 13 weeks – $13 26 weeks – $26 52 weeks – $52 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 email to subscriptions@oglecountynews.com.

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

CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com

Earleen Hinton

HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com

Polo’s Gage Zeigler goes to the basket as SiVaughn Thomas of Prince of Peace, Clinton, Iowa, defends Jan. 27 during the Eric Ottens Shootout at Fulton High School. The Marcos won the game 48-44. High school sports roundup on pages 13 and 14.

LEGAL NOTICES sauklegals@shawlocal.com OBITUARIES saukobits@shawlocal.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com Senior Director of Content Joe Biesk 815-526-4387 jbiesk@shawmedia.com News Alexa Zoellner 815-632-2590 azoellner@shawmedia.com Advertising Sales Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media.

Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal and Oregon Republican Reporter.

The TRI-COUNTY PRESS (USPS No. 638-530) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media.

Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Shaw Media, P.O. Box 598, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2024

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Town & Country Days fundraising set for Feb. 10

The Polo Town & Country Days’ dinner and dessert auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 10.

The event will take place at Barnacopia, located at 2570 N. West Branch Road, Polo.

The event is a fundraiser for this year’s fireworks display.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the event. The dessert auction starts at 6 p.m. and dinner

will follow. The fundraiser will be catered by Hector’s Cocina, providing a Mexican and American buffet-style meal. Alcohol will be provided by Jeff’s Refs.

Tickets cost $25 and can be bought by calling Jon Miller at 815-973-3507.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to host Appreciation Meal Feb. 27 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 201 N.

Division, Polo, will host a free appreciation meal for Polo police, firefighters, volunteers, EMTs, civil servants (city street crews and city office crews) and their families from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The meal will consist of ravioli, salad, bread and cake. Signup sheets are available at city offices.

Anyone interested in signing up should do so by Monday, Feb. 19.

POLO CHAMBER NEWS Upcoming event

Get the word out

The 39th annual Farm Toy Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Polo Community High School.

Contact the Polo Chamber of Commerce at 815-946-3131, polochamber@gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064 if you

would like to post your event on the Chamber sign, Chamber website (www.polochamber.org), Chamber Facebook page and/or the Chamber Chatter.

POLO POLICE Jan. 25

Kristine N. Marshall, 30, of Polo, was cited at 2:45 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Marshall was released on a notice to appear.

Sunnie J. Miles, 28, of Dixon, was cited at 3:38 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle with

a suspended registration. Miles was released on a notice to appear.

Jan. 27

Vanessa A. Bergman, 22, of Sterling, was cited at 3:52 p.m. for speeding 45 mph in a 30-mph zone. Bergman was released with a citation.

Shyanne A. Hanson, 20, of Mount Morris, was cited at 4:31 p.m. for speeding 45 mph in a 30-mph zone. Hanson was released with a citation.

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

CORRECTIONS

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.

We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.

OREGON

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com O O fter months in creation, Oregon’s new comprehensive plan made its first public appearance Tuesday night at the Coliseum museum.

The meeting, the first designed to seek public input on the proposed plan, was attended by 30 people including city officials and commissioners.

The 46-page plan was created during the past several months by city officials and a 17-member task force comprised of local residents and business owners with the help of Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies.

Miriam Evans, a senior research specialist with the center, gave an overview of the plan before asking for comments or uestions from those in attendance.

“This can be the first place to turn to answer uestions about how the city of Oregon wants to grow,” Evans said. “This is a long-term plan, but amendable as time goes on.”

The monthslong planning process included public input obtained through surveys of residents and nonresidents, Evans said. tremen ous amount of effort went into the making of this,” Evans said. he plan rea s he comprehensive planning process included multiple engagement tools to ensure Oregon community members had opportunities to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns. Community input helped shape the elements in this plan.

“Community members were able to participate in resident and business surveys, share comments on a dedi-

Earleen Hinton

Miriam Evans from Northern Illinois University’s Center for Government Studies speaks to the crowd during a public meeting on Oregon’s proposed comprehensive plan Jan. 30. The meeting was the first step in presenting the plan to the public. The meeting at the Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana was attended by about 30 people. cated project website and post comments on an interactive web-based comment map. Visitors and nearby residents were surveyed to gather feedback from people who visit Oregon and its local attractions. Community members also provided feedback

on the plan during a public hearing conducted by the Planning Commission and discussion with the City Council.”

The comprehensive plan task force was made up of a cross section of residents, business owners and commu-

nity leaders who met periodically throughout the planning process to review findings, develop the vision, goals and objectives and share their expertise.

The vision statement for the plan rea s Ore on llinois is a charmin small town located on the Rock River, surrounded by scenic farmland and state par s. center for the arts outdoor adventure and festivals, Oregon thrives by welcoming residents, businesses and visitors. The community honors its history and is dedicated to creating a bright and sustainable future.”

The plan outlines several goals and objectives, including community character, residential neighborhoods, transportation, economic development, public facilities services and utilities, environmental and natural resources, parks and open space, community design and communications.

Evans said while the plan is not a legal, binding document, it can be used by city officials in drafting legal policies and ordinances once it is adopted. She also said it can be “amendable” before it is voted on by the City Council.

“The comprehensive plan is a guide to help our town achieve our goals, set our vision for land use and envision the overall focus for our communities’ future,” City Manager Darin DeHaan sai . e have met most of our previously set objectives in our current plan and so it’s time for a new one.”

The city’s last comprehensive plan was completed in 2016.

The new plan will be made available on the city’s website, cityoforegon.org and through social media.

For more information, call City all at

Oregon Park District, village of Mount Morris to receive state grants for park projects SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

SPRINGFIELD – Two Ogle County entities are among 111 that will receive state grants for park projects, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday.

The Oregon Park District is slated to receive $600,000 and the village of Mount Morris will receive $152,600 throu h the Open pace an c uisition and Development program.

This is the 37th year for the program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“Since Day 1 as governor, it’s been my mission to support the health and well bein of llinoisans rit er sai in a news release. ith fun in

from the O pro ram municipalities across Illinois will have the opportunity to expand and improve local neighborhood parks through sport and recreational space, plants, playroun s an more. ll across llinois we’re enhancing our state’s natural beauty and creating safer, healthier and happier communities.”

Established by the Illinois General ssembly in O is a cost sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fun lan ac uisition an evelopment for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was establishe O has awar e almost million for par pro ects

throughout Illinois.

“I appreciate Gov. Pritzker’s continued efforts to ensure funding for the O pro ram which is a vital tool for communities to build safe, engaging and accessible outdoor spaces for their resi ents irector atalie helps innie sai . n investment in the outdoors is an investment in the health and well-being of the people of llinois. e now that of llinoisans consider access to outdoor recreational opportunities important for them an their families. n stu ies show time and again that getting outside leads to better overall health.”

Some of the other projects awarded O rants Sycamore Park District: .

Development of a new 2.7-acre community park. Recreational amenities will include a picnic shelter with disabled accessible picnic table seating and green roof, fitness challenge course, a new playground, a half basketball court, game area and the new Native Savannah Trail. Habitat and conservation elements will include a new native prairie savannah at North Grove Park’s east edge, native shade trees and educational signage.

Lee County i on ar istrict Winnebago County oc for ar istrict illa e of oscoe inneba o ounty orest reserve

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

First public meeting takes place for new comprehensive plan

3

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4 LOCAL HISTORY

Several projects underway for the museum

Have you ever had something that you were reading, put it aside and then could not find it again? It is maddening.

I have looked for this recipe for several days and I simply cannot find it. Evidently after I read it several days ago, I did not put it back into the manilla envelope where it belonged and I have no clue where it is.

We are working on several projects for the museum and some I could work on here at home as long as the weather was disagreeable. I simply do not get out if we have snow and ice.

But now the weather is thawing and it is nice to be able to get out again.

I have several bags of things that will go to the museum to be put away and the tables need to be cleared.

There are uniforms that need to be placed on hangers and labeled. Then

POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf on the empty tables will go all the White Pines information that is stacked around my house.

The information that I have used in the script for the book will be neatly organized so we know where to find it if necessary. It will be nice to have it out of my house and back at the museum.

Somewhere as I sort and organize, I hope to find a recipe for homemade ice cream that should be in a manilla envelope with all the other ice cream information. It somehow got mixed up with other things I happened to be reading.

Another project I am working on at the moment is the genealogy of my mother’s side of the family. In 1996, several in our family went to West Salem, Illinois, to a Scherer family reunion. One cousin came with a freezer of homemade ice cream. It was delicious and she wrote out the recipe for me with her name on it.

Now as I am working with the Scherer genealogy, I have found where that Scherer cousin fit in. So I went to my ice cream information to look at the recipe again. I had made it a time or two since 1996. Now I have lost the card.

I was glad there were Scherer cousins still making homemade ice cream.

Through the years when we visited in Olney, the home of the white squirrels, we would gather at the park.

Everyone brought a freezer of home-

made ice cream and a cake. What a wonderful time visiting and eating ice cream.

So I got the gift of making homemade ice cream naturally and Kenneth and I made it often. We have a recipe for sherbet that is wonderful and I still have the electric freezers in my cupboard. One of these days I will get them out and try to make it myself.

Now that the weather is a bit better and the ice is gone, I have been to the museum to work on some things. It is nice to be able to get out without being afraid of falling or slipping on the ice. But I am sure we have more snow to come.

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

Clothes irons used to be heated by hot coals

By OTTO DICK A clothes iron, also called a flatiron, smoothing iron, dry iron, steam iron, box iron or simply an iron, is a small appliance used to press clothes to remove wrinkles and unwanted creases.

They were named after the metal (iron) of which it historically was made and the use of it generally is called ironing.

Before the introduction of electricity, irons were heated in a fire. Many of the first irons had containers filled with burning charcoal. An electric flatiron was invented by American Henry Seely White and patented June 6, 1882.

During the first 64 years of Illinois, clothes irons were heated by hot coals or in a fire.

