Polo_Tri-County_Press-09-08-2023

Earleen Hinton

Syndei Rahn (6) jumps to block a spike by Pearl City’s Anna Dampman during an Aug. 31 match at Polo. High school sports roundup: Page 11.

POLO POLICE

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

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Polo Police Chief Troy Randall reports the following police activity.

Aug. 29

Sharon A. Sanders, 67, of Lake Stevens, Washington, was cited at 3:11 p.m. for disobeying a traffic control device. Sanders was released on an I-Bond.

Aug. 30

Kimberly R. Hazelwood, 55, of Polo, was arrested at 12:27 p.m. for driving while license revoked. Hazelwood was transport-

POLO LIBRARY

Children’s Programs Returning

Tot Time Tuesdays are starting Sept. 12.

It’s Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. for ages

1 to 3. Hands-on activities, art and music and, of course, storytime and a snack.

Makerspace Monday (second Monday of the month) – 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11. Explore STEAM stations. There also will be activities for ages 3 and older. Adult assistance is appreciated.

Maker Baker Monday (third Monday of the month) – 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 in the library downstairs kitchen area. Guest Nancy Plancho will assist with an egg roll demonstration. Open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required. Space is limited.

Tween to Teen Trivia Time for ages 12 and older (grades sixth through 12th) will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the second

PINE CREEK NEWS

By KAREN MERLAK

The new month has arrived and soon it will be a new season. It has been a beautiful weekend reminding us of God’s love for us and all of His creation. We look for God to help us in the storms. Today, we look for Him to celebrate in the sunshine. God is great.

This morning in church, we were greeted by Marjorie Hammes. Pastor Suzanne Hall Stout shared her message of the morning. Vicki Hay was our worship leader and Sandra Ford led us in a beautiful prayer for all of God’s people.

Pastor Suzanne shared a special message for our youngest friends, Amelia and Fiona. We have been blessed with brilliant pianists that share their talents through recorded music. This week, Jean Frey recorded our music for the service. We are truly thankful.

On Monday evening, our church joined with Faith Discovery Church to serve the first community meal of the new season. With about 40 people in attendance, everyone enjoyed a home-cooked meal and a night of fellowship. The next meal will be at the end of September.

This has been a busy week as we have completed the first full week of school in

ed to the Ogle County jail.

Sept. 2

Diana L. Jackson, of Amboy, was issued a city ordinance citation at 2:10 p.m. for parking in a no parking zone.

Sept. 3

Michelle R. Collins, 54, of Forreston, was issued a city ordinance citation at 8:20 a.m. for disturbing dog barking. General calls for service

Aug. 21 to Sept. 3

Thursday of the month. Trivia type games, arts and crafts and more. Looking for middle school to high school students to participate and share thoughts on books, movies and materials.

Adult Monthly Programs

Second Friday, 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Polo Senior Center. Book discussion of “Kitchen Privileges” sequel by Mary Higgins Clark. October’s book will be “Coma” by Robin Cook (Oct. 13).

Fourth Monday, 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Polo Library. Book discussion of “Royal Blood #1” by Aimee Carter. October’s book will be “West Fork” by Tom McKay. There will be an author visit Oct. 30. DNA Genealogy Assistance – 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 16. Donna Baumann will help you with genealogy questions.

Citizen complaints/assists, 21 Juvenile, 2 Animal complaint, 5 Ordinance violations, 2 Disturbance/domestic, 3 Fire/medical assist, 4 Alarm/open door, 2 Lockout, 3 911 hang up, 4 Traffic stops, 43 County assist, 1

Yoga with Becka – 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27, downstairs children’s library area. Bring your own mat. Registration is required. Space is limited. Yoga will be on the last Wednesday of each month.

Sewing Club, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21. For ages 16 and older. All skill levels welcome.

September Main Events

Just For Fun Concert – 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Food and ice cream available to buy at event.

Peek Home Presentation, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, Tom Nelson and Mike Faivre will take you through the history of Peek Home.

Visit pololibrary.org to access the online catalog and for the latest events. Call 815-946-2713 for more information.

Forreston. I am getting to know my students and they are getting to know me. Each year I am filled with joy as I get to be their third grade teacher.

My phone conversations with my sons are getting shorter as they grow busier. Matt needed to use up some of his leave before the end of the year, so he is taking time to rest. He is anxiously awaiting the end of his time with the Marines this winter.

Clint is finding his new balance between work and school. He is learning on the job and now he is taking classes at night in the same field. I know all too well about these seasons in our lives. It is a busy time, but worth the hard work in the end.

My daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, João, continue to enjoy the beautiful state of Utah. They have had a busy summer of travel, work and visits with friends. On occasion, I think back over those seasons of raising children and smile at the memories and the lives they are creating.

In northern Illinois, the weather is a big part of our day. Our farmers are looking for just enough rain and just enough sun to produce a good harvest each year. This week will be another

small heat wave before summer ends.

When we were growing up, we did not always have air conditioning. My mom knew exactly how to set up the house to make the most of a summer breeze. We knew that more comfortable temperatures were on the way at the first sign of lightning and a summer storm.

We would take shelter from the rain, wind and lightning. As a child, it may be scary, so we looked to the people we love for help. When the storm had passed, the air smelled good and the breeze was cooler and much more comfortable.

Even though a storm was on the way, we knew there would be comfort from the heat. The air is made fresh and clean. God’s comfort comes to us like that gentle breeze after a storm. He is with us through the storms we face in life and shows us a new day.

I hope to see you next week in our church in the country. Come and find comfort in God’s family. We hope to worship, sing and pray with you and your family. Come and learn about the comfort only God can give.

• Karen Merlak lives in Polo and is a member of the Pine Creek Christian Church.

70 years later, Peek Home still holds fond memories for residents

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – When Tom Nelson was 9 years old, he became a resident of the Peek Home. Seventy years later, he returned to re-create some childhood photographs.

Nelson, with help from members of the Polo Historical Society, re-created several 1950s photos during an Aug. 1 visit to the 151-acre farm, located in rural Polo.

“I went as a young boy and came back an old man,” said Nelson, who moved back to Polo in September 2022.

The Peek Home operated as a children’s home from March 1, 1916, until June 1, 1961, said Betty Obendorf, Polo Historical Society director.

Franklin Peek and his wife, Martha Eaton Peek, lived on the farm until Franklin died in 1905 after which Martha moved into Polo proper, Obendorf said. When Martha died in 1912, she left the farm to the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Church and gave a three-year deadline to turn it into a place for children, Obendorf said.

A legal battle that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court ensued, but eventually the proponents of turning the farm into a children’s home won, Obendorf said.

Nelson said he was sent to the Peek Home at age 9 because his parents were having family issues and the foster care system didn’t exist the way it does today.

“I wasn’t afraid,” he said.

He entered Peek Home on April 3, 1954, and left Jan. 21, 1961.

Nelson, who had come from Aurora at the time, said there were opportunities to return to his parents that he turned down, feeling that Peek Home was a better place for him to be.

In an Aug. 8 interview with Shaw Media, Nelson recounted several memories of his childhood at Peek Home.

“My Peek Home life was good,” Nelson said.

While he was at Peek Home, there

was an average of 30 children being cared for by the “house parents.”

The first morning he woke up at Peek Home, it was 4:30 a.m. and he was told he had to go help milk the cows, something he had never done before, Nelson said. On his fourth day there, he learned to drive a tractor.

The girls and women did most of the housework, but the boys also had to chip in, Nelson said. Each child had three pairs of shoes – one for play, one for school and one for church, he said.

All the clothing had color-coded tags sewn in to identify which child it belonged to, Nelson said. His color was pink.

“Once a year, for Christmas, we went into Chicago and had a fancy dinner,” Nelson said. They took a continental bus there and back, he said.

Peek Home was closed in 1961 after changes in laws governing children’s homes and orphanages.

“Peek Home was there at the time it needed to be there,” Nelson said.

Alexa Zoellner

Tom Nelson, 79, poses for a photo in front of the Polo Historical Society’s display on the Peek Home on Aug. 9. Nelson was a resident of the Peek Home, which cared for displaced and orphaned children, from 1954-61.

Photos provided by Donna Humphrey

Tom Nelson, 79, sits on the trapeze bar Aug. 1 at the Peek Home, located in rural Polo. Nelson returned to the children’s home to re-create old photographs, including the 1954 version (at right).

OCEDC aims to consolidate economic development efforts

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A consolidated effort to promote the development, establishment and expansion of industries within Ogle County has just about come to fruition.

The Ogle County Economic Development Corp. is a not-for-profit that represents the communities, employers and citizens within the county. Its articles of incorporation were filed with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office on April 21.

“Ogle County as a whole [is] now coming together for this which is, I think, what we’ve always needed,” said Darin DeHaan, OCEDC Board of Directors vice president and Oregon city manager. “The foundation is in place and I think we’re going to see some big things happening for all of our communities.”

Since 2019, more than a dozen communities, utility companies and state and regional economic agencies have worked to form the OCEDC, according to an Aug. 17 news release.

The pandemic delayed the creation of the organization until 2021, when the planning process picked back up, said Randy Schoon, Board of Directors president and Polo alderperson.

Polo, Oregon, Mt. Morris, Byron, Rochelle and Ogle County have pledged funds to the OCEDC, Schoon said. The OCEDC’s budget will be between $300,000 and $350,000 to start.

“One of the things that I think we’ve all talked about from Day 1 is this has already done all of us [good],” Schoon said. “Each town has gotten something out of this already. ... We all exist in this thing in maybe a different light, but I think we’re all going to benefit from it without a shadow of a doubt.”

