Night Out

2 POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS BE AT POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS TRI-COUNTY PRESS Nominations are sought for Chamber awards TRI-COUNTY oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 Each year the Polo Chamber of Commerce recognizes one Polo citizen as the Citizen of the Year and one citizen as the VolTri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Jul 30, 2021 (815) 732-6166 ext. 2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County. Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-632-2520 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 unteer of the Year. E l i g i b l e n o m i n e e s s h o u l d consistently show civic leadership through volunteerism and service to their community. Services provided to the community should be based on volunteerism outside of the nomin e e ’ s n o r m a l e m p l o y m e n t duties. Those wishing to nominate a c a n d i d a t e t h a t t h e y f e e l i s deserving of these prestigious awards must fill out the form (at right) in its entirety and return Polo Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Award Nomination Nominator Information Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Contact Number: ___________________________________________________________________ Relationship to the Nominee: ___________________________________________________________________ Nominee Information Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Contact Number: ___________________________________________________________________ Profession: ___________________________________________________________________ Nominated for (circle one): Citizen of the Year OR Volunteer of the Year 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition Describe why this nominee is deserving of this prestigious award: SEND NEWS ___________________________________________________________________ news@oglecountynews.com ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Publisher ___________________________________________________________________

Jennifer Heintzelman

815-632-2502 ___________________________________________________________________ jheintzelman@shawmedia.com ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ General Manager Earleen Hinton ___________________________________________________________________ 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com

LOCAL NEWS

it with a letter describing why the nominee is deserving of the award to the nominating committee by the posted deadline. N o m i n a t i o n s t h a t a r e received incomplete will not be considered. Completed nominations can be mailed to: Polo Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Nomination Committee, P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064 Please mark the envelope Sealed Nomination. For additional information, contact the Polo Chamber of Commerce at 815-946-3131. The nomination deadline is Aug. 30.

Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park are held at dusk. July 30 is Detective Pikachu at the Louise Quick Park and on Aug. 13, showing at the Polo Pool, will be Muppet Treasure Island. Bring your family and enjoy the show and the free popcorn.

Car Show

Mark your calendars for “The Original Polo, Illinois 32nd Anniversary Car Show” on Aug. 14. Call the Polo

CHAMBER CHATTER

Chamber at 815-946-3131 to sponsor, register your car, truck or motorcycle.

Coffee With a Cop

Visit the Polo Public Library for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday’s at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a nice chat with a Cop.

Farmer’s Market

Enjoy fresh produce from Farmer’s Market on Thursday’s from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

News Alexa Zoellner 815-632-2591 azoellner@shawmedia.com

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

The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. MorrisTimes , Forreston Journal, and OregonRepublicanReporter.

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

PINE CREEK NEWS

By KAREN MERLAK

The summer heat seems to come and go. We are thankful for the reprieve of a summer’s breeze when the heat intensifies. Our trust is in the Creator who knows every inch of the earth and every corner of our hearts. He is ours and we are His. For this, we are thankful.

This morning in church, we were greeted by Judy Nettz. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe concluded her series for the Summer of Grace. This week, she will not have a mid-week, midday prayer. The posts from the past are always available on our Facebook page.

This past Tuesday evening, our Search Committee hosted a new candidate in an open house. Before the evening event, I had the chance to visit with her, over coffee and then dinner. It was great getting to know her and having her inquire about our congregation.

On Wednesday, she led a service for our congregation followed by a potluck supper. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and lively conversation in our new fellowship hall. This afternoon, we made the decision to welcome Pastor Suzanne to our church.

Suzanne will be joining us this October. She and her husband, Marc, are moving from Des Moines, Iowa, to our Polo community. We will miss Charlotte very much and wish her well in her retirement, which is happening in about another month. This is an exciting time for our church.

The first two Saturdays in August will be the start of our Men’s and Women’s breakfast groups. The men will meet the first Saturday at 7 a.m. at the church. The women will meet on the second Saturday at 8am. We have many opportunities for fellowship with friends and neighbors.