Photo provided by Otto Dick

This box iron can be seen at the Ogle County Historical Society in Oregon.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were many irons in use that were heated by fuels such as kero-

sene, ethanol, whale oil, natural gas, carbide gas and even gasoline.

Some houses were equipped with a system of pipes for distributing natural gas or carbide gas to different rooms in order to operate appliances such as iron and lights.

Despite the risk of fire, liquid fuel irons were sold in U.S. rural areas up through World War II. In India, burning coconut shells were used instead of charcoal as they have a similar heating capacity.

Another type of irons were sad irons, an English name meaning solid.

They were thick metal slabs of cast iron, triangular in shape and with a handle. These were heated on a stove.

These also were called flatirons. A laundry would heat a number of flatirons. As the iron in use cooled down, it was replaced with a hot one.

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

River Center: Yoga classes from 10 to 11 a.m. and chair yoga from 11:15 a.m. to noon, Fridays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23. Cost is $5 a session.

Transferring Files to External Storage, 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb 8.

VA Rep, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9.

Crafting Group, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12. The project is Valentine bracelets.

There is no charge and all materials will be provided. Registration is requested.

Information on Knox Boxes, 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12. Registration is requested.

Activities are open to all ages.

Rock River Center is a resource center located at 810 S. 10th St. in Oregon.

For more information or assistance with a benefit access application for a license plate discount, Medicare, housing, homemaker services or heating assistance, call 815-732-3252 or visit www.rockrivercenter.org.

The first electric irons had no easy way to control their temperature. The first thermostatically controlled electric iron appeared in the 1930s.

The patent for an electric steam iron was issued to Max Skolnik of Chicago in 1934. The Steam-O-Matic Corporation of New York manufactured steam-electric irons. Their steam irons became popular and led the way to widespread use of the electric steam iron during the 1940s and 1960s.

One of the world’s larger collections of irons, comprising 1,300 historical examples of irons from Germany and the rest of the world, is located in Gochsheim Castle near Karlsruhe, Germany.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS First Fridays Open Mic on Feb. 2 at Oregon VFW

OREGON – The First Fridays Open Mic will present its monthly show Feb. 2 at the Oregon VFW. “The event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience,” organizer Lowell Harp said.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

“Admission is free, although a jar is

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

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

The VFW is at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon. A fish fry runs from 4 to 8 p.m.

Activities taking place at Rock River Center

Here are upcoming activities at Rock

5 Harold Folkers of Polo to celebrate 90th birthday POLO – Harold Folkers of Polo will celebrate his 90th birthday with family and friends Feb. 11.

Harold was born Feb. 11,1934. He is married to Joyce (Wagenknecht) Folkers. They have two children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Harold farmed for more than 60 years and had a love for feeding cattle.

Harold also served in the U.S. Army.

Cards may be sent to 15244 W. Robin Road, Polo, IL 61064

Harold Folkers

ROCK FALLS Photo provided by Jean Hoff, Oregon Lions Club

Laura Watters, the director of Florissa and Autism Day Services for Kreider Services, spoke to the Oregon Lions on Jan. 11 at the VFW in Oregon. Pictured (from left) are Oregon Lion Dr. Tom Champley, Watters and Oregon Lions President Lori Peterson. Watters explained the services offered at the Kreider center. Kreider Services, based in Dixon, has provided services to people with developmental disabilities for the past 60 years. It currently serves 700 people in 14 counties. It has 272 employees who help support individuals at their day and residential sites, as well as provides services to clients living with their families. Florissa and Autism is a program that addresses the social and emotional needs of developmentally delayed children ages 0 to 18 living in rural northwest Illinois.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Artist Reception at Coliseum museum set for Feb. 2

OREGON – The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana will host an Artist Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2.

New exhibits opened in January including Scott Ide of Rochelle with his display of digital photography, Dick Cholke of Pecatonica presenting his watercolor art and Bob Cholke of Rockford showing his digital photography work.

The Feb. 2 reception will feature music by guitarist Lee Murdock of Kaneville and highlight two new displays: oil paintings

by Karen Tucker of Grand Detour and work by award-winning artist Kitto of Dixon.

The reception is sponsored by Kathe Wilson of Oregon.

The CMAAA’s mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more.

More information can be found at www.cmaaa.org and the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum.

Antiques, collectible market coming to Mount Morris on Feb. 3 MOUNT MORRIS – The annual February Finds Antiques and Collectible Market will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Mount Morris Moose Lodge 1551 Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St. Admission is $3 a person. Children younger than 12 get in free.

Twenty plus dealers will be featuring vintage items, retro decor, primitives, glassware, pottery, artwork, old toys, local advertising, furniture, baseball cards, fishing lures, linens, jewelry, military items, vintage political, local maple syrup and much more at the market.

Bobbi’s Country Catering will have baked goods for sale.

The Mount Morris Moose Lodge will have food and drinks available to buy through the day.

“Plan on an enjoyable day browsing the booths full of unique things and finding a special treasure,” said Edie White, an event organizer.

Moore Tires to rebuild on Route 40 near the canal

By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

ROCK FALLS – Moore Tires, devastated by fire on Jan. 16, has wasted no time finding a new location to rebuild in Rock Falls.

The family-owned business, founded by Jeff and Angie Moore, has entered into an agreement with the city’s Rock Falls Industrial Development Commission to buy 22 acres at 2400 First Ave./Route 40, daughter and company Chief Administrative Officer Kayla (Moore) Heiar said in a news release.

The sale price was not included in the release.

According to Whiteside County property tax records, the site, on the west side of Route 40 next to the Hennepin Canal at 21st Street, last sold on Dec. 22, 2015, for $475,000.

The site previously was owned by the late businessman George Hallman, who built a truck garage, maintenance building and office and three mini storage buildings there.

Moore Tires’ 11-bay shop at 2411 E. Rock Falls Road/Route 30 – the original location that opened in 1991 – was destroyed by fire Jan 16.

The cause of the fire, which appears to have begun about 4:25 a.m. in the first-floor shop area, is still under investigation. Local fire officials said no foul play is suspected.

Firefighters from more than 20 agencies throughout the Sauk Valley either provided equipment or helped fight the blaze, which destroyed the

70,000-square-foot facility. No one was injured.

The building was worth $409,000, property tax records show. That’s not including all the equipment and trucks that were lost.

The Moores and their two children, Heiar and Kyle Moore, run the business, which has expanded to six locations, including their newest in the former Plaza Cinemas, 1315 N. Galena Ave. in Dixon, which opened Feb. 28, 2022. They also have locations in Mendota, Kewanee, Monmouth and Macomb.

“We are very thankful for the tremendous support and cooperation of the city of Rock Falls and the IDC in helping us find a new home for our 50-plus employees in Rock Falls,” Jeff Moore said in the release. “Special thanks to Mayor [Rod] Kleckler, City Administrator Robbin Blackert and Building Inspector Mark Searing for their work on expediting the transaction.”

“It was an emotional week for the family and employees as that location was a special place for everyone,” according to the release. “The original location expanded to an 11-bay facility with room to accommodate 16 cars and two semis at the same time and was a comfortable place for their customers to visit, so the Moore Tires crew knows they have some work ahead of them to make their new location even better.”

Find @MooreTires1 on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as at MooreTires.com for updates.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Laura Watters talks about Kreider Services at Oregon Lions meeting at VFW

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

Case continues for Oregon mom accused of killing 7-year-old son

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com OREGON – Defense attorneys for an Oregon woman accused of killing her 7-year-old son in 2021 told an Ogle County judge Jan. 24 that they still are reviewing information received from the boy’s father that was obtained through a subpoena.

Public defenders Michael O’Brien and Kathleen Isley asked for a threeweek continuance for their client, Sarah Safranek, 36, who is charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery in the February 2021 suffocation death of her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton. An autopsy showed the boy also had a ruptured liver.

Safranek, who has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since her arrest in April 2021, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Last month, O’Brien and Isley issued a subpoena for the boy’s father, Bryan Burton, 37, seeking any items he may have in connection with the case.

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, O’Brien told Judge Clayton Lindsey that Burton had responded to the subpoena.

“We need some time to review the response and meet with Ms. Safranek,” O’Brien said. “I think we will need around three weeks.”

Isley suggested the hearing be continued to 1 p.m. Feb. 14. Lindsey agreed to that date after Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock did not object to the continuance.

On Dec. 13, 2023, Burton appeared in court for Safranek’s status hearing, saying it was unclear as to why he was ordered to appear in court.

Judge John Redington told Burton that he had received the subpoena to

provide certain records if he possessed them.

A copy of the subpoena was not included in court documents available to the public.

Redington told Burton that he had Sarah Safranek 30 days to comply with the subpoena.

Burton told Redington that his phone was seized during the investigation.

“You still have to respond,” Redington said.

Rock said Burton is a witness for the state, but he offered to help him understand and comply with the subpoena.

On Jan. 24, Rock said he had met with Burton.

“It was clear he did not understand.

We did meet with him late last week and we will be providing a report,” Rock said.

Redington on Dec. 13 ruled that Burton was not required to appear in court Jan. 24 if he complied with the subpoena.

Rock filed a supplemental discovery disclosure with the defense Jan. 24. He said the “bystander report” dated Jan. 18 would be made available to the defense team.

Safranek appeared remotely via video from the Ogle County Correctional Center for the Jan. 24 hearing, which has been one of several hearings after her arrest.

At a Nov. 22, 2023, hearing, O’Brien told the court that he had received a written report reviewing Safranek’s mental fitness but needed time to review it.

Jayne Braden, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Sycamore, was the court-appointed expert who conducted

Safranek’s first evaluation when she was charged.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Redington ruled that Safranek was fit to stand trial after reviewing the mental health evaluation requested by the defense.

Earlier in 2023, Redington denied O’Brien’s request to hire additional medical experts for Safranek, despite O’Brien’s argument that Safranek has “a long history as to past mental health care” and that those health issues are “directly connected to her defense.”