Other Board of Directors members are Paula Diehl, secretary; John Rickard, treasurer; John Finfrock, Ogle County Board chairperson; and Patrica Nordman, Ogle County Board vice chairperson.

The nine other board of directors seats are open and can be claimed by organizations with general membership in the OCEDC, DeHaan said.

“They could be from banking, industry, utilities, commercial, real estate, agriculture, etc.,” he said.

ComEd, Nicor and Comcast representatives have attended all the Board of Directors meetings, but the companies haven’t yet joined as stakeholders, DeHaan said. That’s in part because the board still is in the process of setting up bank accounts, which they need to accept dues, he said.

At the OCEDC’s Aug. 17 meeting, board members unanimously voted to allow Rickard to set up a checking account with Stillman Bank. They also agreed that donations to the OCEDC

could be sent to the city of Byron at 232 W. Second St., PO Box 916, Byron, IL 61010.

The OCEDC is seeking 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which is different than being a not-for-profit and would allow donations to be tax-deductible, but that paperwork still is in progress, said Chris Manheim, an economic development consultant working with the group on behalf of Ogle County.

Also at the Aug. 17 meeting, a $20,000 contract with Next Move Group to perform an executive director search unanimously was approved. The OCEDC owes $6,600 upon signing the contract.

They put out a request for proposals and got two responses, DeHaan said after the meeting. Based on the presentations, they selected Next Move Group, he said.

Schoon and DeHaan said they’re looking for an executive director who’s a great communicator, driven and will make the connections needed to move the OCEDC forward.

“We don’t want to rest on our laurels,” Schoon said. “I don’t think any of us have time to. We’ve been go, go, go since I got here.”

DeHaan agreed and said the OCEDC wants to solidify itself and Ogle County as a “place that we can continue to grow and increase our population and offerings to our communities and the workforce and housing and all of those issues.”

Each community has its own com-

prehensive plan and desired assets, DeHaan said. Lists of those needs and wants are being pulled together into a single location so the OCEDC can be a central hub for the entire county, he said.

“We talked a lot about housing, tourism, brick-and-mortar businesses, things like that,” Schoon said. “I think kind of in a mixed way some of us might be looking for industry, probably some of us aren’t going to get that.”

A key point is that with the way things currently work, potential economic developments often die within a single community unless it gets around to other places via word of mouth that a developer is looking for something, DeHaan said.

For example, if someone reached out to him as the Oregon city manager and said they needed a 10,000-square-foot warehouse, Oregon might not have that, DeHaan said. However, one of the other communities in Ogle County might and the OCEDC will be able to make those connections, he said.

“That’s a big key that we’re missing – there’s no connectivity,” DeHaan said. “So now we’ll have that and each community will keep their inventories updated for the economic development director and then that person can facilitate seeking those facilities, land or resource things.”

That connectivity also plays into where workers live, Rickard said. If a business opens in Rochelle, for example, new employees might end up liv-

ing in Oregon.

“So whatever comes to one part benefits other communities because people will choose to live in different parts of the county and so we build on each other that way,” Rickard said.

Not-for-profit vs. nonprofit

The OCEDC is a not-for-profit, which is similar to, but different from, a nonprofit.

A Feb. 6 article on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s website notes there are four key differences between notfor-profits and nonprofits. It explains that,

• “Nonprofits are formed explicitly to benefit the public good; not-for-profits exist to fulfill an owner’s organizational objectives;

• “Nonprofits can have a separate legal entity; not-for-profits cannot have a separate legal entity;

• “Nonprofits run like a business and try to earn a profit, which does not support any single member; not-forprofits are considered ‘recreational organizations’ that do not operate with the business goal of earning revenue;

• “Nonprofits may have employees who are paid, but their paychecks do not come through fundraising; not-forprofits are run by volunteers.”

Another key difference is that although both types of organizations must apply for tax-exempt status from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, donations by an individual to a notfor-profit are not tax deductible.

Alexa Zoellner Ogle County Economic Development Corp. officers and other interested parties pose for a photo outside the Old Ogle County Courthouse on Aug. 17. In the front row (from left) are ComEd Economic and Business Development Team member Karen Halstead, Comcast Government and Community Affairs manager Joan Sage, Ogle County Board Vice Chairperson Patricia Nordman, OCEDC Secretary and Mt. Morris EDC Executive Director Paula Diehl, Polo City Clerk Sydney Bartelt, Stillman Valley Village President Marty Typer and ComEd External Affairs manager Nicolas Escobar. In the back row are OCEDC Treasurer and Byron Mayor John Rickard, OCEDC President and Polo City Councilperson Randy Schoon, OCEDC Vice President and Oregon City Manager Darin DeHaan, OCEDC economic development consultant Chris Manheim, Oregon Mayor Ken Williams and Ogle County Board Chairperson John Finfrock.

Event raises awareness of overdose deaths

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

DIXON – Lauren Metzler tearfully recalled how her 28-year-old brother battled an addiction to a pain medication and finally succumbed to an accidental overdose in 2020.

“I lost my brother at 28 years old to fentanyl poisoning,” said Metzler, 34, of Rock Falls, one of several area residents who spoke Aug. 31 during the Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery/Better Together Overdose Awareness event along the Dixon riverfront.

Standing in front of the Reagan fountain along the Rock River, Metzler said her brother, Tevin Shae Rumley, was prescribed the painkiller after he injured his foot in college.

“He didn’t realize that addiction would take his life,” she said.

“He was an athlete. He was the best brother. ... He always had my back,” she said. “But, most importantly, his life mattered.”

Julie Rodriquez, 41, of Sterling, told the crowd that she has overdosed several times.

“I am thinking that God has a purpose for me because I should have been dead,” Rodriguez said.

She said she has lost numerous friends to overdose and tainted drugs and she urged addicts to get help.

“It’s all about recovery now. I am so proud of us now because we are here,” she said. “Addicts don’t need to go to jail, they need help.”

Rodriguez, a member of Better Together, a program through Sinnissippi Centers, said more “fun, sober” events are being planned to help addicts recover.

“If you need help, ask for help,” Rodriguez said. “We’re going to do more fun things for sober events. We are grateful to be alive.”

Marleny Meyers, the outreach coordinator for Sauk Valley Voices for Recovery, said the Aug. 31 event was organized in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day.

“We just put this together in a week,” she said.

Ten pairs of empty shoes were displayed along one of the rails above the river with a sign that said: “These shoes are EMPTY as of today! More than 10 people in the state of Illinois DIE of an OVERDOSE EVERY DAY! Please take a moment for those we lost today, tomorrow and the next. It is time to make a CHANGE!”

After the speakers, a two-minute nationwide moment of silence was planned for 8 p.m., with the first minute dedicated to remembering those who have died and the second dedicated to all who are struggling with addiction or who are in recovery. Some attendees also wore purple to the event to show their support for overdose awareness.

Stevie Carney, a recovery coach for Sinnissippi Centers who also spoke at the event, can be reached at 815-284-6611, ext. 8186.

Ten pairs of empty shoes are displayed at the Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery Overdose Awareness event Aug. 31 in Dixon to show that at least 10 people are lost to overdose every day in Illinois.

Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Rochelle

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Health officials announced Aug. 31 that a bird tested positive for West Nile virus in Rochelle.

“Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to birds, mammals and humans,” the Ogle County Health Department said in a news release. “Mosquities with WNV should be assumed to be present throughout the county. Mosquitoes will be present through the fall, so it is important to take precautions to prevent WNV in humans.”

Monitoring for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well

as testing humans with WNV-like symptoms, according to the news release. The type of bird found or the location where it was found was not included in the release. Calls to the health department were not returned as of Sept. 1.

People who observe a sick or dying bird should contact their local health department, which will determine if the bird will be picked up for testing, according to the release.

“West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of the Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird,” according to the release.

In humans, common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches and could last for a few

days or a few weeks.

“However, four out of five people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur,” according to the release.

People older than 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness.

The health department listed these precautions that individuals should take to avoid contracting the virus.

• Reduce – make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut. Eliminate or refresh each week all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can

breed, including bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other containers.

• Repel – Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions when outdoors. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

• Report – Report locations to the health department where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week, including roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit oglecountyil.gov/ departments/health_department/vector.php.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Lauren Metzler, 34, of Rock Falls speaks about her brother, Tevin Shae Rumley, during a Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery Overdose Awareness event Aug. 31 in Dixon. Metzler said her brother, who was 28, died from a fentanyl overdose in 2020 after becoming addicted after a foot injury in college.

Wales family memorabilia offers insight into school’s history

This past week, Linda and I gathered at the museum to look at a box from the Wales family. Ted had brought it in and we started going through it to see what the museum could use.

I started putting away office supplies such as staples, stapler, scratch pads, Post-it notes, manilla envelopes and binders.

In the box was the scrapbook Lucille Wales had put together when she went to high school in the building we now call Congress School. I had looked at the scrapbook before and found it most interesting. Linda sat down with the scrapbook and started going through it.

Lucille started her scrapbook in 1923 when she started high school in the building built in 1899. The building soon would be too small for all age groups.

Right now our community is most interested in Congress School and there were pictures that the newspaper would be able to use in their articles. Linda emailed some of those pictures to them.

Lucille Wales also had taken pictures of early teachers of the school out in front of the building when the school was relatively new. Remember, the school was built in 1899. So the scrapbook is a treasure of those early days. The majority of the scrapbook reflected

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

her junior and senior days of high school.

