Prairie Advocate_031523

PRAIRIE ADVOCATE

A PIECE OF HISTORY

One

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Stone House Memorial Park is located at state Route 78 and State Street in Mount Carroll. The Community Development Corp. commissioned a covered wagon through Red’s Antiques & Wholesales in Galena and placed it in front of the house a couple of years ago. True to the pioneer spirit of the time, a sign on the back reads “Mt. Carroll or bust.” Story on page 7.

Thomson prison now will house low-security inmates

By TROY E. TAYLOR ttaylor@shawmedia.com

Low-security inmates now will be housed at the Thomson prison, the United States Bureau of Prisons announced Friday.

The agency said it has assigned additional associate wardens to the federal prison as the facility makes the temporary transition.

Staff at Thomson was informed that Colette S. Peters, director of the bureau, had made the recommendation after a review of the prison that was conducted at the start of the year.

At the time, Thomson was a high-security penitentiary with a minimum security satellite camp.

The bureau’s office of public affairs said Thomson eventually will house 1,178 low-security inmates. The camp is

unaffected by this change.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said in a news release he was pleased the decision came without the loss of jobs.

“Today’s announcement is good news for the Thomson facility – it remains part of the federal prison system with no elimination of staffing positions, and it will help relieve some of the current overpopulation pressures BOP is experiencing at low-security facilities nationwide,” Durbin said.

Durbin said when the federal government purchased Thomson more than a decade ago, “one of our goals was to help address the urgent overcrowding problem at our nation’s federal prisons, as well as make it the safest prison in the nation – for both incarcerated people and staff.”

Thomson was a state correctional facility that opened in 2001 that remained

largely empty until it was acquired by the Bureau of Prisons in 2012 and came on line in 2019.

In 2022, an investigation by NPR and The Marshall Project found that Thomson had five suspected homicides and two suspected suicides since its opening.

The Department of Justice investigated the deaths and alleged mistreatment of inmates at the hands of staff.

The union representing staff has called for the removal of the warden and issued complaints about incidents of sexual misconduct by the inmates.

Both the prison and the union have been involved in efforts to recruit more staff by holding job fairs throughout the region. The bureau of prisons offered new incentives to address the worker shortage.

Last month, the bureau began the process of transporting the more than

1,000 high-security inmates from its Special Management Unit and its Reintegration Unit to other prisons in the federal system. As of Friday, the prison reported it had 127 inmates.

Durbin said staff will undergo “intensive training” to acclimate working with a low-security population.

“I look forward to seeing Thomson reach its full potential with this temporary conversion,” Durbin said.

As a low-security facility, the prison will begin offering expanded visiting opportunities while also providing First Step Act programs.

First Step Act opportunities for inmates include GED classes, English as a Second Language instruction, a work assessment system, release preparation programming, apprenticeship programs, advanced occupational education and vocational training.

Two arrested after Feb. 24 police chase in two counties

By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com

A police chase that began in Carroll County ended in Ogle County on Friday, Feb. 24.

Johnathon Parker, 38, of Mt. Morris, and Courtney Kredel, 36, of Sterling, were arrested in relation to the incident.

The chase started at 11:50 a.m., a Carroll County

Sheriff’s Office representative said. Kredel, who was a passenger in Parker’s vehicle, was taken into custody at 12:16 p.m. Parker was arrested at 12:55 p.m., they said.

Parker fled on foot, but eventually was apprehended by Carroll County deputies, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.

Parker had outstanding active arrest warrants in Ogle and Whiteside counties, and Kredel had an out-

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standing warrant in Whiteside County, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office representative said.

VanVickle said the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Ogle County state’s attorney file charges.

Shaw Media’s search of Ogle, Whiteside and Carroll counties’ court records did not reveal any charges or cases related to the Feb. 24 incident as of 3:30 p.m. March 7.

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PLEASE remove all winter and tattered grave decorations at the Shannon Brethren Cemetery no later that 3/27/23. After that, the cemetery will remove them and set them by the garage until May, when they will be disposed.

Peanuts are packed with 29 essential vitamins

March is National Peanut Month. On average, Americans eat about six pounds of peanuts per person per year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Peanuts have more than just great taste going for them. They are packed with 29 essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese.

Naturally high in fiber, peanuts are good for people with dietary issues such as gluten intolerance or diabetes. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol free and low in saturated fat.

In celebration of National Peanut Month, we will be offering $1 off all nuts and candies we have on hand.

•••

The farmer’s share of the food dollar has hit a low at 14.5 cents on the dollar. Take a box of corn flakes. A farmer’s share of a product such as a box of corn flakes is less than 10% of the value. This is just one example of marketing being the biggest share of the USDA food dollar.