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

They argued that extensive mental health records were provided by the state and revealed a “substantial history of mental health issues, mental illness and related services.”

Redington only agreed to have Braden review Safranek’s history of “mental health issues.”

Safranek has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center on $2 million bond since her arrest.

In October 2023, O’Brien filed a motion seeking Safranek’s release from jail under the SAFE-T Act because of her “inability” to post the required 10%, or $200,000, of the $2 million bond.

The court found Safranek to be indigent in 2021 after she filed affidavits regarding her finances.

The motion followed passage of the state’s SAFE-T Act, which was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court and took effect Sept. 18, 2023. The law eliminates cash bail and requires that a defendant be released unless a judge rules the defendant is a likely flight risk or poses too much of a threat to one person or the community to allow release.

Safranek has claimed she has mental and physical issues that are not being treated properly at the jail, including daily headaches and frequent facial numbness; frequent muscle spasms in her arms and legs; excessive fatigue and weakness; frequent chest pains; frequent pain between her shoulder blades; worsening vision problems, including worsening blurred vision and floaters; worsening balance issues; and worsening numbness in one or more fingers.

In the motion asking for her pretrial release, the defense argued she is not getting sufficient medical attention while in custody.

Prosecutors argued against Safranek’s release, saying she is a danger to the Ogle County community and has “a history of substance abuse and psychiatric issues,” among other things.

Her requests for release have been denied.

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

Safranek was arrested April 21, 2021, and indicted May 4, 2021. She pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021.

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

Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing.

Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced.

Milledgeville man, 19, charged in deaths of 2 motorcyclists

By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

MOUNT CARROLL – A 19-year-old Milledgeville man accused of driving while under the influence of drugs and using an electronic communications device when he crashed into a motorcycle, killing its two riders, has pleaded not guilty in Carroll County court to six felony counts.

Illinois State Police said Andrew Lapp was traveling north on Route 40 just north of Clark Road in Milledgeville about 7:30 p.m. May 28, 2023, when he crossed the center line and struck the motorcycle driving south.

Timmie Joe Holland, 69, a Morrison native living in Shelby, North Carolina, and formerly of Sterling and Rock

Falls, and his passenger, Jo-Allen Michelle Taylor, 49, of Dixon and formerly of Sterling and Polo, died at the scene.

Lapp was treated for injuries t h a t w e r e n o t Andrew Lapp in 2021 life-threatening and was charged June 6, 2023, with improper lane use, a traffic offense.

Carroll County State’s Attorney Aaron Kaney filed new charges – two counts each of aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device causing death – on Dec. 12, 2023.

According to the charging docu-

ment, Lapp was under the influence of an unnamed controlled substance and using an unspecified communications device while driving at a speed greater than was “reasonable or proper” and swerving in and out of his lane when he hit the motorcycle.

Lapp, who is free under the conditions of pretrial release, pleaded not guilty Dec. 18, 2023, and has a hearing set for Feb. 22 in both cases.

If convicted of aggravated DUI, Lapp faces three to 14 years in prison on the first count, and if convicted of both counts, he faces six to 28 years, of which he must serve 85%.

Reckless homicide is punishable by two to five years and illegal use of a communications device by one to three years.

According to his obituary, Holland, a retired mechanic, owned and operated K&T Auto Repair in Sterling before retiring in 2016. He is survived by his son, Daniel Holland of Sycamore; his daughter, Ashley Holland of Rock Falls; granddaughters, Addison and Lilian; brothers, Ervin Cornstubble of Lyndon and Rick Cornstubble of Sterling; sister, Grace Ann Harms of California; and stepfather, Bert Cornstubble of Rock Falls.

According to her obituary, Taylor, a machine operator at Allied-Locke Industries in Dixon, is survived by three sons, Cody and Casen Taylor, both of Dixon, and Cole Taylor, of Streator; her mother, Patricia D. Miles; and her siblings Duane Miles, Craig Bonnell and Rachel Miles.

MOUNT MORRIS

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com MOUNT MORRIS – Zoning is in place to proceed with building a new Mount Morris neighborhood dedicated to serving disabled residents in an innovative and individualized fashion.

Mount Morris Village Board members on Jan. 23 unanimously voted to rezone 16.97 acres of land to R-2 Multi-Family Residential for the proposed Hill Street Neighborhood. At the same time, board members approved a special-use permit for a community center in the neighborhood and a conditional-use permit for a 4-acre public park.

The estimated $10 million, multiphase project is the work of the Village of Progress and Kreider Services and would be built in the northeast corner of Mount Morris. The two organizations, based in Oregon and Dixon, respectively, serve people with developmental disabilities.

Phase 1 of the project involves building a community center and 12 duplexes, half of which would be for individuals with developmental disabilities, Village of Progress Executive Director Brion Brooks has said. The other dozen apart-

Alexa Zoellner

Village of Progress Executive Director Brion Brooks talks to the Mount Morris Planning Commission on Jan. 8 about the proposed Hill Street Neighborhood, which would provide housing for developmentally disabled and low-income people. ments would be low-income housing.

“It’s another important step in what has been a multiyear journey,” Kreider Services Executive Director Jeff Stauter said of the board’s vote. “I also think it shows that the village of Mount Morris is excited about this project, too. When we talked to the elected officials there, they see the vision. They see how great this can be for people with disabilities and Mount Morris.”

Brooks agreed.

“We’re delighted that Mount Morris is open to our plan,” he told Shaw Media.

“We’re also really appreciative of the response by the public at the Planning Commission’s public hearing.”

On Jan. 8, the Mount Morris Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed zoning changes before voting 4-0-2 to recommend that the Village Board rezone the land. More than 20 residents attended and about two hours of community discussion took place before the vote.

“There weren’t questions trying to come up with arguments against it [at the public hearing],” Brooks said.

“They were thoughtful, constructive questions that didn’t seem to have any prejudgment. I was very happy with the reception we’ve received so far from the village of Mount Morris and its residents.”

The zoning change from I-1 Light Industrial and permits will go into effect only after the project developers get state funding and have bought the property.

The property where the Hill Street Neighborhood would be is owned by David Luepkes, who uses it for farming.

Luepkes wrote a letter, dated Nov. 22, 2023, expressing his support of the project and willingness to sell the land once the Illinois Housing Development Authority fully approves it.

The IHDA’s determination should be made sometime in April, Brooks said.

Ground isn’t expected to be broken on the project until 2025 at the earliest.

About the project

The idea of the Hill Street Neighborhood is to provide supportive housing for developmentally disabled residents in an integrated community where they live in their own apartments alongside those without disabilities.

It’s the brainchild of the Village of Progress and Kreider Services, organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities based in Oregon and Dixon, respectively.

See NEIGHBORHOOD, page 16

Now Available

Investment & Trust Services Local. Trusted. Experienced.

Ready for ideas that support the way you live now while also considering your future?

Here at UNION Savings BANK, we know that financial security looks different for everyone.

That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and build a comprehensive plan just for you.

No matter what your ideal life looks like - know that you can count on the Investment & Trust team at UNION Savings BANK to listen, understand, and help you preserve the assets you’ve worked hard to earn.

To schedule a no-obligation portfolio review, contact Amanda Walter today at 815.235.0800 or by email at awalter@unionsb.com.

Like us on Facebook 11/6/2023 9:16:40 AM

Securities services are not FDIC insured. NOT GUARANTEED by the financial institution or any Federal Government Agency. Subject to risk and may lose value. Not a deposit of a bank.

Phone Number: 815.734.4116 www.unionsavingsbank.com

SM-ST2125258

1 W. Hitt Street Mt. Morris, IL 61054

To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com 1699283795-prtlq.indd 1

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Proposed Hill Street Neighborhood land rezoned by Village Board

7

Electronics recycling

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8 OBITUARY

NANCY ANN FULTON

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Darrell “Gig” Fulton.

Born: May 5, 1945 in Rockford, IL Nancy is survived and missed by her son, Died: January 22, 2024 in Oregon, IL Gary (Gina) of Oregon, IL; daughter, Jody (Rick/Zuki) Meyer of Byron, IL; grandchilOREGON, IL ~ Nancy dren, Matthew (Nicole) Fulton, Erik (Dawn) Ann Fulton, 88, died Meyer, and Mark (Maria Herrera) Meyer; on January 22, 2024 great-grandchildren, Kole (Shelby Sprinkle) at Oregon Living and Fulton and Shyanne (Talon) Jensen, Cody Rehab Center. She Fulton, Addison Meyer, and Hunter Meyer; was born on June 29, 1935, in Oregon, IL the great-great-grandchildren; Sarain, Soren, and daughter of Charles & Ryver.

A memorial services will be held in her Hilda (Aurand) Boyden. She married the love honor on February 2, 2024 at Farrell Holland of her life Darrel “Gig” Fulton on March 15, Gale Funeral Home of Oregon, IL at 2:00pm 1953 in Oregon, IL. Nancy worked for over with Pastor Michael Hoffman of the Oregon 30 years at the Ogle County Court House in Church of God presiding. A visitation will the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Her life was full of take place one hour prior starting at 1:00pm joy and love, especially when she became a and going until the start of the service. grandma, great-grandma and great-greatNancy will be laid to rest with her husband in grandma! She was so proud of and bragged Oakwood Cemetery of Mt. Morris, IL. In lieu about her children and grandchildren when she met her friends for coffee every morning! of flowers memorial donations may be made Throughout her life she loved to go to antique to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL, and garage sales. She loved talking to people a link is provided below. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in her honor please and if she didn’t know you, she would introvisit www.farrellhollandgale.com duce herself and you became her friend!

Board of directors of Prairie State Legal Services to meet Feb. 9 The board of directors of Prairie State Legal Services Inc. will meet at 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9.

The meeting is open to the public.

Anyone interested in attending may come to the PSLS office at 303 N. Main St., No. 600, Rockford.