In the front of the book were samples of silk from Carson Pirie Scott & Co. from Mrs. Burlingame. Our Bracken Style Shop was connected to this store in Chicago and I wondered what they were doing with the white silk.

The samples had gone to a Miss Fruit, who was the junior class adviser, so it was something connected to the school. About this time they were giving a play called “Three Live Ghosts” and maybe the while silk was to be used for costumes.

In the “Gold and Blue” newspaper of 1927, Lucille Wade Wales was on the debate team. There were many articles about the debate team. My aunt Maxine Isley Zickfield was on the debate team in Cape Girardeau and she would talk to me quite a bit about her time on the debate team for her school.

There was a newspaper article telling about 190 high school students marching along Mason Street to the new high school, which we now call

Polo Historical Society picnic is Sept. 13 at Henry School

The Polo Historical Society picnic will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Henry School. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Enjoy the old school.

the seniors and post-graduate group. That was the group Lucille Wade Wales was in.

Miss Ethel Kiest had the juniors, Miss Norma Boyes had group A of sophomores and Miss Esther Jones had group B of sophomores. Miss Alice Michael had group A of freshman and Miss Louise Spear had group B of freshman.

Lucille Wade Wales was ready to start her senior year in the new school. Her scrapbook showed all the activities going on in the new school. At the end of the scrapbook she had an envelope of school yells for games. I liked this one: “Horn and hoof, horn and hoof. Hold the floor and raise the roof, Razzle, dazzle, dazzle, zip. Go’er Polo, let’er rip.”

Aplington School.

The students were divided into six groups with Miss Irma Fruit having

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

Pickleball courts a nice addition to Mix Park in Oregon

By OTTO DICK

During warm weather, the pickleball courts at Mix Park in Oregon attract people of varying ages and physical abilities. There are usually people sitting on the park benches watching or waiting for their turn to play pickleball.

I walked over to the courts to learn about pickleball. The group I interviewed mentioned they first played pickleball on one of the four courts at Nash Center. They also mentioned that people of all ages enjoy the game.

The game was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the home of Joel Pritchad, who later served in the U.S. Senate. One source said the name of the game came from the family dog named Pickles.

A 1976 pickleball tournament was held at the Southcenter Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. It is credited with being the first formal pickleball tournament. By 1990, the sport was being played in all 50 states. In 2001, pickleball was included as a demonstration sport in the Arizona Senior

Olympics with 100 participants.

The growth of pickleball has been attributed to several factors including the following:

• A new player can start enjoying the sport at his first introduction.

• People of varying ages and physical abilities can enjoy the game together.

• Equipment is relatively inexpensive if a public court is available.

• A strong social aspect has developed with the sport.

• Experience in other racket sports

can easily transfer to pickleball.

• Competitive players find the strategic aspects of the sport an exciting challenge.

• Installing new outdoor courts is relatively inexpensive compared with other racket sports.

The regulation size of the court is 20 feet by 44 feet for both doubles and singles, the same size as a doubles badminton court. Regulated tournaments and games usually are played on a specialized polyurethane sport surface. However, courts often are set up on

concrete, astroturf and indoor basketball courts.

Washington state Sen. John Lovick proposed a bill making pickleball the official state sport of Washington in 2021. Pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington in 2022 by the state legislature. On March 28, 2022, the legislation was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on the original Pritchard family court where the sport was invented.

The above information came from several articles at the Ogle County Historical Society.

At the park district office, I learned the pickleball courts at Nash Center were set up about 10 years ago.

The two courts at Mix Park are a wonderful outdoor addition.

I often see people enjoying pickleball and children using the new playground equipment. The Oregon Park District has done a wonderful job upgrading Mix Park.

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

Photo provided by Betty Obendorf, Polo Historical Society

The Polo Historical Museum received a donation of a scrapbook with pictures of Congress School. Here is a photo that appeared in the scrapbook.

Photo provided by Otto Dick

The new pickleball courts at Mix Park are located on the south end of the park.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Ogle County property tax bills due Sept. 8

OREGON – Property owners are reminded that the second installment of their property tax bill is due Friday, Sept. 8.

Payment methods include cash or check (payable to Ogle County Collector). In-person payments can be made at the Treasurer’s office located in the “old” Courthouse at 105 S. Fifth St., Suite 114, Oregon, or at any bank in Ogle County. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

The mailing address is Ogle County Collector, P.O. Box 40, Oregon, IL 61061. Mailed payments must be postmarked by the due date to be considered timely.

“Late payments will incur a fee of 1.5% per month or part of a month after the due date and must be remitted by mail or at the collector’s office,” Ogle County Collector Tiffany O’Brien said in a news release.

O’Brien’s office also is offering the option of online credit card payments.

“You may get to this site by going to www.oglecountyil.gov and then selecting the Treasurer’s department. Choose the Online Tax Payments link and click the Pay Now button. Fill in the information as prompted. Be sure to receive a payment confirmation for your records. Please note that this service carries a fee; review the convenience fees prior to making payment,” O’Brien said.

Village of Progress’ annual banquet is Oct. 18

OREGON – The Village of Progress’ annual awards banquet is Wednesday, Oct. 18, at St. Mary’s Living Center. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of those who attend the Village and the many volunteers who donate their time and talent.

The evening spotlights Ogle County people with developmental disabilities. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 12 and free for those 4 and younger.

Tickets can be bought by calling 815-732-2126.

Since 1969, the Village of Progress has been serving adults with developmental disabilities in Ogle County.

“We strive to offer innovative vocational skills, exceptional recreational programs and engaging social activities to each of the men and women who attend here,” the agency’s website said. For more information, visit villageofprogress.org.

Artist reception is Sept. 8 at Oregon Museum of Art, Antiques &

OREGON – The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana will present its first Artist Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, featuring artists Jean Apgar and Chloe Metz along with music by Al and Jeannie Brown.

Apgar of Rockford will be the feature artist of the month, displaying her work through Sept. 30. Apgar paints farms and fields, rivers and roadways, neighbors and friends.

She uses traditional oil techniques, first applying opaque, then transparent, layers of color in her work. Some paintings have eight or more layers of paint. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in painting from Northern Illinois University.

KC Tootsie Roll Drive is Friday, Saturday in Oregon, Mt. Morris OREGON – The 54th annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive will be Sept. 8 and 9 in Oregon and Mt. Morris.

“Last year we raised $5,800 with the help of a few businesses and from Knight families and friends,” said Dave Starkey, drive chairman. “The funds that were raised help to support the Knights of Columbus programs in Illinois such as Special Olympics and homes for some intellectually disabled. Local organizations who also split $4,640 were Village of Progress, Oregon School District special education program and Stouffer Terrace.

Starkey thanked the people in Oregon and Mt. Morris for their generous support.

ESL classes offered in Mt. Morris English as a Second Language classes are being offered in Mt. Morris through Sauk Valley Community College. Classes began Aug. 22 and will continue until Dec. 14. The class meets at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, 102 S. Seminary Ave.

Classes will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Spring classes will run Jan. 16, 2024, through May 9, 2024.

For more information about the class, including registration information, call the Adult Education program at Sauk Valley Community College at 815-8356310.

Para hablar con alguien en español, llame al 815-835-6241.

– Shaw Local News Network

Metz will display her work in the Lowden Gallery through Oct. 31. Metz received her bachelor’s degree from Augustana College. Her degree is in business management and studio art. She received her master’s degree in museum studies from Western Illinois University.

For two years, she was a curator for Restoration Hardware in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She then moved back to Oregon, where she has since been a full-time oil painter.

Based out of Wyanet, Jeannie and Al Brown have been making music together for more than 30 years.

Covering almost every musical style through the years, the piano and upright bass duo favors jazz standards. The duo’s jazz covers a lot of musical territory.

“There’s literally something for everyone,” the couple said in a news release. “There are so many good songs, so much good music in the world. We won’t pass up a chance to play an old favorite just because it’s not considered a jazz tune. We just put our personal spin on it.”

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

For information, go to www. cmaaa.org or the CMAAA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum.

Earleen Hinton file photo

The Oregon Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive is Sept. 8 and 9 in Oregon and Mt. Morris. Pictured is Bill Lindenmeier, who was busy collecting donations at a past event.

Pavilions coming to city-owned lot in Polo as improvement effort

Lot expected to have 2 pavilions costing $175,264 by next summer

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – A city-owned lot that used to be available space for parking semitrailers is expected to have two pavilions costing $175,264 by next summer.

On Aug. 21, Polo City Council members voted 3-2 to allow the Polo Development District No. 1 to borrow $60,000 from the city’s General Fund to help make a down payment on the pavilions. The remainder of the $87,632 down payment will come from the BDD Fund.

“We wanted to show the Business Development District money was being used for something that applied to everybody, that would be significant, that people would see the improvement, see it as a good place,” Mayor Doug Knapp said of why the loan was requested.

As money comes into the BDD Fund, the General Fund will be reimbursed, Polo City Clerk Sydney Bartlet said. The BDD Fund had “almost $20,000 in it” as of Aug. 21, she said.

The lot where the two 24-foot-by-34foot steel pavilions will be erected is located at 212 S. Division Ave., next to

the Shell gas station where the Polo farmers market is held. Semitrailer parking at the lot was banned as of May 1, about three months after council members unanimously voted to do so.

Alderpersons Jim Busser, Tommy Bardell and Keith Chesnut voted to approve the loan for the pavilions. Alderpersons Joey Kochsmeier and Larry Weaver voted no. Alderperson Randy Schoon was absent.

