Polo_Tri-County_Press-11-19-2021

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS VOLUME 163 NO. 36 • SERVING THE POLO AREA SINCE 1857

Friday, November 19, 2021 • $1.00

COUNTY NEWS

Motion Argued

Defense attorney questions police tactics in double-murder case. / 3

SCHOOL NEWS

ON TO STATE

Public Hearing

Oregon school administrators share details on plan to close DLR. / 14

County Board Taxpayers should see a decrease in their real estate tax bills next year. / 6

John Lovretta/For Shaw Media

Polo quarterback Tyler Merdian (8) runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Marcos’ 8-Man semifinal playoff game against West Central on Saturday, Nov. 13, in Biggsville. Story on page 9.

One section • 24 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 6 Colbert Column ...... 11 County Board ........... 6

Court News .............. 3 Classifieds ........20-24 Library News ............ 2

Property Transfers..18 Sheriff Activity........18 Sports....................9-11

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Amy Faber Beard, Susan Elizabeth Blackburn, Rose Marie Thomas, Irene E. Peterson, Donald Charles Price, William “Bill” White, Pages 12-13

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS LOCAL NEWS POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS Donated coats distributed in Polo The GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club distributed TRI-COUNTY PRESS

Tri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

TRI-COUNTY BEAT

2

oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County. Singlecopy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 1-866-979-1053 Monday-Friday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com.

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

CLASSIFIED SALES 815-220-6942 apicco@shawmedia.com OBITUARIES 815-632-2534 phartman@shawmedia.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com

donated coats on Nov. 6 at Crossroads Community Church in Polo.

Remaining coats are available for pickup Monday through Friday, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 103 E. Oregon St. in Polo until the end of November. Pickup is not available on Nov. 25 or 26. For any questions, contact GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club President Beth Green at 815-299-1416.

Come December, any remaining coats will be distributed to organizations which freely give them to the community.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the community for their generosity and support,” Green said.

“We hope to continue this event yearly.”

Polo Library Closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 & Friday, Nov. 2 for Thanksgiving Holiday We will be open on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and resume normal hours on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Be sure to stop by and pick up any books or movies for the holiday weekend!

Mark your calendar for Polo’s 3rd Annual Christmas Festival - Saturday, Dec. 4 Children’s Stories and Grab & Go Craft - Join Ms. Melanie at the Library from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for story readings on each half hour and grab & go craft bags while supplies last!

PINE CREEK NEWS

News Alexa Zoellner 815-632-2590 azoellner@shawmedia.com

The first two weeks of November have given us nearly every kind of weather. As they do every year, our farmers are facing challenges with the harvest. We know that God is faithful and will see us through every challenge we face. For this and every day, we thank Him. Last week in church, we were greeted by Bob Toms. Pastor Suzanne Hall Stout led the service remembering All Saint’s Day. Suzanne shared a children’s message with Amelia Pfundstein, daughter of Katie and Cliff Pfundstein.

This week in church, we were greeted

by Judy Riffle. Our special music was the song, “Burdens” from our guest, Doug Knapp. Pastor Suzanne gave the message for the morning. She gave a children’s message to our young friends, Amelia, Laura, and Harper.

On the first Tuesday of November, I attended the regular meeting of our PEO Chapter DW at the home of Maggie Henning. Linda Poole gave an informative program and helped by co-hosting the evening.

Also attending the meeting from Pine Creek were Lisa Coffman, Beverly Coffman, and Vicki Hay. While the group was small, we were excited to share in the company of our sisters and to hear all the ways

The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media.

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

Oregon Republican Reporter.

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

Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to TRI-COUNTY PRESS, 113 N. Franklin, Polo, IL 61064.

Phone 815-732-6166, ext. 2516.

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2021

Photo provided by Beth Green

POLO LIBRARY

General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com

Advertising Sales Patty Bridgeman 815-632-2555 pbridgeman@ shawmedia.com

The GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club distributed donated coats on Nov. 6 at Crossroads Community Church in Polo.

BY KAREN MERLAK

Hygge in a Bag - Swing by the Library from 4-8pm and pick up your own “Hygge in a Bag”, a kit designed to help you experience the Danish tradition of hygge (pronounced “who-guh”) this winter season! Bags are available, one per person (for ages 18 and up) while supplies last.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides - Line up at the Polo Library Pavilion from 5-8 p.m. for a winter horsedrawn wagon ride! This activity will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy some treats and hot cocoa, provided by the Polo Woman’s Garden Club & Polo Evening Women’s Club, and visit with friends and neighbors while you wait. Local

Barbershop Quartet, Spontaneous Combustion, will be providing music from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Pavilion during the wagon rides!

For a full list of events, visit Facebook.com/ PoloChristmasFestival Rock River Center Senior Information Fourth Wednesday of each month - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Call 815-732-3252 or 800-541-5479 to make an appointment Questions?

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815-946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary.org

PEO helps women with their education.

The first Saturday of the month is reserved for the men’s breakfast. This month was hosted by Don Hay. In attendanc e were Ja mes Hop k ins, Past or Suzanne and her husband, Mark, John Engel, Ron Baker, and Dave Burright who shared in great food and great friendship.

The second Saturday is when the women meet for breakfast. This month was hosted

by Sandra Ford. We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast and wonderful fellowship.

Attending this month were Pastor Suzanne, Sheryl Hopkins, Vicki Hay, Martha Johannsen, Elizabeth Elliot, and Marge Hammes.

The last two weekends have been filled with trips to meals out with friends and lots of craft shows. There are many talented crafters in our area. I certainly appreciate all the hard work that goes into making a craft display.

Living in this modern world brings many modern problems. A couple months ago, I purchased a new modem and router for my home. I knew the old one was near the end of its life. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to change it.

I had a little trouble with the set-up and called the internet provider for help. After a couple hours of trying to get it to work, I gave up and went back to the old equip-

ment. This weekend, my old modem quit working and I had to change it.

I took a deep breath and started working on setting and connecting the equipment myself. The first attempt failed. I decided to recheck the codes on the modem. I had a number wrong in the code. I made the correction and set everything up in a matter of minutes.

So many times I have tried to fix things on my own with nothing but frustration to show for my effort. Only when I turn to God for help does it start to work out. God’s help may fix the problem or it may fix me, but He is still the solution.

When we give up on fixing it ourselves, we can turn to God. He is here for all of us.

We only need to call on Him. Day or night, He is ready to hear our prayers. It feels good to know that we are loved by God and He will help and guide us through any problem.

I hope to see you next week at our church in the country. We gladly welcome you and your family to a time of worship.

Come sing and pray with us each week in person or Facebook live.

(Karen Merlak lives in Polo and is a member of the Pine Creek Christian Church)

COURT UPDATE

Defense questions police tactics to obtain search warrant

By KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Based on information included in a deputy’s sworn affidavit, the evidence against Duane C. Meyer, accused of killing his ex-wife and their 3-year-old son, seems to appear pretty solid.

Some – or all – of that evidence, which is coming to light in public court documents, however, could evaporate if the defense successfully argues that investigators lied to get it.

Defense attorney Christopher DeRango filed a motion Monday in Ogle County Court seeking a Franks hearing in which a judge would decide whether a law enforcement officer knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, used false information to obtain a search warrant.

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Meyer, 39, is in Ogle County jail on $10 million bond, 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 the Oct. 9, 2016, house fire in which Maggie Meyer, 31, was found dead and their son, Amos Meyer, died.

Maggie’s body was found on a couch on the first floor, while Amos, whom Duane Meyer pulled from the burning home and tried to resuscitate on the front lawn, was pronounced dead a short time later at a Rockford hospital.

At the heart of the issue is the fivepage affidavit from Ogle County Deputy Chad Gallick on Oct. 28, 2016, to Ogle County Judge Robert Hanson, to support investigators’ assertion that they had probable cause to search Meyer’s phone.

Hanson approved a search warrant based on the affidavit.

According to the affidavit

Maggie Meyer’s body was found about 7 a.m. Oct. 19, 2016, lying on the couch in her burning home at 2020 Silverthorn Drive in Byron. A state fire marshal’s dog indicated accelerant in the living

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room, the kitchen and both bedrooms.

Duane Meyer said he arrived at the house about 6:30 a.m. to pick up Amos, saw the smoke, tried to find Amos and Maggie but couldn’t get through the thick smoke and went back outside.

He said he entered the house a second time and tried to get up the stairs, but again was turned back by smoke.

Meyer called 911, then went back in again, this time with a T-shirt around his face, retrieved Amos from his upstairs bedroom and brought him outside. The boy later died at a Rockford hospital.

An Oct. 20 autopsy found no soot in Maggie’s lungs or windpipe – she was dead before the fire began, forensic pathologist Dr. Mark Peters said.

Her death was not the result of natural causes, he said.

In a second autopsy done five days later, Dr. Hilary McElligott also found discoloration to the skin around Maggie’s neck, and bruises on her back.

Because of the court proceedings, the cause of her death has not been released.

According to a witness, a maroon vehicle, which she said was an SUV, was parked behind Maggie’s house the night

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

Byron double-homicide trial deepens

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

• HOMICIDE TRIAL

Continued from page 3 identified it as the vehicle she saw.

Blood was found on a paver in a brick walkway and on a large rock in the backyard, near where the vehicle was parked.

A bloody “round, ball-type” earring was found inside the truck, on the driver’s side floorboard, between the door and the seat.

The blood on the paver and the earring was Maggie’s, DNA tests revealed.

The blood on the rock came from a woman and couldn’t be ruled out as Maggie’s.

Another “round, ball-type” earring was found in the fire rubble in the basement, “directly below where the fire started” in the living room.

The data on Meyer’s phone – which was obtained from Verizon two days after the fire in an exigent circumstances request, without a normal warrant – showed that it was hitting off the cell tower on Barker Road in Byron from 5 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 18.

After that, it was sending a signal to the cell tower on East Hales Corner Road in Stillman Valley.

At 11 a.m. the next day, on Oct. 19, a detective spoke to Meyer at his parents’ house on East Hales Corner Road in Byron. Meyer told the detective that he was at his family’s farm in Chana until 11 a.m. on Oct. 18, then went to his home in Stillman Valley. He said he left around 5 p.m. to go bow-hunting on the farm.

He was in Chana until about 9 p.m., then went back to his Stillman Valley home, were he stayed until about 6 a.m. the next morning, when he left to pick up Amos.

Chana is outside the Barker Road tower coverage area.

At the request of the state fire marshal investigator, the detective also told Meyer he needed his clothing; Meyer said it was in the washing machine at his Stillman Valley home.

Defense’s court motion

“The affiant for the warrant (Gallick) materially misrepresented the facts in three critical instances within his affidavit to the issuing judge,” DeRango said in his motion seeking a Franks hearing.

One: Despite the implication drawn by the wording in the affidavit, there’s no indication the two ball earrings are a pair, or that the earring found in the basement, which was damaged by the fire, even was a balltype earring,” according to the motion.

“The item ... purported to be a round ball-type earring could much more accurately be described as a blob of unidentified, possibly metallic material, embedded in a larger blob of unidentified material, possibly concrete.

The item possesses no visible characteristics of a round ball-type earring ... it has no post, backing, mounting or marking of any kind.”

The affidavit does not mention that an “indisputable earring” found adjacent to the couch “was not in any respect similar” to the one found in the truck, the motion says.

