Polo_Tri-County_Press-08-09-2024 by Shaw Media

Earleen Hinton

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition opens Aug. 9

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

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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

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MT. MORRIS – The ninth annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, with five new straw sculptures on the historic Mt. Morris Campus.

The Fine Art in Straw sculptors this year are by Danica and Mark Rogers, Chris and Cecilia Mann, Steve Lentz, Doreen Hartman and new sculptor Jenna Springer. The new sculptures and a selection from previous years will be on display through Aug. 25.

The opening weekend includes live music at the band shell stage. On Aug. 9, the Mt. Morris Jamboree features Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band. The three Saturdays during the straw

sculpting competition also have live music at the band shell stage presented by Encore! Mt. Morris. Saturday, Aug. 10, is Jeff Elbel + Ping (roots rock ‘n’ roll).

The Jodi Beach Quartet (timeless tunes from the 1930s through today) performs Aug. 17 and Dirty Fishnet Stockings (rockabilly) takes the stage Aug. 24.

Concessions at each show start at 6 p.m. Concerts are at 7 p.m.

The Encore! Old Sandstone Gallery features a new juried fine art show. The gallery on the Mt. Morris Campus next to the band shell will be open Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and during special Straw events.

“Mark your calendar for StrawFest weekend starting Aug. 23 with the Friday Night Jamboree presenting The Jimmys, (blues, funk, soul, R&B) from 7 to 9 p.m.,”

said Jeff Bold, an event organizer. “Saturday, Aug. 24, will include food trucks, blacksmith demos, round straw bale races in the street, straw sculpting awards and more to be announced. The Old Sandstone Gallery and Mt. Morris Historical Museum also will be open. There will be pop-up live music on the Straw Jam stage next to the straw sculptures on Saturdays and Sundays all three weekends.”

All events are free and open to the public.

Visit StrawUSA.com for the latest schedule and follow Encore! Mt. Morris on Facebook.

Encore! Mt. Morris is a cultural initiative of the Mt. Morris Economic Development Corp. For information, go to EncoreMtMorris.com.

CHAMBER CHATTER

Chamber Car Show

The 35th annual Chamber Car Show will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, rain or shine. Come out and check out all the classic cars.

Citizen of the Year

Each year, the Polo Chamber of Commerce recognizes one Polo resident as the Citizen of the Year and one resident as the Volunteer of the Year. Eligible nominees

CORRECTIONS

should consistently show civic leadership through volunteerism and service to the community. Services provided to the community should be based on volunteerism outside of the nominee’s normal employment duties.

Those wishing to nominate a candidate they feel is deserving of these prestigious awards must complete a nomination form and return it with a letter describing why the nominee is deserving of the award to

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

the Polo Chamber board by Friday, Aug. 30. Forms are at www.polochamber.org.

Get the word out

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.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

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

Photo provided by Jeff Short

Polo Lions Club members on Aug. 3 pull up the cement on the first and third base sides of the diamond at West Side Park. The project is new baseball dugouts at the diamond.

Plenty to see at the Ogle County Fair

The Ogle County Fair took place from July 31 to Aug. 4 and featured the Ogle County Fair Pageant on the first day, the Illini Truck & Tractor Pulls on

Aug. 1, the Big Hat Rodeo on Aug. 2, a demolition derby on Aug. 3. There also was the Ogle County 4-H Fair and carnival rides.

TOP LEFT: Drew Muhlenback, 19, of Bristol, Wisconsin, gets tossed by a bull Aug. 2 at the Big Hat Rodeo at the Ogle County Fair. TOP RIGHT: Matthew Beach of Forreston tries to navigate his car (B3) out of mess of cars in the Bonestock heat of the demolition derby Aug. 3 at the Ogle County Fair. ABOVE: Allisa Martin, 17, of Oregon washes her steer Lucky, a Charolais cross, Aug. 2 at the Ogle County 4-H Fair. LEFT: Karly Jo Early, 2, of Oregon climbs on bales of wood shavings in the hog barn July 31 at the Ogle County 4-H Fair. Her father, Steve, and friend Emree Wiltfang, 10, of Leaf River keep a watchful eye on Karly Jo. MIDDLE LEFT: Julie Wilmarth-Meriage (center), the 1968 Miss Ogle County Fair Queen, was one of the former queens in attendance at the 2024 Ogle County Fair Pageant on July 31.

Photos

Earleen Hinton

Hackett family returns to Polo for a visit

The heat is intense, the locusts have started to sing and summer is winding down. People are out for the last of the tours before school gets underway.

I was pleasantly surprised when Sarah of the Hackett family stopped by the museum to show her children some of the sights of Polo. I was so glad to be there to show the family around and to touch base with the Hackett family again.

They are from Massachusetts and had been visiting the Chicago area and family. Sarah decided to bring her children out to Polo and she herself just wanted to renew memories of visiting Polo as a child. I right away said, “Are you connected to Mary Ann Hackett Mason?” She nodded yes and I was delighted to once again see a member of the Hackett family.

Mary Ann and I were part of the

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

Class of 1950 and in seventh grade we were the biggest readers of books in the class. We visited the library all the time and our names had the most stars or whatever the teacher put there. We did not have cellphones, TV or any of the current ways to spend our time so reading was big in our lives.

Mary Ann went off to college right away and came back slim, trim, good looking and ready to tackle teaching English in the Polo school system. She had my children in school. She would laugh and show them pictures of how she looked in high school and the kids

could hardly believe it. She totally changed her appearance and was a fun person to be around. The students enjoyed her immensely.

She ended up marrying Ed Mason and they headed west. We kept in touch by letters and we were both interested in the history of Polo. I do not think she ever came back for a reunion but she did visit Polo in later years. One day she came through the door at the museum and she was white-haired and walking with a cane. I loved her cane and when the day came that I needed a cane, I called Mary Ann to see what kind I should get and where. My cane is a “B Funky” cane and it has hummingbirds on it. Every time I use it, I think of Mary Ann Hackett Mason who grew up in Polo. We were kids together, graduates together, and

friends together for a lifetime.

How nice to visit with Mary Ann’s cousins and give them a look at Polo today. How nice to come back with good memories and past experiences. Also to want to show your children a community where you spent time as a child.

Next week at the museum we will have Michael Aplington visit us with his family. Beth and Linda will help me with that tour. It will be interesting to find out where Michael lives and how he is connected to the Aplington family. I can hardly wait to show him the wall and the mural. We are proud to show him what is happening in Polo.

•BettyObendorfisaretiredteacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

1871 was an eventful year for Chicago and Oregon

Thirty-five years after John Phelps founded Oregon on March 21, 1870, Oregon was incorporated. James Gale served as the first mayor in 1870. James and his wife, Caroline, are buried at the Gale plot with eight of their children at the Riverside Cemetery.

A cast iron chair sits near the grave marker. It’s amazing what James accomplished during his lifetime despite losing seven of his children before they reached the age of maturity. His son George V died at the age of 26.