“I believe $175,000 for a project like this is outrageous,” Kochsmeier said.

He said the lot needs to be improved, but that amount of money would be better invested in something such as new playground equipment at the city parks.

“I agree with that size [pavilion], but my goodness,” Weaver said. “I know there’s more involved than just two rows, but that’s basically the structure. If it was half that [cost], I’d be all for it.”

Kochsmeier also said he feels that

Earleen Hinton

buying the pavilions isn’t truly investing money back into businesses in the way the BDD was created to do.

Polo’s BDD No. 1 was created Aug. 15, 2022, on a 5-1 vote by City Council members. It encompasses the downtown area and some surrounding blocks, as well as the length of Division Avenue.

Within the BDD, an additional 0.5% sales tax is collected on most goods, according to the ordinance. Things such as medications, medical appliances, food meant to be eaten off the premises where it was sold, and titled purchases – a car or boat, for example – are not subject to the additional tax.

The city recently found that not all businesses within the BDD had raised their sales tax, Knapp said. As a result, the BDD Fund – in which they expected to have between $100,000 and $150,000 by now – is underfunded and can’t cover the full down payment of the

pavilions, he said.

Letters have been sent out and businesses now are raising their taxes, Knapp said.

According to an FAQ brochure by Jacob & Klein and The Economic Development Group, which helped Polo establish BDD No. 1, BDD funds commonly are used to help fund plans and studies, land acquisition, site preparation, public infrastructure, renovations to existing buildings, construction of new buildings, reduced financing costs and relocation costs.

“I think this is a great first project,” Bardell said of the pavilions. “It’s a way, too, to communicate to businesses that may be considering investing in Polo that we are investing in Polo and we’re moving forward in our city and giving them the confidence to invest in our city as well.”

The city plans to add landscaping to the lot, as well as outlets and electric vehicle charging stations, the latter of which will be funded by grant funding.

The hope is that it can serve as not only a place for the farmers market but also the annual chili cook-off, space for business events – the rental of which would be done through Polo City Hall –and a general outdoor space for people to enjoy, Knapp said.

Antique Engine & Tractor Association will be hosting the following 2023 coming events: www.ae-ta.com

To be held at the show grounds located 3 miles east of Joslin, IL off of Rt. 92 or 9 miles North of Geneseo, IL off of Rt. 92

To beheldattheshowgroundslocated 3 mileseastofJoslin, ILoff ofRt.92or 9 milesNorthofGeneseo,ILoff ofRt.92

62ND ANNUAL ANTIQUE ENGINE & TRACTOR WORKING FARM SHOW

60THANNUALANTIQUEENGINE& TRACTORWORKINGFARMSHOW

SEPTEMBER 15TH, 16TH, AND 17TH 2023

SEPTEMBER17TH,18TH,&19THOF2021

Demonstrations, Exhibits, Great Food, Flea Market, Train Rides Featuring International Tractors & Implements

Demonstrations,Exhibits,GreatFood,FleaMarket FeaturingMinneapolis-MolineTractors&Implements

COUNTRY THYME CRAFT SHOW

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Two new pavilions are planned for 212 S. Division Ave. in Polo.

Dixon defeats Oregon in back-and-forth affair

Dukes get tough yards when they need them to top Hawks

By TY REYNOLDS Special to Shaw Media

OREGON – Just when they needed it most, the Dixon Dukes went on a time-consuming drive and capped it with a touchdown.

Despite a strong effort from a feisty Oregon squad, the Dukes improved to 2-0 with a 29-20 win in a Big Northern Conference game Sept. 1 at Landers-Loomis Field.

“It was definitely a fun football game tonight,” Dixon senior running back/linebacker Aiden Wiseman said. “We just all came together as a team in the second half.”

After the Hawks (1-1) cut the deficit to 22-20 with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jack Washburn to Avery Lewis with 10:38 left in the game, they went for a two-point conversion and the tie. But Cullen Shaner knocked down the pass to help the Dukes cling to the slim lead.

Dixon then went on the decisive drive. After recovering an onside kick, the Dukes drove 54 yards in 10 plays, with Wiseman carrying the ball eight times for 44 yards, including a 20-yard run on fourth-and-1 and a 2-yard run on fourth-and-inches to keep the drive alive.

The Dukes switched it up to end the drive as Tyler Shaner connected with younger brother Cullen on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 4:39 to play and Caleb Carlson’s extra-point kick made it a nine-point margin.

“That was kind of our game plan. We knew we had to attack Z [defender] with something because they were coming hard, hard, hard to stop the run. So we attacked it with a slant and it worked out well,” Cullen Shaner said about the clinching score. “The line was amazing in the second half and Aiden ran hard as always. It was good after halftime.”

Before the final Dixon touchdown, Oregon had the answer every time it looked like the Dukes would pull away.

After Dixon returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown, it was called back for an illegal block and Oregon’s defense forced a turnover on downs. On the Hawks’ third-down play, Cort Jacobson intercepted a pass, taking the ball away from the Oregon receiver. Wiseman ran for 21 yards in three plays, capping it with a 2-yard touchdown run and a 22-7 lead.

But Griffin Marlatt got behind the Dixon defense on Oregon’s first play of the next possession and Washburn hit

him in stride for a 76-yard touchdown strike to cut the deficit to 22-14 with 5:58 left in the third quarter.

“That just kind of shows the resilience of our team,” Marlatt said. “We were right there, we wanted to win this ballgame, and unfortunately it didn’t come out the way we wanted it. But we were right there with them. This is huge for the team.”

The Hawks forced a turnover on downs, then went on another scoring drive to get to within two, but the Dukes didn’t let them get anything else.

Both teams showed balance on offense. Wiseman ran 25 times for 142 yards and a touchdown, and Tyler Shaner threw for 140 yards and three scores. Cullen Shaner caught three passes for 49 yards and two TDs, Tyson Dambman had three receptions for 28 yards, and Eli Davidson, Gabe Rowley and Collin Scott also caught passes for the Dukes.

“It was kind of us just seeing what they were going to do defensively, see if they were going to go five in the box or six, and then air it out if they had six,” Cullen Shaner said about the offensive game plan. “Whenever we went trips [three receivers on the same side], they would bring a safety over,

so run or pass depended on that as well. But then late game, we were running it very well, so we just kept going.”

“Ty is a great quarterback. When he’s back there, he can run, he can pass, he can do everything. Cullen made some great plays, Collin made some great plays, Eli was making great plays on defense,” Wiseman said. “We made adjustments at halftime, and I said to the guys, ‘All right, we’ve just got to come together and push the ball.’ We did that in the second half.”

Oregon’s Griffin Marlatt (6) intercepts a pass and scores a touchdown against Dixon on Sept. 1 at Oregon High School’s Landers-Loomis Field.

Oregon ran the ball just enough to keep the defense honest, but Washburn did the most damage with 248 yards passing and two touchdowns. Marlatt had three catches for 88 yards and a score, Josh Crandall caught three passes for 48 yards, and Austin Egyed (3 catches, 20 yards), Hunter Bartel (2 catches for 20 yards), Logan Weems (2 catches, 34 yards), Lewis and Quinten Berry also caught passes for the Hawks.

See OREGON on page 10

Photos by Earleen Hinton Oregon’s Austin Egyed punts the ball as Dixon’s Devon Wallace almost gets a piece of it Sept. 1 at Oregon High School’s Landers-Loomis Field.

Continued from page 9

“It always good to have a balanced offense. Really the middle linebackers are the most important, and the safety in the middle of the field. If you can suck those middle linebackers up, you have room over the top, and that really helps with the slants and seams over the middle,” Washburn said. “And it’s always good to be throwing to all different guys.

“It’s good to be able to be with my class again because we have more chemistry than I did with some of the seniors last year, just being a sophomore and never playing with them before. So we’ve got five or six guys we’ve got good chemistry with, and we know where they like the ball and how they catch the ball. The whole rotation really does help.”

The first half was a struggle for both offenses, with both teams losing fumbles. Oregon had a defensive score when Marlatt intercepted a pass and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown to cut the Dixon lead to 8-7 in the final minute of the first quarter. The defense helped out the offense three plays after a fumble inside the 5 on a third-down conversion.

“The pick was definitely something that we needed right there,” Marlatt

said. “We’d kind of been practicing the slants in practice, and the first slant, I read it, the quarterback threw it right over top of him and missed him. I knew on the second slant that I had a good chance to pick it off, and I came up, saw the ball, made a play on it and took it to the house.”

Tyler Shaner bounced back as the Dukes drove 68 yards in 10 plays after Oregon’s second fumble on a tackle of a long screen pass down the sideline. Two first downs came on Oregon penalties and Dixon looked as if it would face a fourth down inside the Oregon 10-yard line. But the Hawks accepted a

holding penalty on the third-down play and Shaner connected with Rowley for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 1:19 left in the first half.

Tyler Shaner connected on a long sideline route with Cullen Shaner for the first score of the game, a 33-yard strike on fourth-and-8. An Oregon offsides penalty on the PAT moved the ball inside the 2 and the Shaners hooked up for the two-point conversion pass for an 8-0 lead with 5:35 left in the first quarter.

In the second half, the Dukes came out pounding the ball up the middle with Wiseman and sprinkling in the occasional pass and took control of the game.

“The first half, we just kind of had to work on a few things a little bit. That zone play was not working how we wanted it to and at halftime we made some adjustments on the white board and came out thinking, ‘All right, it’s time to settle down and we’re going to drive the ball,’ and that’s what we did. We just ran zone, zone right and zone left, and that’s all we really did to become successful,” Wiseman said. “I just wish we could’ve capitalized a little bit more in the red zone. We kind of struggled with that a little bit, but I think we’re going to go into practice next week and just work on that. You’re going to see a new redzone team next week.”

Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Josh Crandall brings in a pass with a one-handed catch against Dixon on Sept. 1 at Oregon High School’s Landers-Loomis Field.

Girls Volleyball

Oregon Tournament: At Oregon, Eastland finished the weekend 3-2, defeating Kirkland-Hiawatha 25-8, 25-11 and Erie-Prophetstown 25-22, 27-25 in pool play. Eastland beat Dakota 25-15, 25-15 for seventh place. The Cougars lost to Aquin 25-11, 22-18 and Orangeville 25-21, 17-25, 15-9.

Leaders for Eastland were Trixie Carroll with 50 kills and 10 aces, Olivia Klinefelter with 35 kills, 29 digs and nine aces, Jenica Stoner with 95 assists and Morgan McCullough with 27 digs.

Carroll was named to the all-tournament team.

Oregon beat Mendota 25-22, 25-23, Orangeville 25-22, 25-18 and South Beloit 25-9, 25-14 in pool play on Friday. On Saturday, it lost 12-25, 25-21, 15-12 to Aquin and 25-22, 25-9 to Durand, finishing fourth.

The Hawks’ Kenna Wubbena and Madison Shaffer were named to the all-tournament team.

Forreston lost 25-13, 25-13 to Erie-Prophetstown to finish 12th.

The Cardinals’ Jaiden Schneiderman was named to the all-tournament team.

Polo def. Pearl City: At Polo, the Lady Marcos battled back for a 21-25, 25-21, 25-16 win over the Wolves.

Polo was led by Bridget Call with 18 kills and 18 digs, Camrynn Jones with 13 assists and nine digs, Courtney Grobe with 21 digs and three kills and Madison Glawe with 18 digs. Ellie Wells added 13 assists for the Lady Marcos.

Scales Mound def. Polo: At Scales Mound, the Lady Marcos fell to the Hornets 25-20, 25-27, 25-15.

Bridget Call led Polo with 10 kills and 12 digs, Madison Glawe tallied 13 digs, Ellie Wells had 12 assists, and

Camrynn Jones chipped in 10 digs and seven assists. Sydnei Rahn totaled six kills, Laynie Mandrell stuffed four blocks and Courtney Grobe added seven digs for the Lady Marcos.

Boys golf

Rock Falls 172, Oregon 177: At Deer Valley Golf Club, the Rockets edged the Hawks in a Big Northern Conference dual meet.

Oregon’s Jackson Messenger was the medalist with a 39. Kylar Early carded a 42, Nole Campos shot a 47 and Logan Sarver chipped in a 49 for the Hawks.

Rock Falls’ Conner Porter shot a 41

for the runner-up finish. Carter Dillon tallied a 42, Brody Van Weelden fired a 44, and Jayce Eriks and Colby Ward added 45s for the Rockets.

Oregon triangular : At Silver Ridge Golf Course, the Hawks won the threeteam event with a 172 score. Rochelle finished second with 194 and North Boone was third with 204.

Oregon’s Dom Terlikowski was the medalist with a 40. Teammate Kylar Early was the runner-up with a 43. Nole Campos (44) and Jackson Messenger (45) also contributed to the 22-stroke win. Logan Sarver (48) and Brogan Wilkinson (49) also competed for the Hawks.

Girls golf

Oregon finishes third at its eight-team tournament: At Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris, Aurora Rosary was the team champion with a 409, Plainfield Central was the runner-up with a 426 and Oregon was the third-place finisher with a 445 Saturday. Polo and Newman

also competed but didn’t have enough players to register a team score.

Oregon’s Aniyah Sarver shot a 101 to finish third overall. Teammate Sarah Eckardt fired a 105 for ninth. Newman’s Ellie Rude carded a 106 to finish 10th. Rosary’s Liv Brennan was the individual champion with a 95, and teammate Viv Ruby was the runner-up with a 98.

Boys soccer

Oregon 4, Rockford Lutheran 0: At Rockford, Gavin Morrow’s hat trick powered the Hawks.

Cruz Hernandez scored the other goal for Oregon. Keaton Salsbury tallied two assists and Brian Wallace chipped in one assist.

Deryk Withers recorded six saves and got the shutout.

The win improved the Hawks to 5-2-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Northern Conference.

See ROUNDUP on page 14

Photos by Earleen Hinton Forreston’s Jaiden Schneiderman spikes against West Carroll at the Oregon High School’s 2023 Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 1 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Polo’s Syndei Rahn (6) and Bridget Call (16) try to block a spike by Pearl City’s Anna Dampman during an Aug. 31 match at Polo High School.

Oregon’s Kenna Wubbena digs the ball against Mendota at the Oregon High School’s 2023 Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 1 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.

Oregon Hawks’ loss to Dixon actually was a ‘win’

Coaches and players may universally dispute it, but there is such a thing as a morale victory.

In a 29-20 loss to Dixon, Oregon’s football team got such a win. Based on previous history between the two programs, enrollment disparity and Dixon’s 28-7 win over Stillman Valley the week before, Oregon was a decisive underdog.

It didn’t play out that way, with the Hawks going toe-to-toe and also not quitting in the second half when it looked like Dixon was going to put the hammer down. This is a different Oregon team than last year, one with more mental toughness.

It also helped that quarterback Jack Washburn got in a groove with his arm. For continued success, Oregon needs both running and passing.

On another positive note, many of the key contributors are juniors. Combined with a solid sophomore group, the Hawks are on the rise.

With a 16-team varsity volleyball tournament, eight-team JV soccer tournament, a junior high and high school cross country meet with 720 runners and the Dixon football game, it was a true sporting extravaganza at Oregon. Name me one school district in the state, regardless of class, that hosts as

Andy Colbert

many events on the same weekend?

The biggest issue appeared to be parking, with so many things overlapping. There were other little glitches such as no concession stand for volleyball on Friday evening.

As a fundraiser, the band handled the concession stand Saturday, but with a home football game to perform at, they could not Friday. That was a shame because concession stands are gold mines when fans show up without eating supper and are looking for subsistence.

However, with the amount of staffing needed to facilitate everything and a general shortage of helpers overall, you can’t have all you want.

In terms of economic impact, I’d be curious to know how much money was spent in the community by visitors. Additionally, what about gate and concessions for football and volleyball?

One of the largest mismatches of the football season is this Friday when Rockford Christian travels to Byron,

which has outscored its first two opponents 141-6. RC has only about 15 kids in their entire program and no business trying to compete in the Big Northern conference.

In fact, they voluntary stepped away from the football part of the BNC in 2018, which had an unwieldy 11 teams at the time, to join a 1A league. When Mendota left the BNC in 2021, Rockford Christian came back to give the BNC an even 10 teams, which helped with scheduling.

Over the years, there has been a bit of consternation among BNC public schools regarding Rockford Lutheran and Rockford Christian. Being a private school in a large metropolitan such as Rockford creates a competitive advantage.

A trend over the years is that RL and RC sports teams are really good or really bad. An example of this was a few years back when Lutheran was putting up 95 points on Dixon in football.

But in this past week’s Byron-Lutheran fresh-soph game, a short-handed Lutheran football team forfeited after the first quarter and trailing by a large margin. Not only did it have to be a letdown for the Byron coaches and players, but also for fans that traveled to

Rockford to watch a game.

The public-private debate has been raging for decades in Illinois and there will never be a solution. Did you know that Lutheran used to be in the NUIC before it began to get too dominant and by mutual consent left the conference.

Would they ever be asked to leave the BNC?

Conferences change all the time. Just look at all the madness in NCAA football.

You could have a scenario in which schools such as Harvard and Marengo, which may have regretted leaving the BNC, ask to rejoin it. Then what?

Have two six-team divisions again or a 10-school public league?

The BNC will continue to be stable provided the four core schools of Byron, Oregon, SV and Winnebago remained united. They have always been the glue that holds it together and have allegiance for one another.

Indeed, they are a shining example of stability for Illinois interscholastics at the conference level.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 30 years.

Rock Falls’ Ariel Hernandez leads way at Oregon

OREGON – Official team scores are not kept at the Oregon Open cross country meet, but it is the first major checkpoint of the season for how individuals stack up, especially with 30 schools present.

Foremost among Sauk Valley runners was Ariel Hernandez of Rock Falls, who finished in a time of 20:02 at Park West, tops among the 122 competitors. Quite an accomplishment for someone who used to hate running and had to be prodded into going out for cross country.

“When I was a freshman, I did hate it,” Hernandez said. “But my brother was a senior on the team last year and asked me to come out. Now I’m liking it and want to thank my coaches.”

In claiming her first-ever win in a major meet, the Rockets junior scorched the field, finishing 22 seconds ahead of second-place Danielle Bower of Kaneland. It also bested her time of 20:08 at the sectional, where the Rockets qualified for the state meet.

“I was told to stick with the pack. But after 500 yards, I took off,” Hernandez.

Rock Falls had a strong showing with its lead pack of Hernandez, senior Hana Ford and sophomore Kat Scott. Ford was sixth in 21:14 and Scott ninth in 21:23.

All three were part of the state-placing 3,200-meter relay at the IHSA state track meet.

Rock Falls’ Ariel Hernandez races to the finish line at the Oregon Open Cross Country Meet on Sept. 2 at Oregon High School. Hernandez finished first in the event in 20:02.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez starts the Oregon Open Cross Country Meet on Sept. 2 at Oregon High School. He placed 47th out of 160 runners in 19:01.