This past Saturday evening, I was invited over to my brother’s home. Ben Bittinger, his wife, Jo, and their son, Garrett, made dinner on the grill. After the meal, we played a couple of board games before calling it a night. Laughter made a fun-filled evening for our family. .

This afternoon, my brother brought over an air conditioner and installed it for me. I haven’t been able to replace the central air unit just yet, so this will do for now. I have lived without air conditioning in any home longer than I have lived with it.

There is something about the relief of the cool air on a hot summer day that helps us to breathe easier. We can find relief in so many places, like in the long conversations with a dear friend, the cool, soaking rain after a long drought, or the embrace of a loved one after a long absence.

We can also find it in our relationship with Jesus. When we get to know Jesus, He becomes our calm, our relief. He is the friend that we can always count on. He is always available for a conversation. He is ready to hear all of our concerns.

Now is a great time to get to know this faithful friend. Reading the Bible, talking to Him through prayer, and joining a church service are just a few of the ways to learn more. We gladly welcome you and your family to join us each Sunday.

My hope is that all of our churches will be filled with those who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Come and join a local church service this week, in person or online. We can’t wait to meet you in our little church in the country.

SPECIAL EVENT

It’s Fair Time! Count y fair r uns through Sunday

Take a twirl on the tilt-a-whirl, watch thrills and spills at the rodeo, and tap a toe to music this weekend at the 167th Ogle County Fair.

The fair kicked off Wednesday with the Ogle County Fair Queen Pageant and is packed with entertainment, activities, and good food through Sunday, Aug. 1 at the fairgrounds on Lime Kiln Road, just north of Ill. 64 a mile west of Oregon.

The Big Hat Rodeo will offer buckin’ broncos, roping, and trick riding on Friday evening, and with the always crowd-pleasing demolition derby on Saturday. Both events will be held in the grandstands.

The fair will wrap up on Sunday with an all-new event. Popular blues and rhythm & blues band The Jimmys will perform a free concert in the grandstands from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Since it’s a new event we’re not planning to charge. We’re going to accept donations since it’s our first time out of the gate with music,” said fair board president Tom Simpson.

The Jimmys, led by keyboardist and organist Jimmy Voegeli, have performed across the Midwest, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean and draw record-setting crowds to the Mt. Morris Jamboree with their annual performances.

With an $8 admission fee, Simpson reminded fair-goers that the event is family-friendly and affordable.

Besides free unlimited carnival rides, the fee also covers ground shows, such as Dan Dan the Farmer Man Comedy Rainmaker Shows and the Wild World of Animals.

Children age 3 and younger get into the fair free but each will need a $4 wristband to ride at the carnival. Wristbands are available at the gate.

Projects and exhibits will be on display throughout the fair at the 4-H show and adult and junior open shows. Topics range from traditional livestock, foods, vegetables and fruits, clothing and crafts, floriculture to beekeeping, electricity, woodworking, and computer science.

Other entertainment throughout fair includes the Ta-Da Robots, Chainsaw Carver Dave Ferrell, and the Brian Holt Magic Show with performances on Friday and Saturday.

Musical entertainment at the Lions Shelter will be First Friday on Friday, July 30, and John Lindhorst & Strummers on Saturday, July 31.

Shows are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. each evening.

For more information on fair events, visit www.oglecountyfair.com

For fair coverage throughout the week, visit www.oglecountynews.com.

Photos by Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media The 167th Ogle County Fair offers plenty of family fun through Sunday. The fair also includes the Ogle County 4-H Fair. TOP LEFT: A 4-H member shows one of her goats. TOP RIGHT: A participant in the Big Hat Rodeo tries to ride a bull. This year’s rodeo is on Friday night. BELOW: The grandstands will be packed again for the ever-popular demolition derby. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday night. Visit www.oglecountyfair.com for more scheduled events and ticket information.