Events during this time period provided major changes for our early settlers. As I discuss events that occurred during the early 1870s, remember this was 30 years before the first car passed through Oregon.

OGLE COUNTY HISTORY

Otto Dick

Historically, 1871 was an eventful year for Chicago and Oregon. In Oregon, the C & I Railroad arrived providing passenger and rail service. Before this, we relied on horses and oxen. The same year the train arrived in Oregon was the Great Chicago Fire.

The Oregon Reporter headline read “Great Fire In Chicago, Most Valuable Portion of the City Burned, Loss Millions of Dollars, Many Persons Killed.” The fire started on Sunday, Oct. 8, and lasted to early Tuesday. It

destroyed 4 square miles, 13,500 of the 18,000 buildings and left 92,000 homeless and about 300 dead.

Two years after Oregon was incorporated on March 21, 1870, the Illinois General Assembly passed an ordinance for the establishment of free public libraries. On Dec. 30, 1872, the Oregon City Council passed an ordinance for the establishment of a public library and reading room.

The first library was established above the office of Henry Burchell, located at 211 S. Third St. This building is now a residence.

The second library was located above the First National Bank on Washington Street. In 1900, the Library Board approved the employment of the first paid librarian, Addie

Welty, at a salary of $1 a week. In 1904, it was learned that Mr. Andrew Carnegie would donate $10,000 for a new library in Oregon. We are fortunate to have a Carnegie library.

Early in our history our early settlers established libraries and schools. This was before telephones, radios and, of course, TV. Large crowds attended speaking events similar to the Lincoln-Wentworth debate held in Oregon on Aug. 16, 1856.

How many communities in the U.S. can say that the tall log splitter from Springfield spoke in their community for one hour?

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

Oregon school district announces first Athletic Hall of Fame

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OREGON – The OCUSD Athletic Hall of Fame committee announced the charter inductees into the newly established OCSUD 220 Athletic Hall of Fame.

Here are the individuals and teams that will be honored at the induction ceremony Saturday night, Sept. 14, and introduced to the public at halftime of the Oregon home football game

versus Genoa-Kingston on Friday night, Sept. 13:

Administrator/Coach: J.R. Worley (longtime Mt. Morris athletic director)

Coach: Doug Engle (longtime shot put/discus coach for OHS)

Coach: Salley Wessels (longtime girls coach at MMHS)

Athlete : Sherman Landers (early 20th century OHS track star and Olympic athlete)

century OHS track star and Olympic gold medalist)

Athlete: Andy Ballard (early 2000s Oregon football/wrestling/track allstate athlete)

Athlete: Jake Carpenter (1990s Oregon cross country/track state place winner, basketball captain)

Athlete: Gerry Baker (1982 state discus champion, all-state football honors)

Athlete: Frank Loomis (early 20th

Friend of Athletics: Bob and Leona Groenhagen (longtime Hawks supporters and fans)

Team: 1997 Boys Cross Country (first ever OHS state championship team)

Team: 1998 Wrestling (IHSA Class A state champion)

Team: 2009 Boys Track (IHSA Class 1A state champion)

Congratulations to these amazing athletes, coaches and their families on their legacy in Oregon and Mt. Morris athletics.

The committee thanks all who submitted nominations in the spring. SHAW LOCAL

ABOVE: Kennlee Sieber, 9, of Forreston holds her watermelon rind high as she wins her age division at Forreston’s Sauerkraut Days’ watermelon eating contest on Aug. 3.

ABOVE LEFT: Sauerkraut Days’ Committee member Kathy Bickford slices watermelon for the watermelon eating contest. LEFT: Jakob Kolber, 16, of Forreston finishes first in his age division in the watermelon eating contest. FAR LEFT: Rory Welch, 12, of Forreston finishes off her slice of watermelon despite losing a tooth during the contest. Winners of each age division were awarded a medal and a can of Frank’s Sauerkraut.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Slurpin’ and chompin’: Contestants compete at Sauerkraut Days’ watermelon eating contest

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – It was a day of firsts for two contestants and a repeat performance for another at the watermelon eating contest at Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 3.

Kennlee Seiber, 9, of Forreston lined up with six kids in her age group and efficiently munched and slurped her way to a first-place finish.

“I just love watermelon,” Kennlee said when asked about her strategy.

Two competitors away from Kennlee, Onalee Sieber, 8, and Finley Feldman, 9, couldn’t stop laughing and watching each other as they tried to eat their way to the rind.

In the next division, 12-year-old Rory Welch of Forreston hit a different kind of obstacle.

“I lost a tooth to a watermelon,” she said, smiling. “I just felt something crunchy and then I felt a tooth missing. So I looked on the ground and it was there.”

Sauerkraut Days Committee mem-

ber Kathy Bickford, who also served as “official watermelon slicer,” gave Rory a paper towel to wrap her tooth in.

“Well, that’s a first,” Bickford said.

“We’ve never had that happen before.”

Rory didn’t let one less tooth stop her from finishing her slice.

In the final age division, Jakob Kolber, 16, of Forreston was all business as he sought to claim this year’s title.

He gulped down his slice and even made a strategic flip of the rind at the

end as he gobbled his way to first place.

“I wasn’t here last year because I was on a mission trip,” he said. “I won it the year before so I wanted to win this year, too.”

Winners of each age division had to devour age-appropriate melon slices to win an official Sauerkraut Days medal and a can of Frank’s Sauerkraut.

The eating contest was just one of several events held during the threeday festival.

Pre-reading skills important to learning how to read

Early learning has changed. It used to be that first grade was the year in which students learned to read. Today, many important pre-reading skills are practiced in preschool and kindergartners are expected to learn to read.

This month a new group of young children will be starting kindergarten. Let’s look at some important skills that build the foundation for learning to read and how parents and grandparents can support the learning of those skills.

Preschoolers are learning about the sounds of language. Learning to recognize and create rhymes is a big part of this process. We can encourage these skills by singing children’s songs, reciting nursery rhymes and poems and reading books full of rhymes. Dr. Seuss books are perfect. Children enjoy the silly rhymes and quickly learn to repeat them. Kindergartners also benefit from continuing these activities.

READING MATTERS

Mary Gardner

Learning about letters also begins in preschool. Singing the alphabet song is one way to begin. Children focus on recognizing the letters in their names at this stage as well. They also might notice and name letters in the names of mom, dad and siblings. We can support this by naming letters and pointing them out when we see them in print. As our children and grandchildren begin to recognize and name some letters, we can continue looking for and naming letters in the print around us.

Eventually children will need to learn the names of all 26 letters along

with the most common sounds for which they stand. That likely will be later in preschool but certainly will be a focus in kindergarten. Reading research shows that knowledge of letters and sounds is a predictor of how easily a child will learn to read, so we want to support this learning.

We can play games with letter sounds. We might try to make an oral list of things that start with a letter sound, perhaps the sound of the first letter of the child’s name. There also are many online games for learning letter names and sounds that are motivating for children.

