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POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

Hot hits halt Ganymedes at World Tournament of Historic Base Ball in Michigan / 12

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Man featured in Netflix’s ‘I Am a Stalker’ pleads not guilty to stalking in new case / 9

Earleen Hinton

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

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SVCC, NIU team up to aid teachers

Great teachers make the Sauk Valley even greater. They inspire, motivate and shape our lives.

As many of us reflect on our childhoods, it’s no surprise that some of the most influential people we remember are our teachers. They guide us through challenges, build our confidence, and often see potential in us that we don’t yet see in ourselves.

Our community is simply not at its best without great educators. Many of these inspiring individuals serve far beyond the classroom – as coaches, club advisers, scorekeepers, event volunteers and even as adjunct faculty at our college. They are a cornerstone of our community and vital to our future.

What should concern all of us is the teacher shortage we’re facing – both locally and across the nation. Developing the next generation of educators is a priority and a core part of Sauk Valley Community College’s mission, guided by lifelong learning and public service. In support of this mission, we have worked diligently with our K-12 partners and Regional Office of Education No. 47 to think creatively, broaden access and strengthen the educator pipeline. These efforts also have led us to partner with Northern Illinois University, which offers an innovative, state-funded program known as LEAP – the Licensed Educator Accelerator Pathway.

POLO LIBRARY NEWS

Tot Time Tuesdays: 10 a.m. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for ages 0 to 3, social time for the little ones and grown-ups, many hands-on activities, arts and music, storytime and snack.

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens: 5 p.m. Thursdays. Teens and adults are welcome. Book Clubs

• Second Fridays at the Polo Senior Center: September’s book discussion will be “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese.

• Third Thursdays at 11 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Polo Senior Center: Book 2 Movie. The book discussion will be “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Jon Mandrell

This tuition-free program, funded by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin through the congressional discretionary funding process as part of the federal budget, provides a valuable opportunity to support future teachers.

About two dozen paraprofessionals from school districts across northwest Illinois soon will enroll in Northern Illinois University’s LEAP program, which will be housed at SVCC beginning in August.

This initiative will help local schools grow their talent by investing in current employees. We are not only excited to partner with NIU on this important work, but we are also honored to support future teachers on their journey toward earning a degree, transforming lives and shaping the next generation.

One of the Sauk Valley’s greatest strengths has always been its ability to rally around community needs and work together. It is imperative that we rebuild the teaching pipeline with our homegrown talent.

Initiatives such as this one provide districts with meaningful support in their “grow-your-own” efforts, helping

current staff upskill and supporting our graduates in completing their four-year degrees and teacher licensure.

In recent years, our region has seen as many as four dozen unfilled special education teacher positions in a single year, and the LEAP program will help close that gap. The LEAP program ensures not only that we have special education teachers, but that they also have high-quality preparation and are knowledgeable about our communities.

As our community continues its steadfast commitment to one another and growth through learning, filling our schools with strong and inspiring educators remains essential.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Our teachers embody that enthusiasm every day, and it’s contagious. Let’s continue to guide and mentor people of all ages to consider a career in teaching. Our community is counting on it.

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, please contact SVCC or our many partners, such as the ROE or local school districts.

You could be the next educator who changes lives right here in the Sauk Valley.

• Jon Mandrell is Sauk Valley Community College’s vice president of academics and student services.

September’s book discussion will be “The Man Who Knew Infinity” by Robert Kanigel.

• Fourth Mondays will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Polo Library. “Louisiana Longshot” by Jana Deleon will be discussed. September’s book will be “Her Hidden Genius” by Marie Benedict. Genealogy

First Wednesday (5 to 7 p.m.) and third Saturdays (10 a.m. to noon)

Stay fit classes

DrumFIT with Terra: First and third Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 p.m. This is a choreographed-type fit class where participants use drumsticks in combination with buckets and an exercise ball to target

CORRECTIONS

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

various areas of the body, legs and arms. For ages 12 to adult.

Yoga with Becka: Fourth Wednesdays monthly from 6 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs children’s library area. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat. Registration is suggested; space is limited. Special events

Pop-Up in the Pavilion Community Market: Monthly from 3 to 6 p.m. through October. Vendors will be at the library pavilion with crafts, produce, etc.

Visit pololibrary.org to access the online catalog and to check what programs and services are offered. Call 815-946-2713 for information.

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Ogle County police, fire agencies showcased during National Night Out

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Sunny skies and mild temperatures made for a perfect setting for three Ogle County police and fire agencies to showcase their equipment and skills.

Three National Night Out events – organized by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Police Department and Mt. Morris Police Department – were held in Byron, Oregon and Mt. Morris on Tuesday evening.

The events gave kids a chance to see, touch and climb into fire trucks from each municipality, and one even had a giant spray dome, compliments of the Byron

Fire Protection District.

The sheriff’s office also had its K-9 officers on-site in Byron during the event.

Kids in Mt. Morris had a chance to hold a fire hose and douse a small house under the direction of firefighters. And in Oregon, patrol officer Taylor Buckwalter was more than happy to give kids a chance to explore the inside of her squad car.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

and other

event

also had booths at the evening event.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Oregon patrol officer Taylor Buckwalter helps Reed Wehmhoefer, 2, of Oregon out of her squad car at the National Night Out event in Oregon on Tuesday. The event was organized by the Oregon Police Department. TOP RIGHT: Zuraya Ritt, 4, and Charlette Bostic, 3, pick up some Mt. Morris Police Department accessories from Police Chief Michael Cicchetti at the National Night Out

Tuesday in Mt. Morris. The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District

agencies

ABOVE: Tayden Quintero, 4, of Oregon, climbs into a cab of an Oregon fire truck during the National Night Out event in Oregon. LEFT: Kids take part in a water hose skill battle compliments of the Byron Fire Department at the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department and Byron Police Department’s National Night Out on Tuesday in Byron.

Program gave glimpse of biking along the canals

What a way to travel and see the sights, even if I have not ridden a bike for many, many years.

We all loved the program Randy and Nancy Ocken gave Wednesday night at the Polo Historical Society. I could just see myself biking along the canals by the windmills on a beautiful day in the Netherlands. I think we all thought what a great thing to do.

I was amazed at all the water in the Netherlands and how the bicycle tours are perfect. The boat lets them off, and then the boat goes on. One bikes along through the day, stopping to eat, visit with people and see the sights. Then you catch up with the boat and spend the night on it. Perfect way to travel.

