Polo_Tri-County_Press-8-20-2021

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS VOLUME 163 NO. 23 • SERVING THE POLO AREA SINCE 1857

Friday, August 20, 2021 • $1.00

LOCAL NEWS

Board to close DLR

The Oregon School Board votes to close the DLR Junior High / 4

SCHOOL NEWS

Mask mandate

Oregon and Forreston boards hear concerns from parents / 8, 12

Donations sought A donation drive is underway for a Polo woman and son injured in a crash. / 10

COOL NOVA

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column .......17 Chamber News ........ 2 Classifieds ........ 18-20 Farming Heritage..... 9

Jamboree .................. 7 Mt. Morris Police....16 Oregon Police..........16 Otto’s Column .........17

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Alexa Zoellner – azoellner@shawmedia.com

Brad Dempsey (left) and Bob Dimming, both of Dixon, look at a 1970 Nova Chevrolet during the 32nd annual Polo Car Show on Aug. 14.

Marilyn J. Jones, Page 10

Pine Creek News ..... 2 Polo Police ...............16 Sports...........13, 14, 15

POLO TRI-COUNTY VIEWS PRESS POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS TRI-COUNTY PRESS

Tri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

TRI-COUNTY BEAT

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Chief: watch out for school buses, students

By CHIEF TROY RANDALL Polo Police Department

The Polo Police Department is reminding motorists that it’s that time again. The Polo School District began its school year on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

We would like to remind motorists that each morning and afternoon you will need to be more observant when the children are walking to and from school.

The Polo School Buses will be in use on the rural routes as well as the town routes.

When a school bus turns on its yellow flashers it means that the bus will be stopping shortly to pick up or drop off a student.

As soon as the bus comes to a stop, the bus driver will activate the red flashers and put out the stop sign.

Anyone caught passing a stopped school bus in either direction is subject to a 3

month license suspension if convicted.

I tell people if there is any doubt about what to do when you see a school bus with its lights on just stop and wait until the bus is finished with the students.

Drivers are obligated to stop for the school bus. The school bus is not obligated to wait for cars to clear. Don’t try to beat the lights.

The speed limit in all school zones is 20 mph. There is no grace period for this speed zone which begins immediately at the posted sign.

The fine for speeding in a school zone is double the normal fine of $165.

We are asking the students that walk to school to be cautious too. Use the sidewalks and cross walks. Don’t walk in the street.

Walk with a friend if you can. Ask your parents about stranger danger. If you have any trouble walking to or from school look for a house with a bright Helping Hand

sign on the front door.

That house is a safe house for you to go and ask for help. Anyone interested in becoming a Helping Hand house should contact the Polo Police Department at 9463412 to pick up an application.

If you ride your bike to school you must follow all applicable traffic laws. No bicycles are allowed on the sidewalk in the business district unless you are walking your bike. Lock your bicycle once you arrive at school.

It is also illegal to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle in Illinois unless it is hands free.

The Polo Police Department will be enforcing this law especially in school zones where safety is a concern.

We hope the students and the staff of the Polo School District have a safe and happy school year.

contacted. Cost is $13 per person, Children are $5 each. Carryout and drive through service is available.

For more information, call Lisa Hinrichs at 815-298-8009.

Show” that was held on Aug. 14. Jim DeWall’s 1969 Pontiac won the Best of Show. Mayor Doug Knapp’s Choice award went to Steve Harker for his 1947 Ford Coupe. The 50/50 raffle winner was Krissie Cooper who won $1,445.

The Polo Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off will be Saturday, September 25, 2021. Call the Chamber at 815-946-3131 to register your best chili!

LOCAL BRIEFS Roast beef dinner is Aug. 28 in Polo

POLO – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Polo will resume its Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 28.Serving starts at 5 p.m. and will finish at 7 p.m.

The dinner will include roast beef, cheesy potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls and a piece of cake.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Church at 815-946-2919. Leave a message and you will be

Polo Chamber Board says thanks

The Polo Chamber Board thanks all who participated in “The Original Polo, Illinois 32nd Car

PINE CREEK NEWS

By KAREN MERLAK The cooler, more comfortable weather has been a wonderful relief from the summer heat. This is a great time to be outside where we can explore and appreciate the world the Creator has made for us. This is the day the Lord has made and we are thankful.

This morning in church, we were greeted

by Bob Toms. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe gave her message for the morning. This week, Charlotte will continue her midweek, midday prayer on Wednesday at noon. Her time with us is quickly coming to an end and she will be missed.

On Monday evening, our worship committee met to work on plans for Charlotte’s exit and our new pastor’s entrance. Our church has been through many transitions over the past few years and we are excited for the next one. This afternoon, I worked on projects for my classroom. My good friend, Amy, brought over a couple of finished projects for me to add to my room. I have been incredibly blessed with so many friends who were willing to come and help organize my classroom.

I am thrilled to be joining the teachers as we get our rooms ready for the students this

year. Judy Nettz has been helping her daughter, Kelsi Jones prepare her room in Polo. My nephews, Hayden and Garrett, joined my group of friends that have helped in my room.

Last Saturday, my former coworker, Brayden, and I took a short trip to the Wisconsin State Fair near Milwaukee. There is a band we have been following and decided about a year ago that we would travel to see them.

The pandemic changed our original travel plans, so we were excited to see that they would be just a couple hours away from us. As we neared the State Fair Park, we started to look for a place to park. Most of the lots were full, so we followed the line of cars to the last open lot.

After several minutes of driving around the racetrack turned parking lot, we found an open spot. It turned out it was a few steps away from the admission gate. We stood in line where we were given a couple of extra tickets from another fair-goer.

As we entered the fair, we went to the information booth to find out where our band would be playing. Brayden was worried when the person at the booth said they hadn’t heard of them. After a little conversation, we found out they were playing just

around the corner.

We sat down in the front row about a half hour early. Just then, the band appeared and started their set early, but we were just in time. All afternoon, we kept remarking at how lucky we were to end up in exactly the right spot.

It doesn’t seem to happen all of the time, but Saturday just turned out great. Besides seeing the band, we had a nice visit now that Brayden has changed jobs. When we choose to follow Jesus, the path is not always easy, and yet, sometimes it is and everything just works.

Time and time again, we learn that He is with us when we struggle, helping to guide us along the way. For the times when our path is easy, He celebrates with us. Our hope continues to grow each day when we know the great comfort and celebration that Jesus brings.

I hope to see you next Sunday in our little church in the country. We have plenty of room in our new building and look forward to welcoming you and your family. Join us for a time of prayer and worship.

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

POLO NEWS

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com POLO – Loose trash and alley pickup in Polo will cease at the end of August.

Polo City Council alderpersons on Monday voted 5-0 to accept a new contract with Moring Disposal that eliminates those services. The contract runs from Sept. 1, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2024.

“They [Moring Disposal] don’t want to be in the alleys no more. There’s too many accidents, too much stuff he’s had to pay for,” Alderperson Randy Schoon said at the council’s Aug. 2 meeting.

Schoon was absent from Monday’s meeting.

“I went around to the businesses that were concerned about the loose pickup – there were several of them – and we worked that out to where they’re OK with the toters now,” Mayor Doug Knapp said. “I think probably our biggest obstacle will be the figuring out all the fine-tuning of the alley pickup.”

For businesses using loose bags to dispose of their garbage, a 65 gallon tote will be provided at no cost, Deputy City Clerk Sue Waszak said in an Aug. 10 interview. The totes are Moring Disposal’s property and tagged to indicate where each tote belongs.

Upsizing to a 95 gallon tote is possible for a one-

time charge of $46, Waszak said.

“The rates will go up, which, they need to go up, but they [city council members] have done this to keep the rates as low as possible,” she said.

Residential garbage pick-up will be every Monday and recycling pick-up every other Monday, according to the contract in the city council’s meeting packet.

Also Tuesday, council members voted 5-0 to approve new sanitation rates, effective Sept. 1.

For a single residential 65 gallon tote and recycling services, the rate is $14.25, up from $13.50 this year.

That cost will rise by 75 cents each year of the contract.

For single-service commercial pickup, the rate is $17 – up from $13.25 this year – with an increase of $1 each year of the contract. Commercial tote pickup once a week is $27, the same as this year, and will increase by $2 each subsequent year of the contract.

For a 1.5-square-yard dumpster once-a-week pickup, the cost is $53, up from $46 this year. Costs will rise by $2 each subsequent year of the contract.