By trying to make it look like the earrings found in the truck and in the fire rubble were obviously similar, “the affidavit was deliberately false and misleading,” it says.

Two: The motion also argues that in his notes regarding their Oct. 26 interview, Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Brian Ketter wrote that the witness said she saw an SUV parked near the rear of the Silverthorn home the night before the fire, that she saw only the front of the vehicle, and that she identified it as Meyer’s pickup after he showed her a photo of the truck.

Given the direction her vehicle was traveling, however, she would have had an unobstructed view, in daylight, of the vehicle, and the affidavit fails to mention

Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten (left) and State’s Attorney Mike Rock listen to court proceedings during a hearing earlier this year. that her husband, who was driving, described the vehicle as a red sedan, DeRango said in his motion.

The affiant “was intentionally misleading the magistrate as to the reliability of [the witness’] ability to later identify the vehicle in question as belonging to the defendant, thereby attempting to place him at the scene prior to the discovery of the fire,” the motion says.

Three: The defense also argues that the distance from Chana to the Barker Road cell tower is less than 11 miles, “and there is no credible authority to support the proposition that 11 miles is outside the range of a properly functioning cellphone.”

“By including the false assertion that the defendant’s claimed location was impossible because it was ‘outside the tower coverage area’ for the tower which they allege his cellphone was ‘hitting off of,’ the affiant intentionally mislead the issuing magistrate by falsely swearing that the defendant must have lied about his whereabouts at and around the time leading up to the fire.”

State’s Attorney Mike Rock, who has until Dec. 3 to respond to DeRango’s motion for a Franks hearing, declined to comment Wednesday ahead of its filing.

If Ogle County Court Judge Ben Roe agrees that investigators intentionally mislead Hanson to obtain the search warrant, he could reject some or all of its results.

The motion was filed Monday during a hearing on whether the cellphone information used in the affidavit was itself unlawfully obtained.

DeRango is calling into question the method Illinois State Police Special Agent Nate Macklin used to obtain Meyer’s cellphone records: Macklin submitted his request directly to Verizon — via an “emergency situation disclosure” form — on Oct. 20, without obtaining a warrant signed by a judge.

Under federal law, Verizon, or any other cellphone carrier, is authorized to make its own decision whether exigent circumstances exist and phone records can be released sans warrant.

The form asks: “Does this request potentially involve the danger of death or serious injury to a person, necessitating the immediate release of information relating to that emergency?”

It is only under those specific circumstances that the law allows those records to be released.

Macklin marked an X in the “yes” box. He requested subscriber information, location information, incoming and outgoing calls and text messages, including times, dates, and the associated phone numbers, and the phone’s internet activity.

That X was not accurate DeRango said. There was no

Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Duane C. Meyer is in Ogle County jail on $10 million bond, 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 the Oct. 9, 2016, house fire in which Maggie Meyer, 31, was found dead and their 3-year-old son, Amos Meyer, died. immediate threat of death or physical harm to anyone, DeRango said. Maggie and Amos already were dead, and there was nothing to indicate anyone else was in danger, he argued.

“Law enforcement used [the emergency disclosure] as an end-run to illegally access the defendant’s cellphone so that they could use the information gained in an effort to later meet the normal warrant requirements,” DeRango said.

Prosecutors stand behind Macklin’s use of the emergency situation disclosure form, citing the legal authority Verizon has to release records if it decides an emergency exists, and case law it says supports Macklin going directly to the carrier.

At the time Macklin’s request was made, exigent circumstances did exist, the prosecution said.

“It would be logical for the police to fear that if the defendant were the suspect, that people could also be in danger, such as his own family, like Maggie Meyer’s family, Maggie Meyer’s boyfriend ... and even the defendant’s girlfriend ...” Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Monday.

“It would also be logical for the police to believe that if the defendant were not the perpetrator, then other citizens would be at risk and therefore it would be imperative to determine if the defendant was a suspect.”

In addition, “Detective Gallick had a good-faith belief that the warrant he obtained was valid because his search warrant relied on the exigent circumstances records that he reasonably believed were lawfully obtained by Agent Macklin.”

Rango has filed a motion to quash Gallick’s search warrant and suppress any evidence obtained as a result.

A hearing on the motion to suppress depends on Roe’s ruling on whether the Verizon records were lawfully obtained.

That ruling is expected Dec. 6.

5

IN THEIR MEMORY

The GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club crafted and placed a remembrance wreath on the “Cross of the Unknown” at Fairmont Cemetery in Polo on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m.

Women’s Club members, as well as Patrick Fegan Post No. 83 American Legion members, were present.

American Legion Post No. 83 Commander Marddi Rahn gave a statement explaining that 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

She gave a brief history of the tomb and read a befitting prayer honoring our lost servicemen and women whose remains have not returned home.

Photo provided by Beth Green

The GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club crafted and placed a remembrance wreath on the “Cross of the Unknown” in Fairmont Cemetery in Polo on Nov. 9. Left to right are Sheila Dean; VFW Commander Max Snook; James Reynolds; Mike Scholl; Richard Jacks; Pat Kuhn; Cynthia Reynolds; Mary Cimino; and American Legion Post No. 83 Commander Marddi Rahn. Dean, Kuhn and Cimino are members of the GFWC Illinois Polo Women’s Club.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

Remembrance wreath placed on ‘Cross of the Unknown’ at Polo cemetery

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

OGLE COUNTY BOARD

Lower tax rate for county residents approved Taxpayers can expect a 1.6-cent reduction per $100 EAV on next year’s tax bills

BY ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com OREGON — Ogle County taxpayers can expect slightly lower property tax bills next year.

Ogle County Board members on Nov. 16 voted unanimously to approve a property tax rate of 73.2 cents per $100 equalized assessed value for fiscal year

2022. That’s a roughly 1.6-cent decrease from the 2021 rate, which was 74.8 cents.

“Everybody seems to be happy with what we came up with,” Finance Committee Chairperson Greg Sparrow said after the meeting. “I’m looking forward to a good year.”

Ogle County’s equalized assessed value — one-third of the value of all the property in the county — rose to $1,765,481,391.

Because of that rise, the county will generate more revenue, even as the property tax rate goes down, Sparrow said during the county’s Oct. 25 budget hearing.

The 2022 property tax levy is

$12,920,915. That’s an increase of $88,285 over the amount levied for 2021 taxes.

Appropriations to more than 80 funds total $62,169,323, which includes the roughly $12.9 million property tax.

“The budget [fiscal year] starts Dec. 1, which makes it a little difficult,” Sparrow said of preparing the budget. “You never know exactly what your revenues are doing. You know what your expenses are doing, but not what your revenues are doing.”

Some of the funds that will receive part of their revenue from property tax levy dollars include the General Fund ($4.76 million of levy); Insurance - Hospital and Medical Fund ($4.2 million);

County Highway Fund ($1.75 million); IMRF Fund ($1.6 million); 911 Emergency Fund ($1,531,000); Mental Health Fund ($1,009,750); Social Security Fund ($900,000); County Bridge Fund ($875,000); and the Federal Aid Matching Fund ($875,000).

The full Ogle County budget for fiscal year 2022 is available at www.OgleCounty.org under the “Agendas & Minutes” (County Board) tab.

In the Nov. 12 edition of the Ogle County Newspapers publications, the 2022 property tax rate was incorrectly stated as 73.2 cents per $1,000 equalized assessed value. The rate is 73.2 cents per $100 equalized assessed value.

Ogle County Board OKs pay increases for members

BY ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com OREGON – Ogle County Board members approved salary increases for whoever sits in their chairs after the November 2022 election.

“Those numbers, they’re not the highest, they’re not the lowest in the area,” board member John “Skip” Kenney said. “We used UCCI [United Counties Council of Illinois] as a guide and we came up with something we feel is quite fair, quite workable.”

Kenney chairs the county Personnel and Salary Committee, which set forth the proposal for the salary increases.

The county board chairperson will make $25,000 annually, plus mileage.

The county board vice chairperson will make $15,000 a year, plus mileage.

Neither will receive additional compensation for attending any meetings.

Regular county board members will be paid the following for meetings: Committee chairperson: $100 a meeting, plus mileage; Committee vice chairperson: $75 a meeting, plus mileage; Regular committee member: $70 a meeting, plus mileage; No pay for missed meetings.

The mileage rate set by the Internal Revenue Service is 56 cents a mile.

If the county board decides to hire a county administrator, then the county board chairperson’s salary would be reduced to $15,000 and the county board vice chairperson’s salary to $5,000 at the start of their next terms.

“Up to this point, if you didn’t make your meetings, you were entitled to be paid for three [meetings],” Kenney told fellow board members. “That no longer is in this package. You’re paid to be here and to do your job, and if you’re unable to be here and do your job, you will not be compensated.”

The new salaries – which were passed on a 16-3 vote – go into effect Dec. 1, 2022, which is the start of fiscal

2023. The terms of all current county board members end Nov. 30, 2022.

Board members Zachary Oltmanns, Dean Fox and Lyle Hopkins voted no.

Board Chairperson John Finfrock and board members Rick Fritz, Marcia Heuer, Wayne Reising and Thomas Smith were absent.

County board members currently make at least $1,800 a year – $150 a month for up to three meetings and an additional $50 per diem for any subsequent meetings in a month. The county board chairperson currently makes at least $4,800 a year. That rate was set May 15, 2001, according to the Ogle County Board rules of order.

LOCAL HISTORY

Christmas party for historical society set for Dec. 1

T

hings are shaping up and everyone is busy. At church we have had several events where we have gathered in the basement for a meal and it is so nice to be back together again.

There is something about seeing each other and visiting.

Several Polo Historical Society people ate together at our ham loaf supper and someone commented on how we used to have meetings every month.

Then we did not have anything for so long so we have missed being together.

We are all looking forward to Christmas when all our families will be together again.

Our Christmas party for Polo Historical Society will be Wednesday Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. Drinks will be furnished.

POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf Come and see what changes have taken place in the museum. We will not have a program but we will bring you up to date on what is going on now and in the future. You are welcome to join the Polo Historical Society anytime.

We have been busy hanging pictures, Native American wall hangings, and decorating for the holidays. Ted got our ceilings painted and the first thing that went up over the windows was Dale Blough’s woven Native American wall hanging. Looked perfect.

Then we raised Ned Parrett’s paint-

ing of “The Eternal Indian” high up next to the ceiling. Some call it “Black Hawk” but it really is not. It is a really large painting and looked fine high up in the air. Then the rare map that has been framed went under it and that was perfect.

What should go next? Joe Bleistein came in with another of Ned’s paintings that most of us had never seen before. It was a Native American on a horse that is so very lovely. We decided that would go next on another wall where the display case is. Everything is in close proximity to each other and that painting was in the perfect spot. Ned had painted that especially for Joe. Now, what should go under it? The first time I saw Dale’s collection, I was captivated by a picture Dale had made of flakes from Native American arrowheads as they made their hunting tools.

It is a wonderful picture and was on a corkboard minus any glass. We had it framed so people could not touch it and it would stay cleaner. It is of several teepees made from these flakes.

That picture went up under the painting by Ned Parrett and what a super pair of pictures. One made by Ned and one made by Dale. The last picture in Dale’s collection went into the artifact room and that is an interesting picture when you turn the lights on. It fairly glows and I can see why Dale would have purchased it.

It has been fun putting this together even though I cannot do much in the way of work with my bad knee. I guess I am what they call the “straw boss”. I wonder where we got that saying?