The museum was full of people for our program, and we started a bit early so Beth and Kevin could talk

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

about the donations that have arrived at the museum in the last few weeks. We decided that we liked that arrangement of starting a bit early for the donation part of the program. Then our speaker starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday was another great day at the museum when they had the Car Show Day. A number of people came in, and it was nice visiting with them. It was such a hot day that the air conditioning in the museum was a welcome relief. Kevin and I are also looking at how we can revamp the office room. Things need to be rearranged

and the clutter gotten rid of so we can incorporate a bigger copier machine left by Black Hawk Waterways. They are no longer in the Dr. William Burns House, and we need to start to get that ready for someone else.

We have all the newspaper books upstairs that need to be handled differently. Right now, they are in a hot, cold environment, which is not good for them. So Kevin and I are going to spend some time clearing out the office at the museum, surveying Dr. William Burns House, and rearranging both places to utilize more space.

We will also be putting a new roof on the Dr. William Burns House, hopefully this fall. Then, next spring, the handicapped ramp will be done on the back of Aplington House. Black Hawk Waterways is no longer in Polo, but hopefully, we have other new

faces coming into the town.

The heavy rain was a welcome relief to the heat we have had this week. My flowers did not like all the heat, even though I watered them each day. Maybe all this hot stuff is finished, and I have not heard the locusts sing, so I am not thinking of fall.

Our next event for the Polo Historical Society will be the picnic in September. That will be at Henry School, and it is always nice to gather in the old country school where Iowa Kuehl decided to paint over the curtain that the businessmen of Polo had donated to the school. We have not unrolled that curtain for a while, so we wonder if that is still surviving. One of these days, we will need to check that out.

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

Frederick G. Petrie moved to Ogle County in 1838

Otto Dick OGLE COUNTY HISTORY

It’s amazing what our early settlers in Oregon accomplished.

Frederick Genery Petrie was born in Kingston, Canada, in 1818, and moved to Byron in 1838.

He was engaged in farming for two years before moving to Mt. Morris. The first two years at Mt. Morris, he spent chopping wood for the Seminary and making brick.

He then entered into the mercantile and milling business with his son-inlaw, B. F. Sheets. While working at the mill, Petrie lost his right hand. Later,

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Roberts Armory World War II Museum open Aug. 16 in Rochelle

The Roberts Armory World War II Museum in Rochelle will be open to the public from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 16 during the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival.

Many World War II artifacts are on display, including tanks, trucks, cannons and

he formed a partnership with F. G. Jones of Oregon in the mercantile business.

In 1858, he moved to Oregon, serving as sheriff for one term, and then was elected Circuit Clerk in 1860. In 1873, he was elected county judge, then in 1880, he was elected our fifth mayor of Oregon on the Prohibition ticket.

Frederick G. Petrie built the house at 410 S. Fourth St. in the early 1860s. The Mansard roof is unusual and is a French style of architecture popular in the U.S. from 1860 to 1890.

Judge Petrie’s father, Stephen, was born near Paris, France, and moved to Canada in 1818, 18 years before Oregon was founded and 82 years before the first car passed through Oregon.

While living in Mt. Morris, Freder-

ick had seven children with his first wife, Elizabeth, and one child with his second wife, Mary.

He passed away on July 11, 1887. The inscription on his tombstone reads:

In Memory of Frederick G. Petrie

Born Aug. 22, 1818

Departed This Life July 11, 1887

Judge Petrie’s son, John R. Petrie, was a friend of James Butterfield, who served in the Civil War. James Butterfield was captured and served time at Andersonville Prison.

On May 6, 10 days after James Butterfield was released from Andersonville Prison, he died when the Steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River.

John R. Petrie, his friend from Ore-

gon, retrieved his body 5 miles below the explosion scene.

James is buried by his girlfriend’s family at Riverside Cemetery. His father, Sewell, is buried in Grand Detour, and his mother is buried in New Hampshire. One report said his mother was called Aunty and was a nice Old Lady.

Sandy O’Rorke, who went to Springfield to research James Butterfield, is responsible for obtaining Dave Crew to reset the Butterfield Tombstone at the Riverside Cemetery.

The Butterfield Tombstone is located at the south edge of the Riverside Cemetery.

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

Rochelle News-Leader newspapers from 1945 presenting photographs of Rochelle residents who served during World War II.

The Higgins Boat will be open for viewing, weather permitting.

To get to the museum, follow the signs on the Army truck at Route 251 and Intermodal Drive, approximately 3 miles.

There is no admission charge. The museum will next open on Nov. 9.

Serenity Hospice and Home to hold book club Aug. 21 in Oregon

Serenity Hospice and Home will hold a Bereavement Book Club from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21.

Attendees will discuss “Everything I

Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. The book explores how families navigate secrets, sorrow and the longing to be known.

Serenity Hospice and Home is located at 1658 S. Route 2 in Oregon.

For information or to register, call 815732-4111.

– Shaw Local News Network

Lively concerts to close Straw Fest in Mt. Morris

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Mt. Morris will be rocking with two nights of live music, great food, and community fun as part of Straw Fest on the Historic Campus.

On Friday, Aug. 22, the Mt. Morris Jamboree will welcome back premier Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight to the Bandshell for a free concert at 7 p.m.

With five No. 1 singles and six No. 1 albums, the Eagles are among the most successful American rock bands of all time, and Heartache Tonight captures their sound like no other. Together since 2007, the group performs hits from all eras of the Eagles, thrilling fans with the harmonies of “Seven Bridges Road,” the guitar punch of “Life in the Fast Lane,” the country-rock spirit of “Take It Easy,” and the heartfelt “Heart of the Matter.”

Starting at 5 p.m., the Ogle County Beef Producers will serve ribeye steak sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, all-beef hot dogs, and water, supporting local agriculture programs, food

rockabilly and original tunes – the band has toured internationally since its start in 2000. Many local fans know them from their years at White Pines Lodge and their Roy Orbison Tribute show that opened this season.

The Mt. Morris Moose Lodge will serve homemade chicken strips, fries, cheesy fries and drinks during the concert. Earlier in the day, Hector’s and other food vendors will be on the Campus for Straw Fest activities, which run throughout the day. Ewe and Me Acres and other vendors will also be on hand.

pantries, 4-H, veterans and disaster relief.

The Oregon Lions Club will offer pork chop sandwiches, chips and drinks, with Just 4 Fun Ice Cream and Bill’s Famous Lemonade for dessert.

From 4 to 8 p.m., Ewe and Me Acres will sell fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, dog treats and more, alongside craft and plant vendors. Popcorn

Girls Emmie and Lily from the Mt. Morris Center will likely be serving fresh popcorn uptown as well.

On Saturday, Aug. 23, Encore! Mt. Morris wraps up Straw Fest Day with the return of Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones from 7 to 9 p.m.