For a 3-square-yard dumpster once-a-week pickup, the cost is $85, up from $76 this year. The cost will increase by $3 each year.

For more information, contact Polo City Hall at 815-946-3514.

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Pine Rock Township subdivision speed limits amended by board

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com

OREGON – Ogle County Board members on Tuesday unanimously approved altering speed limits in four Pine Rock Township subdivisions.

The speed limit was set at 30 mph in the Oak Meadow, Pine Rock Woods, Big Timer and Pine Valley subdivisions.

In Oak Meadow – which straddles the Pine Rock and Oregon-Nashua townships border – the change affects 0.91 miles, including Oak Meadow Drive, Ancient Oak Drive and Ridgewood Court.

In Pine Rock Woods, the change affects Grandview Terrace and Canyon Drive for 0.28 miles. In Big Timer subdivision, 0.31 miles of Red Oak Lane is affected. In Pine Valley, 0.16 miles of South Valley Lane is affected.

In other business, the board: Voted 22-2 to send the zoning request of Caryl and Robert Rhoads, of 4799 S. Center Road, Rochelle, back to the county Regional Planning Commission and the county’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

Voted unanimously to approve the zoning request of Polo Cooperative Association for a special use permit to allow a liquid propane storage and distribution facility at 3820 Illinois Route 26.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

Alley and loose trash pickup is ending Aug. 31 for Polo residents

3

OGLE COUNTY BOARD

EDUCATION NEWS

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

7th, 8th grade students to attend OHS in Oregon at the end of school year

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

4

Oregon School Board votes to close DLR Junior High

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@oglecountynews.com OREGON – The Oregon School District 220 Board voted 4-2 on Monday to close the David L. Rahn Junior High in Mt. Morris after this school year despite more pleas from members of an Advisory Committee to keep it open.

“I am very disappointed,” committee member Bruce Obendorf said of the board’s decision. “I really thought we presented enough information to keep DLR open. I really think future revenues will show they [the school board] made a mistake.”

“We” was the Advisory Committee formed 60 days ago to counter a proposal by Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney to close the school at the end of the 2021-22 school year and move seventh and eighth grade students to

See SCHOOL CLOSING Page 5

the Oregon High School, located 5 miles to the east.

Obendorf, a former school board member, was one of several Mt. Morris residents and officials who compiled information in a 100-page/PowerPoint presentation that argued the 1950s building was in “sound shape” and could still serve as a “viable educational facility” and that the district’s finances did not warrant the closing.

In May, Mahoney proposed closing DLR, the last school remaining in the village of 3,000, because of decreasing enrollments and increasing maintenance costs. The two school districts merged in 1994 after the Mt. Morris school district dissolved because of financial reasons.

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.

Obendorf said the Advisory Committee’s findings found Mahoney’s financial rationale to be incorrect.

“The last two school years’ financial statements were balanced and produced a surplus of $780,000. Fund balance reserves grew from $8.7 million to $9.5 million in the last two years,” Obendorf said before the board vote. “The superintendent agrees that the district will have a balanced budget for the current school year and next two years. We both agree these balanced budgets can continue due to increased EAVs [equalized assessed valuations] over the next five years.”

In May, Mahoney said it took him three years to come to the conclusion to recommend closing the 66-year-old school. He said the building needs $6

million in repairs and is costing the district’s budget about $400,000 a year.

He said other measures to cut spending over the past five years have already been undertaken, including cutting the teaching staff 14% and the administrative staff 28%.

He also said the most recent setback for the district was the results of the state-required 10-year Health, Life, Safety survey of the district buildings that concluded almost $6 million in state-mandated improvements are needed, including asbestos removal, at DLR. The school district could issue bonds to pay for the work, which would then be passed on to taxpayers as debt-service, Mahoney said.

On Monday, Obendorf said an architect who toured the building with Advisory Committee members found the structure to be structurally sound and determined it would not require millions in repairs. He said the $6 million estimate was “very misleading” and only $405,000 in repairs were Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

The Oregon school board listens to Bruce Obendorf speak against closing the David L. Rahn Junior High during Monday night’s meeting in the Oregon HIgh School gymnasium.

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• SCHOOL CLOSING

5

Continued from page 4

Photos by Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Oregon school board Member Molly Baker (left) explains why she decided to vote against closing the David L. Rahn Junior High in Mt. Morris.

Mindy Nesemeier (right) also voted not to close the school. architect who toured the building with Advisory Committee members found the structure to be structurally sound and determined it would not require millions in repairs. He said the $6 million estimate was “very misleading” and only $405,000 in repairs were deemed to be “urgent” in the survey.

“The remaining $4.4 million were listed as recommended, but not required. The key point is that required renovations for DLR are not $6 million or $2 million, but $400,000,” Obendorf said.

Village President Phil Labash said closing DLR would not be in the best interest of students, the school district or the village of Mt. Morris.

“The estimated savings of that result in the closing DLR is $200,000 annually. The citizens advisory board has show beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no longer a projected deficit,” Labash said. “Is $200,000 in annual savings worth it? This savings represents a little over 1% of the district’s total budget. The long-term ramifications of a drastic move like this are far-reaching for students and our communities for years to come.”

School board member Corey Buck, a Mt. Morris resident, disagreed.

“I’ve lived in Mt. Morris for 51 years. I’ve heard Mt. Morris is going to die at least five times,” Buck said, referring to the closures of major employers who have closed or moved out of town. “Mt. Morris is not going to die. Mt. Morris is resilient.”

Buck, who voted in favor of the closure, said the school board must prepare for rising costs and salaries. “Our district is not financially flush,” he said. “Delaying tough decisions is no

Board member Corey Buck explains why he decided to vote in favor of closing the David L. Rahn Junior High in Mt. Morris. good for anyone and has gotten us into trouble in the past and will get us into trouble in the future.”

But board member Molly Baker said she believed having a separate middle school would still be best for students and it worried that it would be unlikely that a referendum would pass if the district closes DLR and then needs to build a new school if enrollments increase.

“I’m not saying we might have to eventually close DLR, but I don’t think its now,” said Baker, who along with Mindy Nesemeier, voted not to close the school.

Board member Mike Guzman said projections for increased EAVs were just projections.

“They are higher now, but there will come a time when housing values are not as high. So financially, for me, it makes sense to vote for this,” Guzman said. “The best decisions are made when you are not in a dire situation.”

School board President Bryan Wills said no board member wanted to close DLR. “Obviously, no one up on the board wanted to close the building. This was purely a financial decision,” he said after the meeting. “Our revenues look strong, but our expenses are spiraling out of control. I’ve been on the board for 10 years, and we are constantly cutting and cutting as opposed to offering more for the students.”

He said closing DLR would help the district get rid of some expenses and instead allow the board to focus on spending reserves and surpluses on “programs, teachers, professional development and curriculum to really give the students a better educational experience.”

He also said he did not cast a vote because the president only votes if there is a tie. Guzman, Buck, along withRebecca Duke and Mary Jo Griffin voted in favor of closing the school.

But after the vote, Obendorf said that based on his financial calculations, closing DLR was not needed.

“I was convinced until the vote that they would vote to keep Rahn Junior High, so it is disappointing not only for Mt. Morris but disappointing for the entire district and children in the Oregon school district,” Obendorf said.

“The finances in the district are solid.

There’s money there to support a junior high.”

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

seventh and eighth grade students to the Oregon High School, located 5 miles to the east.

Obendorf, a former school board member, was one of several Mt. Morris residents and officials who compiled information in a 100-page/PowerPoint presentation that argued the 1950s building was in “sound shape” and could still serve as a “viable educational facility” and that the district’s finances did not warrant the closing.

In May, Mahoney proposed closing DLR, the last school remaining in the village of 3,000, because of decreasing enrollments and increasing maintenance costs. The two school districts merged in 1994 after the Mt. Morris school district dissolved because of financial reasons.

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.

Obendorf said the Advisory Committee’s findings found Mahoney’s financial rationale to be incorrect.

“The last two school years’ financial statements were balanced and produced a surplus of $780,000. Fund balance reserves grew from $8.7 million to $9.5 million in the last two years,” Obendorf said before the board vote. “The superintendent agrees that the district will have a balanced budget for the current school year and next two years. We both agree these balanced budgets can continue due to increased EAVs [equalized assessed valuations] over the next five years.”

In May, Mahoney said it took him three years to come to the conclusion to recommend closing the 66-year-old school. He said the building needs $6 million in repairs and is costing the district’s budget about $400,000 a year.