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

VETERANS DAY

FJSHS students read letters of thanks during Veterans Day ceremony

FAR LEFT: Veterans attending a Nov. 11 assembly at Forreston Junior/Senior High School celebrating Veterans Day stand while the Redbird Regiment plays a medley of the U.S. armed forces’ anthems. LEFT: Johny Kobler, an 11th grader at Forreston Junior/ Senior High School, speaks during the school’s Veterans Day assembly Nov. 11. All students taking a social studies class this term wrote a letter to veterans, thanking them for their service.

The letters were handed out to veterans in attendance after the assembly.

BY ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com FORRESTON — Masks covered the faces that, in past years, spent the morning of Nov. 11 chowing down on a special breakfast in the Forreston Junior/Senior High School cafeteria.

Instead, the crowd of students and their families — including more than 20 veterans— gathered in the school gymnasium at 7 a.m. to celebrate Veterans Day. Not all students attended the beforeschool event, but many who did had at least one family member who has served, or is serving, in the U.S. armed forces.

“I am honored to be here today and kick off our celebration of Veterans Day by expressing our appreciation to those of you who have served our great country,” Forrestville Valley Superintendent Sheri Smith said. “To our veterans, please allow me to start our morning by saying, ‘Happy Veterans Day, and thank you.’”

Smith explained that, while she hasn’t served, her father and siblings have a combined total of 74 years of service in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

During the event, the Redbird Regiment played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a medley of the U.S. armed forces’ anthems. A video with pictures of past and present service members associated with FJSHS students also was played.

All FJSHS students taking a social studies class this term wrote a letter to veterans, which were handed out at the conclusion of the assembly. Before

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

that, though, seven students stood and read their letters.

Madalyn Thiel, a sixth grader, thanked service members for leaving their families to risk their lives fighting to protect our lives and rights.

“I thank the wounded who are freshly healed and recovering. I thank the dead and dying for our lives,” Madalyn said.

Eighth grader Kyla Lamm echoed Madalyn.

“Thank you for the blood, the sweat and the tears that you have put into this country and our rights,” Kyla said. “It amazes me how you are so willing to serve and how willing you would be to die to protect this country.”

Freedom is something everyone in the U.S. can enjoy on a daily basis because of service members, junior Hailey Schultz said.

“We take for granted the gifts you have provided by sacrificing your time and putting your life on the line,” she said.

Those who have not served never

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will fully understand what veterans are required to do or how brave they were to do it, said Olivia King, a sophomore. Service members have made sacrifices both in war and in times of peace, she said.

“We will never fully understand the depth of your scars,” Olivia said. “But what we can offer you is the recognition you deserve, the gratitude that we ask that you remember that you are loved and that we all appreciate the many sacrifices you had to make to make the hero that you are today.”

Seventh grader Charlie Lindquist agreed.

“You sacrifice so much for us and America will never fully understand,” Charlie said. “There is always a reason for everything, and the reason freedom exists is because of you.

America could never thank you enough, and neither can I.” The willingness to “defend the country, no matter the cost, is inspiring,” freshman Alec Schoonhoven said. The years of dedicated service have not gone unnoticed, he assured

veterans and active service members.

America is the land of the free, because of the brave — because of service members, junior Johny Kobler said.

“I hope that you feel pride and joy this Veterans Day,” he said. “I hope you feel it in the way you defended this nation. I hope you feel it in the freedoms that you and your friends and family get to enjoy because of your sacrifice. In the way you see children running around and not having to worry about enemy nations threatening to bomb us at any minute. In the way that we can all go to sleep at night not having to worry about enemies taking a hostage in the middle of the night.”

He won’t forget the service and sacrifice, Johny said.

“I will not forget you this Veterans Day. I will not forget you next Veterans Day. I won’t forget you in 50 Veterans Days,” he said. “I will remember you and your family this, next and every single Veterans Day.”

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

Forreston student to veterans: ‘I will not forget you’

7

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

COUNTY NEWS

Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County starts process for new partner family Habitat for Humanity Ogle County is beginning the process of choosing a partner family for out 2022 House Build in Rochelle.

The first application /informational meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m. at the Oregon Church of God, 860 W. Oregon Trail Road.

The second meeting will be in Rochelle at the Holcomb Bank for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. For more information and an application, call Vanessa at 815440-6598.

The building of a Habitat home takes many hours of planning. It begins with and orientation/ application event at which a person in need of affordable decent housing can apply to be awarded an interest free mortgage on a new home.

To qualify a family must be willing to partner with Habitat and put in “sweat equity”. They must have a need for affordable decent house. They also must be able to make regular monthly payment.

We use volunteers and gifts in kind to build a quality house and a minimum cost. This is not a free home.

It carries an interest free mortgage and regular payments will be made.

It is required a family attend one of the above two meetings. They must bring: 1. Copies of driver’s license or state ID (proof of Ogle County Residence).

2. Copies of federal tax returns last two years including W-2’s.

3. Copies or their last month’s pay stubs.

4. Copies of last two bank statements (checking and saving) and 4. Proof of any other type of income, (child support, social security, disability etc.).

Habitat plans to break ground in Rochelle nest spring and just finished a build on S 9th Street and the new house will be two doors down.

Th agency also built a house in 2018 on 8th Avenue.

“We are excited to meet our new partner family and get started,” said Habitat member Gail Tuttle.

Habitat is also looking for volunteers to server on a couple committees.

“We are looking for someone to head up our Fund raising group, Volunteer committee, a Church Relations person,” Tuttle said.

Anyone interested in serving on one of these groups, can contact Vanessa 815-440-6598 or Gail 815494-2114.

“Join our team, help us give a hand up to those in need,” Tuttle said.

SPECIAL EVENT

ENAG Art show is Nov. 27 at Conover Square in Oregon

Eagle’s Nest Art Group will have a free art show during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk on Nov. 27 from 4-8 p.m. Many different forms of art will be on display, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, ceramics, photography, alcohol ink, pen and ink, calligraphy, 3D art, prints, cards and jewelry.

This year’s show is dedicated to the memory of ENAG member Bob Friemuth. Many examples of his wonderful art will be on exhibit. Also, the show will have a special display of art from the oil painting class taught by Laurie Friemuth and assisted by Karen Tucker.

Artists will be on hand to greet attendees and refreshments will be served. Information abut all of the ENAG programs and workshops will be available during the show.

Everyone is invited to this celebration of art, community and the upcoming holiday season. It is a festive event that the entire family will enjoy.

The ENAG gallery is on the second floor of Conover Square Mall, located at 201 N. 3rd St. in Oregon. An elevator is available and parking is plentiful.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX LEVY FOR THE POLO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT I.

A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax increase for the Polo Fire Protection District will be held on November 29, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Polo Fore Station, 206 S Franklin Avenue, Polo IL, 61064 Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Charles Clothier, Vice President, at 815-440-1371.

II.

The corporate and special purposes property taxes extended for 2021 were $717,825.

The proposed corporate and special purposes property taxes to be levied for 2021 are $814,239. This represents a 13.43% increase over the previous year.

III.

The property taxes extended for debt service for 2021 were $0. The property taxes extended for debt service for 2022 are $0. This represents a 0% Increase over the previous year.

IV.

The total property taxes extended for 2021 were $717,825.

The total taxes to be levied for 2022 are $814,239. This represents a 13.43% increase over the previous year.

SM-ST1936718

8-MAN PLAYOFFS

BY TY REYNOLDS

treynolds@shawmedia.com BIGGSVILLE – Seeking a shot at their second straight Illinois 8-Man Football Association state title, the Polo Marcos were looking for a fast start in a Nov. 13 semifinal showdown with West Central.

They certainly did that in earning a trip to Monmouth College this Friday night for the state championship game.

Top-seeded Polo scored on its first six possessions and dominated the line of scrimmage all game long to defeat fourth-seeded West Central 50-14 on Saturday in Biggsville in a battle between the only two teams to be ranked No. 1 in the I8FA this season.

“We knew they were going to come out with a lot of energy, so we needed to kill that as soon as we could,” Polo lineman Cooper Blake said. “We started off hot, and we knew we had to come out with that. They’re a great team, they fought hard, but they came to our place last year and showed us up, so we had the idea to come here and do the same thing to them.”

Polo (12-0) forced three-and-outs on the first two West Central series, and took advantage of it. Quarterback Tyler Merdian capped an eight-play opening drive with a 24-yard touchdown on an option keeper, then the running backs took over.

Brock Soltow sprinted 57 yards for a touchdown on the first play after the second Heat three-and-out, then after West Central punted a third time after a four-play drive, Avery Grenoble ran in from 47 yards out to cap another eight-play Polo drive for a 22-0 lead just 57 seconds into the second quarter.

“That was big momentum,” said Grenoble, who finished with 272 yards on 28 carries. “Because of our game against them last year, we knew it was

John Lovretta/For Shaw Media

Polo’s Brock Soltow runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Marcos’ 8-Man semifinal playoff game against West Central on Nov. 13 in Biggsville. going to be a tough game, and it would either send us home or on to Monmouth. So just a fantastic start, and the offensive and defensive lines did an amazing job. I’m just really proud of them.”

West Central all-state running back Kaiden Droste picked up his team’s second first down on third-and-8 on the next series, but then a handoff between quarterback Mason Carnes and Droste was fumbled, and Polo’s Wayde Reimer recovered.

The Marcos cashed in two plays later, as Soltow scampered in from 46 yards for a 30-0 lead with 9:03 left in the first half.

Fifteen minutes into the game, the Marcos had four touchdowns and West Central (9-3) had managed just

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two first downs.

“I didn’t really think we were going to get big plays like that, and then out of the blue, we started getting huge plays right away, and that gave us big momentum,” said Soltow, who ran for 176 yards on 18 carries. “Our offensive line came up huge in this game, and having both me and Avery back there, it works great. They usually go after me and we can get Avery going, and then I can get going when they focus on Avery. It’s huge for us to be able to attack that way.”

West Central picked up a pair of first downs on its next series, but another fumble, this time at the Polo 27, was scooped up by Tyler Merdian.

The Marcos turned that into points, too, as Grenoble scored on a 62-yard

sprint five plays later.

After West Central failed to convert a fourth-and-7, Grenoble took the handoff on the very next play 52 yards for a touchdown, giving him scores on consecutive carries, and pushing the Polo lead to 42-0 with 2:26 left before halftime.

“Not just a quick start, but you’ve got give them a great deal of credit,” West Central coach Jason Kirby said.

“They were much more physical than we were in the first half, and it showed.

Their offensive and defensive lines took it to us, and their running backs ran hard. We didn’t tackle as well as maybe what I wanted, but a lot of times, the backs and the offensive line have a lot to do with that, and I think probably they did today.

“My hat’s off to Ted [Alston, Polo head coach] and the boys, they had a great game plan and they get to go to the state championship.”

The Heat responded with their best drive of the half, as they covered 51 yards in nine plays – helped by a pair of Polo penalties that gave them first downs – and Carnes bulled in from 1 yard out with 19.1 seconds left in the half to make it 42-6 at the break.

The Marcos started the second half with the ball, but were tackled for a loss on fourth down. West Central then drove to the Polo 12 in nine plays, but the 10th play was a fourth-and-1 that saw Polo stuff Carnes on a quarterback sneak and take over with 6:22 left in the third quarter.