PSLS provides representation to low-income and elderly individuals and families in 36 counties in Northern and

Earleen Hinton

Volunteer Joel Mayer loads a large TV onto a cart during the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department’s electronics recycling event Jan. 26 in Oregon. Recycling events are held monthly for Ogle County residents. A free permit is required before collection day.

Central Illinois. To be eligible for free services, clients must meet certain guidelines.

PSLS offices are located in Bloomington, Galesburg, Joliet, Kankakee, Moline, Ottawa, Peoria, Rockford,

Waukegan, West Chicago and Woodstock.

PSLS receives funding from the Legal Services Corp., Area Agencies on Aging, United Ways, The Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois and other sources.

For all your senior living needs, choose the name you know and trust...

Liberty Village of Freeport

WE SPECIALIZE IN PORTABLE STRUCTURES!

STOP & SEE OUR DISPLAY MODELS Large or Small, You Name It, We Design It, We Build It...YOU LIKE IT! CALL FOR A FREE LITERATURE PACKAGE

779-861-3542 ROCKYR@IBYFAX.COM

3500 S. CHANA RD., CHANA, IL 61015

The Area’s Premier Senior Living Facility 2170 W. Navajo Dr., Freeport • 815-297-9902 www.LibertyVillageofFreeport.com

Not-for-Profit Provider

Regional set for Saturday in Stillman Valley

By RANDY HOLLAND

Shaw Local News Network correspondent The Oregon Hawks wrestlers traveled to Genoa on Thursday, Jan. 25, to face BNC foes Genoa-Kingston and Stillman Valley and returned home to host Sandwich and Morrison in the Blackhawk Center on Friday, Jan. 26, for Senior Night.

Oregon scored one victory in each of the triangulars.

The Hawks took three forfeits and pinned three times to jump out to a 36-0 lead on the Genoa-Kingston Cogs and went on to win 60-17.

It was not as good against Stillman Valley. Oregon started with a pin, but the Cardinals scored two falls and a major decision before the Hawks scored again. Oregon needed two wins before the forfeit at 106 pounds and gave up a decision and a fall and the meet was out of reach at 43-24 with one match left.

The final was 43-27.

On Friday, Oregon trailed Sandwich 25-18 with six matches to go. The Hawks

pinned three times and added two forfeits before giving up a forfeit at 106 down the stretch to prevail 48-31.

Morrison pinned four times and added a three-point win to take an early 27-0 lead, but Oregon fought back with four pins and two forfeits to take a 36-27 advantage. Oregon needed one more win to seal the victory but lost twice by falls to lose 39-36 in an exciting match.

The 2-2 showing left the Hawks with a 10-6 record for the regular season.

The state postseason begins Saturday, Feb. 3, with the regional in Stillman Valley starting at 9 a.m.

Before the Jan. 26 matches, senior wrestlers Brantly Watts, Anthony Bauer, Jackson Glendenning, Quentin Berry and Zander VandeSand and senior statisticians Nora Hammer, Alyssa Leary and Sarah Stevens were introduced and honored with their parents.

Jackson Messenger started against Genoa-Kingston with a takedown in a half nelson at 1:05 in the 126-pound weight class. That was followed by forfeits to Preston LaBay, Dylen Ware, Jayden Berry and Jakobi Donegan. At 157, Ethan Mowry ran a butcher at 4:29.

See WRESTLERS, page 11

Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Jackson Glendenning (top) wrestles Morrison’s Brady Anderson at 165 pounds Jan. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Now Available PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA ID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

s g in d d e W

S AU K VA L L E Y

PUBLICATION

SM-ST2140631

A

Specializing in High-Value, Customized Post Frame Buildings

SM-ST2139488

SM-ST2132094

Discover the Cleary Advantage at ClearyBuilding.com • Financing Available • Search Our Buildings • Virtual Planning • Proven Reliability Since 1978 • Lifetime Steel Warranty Call us for a FREE consultation • Featuring Doors Oregon, IL 800-373-5550 815-732-9101 ClearyBuilding.com 104.002640

To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Regular season ends for Oregon wrestlers

9

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

Oregon JV wrestlers take first at KSB tournament

By RANDY HOLLAND

Shaw Local News Network correspondent The Oregon fresh-soph wrestlers participated in the Oregon/KSB Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Nelson Benesh led the team with a first-place finish at 113 pounds.

Colton Flaharty reached the title match at 120 and was pinned to take second.

Finishing third for the Hawks was Landon Ege at 113. Jakobi Donegan was fourth at 144. Miles Olsen was fourth in the 132 B weight class and Landen Battone-Harriett was fourth in the 138 B class. Jackson Messenger was fifth at 120 and Jayden Berry and Jakob Moser were sixth at 138 and 175, respectively.

Also wrestling for the Hawks were Dylen Ware at 126, Dawson Alcala at 190, Kaimana Barcai at 215 and Zayden VandeSand at 175 B. Benesh pinned his way to the title match, where he won 4-3 in a hardfought contest.

Flaharty pinned his way to the championship mat, where he was pinned in the second period.

Ege pinned in his opener and the medal match but lost by fall in the

Oregon’s Jackson Messenger works to free himself from Morrison’s Patrick Schaefer in a 120-pound match Jan. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. semifinals.

Donegan pinned in his opener, was pinned in the semifinals and came up short 12-10 in the third-place match.

Olsen pinned once and lost two matches by falls.

Battone-Harriett had a pin and lost 8-4 and 9-8 in the medal match.

Messenger lost by a fall in the quarterfinals and pinned his way to fifth place.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Nelson Benesh (top) wrestles a Sandwich opponent at 113 pounds Jan. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Moser lost his medal match 4-0.

Berry was pinned in the first period in the fifth-place match.

The tournament marked the end of the season for most of the Hawks’ JV

TRACTOR & PLANTER INSPECTIONS

Utility $349 20-60 Series 2 W Row Crop $399 50/60 MFWD thru 8R $449 4WD’s $549 ADDITIONAL SERVICE SPECIALS: • Forage & Hay • Sprayers • New Leader Bed Services • Skid Steer Loaders • Combines

IMPLEMENT Meters Only Row Unit Only Meters & Row Unit

wrestlers. A few will continue into the state series and some will continue to practice to help the varsity wrestlers get ready to compete in the postseason.

Payment Options* JD Financial, No Payments No Interest until 11/15/24

$60/Row $40/Row $99/Row

*Parts not included in the above pricing.

NO REPAIRS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT YOUR APPROVAL

* For repairs > $1,000 ** For JDF Preferred Accounts

BULK OIL PROGRAM: LOWER cost, FREE delivery, PICK-UP of used oil. Genuine John Deere oil & Convenience for you. Call us for details & pricing.

BULK DEF is now available

Call Dan for details concerning all of the service specials

26208 U.S. Hwy 52 • Lanark, IL 61046 (815) 493-2191 or Toll Free (800) 344-8023

www.sloans.com

11

• WRESTLERS

Oregon’s first loss was an 20-5 major decision at 4:21 over Glendenning at 165. He lost eight takedowns in the match, one to his back. VandeSand missed on a throw and went to his back at 1:13, the last win on the mat for the Cogs.

Dawson Alcala pinned with a chicken wing at 3:54. Briggs Sellers stepped over for a fall at 2:19. Oregon forfeited 106 and Nelson Benesh took a forfeit at 113 to end the meet.

LaBay ran a chicken wing in 51 seconds to start against Stillman. Ware lost a 10-1 major decision, Jayden Berry was reversed into a half nelson at 3:45 and Donegan was pinned in a chicken wing at 3:10. Mowry hit a hip toss at 1:50 to stop the skid, but Leyton Kenney, taking the duties at 157, was pinned in a double chicken wing at 2:45.

Down by 10, the Hawks took the lead again with a cradle at 1:10 by Glendenning and a scrape into a cradle by VandeSand at 1:05. Stillman Valley went ahead when Alcala was taken down to his back in a half nelson in 24 seconds.

Oregon needed a win but Landen Elder lost a 10-3 decision and Sellers got thrown at 1:54. After the forfeit at 106, Benesh wrestled tough in a 10-4 win.

LaBay got things started against

Oregon’s Anthony Bauer (left) watches his Sandwich opponent at the start of their match at 157 pounds Jan. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Sandwich with a half at 1:30. Ware was pinned in a half nelson at 3:07 and Jayden Berry gave up a 15-0 technical fall.

Donegan ran a wing at 1:20. Mowry gave up a 23-8 technical fall and Bauer lost 6-4. Glendenning took a forfeit to get the Hawks to within one, but VandeSand got reversed to his back at 2:59.

Quentin Berry caught a half nelson in 41 seconds and from there, it was all Hawks except for the forfeit at 106.

Elder and Sellers took forfeits, Benesh hit a butcher at 1:41 and Messenger caught a throw in 34 seconds.

Morrison pinned Jayden Berry and

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Zander VandeSand (top) wrestles a Sandwich opponent at 175 pounds Jan. 26 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Donegan in the first minute, took a forfeit at 150 and pinned Kenney at 2:47 and defeated Glendenning 9-5 before Oregon got rolling. VandeSand caught a headlock at 2:12, Quentin Berry took a forfeit, Elder hit a hip toss at 2:42, and Sellers stopped a roll in 44 seconds.

After a double forfeit at 106, Benesh took a forfeit and Messenger hit an outside single to the back at 4:34. Up 36-27, Oregon needed one more win, but LaBay, after scoring the first takedown, was reversed to his back at 2:43

Now Available

Dr. Daniel P. Schoaf Palmer Graduate

THE

TASTE

Same Day Appointments All Kids/Medicaid Provider

PA I D

Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

Take part for a chance to win your share of over $1,500 in local restaurant gift cards!

Medicare Provider

www.schoaffamilychiro.com

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Your Guide to Dining Locally

See pages 5 & 6 for details.