MT. MORRIS JAMBOREE

Dave Weld and The Imper ial Flames on Aug. 6

July 30

Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers will perform on July 30, at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Morris Jamboree in the Warren Reckmeyer Band Shell.

“This band, who has appeared during all eight Friday Concert seasons, always has the crowds line-dancing on the grass to toe-tapping while sitting in lawn chairs and on the new benches,” said Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben. “Lyle Grobe has been performing for many years starting in the early 1950s with two brothers, Harry and Richard Hackbarth.”

Aug. 6

Chicago Blues veteran Dave Weld and his band, The Imperial Flames, is on the stage for the Aug. 6 installment of the Mt. Morris Jamboree.

The free concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Warren Reckmeyer Band Shell in downtown Mt. Morris.

“Dave Weld, born in Chicago, was first influenced as a child when he found an old Victrola in the basement and wore out the blues 78’s. He moved to New Mexico, and studied guitar under Kurt Black, a jazz player who worked with Benny Carter in New York,” said Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben.

Weld was drawn back to Chicago after hearing Howlin Wolf on the radio and found that he was welcome on the West side of Chicago. He started sitting in at many clubs and landed a gig with Hound Dog Taylor’s band, Brewer Phillips,Ted Harvey, at Sweet Peas on 43rd St.

Weld then moved on to the 1815 Club on W. Roosevelt, which was owned and operated by Eddie Shaw who had Howlin Wolf’s band, the Wolf Pack. Weld was under tutelage from JB Hutto, a Grammy awarded Blues Hall of Fame slide man from Georgia.

“He studied at JB’s house and one day met his nephews Lil’ Ed and James Young (Pookie), and played with them on the west side for ten years. They collaborated and started the ‘Blues Imperials’,” Ubben said.

Bruce Igauer from renowned Chicago Blues label, Alligator Records found them and recorded them in a historic session “Roughousin’” and they started doing world tours.

In 1988 Dave decided to start his own band “Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames”. This band featured the most authentic seasoned blues veterans in Chicago.

“Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, is an authentic, real deal blues band, high energy with versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin blues, boogie and Soul,” Ubben said.

Concessions for the evening will be served by Ralfie’s BBQ.

“Come enjoy the meal, music and fellowship starting at 6 p.m.,” said Ubben. “It’s opening night for the new show themed, Radical Botanicals at the Encore Art Gallery next door on the first floor of Old Sandstone, open from 6:30-9 p.m.”

Encore’s Artist in Residence, Annie Timmer will also be hosting kids art activities near the Freedom Bell just to the north of the Band Shell during the concert.

“Local small business vendors will often be joining all the activity on the Campus with fresh produce and crafts as well as Grandpa’s Ice Cream truck,” Ubben said.

Attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair or sit on the new benches in front of the band shell.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Pinecrest Grove Community Center, 500 Evergreen Lane, just 7 blocks south of Illinois 64 and west of McKendrie Street.

Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames to perform Aug. 6 at Mt. Morris Jamboree.

O ur B est S hot

T R U S T. PR O T E C T. MO VE FO R WA RD.

When you get vaccinated, you make your community a safer place. Getting vaccinated will help stop the spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself and those around you so we can defeat this virus that has taken so much from so many. Be part of the solution – get vaccinated – and let’s move forward together. It’s our best shot. Learn more at osfhealthcare.org/vax.

COVID-19 & EDUCATION

Universal mask wearing recommended for K-12

By RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@shawmedia.com and ALEXA ZOELLNER azoeller@shawmedia.com

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its masking recommendations Tuesday, saying that masks should be worn by everyone in schools, regardless of their vaccination status.

But the area’s regional superintendent for schools says the pattern in which guidelines have been released make it difficult for school leaders to plan. All schools in Illinois have been directed by the governor to have students attend school in person.