He said other measures to cut spending over the past five years have already been undertaken, including cutting the teaching staff 14% and the administrative staff 28%.

He also said the most recent setback for the district was the results of the state-required 10-year Health, Life, Safety survey of the district buildings that concluded almost $6 million in state-mandated improvements are needed, including asbestos removal, at DLR. The school district could issue bonds to pay for the work, which would then be passed on to taxpayers as debt-service, Mahoney said.

On Monday, Obendorf said an

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

MT. MORRIS

Tourism group to host Country Living Tours Mt. Morris Tourism is hosting a self-guided “Country Living Tours” on Aug. 29, the last day of StrawFest.

Visitors can come to the Mt. Morris campus at 16 S. Wesley from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and visit the concierge desk at the flagpole for details about campus activities and maps to area sites.

“Enjoy straw sculptures, the Sandstone Art Gallery’s ‘Radical Botanicals,’ scavenger hunts for children, music, stories about campus people, history and architectural tours.

Admission is free. Donations are appreciated,” said Sally Gray, one of the event’s organizers.

Most events are outdoors, some are self-directed, all are free, and others are geographically distanced and reached in the safety of your family’s own car, Gray said.

Tours extend from Grand Detour to rural Mt. Morris.

At Grand Detour, explore the old Upper Ferry Landing

Photo provided

The Byron Forest Preserve District will offer a free guided tour of the Bald Hill Prairie Preserve in Mt. Morris on Oct. 13 to see the Big Tree Champion. near the bridge and watch the Rock River begin its U-turn.

The John Deere Historic Site (8334 S. Clinton St.), is open from 1 to 5 p.m. and features Deere’s blacksmith shop, tours of his home and blacksmith demonstrations.

In rural Mt. Morris, Bald Hill Prairie Preserve, 5502 N. Silver Creek Road, is owned by the Byron Forest Preserve Dis-

trict and lays claim to having the biggest tree in Illinois.

“View stunning vistas and see the biggest tree in Illinois.

The prairie, at times with steep terrain, is open all day. Trails are well marked. Bring picnics,” Gray said.

Mark Herman, education superintendent with the Byron forest preserve, will be on-site from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“He will provide information about the prairie habitat, wildlife, and the Big Tree, an Eastern Cottonwood and true ‘Radical Botanical,’ ” Gray said.

An agriculture tour of the county’s northern corridor along Mt. Morris Road includes maple trees, pure maple syrup products and the Sugar House at Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mt. Morris Road.

“Attend the opening weekend of BerryView Orchard, 7504 W. Midtown Road, Mt. Morris, buy or pick aronia berries right off the vine, walk through the apple trees and eat cider donuts. The farm and orchard are both open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Gray said.

A park and geology tour in the southern corridor begins in Mt. Morris on Lowell Park Road and winds south through rolling countryside to White Pines Forest State Park, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris.

“Fish, hike in pine forests, picnic near Pine Creek as it sculpts dolomite cliffs, or drive

one at a time through fast moving fords,” Gray said.

White Pines Lodge will be serving Sunday brunch from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Visitors can also order from the menu from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations can be made at 815-655-2400.

Nearby Castle Rock State Park offers visitors to view the Rock River Valley from Castle Rock, a 200-foot butte of St. Peter Sandstone. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the cliffs, river and rolling landscape.

Interior trails allow hikers to walk out over wetlands or hike other sites including the Lloyd Dietrich Memorial Habitat on Ridge Road and the Castle Rock Wetlands and George B. Fell Nature Preserve on Route 2 near the Castle Rock.

“These days, people need time from cities and streets.

Come tour our country, the Rock River Hills,” Gray said.

“Spend Sunday with us. ... Our vistas are nature’s, your journey your own.”

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LIVE MUSIC

Chicago Tribute Anthology Aug. 20

The Chicago Tribute Anthology will perform a free two-hour concert on Friday from 7-9 p.m.

Dirty Fish Stockings Aug. 27

Local Rockabilly band, Dirty Fishnet Stockings will return to the Mt. Morris Jamboree for a free two-hour concert on Aug. 27 to close the 2021 Friday night concert series.

DFS first started as a group that was to be a Rockabilly Christmas band called “Ted & The Mistletones.”

The idea exploded into something much bigger, wanting to take the band further than playing just the holidays.

“A setlist of 10 was made, then 20 and so on, now they play over 50 songs every show for you to swing to all night long,” Jamboree organizer Larry Ubben said. “The band is made up of four gents that love and live the rockabilly lifestyle, including lead singer Ted O’Donnell, Harry Euhus on lead guitar and vocals, Rick Nolting on upright bass and vocals and Bill Englund on drums.”

DFS was inducted into the Rockford Area Music Industry’s Hall of Fame.

“This high energy band brings a show of rousing favorites from the ’50s, ’60s and more. Always a good time, make sure you don’t miss this event,” Ubben said.

Concessions for the evening will be provided by Hectors Cocina of Oregon, serving a variety of Mexican food, and Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizzas, starting at 6 p.m.

“The campus will be extra festive that evening as the sixth annual National Straw Sculpting Competition continues, with five new sculptures and many others from past years on display all around the south end of the campus until Aug. 29,” Ubben said.

“Local small-business vendors will often be joining us on the campus with fresh produce and crafts, as well as Grandpa’s Ice Cream truck.”

In the event of rain, the concert will be loved to Pinecrest Grove Community Center, 500 Evergreen Lane, seven blocks south of Route 64 off McKendrie Street.

Fortunate Sons to make debut at Reckmeyer Band Shell on Aug. 28

Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Fortunate Sons will make their debut appearance at the Warren Reckmeyer Band Shell in Mt. Morris on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. to close the StrawFest Day’s festivities.

This band will provide a nostalgic ride back in time to the heyday of CCR. “Based in Chicago, The Fortunate Sons tour nationally and internationally to keep the tradition of CCR’s timeless music alive,” organizer Larry Ubben said.

“Using original vintage gear and instruments, accurate costumes and spot-on musical ability, The Fortunate Sons instantly conjures up the full experience of seeing Creedence in their prime,” Ubben said.

Concessions for the evening will be provided by Hectors Cocina, serving a variety of Mexican food, starting at 6 p.m. Grandpa’s Ice Cream truck will be in town as well.

“The Radical Botanicals show also continues at the Encore Art Gallery next door on the first floor of Old Sandstone. The show is open from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m.,” Ubben said.

Burn n Bush to perform Aug. 21 at Straw Sculpting Competition

Local acoustic duo, Burn n Bushk, will play a free two-hour concert in the Warren Reckmeyer Band Shell in Mt. Morris on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 7-9 p.m.

The concert is part of the two week long, 6th annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition festivities.

Burn n Bush is comprised of Rod Burnette who sings and plays Cajon and Dave Bushman who sings and plays 12 string guitar.

They sing standards of a wide variety of country, pop and classic rock music.

“This duo has become very popular over the past several years and are sure fire crowd pleasers,” organizer Larry Ubben said.

“Several new straw sculptures will be on display on the Campus for the competition as well as many others from past years.”

The Encore! Art Gallery on the first floor of Old Sandstone will also be open that evening, featuring the ongoing Radical Botanicals Art Show.

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7 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8 OREGON

Superintendent addresses parents’ mask concerns

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@oglecountynews.com OREGON – Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney asked 65 parents on Aug. 11 not to lash out at one another and school officials despite their anger and frustration over a state mandate requiring children to wear masks in school.

“I’m not asking you to like my answers because I don’t think that is going to be case. But just know that I am trying to be as honest and as open as possible so you get an answer. It will not change until something else changes,” Mahoney said.

Mahoney tried to explain why the school district must adhere to the mask mandate during a 90-minute town hall meeting held in the gymnasium of the Oregon Elementary School.

“It’s been challenged 69 times, and the governor is 69-0,” Mahoney said, referring to Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order requiring that children wear masks last school year. “Three school districts defied the order last year, and they ended up having to comply.”

Mahoney said the first thing he did when he learned of Pritzker’s mask mandate for this school year was to call

Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney explained the school district’s COVID-19 protocols and mask mandates for the upcoming school year during a town hall meeting Aug. 11. the district’s attorneys and insurance carrier. He said they all recommended following the order.