Known for their energetic performances of rock and roll hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s – along with surf,

The Campus will be extra festive with four new straw sculptures plus many returning favorites as part of the 10th annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition.

Visitors can also enjoy the Encore! Art Gallery and the Mt. Morris Historical Museum, both open during concerts and throughout the day on Saturday.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, as benches fill quickly. The Historic Campus is located two blocks south of Illinois Route 64 on Wesley Avenue.

Photo provided by Larry Ubben

Encore! Mt. Morris has announced the return of Chicago entertainers Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones to the band shell from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, to close Straw Fest Day festivities.

Farmers market in Polo offers fresh veggies, meat and more

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Fresh vegetables, locally raised meats and handmade wares were offered Aug. 7 at the Polo Farmers Market.

The market is held from 3 to 6 p.m. each Thursday, weather-permitting, at the Pavilion located on the southeast corner of South Division and Buffalo streets in downtown Polo.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Beth Green of Earl-E Green Gardens of Polo rearranges flowers Thursday at her booth at the Polo Farmer’s Market. TOP RIGHT: Jean Deuth waits on Kayla, Emma, and Archer Porter of Polo and their dog, Asher, on Aug. 7 at the Deuth Farms Meats booth during the Polo Farmer’s Market. ABOVE: Marian Haijenga of Baileyville is one of the vendors Thursday at the Polo Farmer’s Market. LEFT: Vera Adams of Mt. Morris stands behind some of the items she has for sale Thursday at the Polo Farmer’s Market.

JOHN MICHAEL VENDEL

Born: September 6, 1968 in Oak Lawn, IL

Died: July 31, 2025 in Oregon, IL

John, 56, (aka “Peacock,” “UpHill John,” and many others - of that we are certain), completed his 5 year battle with prostate cancer on July 31, 2025. He remained a warrior, and doing it his way, up to his final breath. Passionate of all things music, John channeled that energy into a variety of projects. Not only formal composition, but peppering our lives with his playful spirit by impromptu quips and nods of lyric, embellished by off-thewall riffs. Spinning vinyl, Spotify, and birdsong filled the gap between concert connections. Live music revealed a fifth dimension of this guy. A dimension so deep, multi-faceted, complex, that God alone can completely discern, identifying all the music he carried in his heart while on this earth.

We are beyond grateful for the kindness, comfort, and devoted care administered by Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL. Every doctor, nurse practitioner, registered

PRISCILLA MAE SCHUMACHER

Born: December 9, 1961 in DIxon, IL

Died: August 7, 2025 in Elgin, IL

Priscilla Mae Schumacher, 63, formerly of Forreston, IL, passed away Thursday August 7, 2025 at Presence

St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, IL. She was born December 9, 1961 in Dixon, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Virginia (Lansden) Bettner. Priscilla was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Forreston, IL. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and spending time with family and friends. Priscilla also enjoyed all types of food, especially peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, popcorn, and

nurse, CNA, counselor, volunteer, and administrative support staff remained in tune with the rhythm, cadence, and beat of John and our blended family as we walked this path of transition.

John was preceded in death by his musical dad, Jim Sr.; and grandparents Violet and Harold Czemske, and Cecelia and Louis Vendel.

John is survived by both given & chosen family who share in his skills, musical talents, and love of adventure:

Steadfast, vivacious partner of 21 years, Debbie.

Compassionate and wise mother, Jeanette.

Older, tech-savvy brother, Jim (+ sweet, spitfire wife, Kathy; observant niece & god daughter Lauren; intellectual nephew, Logan).

Younger, creative brother, Joseph (+ patient & calm wife, Amy; sweet nephew & godson, Grayson ; curious nephew Elliott).

Whimsical daughter, Meggan (+ pragmatic husband, Seth; grandsons: resourceful Liam, easy-going Shea; litigious Finn).

Clever son, Jake (+ delightful wife, Devin).

John loved the home he built, the property he tended, and sharing both with his family.

Countless stories and memories stem from gatherings there in the life he shared with Debbie. He had a unique and remarkable way of connecting with anyone, EVERYONE,

Pepsi.

She is survived by her two sons Jonathan (Jaime) Russell of Carpenterville, IL and Ryan Schumacher of Mt. Morris, IL; ten siblings Bernadine (Harlan) Grenzow, Teresa Nafzger, Dawn (Joel) Stocker, Kenneth Bettner, Joy Svihlik, Carlyn Klotzbach, Tina (Chris) Krebs, Patrick Bettner, Shawn Bettner, and Stewart Bettner; and one granddaughter Marianna Russell.

Preceding Priscilla in death is her parents Raymond and Virginia Bettner, brother Doug Bettner, and brother-in-law John Nafzger.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday August 13, 2025 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston, IL. A visitation will held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in Forreston Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Priscilla’s memory.

anywhere. Each visit engaging, and often embellishing down rabbit holes of intellect, confusion, hijinx and pure love of fun. This son, brother, uncle, partner, grampa, buddy, pal, friend, and his big bear hugs, will be missed by so many.

John and Debbie supported each other through thick and thin. They enjoyed each other’s company in quiet spaces TCB’n on the property, engrossed in a project and dissecting it ad nauseum, at concerts, on trips ‘engineered’ by John (often built to include the latest jobsite, which were far and wide), while capturing the sights and sounds of nature… that list is long and his walk on earth was cut short. In conversation towards the end, when things “got real,” they left it to - “John, you are upward bound, doing recon in preparation for Debbie and her final travel.”

That man. Silent overseer, intentional, fun, humble, genuine, kind. A walking package of “feeling.”

John was a “come as you are” kinda guy with lots of “feels.” Our desire is for you to feel welcome and at ease to do just that, “come as you are.”

We will gather to honor “Big John” on Friday, August 8th at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon, IL.

12 - 2p Visitation, 2pm service led by Pastor

Caleb (of Christ United Methodist Church, Rockford) immediately following - seasoned of course by family and music!

Cremation rites to follow.

In lieu of flowers or plants, and in honor of John’s desire to spread love, education, fun and folly through music, John chose Todd Rundgren Spirit in Harmony Foundation as his way of paying it forward.

In support of his desire to let music nurture kids of all ages, and to grant access to others to live more musically expressive in a world that needs it, we kindly request donations made to the family be earmarked specifically to Todd Rundgren Spirit in Harmony Foundation.

In the meantime and beyond, as you venture forward in life’s journey on earth, John would love it if you feed the birds and assist an animal in need - especially kitties, his favorite. :) PS - please do turn it up to ELEVEN and it certainly does need a little more cowbell. Oh John, we love you so...

8 Northern Illinois newspapers cease production

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com

Eight northern Illinois newspapers owned by a Rochelle company have closed their doors after the company abruptly ceased operations Wednesday, Aug. 6.