Polo then chewed the equivalent of a full quarter off the clock with a 17-play drive that lasted 12 minutes, 40 seconds, and was capped by a 38-yard Merdian scoring strike to Grenoble on fourth-and-15 to set the running clock in motion with 5:42 remaining in the game.

“The 12-minute drive was huge,

See POLO WINS, Page 10

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

Polo starts fast, dominates West Central 50-14

9

Kara Erdmann signed to play volleyball at Michigan State on Nov. 10. Pictured with Kara are her father Eric, mom Andrea and brother, Kendall. Her sister Katie joined the signing remotely.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Kara Erdmann to play volleyball at Michigan State Forreston’s Kara Erdmann, the daughter of Eric and Andrea Erdmann, signed a letter of intent on Nov. 10 to play volleyball at Michigan State University.

Kara has played varsity volleyball for four years and earned All-Conference 2nd team in 2018, All-Conference 1st team in 2019, All Conference (Unanimous)

• POLO WINS

Continued from Page 9 obviously; it takes up a whole quarter, and it takes away their chance to come back,” Blake said. “And then we cap it off with a touchdown pass. That was such a huge drive for us in so many ways.”

West Central tacked on its final score on a 55-yard touchdown pass from Carnes to Droste on fourthand-10, but Polo recovered the onside kick, ran three times with Delo Fernandez for a first down, then backup quarterback Carter Merdian took a knee twice to run out the clock.

Droste, a 1,000-yard rusher on the season, was held mainly in check by the Marcos, as he finished with 85 yards on 26 carries, an average of just 3.3 yards per carry. Carnes ran for 50 yards on 11 carries, and completed 1 of 9 passes.

“That dude’s a stud,” Soltow said of Droste. “Our D-line and linebackers were awesome. We put in a lot of work against him this whole week, and it was great to see it pay off today.”

“The big thing for us was if we got beat in this game, it wasn’t going to be

1st team in 2020 and 2021.

Team honors earned by Kara are four varsity letters, 2019 and 2021 defensive player of the year, 2020 and 2021 Team Captain and 2021 Gold Digger of the Year.

This year she set a school record of best passing rating. She also holds the school record for career

by [Droste],” Grenoble added. “We practiced super hard to make sure of that, and we did a really good job with it.”

Polo, meanwhile, amassed 528 yards on 56 plays, a staggering 9.4 yards per play. Merdian was 3-for-5 passing for 44 yards, and he also ran for 26 yards.

“We stopped them, and our offense didn’t get stopped,” Grenoble said.

“Good teams like West Central, we know it’s very, very hard to stop them every time, but we were able to shut them down completely on a few drives, and limit what they could do on others, and then we took advantage of it when we had the ball.”

The Marcos advance to the state title game next Friday at 7 p.m. at Monmouth College, where they will face No. 3 seed Orangeville, a 34-12 winner over Amboy-LaMoille in the other semifinal Saturday afternoon.

Polo is the reigning 8-man state champ, winning the title in 2019 with a senior-heavy group. There were no playoffs last year because of COVID, and the Marcos would love to add a second championship trophy by successfully defending the last one.

“It feels really good to get that

digs of 1,712.

“The administration, coaches and student athletes of Forreston Jr/Sr High School wish Kara congratulations and best wishes for a successful academic and athletic career at Michigan State University,” said Kyle Zick, athletic director.

chance,” Grenoble said. “I was a freshman when we won it the first time, and I did get to play a little bit, but not a lot.

So now being a big part of that is a great feeling. You work so hard to get to the 13th week, and every team wants to do that, and it’s not an easy thing at all. I’m just really happy.”

“It’s insane,” added Soltow, a sophomore. “It’s the first year for me, and it’s just great to be able to try and match what those guys did a couple of

years ago.”

As it has been all season, it will be all business for Polo, which will likely start focusing on the season finale first thing Monday morning.

“We’ll celebrate this win for one day, that’s it,” Blake said. “It sounds stupid, but it’s for one day, and then you’ve got to start focusing on next week, get that state title back here.

That’s the goal.”

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3A PLAYOFFS

11

The Byron Tigers advanced to the semifinals of the 3A state football playoffs on Nov. 13 with a dramatic 28-24 win over Reed-Custer.

Byron (12-0) used a 10-play, 61-yard drive and a 10-yard TD pass to with nine seconds remaining to win the game on their home field.

The Tigers face Elmhurst (IC Catholic) on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m., again in Byron.

IC Catholic beat Princeton 31-7 in the quarterfinals.

The winner of the semifinal game will play the winner of the Tolono (Unity)/ Mt. Carmel game on Friday, Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. for the 3A title at NIU’s Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Randy Stukenberg for Shaw Media

Byron’s Chandler Binkley pushes off Reed-Custer’s Josh Bohac on Byron’s touchdown drive at the end of the fourth quarter of the Class 3A quarterfinal game against Reed-Custer in Byron on Saturday, Nov. 13. Byron won the game 28-24.

SPORTS COLUMN

Reed-Custer gave the Tigers all they could handle

A

fter catching good football back-to-back with Forreston-Galena and Polo-Milford, my gut feeling this past weekend was to watch Byron and Reed-Custer.

What a nail biter that was, with both teams going back and forth and Byron pulling it out at the end. Too bad I missed it.

An alluring call to spend Saturday running the trails of Kettle Moraine of Wisconsin won out over football. As much as I appreciate going to high school games and watching college ball on TV, it’s good for the soul to take a full day off from it.

Midway through the day, my curiosity did get the best of me and I tried to find the Polo, Le-Win and Byron scores, but no Internet was available.

It wasn’t until I got home later that night did I check the IHSA website for results.

The anticipatory feeling of finally being privy to those game scores was somewhat how I felt as a kid waiting to open presents at Christmas. As expected the Polo and Le-Win games were blowouts, but Reed Custer gave undefeated Byron all they could handle.

What is interesting about this is that Reed Custer has been nothing but a doormat the last 10 years, with a

GUEST VIEW Andy Colbert woeful record of 15-75. They actually outgained Byron and it took a pair of fourth-down conversions by the Tigers to score on the final drive.

It goes to show that a town can occasionally put together one good class of athletes and that talent is enough to win out. There is an old saying that football coaches like to use and that is, “You can be good at the Xs and Os, but you have to have the Jimmys and Joes.”

Bottom line – no matter how strong of a tradition your program has, if you don’t have the athletes, you aren’t going to win. Conversely, a mediocre program can win it all with the right talent.

Case in point – an ultra-talented senior class from South Beloit won the state football title in 2002. Other than their junior year when they went 7-4, sandwiched around that was 30 years of losing seasons.

Getting back to Reed Custer, did you know they are quite similar to Byron in that there is a nuclear plant

nearby in Braidwood.

Unlike Byron, though, they haven’t parlayed that advantage into the same athletic prowess. Yes, it takes more than a nuclear plant at your doorstep, but those tax dollars sure help.

It will be a pair of heavyweights going at it Friday night at Monmouth College when Polo and Orangeville take to the field for 8-man bragging rights. Both schools are on a roll and this could be the best game yet in the short history of league.

Orangeville matches up physically with the Marcos and also has a proficient ground game. The two teams were not scheduled in the regular season, so there is the element of uncertainty.

We can look at comparative scores, but at this stage of the season, it comes down to which team is at peak form.

The Marcos appear to be exactly that.

Volleyball wrapped up its season and a trend continued that has been seen in other 1A fall sport state championships. Of the four volleyball state finalists in 1A, three were private schools.

In boys 1A soccer, it was 4-for-4 in private schools. Both boys and girls golf had three privates among the top four in team standings. At the boys 1A cross country meet, 3-of-4 were pri-

vates and top four teams in girls 1A tennis were all private.

The larger schools have a smattering of private finalists, but not anything like smaller schools must contend with. The only exception was girls cross country and football, though there will likely be a few private grid state champs in the various classes.

Girls basketball kicks off this week and continues to see declining participation. Very few schools in the BNC have enough players to field separate freshman, sophomore and varsity squads, partially attributed to girls deciding to focus more on volleyball.

There are other factors, as well, such as kids not choosing to play sports. Boys basketball, especially at Oregon, sees that more and more.

As usual, Oregon is hosting a 12-team BB tournament this week at the BlackHawk Center and follow that up with a boys event the following week. To me, that signifies that winter is just around the corner.

Bring it on.

• 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.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

Tigers advance to semifinals in 3A state football playoff action

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12 OBITUARIES

AMY FABER BEARD Born: February 4, 1962 Died: November 8, 2021

Amy Faber Beard went into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, November 8th, 2021.

She was born on February 4th, 1962 in Dixon, Illinois. She was the youngest of Herbert and Virginia Faber.

She graduated from Polo Community High School in 1980. Amy married the love of her life, Paul Beard on July 25th, 1998.

At the age of 17, Amy was diagnosed with lupus. Despite that, her spirit was undaunted.

Family and friends will testify that she lived a life of grace, purpose and conviction, sharing

SUSAN ELIZABETH BLACKBURN Born: July 31, 1974 in Dixon, IL Died: November 15, 2021 in Rockford, IL

ROCK FALLS, IL – Susan Elizabeth Blackburn, age 47, passed away suddenly on November 15, 2021 in Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford, IL. Susan was born on July 31, 1974 in Dixon, IL; the daughter of Richard & Barbara (Warnken) Blackburn. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School, class of 1993 in Mt. Morris, IL. Susan was a school bus driver for Rock Falls School District.

Susan is survived by her parents: Rick & Barb Blackburn, Mt. Morris, IL; daughter: Sarah Blackburn, Rock Falls, IL; uncle: Randy (Sheila) Warnken; aunts: Kathy (Glen) Estrada, Gail Warnken, Laura (Rick) Heath, Liz (Marcel) Hutchison, Joyce (Craig) Aska, and

DONALD CHARLES PRICE

Born: July 6, 1951 in Pensacola, FL Died: November 11, 2021 in Rockford, IL MT. MORRIS, IL – Donald Charles Price, age 70, passed away on November 11, 2021 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, IL. Don was born on July 6, 1951 in Pensacola, FL, the son of Charles R. & Dorothy (Kornor) Price. Don attended high school in Virginia and received his GED while serving in the US Navy, and he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Sciences from George Washington University, Washington DC. He married Jeannine Drexler on June 29, 1992 in

her faith with all those that she came into contact with. SHE LOVED JESUS. Amy taught flute lessons for several years and touched many young lives. One thing we will always remember is her Amy-isms and how we learned to not take life to seriously.

Amy is survived by her husband, Paul Beard, beloved fur baby Bella, brother Brett (Pam) Faber, of Polo, IL, sisters Kim Adams of Zephyrhills, FL, Jodie (Bradley) Galik of Woodstock, GA and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Virginia Faber, sisters Vickie Choudoir and Colleen Myler and brother Kurt Faber.

A celebration of life was held at Crossroads Church in Polo on Saturday, November 13th, 2021.

Polo Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

Bob (Deb) Fossett,Brenda King; great-aunt: Ilene (Bill) Topolski and family; cousins: Shannan (Garrett) Roberts, Fallan (Joe) Warnken, Bradley Fogle, Riley (Courtney) Warnken, Jeremy (Meghan) Warnken, Mick (Stephanie) Heath, Chris Heath, Brittni(Brandon) Walls, Katie (Emmett) Hutchison, Casey (Dusty) Frye, and John (Nikita) Aska; great-cousins: Brantley, Keller, Blayke, Jaidea, Amelia, Natalie, and Brent.