Some area districts have faced vocal opposition from parents and others opposed to masks for students, saying it should be parental choice.

By mid-afternoon on Tuesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced it was “fully adopting” those revised guidelines. “While data continues to show the effectiveness of the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S., includi ng against the Delta variant, we are still seeing the virus rapidly spread among the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the IDPH, in a prepared statement.

Ezike said that the risk is greater for everyone if the spread of the virus is not curtailed. “We know masking can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and its variants,” she said. “Until more people are vaccinated, we join CDC in recommending everyone, regardless of v a c c in at i o n s t a t u s , w e a r a m a s k indoors in areas of substantial and h i g h t r a n s m i s s i o n s , a n d i n K - 1 2 schools.”

That’s the news that area school districts have been waiting on before finalizing their return-to-learn plans and welcoming back students to fulltime, in-person learning in less than a month.

The IDPH said it would be updating the school FAQ document. Earlier on Monday, it posted an FAQ based on the July 9 CDC recommendations, which included masking for unvaccinated students but not the entire school population.

Regional Superintendent Chris Tennyson, of the Regional Office of Education 47 for Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties, said the change could be a bit confusing for superintendents and school boards as they go by an IDPH FAQ one day and a different one the next.

“It can be frustrating for superintendents and school boards to plan the year out when things can change so quickly,” he said. “I’m sure they’re taking time to review the new guidelines, and they’re working with local health administrators to do what’s best in their main interest, which is the health and safety of students and staff.”

Another important piece for the districts is to have strong layering protocols in place such as cleaning, sanitizi n g , s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g a n d o t h e r measures to keep the risk of potential spread low, Tennyson said.

The districts have a bit more leeway with planning, compared to stricter mitigations that lumped rural areas in the same boat as Chicago and other larger metros, he said.

“I’m glad that we do have some local control at this point,” Tennyson said. “Our office will continue to work hard with districts to get back to learning and be safe.”

The new recommendations further state that all should wear masks indoors in counties where COVID-19 transmission is substantial or high. The IDPH considers “substantial transmission” to be in areas were there are 50 to 99 cases per 100,000 population over a seven-day period; “high transmission” is areas with more than 100 cases per 100,000 over the same seven days.

In the surrounding counties, Carroll County is the only one labeled highrisk. Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties all fall in the moderate range, which comes before substantial and after low risk.

Kelly Mandrell, Polo Community Unit School District superintendent, and Tom Mahoney, Oregon Community Unit School District superintendent, both said they had not had a chance to review the CDC guidelines as of Tuesday evening.

Polo’s school district is making a recommendation for students and staff to wear masks, Mandrell said in a July 22 letter to families. Masks are mandated on district transportation.

“We’re going to be watching and seeing how our metric numbers go within the school and community and see if there’s a reason we would have to mandate masks,” Mandrell said Tuesday.

“There is very much a chance that it could change by tomorrow, by the following week,” she added. “Week-byweek it can change.”

Mahoney cited essentially the same guidelines that Polo put out — masks are recommended, but not required, except on district transportation.

“The process is always the same — collect all the information, collect any of the feedback we receive, and then based on that, if there’s a need to make a change, make the change and reissue the updated guidance,” he said.

Last Monday, Mahoney said the Oregon School Board was waiting for further guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health before deciding what the district’s mask policy will be for the upcoming school year.

But parents present at that school board meeting urged school officials to eliminate mask requirements and let parents decide what would be best for their children.

Six of 18 parents present at the meeti n g s p o k e o u t a g a i n s t a n y m a s k requirement.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media ABOVE: A homemade “Unmask Our Children” signs stands in a residential lawn alongside Illinois Route 2 in Lee County. Some parents have asked school boards not to require children to wear masks when the school year starts. BELOW: Doug Shafer talks about his opposition to mandatory masks for school students and questions the educational curriculum as he speaks to the Oregon School Board on June 21.