News Media Corp.‘s decision to end operations has led to the closure of the Rochelle News-Leader, Ogle County LIFE, Ashton Gazette, Amboy News, Mendota Reporter and three other northern Illinois newspapers, as well as newspapers in Arizona, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Employees were informed of the closure Wednesday, when they were notified by the company’s CEO, JJ Tompkins, through an email that their employment and health care coverage was ending immediately.

“Unfortunately, due to financial challenges, a significant economic downturn impacting our industry, revenue losses and increasing expenses, and the recent failure of an attempt to sell the company as a going concern,

make all reasonable efforts to pay you all remaining compensation you have earned as soon as possible.”

Tompkins did not immediately respond to Shaw Local’s request for comment.

“This is a big impact,” Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows said. “I’m concerned for all our residents and all the folks in all the taxing districts.”

All area taxing districts, including schools, townships and local governments, are required by Illinois law to issue public notices for items such as budgets, taxes, zoning and property assessments, and court-related information.

For residents, “transparency is ultra important,” Bearrows said.

Many Rochelle residents don’t go online, and they rely on their local paper, he said.

“I hate to see it. Nobody really saw it coming,” Bearrows said.

we have reached a point where continuing business is no longer feasible,” according to the email.

The note also left it ambiguous as to whether employees would receive their final paychecks, saying, “We will

He said he hopes somebody sets up another newspaper in Rochelle because the city “needs news,” and it “needs a local paper.”

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS!

2025 SAUK VALLEY

Payton Felix

The final edition of the Rochelle News-Leader, printed Wednesday, is seen on a newsstand at Road Ranger gas station on North Seventh Street in Rochelle on Friday, August 8, 2025. The parent company, News Media Corp., abruptly ceased operations, closing all its community papers across five states.

Man featured in Netflix’s ‘I Am a Stalker’ pleads not guilty to stalking, harassment in new Ogle County case

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com and CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com

A Cortland man who was featured in a 2022 episode of “I Am a Stalker” has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of stalking, harassing and violating an order of protection in a new case that involves the same Ogle County woman featured in the Netflix series.

John R. Anderson III, 42, was sentenced to six years in prison for aggravated stalking in DeKalb County in 2019. The Netflix series included an installment that focuses on that case, Anderson’s relationship with the woman who fled to Illinois to get away from him, and his pending release from prison.

Now charged in a new Ogle County case for harassing the same woman, Anderson pleaded not guilty in Ogle County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to two counts of aggravated stalking, five counts of stalking, harassment by telephone and three counts of violating an order of protection after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

According to court records, all of the new case’s alleged incidents occurred in December and January, when he violated a 2024 Ogle County order of protection and “harassed” the Rochelle woman by placing messages and content on her cellphone, writing a letter to her, texting

John R. Anderson III, 42, of Cortland

her and making repeated calls to her using different phone numbers and apps so as to hide his contact information.

He also is accused of “repeatedly” surveilling her residence by parking in front of her home and her place of employment in Rochelle, parking in a nearby lot, “repeatedly calling and texting her,” and placing cupcakes on her vehicle.

Other charges accuse him of emailing the woman, posting an event on her iPhone calendar and sending her a Shapchat request to call him.

Anderson also is accused of gaining access to her vehicle, placing a GPS tracking device in her vehicle and gaining access to her Amazon Alexa device, using it to ask to talk to a child they share.

During a July 30 detention hearing in the newest case, Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Anderson called the woman, who is his former girlfriend, “nonstop.”

“[Anderson] uses an app so the calls appear to be from someone else,” Leisten said. “He has parked in front of her residence for several hours at a time, making 23 calls.”

Leisten said one of the “fake” calls

made by Anderson to the woman appeared as a call from the Rochelle Police Department while officers from that department were at her home responding to her call about Anderson harassing her.

The woman found the GPS tracker in the back seat of her car. She claimed Anderson had put the tracker there when he placed their child in the seat, Leisten said.

Anderson told police that he started “blowing up” the woman’s phone when he became angry with her and felt he was “being treated unfairly,” Leisten said.

“He told the officers he and the woman had an ‘on-and-off’ relationship for several years and he ‘can’t take it’ when she separates him from his son,” Leisten told the court. “He said it didn’t matter if it was a parole violation and called her thousands of times.”

Leisten also said Anderson had sent the woman a letter while he was in prison, which was a violation of the order of protection.

According to Ogle County Jail records, Anderson has been in the Ogle County Jail since July 25. Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow argued for Anderson’s release during a July 30 detention hearing, telling Ogle County Judge Anthony Peska that Anderson could reside with his mother as the case proceeds through the court system.

“He has no driver’s license, but he has friends who can get him to court,” Morrow said, adding that Anderson had a “job waiting for him” if he were to be released.

Morrow said Anderson acknowledges that he has a drug addiction and mental health issues stemming from what he described as a severe family tragedy he experienced several years ago.

But, Morrow said, Anderson participated in faith-based services while in prison and asked the court to release him with a GPS tracking device and/or home confinement conditions.

“We ask that he be released under strict conditions,” Morrow said.

Leisten disagreed.

“We submit he poses a specific danger,” Leisten said. “The defendant has prior convictions in Ogle, Winnebago [and] DeKalb counties, and there is also a pending case in Arkansas. There are no set of conditions that can mitigate the risk to her. We don’t believe he can abide any conditions ... based on his history.” Peska agreed and remanded Anderson to the Ogle County Jail.

“While he was in the Department of Corrections, he was violating the order of protection,” Peska said.

Anderson is scheduled to appear in court again at 1 p.m. Sept. 3.

All of the new Ogle County charges filed against Anderson are felonies and would include extended prison terms if he is found guilty.

Judge to allow jurors to see most crime scene photos in murder case

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

An Ogle County judge ruled Tuesday that jurors will be allowed to see the majority of crime scene photos during the trial of a Stillman Valley man who is charged with killing his ex-wife in 2016, setting her Byron home on fire, and killing their 3-year-old son.

Duane Meyer, 43, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which his 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.

Meyer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe revealed his decision after researching case law and reviewing arguments made during a June 27 motion in a pretrial hearing by Meyer’s attorney, Christopher DeRango of Rockford, and Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten

DeRango had argued against allowing jurors to see certain autopsy and

crime scene photos while Leisten said the images were needed to augment testimony by prosecution witnesses.

Some of the photos described by Leisten included Maggie’s burned body lying on a sofa in her living room and the outline of the toddler’s body on the mattress in his crib.

Leisten said there was “extensive damage” referring to photos taken of the living room, arguing that multiple angles were important for arson experts to demonstrate how the fire began and how it affected her body.