N.I.H.P./FHN Provider

815-938-2225

Rochelle Veterinary Hospital Dr. Nicole Marquardt Dr. Lynn Deets

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

A PUBLICATION

1381 North 7th Street, Rochelle www.rochellevet.com

815-562-5207

Hours: M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon

SM-ST2125251

210 S. First Avenue PO Box 307 Forreston, IL 61030-0307

and Ware was taken down in a cradle in 24 seconds and the meet slipped away.

At Genoa, Kenney got a pin on the JV mat and Zayden VandeSand lost a 9-0 major decision. Landon Battone-Harriett, Miles Olsen and Jakob Moser lost by falls. In Oregon on Friday, Alcala pinned twice and lost once by a fall. Olsen pinned at 5:33. Battone-Harriett, Zayden VandeSand, Kaimana Barcai, Moser and Kenney all lost by falls.

To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Continued from page 9

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12 NUIC votes against girls sports co-op for Aquin, Orangeville Recently, the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference voted against a proposed girls sports co-op for Freeport Aquin and Orangeville. Considering they are the smallest schools in the conference and co-op in other sports, something seemed amiss.

This from an email I received from Brad Kolar of Orangeville after I reached out to him: “Currently, our school has been able to successfully pass and maintain cooperative agreements for all junior high and high school sports except for high school volleyball and high school girls basketball. As an athletic director and school administrator, I feel that we as school districts should strive to provide inclusive, positive and long-lasting experiences for the athletes no matter the level of play. Our view on the cooperative agreement between Orangeville and Aquin is in the best interest for the ability for two schools to come together, host sporting events and allow students from varying grades to participate in team athletics.”

That makes sense and there is a long history of co-ops in the NUIC. So what’s the beef with Aquin and Orangeville?

Kolar implored me to ask the schools who voted against it for their reasoning.

I strongly considered it, but

GUEST VIEW Andy Colbert dropped the idea. It is difficult to get an official comment from school officials on subjects such as this.

Quite frankly, I wasn’t in the mood to run into brick walls. But my curiosity leaves you, the reader, with these questions: Was the co-op rejected because Orangeville is ranked No. 2 in the state for basketball and Aquin has one of the area’s top college prospects ever in freshman Paitlyn London?

Does Aquin get extra scrutiny because it is a private school and enjoys so-called recruiting advantages?

From what I am hearing, Aquin has more serious issues than this one. The biggest issue may be keeping its doors open because of declining enrollment.

Catholic schools all over Illinois are taking a major hit. Joliet, one of the bastions of Catholic education, recently announced the closure and consolidation of many churches and schools.

Don’t worry. Football power Joliet Catholic, with its state record 15 titles, is still in good stead.

Postseason wrestling begins with regionals at Stillman Valley. Le-Win

will be the team favorite. Dakota has declined a bit.

One thing that seems out of place is Rockford Boylan in this 1A regional while the Polo co-op is in 2A. Seems like it should be the other way around, but it is another case of a Catholic school dropping in enrollment.

Looking at individual and team rankings for wrestling, the rest of the state has made headway on our area, which has been the most competitive among the 1A sectionals for the past couple of decades.

There is a new kid on the block that has taken over from Le-Win and Dakota as the top dog in the sectional.

Woodstock Marian has five wrestlers ranked No. 3 or better in 1A. The most intriguing of that talent is nationally ranked freshman Jimmy Mastny, whose family resides near Oregon.

Originally, the IHSA barred Mastny from competing and suspended Marian coach Jordan Blanton for allegations of illegal recruiting because Mastny had moved 60 miles away to the Blanton residence in Woodstock and Stacey Blanton, Jordan’s wife, had become legal guardian for Jimmy.

In December, a McHenry County judge ruled in favor of Mastny and Blanton and the IHSA sanctions were lifted. An attorney for Blanton and

Mastny called the IHSA findings fundamentally flawed. He said there is no finding of recruitment or inducement or evidence of “undue influence.”

According to a Shaw Media article, for about six years, Jimmy’s mother has been friends with Stacey Blanton.

The Blantons live in Woodstock, the two families spoke and the Mastnys arranged to give the Blantons guardianship of their son so he could attend Marian, the families said.

A correction from last week: It was not the first trip downstate for the Dixon bowling team. It was the third.

The Dukes made the cut to Saturday’s finals (12 teams), along with Dakota, Hononegah and Harlem.

We had an area champion in Charlie Hunt of Hononegah with a 230 average over 12 games. The young man mentioned last week, Trevor Anifer of Lemont, was fourth. Salem from far downstate was team champ.

Finally, thanks for all the positive comments on the column from a couple of weeks ago on spirituality. Without a doubt, it garnered the most input of any column this year.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 31 years.

Wedding Expo 2024 SUNDAY, FEB. 4, 2024 12PM - 3PM Northland Mall • Sterling, IL Free Admission

Visit with vendors that specialize in planning YOUR perfect wedding!

Sponsored By:

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

13

Polo 48, Prince of Peace 44: Polo led from the start of its game with Clinton, Iowa’s Prince of Peace at the Eric Ottens Shootout at Fulton High School on Saturday, Jan. 24.

But the Marcos needed a little luck and grit in the final seconds to walk away with a 48-44 victory.

Fueled by timely 3-pointers, Polo led 26-20 at halftime, but hit a dry spell in the second half as the Irish closed the gap to 35-32 with 1:10 to play in the third period.

Gus Mumford found the net in the final seconds of the period to make it 38-32 going into the final period of play.

The Irish evened the score 38-38 early in the quarter before Mumford made it 40-38 with 4:38 to play. Noah Dewey was left alone under the basket and connected on a layup to give the Marcos a 42-38 lead.

The Irish’s Hakeal Powell drove to the basket and scored to cut the lead to two at 42-40.

Brock Soltow made one free throw to give Polo a 43-40 lead with 1:48 to play.

Dewey scored again and it was 45-40 with 1:15 left in the game.

The Irish made the back end of a two-shot foul to cut the lead to four points and then stole the ball on Polo’s next possession and scored to make the score 45-43 with 14 seconds left.

Soltow was fouled again at the 12-second mark and made one shot for a three-point lead at 46-43 with 10 seconds showing on the clock.

Powell launched a trey from the wing and Soltow was called for his fifth foul as the shot fell short. Powell missed the first free throw, made the second and then unsuccessfully tried to deliberately miss the third.

On the next inbounds play, Dewey ran the length of the court and caught the long pass by Carter Merdian to make the final score 48-44.

Soltow led Polo with 12 points, followed by Merdian with 11, Dewey with 10 and Mumford with eight. Nolan Hahn added five points for the Marcos and Gage Zeigler had two.

Polo 56, Amboy 33: Brock Soltow scored 26 points to lead the Marcos past the Clippers. Nolan Hahn poured in 14 points for Polo.

Troy Anderson and Quinn Leffelman led Amboy with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Boys basketball

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Polo’s Noah Dewey keeps the ball away from Hakeal Powell of Prince of Peace, Clinton, Iowa, during the Eric Ottens Shootout on Jan. 27 at Fulton High School. The Marcos won the game 48-44.

Forreston 48, Ashton-Franklin Center 34:

The Cardinals surged ahead on a 19-7 second-quarter run and never looked back against the Raiders.

Forreston was led by Kendall Erdmann with 14 points, Mickey Probst with 12 points and Brendan Greenfield with 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Brock Lehman led AFC with 13 points.

See ROUNDUP, page 14

ABOVE: Polo’s Nolan Hahn looks to shoot

against Prince of Peace, Clinton, Iowa, during the Eric Ottens Shootout on Jan. 27 at Fulton High School. LEFT: Polo’s Carter Merdian drives to the basket against Prince of Peace, Clinton, Iowa.

14 • ROUNDUP

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Continued from page 13

Milledgeville 41, Forreston 33: Karter Livengood poured in 17 points to lift the Missiles to an NUIC South win over the Cardinals.

Micah Toms-Smith added 10 points for Milledgeville.

Forreston was led by Xavier Goeddeke with 12 points and Brendan Greenfield with nine points.

Oregon 63, Amboy 43: The Hawks took a 20-10 first-quarter lead, then pulled away for a 20-point nonconference win over the Clippers.

Oregon was led by Noah Johnson, Cooper Johnson and Keaton Salsbury with 12 points each.

Eddie Jones paced Amboy with 13 points. Troy Anderson added 11.

Girls basketball

Stillman Valley 56, Oregon 19: The Hawks fell behind 19-3 in the first quarter on their way to a Big Northern Conference loss to the Cardinals.

Oregon was led by Teagan Champley with seven points.

Ashton-Franklin Center 58, Polo 40 : The Raiders used a balanced offense to top the Marcos in a Northwest Upstate Illini Conference South matchup.

Alexis Schwarz paced AFC with 14 points. Brianna Gonnerman scored 12 and Taylor Jahn added 11.

Camrynn Jones led Polo with 15 points. Carlee Grobe added nine.

Forreston 41, Fulton 25: At Fulton, Keeli Larson scored 12 points to lead the Cardinals in the NUIC South win over the Steamers.

Jenna Greenfield added nine points for Forreston.

Belle Curley paced Fulton with eight points.

Eastland 45, Forreston 26: The Cardinals were led by Jenna Greenfield’s eight points, followed by Hailee Vogt with five and Ericka Alexander and Keeli Larson with four points each.

Newman 41, Oregon 11: The Comets rode a dominant defense and balanced offense to a 30-point win over the Hawks.

Jess Johns paced Newman with 11 points. Brooklyn Smith added eight points.

Teagan Champley scored four points to lead Oregon.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Oregon’s Ella Dannhorn looks to pass as Newman’s Brooklyn Smith defends Monday, Jan. 29, at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

BELOW LEFT: Newman’s Jess Johns gets a piece of a shot by Dannhorn. BELOW RIGHT: Oregon’s Mya Engelkes dribbles against Newman’s Elaina Allen.

Play now by going to ShawLocal.com/games or by scanning the code at the right. eNewspaper readers, click the link above to play now.