Consumer prices rose 6.4% nationwide last month. It marked the sev-

enth straight month of smaller price hikes, but U.S. inflation is more than triple the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2%. Last month, food prices were up 11.3% at home compared to 2022. Interesting enough, food prices away from home increased only 8.2%.

The disconnect between food and farm prices is reflected in the USDA’s latest farm income forecast. It is projected U.S. net farm income could fall 16% in 2023 compared to last year while costs are expected to increase 4% on top of last year’s record increase.

So while you are out doing your food shopping, remember who gets the largest portion of your bill. The areas that increased more than 10% from last year include fats and oils, poultry, other meats, cereals and bakery, dairy, nonalcoholic beverages (pop) and sugars/sweets.

Carroll County Farm Bureau members can place up to two free classified ads per week, with a limit of 250 characters per ad (not including spaces). Ads are limited to personal or farm items for sale/wanted to buy, or farm labor or services available or wanted. No ads for the sale or rental of real estate, garage sales or commercial businesses will be accepted. To place an ad, call the Farm Bureau office at 815-244-3001 by 3 p.m. Thursday to get your ad in the following week’s paper. Shaw Media is not responsible for the ads and any errors or corrections need to be made to the Farm Bureau office.

For Sale: IH 400 Tractor, excellent condition, 815-590-3305.

For Sale: Antique doctor’s buggy and sleigh, 815-590-3305.

For Sale: small square bales and large rounds of hay 815-590-5265.

For Sale: Walnut boards, $2 a board foot; ¾ inch thick 10 - 8” x 5’ and 6 - 8” x 6’; 1 inch thick: 17 - 11” x 8’6” and 5 - 7” x 8’x 6”. Over 150 board feet total. Thomson area 563-357-3911.

•••

I see “Hamilton” is coming back to Chicago this fall. Considering how quickly we filled two buses last time it was in Chicago, we again will be doing a bus trip. I am waiting on some logistics to figure out a date, but it will be a Saturday matinee this fall. Stay tuned!

Thank you to all who purchased a Freezer meal set. Proceeds benefit our Ag in the Classroom program, which is growing by leaps and bounds! It is

exciting to see how the program has grown since we began it in 2007. We had no idea what to expect and it surely has taken off.

Melinda, our Ag in the Classroom coordinator, helps us with our summer library programs. We will be releasing dates and times soon for those programs. We also will be doing our Summer Ag Reading program again and donating two new books to the libraries in the county.

• Do I really need a will or power of attorney?

• What is a trust?

• What is probate?

• Do I need power of attorney?

• Should I make lifetime gifts?

• What makes up my estate?

• How will I pay for nursing home care?

• Will Federal or Illinois Estate taxes affect me?

Thursday, March 16, 2:00 pm Co-sponsor Solutions Bank, Forreston at Forreston Public Library, 204 1st Ave., Forreston

Thursday, March 30, 2:00 pm Co-sponsor Citizens State Bank at Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport

Monday, April 3, 5:00 pm Co-sponsor First State Bank of Shannon, 1 S. Linn, Shannon

Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 pm Co-sponsor Solutions Bank, 996 W. Fairview Rd., Freeport

Wednesday, April 5, 2:00 pm Co-sponsor Community Bank, 401 S. Church St., Orangeville

Tuesday, April 11, 11:30 am Co-sponsor Prairie View Assisted Living, 500 E. McNair Rd., Winnebago

Wednesday, April 19, 6:00 pm Co-sponsor Citizens State Bank at Stockton Country Inn & Suites, 200 Dillon Ave., Stockton

Friday, April 21, 5:00 pm Co-sponsor Keller Williams Realty Signature, 802 Spring St., Galena

Wednesday, May 3, 6:00 pm Co-sponsor Citizens State Bank at Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Dr., Lena

Wednesday, May 10, 6:00 pm Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport

Wednesday, May 17, 2:00 pm Co-sponsor WinnPrairie, 1545 S. Forest Rd., Freeport

U.S. 52 bridge in Ogle County to close March 13

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

DIXON – Work on the U.S. 52 bridge crossing Elkhorn Creek in Ogle County will begin Monday, March 13, weather permitting, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday.

The bridge, located just south of Illinois 64 near Brookville, will be closed during the project, which includes removing and replacing the bridge. A marked detour will direct traffic to use Illinois 64 and Illinois 26.

The $3.2 million project is expected to be completed by Aug. 25. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

“To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment,” an IDOT news release said. “Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 2,500

miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Three of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $8.6 billion of improvements statewide on 4,422 miles of highway, 412 bridges and 621 additional safety improvements.”

For IDOT District 2 updates, view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Village of Chadwick ordinance information available at Village Hall

The village of Chadwick passed an ordinance against burning leaves in November 2022.