He said school districts that do not follow the mask order could be placed on probation and not be recognized as a

school, with the “worst-case scenario” resulting in a loss in state funding and not being allowed to compete in athletic and other activities sanctioned by the IHSA. “If you are not a recognized school,

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you can’t participate in the IHSA. That means we can’t compete in sports,” he said. “So based on those things ... I’ve recommended to the school board that they follow the governor’s mandate until or unless one of these legal cases offers a path forward to challenge.”

On Monday, the school’s return-toschool plan was approved by the Oregon School District 220 Board and included the mask mandate.

At the Aug. 11 meeting, a couple of parents suggested the school district survey members of the community and ask them whether they agree with the mask mandate. Others suggested using waivers that parents could sign absolving the district of any liability if their student was allowed not to wear a mask.

“Waivers don’t stand up in court,” Mahoney replied, but added that he would pose that question again to attorneys.

Some argued that masks do not stop the transmission of COVID-19, that their children would not comply with wearing a mask, that COVID-19 is not that serious, and that state officials would not know if the mandate was followed.

See MASK CONCERNS, page 11

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SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST SELLING FALL MUMS

Photos provided

Live demonstrations of antique farm machines are part of the action at the 14th annual Farm Heritage Festival of East Jordan Church, slated for Aug. 28.

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14th annual Farm Heritage Festival slated for Aug. 28 STERLING – If you like to see oldtime farming machinery in action, mark Aug. 28 on your calendar. That’s when the 14th annual Farm Heritage Festival of East Jordan Church, 22027 Polo Road in Sterling, will take place.

Admission and parking are free.

The day will start with a good old fashioned farm breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, pancakes and biscuits and gravy from 7 to 9 a.m. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-13. Children younger than 5 receive free breakfast.

Breakfast tickets are available from church members before the event or at the door.

Farm machine demonstrations will begin about 9 a.m. and occur periodically until 3:30 p.m. This year’s displays will include a threshing machine, a stationary baler, wagon lifts and elevators, an ensilage cutter, a corn husker/shredder and tractor operations.

A blacksmith will demonstrate tool making. There will be an activity center for children and adults to try their hands at powering hand-cranked items such as a corn sheller or rope maker.

New this year are a bounce house for children and a farm animal zoo that will feature dairy cows, sheep, goats and more.

“This is definitely a fun zone for children, youth and adults of all ages. Again, admission to the show is free,” show administrator Steve Venhuizen said.

A lunch stand will be open 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring sandwiches, baked beans, salads, chips and desserts. Proceeds from the lunch benefit missions and functions of the East Jordan Church.

“We try to bring new items each year,” Venhuizen said. “This year, we

SM-ST1909338

A child shells scorn using a hand sheller at a past Farm Heritage Festival. plan to have a mechanical bull riding exhibit that people can try. There are always a lot of activities for youth and children.”

During 2020, the congregation had to meet outside under trees and on the lawn for worship because of the COVID19 pandemic. That’s when East Jordan congregants decided to build a pavilion.

“We had talked about adding an outdoor facility – covered room and open air sides for outdoor worship and other events. So we got together as a church in 2020 and built it. It is perfect for the Farm Heritage Festival. Please check it out in August,” building coordinator Kevin Deets said.

The festival honors the Christian family farming history common in the Midwest while offering live demonstrations of older farm machinery and agricultural practices from years ago.

For information, call Venhuizen at 815-946-2513.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OPENING

Donations sought for family of mom injured in car crash

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com

POLO – Donations are being sought for a Polo mother and son injured in a June 1 crash.

Marcia Dewey, 37, was traveling east on Pines Road with her son, Noah, as a passenger when a box truck driven south by Jaunot Nelson, 35, of Dallas, Texas, failed to stop at the Lowell Park Road stop sign. According to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office report, Nelson’s vehicle entered the intersection, striking Dewey’s vehicle.

Polo Fire Protection District EMS took Dewey to KSB Hospital in Dixon.

She then was airlifted to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Medical Center with serious injuries. Noah was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

“Noah had a quick recovery,” said Candy Johnstone, who is spearheading the donation effort. “Marcia has physical therapy three times a week and she’s still having trouble, especially with her right leg.”

Johnstone knows Dewey “because Polo’s small and we have kids that are close enough in age.”

A food train is the organized effort of providing meals to an individual or group in need.

Dewey and her husband, Corey Dewey, have four school-age children, including Noah.

A collection container at Casey’s in Polo – placed by Johnstone – had a note

stating that Dewey suffered multiple broken bones, spent a month in the hospital and currently has doctor and physical therapy appoints several times a week. Noah suffered a broken wrist.

“It is unknown when she [Dewey] will be able to return to work,” the note read.

Johnstone lives on Lowell Park Road about a half-mile north of the intersection where four crashes – one fatal – have occurred this summer alone. If she’s outside, Johnstone said she can “hear the crunch of the metal” indicating a crash.

Although she didn’t hear the crash Dewey was in, Johnstone said it wasn’t long before she found out who had been impacted.

“I reached out to her [Dewey] and her mom to try to found out what we could do for them,” she said.

A meal train to support the Dewey family was set up for June, Johnstone said. She subsequently has organized meal trains for July and August.

To participate in the food train, go to https://mealtrain.com/5ewg77.

Monetary donations can be made by mailing or dropping off a check at Blackhawk Area Credit Union in Polo.

To ensure the money goes to the correct place, donors should write “Corey Dewey savings account” on the memo line.

Nelson was issued citations for disregarding an traffic control device and failure to stop at an intersection.

OBITUARY MARILYN J. JONES

teaching Sunday school and serving in music ministry.

Born: October 6, 1937 in Chicago, IL Survivors include her husband, Richard; Died: January 19, 2021 in Oregon, IL daughter, Patricia Crumley of Polo; son, Darrel (Janette) of Kenosha, WI; sisters, Marilyn J. Jones, 83, Anne (James) Hollinger of Florida and Karen of Polo, passed away (Milan) Mishler of Indiana; brothers, Mack Tuesday, January (Rebecca) Whitmore of Wisconsin and Daniel 19, 2021, at Serenity (Ellen) Whitmore of Virginia; grandchildren, Hospice and Home in Mathew (Emma) Jones, JoAnne Dusenbury, Oregon.

Johnny Crumley, Jennifer (Dan) Fu, Justin Marilyn was born Messer, and Josh (Brandie) Messer; and six October 6, 1937, in great-grandchildren.

Chicago, the daughter of Rev. Albert and She was preceded in death by her brother, Dorothy (Fry) Whitmore. On August 16, 1958, Curtis Whitmore and son-in-law, John B. in Liberty, IL, she was united in marriage to her college sweetheart, Richard Jones, of Polo Crumley.

A memorial service will be held at Polo whom she met while attending Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana. In-be- Church of the Brethren, Saturday, August 21, tween raising children and helping with farm 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a memorial visitation from 10 a.m. to start of the service. A activities, Marilyn still found time to play luncheon will follow at the church. violin with various musical groups including In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a being a member of the Clinton Symphony memorial in her name to the Clinton SymphoOrchestra in Iowa for 40 years. She was ny Orchestra, Box 116, Clinton, IA 52733-0116. also an active member of the Polo Church of Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to the Brethren, serving on many committees, send condolences.

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

Eric Zimmerman, Owner

A most grateful thank you to the Mount Morris Legion Post 143 Honor Guard on the past July 4th. As always, the guard unit, comprised of Veterans, leads off the parade. The American Flag front and center with the other flags representing America’s other military branches bracket the Stars and Stripes. At each front corner is an armed guard, one of whom was Legion Post Commander, Stan Ballard. As the honor guard approached our property on Brayton, Marine 1st SGT (Retired) Mike Fay, who aptly calls cadence each year, gave the command for the unit to halt. He then performed a right turn, calling me by name, executing an honorary salute, I returned the salute in kind. He then gave the command for the unit to march on.

To say the least, I was greatly honored and humbled by such recognition.

I’m sure no one knows the significance of what took place in those 10-15 seconds other than the honor guard members and myself.

A heart-felt thank you to all the Veterans for the honor accorded to me.

A special thank you to Legion Post 143 commander, Stan Ballard, and Marine 1st Sargent (Retired), Mike Fay. Semper Fi, Marine.

As a proud Vietnam Veteran, it was an honor for me to have served our great country.

Respectfully, Steve Noonkesser SM-ST1909642

OGLE COUNTY

11

The final round of waste reduction and recycling grants for 2021 available from the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department is coming up in September.