Susan is preceded in death by her grandparents: Ernest (Betty) Warnken Jr. and Harold (Barbara) Blackburn; uncle: Ted Warnken; cousin: Angie Shuman.

Services will be held on Friday November 19,2021 at 6:30 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL, with co-officiants Liz Hutchison and Sarah Finch-Sipes.

Cremation rites will follow the services.

Visitation will be held onFriday November 19, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. until service time in Finch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials to be established.

Suffolk, VA. Don served in the US Navy as a Surface Warfare Advanced Hospital Corpsman Chief.

He moved to Mt. Morris from Williamsburg, VA in August of 1992. Since moving to Mt. Morris, he worked for the Byron Nuclear Power Plant in Security. Don was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon, IL, and he was a member of the American Legion Post 143, Mt. Morris, IL. Don is survived by his wife: Jeannine Price, Mt. Morris, IL; children: Lenard Charles (Shana) Jones, Fort Hood, TX and Elizabeth (John) Fischer, Raleigh, NC; 7 grandchildren; and brother: J.D. (Julie) Price North Carolina.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and brother: Ray. Funeral services for Don will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon, IL, with Father Joseph Naill officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Memorials to Cedar Hill Cemetery and/or St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon, IL.

ROSE M. THOMAS

Born: November 25, 1927 in Oregon, IL Died: November 10, 2021 in Oregon. IL Rose Marie Thomas, 93, of Oregon, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, following an extended illness.

Rose was born November 25, 1927, in Oregon, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth Martin. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1945, and married Robert L. “Ollie” Thomas on October 27, 1946.

They spent much of their early life together in agriculture, first living and working at the Ogle County Poor Farm, where Ollie’s father, Ralph Thomas, served as superintendent, and later on a dairy farm west of Oregon in Rockvale Township.

During this time, Rose also worked for the Ogle County Soil Conservation Service. In 1965, she accepted a position with Woods Equipment Company, working in the credit department. She retired in 1992 as Credit Manager.

Following retirement, Rose worked parttime for Shaw Media as a receptionist in the office of the Ogle County Republican Reporter, and volunteered with the Ogle County Hospice Association and the Autumn

WILLIAM “BILL” F. WHITE Born: June 5, 1956 in Dixon, Illinois Died: November 10, 2021 in Polo

Bill was born to Donald & Betty White in Polo, IL, June 5, 1956. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his home November 10, 2021. Bill enjoyed a childhood growing up on the family farm in rural Polo. He loved hunting and fishing and being outdoors, all interests he enjoyed the entirety of his life. He graduated from Polo Community High School in 1974 and began work at Mid America Plastics in Forreston, IL. He was employed as a foreman there until his retirement in August of this year. In 1977 Bill married the love of his life, Charlene Buffington. They enjoyed 44 years of adventure and marriage. They raised their children Shaunna and Chauncy in a home full of love less than a mile from where Bill had been raised. Bill was a genuine person, a true, dependable friend and will be remembered as such. He was

on Parade festival.

She and Ollie loved tending their beautifully manicured and landscaped yards, both at their home on North River Road and later at the home they built on North 6th Street in Oregon. Rose also adored the many Golden Retrievers they owned over the years,including Annie, the beautiful Golden Lab who was her best friend for the last six years of her life.

During her younger days she loved horse riding, and she and Ollie took part in many local trail rides. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Ollie, who passed in 2006.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and four brothers: David, Howard, Jonas, and Lawrence, Jr. She is survived by sons Rick (Lisa) Thomas and Terry (Earleen) Thomas; grandchildren Christopher (Melanie), Maggie, Stephen (Delaney), Jack, and Charles; and great-grandchildren Henry, Teddy, Charlie, and Patrick.

She is also survived by special friends Joy Schuble, June Danekas, and Wes and Liz Sosa and their children Norah and Wyatt. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, with Rev. Willie Little officiating. Visitation will be held immediately preceding the services, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home. www.farrellhollandgale.com loyal and hardworking and valued honesty and integrity. He had a quiet nature but did possess a certain playful “quirkiness” and was as full of “Bill-isms” as he was wisdom.

He was an avid outdoorsman and there was little he enjoyed more than being outdoors and sharing the outdoors with those he loved. Bill is survived by his wife, Charlene, his daughter Shaunna (Mike) Zettle, his son Chauncy White, three granddaughters, Eleanor Zettle, Sophia Clarke & Faelyn Zettle, his sister Sandy (Greg) Cross and his sister Donna (Gary) Yeager, many beloved nieces and nephews and loved ones. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Donald & Betty White, his in-laws Bob & Janet Buffington, and his nephew Eugene Frey. Funeral services were Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at First United Methodist Church. Burial was at West Branch Lutheran Cemetery, Haldane. A memorial has been established in Bill’s memory. Please sign his guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com

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OBITUARIES Our mother, Irene E. Peterson, of Polo, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021. Mother was born on March 3, 1923 in Polo, the daughter of Grant and Bessie (Wolfe) Riggs. Per mother’s request there will be no service and her burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.

Mom married our father, Kenneth Smith, Sr., March 1, 1941, and spent many years in Breeds (Canton), IL. On January 22, 1955, she married Russell Peterson and they spent 50 happy years together; he died on July 10, 2005.

“Nan (Irene), grandma loved her husband

Russell and her family dearly. She enjoyed family outings, especially Sunday afternoon dinners, and preparing delicious home cooked meals. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt embrace. When you spent time with Nan, you always felt welcomed, special and loved. Nan will always be remembered for her generosity and her devotion and love for her family and friends,” Grandson Michael Smith.

Mother was a member of the Open Bible Church and enjoyed many friends at the church.

Mother is survived by her, son, Kenneth “Sonnie” and Laurel Smith of Oregon; grandson, Michael (Sharon) Smith and great grandchildren Carly and William of Sycamore; grandson, Timothy (Janelle) Smith, great grandchildren, Sydney, Ryan and Gracyn of Byron; daughter, Karen (Bowen) Fetterman;

grandson Yancy (Sheila) Webster and great grandson Cayden of Polo, Doug (Tina) Dobbs, Rockton, great grandchild Brittany (Ryan) Richardson, great great grandchildren Luke and Sophie of South Beloit, IL, Chandler Dobbs of Iowa, grandson, Dustin (Gwenn) Bowen of Chicago, granddaughter, Jaime (Chris Thompson) Bowen of Dixon, great grandchildren, Jonathan Heath of Polo, Jonah Heath, Jakob Helfrich and Madelyn Thompson of Dixon, great grandson, Dylan (Suzy) Bowen, great grandchildren, Marlee and Cooper of Sterling; daughter Kathy, (Robert) Mitchell, granddaughter Ashley (Curt) Nelson, great grandson Spencer of Polo.

Mom is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jackie Smith, Tom (Arlene) Riggs of AZ., Mary Lou Schwebke and Jeff Riggs of FL, John Peterson, David (Kerrie) Peterson, Bobbi Jo (Tom) Remmer, Billie Jo (Dennis) Quaco,

and Phillip (Kris) Peterson.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Peterson, her parents, sister, Margaret (Harry) Lambert, brother, Grant (Neva) Riggs, infant son, Grant, granddaughter, Trudi Bowen, and great granddaughter, Makenna Webster.

A graveside service will be at 2:30pm on, Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo, with Pastor Luke Schier, officiating. Burial of cremated remains will follow the graveside service. Cremation rites have been accorded Memorials may be directed to Open Bible Church in Polo or Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.

Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com

“There will be a food drive conducted in association with the electronics recycling event. All items collected will be distributed to local food pantries in Ogle County,” said Steve Rypkema, OCSWMD director. “Items accepted include all canned and boxed in-date food items as well as home cleaning supplies and items such as toothpaste, soap,

and other basic essentials. Be sure all items are sealed and not expired.”

This electronics recycling event is for Ogle County residents only and a free permit is required in advance of the event. Permits may be obtained by calling 815-732-4020 or via email at solidwaste@oglecounty.org.

Please provide your name, address, and

phone number in your email. Permits are limited to one per household per month.

Permits come with a full list of accepted items and other event information and instructions.

Microwave ovens are accepted for $5 per unit. For more information, call OCSWMD at 815-732-4020, visit www.oglecounty.org.

SPECIAL EVENT Recycling event and food drive

Ogle County residents are asked to bring a food donation when they participate in the final residential electronics recycling event of the year on Friday Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, 909 Pines Road in Oregon.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14 LOCAL NEWS

Administrators outline first steps for DLR closing Two more hearings to be held before the school in Mt. Morris is shuttered

BY EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@oglecountynews.com OREGON — Several Mt. Morris residents on Monday again questioned an August decision by the Oregon School Board to close the David L. Rahn Junior High School at the end of this school year.

“Yes, every school district is having issues, but you could wait 5 years. You do not have to make this decision now,” said Bruce Obendorf as he spoke at the first public hearing designed by school officials to share plans as to how seventh and eighth grade students will be moved to the Oregon High School.

In May, Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney proposed closing DLR, the last school remaining in Mt. Morris a village of 3,000, due to decreasing enrollments and increasing maintenance costs. The two school districts merged in 1994 after the Mt. Morris School District dissolved due to financial reasons. Mt. Morris is located 5 miles west of Oregon.

Mahoney said the pros of closing DLR included: allowing junior high students to have access to additional elective courses at the high school; aligning the curriculum more closely and providing more frequent opportunities for staff to collaborate; bringing more coaches/sponsors to a building where some sports/activities have no coaches in the building; and allowing for more staff collaboration while also giving younger athletes more immediate exposure to older athletes.

But Obendorf a member of an Advisory Committee formed earlier this year to research the proposal, said Mahoney’s financial rationale was incorrect.

The Oregon School Board voted 5-2 on Aug. 16 to close DLR despite pleas from Obendorf and other Mt. Morris officials and residents to keep the school open.

A multi-page presentation presented this summer, argued that the 1950s building was in “sound shape”, could still serve as a “viable educational facility” and that the district’s finances did not warrant the school’s closing.

At Monday’s meeting, OHS Principal Heidi Deininger and DLR Principal Kip Crandall offered overviews on

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Oregon school administrators Heidi Deininger and Kip Crandall made a presentation about how learning spaces will be developed when seventh and eighth grade students are moved to Oregon High School at the end of the school year. Deininger, the current high school principal, will be the principal and Crandall will be the assistant principal at Oregon’s new jr/sr high school. The school board voted in August to close the David L. Rahn Junior High in Mt. Morris, citing operating costs and reduced revenues. administrative and student support structures, location of the Jr High and Sr High classrooms, and explained how lunches would be managed for students.

Under that plan Deininger will serve as principal for the 7-12 school and Crandall will be the assistant principal. Shannon Cremeens will be the Dean of Students/Director of College and Career Readiness (CCR) and Joanna Cermak and Jim Turffs, will be counselors. Cermak will serve grades 7-9, Turffs 10-12.

Morgan Peterson will be “Social Emotional Interventionist who duties include functional behavior assessments and interventions.

“We feel we are doing something innovative with our administrative structure,” said Deininger.

Junior high classes will be in the 1936 section of the high school in rooms 101-119 and 201-211. High school classes will be in Jefferson Street section, including the science wing.

Junior high students will have lunch first, 11:15-11:45 in two lunch areas, the cafeteria and Room 138/ Hawk’s Nest, and high school students will have lunch from 11:50-12:50.