Trustees passed a domestic hen ordinance this month.

Information on both ordinances is available at the Chadwick Village Hall or the Chadwick post office.

For questions, call Village Clerk Michelle Ottens at 815-684-5188.

Preorder church’s hamettes through March 18

The Milledgeville United Methodist Church’s United Women in Faith is seeking preorders for their hamettes through Saturday, March 18.

The hamettes will be made and packaged on Thursday, March 30, and Friday, March 31, and frozen for pickup Saturday, April 1.

Orders can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. The price is $3 for each hamette.

To order, call Diane at 815-225-7022 or send a direct message through MUMC’s Facebook page.

Milledgeville United Methodist Church is located at 321 Holcomb Ave. When picking up hamettes, use the north door by going downstairs to the Fellowship Hall.

‘Bling N Things’ luncheon planned March 15

The Rock River Area Christian Women’s Connection is offering a “Bling N Things” luncheon Wednesday, March 15. Participants are asked to bring fashion accessories (no more than 10) to give to someone else. Jewelry, purses, hats and scarves in good condition are requested. No shoes or clothing.

The guest speaker will be Nancy Grace of Forsythe, who will talk about a valuable discovery she learned from a lost diamond.

The meal entree will be a pulled pork sandwich and potato salad at the Candlelight Inn in Rock Falls. Cost is $17, which covers meal, drinks, tip and the program.

The Rock River Area Christian Women’s Connection is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

For information, call Irene at 309945-7121.

Shaw Media file photo

U.S. 52 will be closed to replace the bridge over Elkhorn Creek. Traffic will be rerouted to Illinois 64 and Illinois 26.

Eagle Nature Foundation offers Spring Bird Seed Sale

Shaw Local News Network

APPLE RIVER – The Eagle Nature Foundation is hosting its fundraising Spring Bird Seed Sale on Saturday, April 15.

ENF will offer 20 varieties of bird seed and two varieties of cat food that will be available for pickup that day, said Terrence Ingram, president of the foundation.

“Anyone interested in helping ENF and at the same time getting their summer’s supply of bird seed should contact ENF’s office for a complete list of the varieties and an order form for this bird seed and cat food,” Ingram said in a news release. “Any and all purchases help ENF raise needed funds for its efforts to

monitor the bald eagle population and educate the public about the importance of saving all endangered species.”

All seed must be ordered and paid for in advance of April 8. On April 15, any bird seed or cat food that has been ordered will be available for pickup at 8384 N. Broadway, a half-mile south of Apple River, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“If this date is impossible, then when you order your seeds or cat food, let ENF know when you will be able to pick them up as soon after that date as possible,” Ingram said.

For a complete list of foods available, call 815-594-2306 or write to Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 E. Hickory St., Apple River, IL 61001.

A cardinal takes two kernels of safflower seed in its beak as it visits a bird feeder in an Ogle County yard. The Eagle Nature Foundation is hosting its fundraising Spring Bird Seed Sale on Saturday, April 15.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Illinois spring trout fishing season opens April 1 at area locations

Shaw Local News Network

SPRINGFIELD – The 2023 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 1, at 58 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state, including nine in northwest Illinois.

As an early opportunity at selected

trout sites, the spring catch-and-release fishing season will open March 18. No trout may be kept during the catch-andrelease fishing period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 1.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000

rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout fishing season, which begins in October.

The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support from

those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout stamps.

For the 2023 spring trout season, no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from March 13 until the season opens at 5 a.m. April 1. Anyone

See TROUT FISHING, page 6

Country Crossroads Quilt Guild to meet March 20

The Country Crossroads Quilt Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20.

Judy Bender of Belvidere will be presenting a trunk show of her work with raw edge applique, including some of her original designs.

Bender also will be presenting a workshop for guild members, starting at 10 a.m., teaching Shannon Brinkley’s technique of raw-edge scrappy applique.

Guild meetings are at the Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road, Forreston, at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. There is ample time to meet

• TROUT FISHING

Continued from page 5

attempting to harvest trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations.

All anglers, including those who intend to release fish caught before April 1, must have a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the armed forces.

The daily harvest limit for each

and greet members before the meeting. Visitors are welcome. For visitors, there is a $5 fee at the door.

For information, call Program Committee Chairs Dawn Vehmeier at 815-291-4592 or Ann Tully at 815-238-2218 or Guild President Shelly Holverson at 815-297-2381.

Luck of the Irish Sale at thrift shop

The Carroll County Thrift Shop will have all Winter Wear at half price on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18.

Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The thrift shop is at 126 S. Fourth St. in

angler is five trout.

Area locations in northern Illinois that will be open for the 2023 spring trout season are:

Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway

Jo Daviess County: Apple River, Apple River Canyon State Park*

Ogle County: Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park*

Rock Island County: Prospect Park, Moline

Stephenson County: Waddams Creek, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park; Yellow Creek in Krape Park, Freeport

Savanna.