The grants are for businesses, schools, churches or nonprofit groups wanting to establish or improve waste reduction and recycling programs and services.

The grants are up to $2,000, and funds are limited, so they will be awarded on a competitive basis in amounts between $100 and $2,000.

Applicants must provide a minimum 20% match of the total project cost. The deadline for submittal of applications for this last round of grants is 4 p.m. Sept. 1.

The application for the grants is simple and flexible. Businesses could use grant funds to help buy waste reduction and recycling materials and equipment such as collection bins, carts, balers and storage containers.

Equipment needed to switch from disposable packaging to reusable packaging for products and supplies could also be considered.

Businesses are encouraged to consider projects to reduce food waste or implement food waste recycling programs.

Waste hauling companies could use grant funds to improve the quantity and quality of materials collected in their curbside recycling collection programs.

This could be done through promotional efforts, instructional stick-

ers for carts and bins, direct mail, and other educational efforts.

Schools may seek funds to restart recycling programs for students and staff, or for special projects that will further a student’s understanding of how to reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill.

The requests may be for materials and equipment, such as recycling bins and carts, videos, books, worm (vermicomposting) bins, composters, or other waste reduction and recycling equipment.

Municipalities seeking to improve commercial, curbside or multifamily recycling programs are encouraged to apply.

Grant applications for equipment and materials needed to improve electronics recycling options in Ogle County will also be considered.

These are just examples, and applicants are encouraged to find innovative ways to reduce waste and increase what is recycled.

The grants may not be used to pay for ongoing expenses such as staffing, collection and hauling costs.

Priority will be given to new applicants.

All applications will be reviewed by the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department and the Ogle County Board Solid Waste Committee.

For information or to request an application, call the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020, email solidwaste@oglecounty.org or visit www. oglecounty.org.

LOCAL BRIEF Oregon Woman’s Club to host mindfulness seminar Aug. 30

OREGON – The Oregon Woman’s Club will host a seminar on mindfulness Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Rock River Center in Oregon.

The leader of the seminar will be University of Illinois educator Karla Belzer. The seminar is free and open to all the women in the Oregon area.

Mindfulness is the act of paying purposeful attention to the present moment as an effective tool for managing stress.

The program is a research-based and theory-driven program that meets National Health Education standards.

The presentation is a stand-alone program. However, the Rock River Center will host a five-session follow-up program running from the last week in September to the first week in November.

Admission to both the introductory session and the follow-up meetings is free, but registration for both is required.

To register for the Aug. 30 session, call Audrey Taylor at 815-761-9834 or email atcreekwood@outlook.com by Aug. 25.

To register for the follow-up sessions, call the Rock River Center at 815732-3525 by Sept. 25.

Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Joe Anderson of Chana speaks against mandatory masks for Oregon school students during a town hall meeting Aug. 11.

• MASK CONCERNS Continued from page 8

“I am assuming that they have people who are monitoring this all the time,” Mahoney said.

Joe Anderson of Chana said the school district should not adhere to Pritzker’s order.

“Honestly, the problem has become that schools get away with doing whatever they want to do,” Anderson said.

“Choice is being eroded in our schools,” Aaron Mudge added.

Some parents criticized Pritzker for reinstating the mask mandate and urged Mahoney and the school district not to adhere to the order. One said the school district should “push” state officials until repercussions are for certain.

Mahoney said parents could sue the state over the mask mandate.

“If you are feeling the need to do something. You are in power right now to file a lawsuit,” he said. “If you want to do something, do something.”

Mahoney also answered questions about how the quarantine would work when a student tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus; how school officials deal with self-reported illnesses; and how frequently masks breaks would be allowed.

He also said he does not know which students are vaccinated, but the district’s nurses have access to that information.

And he said students who repeatedly refuse to wear masks would be sent home and urged parents to help their kids adjust to the masks.

“If you can’t do it, no one can. They are your kids. It has to be the parents’ responsibility,” he said. “We are going to do the best we can to accommodate the kids. We don’t want to take your kid out of school. We don’t want to be the ‘mask police.’ ” The school board unanimously approved Mahoney’s recommendation, but board ratification was not needed in order to implement the return-to-school plan.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12 FORRESTON

Universal masking required in Forrestville Valley schools

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

When given local control [on mask policies] – which I do believe will change multiple times in the next four or five weeks ... – we can revert back to where we were.”

azoellner@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – A universal masking requirement officially is in place for Forrestville Valley School District 221 buildings, much to the displeasure of some parents.

Forrestville Valley school board members on Aug. 11 voted 6-1 to approve a back-to-school plan for the 2021-22 school year that complies with Gov. JB Pritzker’s recent mandate for schools.

Board Vice President Shaun Gallagher voted no.

“This has been an emotional process for all,” district Superintendent Sheri Smith said. “I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched in some way on the emotional side.”

On Aug. 4, Pritzker issued an executive order requiring that masks be worn inside Illinois schools by students, staff and visitors age 2 and older who are medically able to tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccinations status. It brings the state in line with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

“When given local control – which I do believe will change multiple times in the next four or five weeks ... – we can revert back to where we were,” Smith said, referring to the district’s original back-to-school plan released in late July.

That plan recommended – but did not require – indoor masking, except on district transportation. It included COVID-19 mitigation measures that would be adjusted throughout the 202122 school year based on local data.

Smith said the governor’s mandate led to more than one change in the backto-school plan. Other changes include: • Social distancing requirements are reduced to 3 feet.

• If a student is exposed to COVID-19 but was properly masked and obeying the 3-foot distancing requirement, they no longer will be considered a close contact and will be able to remain in the classroom.

• A new “test to stay” option is available for students or staff members who are exposed to COVID-19. School nurse Jennifer Nelson – with family consent – could administer free 15-minute rapid tests on days one, three, five and seven after exposure. So long as the results are negative, students can stay in school and continue participating in extracurricular activities.

• If an exposed student has siblings, the student can receive the free rapid tests and, if the results are negative, their siblings can return to school. It’s a change from last year, when exposure meant all siblings had to be pulled out of school and quarantined.

Sheri Smith, Forrestville Valley School District 221 superintendent

Alexa Zoellner – azoellner@shawmedia.com

Jorden Sasscer of Forreston speaks to the Forrestville Valley school board Aug. 11. Sasscer urged board members not to comply with Gov. JB Pritzker’s universal mask mandate for schools.

After Smith presented her proposed back-to-school plan, Gallagher moved to approve it sans the mask mandate.

He failed to garner support from other board members, and thus the motion did not qualify for discussion or a vote.

Board Secretary Chip Braker then moved to approve the plan as presented

by Smith, with board member Dr. April Moore supporting. That allowed discussion on the plan to take place among board members.

Gallagher was the only board member to speak, saying he felt the original July plan was very well rounded and that he wouldn’t change it.

“Much of this public body that was here last July, we argued for local control, said we were the best people to determine what our local school district should be doing,” Gallagher said. “At the time, we followed suit – much as the rest of Illinois – because I think there was quite a learning curve when it came to COVID-19 and a lot of unknowns.”

Schools were viewed as superspreader locations, potentially harming a world without a vaccine, he said. But that led to schools being treated like hospitals instead of education centers, Gallagher said.

“I’d like to see us return more to education than a hospital,” he said. “I don’t see any statistics locally that warrant putting masks on after an entire summer when we didn’t do that.”

As of Aug. 10, Ogle County’s seven-day positivity rate remained steady at 4.5%, according to the Illinois Depart-

ment of Public Health. That data set remains on a three-day lag.

In the first week of August, the county’s case rate per 100,00 nearly doubled, going from 59 cases to 100 cases, the IDPH reported. The target is less than 50 cases per 100,000.

Also in that time, the IDPH reported 51 new cases of COVID-19 in Ogle County, including 10 “youth cases,” which are individuals younger than 20.

Ten parents spoke to board members during public comment, nine of whom opposed the mask mandate.

“When I told my oldest daughter, who will be a freshman this year – she’s so excited to be in high school – I told her she’d have to wear a mask at all times and she broke down in tears, saying her high school years would be no fun,” Jacki Kaiser of Forreston said.

“Think about your school years and the great memories that you have. Please help us in letting our kids have that fun experience.”

Sarah Lott of Baileyville sought to offer board members a perspective she felt had not been considered – that of special education students, like her 3-year-old son, Brixon.

“He loves school and wants to learn.

However, my son cannot speak,” Lott said. “He’s trying, but he can’t communicate.”