Mahoney told the 40 people present

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Rob Urish speaks against closing the David L. Rahn Junior High in Mt. Morris.

at the hearing that materials presented at the hearing are available on the district’s website, www.ocusd.net.

“You don’t have to move on this next year,” said Karen Urish asking what officials planned to do if more students moved into the district.

“Don’t rush to judgment. Put it off for awhile.”

Others questioned the timing for

the closure and said funds used for improvements at the high school and Blackhawk Center, both located in Oregon, could have been used at DLR. But two parents spoke in favor of closing the school. “I have 5 kids and I love that you are doing this,” said Angie Sowl, noting that some of her children had fallen at DLR on slippery floors caused by condensation due to an aging ventilation system. “My kids are excited about this. I applaud our district for making these decisions.”

Aaron Mudge of Oregon echoed Sowl’s sentiments, noting that he was a junior high student when junior high students attended classes at OHS after the Rahn Elementary fire.

“We are not in an area that is growing and Illinois is not a growing state,” he said referring to possible enrollment increases. “This plan has worked before and can work again as long as the details are worked out.”

Mahoney said the second hearing will provide an overview of additional electives for junior high students and how bell schedules will be managed.

The final hearing will focus on how junior and senior high school activities like sports, music, plays and clubs will be incorporated.

Become a Board Member today and make a difference tomorrow.

The Ogle County Community Mental Health (708) Board is now accepting applications for board members to fill two vacant seats. For information please contact: Justine Messenger, 5067 W Pines Road, Oregon, IL 61061 / OCCMH708BD@gmail.com / 815.238.1829 OGLE COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH BOARD (708) Funding mental health services to the residents of Ogle County since 1969.

The services being rendered by our seven non-profit funded agencies are effective, efficient and comprehensive.

In every case, the agencies are licensed, certified and accredited by all appropriate regulatory bodies; meeting or exceeding all standards.

The goal of these services is to provide cost effective care that will frequently lead to greater independence and productivity.

Our county's seven funded agencies have and continue to wisely use our mental health dollars for the betterment of those county residents in need. We remain grateful for the kind and generous support of Ogle County taxpayers and pledge our continued vigilance in the monitoring of our county's mental health services.

EASTERSEALS Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford 730 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61103 Phone: 815-965-5069 Fax: 815-965-6021 Email: KKurtz@eastersealschicago.org Mission Statement: In response to our communities, Easterseals provides comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities or other special needs and their families to improve the quality of life and maximize independence.

Target population: We serve children (birth through twenty-one) with disabilities and other special needs and their families.

Program Purpose: Easterseals purpose is to change the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.

Services Provided: Family Support Services assists parents of children with disabilities with information and referral, consultation, respite services, sibling workshops, parent/ professional trainings, social activities, and mom/ caretaker retreats. The program provides resources and contacts with other families that allow parents to build the information and support networks they need to facilitate the development of their children.

Autism Therapeutic School: Our school offers a private school setting for students whose primary disability is autism. In addition to following a student’s IEP, we offer art classes, vocational training, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavior interventions, and social stories. The goal is to transition the students back into their home school environment. 8301 Mitchell Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115 815-623-4800 HOPE OF OGLE COUNTY P.O. Box 131, Rochelle, IL 61068 24/7 Hotline: 815-562-8890 Phone: 815-562-4323 Fax: 815-562-5756

SM-ST1935882

Oregon: Crisis: 815-732-7796 E-mail: hopeogle.admin@hopedv.org www.hopedv.org Mission Statement: To advocate on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children in a welcoming environment. Caring professionals provide safety planning, support, shelter, and referrals while empowering survivors to build a safe and peaceful future.

Target Population: Victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

Program Purpose: To provide safety, counselling and support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

Services Provided: HOPE provides a 24-hour hotline, support groups, individual and family counseling, temporary shelter, resources and referrals, advocacy, court advocacy, medical advocacy, and Latinx and rural outreach services. All services are free and available in Spanish.

Counseling and outreach services are available in Rochelle, Oregon, and Polo. HOPE provides prevention education to students, and community presentations about domestic abuse, strangulation prevention, and HOPE services.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS 1261 IL Rt. 38, Nachusa, IL 61057 Phone: 815-284-7796 Fax: 815-284-6162 www.LSSI.org Mission Statement: Responding to the Gospel, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) brings healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities.

Target Population: LSSI provides critical programs for the state’s most vulnerable residents, including services for youth, adolescents, and adults.

Program Purpose: The LSSI Programs strive to preserve, unify and stabilize individuals and families through foster care and youth service programs. LSSI also provides treatment services to those experiencing mental health and substance abuse. Other programs are focused on prevention of substance abuse and violence.

Services Provided: LSSI provides a wide range of services through multiple programs and sites. Services available locally include foster care, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, substance abuse and violence prevention, affordable senior housing, and residential programs for ROCKFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELING 412 W. Washington, Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-0000 815-636-9811 (24 hrs.)

Rockfordsexualassaultcounseling.org Mission Statement: Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc. (RSAC) responds to the needs of victims of sexual assault/abuse and their families/significant others through emergency services, emotional support, counseling, referral, advocacy, and education, and promotes awareness

and understanding of sexual assault. The focus of RSAC is to provide services to survivors of sexual assault/abuse and to educate the community to reduce the risk of sexual violence.

Target Population: Survivors of sexual assault and abuse, age 3-adult, and their significant others. Prevention education programming for all community members.

Program Purpose: The goal of Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling is to make comprehensive services available to all survivors of sexual violence so that they may heal from the trauma. In addition, we provide educational programs to increase awareness, knowledge and skills.

Services Provided: Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling provides 24 -hour crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, counseling, prevention education and professional training. All services are confidential, free and available in Spanish.

SERENITY HOSPICE AND HOME P.O. Box 462, 1658 Illinois Rte. 2 South, Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 815-732-2499 e-mail: hospice@serenityhospiceandhome.org www.serenityhospiceandhome.org Mission Statement: Believing in the dignity of life, Serenity Hospice and Home offers care to the terminally ill and their families. This care encompasses the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the family unit with emphasis on the desires of the patient and family. Serenity Hospice and Home believes that living continues until the moment of death and our focus is on promoting optimal living through this final journey of life.

Target Population: Individual residents of Ogle County who need care and support through a terminal illness and those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Program Purpose: To provide support and assistance throughout all stages of loss and grief; to alleviate needless suffering; and to help people find the new path for their life. Good interventions will afford clients healthy lifestyle choices, good outcomes and tools to lead productive, healthy lives.

Services Provided: Our services include but are not limited to: Evaluation and assessment of needs, group interactive meetings, individual sessions, literature and information available for educational purposes, and programs and inservices directed toward different life situations and ages.

SINNISSIPPI CENTERS, INC. 100 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 815-732-3157 1321 North 7th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068 Phone: 815-562-3801 24-hour, toll-free number: 1-800-242-7642 www.sinnissippi.com Mission Statement: It is the mission of Sinnissippi Centers, Inc. to provide Quality, Coordinated, and Responsive behavioral healthcare services to individuals, families and

communities.

Target Population: Children, adolescents, adults, and families of Ogle County who have a behavioral healthcare need, including: - Alcohol or drug problem - Mental health, emotional, or family concerns Program Purpose: The professional staff of Sinnissippi Centers is dedicated to strengthening and enhancing lives through a commitment to building healthy individuals, families and communities. The goal of Sinnissippi Centers is to provide the highest quality of care through individualized treatment and support services, which are available at two convenient locations in Ogle County - Oregon and Rochelle.

Services Provided: Individual and group treatment for abuse of alcohol and other drugs, (Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, Aftercare); day treatment for individuals with a mental illness; screening and assessment (including after hour evaluations); family and youth services; divorcing parents program; domestic violence intervention programming; specialized groups (including Anger Management); prevention and therapy services in schools; psychiatric services; intensive community-based treatment; residential treatment for serious mental illness; recovery home services for addictions.

VILLAGE OF PROGRESS, INC. P.O. Box 418, 710 S. 13th St, Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 815-732-2126 Fax: 815-732-3228 e-mail: bbrooks@villageofprogress.org www.villageofprogress.org Mission Statement: Village of Progress, Inc. will assist Ogle County adults with disabilities to reach their potential in all environments.

Target Population: Individuals ages 16 or older who are residents of Ogle County and have a developmental disability (mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism). Approximately 15% of those enrolled are not developmentally disabled but have one or more other disabilities.

Program Purpose: To provide a day training environment that will promote greater independence in all aspects of the recipient’s life.

Our 28,000 square foot complex is located on twelve acres of land in Oregon. We take pride in the fact that 55% to 60% of our annual operating budget comes as a result of contributions and the work we perform for the business community by way of our janitorial service and industrial subcontracts. We maintain the highest status for accreditation and licensing from all appropriate regulatory bodies.

Services Provided: Services include, but are not limited to: Evaluation & Assessment; Job Training; Supported Employment; Job Placement & Follow-up; Language, Physical & Occupational Therapy; Skills for Daily Living; Recreational & Social Experiences; Special Olympics; Health Maintenance; Daily Lunch Service; and Transportation.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16 POLO CITY COUNCIL

No parking along Illinois Route 26 in Polo in 2022 Polo City Council votes 4-2 in favor of the ban

BY ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com POLO – There will be no parking allowed on Illinois Route 26 in Polo come Jan. 1.

The Polo City Council on Monday voted, 4-2, to ban parking on Division Avenue, which is the name of Route 26 within Polo city limits.

“We’re going to do as much common sense helping as possible. We’re going to use common sense how things are enforced when there’s events going and whatnot,” Alderperson Keith Chesnut said before casting his yes vote.

Alderpersons Randy Schoon, Tommy Bardell and Jim Busser also cast yes votes. Donald Sanders Jr. and Beth Sundman voted no.

The vote means that responsibility for Route 26 maintenance soon will be turned over to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“One of the main reasons [to do this] is because of the maintenance on Route 26,” Mayor Doug Knapp said.

“Next time they [the state] resurfaces that, it’s going to have to have catch basins put in, it needs curb and gutter in many areas, and that’s to the tune of at least $12 million. It’s just something the city can’t afford.”

The $12 million price tag is only for the parkway, curb and gutters, Schoon said. However, there are no catch basins or storm sewers along long stretches of Route 26 in Polo, and those are things that would have to be added, he said.

Schoon said he was told by someone from IDOT that, with the added construction, that $12 million bill will “very rapidly go up.”

“They [IDOT] don’t really care if they get it back or not,” Schoon said.

“But the only way they’ll take it back is if there’s no parking.”

Sanders said he felt the parking ban would be a disservice to the people living on Route 26. He said he has tried to talk to people living both on- and off Route 26 to learn their opinions.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Polo City Council voted 4-2 on Monday to ban parking along Division Avenue (Illinois Route 26) within the city limits.

“Even the people that don’t live on 26 that I have personally talked to are telling me that they don’t think that’s smart,” Sanders said. “What I would rather see us do instead of sit her and just say, ‘This is how we’re going to do it,’ is we should ask the town.”

The law allows them to put an advisory question on a ballot, he said. The results are not binding, but it would be a good way to measure opinions and see what Polo residents actually want, Sanders said.

On Oct. 4, council members directed city attorney M. Thomas Suits to draft an ordinance prohibiting parking between Colden and Locus streets, which were identified as “problem blocks.” The ordinance, which requires two readings, was not presented at the Oct. 18 meeting.