Eventually young readers will begin to understand what is called the Alphabetic Principle. This is the understanding of the relationship between sounds and letters and that letters serve a function to help them read and spell.

So far, this at-home support sounds

like playing with letters, words and sounds. That is really what you are doing. Whatever we do at home with our youngest learners should seem like play and not drill.

Additionally, reading aloud is the single most important thing we can do for our early readers (and all ages really!). Doing so will model fluent reading and help early readers become excited to learn to read themselves. It also helps them to learn to enjoy books for entertainment and for information. Of course, there also is value in spending time with, talking to and interacting with our children and grandchildren. Nothing is better than that!

• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.

July 27 to Aug. 2

Warranty deeds

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 934 White Birch Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 1004 Whitetail Dr., Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 1103 Frosty Morning Dr., Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 1109 Frosty Morning Dr., Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 202 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Harvest Glenn LLC to Contry Homes Group LLC, 206 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Aaron M. Pifer and Rebecca M. Pifer to Kailey M. Pifer, 226 W. Grant St., Stillman Valley, $125,000.

Eldon Lefevre, deceased by heirs, to Lisa Baker, 605 S. Fifth St., Oregon, and 607 S. Fifth St., Oregon, $120,000.

Todd M. Benesh and Kathy L. Benesh to Michelle Slowik, 2237 N. River Road, Oregon, $150,000.

Brian W. Ostrowski and Tracey A. Ostrowski to Allen Cox, 5071 N. Blackwood Road, Davis Junction, $510,000.

Richard W. Wiesner Jr. to Eric M. Whalen, 210 N. Third St., Oregon, $90,000.

Enrique and Norma Penaran to Ronald William Glover and Trudy Kay Glover, 610 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $158,000.

Gayle A. Noble and Michael L. Noble to Neil Ortiz, 834 W. Chinquapin Dr., Oregon, $360,000.

Ronald E. Weber to Rafael L. Acosta and Maria M. Acosta, 5665 N. River Road, Byron, and 308 N. Blackhawk Dr., Byron, $195,000.

Laura J. Cook and Curtis D. Cook to Rhonda and Steve Henke, 307 S. Eighth St., Oregon, $154,000.

Thomas E. Elliott Jr., deceased by heirs, to Diane M. Eichhorst and Marsha N. Baker, 5025 S. Hidden Heights Road, Oregon, $118,000.

Sue E. Gowers to Theresa A. Webb and William G. Webb, 1113 W. Blackhawk Dr., Byron, $190,000.

Thomas Hartnett to Melissa Stanton, Glenn Stanton and Pauline A. Spencer, 1045 Turkington Terrace, Rochelle, $202,900.

Scott J. Brown and Kimberly Brown to Anita Kuetemeyer, 246 N. Sumner St., Byron, $300,000.

Sandra Jo Joyce and Lori Ann Cromie to SLC Realty LLC, 4907 S. Hidden Heights Road, Oregon, $95,001.

Quit claim deeds

Sean L. Gould to Sean L. Gould and Nicole M. Manering, 3475 E. Whitaker Road, Byron, $0. Trustee deeds

Patrick W. Montgomery, trustee, Christine M. Montgomery, trustee, and Montgomery Trust 2024 to Alexander and Marissa Bunk, 15350 E. McNeal Road, Monroe Center, $320,000.

Neil Styczynski, trustee, Mark Styczyn-

ski, trustee, Neil Styczynski Declaration Trust and Mark Styczynski Declaration Trust to Daniel S. and Deborah A. Powers Family Partnership 1, James S. Sullivan, trustee, and James S. Sullivan Trust, one parcel in Eagle Point Township, $209,247.

Cira Ognibene-Berger, trustee, and Cira Ognibene-Berger Irrevocable Trust to Trevor Haley and Alexandra Vavra, 621 Willow Bend Dr., Davis Junction, $252,000.

Mariann D. Tilton, trustee, and Ronald C. Tilton Trust to Gina K. Pedraza, trustee, Philip A. Pedraza, trustee, and Philip and Gina K. Pedraza 2018 Living Trust, 3648 S. Sweeney Road, Chana, $300,000.

Douglas M. Knodle, trustee, and Douglas M. Knodle Trust 1 to Douglas Hendricksen, 761 N. Brookview Dr., Byron, $235,000.

Carol Rasmussen, trustee, and Francis G. Yeager Revocable Trust to Giovanni Sanchez, 115 Jeffrey Ave., Rochelle, $70,000.

Executors

Barbara J. Kirchner, deceased by executors, estate of Barbara J. Kirchner and Kickapoo Land LLC, two parcels on Mud Creek Road in Oregon, 1085 W. Mud Creek Road, Oregon, and two parcels in Rockvale Township, $988,000.

Estate of Norvin L. Moss, and Norvin L. Moss, deceased by executor, to Randall L. Moss Sr., Timothy Pemberton, Joseph Ryan Pemberton and Tiffany Pemberton, 5488 Harlan Dr., Rochelle, $0.

Deeds in trust

Robert F. Tumminaro and Sugako S. Tumminaro to Robert F. Tumminaro, trustee, Sugako S. Tumminaro, trustee, Robert F. Tumminaro Living Trust and Sugako S. Tumminaro Living Trust, 3328 S. Seldom Scene Road, Oregon, $0. Daniel M. Gale and Cori K. Gale to Daniel M. Gale, trustee, Cori K. Gale, trustee, and DCGale Trust 224, 206 S. Third St., Oregon, $0.

Norma J. Huntley to Norma J. Huntley, trustee, and NJH Trust 1194, 5038 S. Chana Road, Chana, $0.

Larry D. Brown and Rebecca J. Brown to Teresa L. Van Hise, trustee, Donald W. Brown, trustee, Rex D. Brown, trustee, and 317 Trust 524, 319 Hillcrest Ave., Rochelle, and 317 Hillcrest Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Phillip E. Frey and Jean M. Frey to Phillip E. Frey, trustee, and Frey Farms Trust 1, two parcels in Pine Creek Township, 3527 S. Lowell Park Road, Polo, and 8471 W. Henry Road, Polo, $0.

Phillip Frey and Jean M. Frey to Phillip E. Frey, Jean M. Frey, trustee, and Frey Farms Trust 2, three parcels in Pine Creek Township and 3527 S. Lowell Park Road, Polo, $0.

Warranty deeds in trust

Graciela Esparza, deceased by heirs, to Alojzy Czaplinski, trustee, Ewa M. Czaplinska, trustee, and Czaplinski Home Trust 1, 317 Northknoll Dr., Rochelle, $199,000.

3-year-old does his part to help re-tree Oregon

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Three-year-old Parker Smidt didn’t mind using some sweat equity for a new tree in front of his home on Jackson Street on July 31.

“I dig big,” Parker said as he spread his hands high in the air. “It was hot, but I am big and strong. It is going to get bigger than me.”

Parker helped his dad Mike dig the hole for the Red Bud tree in the city-owned terrace at 604 Jackson St.