Brixon is a student at the Early Learning Academy in German Valley and attends speech, physical and occupational therapy in addition to time in a regular classroom setting, she said.

“Brixon relies on viewing peoples’

mouths to be able to learn how to enunciate, articulate, use his tongue, shape his mouth. And he can’t do it [with masks],” Lott said. “And I feel like he is being lost in the system and forgotten about and nobody is thinking about kids like him.”

Tyler Voat of Forreston was the sole speaker to express support for board members’ action. Voat has two daughters who are students in the district – one who will be a high school senior and one entering eighth grade.

“I don’t like the idea of the mask mandate, … but I support the decision they’re making,” he said.

Gallagher and multiple parents questioned how enforceable the governor’s mandate was.

State Superintendent of Education Carmen I. Ayala on Aug. 11 sent a letter to district superintendents offering support and clarifying that the Illinois State Board of Education “has and will use its regulatory authority” to ensure compliance with Pritzker’s mandate.

A district that defy the mandate will have multiple chances to comply prior to having its state recognition revoked, according to the letter. The district’s recognition status first would be changed to “on probation,” and local officials asked to submit a corrective action plan.

“Failure to address the deficiencies would lead to nonrecognition, meaning a total loss of access to state funding and loss of the school’s ability to engage in any Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association athletic competitions,” Ayala wrote.

The letter also states that defying the executive order opens school districts up to “extraordinary legal liability – potentially without any insurance to cover damages.”

Before the 6-1 vote, Forrestville Valley school board President John Reining told board members he had consulted with the district’s legal counsel and was told the same thing.

“The [legal] liability would fall on us individually – and without representation. With insurance, the same thing would happen there,” he said.

FRIDAY NIGHT DRIVE

By ERIC INGLES

eingles@shawmedia.com

FORRESTON – There’s good news for Forreston Cardinals football fans: a dozen seniors return on an experienced squad, including running back Devonte King-Black.

In the spring, the Forreston running back averaged 6.1 yards per carry for the Cardinals on 29. The now-graduated Jordan Neuschwander led the team with 595 yards on 50 carries, an average of 11.9 yards every time he took a handoff.

Neuschwander is gone, King-Black is still in Forreston, but the keys to the offense aren’t simply his. With Forreston’s depth at running back, he has to earn his carries.

“Really just [have to] work my hardest, get my mind on the position, loving the sport, grinding, staying motivated,” King-Black said.

King-Black is one of 12 seniors on the team, which is

Earleen Hinton file photo – ehinton@shawmedia.com

Forreston’s Devonte King-Black battles for yards in a game last season.

King Black is one of the Cardinals’ strong stable of running backs returning this fall. just as packed with talented running backs. If he’s not moving the ball forward, Cardinals coach Keynon Janicke can call on Jacob Fiorello, Tommy Appel, Matt Beltran, Quinn Frederick, Carter Daws or Noah Johnson.

“We talked about the compe-

tition, and how we’re all working toward the same goals,” Janicke said. “There’s still competition within the room.

Who wants those reps and who wants to be part of the rotation.

We talk about it all the time that it’s OK to be a little nasty during football practice and

then shake hands or kiss and make up or whatever you need to do after.”

When it comes to how the Cardinals run the football, Janicke is not expecting many changes. Blocking for those runners is another deep group of veterans on the offensive line.

“We have Cole Becker coming back, who was second-team all-conference at tight end,” Janicke said. “Johnny Kobler moving over from guard to tackle. It’s going to be his junior year; he played a lot as a sophomore last year. Casey DeVries, a sophomore who got a lot of time, is now a junior playing center. Mason Fox on the other side. So we have a lot of guys coming back.”

Meanwhile on defense, the Cardinals have the speed to swarm to a ball carrier.

The last full season that was played in 2019, Forreston allowed 19.9 points per game, but those numbers were inflated considerably in losses

to Aquin and Lena-Winslow, and a shootout win over West Carroll. Over the first five weeks of the season, all Forreston wins, the Cardinals allowed a total of 44 points.

“It’s looking pretty good,” Daws said. “We’ve got a few things to work on, but I think we’re doing pretty good.”

Fiorello and Appel at cornerback and Beltran and Logan Dyson at safety will supply a lot of that speed in the secondary.

Up front, King-Black will bring some of his speed as an edge rusher.

“We want to try our best to play mistake-free defense,” Janicke said. “But even if we are making mistakes, as long as we’re being fast and more physical, that will usually cover some things up. As long as we’re doing that, we’re going to be doing well.”

“Our defense is aggressive,” King-Black said. “We’re smart, fast, strong. We’re just going to blow [things] up.”

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

Forreston has plenty of depth in running game

13

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14 SPORTS

Ganymedes have ‘best ever’ run at tournament Oregon baseball team only loss is to perennial champion Old Golds

By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@oglecountynews.com DEARBORN, MI - The Ganymedes’ run for a title at the 18th annual World Tournament of Historic Base Ball ended with a “well-played” loss to perennial tournament champion the Saginaw Old Golds on Sunday, capping the Oregon-based team’s ‘bestever’ run at the unique competition.

“They are a good team,” said Captain Mark Herman shortly after the 10-2 loss. “We knew we were going to have to play a near perfect game. We left a lot of runners on base and didn’t have key hits when we needed them.”

The Old Golds, a Saginaw, Michigan team, had won the tournament 6 times, with their most recent title coming in 2017. They added number 7 on Sunday.

But the Ganymedes had their share of chances, including loading the bases with no outs in the first inning.

“We scored zero. We didn’t score a run,” said Steve Tilton, a 6-year veteran and Oregon High School alum who now resides in Texas, but flies to Michigan for the tournament.

“Yesterday we scored in every inning except two today we only scored in two innings,” Herman said.

The loss meant no more games for the Ganymedes since third place games are not held. But Herman and his wife Debbie, the team’s scorekeeper, stayed to watch the Old Golds score 6 runs in the championship game to beat Flat Rock BBC 11-3.

Walker Tavern Wheels, one of the teams Oregon defeated on Saturday, beat the Canton Corn Shuckers by 4 runs to take the Second Class Championship.

“After watching the final championship games, I can honestly say that the team that we sent to Dearborn this year was a good as any team in the tournament,” said Herman in an email to players. “Against Saginaw, we as a team suddenly stopped hitting when we had runners in scoring positions.

We stranded 11 runners on base...can’t do that and expect to win.

In addition to an invite to the 2022 tournament, the Ganymedes also won the “Furthest Traveled Award Mug” for the fourth year in a row.

Saturday Action On Saturday, the Ganymedes got out of the the gate early when they jumped on Chelsea Monitors BBC, of Chelsea, Michigan, with 6 runs in the

first inning and 4 more in the second en route to a 21-4 win.

Then the Ganymedes squared off against the heavy-hitting Walker Tavern Wheels of Brooklyn, Michigan.

Solid defense and well-placed hits lifted the Ganymedes to a 12-9 victory.

“I am really proud of our team we hit well and fielded well. We are now in the ‘Final Four’,” said Herman, after Saturday’s wins.

The Ganymedes returned to the world stage of historic baseball (spelled as two words in the 1900s) after their last appearance in 2019.

There was no tournament in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, the Ganymedes were one of a dozen teams from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. That team was competitive, but winless against three competitors: the Saginaw Old Golds, the Black Flags of Drovertown, and the Lah-De-Das. “We had many great plays, but too many errors,” Herman said after the 2019 tournament.

The Ganymedes had a much better showing in 2018, winning the 3rd Class Championship and receiving an immediate invitation to the 2019 tournament.

See GANYMEDES, Page 15

ABOVE: Eric Berg is tagged out at home plate by the catcher for the Sagninaw Old Golds in the semifinal game at the 18th Annual World Tournament of Historic Base Ball at Greenfield Village in Michgian on Sunday.

AT LEFT: Ganymede second baseman Tim Strohecker steps on the base for the force out and then fires to first for a double play against the Old Golds.

Photos by Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia. com

15

Photos by Earleen Hinton – ehinton@shawmedia.com

• GANYMEDES

Continued from page 14 Earlier this year after a July game on their home field at Oregon Park East, Herman was hoping for a better showing in 2021.

And his team did not disappoint.

“We played very solid baseball today. From worst to maybe first,” Herman said. “2019 was the first time in 5 years that we didn’t win at least 2 games. Our ‘award’ that year was a bag of peanuts.”