When the ordinance was presented to the city council on Nov. 1, it was written to prohibit parking on both sides of Division Avenue from Judson and Wilson streets to Hillside Drive.

The version of the ordinance banning parking along the entirety of

Route 26 was written in March and submitted to IDOT for approval, Knapp explained on Nov. 15. That approval was required before the city could pass it, he said.

“It isn’t anything that we brought up out of the thin air and put on the books,” Knapp said. “It was one that was already in place.”

There was no mention by any council member or city staff during the Oct. 4, Oct. 18 or Nov. 1 city council meetings that IDOT had to approve the ordinance prior to its passage or that the ordinance had been sent to IDOT in March.

Sundman and Bardell were not on the council in March.

“I was all for shutting down the problem blocks [Route 26 between Colden and Locus streets], too, and not the whole thing, but that doesn’t do anything to rid us of that financial burden,” Bardell said before the Nov. 15 vote. “Because we can do that all we want, but the state still won’t take it over and they still won’t pay for the maintenance. For me, it’s not an easy

decision. I thank everybody here for presenting their issues the way they did tonight because it was a lot more constructive than we’ve had in the past. But to me, the financial thing is so scary that I don’t see a way around not shutting it down.”

Letters notifying residents of the change will be sent to all addresses on Route 26 and to all known property owners. The new letter will be in addition to the Oct. 26 letter sent notifying people of the then-proposed ordinance.

Originally, the parking ban was set to go into effect Nov. 16. Council members moved back the effective date so that those living on Route 26 can have time to find alternative parking options, including widening or adding driveways.

The city is going to look at how it can help property owners with associated costs, Schoon said.

“It’d be much cheaper if we were to see what we could individually do for people that it’s going to affect the most by moving forward with closing it,” he said.

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LOCAL NEWS

No one was injured in a house fire at 107 W. Center St. in Mt. Morris on Nov. 12.

At 6:52 a.m., the Ogle County 911 center received multiple calls for smoke coming from a residence at the intersection of Botanic Ave. and Center St., in Mt. Morris.

Mt. Morris Fire personnel arrived on scene and found a two story, wood frame multifamily residence with heavy smoke venting from second floor windows, roof and eaves.

“Residents were self-evacuating and reporting that someone was possibly still in building. As initial Mt. Morris Fire Companies were performing accountability it was determined the person reported as possibly still inside was currently at work,” said Mt. Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough IV in a press release.

“With all occupants out of the structure and accounted for companies changed from rescue to suppression.”

Hough said firefighters encountered heavy smoke and moderate active fire as they gained entry into

the second-floor apartment.

“The fire was declared under control by 7:20 a.m. and completely extinguished by 8 a.m., most mutual aid companies were released shortly after 8:30 a.m.,” he said. “Firefighters remained on scene performing salvage and overhaul of the structure until approximately 10 a.m.”

All nine of the occupants and their pets were uninjured. Additionally, there were no injuries to any firefighters.

“The structure is uninhabitable at this time. Initial damage estimates to the building are $100,000. This estimate is including any of the resident’s personal contents.

“Mt. Morris Fire did request a MABAS Box 18 to box alarm level for additional assistance, the assistance was as follows: Byron Fire, Oregon Fire, and Polo Fire,” Hough said.

Mt. Morris Fire, Mt. Morris Police and Office of the State Fire Marshal are performing a joint cause and origin investigation. Initially the fire appears to be accidental in nature, Hough said.

Photo supplied

The Mt. Morris fire department responded to a house fire at 6:52 a.m. on Nov.12 at 107 W. Center Street in Mt. Morris.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

No injuries in Nov. 12 Mt. Morris house fire

17

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18 SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity: Nov. 8 Lucinda Perez, 31, of Davis Junction, was issued a citation for driving while license revoked after being stopped by deputies in the 16000 block of Illinois Route 72 at approximately 1 p.m. Perez was given an I-Bond at the scene with a future court date.

Nov. 9 At 5:09 p.m., deputies, Oregon Fire and EMS responded to the area of 900 North River Road for a report of a vehicle that left the roadway and entered the Rock River.

After an investigation, it was determined Daniel Boyden, 30, of Oregon, was traveling southbound on River Road in his Volkswagen Jetta when he lost control of his vehicle.

Boyden was able to escape the vehicle and swim back to shore. Boyden was transported

by Oregon EMS to KSB Hospital. At KSB Hospital, Boyden was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Boyden was released on a signature I-Bond and cited for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to prevent an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Nov. 10 Deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kishwaukee and Meridian roads at 11:08 a.m. After an investigation, police determined that Ashley E. Kramer, 32, of Rockford, was northbound on Kishwaukee Road when their vehicle suffered a mechanical failure. The vehicle exited the roadway and struck a culvert at that location.

Kramer was transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital for injuries. The vehicle’s passenger, Brittany D. Vyas, 27, of Rockford, refused medical treatment at the scene. The vehicle was removed from the scene by

Nielsen’s Towing. No citations were issued.

released on-scene with a court date.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., deputies, Illinois State Police and Rochelle Fire/EMS responded to the 14000 block of Illinois Route 64 for a two-vehicle crash involving a 2006 Hyundai Accent and a 2007 Ford Freestyle. An investigation revealed the Ford, driven by Beth Benedetto, slowed down to turn into a private address and was rear-ended by the Hyundai, driven by Linda Keane.

Keane was transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford for injuries. Keane was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Nov. 13 At approximately 1:13 a.m., deputies, Rochelle Fire Department and Lynn-ScottRock EMS responded to the 15000 block of east Illinois Route 64 for a one-vehicle crash.

Police said Sara Hall, 54, of Rochelle, was traveling west on Route 64 when she struck a guard rail on the north side of the road, causing major front-end damage to her vehicle.

Hall was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital for suspected minor injuries.

Hall was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Hall was given an I-Bond and left with medical personnel.

Nov. 11 Arturo Pena, 22, of Rochelle, was arrested for domestic battery and criminal trespass to motor vehicle. Deputies responded to a disturbance involving an intoxicated male at Casey’s General Store in Creston at 9 p.m.

An investigation revealed Pena had battered a family member and then entered a vehicle without permission from the vehicle’s owner. Pena was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Nov. 12 Taniyah Taylor, 18, of Rockford, was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis after deputies stopped a 2007 Pontiac on Interstate 39 at mile marker 109 at 9:53 p.m. for an equipment violation. Taylor was released on-scene and will appear in court on Dec. 15.

Kameron Williams, 19, of Chicago, was arrested for no valid driver’s license when deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Sout Mulford Road at 11:05 p.m. Williams also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and an equipment violation. Williams was given an I-Bond and

At 4:13 a.m., deputies responded to 11800 west Illinois Route 64 in reference to an abandoned vehicle in the roadway. Upon arrival, deputies located a white Ford Fusion parked partially in the roadway.

After an investigation, Joseph D. Caldwell, 29, of Polo, was arrested for aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol, no valid Illinois driver’s license, illegal parking on the roadway and no valid proof of insurance. Caldwell was transported to the Ogle County Jail. The vehicle was removed from the location by Pines Towing.

Deputies responded to 11791 North Leaf River Road at 12:03 p.m. in reference to a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, Michael Daniel, 21, of Leaf River, was arrested for aggravated assault, domestic battery, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm without a FOID and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number (Class 3 felony). Daniel was

transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

Andrej Obradovic, 19, of Schererville, Indiana, was arrested for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 20000 block of east Illinois Route 64 at approximately 4:07 p.m.

Obradovic also was cited for speeding 35-plus mph over the speed limit. Obradovic was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Marquell Ferguson, 24, of Moline, Iowa, was arrested for driving while license revoked after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at mile marker 111 on a 2010 Chevy at 9:48 p.m. for a registration violation. Ferguson also was cited for no insurance. Ferguson was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Robert Woodard, 55, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and improper cannabis container/driver.

Deputies stopped Woodard at 11:57 p.m. in the area of Illinois Route 72 and Illinois Route 251 for an equipment violation. Woodard also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and no registration light. Woodard was released on a signature I-Bond.

Nov. 14 Laqjuan C. Lyons, 27, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was arrested for no driver’s license after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 7000 block of north Illinois Route 2 at approximately 2:24 a.m. Lyons also was cited for speeding 15- to 20 mph over the speed limit. Lyons was given an I-Bond and released with a court date.

David Echelbarger, 30, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended See SHERIFF ACTIVITY, Page 19

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Nov. 5-11 Warranty Transfers ANW Poggioli LLC to Anthony A. and Michelle M. Peterson, 201 Main St., Leaf River, $41,000.

Lori Gould to Kyle Phillip and Crysta Nicholle Macias, 534 Westfield Drive, Stillman Valley, $227,000.

Lance St. Clair and Joanna M. Byerly to Omar Carmona Quiroz and Cristina I. De Los Santos, 9171 N. Leaf River Road, Leaf River, $258,000.

Lloyd and Renee Propson to Maribel Ochoa, 1441 Rock Island Road, Davis Junction, $269,900.

ANW Poggioli LLC to Family Lease LLC, 206 Main St., Leaf River, $34,500.

Kylie T. Swanson to Adam C. and Kersta C. Baker, 2725 E. Pleasant Grove Road, Oregon, $170,000.

Rick A. and Tamara S. Mills to Ryan Baylor, 1697 N. River Road, Oregon, $285,000.

Dreamers Construction LLC to Jennifer A. Riley, 102 Indian Cove Drive, Oregon, $133,000.

Alan L. and Sherry A. Flack to Flack Land LLC, 17224 W. Prairie Dell Road, Forreston, $0.

Estate of Dorthy Edna Cultra, the late Dorthy Edna Cultra and the late William

Robert Cultra to James and David W. Hoebbel, two parcels in Rockvale Township, $95,000.

Shari Ann Teal, Kristina Kay Pignato, also Schurman and Dee Dee Lynn Satterfield to Mark D., Laura L. and Katrina A. Miller, 413 E. Hill St., Mt. Morris, $50,000.

Timothy W. and Nikki L. Jobes to Troy and Alex Edwards, 298 W. Egan Road, Leaf River, $163,000.

Quit Claim Deeds Matthew J. Merrill to Melanie J. Ashton, 411 E. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $0.

Matthew A. Spires to Tracy I. Spires, 121

Prairie Moon Drive, Davis Junction, $0.

Daniel L. and Curt A. Nelson to SDN Rentals LLC, 408 S. Prairie Ave., Polo, $0.

Trustees Deeds Harry Poggoili Jr. Living Trust, Marletta Sue Poggioli, trustee, to Steven Metzger, 10470 N. Mt. Morris Road, Leaf River, $244,000.

Helen M. McNally Revocable Trust, Jocelyn Hazlip and Steven McNally, trustees, to Korin E. Knox, 205 S. Maple St., Stillman Valley, $90,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

• SHERIFF ACTIVITY

Continued from Page 18

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

19

At approximately 9:45 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 20000 block of east Illinois Route 64.

After an investigation, Catrina Hampton, 26, of Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended. Hampton also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal window tint and obstructed driver’s view. Passenger Deoveonna Thomas, 21, of Chicago, was arrested for an active warrant out of Chicago. Hampton and Thomas both were transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Brittany Fasulo, 28, of Ashton, was arrested for driving while license suspended after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 8000 block of south Illinois Route 38 at approximately 11:54 p.m. Fasulo also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and expired registration. Fasulo was released on an I-Bond.