• CROSS COUNTRY

Continued from page 13

Rock Falls would have placed fourth overall with 141 points, just ahead of Erie-Prophetstown at 149 if team scores had been kept. Sherrard would have scored 67 points as the top squad.

E-P got a 12th from freshman Sarah Link (21:47) and 24th from senior Jillian Norman (22:44).

On the boys side, E-P made a claim as a force to be reckoned with among area teams. With seniors Charlie Link claiming fifth in 16:56, Lucas Dreisbach 12th in 17:40 and Jacob Gibson 25th in 18:17, E-P would have been near the top in the team standings with perennial powers Rockford Christian and Riverdale.

“The boys are chomping at the bit,” E-P coach Liz Green said.

Link broke the team record (held by his brother Christopher) for the Ore -

• ROUNDUP

Continued from page 11

Oregon 3, Rockford Christian 0: Leo Cardenas, Keaton Salsbury and Steven Guardado scored one goal each as the Hawks shut out the Royal Lions on Monday at Oregon Park West.

Gavin Morrow, Owen Wynn and Guardado had one assist each. Deryk Withen recorded five saves.

The win improved Oregon to 4-2-1 on the season.

Football

Forreston 18, Dakota 8: Owen Mulder rushed for two touchdowns, and Alex Ryia scored on a 30-yard pick six as the

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Aug. 25-31

Warranty deeds

Shauna K. Gipe to Charlene K. Hereford, 808 S. Congress Ave., Polo, $79,500.

Lloyd Blaine Hicks to Ferrell Kennedy to Newman Family Trust 1, Jeffrey L. and Kelly L. Newman, trustees, 211 Roy Ave., Rochelle, $36,000.

Bryan G. and Cindy L. Peck to Bridget A. Newcomer, 3041 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $290,000.

Aleksandr Ratchkov to Lynette F. and George C. Hallauer, 2446 N. River Road, Oregon, $404,000.

Jaclyn and Jeremy Stroud to Marisol Hernandez and Braulio Munoz Capilla, 159 Harvest Glenn Drive, Davis Junction, $212,000.

Rachel R. Pieper to Chris J. Harnish, Tammy E. Burke and Rachel R. Pieper Legal Life Use, 204 W. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $0.

gon meet by 30 seconds. Considering he is coming off a broken leg and lost a month and half to training this summer, that is an impressive start.

“My motivation is to get the team back to state,” Link said. “Before the sectional last year, I hurt my foot and couldn’t run.”

Green has Link doing more swimming and biking as a means to prevent further injury.

“Obviously, he wants to run, but he’s getting used to it,” Green said.

A side story was the continuing rivalry between Link and Lucas Schaab of Sterling Newman, both TRAC mates. Schaab placed third with a 16:46 clocking.

“He destroyed me in the 1,600 everywhere in track,” Link said.

Schaab was pleased with his finish, as was his coach Pat Warkins.

“He’s come a long way this summer and I was happy to see him pass four to five other runners toward the end of

Cardinals defeated the Indians.

Mulder’s rushing scores came on runs of two and four yards.

Micah Nelson rushed for 56 yards on eight carries, and Kaleb Sanders rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries for Forreston.

Dakota’s Jayden Gordon rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown.

8-Man Football

Polo 50, Orangeville 6: The Polo Marcos took down the Orangeville Broncos on Saturday afternoon in an eightman football game at Orangeville.

Senior quarterback Brock Soltow had a dominant showing, rushing 13 times for 248 yards and four touchdowns, and completing 1 of 2 pass

End Poverty Now Inc. to Yahia Osheba, 805 Timber Trail Drive, Dixon, $2,900. Richard A. and Nancy E. Blume to Yazmin E. Gil De Leyva, 404 S. Eighth St., Oregon, $108,000.

Helen Stamm to Corbin M. Haynes, 5660 N. Brookville Road, Shannon, $292,500.

Daniel and Alleigh Ludwig to Molly M. Johnson, 210 N. Locust Ave., Forreston, $123,000.

Kyle L. Doty to Jon C. Vankirk, 407 Hillcrest Ave., Rochelle, $130,000.

Janice Bates to Next Landscaping Inc., 506 E. Mason St., Polo, $80,000.

Aaron C. Vincer to Daniel and Elizabeth Van Barriger, 2935 W. Lightsville Road, Byron, $250,000.

Jose L. and Maria R. Pinedo to Alejandro Nonato Martinez and Ana Maria Pilar, 229 S. 11th St., Rochelle, $70,000.

Anthony J. Bussan to Lance and Sherri

the race,” Warkins said.

Looking to continue its streak of nine straight trips (excluding the pandemic) downstate, Newman will be relying on

attempts for a 10-yard touchdown to Noah Dewey.

Soltow’s rushing scores came on runs of 36, 6, 57 and 32 yards. Dewey finished with three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. His other touchdown grab was a 35-yarder from Carter Meridan. Meridan finished 2-for-4 passing for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Running back Delo Fernandez racked up 107 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries. His score came on a 51-yard run.

Blake Folgate scored the lone touchdown for Orangeville on a 56-yard, second-quarter run. He finished with 108 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Polo outrushed Orangeville 404 to

Honeyman, 619 Willow Bend Dr., Davis Junction, $280,000.

Jeffrey J. Millburn to Prompt NP Healthcare PLLC, 125 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $30,000.

Antonio Jamal and Jasmine Breann Richardson to Adam Gomez and Nataliya Alexandrovna Bloskavka, 847 N. Fieldcrest Drive, Byron, $195,000.

Betty J. Pierce to Brent Havelka and Angela Corben, 4350 N. Armour Road, Davis Junction, $350,000.

Randall S. and Brenda K. Chesley to Judith Dafins, 5394 S. Mill Pond Road, Rochelle, $250,000.

Paul D. Estrem to Donnalee H. Jaeger, 1004 Sunset Terrace, Rochelle, $150,000.

Fannie Mae, also Federal National Mortgage Assoc., to Carson Buck and Alyson Scheidecker, 501 W. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $203,500.

its usual strength in pack running. Lucas Simpson was 16th in 17:58.

“We have five to six guys dedicated to making it to state,” Schaab said. “It’s looking pretty good this year.”

One advantage for both E-P and Newman is Rock Falls was bumped up to 2A. In the past, those three schools often were on the bubble for the final state berth at the sectional.

The 1A/2A enrollment cutoff is 575 and Rock Falls has one more student than that amount. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but coach Mark Truesdell said the kids are hanging in there and working hard.

“In 1A, we always had a chance. 2A is entirely different,” he said.

Anthony Valdvia was the top finisher for the Rockets in 17:28, good for eighth place. Gunnar Damhoff was 21st in 18:12.

The only other top-25 area finisher was Roscoe Davies of West Carroll, who was 14th in 17:53.

113 and scored 42 points in the first half.

Milledgeville 64, Quest Charter Academy 14: Connor Nye went 7-for-7 passing for 184 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 29 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Missiles past the Gators.

The touchdown passes were a 54-yarder to Konner Johnson, a 45and 32-yarder to Karter Livengood and a 24-yarder to Bryce McKenna. Livengood had three catches for 76 yards.

Milledgeville’s Evan Schenk rushed six times for 50 yards and a touchdown and also threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Wiersema. Micah Toms-Smith returned the opening kickoff 72 yards for a touchdown.

Quit claim deed

Nicolle Zellers to Ronald and Nicolle Daisy, 407 W. Colden St., Polo, $0. Trustees deeds

JB Profit Sharing Trust, Jennifer Bunger, trustee, to Alejo Dominguez and Maria Velasco, 402 N. Third St., Rochelle, $60,000.

Warren E. Ippen Trust, Lonna K. Young, Gay L. Fritz, Edie L. Fowler and Lori S. Bee, trustees, to Edie L. and Bruce K. Fowler, 3773 N. Meridian Road, Davis Junction, $740,000.

Executors deed

Estate of Ann M. Protz, the late Ann M. Protz by executor, to Joseph D. and Eldora M. Dienberg, 102 Harvest Glenn Drive, Davis Junction, $205,000.

Ogle County sheriff and Edward Cummings to Byron Bank, 8446 S. Main St., Rochelle, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Earleen Hinton Oregon’s Ella Dannhorn finishes 36th at the Oregon Open Cross Country Meet on Sept. 2 at Oregon High School. Her time was 23:24.9.

STEVEN P. ANDERSON

Born: December 6, 2023 in Freeport

Died: July 27, 2023 in Freeport

Steven P. Anderson, 62, of Forreston, IL passed away Thursday July 27, 2023 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born December 6, 1960 in Rockford, IL to Don and Pauline (Johnson) Anderson. Steve was retired from Woods Equipment Company in Oregon, IL after 35 years as the lead setup man. He took great pride in his work at Woods Equipment Company. He was an avid fan of the

DAVID WAYNE EHMEN

Born: June 14, 1959 in Rochelle, IL

Died: August 30, 2023 in Rockford, IL

David Wayne Ehmen, 64, of Rockford, IL, passed away on August 30, 2023 at Amberwood Care Center. He was born on June 14, 1959, in Rochelle, IL to William and Avis (Kime) Ehmen.

David had a knack for making people smile and was always ready with a playful tease. His generous spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to all who knew him.