15

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com OREGON – The Oregon Hawks battled Rockford Lutheran in a Big Northern Conference match Tuesday, falling to the Crusaders 75-67.

Noah Johnson led Oregon with 28 points, hitting seven 3-pointers on the night. Jameson Caposey scored

12 points, followed by Keaton Salsbury with 11 and Nole Campos with eight.

Cooper Johnson had six points for the Hawks, who are 13-12 overall and 0-6 in conference play.

Vontez Dent led Lutheran with 29 points, followed by Marquis Haynes with 20.

Lutheran is 16-9 overall and 3-2 in conference play.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Oregon’s Jameson Caposey drives to the basket Jan. 30 against Rockford Lutheran at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. TOP RIGHT: Oregon’s Kade Girton leans into a Rockford Lutheran defender. ABOVE: Oregon’s Nole Campos shoots against Rockford Lutheran.

LEFT: Oregon’s Cooper Johnson drives to the basket for a layup. MIDDLE LEFT: Oregon’s Noah Johnson drives the lane against Rockford Lutheran.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Oregon Hawks battle, but fall to Lutheran

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16 OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORT Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

Jan. 22

Juan Olguin, 41, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended after deputies responded to a report of someone asking for a ride in the 4000 block of North White Rock Road about 3:13 p.m. While checking the area, deputies found a person matching the description trying to get a white Chevy truck out of the ditch. Olguin also was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Olguin was given a future court date and released on a notice to appear.

Jan. 23

Karina F. Canizal, 34, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop in the 8000 block of North Kishwaukee Road at 11:58 a.m.

Canizal also was cited for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and possession of cannabis/improper container as a driver. Canizal was taken to the Ogle County jail, given a future court date and released on a notice to appear.

Jan. 24

Bradford Reiners, 43, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop near the intersection of Town Line Road and Illinois Route 2 about 12:52 p.m. Reiners also was cited for improper lane use. Reiners was given a future court date and released from the scene on a notice to appear.

Deputies and Oregon Fire Protection

District EMS responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 6000 block of South Lowden Road about 7:10 p.m. An investigation showed Nikhil Rayala, 26, of Macomb, was northbound when two deer ran in front of his vehicle. Because of the dense fog, he was unable to see the deer until very close to striking them. Rayala swerved off the roadway, hitting a significant amount of snow and the ditch.

His vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage. Rayala was evaluated by Oregon EMS and released from the scene.

Jan. 25

Bret Cooksey, 63, of Rock Falls, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 2000 block of south Illinois Route 2 about 7:02 p.m. Cooksey was released on a notice to appear.

Patrick M. Homeyer, 48, of Leaf River, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop in the 200 block of Illinois Route 72 in Leaf River about 8:23 p.m. Homeyer also was cited for speeding and unsafe backing on a roadway. Homeyer was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.

Jan. 26

Deputies responded to the area of South Center Road and Illinois Route 38 at 7:30 a.m. for a report of a school bus on fire. The bus had three occupants, all of whom were evacuated before the deputies’ arrival. There were no injuries.

The school bus belonged to Illinois Central School Bus Co. and was con-

tracted through the Rochelle School District. An investigation showed a malfunction caused a small fire in the undercarriage of the bus, where it was contained. Rochelle and Flagg Center fire departments assisted.

Jose Gaspar Hernandez, 32, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Illinois Route 38 in Rochelle at 6:42 p.m. Gaspar Hernandez also was cited for inoperable registration light.

Gaspar Hernandez was released on a notice to appear.

crash with injuries about 1:24 a.m. An investigation showed Price was westbound and failed to reduce speed before exiting the roadway and striking an embankment. Price was taken to KSB Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Price was released on a notice to appear.

Luis Cabrera, 36, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Dement Road and Illinois Route 38 at 2:47 p.m.

Cabrera also was cited for illegal window tint and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Cabrera was released on a notice to appear.

Jan. 28

Jan. 29

Kentrell Jones, 30, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop on Interstate 39 southbound near Illinois Route 38 about 12:42 a.m. Jones also was cited for obstructed registration. Jones was released on a notice to appear.

Joshua Cannova, 42, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a property damage crash in the 18000 block of east Illinois Route 38 about 1:07 a.m. Cannova also was cited for improper lane use. Cannova was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.

Kayla J. Price, 25, of Oregon, was cited for failure to reduce speed and driving while license suspended after deputies and Oregon Fire Protection District EMS responded to the 5200 block of West Penn Corner Road for a single-vehicle

Kathleen York, 44, of Oregon, was cited for improper left turn/oncoming traffic after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 3900 block of west Illinois Route 64 about 8:28 a.m. Mount Morris Fire Protection District EMS attended to both drivers; both refused medical attention. An investigation showed York was driving a Chevrolet passenger car east in the 3900 block of Route 64 and had started to turn left into a driveway.

Christine Roberts, 40, of Mount Morris, was westbound on Route 64 in a Chrysler van when York turned in front of Roberts.

Roberts’ Chrysler struck York’s Chevrolet on the passenger side, causing heavy damage. The Chrysler sustained heavy front right corner damage.

Jan. 27

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Filed Jan. 19-25 Warranty deeds

Genevieve L. Satterfield to Leon Ashmore, 105 N. Hannah Ave., Mt. Morris, $74,000.

Carey D. Kidd to George Griswold. 320 S. Prairie St., Creston, $98,500.

Alvin Overton to River Road RV Resort and Marina LLC, 3922 N. River Road, Oregon, $900,000.

Brian M. and Michelle Barrett to Carlos and Veronica Pinto Revocable Family Trust, Carlos and Veronica Pinto, trustees, 922 Missouri Drive, Dixon, $340,000.

Steven M. and Mary E. Henningsen to

• NEIGHBORHOOD

Continued from page 7 The multiphase project is expected to cost about $10 million, about 90% of which developers hope to have funded

Donald and Nancy Kessen, one parcel in Taylor Township, $2,000.

Dennis E. and Noreen K. Sweetwood to Michael J. and Janet L. Greenfield, 105 E. Main St., Forreston, $0.

John A. and Charlotte A. Nadig to Laura Anne Marie Corpe and Jerome Wysocki, 9282 Hemstock Road, Rochelle, $309,900.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Chris Nikolaou, 3261 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $240,000.

Shirlie J. McKnight to Veronica Sarabia, 213 School Ave., Rochelle, $200,000.

Norman Peters to Gaven J. and Tracy L Meiners, 219, 221 and 223 Deer Paint

Drive and Dixon, $11,500.

Dale L. and Helen D. Lawhorn to Zachary M. Bernardin and Cecillia J. Stover, 10116 E. Raindance Drive, Rochelle, $290,000.

Nedal Abdallah to Mahubah Abdallah, 1302 Lakeland Drive, Rochelle, $170,000.

Brian K. and Kelly P. Duncan to Delbert Brent and Kellie Ann Mock, one parcel in Eagle Point Township, $145,000.

by Illinois Housing Development Authority grants. The Village of Progress and Kreider Services will have to raise the remainder.

Phase 1 of the Hill Street Neighborhood project involves building a community center and 24 units, half of

which would be for individuals with developmental disabilities and half of which would be low-income housing.

There also will be a 4-acre public park on the east side of the subdivision, which will be located on 16.97 acres in the northeast corner of Mount Morris.

Quit claim deeds

The late Carol L. Beers by heirs to Megan L. Elvin, 109 and 111 N. Pleasant Ave., Polo, $0.

Dremo LLC to Mark T. Mommsen 401k Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, 5436 E.

Flagg Road, Chana, $0.

Trustees deeds

Mark T. Mommsen 401k Profit Sharing Plan and Trust to Michael E. and La Cinda S. Bunger Irrevocable Trust, 5436 E. Flagg Road, Chana, $948,788.

Robert J. and Jane C. Ruf Revocable Trust, Robert J. and Jane C. Ruf, trustees, to Curt R. and Suzanne M. Heibenthal, 5438 S. Branch Court, Rochelle, $34,500.

Ebens Family Trust 0702, Jeffrey D. Ebens, trustee, to Albert L. and Luanne I. Reinford, 279 N. Rocky Hollow Road, Oregon, $320,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office Phase 2 of the project would involve constructing additional supportive housing and market-based housing.

Phase 3 and, if there’s enough space, Phase 4 would be to build on the 5.86acre lot directly west of the main land parcel.

CLASSIFIED To place an ad

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

815-535-3282

WANT TO BUY

ARROWHEADS WANTED!!

Sell your Arrowheads today!

I'm a local Artifact collector and I'm paying top dollar for Native American Artifacts of any kind.

833-584-NEWS (6397)

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, IL, is searching for an Administrative Assistant to work approximately 20 hours per week.

The candidate must be a motivated selfstarter who can be comfortable working independently with a varied range of tasks, including typing bulletins and newsletters, input of bills into database, answering the phone, relaying messages, and greeting visitors. Microsoft Office experience is essential and familiarity with database programs and website input is desired. A background check will be required. Candidate should send their resume with a cover letter to 102 Maple Avenue, Mt. Morris, IL 61054 by February 13, 2024. Contact the DUMC Office at 815-734-4853 with questions or, for a copy of the complete job description, send an email request to secretary@disciplesumc.org

Call or Text pictures for a free evaluation:

630-824-8902

ROCK FALLS EFFICIENCY -FurnishedUtilities incl. $175/wk.

815-626-8790

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Assistant Baseball Coach

Annual Salary $10,150

https://jobs.svcc.edu/postings/1836

Assistant Softball Coach Annual Salary $10,150

https://jobs.svcc.edu/postings/1696

Custodial / Security 3rd Shift, Full Time

$14.55 / hour.

https://jobs.svcc.edu/postings/1841

Adjunct Faculty, CNA

Instruct CNA courses as assigned. Current license as RN (or eligibility for license) in IL, two years of experience, Train the Trainer & an approved evaluator certification or MSN & approved evaluator certification required.

https://jobs.svcc.edu/postings/1684

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

EMPLOYMENT

classified@shawlocal.com EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL NOTICES

STATE OF ILLINOIS Shelly Dambman, CPA Co. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF Answer phones, greet customers, THE 15TH bookkeeping, payroll, scan documents, JUDICIAL QuickBooks knowledge a plus.