Nov. 15 Dennis Ehmen, 62, of Monroe Center, was arrested for no valid driver’s license in the 5000 block of Mulford Road at 1:33 a.m. Ehmen was released on an I-Bond.

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after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of South Meridian Road at approximately 8 p.m.

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, not individually but solely as trustee for FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1 PLAINTIFF Vs. Mary L. Cyrier; et. al.

DEFENDANTS 2021CH21 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 10/15/2021, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on December 17, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 24-23-228-002 Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1120 Westview Drive Rochelle, IL 61068 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-21-01741.

I3180065 November 12, 19, 26, 2021

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS UNION SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff, VS. STEPHEN R. HINER, JR., CHRISTINE SUE HINER, AQUA FINANCE, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant.

NO. 19-CH-77 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public notice is hereby given that in pursuance of the decree entered in this Court in the above-entitled cause on the 10th day of September, 2021, I, Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other deputy as may be sitting in his stead, shall sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder, the following described lands and premises described in said decree, or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said decree, upon the following terms and conditions: A. The name, address, and telephone of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: Matthew Bowen, Union Savings Bank, 223 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, (815) 235-0800.

B. The common address of said property is: 12463 W. Haldane Road, Forreston, IL 61030 C. The legal description of the property is: Part of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 21, in Township 24 North, Range 8 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, in Ogle County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at a point 408.25 feet East of the Center of said Section, thence East, on the Southern boundary of a Public Highway running through the center of said Section, 100 feet, thence South, on the Western boundary of the alley running through Blocks 15 and 16 in the original Village of Haldane, 100 feet, thence West parallel with the centerline of said Section 100 feet, and thence North 100 feet to the point of beginning; situated in Ogle County in the State of Illinois, D. A description of the improvements on the real estate is: Single family residence.

E. The time and place of sale are: December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ogle County Public Safety Building, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061.

F. The terms of the sale are: 10% cash or certified funds at time of sale and balance by close of business of the date of sale.. Plaintiff assumes no responsibility for title expenses or closing costs.

G. Title will be conveyed subject to all general real estate taxes which are a lien upon the real estate, and subject to special assessments, if any, and easements and restrictions of record.

H. If the sale is set aside for any purpose, the purchaser at the time of sale shall be entitled only to a return on the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the mortgagor, the mortgagee or the mortgagee's attorney.

Dated at Freeport, Illinois, this 10th day of November, 2021.

Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois This Notice prepared by: Stephen S. Schmerzle Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-1188 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. November 19, 26, December 3, 2021

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REAL ESTATE

months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois 61068, or with the representative, or both.

Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/ Kimberly A. Stahl (Clerk of the Circuit Court) 10/28/2021 Prepared by: Jay K. Filler, Jr., #03122320 Filler & Pfiffner 3901 N. Route 23, P.O. Box 115 Marengo, IL, 60152 Ph: (815) 568-4123

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

h: (815) Fax: (815) 568-8142 November 5, 12, 19, 2021 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: EDITH A. EDWARDS, Deceased.

2021 P 86 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of EDITH A. EDWARDS. Letters of Office were issued on October 29, 2021, to TASHA EDWARDS and BEVERLY BOLEN, as Independent CoAdministrators, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

LEGAL NOTICES

Claims against the estate may be filed within 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 Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both. 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

LEGAL NOTICES

y been filed.

By: TASHA EDWARDS and BEVERLY BOLEN Independent Co-Administrators Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com November 12, 19, 26, 2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE ESTATE OF: ROGER VESLEY, deceased.

2021 P 90 NOTICE OF CLAIM Notice is given of the death of Roger Vesley, who died on September 30, 2021. Letters of Office were issued on November 9,

LEGAL NOTICES

, 2021 to Jeffrey Vesley as Independent Administrator, whose address is 1940 Shady Oaks Rd., Amboy, IL 61310, and whose attorney is Kelly Flessner of Dixon Giesen & Flessner Law Offices, P.O. Box 389, Dixon, Illinois 61021.

The estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Chapter 755 ILCS 5/28-4 of the probate act, any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Clerk of the Ogle County Court.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, or with the representative, or both within six months from the date of the first publication, no later than May 19, 2022 and any claim

any not filed within that period is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/Kelly L. Flessner Attorney for Administrator Prepared by: Kelly L. Flessner Dixon Giesen & Flessner Law Offices 121 East First Street P.O. Box 389 Dixon, Illinois 61021 Telephone: 815-284-2288 Fax: 815-284-1338 kf@hsdixonlaw. com November 19, 26, December 3, 2021 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

LEGAL NOTICES COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: DENNIS W. OLSEN, Deceased.

2021 P 91 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DENNIS W. OLSEN. Letters of Office were issued on November 4, 2021, to CARI R. OLSEN, as Independent Executor, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

Claims against the estate may be filed within 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,

LEGAL NOTICES

, 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 Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 - or with the estate legal representative, or both.

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.

By: CARI R. OLSEN Independent Executor Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE ESTATE OF: DANIEL C. FREEMAN, Deceased.

No. 2021-P-000070 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DANIEL C. FREEMAN of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on October 25, 2021, to Robert Chadwick 420 4th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61068 whose attorney is Robert Chadwick, 420 4th Street, Oregon, Illinois 61068.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six (6) from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three

LEGAL NOTICES

R

LEGAL NOTICES

TH

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

22

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LEGAL NOTICES

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e IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT he OGLE COUNTY, e ILLINOIS THE HARVARD STATE BANK, an Illinois Banking Corporation, Plaintiff, orvs.

ROBERT CHADWICK, as Adminisktrator of the Estate rof DANIEL C. eFREEMAN, Deceased; yUNKNOWN OWNERS and NONRECORD LIEN CLAIMANTS. Defendants.

No. 21 CH 29 PUBLICATION NOTICE utor The requisite Affidavit having been duly filed herein, NOTICE IS HEREIN GIVEN YOU, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD LIEN CLAIMANTS, Defendants in the above-entitled action, that an action is now pending in this Court as shown above, wherein the Plaintiff seeks to foreclose a mortgage made to THE HARVARD STATE BANK, with respect to the following described real estate: Lot Twenty (20) of Hickory Heights Estates, a Subdivision of part of Section 2, Township 23 North, Range 10 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Plat File A, Page 11 as Document No. 438895; Situated in the Township of Oregon-Nashua, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

PIN.: 16-02-276-009 Commonly known as: 148 S. Hillside Court, Oregon, IL 61061 NOW, THEREFORE, you are further notified to file your appearance in the Office of the Clerk of the Court above stated on or before December 6, 2021, and if you fail to do so or do not otherwise make your appearance on or before said date, this

e, cause may be heard and judgment entered as prayed for in said Complaint without further notice.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my office in Oregon, Illinois, this 5th day of November, 2021 . /s/ Kimberly A. Stahl KG Clerk of the Circuit Court Oregon County, Illinois November 12, 19, 26, 2021 The Ogle County Community Mental Health (708) Board is now accepting for applications board members to fill 2 vacant seats.

For information please contact: Justine Messenger, 5067 W Pines Road, Oregon, IL 61061 OCCMH708BD@ gmail.com 815.238.1829 November 19, 26, December 3, 10, 2021 POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:30p.m. on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by the Polo City Council for regulations on solar panels in all zoning districts and changing lots size requirements and setbacks in residential districts.

Sydney Bartelt City Clerk November 12, 19, 2021 ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on October 21, 2021, a certificate was filed in the office of the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-

LEGAL NOTICES p office addresses of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as, Life with Michelle MariePhotography located at 103 W. 1st St. Mount Morris, IL 61054 Dated: October 21, 2021 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk November 5, 12, 19, 2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES Estate of TERESA L. PEET, Deceased.

No. 2021 P 34 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Teresa L. Peet.

Letters of Office were issued on the 3rd day of May, Kelly 2021, to Gabucci, as Independent Administrator, and whose attorney of record is PIGNATELLI & ADAMS, P.C., l02 East Route 30, IL Rock Falls, 61071.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES , 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Independent or Administrator, both, within six (6) months from the date of publication of this notice, November 10th, 2021, or three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of this notice, whichever is later, to claimants.

Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within ten (l0) days after it has been filed.

Dated this 1st

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES Day of November, 2021.

Kelly Gabucci, Independent Administrator Kimberley Mewhirter PIGNATELLI & ADAMS, P.C. Attorneys for the Estate 102 East Route 30 Rock Falls, IL 61071 Telephone: (8l5) 626-0500 Telefacsimile: (815) 626-0526 Email: fax@ni lawyers.com November 12, 19, 26, 2021 CARS815.com Search for local cars

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, not individually but solely as trustee for FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1 PLAINTIFF Vs. Mary L. Cyrier; et. al.

DEFENDANTS 2021CH21 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 10/15/2021, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on December 17, 2021 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: THE SOUTH 70 FEET OF LOT 16 IN BLOCK 2 IN WESTVIEW SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK H OF PLATS, PAGE 4, IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE; ALL SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FLAGG, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. PIN 24-23-228-002 Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1120 Westview Drive Rochelle, IL 61068 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-21-01741.

I3180065 November 12, 19, 26, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS UNION SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff, VS. STEPHEN R. HINER, JR., CHRISTINE SUE HINER, AQUA FINANCE, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN TENANTS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant.

NO. 19-CH-77 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public notice is hereby given that in pursuance of the decree entered in this Court in the above-entitled cause on the 10th day of September, 2021, I, Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, or such other deputy as may be sitting in his stead, shall sell at public venue to the highest and best bidder, the following described lands and premises described in said decree, or so much thereof as may be necessary to realize the amount due to satisfy said decree, upon the following terms and conditions: A. The name, address, and telephone of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate is: Matthew Bowen, Union Savings Bank, 223 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032, (815) 235-0800.

B. The common address of said property is: 12463 W. Haldane Road, Forreston, IL 61030 C. The legal description of the property is: Part of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 21, in Township 24 North, Range 8 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, in Ogle County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at a point 408.25 feet East of the Center of said Section, thence East, on the Southern boundary of a Public Highway running through the center of said Section, 100 feet, thence South, on the Western boundary of the alley running through Blocks 15 and 16 in the original Village of Haldane, 100 feet, thence West parallel with the centerline of said Section 100 feet, and thence North 100 feet to the point of beginning; situated in Ogle County in the State of Illinois, D. A description of the improvements on the real estate is: Single family residence.

E. The time and place of sale are: December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ogle County Public Safety Building, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061.

F. The terms of the sale are: 10% cash or certified funds at time of sale and balance by close of business of the date of sale.. Plaintiff assumes no responsibility for title expenses or closing costs.

G. Title will be conveyed subject to all general real estate taxes which are a lien upon the real estate, and subject to special assessments, if any, and easements and restrictions of record.

H. If the sale is set aside for any purpose, the purchaser at the time of sale shall be entitled only to a return on the deposit paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the mortgagor, the mortgagee or the mortgagee's attorney.

Dated at Freeport, Illinois, this 10th day of November, 2021.

Brian E. VanVickle, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois This Notice prepared by: Stephen S. Schmerzle Attorney for Plaintiff 208 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 201 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-1188 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. November 19, 26, December 3, 2021

Got something special you no longer use?

Sell it in the Classifieds.

It may just be the perfect item to fill somebody elseʼs need.

23 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

(815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com

LEGAL NOTICES

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Nov 19, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

24

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