“We are excited to celebrate Arbor Day today by planting two new trees,” City Manager Darin DeHaan said. “We want to thank the residents who partnered with us to get the trees planted and give a big shoutout to Mike Smidt and his son Parker who battled the humidity and dug the hole for the new tree for us.”

Workers from the Oregon Street Department planted the first tree, a hackberry, at 900 S. Second St. before heading to the Smidt home.

DeHaan thanked the city’s public works department for helping with the project on a day in which temperatures climbed into the 90s and high humidity made for a very sweaty workday.

DeHaan said the city’s Tree Board and City Council helped Oregon receive its Tree City USA designation.

“We saw a significant loss, approximately 140 trees over the past 10 years due to storm damage, age and the emerald ash borer,” DeHaan said. “We are happy to see new trees being planted, which will provide shade, oxygen and other natural amenities.”

The tree-planting project helps beautify the city while also providing a positive environmental impact, DeHaan said.

“Tree-lined streets are a part of our beautiful community charm. The benefits that trees provide is a long list, but some of which are reducing air pollution, providing oxygen, improve property values and reducing energy consumption,” he said.

Through the project, the city will match 50% of the cost if homeowners are interested in having a tree planted in their terrace. Applications can be made by contacting City Hall or submitting a permit via the city’s website.

“We have approximately 500 open spaces in the terrace which could accommodate different types of trees,” DeHaan said.

Trees accepted for the program can be viewed at cityoforegon.org/ tree-related-permits-and-tree-planting-guide.

city officials and workers stand

and Parker,

replace trees throughout the residential area.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Homeowners,

July 31 by the newly planted tree at 604 Jackson St. in Oregon. From left are Devin DeHaan, City Manager Darin DeHaan, Deputy Police Chief Matt Kalnins, Public Works Director Bill Covell, Skylar Bethel, homeowners Mike and Samantha Smidt

Josh Pickering, Tree Board member Kayse Rushford, Jordan Plock and Corey Fry. The project is part of the city’s plan to

City workers plant a tree July 31 in the terrace at 604 Jackson St. in Oregon.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity: July 29

Anthony Kozak, 45, of Byron, was cited for no valid license, speeding and disobeying a stop sign after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 251 and Edson Road about 3:51 p.m. Kozak was given a notice to appear.

Jose Santana, 43, of Davis Junction, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop for speeding at Illinois Routes 251 and 64 about 6:27 p.m. Santana was cited for speeding 26 to 34 mph over the limit. Santana was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of West Pines and Burlington roads about 11:59 p.m. An investigation showed Gabrielle Sandel, 18, of Oregon, was driving a Volkswagen Jetta east in the 2000 block of West Pines Road when she traveled off into the north ditch before striking a pole and coming to rest in the ditch. Sandel was treated by Oregon EMS and taken to KSB Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

OREGON POLICE

July 29

Angela D. Oester, 49, of Sterling, was arrested at 10:23 a.m. for driving while license revoked. Oester was transported to the Ogle County jail where she was processed and released with a notice to appear. The violation occurred in the 200 block of South Fourth Street.

Melinda J. Colbert, 49, of Leaf River, was issued a citation at 10:47 a.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of South 10th and Webster streets.

Casandra Garcia, 19, of Rochelle, was issued a citation at 11:24 a.m. for speeding 52 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 400 block of East Washington Street.

Karly R. Rickert, 26, of Evergreen Park, was issued a citation at 1:04 p.m. for speeding 53 mph in a 40-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 500 block of East Washington Street.

Colten A. Gossett, 23, of Byron, was issued a citation at 1:51 p.m. for speeding 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Jessica L. Murphy, 34, of Oregon, was

July 30

Dustin Grove, 41, of Davis Junction, was arrested for a violation of an order of protection and an active Rockford Police Department warrant for failure to appear after deputies responded to the 9000 block of North Blaine Drive about 6:55 p.m. Grove was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.

July 31

Kimberly G. Pogue, 32, of Milledgeville, was cited for failure to yield to oncoming traffic when leaving a stop intersection after deputies and the Forreston Fire Protection District responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Illinois Route 26 and Coffman Road about 6:21 p.m. An investigation showed Pogue was driving a Kia Forte west on Coffman Road when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic when leaving the stop sign on Coffman Road at Route 26. Pogue’s vehicle was struck by a Honda SUV driven by Jordyn M. McNair, 25, of Lanark, who was northbound on Route 26.

Aug. 1

David Bergeson, 41, of Polo, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the

16000 block of West Milledgeville Road about 10:23 p.m. Bergeson also was cited for speeding. Bergeson was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.

Aug. 2

Chasity Wright, 43, of Dixon, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop in the 2000 block of south Illinois Route 2 at 12:35 a.m. Wright also was cited for improper lane use. Wright was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Aug. 4

Antonio Cerrito-Olivares, 36, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license revoked, no insurance and expired registration after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 251 and Dutch Road about 1:33 p.m. Cerrito-Olivares was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear. Cerrito-Olivares’ vehicle was towed from the scene.

Denise Wagoner, 38, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for criminal damage to property after deputies responded to the Mt. Morris Motel, 3691 W. Illinois Route 64, about 3:50 p.m. for reports of damage to

a vehicle. Wagoner was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Andrew Klingele, 34, of Byron, was arrested for a warrant for failure to appear after deputies responded to the 9000 block of North Barker Road for a 911 hangup about 7 p.m. Klingele was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.

Alyssa Vicencio, 28, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, two counts of child endangerment and aggravated driving while under the influence while transporting a person under the age of 16 after a traffic stop in the 19000 block of east Illinois Route 64 about 9 p.m. Vicencio was taken to the Ogle County jail and cited for driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08, improper lane use and driving without taillights. Vicencio was released on a notice to appear.

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

issued a citation at 2:40 p.m. for failure to yield turning left. The violation occurred at the intersection of Madison and South Fourth streets.

Sara J. Heffelfinger, 80, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 3:30 p.m. for disobeying a stop sign. The violation occurred at the intersection of South 10th and Webster streets.

July 30

At 12:08 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Illinois Route 2 and Pines Road involving a 2014 Ford driven by George Gil, 63, of Dixon, and a 2021 Red Case Farmall tractor driven by Nicholas J. McPhail, 44, of Dixon. Gil was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic control device.

Aug. 1

Jason D. Wesse, 45, of Colfax, Louisiana, was arrested at 2:20 p.m. for driving while license suspended and for an outstanding Ogle County warrant for driving while license suspended. Wesse was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was left with the correctional officers. The violations occurred in the 1000 block of Pines Road.

Aug. 2

Wendall L. Reeves, 37, of Rochelle, was arrested at 7:13 p.m. for driving while license suspended. Reeves was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was processed and released with a notice to appear. The violation occurred in the 100 block of East Washington Street.

Aug. 3

Allison L. Butler, 60, of Dixon, was issued a citation at 12:02 p.m. for operating a vehicle when registration is suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 100 block of West Washington Street.