CIRCUIT Send cover letter and resume to: COUNTY OF 107 E School Dr., Lanark, IL 61046 OGLE – IN or email: shelly@dambmancpa.com PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OF MATTHEW J. MUTCHLER, Deceased PROBATE NO. EXTENSION EDUCATOR, 2023 PR 55 SNAP-ED NOTICE TO U of IL Extension seeking a SNAP-Ed CREDITORS AND Educator to provide educational CLAIMANTS leadership for nutrition and wellness Notice is given to program delivery in Boone, Carroll, creditors and ClaiDeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside mants of the death Counties. Master's degree required. of MATTHEW J. To apply: http://go.illinois.edu/1021478 of MUTCHLER, Remains open until filled. EEO Employer Lindenwood, IlliLetters of nois.

Office were issued on September 29, 2023, to MARK MUTCHLER, who is the legal Representative of the estate. The attorney for the estate is Attorney CHERYL RUSSELL SMITH, 519 So. Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008.

Claims against the Feb. 2, 9, 16, 2024 estate may be filed inREAL the Eoffice STATE of the REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Ogle County Circuit Clerk, Probate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH 106 JUDICIAL Division, S. 5th CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE - OREGON, ILLINOIS Street, #300, OrePLANET HOME LENDING, LLC gon, IL 61061, or Plaintiff, with the attorney vs. for the Estate, or ZACHARY BUNN; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND bothNON-RECORD on or before CLAIMANTS Defendants, August 2, 2024, 23 FCthat 21 date being at NOTICE OF SALE least six (6) months PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant a Judgment of Foreclosure from theto date of entered in the above entitled cause the Sheriff Ogle County first ofpublication or will on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's S. 1st Street, Oregon, within office, three202(3) IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following months from thedescribed mortgaged real estate: date of mailing or P.I.N. 24-15-303-002. delivery of notice Commonly known as 5531 S. FORESTERtoDR., creditors, ROCHELLE, ifIL 61068.

The improvement on the property consists of a orsingle family residence. If the mailing delivery subject mortgaged real estate is a unit is of arequired commonunder interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee the assessments required 755 shall ILCSpay6/18-3, Act. by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property whichever date is Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified later. funds. No refunds. The property will NOT beAny open for inspection. claim not filed For information call Mr. Chad Lewis at Plaintiff's Attorney, on or before thatRobertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 205 North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois date Michigan is denied.

60601. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 23-102744 SHERIFF Copies of a claim I3237209 filed with the clerk February 2, 9,must 16, 2024 be mailed or delivered to the attorney for the estate within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

LEGAL NOTICES TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX3 FILED: 1/2/2024 TAKE NOTICE County of Ogle Date Premises Sold: November 3, 2021 Certificate No.: 2020-00128 Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2020 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES Property Located at: 8230 South Green Street, Dixon, IL 61021 Legal Description or Property Index 21-13-152No.: 001 This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of from redemption the sale will expire on June 27, 2024.

The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subseaccruing quently taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before June 27, 2024.

This matter is set for hearing in the

to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to LEGAL NOTICESof this possession property if redemption is not made on or before June 27, 2024.

This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Room 302, on July 11, 2024 at 9:00 AM. You may be present at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time.

YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY Redemption can be made at any time on or before June 27, 2024 by applying to the County Clerk of Lee, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Oregon, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110 Private Equity Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee January 4, 2024 Jeffery J. Rose a/k/a Jeffrey J. Rose Jeffery J. Rose a/k/a Jeffrey J. Rose Occupant The Colonial Rose Inn Illinois Secretary of State for The Colonial Rose Inn Illinois Department of Revenue State of Illinois of Department Revenue Attorney General for the State of Illinois Department of Revenue Tom Rose Tom Rose Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of County, Ogle Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described

17 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

MUTCHLER, Deceased PROBATE NO. 2023 PR 55 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Notice is given to creditors and Claimants of the death of MATTHEW J. MUTCHLER, of Lindenwood, Illinois.

Letters of Office were issued on September 29, 2023, to MARK MUTCHLER, who is the legal Representative of the estate. The attorney for the estate is Attorney CHERYL RUSSELL SMITH, 519 So. Main Street, LEGAL NOTICES IL Belvidere, 61008.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, 106 S. 5th Street, #300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the attorney for the Estate, or both on or before August 2, 2024, that date being at least 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 under 755 ILCS 6/18-3, whichever date is later.

Any claim not filed on or before that date is denied.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the attorney for the estate within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

MARK MUTCHLER, Executor

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

for hearing in the Creston, LLC TWP:40 Circuit Court of Ronald W. SECT/LOT:24 E825FT W1089F Ogle County in 106 Davidson as LYING S&ADJ S. 5th St., Oregon, Manager for CNW RR ROW IL 61061, Room Davidson of SW4 NW4 BK 94- 302, on July 11, Creston, LLC John Davison 7099 PARCEL C 2024 at 9:00 AM. LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES You may be Davidson of SURVEY present at this Creston, LLC 201801449 Legal Description hearing, but your John Davison or Property Index right to redeem will Carol Jean No.: 25-24-100- already have ex- Davidson pired at that time.

Laura J. Cook, 009 This notice is to YOU ARE URGED County Clerk of advise you that the Ogle County, TO REDEEM above property has IMMEDIATELY TO Illinois been sold for delinClaimants, JudgPREVENT LOSS ment Creditors, quent taxes and OF PROPERTY that the period of Redemption can and Decree Crediredemption from be made at any tors, if any of the the sale will expire time on or before above described on June 27, 2024.

June 27, 2024 by as The amount to applying to the "Unknown January 19, 26, redeem is subject County Clerk of Owners" 2024 to increase at 6 Ogle, Illinois at the "Unknown owners February 2, 2024 month intervals Office of the Coun- or parties interest(938782) from the date of ty Clerk in Oregon, ed in said land or sale and may be Illinois. lots" further increased if FOR FURTHER 10716-938783 TAX DEED NO.: the purchaser at INFORMATION 2024TX4 January 19, 26, the tax sale or his CONTACT THE FILED: 1/2/2024 2024 or her assignee COUNTY CLERK TAKE NOTICE pays any subse- 105 South 5th February 2, 2024 County of Ogle accruing Street (938783) Date Premises quently Sold: November 3, taxes or special Suite 104 assessments to re- Oregon, IL 61061 IN THE CIRCUIT 2021 deem the property (815) 732-1110 COURT OF THE Certificate No.: from subsequent Myriad Capital LLC FIFTEENTH 2020-00209 JUDICIAL Sold for General forfeitures or tax Purchaser or CIRCUIT OGLE Taxes of (Year): sales. Check with Assignee the County Clerk January 4, 2024 2020 COUNTY, Sold for Special as to the exact Davidson of ILLINOIS of amount you owe Creston, LLC Assessment In the interest of: Davidson of (Municipality) and before redeeming.

Varrick Masteller Special Assess- This notice is also Creston, LLC Adahlia Masteller, to advise you that Illinois Secretary of ment Number: N/A Ettie Masteller, a petition has been Davidson for State Warrant No.: N/A a minor filed for a tax deed Creston, LLC of Installment No.: Case No: which will transfer Charles G. Brown N/A 2023 JA 15 title and the right to as R/A for THIS PROPERTY 2023 JA 16 possession of this Davidson of HAS BEEN 2023 JA 17 property if redempCreston, LLC NOTICE BY SOLD FOR tion is not made on Ronald W. PUBLICATION DELINQUENT or before June 27, Davidson as To: Cassandra TAXES Manager for Masteller, responProperty Located 2024. dent(s), and all at: RNG/BLK: 2 This matter is set Davidson of for hearing in the Creston, LLC whom it may conTWP:40 Circuit Court of Ronald W. cern, take notice SECT/LOT:24 Ogle County in 106 Davidson as that on October E825FT W1089F S. 5th St., Oregon, Manager for 24, 2023, a petition LYING S&ADJ IL 61061, Room Davidson of was filed under the CNW RR ROW 302, on July 11, Creston, LLC Juvenile Court Act SW4 NW4 BK 942024 at 9:00 AM. John Davison

by ASA R. Russo, 7099 PARCEL C You may be Davidson of In the Circuit Court SURVEY present at this Creston, LLC of Ogle County 201801449 hearing, but your John Davison entitled “In the inLegal Description will Carol Jean terest Varrick, or Property OTICES EGAL NOTICES OTICES LEGAL NOTICES Index right LEGALtoNredeem L LEGAL Nof already have exDavidson Adahlia & Ettie No.: 25-24-100pired at that time.

Laura J. Cook, Masteller, minors”, 009 YOU ARE URGED County Clerk of CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL and that in courtThis noticeINisTHE to CIRCUIT TO REDEEM Ogle County, room 304 at 106 OF OGLE - OREGON, ILLINOIS advise you that the COUNTY IMMEDIATELY TO Illinois PLANET HOMEhas LENDING, LLC South Fifth, Oreabove property PREVENT LOSS Claimants, Judg- gon, Illinois on Plaintiff, been sold for delinment Creditors, February 13, 2024 OF PROPERTY vs. quent taxes and and NON-RECORD Decree Credi- CLAIMANTS Redemption can AND ZACHARY BUNN; OWNERS at 2:00 p.m. or as that the period of UNKNOWN Defendants, from be made at any tors, if any of the soon thereafter as redemption time on or before above described 23 FC 21 this cause may be the sale will expire asSALE June 27, 2024

by OF NOTICE heard, an adjudicaon June 27, 2024.