The event, held on the Walnut Grove fields at the Henry Ford

Museum/Greenfield Village, commemorates the original World’s Base Ball Tournament held in Detroit, Michigan, in 1867.

At the tournament, players and spectators can experience a trip back in time with players shaking hands after good plays, stopping the game to wave their hats as the Edison steam-engine train passes by the fields, shouting “well held” after good catches, and politely asking the lone umpire for a ‘judgment sir’ after close plays.

“I am very proud about how well we played as a team during this years’ tournament,” said Herman.

“On Saturday, we played the best two games of ball in our teams 17-year history. Our games against Chelsea and especially Walker Tavern were near perfect and will be long remembered. We have an automatic invite to return to the Henry Ford Museum World Tournament for 2022 as a result of winning our bracket and returning to the First Class Championship semi finals.”

More Information

For a list of 1867 rules, go to the Vintage Base Ball Association’s website atvbba.org/rules-and-customs/ beadles-1867.

2021 Ganymedes Roster

*denotes Oregon High School Alumni

Nick Alexander*, Aaron Berg*, Eric Berg*, Justin Early*, Mark Herman - Captain, Matt Gecan*, Tyler Grant, Rick Krug *(currently in IR), Tom Lesniak, Ryan Mortlock*, Carie Ramirez, Sam Ramirez, Brett Rogers*, Bill Roschi*, Kevin Stafford*, Tim Strohecker*, Garrison Thimmesch, Mike Thomas*, Jamie Throw* (now lives in Arizona, but flies in to play at the World Tournament), and Steve Tilton* (now lives in Texas, but flies in to play at the World Tournament)

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

LEFT: Four youngsters watch the Ganymedes play at the 18th Annual World Tournament of Historic Base Ball at Greenfield Village in Michigan. ABOVE: Second baseman Justin Early squeezes the ball as he catches a pop up. BELOW: First baseman Steve Tilton gets ready to tag a Walker Tavern Wheels runner during Saturday action. BELOW LEFT: Third baseman Bill Roschi tags out Saginaw Old Golds in the semifinal game on Sunday.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16 POLO POLICE

Polo Police Interim Chief Troy Randall reports the following activity.

Aug. 9 Rebecca L. Cantrell, 61, of Dixon, was cited at 6:07 p.m. for speeding 51 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Cantrell was released on an I-Bond.

Aug. 10 Stephanie J. Drought, 38, of Polo was

MT. MORRIS POLICE issued a city ordinance citation at 3:16 p.m. for the unlawful use of a cell phone.

Kary A. Mowry, 49, of Chana, was cited at 4:10 p.m. for speeding, 44 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Mowry was released on a I-Bond.

Aug. 13 Audrey Vinson, 61, Dixon, was cited at 3:40 p.m. or speeding, 42 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Vinson was released on an I-Bond.

Aug. 14 Ian Kaufman, 18, of Oregon, was cited at 7:25 p.m. for speeding, 52 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. Kaufman was released on an I-Bond.

Aug. 15 Rachel R. Ware, 34, of Oregon, was cited at 2:03 p.m. for the unlawful use of a cell phone and given a warning ticket for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Mt. Morris Police Chief Jason White reports the following police activity.

Aug 3 A citation was issued to Alex M. Moutrey 26, of Mt. Morris, for a traffic sign violation.

Aug. 13 Debra L. Erickson 41, of Mt. Morris was arrested for domestic battery. Erickson was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

Aug. 9 Arabany G. Valle, 35, of Rockford, was arrested at 9:31 p.m. for driving while license suspended. Valle was also issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Valle was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 100 block of S. 4th Street.

Aug. 11 Adonte X. Oneal-Jones, 18, of Sterling, was issued a citation at 6:49 p.m. for speeding,

50 mph in a 30 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 600 block of N. 4th Street.

Eduardo M. Esquivel, 24, of Hanover, was arrested at 7:35 p.m. for no valid driver’s license and possession of an improper container of cannabis as a driver. Esquivel was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

These violations occurred in the 300 block of W. Washington Street.

Aug. 12 At 10:42 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street involving a 2015 Ford driven

by George Salmon, 53, of Sterling, and a 2018 Ford driven by Nataliya K. Creegan, 31, of Oregon. No citations were issued.

At 4:45 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash in the 1500 block of W. Washington involving a 2003 Ford driven

by Carson D. Smith, 28, of Mt. Morris, and a 1998 Kenworth truck-tractor driven by Dirk R. Snetcher, 36, of Pearl City. No citations were issued.

Aug. 15 At 3:26 p.m., police responded to a three-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection

of S. 4th and Jefferson Streets involving a 2006 Buick driven by Jacob T. Duffy, 18, of Dixon, a 2014 Buick driven by Daina Zbinden, 77, of Dixon, and a 2016 GMC driven by Torry C. Williams, 20, of Stillman Valley. Duffy was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Travis A. Mullen, 36, of Pingree Grove, was arrested at 8:04 p.m., for failure to stop at a stop sign and driving under the influence of cannabis. Mullen was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred at the intersection of 10th and Madison Streets.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

tation of alcohol (open container) and failure to reduce speed avoid an accident.

Aug. 9 Christopher Howard, 32, of Rockford, was arrested at 8:41 p.m. for driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop in the 7000 block of North Kishwaukee Road.

Howard was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Justin L. Krull, 33, of Freeport, was arrested at 8:51 p.m. for driving on an expired license following a traffic stop on Freeport Road at Harper Road. He was also citedfor improper use of registration. Krull was transported him to the Ogle County Jail.

At approximately 11:51 p.m., Ogle County deputies responded to the report of a possible single-vehicle crash with unknown injuries at the intersection of Utility and Buffalo roads.

Upon arrival, deputies determined a brown Ford Taurus was traveling eastbound on Buffalo Road, failed to yield at the intersection and crashed into the east ditch embankment of Utility Road.

After an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, Aric J. Bender, 42, of Polo, for driving while under the influence of alcohol and transported him to the Ogle County Jail.

Bender also was cited for illegal transpor-

Aug. 10 At approximately 5:15 p.m., Ogle County deputies investigated a disturbance at Meridian Junior High School. Rhonda Fager, 40, of rural Stillman Valley, was arrested for criminal trespass to property after she refused to leave the school building. Fager was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Aug. 11 At approximately 3:09 p.m., Ogle County deputies responded to the 1000 block of North Daysville Road for a single motorcycle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, deputies learned a 2007 Victory Motorcycle driven by Colton Shaw, 27, of Oregon, was traveling northbound on Daysville Road when Shaw lost control while negotiating a curve.

Shaw then laid down his motorcycle on the pavement before sliding off the east side of the road and coming to a rest.

Shaw was transported by Oregon EMS to Mercy Riverside Hospital for non-life-threatning injures. The crash remains under investigation.

Lisa K Mccoy, 61, of Stillman Valley, was arrested at 6:44 p.m. for driving with a revoked license and unlawful possession of a

controlled substance (lorazepam) following a traffic stop at West 2nd and North Walnut streets in Byron. Mccoy was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

Aug. 13 Javier Torres, 40, of Rockford, was arrested at 1:39 a.m. for driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop on I-39, at mile marker 111. Torres was also and cited him for littering on a highway and transported to the Ogle County Jail.

At approximately 4 p.m., Ogle County deputies, Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Protection District and EMS and Illinois State Police responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries at Interstate 39 and Illinois Route 64.

After an investigation, deputies learned Larry Monette, 73, of Arkansas, was traveling south in I-39 and exiting onto Illinois Route 64 when he presumably fell asleep.

Monette’s vehicle traveled off the exit ramp and collided with several pine trees before coming to a rest.

Monette was helped out of his car by a passing motorist before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene where they tended to the fire. Monette was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital

and treated for suspected injuries.

Aug. 14 Stephen Mullane, 33, of Poplar Grove, was arrested at 1:26 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at the intersection of West Blackhawk Drive and Walnut Street in Byron. Mullane also was cited for improper lane usage and unlawful transportation of alcohol. He was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

At approximately 11:15 a.m., Ogle County deputies responded to a one-vehicle motorcycle crash in the 4800 block of Illinois Route 72. After an investigation, deputies determined that a 2008 Triumph motorcycle driven by Jason M. Gibbs, 45, of Lake Villa, was traveling west on Illinois Route 72 when he failed to negotiate a curve and exited the roadway into a ditch on the north side. Gibbs was transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford for injuries. Gibbs medical condition is not known.