At 12:16 p.m., police responded to a damage to property call at the Riverstone Christian Church, 609 S. 10th St., where a U-Haul driven by Debra L. Erickson, 44, of Mt. Morris, struck the canopy of the entrance, causing damage. No citations were issued.

David J. School, 40, of DeKalb, was issued a citation at 5:26 p.m. for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 100 block of South Washington Street.

Aug. 4

Ramses Tello Gonzales, 25, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 9:02 a.m. for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 600 block of North Fourth Street.

Cathryn E. Allen, 60, of Princeton, was issued citations at 11:03 a.m. for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for non-insurance and operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violations occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.

Jack M. Trent, 40, of Erie, was issued a citation at 1:57 p.m. for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 100 block of South Fourth Street.

Brenda L. Fant, 65, of Ashton, was issued a citation at 5:42 p.m. for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for non-insurance. The violation occurred in the 500 block of West Washington Street.

Fifteen verbal warnings and 11 parking citations were issued July 29 to Aug. 4.

Stillman Valley man accused of killing ex-wife, son will remain in jail

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A Stillman Valley man accused of killing his ex-wife and their 3-year-old son in 2016 will remain in jail as his case proceeds through the court system despite claims from his defense attorney that his client’s incarceration is inhibiting their ability to prepare for trial.

Duane Meyer, 42, will remain in custody at the Ogle County jail as he awaits a February jury trial on four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. The charges are in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Meyer’s ex-wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.

The couple’s 3-year-old son, Amos Meyer, who also was home at the time of the fire, was later pronounced dead at a Rockford hospital.

Duane Meyer has been held in custody since Oct. 9, 2019.

Meyer’s attorney Christopher DeRango of Rockford told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe on Aug. 1 that Meyer should be released because he has no previous criminal record, is not a threat to the community, has no record of violent behavior and can’t adequately help with trial preparation because of limited visiting times at the jail.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said there was ample evidence pointing to Meyer’s guilt, including autopsy reports and text messages prosecutors claim he sent as he planned to end Maggie’s life to “eliminate” the problem.

“There are numerous messages,” Leisten said. “He was making specific threats to kill or injure Maggie Meyer. They are vicious and show a clear intent to hurt her.”

In previous hearings, DeRango and Leisten both have said numerous cellphone records and data will be part of the evidence presented.

DeRango again argued that text messages sent by Meyer before the deaths were only part of a “contentious” divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious.

“This was a contentious divorce,” DeRango argued. “There’s not a single allegation that he was abusive to his wife or child.”

Leisten disagreed.

“He [Meyer] was obsessed with ending her life,”

Leisten argued. “The texts show planning and a conspiracy to have Maggie Meyer killed.”

DeRango told Roe he has been unable to meet with Meyer as needed because of limited visiting hours and days at the jail. DeRango said limits set by jail personnel have not allowed him sufficient time to meet with Meyer as they prepare for trial.

“It is virtually impossible to see my client on mundane issues, let alone prepare for trial,” DeRango said, arguing that 20,000 pages of discovery have been generated in the case.

DeRango said Meyer could be released on home confinement and wear a GPS monitor.

“He is willing to do the GPS monitoring at his own expense and he would live with his parents who are pillars of the community,” DeRango said.

DeRango argued that Meyer is not a flight risk since he was a suspect in the deaths for three years before being charged in 2019.

“All of these can be addressed with pretrial release conditions,” DeRango said.

Leisten disagreed.

“There is a difference between being a suspect and being charged,” Leisten said when referring to Meyer as a flight risk. “He is a danger to the Ogle County community.”

Roe denied the request for pretrial release. In explaining his ruling, Roe said text messages that prosecutors say Meyer sent to a girlfriend three days before the deaths indicated a presumption of guilt to hold Meyer in custody. Roe said one of the alleged texts made by Meyer said, “I owe her a trip six feet due south” while another said, “I’m just trying to flush her.”

“These text messages go beyond a contentious divorce,” Roe said. “There is something psychologically not right.”

Roe said the totality of those texts in combination with the severity of the charges carried weight in his decision to keep Meyer in custody.

In June, Roe denied DeRango’s request for more details on what a state witness has to say about phone records that could be used at trial.

DeRango sought additional disclosure, including a written summary of testimony that he believes prosecutors intend to use from FBI analyst Joseph Raschke, who analyzed cellphone data before the fire. Leisten has said Raschke will testify about Meyer’s cellphone data and how it relates to cell towers in the area and DeRango would have the opportunity to cross-examine Raschke during the trial.

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

At the Aug. 1 hearing, Roe said DeRango had raised “serious concerns” about limited meeting times at the jail. Roe instructed the state’s attorney’s office to find out what the policy is for defense attorneys’ requests regarding consultations with jailed clients.

“I don’t know what can be done about that, but it is of the utmost importance,” Roe said. “I do want to hear more about what is going on at the jail. I would rather get an answer to that sooner than later.”

Roe set the next status hearing for 3 p.m. Sept. 5. Maggie (Rosko) Meyer was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for divorce in 2014 and court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

Sentencing delayed for Rochelle man found guilty of child exploitation

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The sentencing of a Rochelle man found guilty two months ago of the sexual exploitation of a child in 2022 was delayed Aug. 1 as court officials wait for an evaluation to be completed.

Dennis A. Sage, 69, was found guilty of the felony offense after a one-day bench trial May 1 in front of Judge John “Ben” Roe, who rendered his decision May 24. Sage is charged with knowingly enticing, coercing or persuading a girl to remove her clothing for his own sex-

ual arousal or gratification on or about June 1 to June 30, 2022. Roe found Sage not guilty of three similar charges on different dates in 2021 and 2022.

On Aug. 1, defense attorney Russell Crull and Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten agreed to continue the sentencing hearing until a court-ordered sexual offender evaluation had been received by the court.

Crull said the evaluation, ordered by Roe on July 25, had been completed but not yet received. Roe’s order said the evaluation was needed to facilitate Sage’s pre-sentence report.

Roe set Sage’s next hearing for 3 p.m. Sept. 25.

During the May 1 trial, the girl, who was 9 at the time of the alleged offense, testified Sage told her he needed to examine her to see if she was cleaning properly after using the bathroom. She also said Sage told her to keep it a secret.

Rochelle Detective Elvis Baneski interviewed Sage and in one of the recorded interviews Sage said he was only trying to teach the girl proper hygiene.

Sage claimed he “wasn’t touching her or anything” and told police he did not raise his concerns of her cleanliness with her mother, aunt or grandmother and didn’t bring up the issue

with any other family members because he was concerned his “intentions would be misunderstood.”

He also admitted he became “semiaroused” once but immediately “shut it down.”

Brandon Gecan, Sage’s trial attorney, argued his client was only concerned with the girl’s hygiene. He said prosecutors had not proved Sage had done anything for his own sexual gratification.

Sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, but also punishable by probation.

Earleen Hinton

Duane Meyer smiles at family members as he enters an Ogle County courtroom Aug. 1 for a pretrial release hearing.