DeRango argued that one photo would suffice and showing numerous angles was only intended to “shock” the jury.

Leisten said photos of the toddler’s bedroom show the fire did not start in that room and that Amos died of acute carbon dioxide poisoning before being removed from the room.

DeRango said using multiple photos of the same subject matter was meant to “elicit” sympathy for the toddler.

Leisten argued that photos of Maggie’s autopsies were needed to show that she died prior to the fire and had suffered numerous injuries before dying. He said her body was “heavily charred” with no soot found in her trachea or lungs.

And, Leisten said, prosecution

See MURDER CASE on page 11

Aug. 4-8

Warranty deeds

• Doris M Rosenbalm, Deceased By Heirs, to Danna L Roberts, Dennis L Rosenbalm and Dawn L Rosenbalm, 804 Rhoads Place, Oregon, $0.

• Joyce Z Mcphillips to Ethan Grebener, 610 S. Second Ave., Forreston, $180,000.

• Curt Biarnesen and Donna Biarnesen to Benjamin J Schwartz and Shanda M Schwartz, 5775 S. Indian Trail, Forreston, $399,900.

• Joseph M Smith to Amanda Clark and Steven K Clark, 705 S. Seventh St., Oregon, $142,000.

• William K Nesemeier to James Revelle and Penny Revelle, 321 W. Cartwright Lane, Oregon, $245,000.

• Carol A Robeson, Deceased By Heirs, to David M Burright and Kathy M Burright, 366 W. Cartwright Lane, Oregon, $327,000.

• Richard Haan Jr. to Oregon Fire Protection District, 204 W. Washington St., Oregon, $65,000.

• Hre Builders LLC to David W Gierut, 5894 S. Woodlawn Road, Rochelle, $188,500.

• Ophelia M Mayberry to Brandt A Fritz

and Jessica J Fritz, 5926 N. Meridian Road, Stillman Valley, $305,500.

• Andrew John Bunton and Erin Sue Bunton to Joel Sterkes, 270 W. Margaret Fuller Road, Oregon, $222,000.

• Austin L Kress and Jennifer K Kress to Arthur Joseph Ledoux, 347 Misty Meadow Lane, Davis Junction, $286,500.

• Jon W Murray and Carol D Murray to Mary Hoban, 107 E. Front St., Mt. Morris, $65,000.

• ATCF II Illinois LLC to Humpal Realtors Inc., 128 S. Eighth St., Rochelle, $60,000.

• Garrett G Liebing and Taylor L Liebing to Mariah Cover and Brandy Ibarra, 313 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $212,000.

• Larry D Miller and Pamela D Chesser to Jerry Smith Jr., 2820 Brookes Isle, Oregon, $129,900.

• Jeffrey C Johnson, Brandi N Johnson, Harry P Charnock and Roxanne M Charnock to Jackson Terminal Services LLC, four parcels in Flagg Township: 24-36-352009, 24-36-352-010, 24-36-376-007 and 24-36-376-011, $230,000.

Quit claim deeds

• David C Speed and Barbara J Speed to David C Speed, Barbara J Speed and

Benjamin E Speed, two parcels in White Rock Township: 18-27-134-002 and 18-27-134-004, $0.

Trustees deeds

• Martin T Krpan, trustee, Mary Ann Krpan, trustee, and Maria Krpan Tr102 to Tiliaer Timber & Farmland LLC, four parcels in Lynnville Township: 19-13-200-003, 19-13-200-004, 19-13-400-003 and 19-13-400-004, $3,530,048.

• Kathleen R Falk, trustee, Kelly M Russell, trustee, Kelly M Arnold, trustee, Christine A Veline, trustee, Kristine A Cornford, trustee, Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr and Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr92590 to Veline Family Farm LLC, three parcels in Marion Township: 05-11-400-002, 05-14-200-001 and 05-23-200-010, $0.

• Kathleen R Falk, trustee, M Kelly M Russell, trustee, Kelly M Arnold, trustee, Christine A Veline, trustee, Kristine A Cornford, trustee, Harold E & Ruth G Veline and Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr92690 to Kristine A Cornford, Alan J Cornford, Tyler L Cornford and Miranda R Morrisett, one parcel in Monroe Township: 12-24-300005, $0.

• Kathleen R Falk, trustee, Kelly M

Russley, trustee, Kelly M Arnold, trustee, Christine A Veline, trustee, Kristine A Cornford, trustee, Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr, Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr92790 and Harold E & Ruth G Veline Tr92890 to Bradley S Arnold, trustee, Arnold Tr2019, Jillian N Jackson, Kristine A Cornford, Ryan E Bratt, Erin R Sodergren, Kelly M Arnold, trustee, and Gavin S Arnold, three parcels in Monroe Township: 12-13-200-002, 12-13-300-010 and 12-24-200-012, $0.

• Jeffrey W Meiners, trustee, Steven J Meiners, trustee, and Michael H Meiners, trustee, to Keith Edward Cowell and Lisa Cowell, 7104 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon, $377,000.

Deeds in trust

• Robert D Whetsel Jr. and Julie R Whetsel to Robert D Whetsel Jr., trustee, Julie R Whetsel, trustee, and Robert & Julie Whetsel Family Tr, 212 W. Merchant St., Byron, $0.

• Constant L Brisart Jr. and Clarice L Brisart to Clarice L Brisart, trustee, and Clarice L Brisart Rev Tr, 9344 N. Oakleaf Court, Byron, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

GriefShare begins Aug. 28 at Disciples United Methodist

A GriefShare Support group will begin Thursday, Aug. 28, at Disciples United Methodist Church, 102 Maple Ave., Mt. Morris.

Sessions will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room. The sessions will run through Nov. 20, to conclude before Thanksgiving. All meetings will be on Thursday evenings.

The cost of the program is $20, which is used to cover the fee for the workbook/ study guide.

GriefShare is a support group that features faith-based teaching focusing on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one.

The DVD portion features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by quiet listening and sharing in a safe, small group.

Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up fellowship were to them.

Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have already returned to their daily life routines.

Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. The participant’s bereavement experience may be recent or years ago.

People will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend.

• MURDER CASE

Continued from page 9

experts would also testify that she died before the fire, suffering a hemorrhage at the base of her skull as well as other injuries.

Leisten also said a photo of a rock with blood on it, found outside the home, should be allowed as evidence, since DNA testing had determined the blood was Maggie’s. He argued it was important for jurors to have good visuals to refer to as doctors are testifying.

After rendering his decision, Roe set Meyer’s next status hearing for 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8. Meyer was remanded to the Ogle County Jail.

The trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 6, 2026, and take one month. It had been

GriefShare is available to anyone in the church, community or surrounding towns who would like to attend. Registration will be during the first evening.