Aug. 16 Leton Dye, 31, of Chicago, was arrested at 3:18 p.m. or driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop on the south exit of Interstate 39 and Illinois Route 72. Dye was also cited him for speeding and transported to Ogle County Jail.

LOCAL HISTORY

Editor’s note: Otto Dick of Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

By OTTO DICK Eighteen Lustron houses are located in Mt. Morris. Thirteen of these homes are located on Sunset Lane, First Street and Hannah Avenue within walking distance of one another.

There are 30 Lustron houses in Lombard, Illinois, and 36 in Aurora.

Lustron houses are prefabricated steel houses developed in the postWorld War II era. There was a shortage of homes for returning GIs. Today, it is estimated that there are homes still in existence in 36 states.

Many have been modified with additions, remodeled kitchens, vinyl windows, composite roofs, new heating systems, sheet rock interior walls were painted and their exterior metal siding covered with wood siding.

In January 1947, the Lustron Corp. received a 12.5 million dollar grant to manufacture mass-produced homes that featured enamel-coated steel panels. Carl Strandlund who had worked with constructing prefabricated gas stations designed the Lustron Home.

The Lustron Corp. set out to construct 15,000 homes. From its plant in Columbus, they constructed 2,498 homes between 1948 and 1950. The houses sold for between $8,500 and

This is just one of the 18 Lustron homes that are located in Mt. Morris. $9,000.

Most of the known Lustron houses were constructed in 36 states, including Alaska. The homes were designed

by Morris Beckman of the Chicago firm Beckman and Blass.

With enameled steel panels inside and out as well as steel framing, the homes stood out next to more traditional dwellings made of wood and plaster.

These homes were usually built on concrete slab foundations with no basement. The steel frames were constructed on-site and the house assembled piece by piece delivered by a special Lustron Corp. delivery truck.

The assembly team followed a special manual from Lustron and usually completed a house with 360 work hours. A team of nine men could complete the home in one week.

Lustron offered four models, Westchester Standard, Westchester Deluxe, Newport and Meadowbrook. Each type was available as a two- or three-bedroom home. The most popular model was the two-bedroom, 1,021-square-feet Westchester Deluxe model.

The interiors were designed for small lots and ease of cleaning. All Lustrons had metal-paneled interior walls that were most often gray.

Photo provided

All interior rooms and closets featured pocket doors to maximize space.

The cabinets were metal and the ceilings tiles were metal.

Customers could include in their package a combination clothes and dishwasher, which was incorporated with the kitchen sink. The roof consisted of porcelain enamel steel tiles.

The largest assembly of Lustrons in one geographic location was on a U.S. Marine Military base in Quantico, Virginia.

Now only two remain at the base and are now on the National Register of Historic Places and currently used as maintenance buildings.

Descendant of Schyler Lunt visits Polo, history museum On Tuesday, when I went out to water the flowers, it was suffocating in the heat. Paula, Mike and Ted were to go to the Henry School to get the school ready for our picnic the next day.

When the phone rang later and Mike told me they had made a decision to have our summer get-together at the museum, I was not surprised.

Our museum is nicely air-conditioned.

I went right over and finished clearing off a table where we had been working this summer. Just a few things to be put away and minor cleaning to be done. Soon the place was ready for Wednesday evening. I called members to tell them of the change.

The next day in the morning, Kevin Tvedt of California arrived and after we had a light lunch we toured Polo. He is a descendant of Schyler Lunt, who arrived in 1837 to help with the Underground Railroad.

POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf First, Schyler and his family lived in the area of Canada Settlement north of Buffalo Grove. Then he lived near Henry School. Next, it was near the Reed Cemetery, and finally he had the house on the corner where Iowa Keuhl, Polo’s art teacher, lived.

As we journeyed around Polo, Kevin told me stories of Schyler and his family. We stopped at the Presbyterian Church where John Lunt, Schyler’s son, walked up to the front of the church and signed his name on the roster to go to the Civil War with the 15th Regiment.

He and Jacob Paul, an ancestor of Karen Scholl, were some of the first signers.

Kevin had not seen the inside of the church and Jim O’Connor saw to it that Kelly had the lights all on for us. Kevin could not believe how beautifully the church had been restored.

He was very impressed that this is a part of Polo. Kevin had been here a number of years ago before the church had been redone, and I was glad he could see the church and how it looks today.

That evening Kevin took me to the picnic and carried all my stuff to the car, into the museum and back home for me because he stayed with me that night. We had a great time visiting. He was amazed how many men we have involved with Polo Historical Society.

He said it is usually only women who carry on the work of historical societies.

Kevin said he missed David and Linda Poole, who could not be there. He remembered Russell Poole from many

years ago. When the last Lunt family objects were sold at the auction in Polo many years ago, it was Russell who saved some of the Lunt family photographs. Kevin was able to get those photographs later from Russell.

Kevin enjoyed meeting everyone and he thought the food was fantastic.

He was amazed at our museum and how everything has been carefully saved. The next morning he headed for Mason City, Iowa, to visit family members and do a little research.

Kevin’s mother lives near Black Earth, Wisconsin, and will be celebrating her 90th birthday early in September.

I was glad he could join us for this year’s Henry School picnic. We do plan to have a meeting in October and we will let you know all about that.

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

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

Cluster of Lustron homes still standing in Mt. Morris

17

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

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LEGAL NOTICES

ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on July 9, 2021, a certificate was filed in the office of the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois, setting forth the names and post-office addresses of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the known business as, Old Town Oak located at 2688 S. Galena Trail Rd., Polo, IL 61064 Dated: July 9, 2021 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk August 13, 20, 27, 2021

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING PLAINTIFF, -vsBetty J. Thoreson; Erik L. Thoreson; Lost Nation Property Owners Association; DEFENDANTS NO. 18 CH 101 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on June 4, 2021; Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on September 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Commonly known as 112 Crabapple Court, Dixon, IL 61021 Permanent Index No.: 22-09-151-002 Improvements: Single Family Residential The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $327,732.15.

Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this 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 Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 The notice of sale of a common interest community or a condominium unit under subsection (c) of Section 15-1507 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall state that the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. The statement of assessment account issued by the association to a unit owner under subsection (i) of Section 18 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, and the disclosure statement issued to a prospective purchaser under Section 22.1 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, shall state the amount of the assessments and the legal fees, if any, required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. If the property being sold is a condominium, you are admonished to read the responsibilities created under Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Joseph M. Herbas (6277645) Michael Kalkowski (6185654) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Jenna R. Vondran (6308109) Thomas Belczak (6193705) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED

BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. August 6, 13, 20, 2021

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING PLAINTIFF, -vsBetty J. Thoreson; Erik L. Thoreson; Lost Nation Property Owners Association; DEFENDANTS NO. 18 CH 101 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on June 4, 2021; Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on September 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Said property is legally described as follows: LOT 73 IN LOST NATION WOODLAND HOMESTEADS NUMBER 4, BEING A SUBDIVISION LOCATED IN THE WEST 1/2 OF SECTION 9 AND THE EAST 1/2 OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST OF THE 4TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK J OF PLATS PAGE 38 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 387723, IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 112 Crabapple Court, Dixon, IL 61021 Permanent Index No.: 22-09-151-002 Improvements: Single Family Residential The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $327,732.15.

Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this 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 Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 The notice of sale of a common interest community or a condominium unit under subsection (c) of Section 15-1507 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall state that the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. The statement of assessment account issued by the association to a unit owner under subsection (i) of Section 18 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, and the disclosure statement issued to a prospective purchaser under Section 22.1 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, shall state the amount of the assessments and the legal fees, if any, required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. If the property being sold is a condominium, you are admonished to read the responsibilities created under Section 9 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Joseph M. Herbas (6277645) Michael Kalkowski (6185654) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Jenna R. Vondran (6308109) Thomas Belczak (6193705) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED

BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. 8190-916457 August 6, 13, 20, 2021

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19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Oregon Community Unit School District #220 in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois that the Public Hearing for the fiscal year 2022 budget will be held September 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oregon District Office located at 206 South 10th Street, Oregon, IL. 61061 in the said School District No. 220, Ogle County, State of Illinois.

NOTICE IS HERE

BY GIVEN that the budget, beginning August 17, 2021, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the District Central Office located at 206 South 10th Street, Oregon, IL. 61061, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday.

By Mary Jo Griffin, Secretary of the Board of Education, Oregon Community Unit School District #220.

August 17, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Aug 20, 2021

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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