TERESA FRANCINE MCDOWELL (NÉE KAUFMAN)

Born: August 27, 1948

Died: July 29, 2024

Teresa Francine McDowell (née Kaufman), known as Terry as a child, departed this life on July 29, 2024, at the age of 75 in Mt. Morris, Illinois, the same town where she first graced the world on August 27, 1948. Often a quiet person, Teresa’s life was a testament to her enduring love for her family, her passion for movies, and her joy in discovering new places in her later years.

A graduate of Mt. Morris High School, class of 1967, Teresa found solace in her hobbies, which included watching films, traveling to new destinations, a love of food (especially fresh tomatoes in the summer and desserts!) and expressing her creativity through painting pottery and crafts.

Teresa was a dedicated member of Trinity

ELIZABETH ANN ‘BETSY’ ROE YOUNG

Born: August 18, 1935 in Rochelle, IL Died: May 26, 2024 in Brookfield, WI

Elizabeth Ann ‘Betsy’ Roe Young 88 passed away May 26, 2024 at Congregational Home, Brookfield, WI. She was born August 18, 1935 in Rochelle, Illinois to Morris M. Roe and Helen A. Roe, nee Hall. She attended Oregon, IL schools from kindergarten through High School Graduation with high academic standards and many extracurricular activities. She was very active in Girl Scouts in her early grade school years and worked part time in restaurants during high school years. She attended the University of Illinois graduating with a degree in Home Economics in December 1956. She was a member of Del-

NANCY LYNN WAACK

Born: September 5, 1944 in Bangor, Maine

Died: July 29, 2024 in Freeport, Illinois

Nancy Lynn Waack, 79, of Forreston, passed away, Monday July 29, 2024, at Walnut Acres Nursing Center, Freeport. Nancy was born September 5, 1944 in Bangor, Maine the daughter of Don and Beverly (Porter) Rogers. On March 23, 1962 Nancy married David Waack in Forreston. Nancy worked for Freeport Health Network where she was employed with the Homecare and Hospice Group.

Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris early in her life and Faith Lutheran Church in Forreston in her later years, where she found fellowship and spiritual nourishment.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her family: brothers Kenneth (Lynne)and James Kaufman (Kim); sister Carol Bush (Martin); daughters Tricia Black and Tamara Wall; grandchildren Tyler (Jamie), Arika, Miranda, and Liam; and sonsin-law Stanwood Black and Christopher Wall. Teresa was predeceased by her first husband, Stanley Ubben, and her second husband, Charles McDowell; sister Mary Kaufman; sister-in-law Sue Kaufman, and her parents William and Lila Kaufman.

A memorial service to honor and remember Teresa will be held at 2 PM on August 24, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church in Forreston, IL, with a visitation at 1pm and light refreshments following. Her memory will be held in high regard by all those whose lives she touched with her kindness, her feisty spirit, and her unwavering love for her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Serenity Hospice & Home.

ta Zeta Sorority and remained active with the sorority alumni organizations for many years. Following graduation she worked as a Home Economist for Northern Illinois Gas Company, Aurora, IL presenting gas appliance cooking capabilities throughout the area. She married John E. Young May 17, 1958 in the Methodist Church, Oregon, IL. In marriage the Youngs lived in Rockford, IL for many years, then Tampa’ FL for a few years before moving to Phoenixville, PA for very many years. Betsy was involved with many charitable organizations over the years helping others in need. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband John E. Young. She is survived her sons Mike (Mindy) and David (Patti), brother John H. Roe and grandchildren Jeff, Beth, Karen (KC), Jack, Will and Ian as well as many cousins and long term friends. Interment will be on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend 2025 at Lighthouse Methodist Church Cemetery, rural Oregon, IL, preceded by church service in Lighthouse Methodist Church.

Surviving is her son, Travis Waack of Brighton, MI; daughter Ginger (John) Reining of Forreston; brother, Doug (Sandy) Rogers of Atlanta, GA; and sister, Donna (Robert) Miller of Madison, WI; four grandchildren Zachary (fiancée,Caitlin) Reining, Kaleb (Sarah) Reining, Sierra Reining, and Bailey Waack; great-granddaughter, Makenzie Reining and great-grandson,Gabriel Reining. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Jon William Waack who passed away on June 2, 1987; and granddaughter, Autumn Waack who passed away October 24, 2022.

Per Nancy’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded. No service or visitations planned at this time. Please visit and sign Nancy’s guestbook at www.burketubbs.com

Eagles tribute band at Jamboree on Aug. 9

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band, will return to the Jamboree music series band shell at 7 p.m. Aug. 9.

“With five No. 1 singles and six No. 1 albums, the Eagles are one of the most successful American rock bands of all time,” said Larry Ubben, Jamboree organizer. “Their albums Greatest Hits

MARY LOU MEIER

Born: October 12, 1965

Died: August 3, 2024

MILLEDGEVILLE, IL –

Mary Lou Meier, age 58, passed away at home with her family by her side on August 3, 2024. Mary Lou was born on October 12, 1965, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Curtis and Lorraine (Allen) Krueger. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School, class of 1983. Mary Lou married Gary E. Meier on August 26, 2010 in St. Lucia.

Mary Lou worked at Halo Branded Solutions in Sterling, IL for 24 years. She was known as Lulu to all the grandkids, and spending time with them was one of her great joys.

Mary Lou loved to travel and snowmobil, and fell in love with the Keweenaw in Northern Michigan. She was an avid bird watcher, and will miss her daily visits from the cardinals at her feeder. She loved working in her gardens and was an avid reader of Danielle Steel.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband: Gary,

LYLE REAP

Born: July 14, 1947 in Morrison, IL

Died: August 4, 2024 in Freeport, IL

Mr. Lyle Reap, 77, of Polo, passed away after his battle with Agent Orange Cancer on Sunday, August 4, 2024. The son of Ted & Hazel Reap, Lyle was born in Morrison on July 14, 1947.

Lyle married the love of his life, Melody Leech, at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo on June 20, 1970. He was a very proud father and grandfather to two children and two grandchildren. He was also a very proud Veteran. He served as a Combat Medic in the Vietnam War. He then went on to start Reap’s Paint Spot, which was in business for 50 years. Lyle was an avid bass fisherman, he belonged to the Whiteside Area Bass Fishing Club, he raised Silver Fox’s for 35 years, he collected antique fishing lures and tackle, at

and Hotel California rank among the 20 bestselling albums in U.S. history.”

Ubben said members of Heartache Tonight have been together since 2007 and it is “without question the finest Eagles tribute in the country.”

The band performs songs from all eras and incarnations of the Eagles, including many of the individual members’ hugely popular solo hits, he said.