"Unknown applying to the PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment Foreclosure toryofhearing will be The amount to Owners" County Clerk of entered in the above entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on Friday, March held upon the Petiredeem is subject "Unknown owners Ogle, Illinois at the at the Oregon, tionStreet, to have the to8, 2024, increase at hour 6 of 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S. 1st interestOffice of the Counor parties IL 61061, intervals sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgagedto child declared month ed in said land or real estate: be a ward of the from the date of ty Clerk in Oregon, lots" BEING A PART court LOT and 2 IN may BLOCK OF HIGHLAND ESTATES, OF THE andSOUTHfor other sale be 3 Illinois.

WEST increased 1/4 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 10716-938783 40 NORTH, RANGE relief 1, EAST OF THE under that further if FOR FURTHER INFORMATION THIRD PRINCIPAL ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED act. The court has the purchaser at MERIDIAN, January 19, 26, OFFICE CONTACT THE8, IN THE IN tax BOOK OF PLATS, PAGE RECORDER'S authorityOF inOGLE this the sale"K" or his 2024 COUNTY CLERK ILLINOIS, SITUATED IN OGLE COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS. proceeding to take orCOUNTY, her assignee February 2, 2024 P.I.N. 24-15-303-002. from you the cuspays any subse- 105 South 5th Street Commonly known as 5531 S. FORESTER DR.,(938783) ROCHELLE, IL 61068. tody and guardianquently accruing Suite 104 The improvement on the property consists of a single family residence.

If the ship of the minor. taxes or special Oregon, IL 61061 subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest Ifcommunity, the Petitionthe reassessments to repurchaser of the unit(815) other732-1110 than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required quests the termideem the property LLC Myriad Capital by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. nation of your from subsequent Purchaser or Sale terms: by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, certified parentalbyrights and forfeitures or 10% tax down Assignee funds.

No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection. the appointment of sales. Check with January 4, 2024 information Anschutz, a guardian with theForCounty Clerkcall Mr. Chad Lewis at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, DavidsonPLLC, of Schneid, & Partners, 205 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois power to consent as to theCrane exact LLC 23-102744 SHERIFF 60601. (708) ext. 52109. to adoption, you amount you 668-4410 owe Creston, Davidson of I3237209 may lose all before redeeming.

LLC 2, 9, 16, 2024 parental rights to This notice is also Creston, February the child. Unless to advise you that Illinois Secretary of you appear you will a petition has been State for Davidson not be entitled to filed for a tax deed of Creston, LLC further written nowhich will transfer Charles G. Brown as R/A for tices or publication title and the right to for the State of Illinois Department of Revenue Tom Rose Tom Rose Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of LEGAL NOTICES Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, JudgCreditors, ment and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners" "Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots" 10716-938782

whom it may con- parental rights and cern, take notice the appointment of that on October a guardian with 24, 2023, a petition power to consent IN THE CIRCUIT was filed under the to adoption, you COURT OF THE Juvenile Court Act may lose all FIFTEENTH

by ASA R. Russo, parental rights to OTICES Court the LEGAL LEGALchild.

NOTICESUnless LEGALJUDICIAL NOTICES In the N Circuit of Ogle County you appear you will CIRCUIT OGLE entitled “In the in- not be entitled to COUNTY, terest of Varrick, further written noILLINOIS Adahlia & Ettie tices or publication In the interest of: Masteller, minors”, notices of the pro- Nickolas Lee and that in court- ceedings in this Roberts, room 304 at 106 case, including the a minor South Fifth, Ore- filing of an Case No: gon, Illinois on amended petition 2023 JA 9 February 13, 2024 for a motion to NOTICE BY at 2:00 p.m. or as terminate parental PUBLICATION soon thereafter as rights.

To: Lindsey this cause may be Unless you appear Roberts, Jeremy heard, an adjudica- at the hearing Gray & All Whom It tory hearing will be and show cause May Concern, reheld upon the Peti- against the peti- spondent(s), and tion to have the tion, the allegations all whom it may child declared to of the petition may concern, take nobe a ward of the stand admitted as tice that on Jancourt and for other against you and uary 16, 2024, a relief under that each of you, and petition was filed act. The court has an order for judg- under the Juvenile authority in this ment entered.

Court Act by ASA proceeding to take Dated this 17th day R. Russo, In the from you the cus- of January, 2024 Circuit Court of tody and guardianKimberly A. Stahl Ogle County entiship of the minor.

Clerk of the tled “In the interest If the Petition reCircuit Court of Nickolas Lee quests the termiBy: JLG, Roberts, a minor”, of your Deputy Clerk and that in courtnation parental rights and room 304 at 106 the appointment of Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, South Fifth, Orea guardian with 2024 gon, Illinois on power to consent February 13, 2024 to adoption, you at 11:00 a.m. or as IN THE CIRCUIT lose all may soon thereafter as COURT OF THE parental rights to this cause may be FIFTEENTH the child. Unless heard, an adjudicaJUDICIAL you appear you will tory hearing will be CIRCUIT OGLE not be entitled to held upon the PetiCOUNTY, further written notion to have the ILLINOIS tices or publication child declared to In the interest of: notices of the probe a ward of the Nickolas Lee ceedings in this court and for other Roberts, case, including the relief under that a minor filing of an Case No: act. The court has amended petition 2023 JA 9 authority in this for a motion to proceeding to take NOTICE BY terminate parental from you the cusPUBLICATION rights. tody and guardianTo: Lindsey Unless you appear ship of the minor.

Roberts, Jeremy at the hearing If the Petition reGray & All Whom It and show cause quests the termiWhether you are home or away, May Concern, reagainst the petination of your spondent(s), and tion, the allegations parental rights and protect what matters most from all whom it may of the petition may the appointment of take nostand unexpected admitted as concern, awith guardian with power outages a tice that on Janagainst you and power to consent uary 16, 2024, a each Generac of you, and to adoption, you Home Standby Generator. an order for judg- petition was filed may lose all under the Juvenile ment entered. parental rights to Court Act by ASA th Dated this 17 day the child. Unless R. Russo, In the of January, 2024 DOWN you appear you will $0 MONEY + LOW Court MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS Circuit of Kimberly A. Stahl not be entitled to Ogle County entiClerk of the further written noContact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions Circuit Court tled “In the interest tices or publication of Nickolas Lee By: JLG, notices of the proDeputy Clerk Roberts, a minor”, ceedings in this and that in courtcase, including the room 304 at 106 filing of an Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, South Fifth, OreA FREE QUOTE 2024 REQUEST gon, Illinois on amended petition for a motion to February 13, 2024 terminate parental at 11:00 a.m. or as rights. soon thereafter as Unless you appear this cause may be at the hearing heard, an adjudicaand show cause tory hearing will be against the petiheld upon the Petition, the allegations tion to have the of the petition may child declared to stand admitted as be a ward of the against you and court and for other each of you, and relief under that an order for judgact. The court has ment entered. authority in this Dated this 16th day proceeding to take of January, 2024 from you the cusKimberly A. Stahl tody and guardianClerk of the *To qualify, consumers must a quote, purchase, ship ofrequest the minor.

Circuit Court the Petition reinstall and activate theIfgenerator with a participating By: JLG, termidealer. Call for a full quests list of termsthe and conditions.

Deputy Clerk nation of your parental rights and the appointment of Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, a guardian with 2024 power to consent to adoption, you

room 304 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on February 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as this cause may be LEGAL NanOTICES heard, adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the Petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court and for other relief under that act. The court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you lose all may parental rights to the child. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights.

Unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered.

Dated this 16th day of January, 2024 Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: JLG, Deputy Clerk Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 2024

CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE

(844) 377-3452

FREE

7-year Extended Warranty* – A $735 Value!

case, including the filing of an amended petition for a motion to terminate parental rights.

Unless you appear LEGALthe NOTICEShearing at and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order for judgment entered.

Dated this 16th day of January, 2024 Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: JLG, Deputy Clerk Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 2024 NOTICE The Ogle County Community Mental Health (708) Board is now accepting for applications Funding. Deadline for filing these applications is April 4, 2024. For information please contact: Justine Messenger, 5067 W Pines Road, Ore61061 gon, IL OCCMH708BD@ gmail.com 815.238.1829 Feb. 2, 2024

19

ONLY

* 99 $32 Reg. Price $44.99

Special Limited Time Offer!

35% SAVINGS INCLUDING SHIPPING

Hale Honeybells The once a year citrus sensation!

Like our popular full-size Honeybells, Mini Honeybells are packed with rich flavor and juicy goodness, but come in a size that fits in the palm of your hand. While “bell” is in their name and they’re part of the Honeybell family, Minis don’t always fully develop into a bell shape. But we can assure you they don’t lack in quality or taste! Rare Hale Honeybells are available in limited quantities for a limited time! Pre-order now to reserve your share of this year’s crop with this delicious deal!

Buy 12 get 12 more

FREE!

Call 1-877-460-2754 to Order Item 2692X

or Visit HaleGroves.com/H4YW95 Only $32.99 plus $7.99 shipping & processing. Satisfaction completely guaranteed.

Since 1947.

Hale Groves, Vero Beach, FL 32966

IC: H4YW95

35% SAVINGS! INCLUDING SHIPPING!

*Plus $7.99 handling per pack to the 48 contiguous states. Limited time offer, good while supplies last. Not valid with any other offer. Limit 5 boxes per customer.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

12 T E G 2 1 Y U E! B E R F MORE

20 OGLE COUNTY NEWS

DENTAL

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, February 2, 2024

Insurance

Great coverage for retirees.

Coverage for cleanings, fillings, crowns — even dentures! Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Go to any dentist, but save more with one in our network

Helps cover over 400 procedures

No deductible, no annual maximum

100% preventive care when you see in-network provider

Get your FREE Information Kit It’s easy! Call today

1-888-261-5798

or go to Dental50Plus.com/Shawmedia

Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual.com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY, VA – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469, P150/B439 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

6347