David is survived by his sisters, Nancy (John) Slonneger of Sterling, IL and Laurie (Marshall Dean) Chapman of Eureka, IL. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Ryan) Merema of Princeton, IA, Andrew (Beth Robertson) Slonneger of LeClaire, IA, Chris Ardapple-Ehmen of Morrison, IL, William Slonneger of Davenport, IA, Grace Chapman, and Hope Chapman, both of Eureka, IL, as

HAROLD GARBER

Born: October 26, 1933 in Polo, IL

Died: August 31, 2023 in Dixon, IL

Harold Garber, 89, of Polo, passed away Thursday August 31, 2023, at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Harold was born October 26, 1933, in Maryland Station, rural Polo, the son of Orville and Mabel (Paul) Garber. Harold was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean Conflict. On February 21, 1966 in Sycamore, IL, he married Ms. Mary E. Busser.

After the military he worked for Sterling Steel and Wire and while working there started Garber Pumping Service. Years later in 1975 he started the Big John Portable Toilets with only 2 toilets. He and wife Mary owned and operated the business for over 35

Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed working on his Ford pulling truck and attending truck pulls. Music was important to Steve and he also really enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his daughter Angela (Chris Aden) Anderson of Forreston, IL; granddaughters Lilly Aden and Annie Aden; three brothers Randy (Vikki) Anderson of Forreston, IL, Richard (Dawn) Anderson of Colorado, and Dean Anderson of Freeport, IL; and his dog Opie. Preceding Steve in death are his parents and nephew Rich Anderson. A celebration of life will be held from 11:00

A.M.-3:00 P.M. Saturday September 16th at the Moose Lodge in Mt. Morris, 101 Moose Dr, Mt Morris, IL 61054. A memorial has been established in Steve’s memory.

well as several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, William “Bill” Ehmen Jr., and sister, Kathleen Ehmen.

In his educational journey, David attended Jordan Elementary School, Sterling, IL, then Polo Community Schools, and later graduated from Polo Community High School. David proudly served in the United States Air Force where he honed his welding skills. Throughout his career, David excelled as a welder for several years at Parsons Company in Roanoke, IL, as well as other companies. Later, he also managed Napp Inn in Rock Falls, IL. Additionally, David’s love for farming led him to assist his father in the fields over the years.

In his leisure time, David enjoyed listening to music, spending time with animals (especially dogs and cats), admiring John Deere tractors, and simply having a good time. A small family celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor David’s memory. Donations may be made to the American Lung Foundation.

David will be missed by all who knew him. His infectious laughter and generous spirit will forever be remembered.

years. Harold created “the pond” for family and friends, together they spent many days and nights enjoying the peaceful place he created.

Survivors include daughters Lisa (Andrew Dusing) Clayton of Polo and Debbie (Kirk) Hudson of Dixon; sisters Naomi Miller of Mt. Morris and Dorothy Springer of Polo; grandchildren, Ryan Clayton and Brix Clayton both of Polo, Alyssa (Christopher) McKnight of Dixon and Cody (Alyssah) Gonzalez; 5 Great-Grandchildren; Nieces and Nephews

He is preceded in death by Parents and beloved wife Mary.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Faith United Methodist Church, 702 E. Dixon St., Polo. Visitation will be prior to the service at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be immediately following the service at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Polo.

To send condolences please visit www. polofamilyfuneralhome.com

WILLIS L. WEEGENS

Born: March 8, 1938

Died: July 28, 2023

Willis L. Weegens,  85, of Forreston, IL passed away in Santa Rosa, California, on July 28, 2023.

Will was born March 8, 1938 in Forreston, IL, to Justus and Edna (Schoonhoven) Weegens. He was a devoted husband, loving father and awesome grandfather.

Along with his siblings, Shirley Weegens, Marion (Roy) Hayes, Duane (Margie) Weegens and Robert (Cher) Weegens, he grew up on a beautiful farm and became a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America).  Later in his 20’s, he joined the United States Army and was stationed at West Point and served as a proud MP (Military Police). After the Army, he returned to Illinois and became a dedicated farmer and family man. He was a member of the Haflingers Association of America and he, along with

his wife Karen, raised registered Haflinger horses from Austria.  Eleven years ago, Will and Karen retired to Payson, AZ.

He loved to spend time with his family, friends, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Showing them the ropes of farming along with traveling around to see and visit local/distant site/attractions. He liked tractor pulls, playing softball, basketball, bowling league, attending horse sales and auctions and traveling to visit his dear Amish Friends. Will is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen (Carleton) Weegens and 2 loving daughters,  Michele (Weegens) Gonzalez and Alicia (Jim) Wiebmer.  Seven adoring grandchildren.  Curtis Gonzalez, Victoria Gonzalez, Andrew Gonzalez, Justin (Julie) Schneider, Steven Wiebmer,  Neal (Josie) Wiebmer,  and Valerie Wiebmer. Two great grandchildren,  Dorian (Curtis) Gonzalez and Luke (Valerie) Eisert and an other blessing arriving early 2024.

Funeral services & internment will be held on September 29, 2023, at the Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Lodi, California at 11:30 a.m. Military honors present. His fabulous smile, laughter and outstanding character will be remembered by all who knew and loved him dearly.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

‘Church Basement Ladies’ opens at TLP on Sept. 8

MOUNT CARROLL – In rural Minnesota in 1965, the ladies of the local church fortify their flock with love, wisdom and, of course, the food they prepare in the church’s basement kitchen.

Inspired by the best-selling book “Growing Up Lutheran,” “Church Basement Ladies” mixes original music, endearing characters and side[dish]-splitting scenes to yield a deliciously funny musical comedy that opens Friday, Sept. 8.

The comedy, centered in a rural Minnesota church, features characters seemingly every churchgoer knows: the ladies who faithfully labor in the church kitchen among the casseroles and cast iron. While serving meals for weddings, funerals and fundraisers, they also solve problems, debate recipes and offer a big dollop of laughter.

“Church Basement Ladies,” a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church.

From the elderly matriarch of the

kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see

them handle a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter fundraiser and a steaming hot July wedding.

They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young and keep the pastor on course while thoroughly enjoying (and tolerating) one another.

The cast of “Church Basement Ladies” features Judi Mann (Mavis), Carrie Neal (Karin), Marcia Sattelberg (Vivian), Lydia Prior (Signe) and C.J. Langdon (Pastor E. L. Gunderson).

“Church Basement Ladies” was written by Jim Stowell and Jessica Zuehlke, with music and lyrics by Drew Jansen. The show is directed by Courtney Crouse, with choreography by Dawn Trautman and music direction from Oliver Townsend. The creative team includes Dan Danielowski (set and lighting designer), Tammy Long (costume designer), Dillon Allen (sound designer), Jeff Creath (prop designer) and Lydia Krause (production stage manager).

The show runs Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 13-17.

Information and tickets for Timber Lake Playhouse events are available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse. org or by calling the box office at 815244-2035. The box office is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on show days until intermission.

Bad Ash Cigars

of Oregon Ribbon Cutting

Oregon, IL celebrated a grand opening on Saturday, August 5th at Bad Ash Cigars now located in downtown Oregon at 110 N 4th St Oregon, IL. Visitors enjoyed fine cigars while touring the newly renovated lounge and getting a sneak peek at Ogle County Brewery’s new distribution center in the same building behind the lounge.

Owners Barry Skinner, Joshua Skinner, Brian Wynn, family, friends, and City Officials were in attendance.

‘We’d like to thank everyone who stopped in today to show their support. We look forward to several upcoming occasions to get together.’ Bad Ash Cigars is open seven days a week MondaySaturday 10:00am-8:00pm and Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm.

Photo provided by Dan Danielowski, Timber Lake Playhouse Marcia Sattelberg and Carrie Neal rehearse a scene in the Timber Lake Playhouse production of “Church Basement Ladies,” which opens Friday, Sept. 8.

CLASSIFIED

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

We exist to provide gravity-flow storage solutions that save our customers space, time, energy, and money

We accomplish this by doing the right things, all the time, for our company, employees, and custom ers.

Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

This position exists to lead the manufacturing efforts of two (2) production fac ilities in order to meet customer requirements for quality and delivery.

In addition, it exists to maintain and enhance the facilities and equipment in order to meet Mallard's production schedule and Strategic Plan

Maj or Outco mes / Responsib ilities:

ensures the highest-quality pro duct is manufactured and delivered by leading the optimization of eng ineering and production efforts ensures on-tim e delivery of customer orders by leading the optimization of process flow ensures highest labor efficiency and lowest labor cost through active involvem ent in recruiting, training, scheduling and productivity ensures a continuous improvement culture thrives at Mallard by leading and implementing a mindset of “How can we do this better?”

Ed ucation / Qualifications / Skills / Exp erience:

Bachelor's in Engineering: Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related

Oper ational Experience: 8-10 yrs in m anufacturing (fabrication and assembly)

Equipm ent Experience: 3-5 yrs in operations which includes lasers, press brakes, robotic welding, and assembly automation

Technical Management E xperience: 3-5 yrs at a plant manager or manufacturing engineering manager level

We're 200 employees strong and growing . . . Come join our team!

Our Benefits include: 401(k); Dental insurance; Health insuranc e; Disability insurance; Paid time off

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.com

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

IT SYSTEMS MANAGER

We exist to provide gravity-flow storage solutions that save our customers space, time, energy, and money We accomplish this by doing the right things, all the time, for our company, employees, and custom ers.

Mallard Manufacturing in Sterlin g

This position exists to provide outstanding IT infrastructure support - hardware, software, network and phone systems - to our Mallard team. This will be accomplished by ensuring all IT systems remain operational and reliable. In addition, this position exists to continually evaluate emerging technologies to prepare Mallard IT Systems for the future - scalability, reliability, sophis tication, and security.