See JAMBOREE, page 17

son: Andrew (Chelsea) Raum, Wilmington, NC, daughter: Jaime Raum, Oregon, IL, stepson: Christopher (Amber) Meier, Milledgeville, IL, stepdaughter: Brittany (Jeremy) Haas, LeClaire, IA; 8 grandchildren: Makayla Meier, Jase Meier, Alexa Haas, Leah Haas, Ian Haas, Linkin Cheever, Layke Hogeboom, and River Hogeboom, brothers: Jeffrey (Malinda) Krueger, Royalton, IL, David Krueger, James (Risa) Krueger, Byron, IL, sister in law: Tena Krueger, Egan, IL, mother in law: Inez Meier, Chadwick, IL, brothers & sisters in law: Mike (Dawn) Johnson, Chadwick, IL, Tom (Judy) Weber, Lanark, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou is predeceased by her parents, brother: Dennis Krueger, niece: Rachel Dishman, and father in law: Edward Meier. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A visitation will be held on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 9:30 A.M. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Copper Country Humane Society, PO Box 453, Houghton, MI 49931 and/or Keweenaw Snowmobile Club, PO Box 87, Calumet, MI 49913.

one point having 12,000 lures in his “fishing museum”, and Lyle was a proud member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club. He is survived by his wife, Melody, daughter, Trish Patterson, granddaughters, Carly Hinrichs and Mallory Patterson, twin sister, Lynda Palmer, brothers, Larry Reap and David Reap, sister, Janice Dame, brothers-in-law, Doug Leech, Jerry Leach and Brent Leech, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lyle was preceded in death by his son, Chad David Reap, and brother, Duane Reap.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Polo Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo. The graveside service will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorials have been established at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo & the Polo High School Bass Fishing Club. Please visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome. com to send condolences.

Little Miss, Young Miss and Queen of the fair

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Continued from page 6

Transfer on death instrument

Richard M. Schutte and Helen C. Schutte to Michael A. Schutte, Janice Davey, Barbara Westra, Susan Hunter, Paula Albers and Patti Lerette, 915 N. Ninth St., Rochelle, $0.

Quick claim trust deeds

Ricardo Ruiz to Alojzy Czaplinski and Ewa Czaplinska, 317 Northknoll Dr., Rochelle, $0.

Correction deeds

Troy A. Ramaker and Joann B. Ramaker to National Residential Nominee Services Inc., 6436 Westwood Ave., Rochelle, $0.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. to Mark A. Sanders, trustee, Margaret A. Sanders, trustee, and Mark and Margaret Sanders Living Trust, 6436 Westwood Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Andrea Fitzpatrick, Andrea Ley and Jerald Fitzpatrick to Matthew R. Lamb and Amanda J. Lamb, 720 W. Jennie Lane, Oregon, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

ABOVE: 2023 Ogle County Fair Queen Lauren Carlson crowns Blakelynn Swanson as the 2024 queen at the conclusion of the Ogle County Fair Pageant on July 31. LEFT: Emma Wissinger, 12, the 2024 Young Miss Ogle County, receives her crown and sash from 2023 Ogle County Fair Queen Lauren Carlson at the Ogle County Fair Pageant.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Talia Pope (left), 7, of Oregon looks to her family in the crowd after being named the 2024 Little Miss on July 31 at the Ogle County Fair Pageant.

Bucking broncos and barrel racers

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Job Dunlavey of Kempton manages to stay in the saddle as he competes in the saddle bronc portion of the Big Hat Rodeo on Aug. 2 at the Ogle County Fair.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Karie Weaver of Oregon and her horse compete Aug. 2 in barrel racing at the Big Hat Rodeo at the Ogle County Fair.

Polo’s Albano crashes, bashes his way to first in derby heat

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Brandon Albano had one car to outnavigate in the Pro Stock Compacts demolition derby at the Ogle County Fair on Aug. 3.

The 21-year-old from Polo stepped on the gas of his 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and headed to the west end of the Harlan Holm Arena in front of a capacity crowd on a hot and humid night.

Albano revved his engine, turned back east and set his sights on the last running vehicle.

He brought the blueish Olds back across the dirt and adeptly delivered an engine-killing blow to the other mangled vehicle, crumpling it into the cement barricade and signaling submission from the driver to earn the $1,500 payout.

“I bought this car last year for

$350,” Albano said after his heat. “I think I probably have about $1,500 in it.”

2024 marks the fourth year that Albano has competed in the demolition derbies in the local county fair circuit that includes Ogle, Carroll and Whiteside counties.

He also had an entry in the Mini Van/SUV heat Saturday, but didn’t fare as well, stalling out in that 16-vehicle field.

Albano and his Olds will race again this Saturday at the Carroll County Fair.

“My plan is to take it to Milledgeville next week to see if we can do it again,” Albano said, smiling.

Demolition derby night was a big draw for this year’s fair with the bleachers filling to capacity before the green flag dropped for the competitions that were run by Robbo’s Extreme Derby Promotions LLC.

Brandon Albano of Polo maneuvers his car Aug. 3 to a first-place finish in the Pro Stock Compacts heat of the demolition derby at the Ogle County Fair.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Ethan Parvin of Milledgeville and his passenger Chase take a hit Aug. 3 in the Mini Van/SUV heat of the demolition derby at the Ogle County Fair.

Demolition derby crew members wait for a fire to burn out after a car leaked gasoline on the track during the Bonestock heat.

The green flag drops to start the first heat of the demolition derby Aug. 3 in front of a packed house in the Harlan Holm Arena at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Riley Logan of Oregon drives his 2013 truck Aug. 1 in one of the divisions at the Illini Truck & Tractor Pulls at the Ogle County Fair. RIGHT: Jake Cook of Ladd starts his modified tractor at the Illini Truck & Tractor Pulls at the Ogle County Fair.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: The Ferris wheel gives riders a bird’s-eye view of the Ogle County Fair on Aug. 1. ABOVE LEFT: John Foresythe (left) of Lanark and his nephew Ian ride the swings Aug. 2. LEFT: People ride the carousel July 31.

Awards announced for Ogle County Fair’s antique tractor show

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Awards were presented based on ballots cast by the exhibitors.

Best of Show and first place went to Carl Morris of Mt. Morris with his 1955

The Antique Tractor and Implement Show was one of the opening events at the 2024 Ogle County Fair with about 24 vintage antique tractors on exhibit.

Oliver Model Super 88.

Second place was awarded to Kevin Johnson of Rochelle with his 1947 Allis Chalmers Model WC.

Third place was awarded to Joe Eden of Byron with his 1965 Model 110

John Deere Lawn tractor.

Each participant in the show who exhibited a tractor received a Dash Plaque with the Ogle County Fair insignia in recognition of their participation.

Nora Croke, 2, of Byron chows down on sweet corn from the Ag in the Classroom concession stand July 31 at the Ogle County Fair.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Mike Stenzel of Sublette drives his 410 John Deere in the tractor pull July 31 at the Ogle County Fair.

Tri-County Opportunities Council awards scholarships

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

ROCK FALLS – The Tri-County Opportunities Council announced the Community Services Block Grant scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 school year.