For more information, call the church office at 815-734-4853.

RACF’s 20th anniversary golf outing set for Aug. 29

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation invites businesses, organizations and individuals to join the Foundation in celebrating 20 years of philanthropy and community impact at its annual golf outing on Friday, Aug. 29, at Fairways Golf Course, Rochelle.

The event will feature a 10 a.m. shotgun start, a day of community connection and a shared celebration of the Foundation’s growth since its founding.

This year’s outing honors not only the impact of RACF’s first 20 years but also the vision of its founder, Leonard Carmichael, whose belief in the power of local philanthropy planted the seeds for what RACF has become today – a partner in strengthening the community through grantmaking, partnerships and stewardship.

Participants will enjoy a boxed lunch provided by Luna Catering, meet the local nonprofits and community partners RACF supports, and see firsthand how donor dollars remain local.

“This outing is about more than just a day of golf,” Emily Anaya, executive director of RACF, said in a news release. “It’s about celebrating the work we’ve done

originally scheduled for February, but was delayed on a defense motion made by DeRango, who cited a heavy caseload as the reason for the continuance.

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

Maggie 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.

Prosecutors have argued that their evidence will show Meyer planned to end Maggie’s life.

The defense has argued that text messages sent by Meyer before the deaths were only part of a “contentious” divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious. Prosecutors disagree.

together over the past two decades and recognizing how far we’ve come thanks to the generosity of those who believe in giving back locally. Together, we’ve built something lasting – and this is a moment to honor that legacy and look ahead to what we can accomplish next.”

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, not only to support RACF but to celebrate the meaningful partnerships and the lives we’ve touched over the past 20 years,” RACF

Board President Jeff Fiegenschuh said in the release. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and the commitment of local businesses and organizations. We are a team, and together we’ll continue to do meaningful work.”

Sponsorships and foursomes are still available. For more information, to register, or to sponsor this event, visit rochellefoundation.org/donate.

– Shaw Local News Network

Hot bats fell Ganymedes at Michigan tournament

12-team contest held at historic Greenfield Village

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Two innings of “hot” hitting by two different opponents during a very steamy weekend at the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball resulted in a 1-2 record for Oregon’s vintage base ball team.

With temperatures in the mid-90s and high humidity to match, the Ganymedes dropped their first game of the 12-team tournament when a 13-12 lead turned into a 22-13 loss to the Columbus Ohio Buckeyes.

“The Buckeyes came alive and scored 10 straight runs that we could not answer,” Ganymede captain Mark Herman said. “It was a case of Columbus getting hot for the final inning at the end of the game despite good play by all the Ganymedes.”

Two hours later, the Ganymedes bounced back to win their second game of the day against the Bay City Michigan Independents, 20-7.

“We have never stolen so many bases in a game before. Tim Strohecker got on with a single and then proceeded to steal second, third and then home. Ryan Mortlock, not to be outdone, then did the same … and these are two Ganymedes not known for their speed on the base path,” Herman said.

The Ganymedes, Oregon’s official vintage “base ball” team, was formed in 2005 and plays vintage rules base ball, spelled as two words in the 1800s. They dress in authentic-looking uniforms, use no gloves, and “gentlemanly” conduct is strongly encouraged – no arguing calls and no profanity.

The Oregon team was making its 10th trip to the tournament held inside Greenfield Village, an attraction next to the Henry Ford Museum that features historic 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, items and structures collected by Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.

On Sunday morning, the Ganymedes played the Lah-De-Dahs, of Dearborn, Michigan, in the semifinals for the Second-Class Championship in a 9:30 a.m. game.

The Dahs scored six runs in the first inning and one in the second to take an early 7-2 lead, but the Ganymedes came back to take a 9-7 lead in the fifth inning.

But the Dahs’ bats came alive in the sixth inning as they scored 7 runs to take a 14-9 lead.

Despite the steamy temps, the Ganymedes bats went cold in the final two

innings and the team fell, 14-10, eliminating them from the tournament.

But the 22nd annual World Tournament weekend did not pass without some achievements for the Ganymedes.

“The Ganymedes scored 43 runs and gave up 42 runs. Our team defense was the best it has ever been. The Ganymedes outfielders at this year’s tournament – Kevin Stafford, Mike Bensh and Eric Berg - were exceptional at catching almost everything that came their way,” Herman said.

“The two teams that defeated us each had one big inning at the end of our matches to win the game. They both scored many runs without the aid of Ganymedes errors, just strings of several solid hits in a row. The Buckeyes and the Lah-De-Dahs are both fine clubs and were fun to play,” Herman said.

“Our thanks to the folks at The Henry Ford Museum for hosting such a fine event. This was our 10th visit to the World Tournament and is always the highlight of our season. This is still the best historic base ball event in the country! We hope to get another invitation to return next season,” Herman said.

The Flat Rock Bear Clan of Flat Rock, Michigan, won the first-class division in a 31-9 rout over the Canton Cornshuckers of Canton, Michigan. The Lah-De-Dahs won the second-class division title with a 23-4 win over the Grangers.

The Bovina Dairymen of Bovina, New York, won the third-class title 22-6, over Walker Tavern Wheels of Brooklyn, Michigan.

The World Tournament of Historic Baseball honors the long legacy of base ball in the Midwest. In 1867, Detroit played host to the World’s Base Ball Tournament, and 24 clubs from the United States and Canada took the field to compete in the game that was fast becoming the national pastime.

Teams compete for the original rosewood trophy bat awarded to the Unknowns of Jackson, Michigan, for winning the first-class division in the 1867 World’s Tournament in Detroit. Tournament games are limited to 80 minutes.

A tent near field one offered visitors a look at vintage base ball lore, including an original copy of Haney’s Base Ball Book of Reference for 1867, the rule book written by Henry Chadwick and used for the World’s Tournament and the Greenfield Village historic base ball program, along with an array of period base ball artifacts from the mid-19th century on exhibit in the Walnut Grove field tent.

The Ganymedes’ final game this season is Sunday, Sept. 14, in Creston.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Oregon Ganymede Brett Rogers eyes the Bay City Independent catcher as he tries to avoid the tag at home during the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball held at the Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village on Saturday, Aug. 9. BELOW: The Oregon Ganymedes listen to the umpire after their last game at the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball held at the Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village Sunday, Aug. 10, in Dearborn, Michigan.