Maj or Outco mes / Resp onsibilities: optimize and maintain 99.99% relia bility of Mallard's computer network and tech services maintain an expert k nowledge of IT best practices, technologies, policies, and regulations optimize technologies to maximize information / company security ensure a continuous im provem ent culture by actively seek ing and implem enting enhancements to processes, procedures, hardware and software.

Ed ucation / Qualific atio ns / Skills / Experience:

Education - Degree or Certification in an IT/Computer Science field Experience - 3-5 years in IT syste ms/networking

Experience in implementing, configuring, and testing IT solutions

Strong planning and organizational skills

Outstanding communication skills - including wr iting, speak ing and active listening

Strong creative and analytical think ing

Outstanding customer service, synergy, and team skills

We're 200 employees strong and growing . . . Come join our team!

Our Benefits include: 401(k); Dental insurance; Health insuranc e; Disability insurance; Paid time off

Email resume to: hiring@mallardmfg.com

Part Time Farm Truck and/or Tractor Drivers needed for Fal l Harvest Flexible hours. Experience req. 815-499-0463

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, and anti ques 24/7 779-245-2950

Dixo n Square Apts . 1540 Freedom Walk 815-284-3409 Wait List Ope n Su bsidized Housing currently accepting appl ications for 1 & 2BR Apts

1507 Ave J Fri. - Sat. 8a-5p

Lots of tools, wrenches, socket sets, screw drivers, scroll saw, 9" angle grinder, fieldpi ece clamp meter, new bird feed ers, small patio table and cha irs, electric ice cream/yogurt maker, cast iron pans, lots of kitchen items, small c art, legos, clothing, lots of misc items, humidifier and dehumidifier.

Buil ding for lease: apx., 4200 sq. ft., laydown area apx 2 acre s, (2) 12'x 14' OHD shop area & office 815-535-3282

EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk. 815-626-8790

En rollmen t Management Specialist

Assist & gui de public & Colleg e staff w/ verification of enrollment management process. High school or GE D with 3-5 yrs of customer service required; associate's preferred.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1733

Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist

Bachelor's in education or related, 3 yrs in an educational setting; computer skills, excellent written/oral communication skills required.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1783

Adjunc t Faculty, C NA

Current license as RN (or eligibility for license) in IL, two (2) years of experience, Train the Trainer, & an appr oved evaluator certification or MSN & approved evaluator certification required.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1702

Adjunc t Faculty, Geography

Masters in Geography or 18 gr aduate credit hrs in Geography required

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1700

Assist ant Softball Coach

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1699

Sauk Valley Community College

Attn: Human Resources

173 Illinois Route 2 Dixon, I L 61021 EOE e-mail: employment@svcc.edu

DARREN EPARTMENT OF TATE OF NON-RECORD

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ORDINANCE NO. 2023-05

AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND AUTHORIZING A COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DECENNIAL CO MMITTEES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY ACT

WHEREAS, the Polo Fire Prote ction District (the "District") is a fire prot ection district d uly organized under the law s of the St ate of Illinois (70 ILCS 705/1); and

WHEREAS , the Board of Trustees of the District (the "Board") has full power pursuant to Section 6 of the Illinois Fire Protection District Act (70 ILCS 705/6) to pass all necessary ordinances, and rules and regulations for the proper managemen t and conduct of the business of the Board for carrying into effect the objec ts for which the District was formed; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Decennial Committees on Local Government Effi cienc y Act (the "Act"; P.A. 102-10 88; 50 ILCS 70/1 et seq.) requiring all units of local government that may lev y any tax, with the exception of counties and municipalities, to establish committees by June 10, 2023 and at least once every ten (10) years therea fter, to study local efficiencies and report recommenda tions to the county in which the governmenta l unit is located; and

WHEREA S, Sec tion 10 of the Act (50 ILCS 70/10) requires that the committee be comprised of the elected or appointed members of the governing board of the governmental unit, at least two (2) residents of the governmental uni t who are appointed by the chair of the board with the advice and consent of the board, any chief executiv e officer or other officer of the governmental unit, and any additional members appointed by the chairperson of the commi ttee as he or she deems appropriate; and

WHEREAS, the committee shall file a written report which summarizes its findings and includes recommendations in respect to increased accountability and efficiency with the county board in which the governmental unit is locat ed no late r than 18 months after the formation of the commi ttee; and

WHEREAS, the Presid ent of the B oard of Trustees, with the advice and cons ent of the remainder of the Board, has autho rization to appoint two reside nts as committee member s pursuant to 50 ILCS 70/10, as set forth in Exhi bit A to this Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Ac t, the Board is authorized and required to create a committee for the purpose of studying t he District's accountability and efficiency; and

WHEREAS , it is the opinion of the Board of Trustee s of the Polo Fire Protection District that it is in the best interests of the health, welfare and safety of the District to create a committee for the purposes set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, in open mee ting assembled, by the Board of Trustees of the Polo Fire Protection District, Lee , Ogle, Carroll and Whiteside Counties, Illinois, as follows:

Section One - Recitals

The Board of Trustees hereby finds that all of the recitals hereinbefore stated as containe d in the preamble to this ordinance are full, true and correct and do hereby, by reference, incorporate and make them part of this ordinance as legislative fin dings.

Section Two - Creati on of Committee

The Board of Trustees of the Polo Fire Protection District hereby creates the Decennial Committee on Local Government Efficiency (hereinafter, the "Commi ttee") which shall consist of those members listed in Ex hibit A on this date: May 15, 2023.

Section Three - Mi ss ion , Duties and Responsibi lities

The Committee shall perfo rm the requirements as set forth in the Act which shall include but not be limited to the following:

• Study the governmental unit's governing statu tes, ordinances, rules, procedures, powers , jurisdiction, shared services, intergovernmental agreements and interrelationships with other governmental units and the State.

• Collect data, research and analysis to assist in the prepar ation of the report as required herein.

• Conduct at least t hree (3) public mee tings. Said meetings may be run during the District's regularly sched uled Board of Trustees meet ings, but separate notice of the Committee meet ing must be giv en in conformance with the Open Meetings Act, a majority of Committee members mus t be present, and the committee meet ing must be listed on the regul ar meet ing's agenda.

• Upon c onclus ion of each public meeting the Committee shall conduct a survey of all residents in attendance at the pub lic meet ing, soliciting input on the meet ing a genda and related discussion topics.

• Prepare and submit a written report to the County Board of Lee, Ogle, Carroll and Whites ide Counties within 18 months from the date of the creation of th e Committee which shall set forth recommendations for the increased account ability and efficiency of the District. The Committee shall automatical ly be dissolved upon the submittal of the required report to the County Board.

Section Four - Meeting Dates and Time

The Decennial Committee on Local Government Efficiency shall hold three (3) manda tory and required meetings on the dates and times listed in Ex hibit B The Committee shall publ ish a public notice and meeting agenda as required by the Open Meetings Act. The Committee at its sole discret ion may elect to meet on additional dates as it deems necessary provided that the Committee publishes the meet ing date and times pursu ant to the Open Meetin gs Act

Section Five - Authorization of Expenditures

The Board of Trustees hereby authorizes and directs the expenditure of all costs related to and required by the Committee, additionally, the District is authorized and direct ed to allocate and spend a ll necessary funds to fulfill the requirements of this ordinance.

Section Six - Effective Date

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law

Section Seven - Conflict Clause

All ordinances , parts of ordinances or board act ions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

ADOPTED this 15th day of May, 2023, by a roll call vote as follows: AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0

ATTEST:

Ken Yingling, Secretary, Board of Trustees

Polo Fire Protec t D istrict

Dustin Finkle , President, Board of Trustees Polo Fire Protection District

ORDINANCE NO. 2023 - 05

AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND AUTHORIZING A COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DECENNIAL CO MMITTEES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY ACT

EXHIBIT A - DECENNIAL COMMITTEE ON LOCA L GOVERNMENT E FFICIENCY MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER NAME & MEMBER TITLE: Dustin Finkle, Board President; John Hopkin s, Board Vice President; Charles Clothier, Treasurer; Ken Yingling, Sec retary; Ste ve Sheaffer, Trustee; James Ports, Fire Chief; Craig Baul ing, Citizen; Wade Corbit, Citizen

ORDINANCE NO. 2023 - 05

AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND AUTHORIZING A COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DECENNIAL COMMITTEES ON LOCAL G OVERNMENT EFFICIENC Y ACT

EXHIBIT B – DECENNIAL committee ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY MEETING DATES AND

Note: Meeting dates are subject to change with prope r notice provided as set fo rth in the Illinois Ope n Meeti ngs Act.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

COUNTY OF OGLE

SE CRETARY'S CERTIFICATE

1, Kenneth Yingling, the duly qualified Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Polo Fire Prote ction District, Lee, Ogle, Carroll and Whites ide Counties, Illinois, do hereby certify that the attached hereto is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance entitled :

ORDINANCE NO. 2023 - 05

AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND AUTHORIZING A COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DECENNIAL CO MMITTEES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY ACT

which Ordinance was adopted by the Board of Trustees of th e Polo Fire Prote ction District at a meeting held on May 15, 2023. I do furthe r certi fy that a quorum of said Board was present in person at said meeting, or by electronic means at said meeting, and that the Board complied with all requirements of the Illinois Open Meetings Act

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have her eunto set my hand this`15th day of My, 2023.

Ken Yingling, Secretary, Board of Trustees

Polo Fire Protec tion District