The recipients are Kaylee Dowda, Rashida Martin and Jadah Shipley from Bureau County; Susan Sanchez from Carroll County; Jazzmyn Deford and Sophia Pantoja from La Salle County; Janda Hicks and Collin Tran-Howland from Lee County; Alexis Murphy and Hazel Nieves from Ogle County; and Katie Hutchison and Tasha Selden from Whiteside County.

Recipients of the Tri-County Opportunities Council Community

Tran-Howland, Alexis Murphy, Kaylee Dowda, Katie Hutchison and Tasha

Performing Arts Guild auditions for ‘A Christmas Story’ set for Aug. 20 and 22

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – The Performing Arts Guild invites the public to join the cast of its winter performance of “A Christmas Story.” Performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

• JAMBOREE

Continued from page 10

Concessions will be provided by members of the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, who will have a ground beef nacho bar with tortilla chips, taco meat, cheese sauce, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos. Homebaked goods provided by church members and water also will be available.

The Leaf River Lions will serve Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, chips and drinks. Just 4 Fun and Grandpa’s ice cream trucks will be there, as well as Bill’s Famous Lemonade.

Concessions start at 6 p.m.

Ewe and Me Acres, along with other craft and plant vendors, will be there from 5 to 8 p.m.

Concert attendees can bring their own chairs or sit on the benches in front of the band shell, which is two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenue.

SHiNDiG! returns Aug. 16

The 1960s tribute band SHiNDiG! returns at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 to deliver a trip back to the greatest and most diverse decade of rock ’n’ roll music.

“Covering over 90 different bands

Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 6-8, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theatre.

The beloved holiday story is humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s. It follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for

from that period of time where music told the story of an entire generation – early ’60s, British Invasion, psychedelic, pop, girl groups, Woodstock are all part of the show,” Ubben said. “Everyone fortunate to see their performances here in years past will readily attest to the excitement this band brings to the stage.”

The Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, brats with all the fixings, chips and drinks.

Just 4 Fun Ice Cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade will start serving at 6 p.m.

Ewe and Me Acres will have a fresh produce stand with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, jellies and dog treats on the campus along with other craft and plant vendors from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Other attractions will be available on either side of the band shell during the concert,” Ubben said. “Encore’s Old Sandstone Art Gallery will feature a show and the new location of the Mt. Morris Historical Museum will also be open in the newly renovated College Hall. The Campus will be extra festive with the ninth annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition underway featuring new sculptures and many from years past on display around town.”

Christmas. All of the elements from the well-known motion picture will be in this performance.

Auditions will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Library, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris.

The cast consists of two men, two women, five boys and two girls.

Materials will be provided at the audition, so come early to review the readings.

For more information about auditions, call director Dave Sheely at 719-740-6162.

Photo provided by the Tri-County Opportunities Council

Services Block Grant scholarships are (from left) Hazel Nieves, Collin

Selden.

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

In The State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2024 MR 000030

Request of: Jennifer MagnoneLara

OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the Matter of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, Deceased No. 2024-PR-38

CLAIM NOTICE

ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX18

TAKE NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO.

2020-00050

TO: RICHARD P. BUCCI

JICTB, INC

CLASSIFIED

My current name is: Jennifer Magnone-Lara I wish my name to be changed to: Jennifer Magnone

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AL NOTICES

Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult) In The State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2024 MR 000030

Request of: Jennifer MagnoneLara

My current name is: Jennifer Magnone-Lara I wish my name to be changed to: Jennifer Magnone

The court date for the Request is scheduled on: September 18, 2024 at 9:00 A.M At 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 Ogle County, Courtroom: 304 /s/ Jennifer Magnone-Lara

August 9, 16, 23, 2024

HVAC TECHNICIANS & INSTALLERS

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The court date for the Request is scheduled on: September 18, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. At 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 Ogle County, Courtroom: 304 /s/ Jennifer Magnone-Lara

August 9, 16, 23, 2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

In the Matter of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, Deceased No. 2024-PR-38 CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, of Redondo Beach, California Letters of Office were issued on July 16, 2024, to DEBRA BAUMGARTNER as Independent Administrator whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

Notice is given of the death of DAVID S. BAUMGARTNER, of Redondo Beach, California. Letters of Office were issued on July 16, 2024, to DEBRA BAUMGARTNER as Independent Administrator whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk.

Clai ms against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before January 27, 2025, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed

Debra Baumgartner Independent Administrator

July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO.

2020-00018

TO: MICHAEL D. ZUMDAHL

ERIKA R. ZUMDAHL

OCCUPANTS

TENANTS

SPOUSE'S County Clerk of OGLE County: Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX18

TAKE NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 2020-00018

TO: MICHAEL D. ZUMDAHL

ERIKA R. ZUMDAHL

OCCUPANTS TENANTS

SPOUSE'S County Clerk of OGLE County:

Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX18

Property located at 1440 MARIJON DR., BYRON, IL 61010

Legal Description or Permanent Index No. 05-30-151-030

Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24 AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in said county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed

Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

Property located at 1440 MARIJON DR., BYRON, IL 61010

Legal Description or Permanent Index No. 05-30-151-030

Said property was sold on 11-03-21 for delinquent taxes for the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire on 11-0124. On 12-12-24

AT 9:00AM the petitioner will make application to such court in said county for an Order for Tax Deed, should the real estate not be redeemed

Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 2020-00050 TO: RICHARD P. BUCCI JICTB, INC OCCUPANTS TENANTS SPOUSE'S County Clerk of OGLE County: Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX19

Property located at 305 E. OAKWOOD DR., BYRON, IL 61010

Legal Description or Permanent Index No. 09-11-326-002

OCCUPANTS TENANTS

SPOUSE'S County Clerk of OGLE County:

Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property, Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of OGLE County, Illinois as Case #2024TX19

Property located at 305 E. OAKWOOD DR., BYRON, IL 61010

Legal Description or Permanent Index No. 09-11-326-002

School Board

Candidate Petition Packets

School Board

Candidate

Petition Packets

Available

The Ogle County Clerk's office will have School Board candidate petition packets available beginning August 20, 2024. The packets will be posted on the Ogle County website at www.ogle county.org and can also be picked up at the County Clerk's office during business hours Candidates may circulate packets beginning August 20, 2024. Packets must be filed with the Clerk's office during the week of November 12-18, 2024.

The Oregon School District will have four (4) open seats for the April 1, 2025 Election.

August 9, 2024

Debra Baumgartner Independent Administrator

July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

Property located at 1440 MARIJON DR., BYRON, IL 61010

Legal Description or Permanent Index No.

05-30-151-030

Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner

July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

Douglas J. Johnson, Pe titioner July 26, August 2, 9, 2024

Available The Ogle County Clerk's office will have School Board candidate petition packets available beginning August 20, 2024. The packets will be posted on the Ogle County website at www.ogle county.org and can also be picked up at the County Clerk's office during business hours. Candidates may circulate packets beginning August 20, 2024. Packets must be filed with the Clerk's office during the week of November 12-18, 2024.

The Oregon School District will have four (4) open seats for the April 1, 2025 Election.

August 9, 2024

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