CLASSIFIED

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, IL LINOIS

In the interest of: Kaine Matlock, a minor Case No: 2025 JA 3 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION

GARDEN WORK for a Dixon home 20-24 hrs/week Call 727-542- 2295

Part Time Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers for Fall Harvest or Yea r Round. Flexible hours. Experience req. 815-499-0463

Don't need it? Sell it! Place a classified ad with us! 833-584-NEWS

SE MI DRIVE R Grain farm

Sterling/Rock Falls area looking for experienced semi-driver from mid September to mid November Call 815-718-2091 or email smitkon@gmail.com

Advertise your job openings here! Email: classified@ shawlocal.com or call: 815-526-4645

ADULT PROBATION OFFICER

Ogle County Court Services is seeking a qualified Adult Proba tion Officer with strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills. Bachelor's degree required For full job posting and application instructions, visit: www .oglecountyil.gov

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SU RGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS

Place your Garage Sale ad online 24/7 at www.ShawLo ca l.com/ garage sale s Email: classified@ shawlocal.com or call 815-526-4645

Don't need it? Sell it!

AUCTIONS AUCTIONS

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Over 60 William Johnstone western books. $1 each or $50 for all 815-847-9435

Advertise your job openings here! 815-526-4645

Sell those unwanted items with the help of a Classified Ad 833-584-NEWS

Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS Ogle County Classified It works 833-584-NEWS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGL E COUNTY, IL LINOIS In the interest of: Kaine Matlock, a minor

Case No: 2025 JA 3 NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION

Thursday, August 14 & 21

Pick up between 8 to noon Ebenezer Reformed Church 309 E Park St, Morrison, IL to pre-order call 877-369-2442 or 269-358-6789

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SSC employees enjoy a casual office environment and competitive pay & benefits. More details & application available at https://leggett.com.

you appear yo not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication 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 6 day of August, 2025

Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: JLG, Deputy Clerk

August 15, 22, 29, 2025

minor”, and that in courtroom 202 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on September 9, 2025 at 10:30 a.m or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, an 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 may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication 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 6 day of August, 2025

Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: JLG, Deputy Clerk

August 15, 22, 29, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF Ogle - Oregon, ILLINOIS

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs. DANIEL J STEELE II; TAYLOR M FOX; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 24 FC 27 CAL ENDAR NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

If the Petition requests the termination of your parental rights and the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, you may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication 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 6 day of August, 2025

Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court By: JLG, Deputy Clerk

The real estate is: single family residence If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common inter est community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Prope rty Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information For informati on call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 24-199336 SHERIFF I3271209 Forrest on Journal August 15, 22, 29, 2025

To: Kristin Matlock, respondent (s), and any and all unknown fathers, including Corey Wiegert, take notice that on May 27, 2025, a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act by ASA Richard Russo, in the Circuit Court of Ogle County entitled “In the interest of Kaine Matlock, a minor”, and that in courtroom 202 at 106 South Fifth, Oregon, Illinois on September 9, 2025 at 10:30 a.m or as soon thereafte r as this cause may be heard, an 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 may lose all parental rights to the child Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publ ication 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

August 15, 22, 29, 2025

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROB ATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LYLE D. SWANSON, Deceased CASE NO. 2025-PR-37 CL AIM NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of Lyle D. Swanson. Letters of Office as Independent Administrator were issued on June 23, 2025, to Wayne McMinn of 8532 65th St., Princeton, MN 55371, and the attorney for the Estate is Mary J. Gaziano, One Court Place, Suite 200, Rockford, Illinois, 61101. Claims against the estate may be filed on or before February 15, 2026, 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 by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street Suite 300, Oregon, Illinois, or with the estate legal representative, or both. When a claim is filed with the representative

in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street Suite 300, Oregon, Illinois, or with the estate legal representative, or both. When a claim is filed with the representative but not with the Court, the representative may file the claim with the Court but has no duty to do so.

Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office-Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and his attorney within ten (10) days after said claim has been filed.

DATED: August 8, 2025

Mary J. Gaziano, Attorney for the Estate

Attorney Mary J. Gaziano - ARDC #6184225

On e Court Place, Suite 200 Rockford, Ill inois 61101 (815) 962-6800

E-Mail:MJGaziano @aol.com

Attorney for the Estate

Aug.15, 22, 29, 2025

Gaziano - ARDC #6184225

On e Court Place, Suite 200 Rockford, Ill inois 61101 (815) 962-6800

E-Mail:MJGaziano @aol.com

Attorney for the Estate

Aug.15, 22, 29, 2025

STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALVIN D. OLTMANNS, Deceased Case No 2025 PR 41 Date Will Filed: May 27, 2025 Will Numbe r 2025-W-101 CL AIMS NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of ALVIN D. OLTMANNS Letters of Office were issued on July 21, 2025, to JUDY HAGEMANN, whose address is 621 Cranbrook Lane, Mt. Morris, IL 61054, as Independent Administrator of the Estate. The attorney of record for the estate is Anthony R. Phelps of Reno & Zahm LLP, 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400, Rockford, Illinois 61107.

of the death of ALVIN D. OLTMANNS Letters of Office were issued on July 21, 2025, to JUDY HAGEMANN, whose address is 621 Cranbrook Lane, Mt. Morris, IL 61054, as Independent Administrator of the Estate. The attorney of record for the estate is Anthony R. Phelps of Reno & Zahm LLP, 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400, Rockford, Illinois 61107.

date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated shall be barred.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGL E, STATE OF ILLINOIS OLD NATIONAL BANK, successor by merger with FIRST MIDWEST BANK, successor by merger with THE NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. JEFFREY A. BRUE; UNITED LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants. No. 2025FC37 PROPERTY ADDRE SS: 706 Woodland Drive Dixon, Illinois 61021 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Attorney for Judy Hagemann, Independent Administrator of the Estate of Alvin D. Oltmanns RENO & ZAHM LLP

Anthony R. Phelps (#06297415) 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400 Rockford, IL 61107

Phone: (815) 987-4050

Fax: (815) 987-4092 arp@renozahm. com

The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to JEFFREY A. BRUE; UNITED LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants in the above-entitled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, by Plaintiff, OLD NATIONAL BANK, successor by merger with FIRST MIDWEST BANK, successor by merger with THE NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY, against you and other defendants praying for foreclosure of a Mortgage covering the premises described as follows to wit: LOT ONE (1) IN LOST NATION WOODLAND HOMESTEADS NO. 6, LOCATED IN PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 9, AND THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 5, BEING TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF TAYLOR, THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Common Address: 706 Woodland Drive Dixon, Illinois 61021

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk - Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, with the Independent Administrator, or both. Copies of any claim filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office Probate Division must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the attorney for the Estate within ten (10) days after it has been filed. The Estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk of the Court.

Dated this 1st day of August, 2025 RENO & ZAHM LLP

BY: /s/ Anthony R Phel ps

Anthony R. Phelps, Attorney for Judy Hagemann, Independent Administrator of the Estate of Alvin D. Oltmanns

RENO & ZAHM LLP

Anthony R. Phelps (#06297415) 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400 Rockford, IL 61107

Phone: (815) 987-4050 Fax: (815) 987-4092 arp@renozahm. com

August 1, 8, 15, 2025

STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS R. RANNEY, Deceased No. 2025-PR-47 CL AIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of THOMAS R. RANNEY of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on July 21, 2025 to THEODORE RANNEY, 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.

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. Claims 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 February 1, 2026, 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.

LE GAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING

Publication Notice

Theodore Ranney Independent Administrator

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 2025 Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF Ogle - Oregon, ILLINOIS U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs. DANIEL J STEELE II; TAYLOR M FOX; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 24 FC 27 CAL ENDAR NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

August 1, 8, 15, 2025

On Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of Oregon Public Library District Notice is hereby given to the Public that on September 18, 2025, at the hour of 6:00 P.M at the Oregon Public Library, 300 Jefferson Street, Oregon, Illinois, a public hearing will be held on the annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Oregon Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2025. Any person interested in said budget and ordinance may be presen t at said time and place and may be heard in regard to the budget and ordinance. The tentative budget is now on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Oregon Public Library District, at the Library office and may be reviewed upon request prior to said hearing by the Public.

Date: August 15, 2025 Secretary, Board of Trustees Oregon Public Library District 300 Jefferson St Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-2724

August 15, 2025

Public Notice is hereby given that on July 25, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Color <3ar Salon 127 S Wesley Mt Morris, IL 61054 Dated July 25, 2025.

s/Laura J. Cook

Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 1, 8, 15, 2025

Publication Notice

Public Notice is hereby given that on July 21, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Nature's Message 8686 Yellowstone Drive Byron, IL 61010 Dated July 21, 2025.

s/Laura J. Cook

Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 15, 22, 29, 2025

Publication Notice (Change in Assumed Name Certificate)

NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Oregon Community Unit School District #220 in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, that a tentative budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July, 2025, will be on file and conveniently available to public inspection at 206 South 10th Street, Oregon, IL in this School District from and after 7:30 a.m. on the 15th day of August, 2025. Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:30 p.m., on the 15th day of September, 2025, at the Oregon Community Unit School District #220 District Office Dated this 6th day of August, 2025. School board of School District Number 220, in the county of Ogle, State of Illinois. By Mindy Nesemeier, Secretary of the Board of Education

August 15, 2025

Tina M Jacobs, Esq. - ARDC 6190255

Joy Pinta, Esq. - ARDC 6278250

Claims may be filed on or before February 1, 2026, 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 any known creditor required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/18-3), whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk - Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, with the Independent Administrator, or both. Copies of any claim filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office Probate Division must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the attorney for the Estate within ten (10) days after it has been filed. The Estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk of the Court.

Permanent Index No: 22-09-126-002 which Mortgage was mad e by Jeffrey A. Brue, as Mortgagor, in favor of The National Bank & Trust Company, predecessor in interest to Old National Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, on June 21, 2010, as Document No. 202101004621. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the above-named Defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit, or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, on or before September 2, 2025, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

JACOBS & PINTA 77 West Washington Street, Suite 1005 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 263-1005

officeadmin@jacobs andpinta.com

Dated this 1st day of August, 2025 RENO & ZAHM LLP BY: /s/ Anthony R. Phel ps Anthony R. Phelps, Attorney for Judy Hagemann, Independent Administrator of the Estate of Alvin D. Oltmanns RENO & ZAHM LLP

I3270335 Aug. 1, 8, 15, 2025

Anthony R. Phelps (#06297415) 2902 McFarland Road, Suite 400 Rockford, IL 61107

Phone: (815) 987-4050

Fax:

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on September 19, 2025, at the hour 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOT THREE (3) IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF FORRESTON, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT ACKNOWLEDGED BY GEORGE W HEWITT; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FORRESTON, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. P.I.N. 02-33-129-008. Commonly known as 104 S. 1ST AVE., FORRESTON, IL 61030.

For informati on call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. (708) 668-4410 ext. 52109. 24-199336 SHERIFF I3271209 Forrest on Journal August 15, 22, 29, 2025

Claims 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 February 1, 2026, 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.

Theodore Ranney Independent Administrator

Publication Notice (Cease Doing Business)

Public Notice is hereby given that on August 8, 2025, a supplemental certificate of ownership of business was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Ceased Doi ng Bu si ness As: Clearly Exteriors Pressure Washing 133 Autumnwood Ln Davis Juncti on, IL 61020

Dated: August 8, 2025.

s/Laura J. Cook

Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 15, 2025

Public Notice is hereby given that on July 25, 2025, a supplemental certificate of ownership of business was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Venezias Shear Magic 123 S Wesley Mt Morris, IL 61054

Dated July 25, 2025.

s/Laura J. Cook

Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 1, 8, 15, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Oregon Community Unit School District #220 in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, that a tentative budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July 2025,

NOTICE A Mini Storage, LLC, a storage facility located at 117 Quarry Road, Rochelle, IL hereby announces that the possessions of the following lessees will be disposed of by means of auction on August 27th at 9am Disposal of personal property shall conform to the terms of the certified notice previously mailed to the lessee. The contents of the units can be previewed immediately prior to the sale. The preview and sale will take place at each individual unit listed below, in the order they appear

Unit #143

Brian Bailey Weight bench

Unit #93

Natalie Brandt kid's bikes, toys, clothes, boxes, chairs, sofa chair, sofa, table, tots, bike trailer, ride on car Aug. 15, 22, 2025

APPEALS

VILLAGE OF MT. MORRIS, IL LINOIS ON VARIANCE APPL ICATION FROM DANNY & MONICA POPE

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Mt Morris Zoning Board of Appeals on September 1 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in Village Hall, 105 W Lincoln Street, Mt. Morris, Illinois, for the purpose of considering and hearing testimony with respect to a Variance Application from Danny and Monica Pope (collectively, the “Applicant”) with respect to certain real estate locat ed at 204 W Lincoln St , Mt. Morris, Illinois, and identified as parcel number 08-27-434-007 (the “Parcel”). Pursuant to said Application, the Applicant is requesting a variance from the Village's set-back provisions under Village Code sections 9-11C-2 and 10-4-3C & D. for purposes of installing a cement pad

All interes ted parties are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Any inquiries may be made to the Village Clerk's office loca ted at Village Hall Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. A copy of said Application is on file in the Village Clerk's office.

By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Mt Morris, Illinois.

Brooke Duffy, Village Clerk Mt. Morris, Illinois Aug. 15, 2025