The Carroll County Help Center helps families in need of emergency assistance who live in Carroll County.

CCHC also gives three annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors, one for each Carroll County school district.

Funds for these scholarships are derived from memorial donations and the sale of used items through the Carroll County Thrift Shop in Savanna, a cooperative effort of the faith communities in Carroll County.

2023 scholarship applications are due March 20. Students should contact their guidance counselors for application information.

Whiteside County: Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls

Winnebago County: Baumann Lake, Cherry Valley; Four Lakes, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

* – Denotes sites that are open for catch-and-release during early spring season fishing.

For information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the website at www.ifishillinois. org.

Illinois 2023 fishing licenses and Inland Trout Stamps are available at IDNR license and permit locations,

IDNR seeking seasonal conservation workers

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking applicants for seasonal conservation workers at state parks and historic sites around the state, including Carroll and JoDaviess counties.

These are temporary positions not to exceed six months. To learn more about the positions, qualifications, deadline for applications and instructions for applying, visit https://bit.ly/IDNRjobs. Look for positions titled “conservation/historic preservation worker.” Openings for more seasonal positions will be added in the coming weeks.

including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. For a list of locations, visit www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps also can be purchased online at www. exploremoreil.com.

For information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Not all sites open at 5 a.m. on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite sites before the opening date.

Stone home restored to honor city’s heritage

By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com

MOUNT CARROLL – When David Emmert came to Mount Carroll in 1841, he saw the potential for a budding community along the banks of what was then called the Wakarusa River.

Emmert built a limestone home, the second house in town, where he would witness Mount Carroll flourish and grow, thanks in no small part to the Wakarusa. However, more than 150 years later, that same river – known today as Carroll Creek – nearly caused the downfall of his historic home.

For a community rich in history and dedicated to its preservation, seeing what became of the oldest surviving house in town was more than some people could bear.

So they took matters into their own hands, along with the tools it took to resurrect the ruins and restore it to a home, sweet home.

Nancy Gmitro and a team of dedicated community members sought to resurrect an invaluable piece of local history, one stone at a time. It took about 15 years, but the David Emmert

Stone House, at 107 W. State St. has been rebuilt and now is part of a park that serves as a destination not only for locals, but visitors traveling up or down the big hill on state Route 78.

Gmitro and her husband, John, who passed away in 2008, knew there was a gem inside that rubble, but they knew the stones would take quite a bit of polishing to fix that fixer-upper.

“This little house was still standing at the time, and it slowly deteriorated,” Gmitro said. “We heard that the city was just going to completely wipe it out. It was an original, permanent building in town.”

It’s not that city had it in for the old house; they were going to just finish the demolition work that Mother Nature already had begun. The building nearly was destroyed in a 2006 flood. The entire north wall was gone, and portions of the east and west walls were gone with it. The roof also was

destroyed, along with nearly all of the interior.

It wasn’t just a shell of its former self after the flood – it was a broken shell. The city of Mount Carroll

wanted it torn down, but Gmitro was determined to not let that happen. She and other volunteers formed

David Emmert: Circa early 1850s

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Visitors to the house can see all three levels without taking a step up or down a flight of stairs. The house uses a novel cutaway approach to give people a view of the entire home. See STONE HOUSE, Page 8

Continued from Page 7

the Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation, raised money and bought the property, with the intention of creating a park and historic site.

Now that they had the property and plan, they needed something else: limestone. But they couldn’t just pick up the pieces and move on. They needed to find limestone elsewhere to build back up what nature had torn down. They found it on a local farm, where the owner gave the group the limestone blocks in a private donation.

Now, you might think the limestones were the final piece of the puzzle, right? Actually, they were just the beginning.

In order to restore the house, each missing block had to be replaced with another one that would fit.

Chris Rogers was one of the volunteers who did a good chunk of the work, including the stone work.

“You look at the blocks like a puzzle. You figure out what will fit there and what will fit there,” Rogers said. “It was kind of hard to sometimes keep with original stuff, but you can only do so much. But the whole deal is so that people can come and use this as a park.”

Soon came the stabilization of the remaining walls and windows, the replacement of the roof and the restoration of a natural spring in the lower level, which was all done by 2014. Then came a slowdown of work before the MCCDC deeded the house and property to the city of Mount Carroll in 2018. More work was done for another three years before the house and park finally opened after a ribbon-cutting Sept. 4.

“It was all developed as you go without any drawings,” Rogers said. “It was more ‘What do you want and what can we do?’ It was just a big hole.”

David Emmert was born in 1804 in Maryland. He came to Carroll County in 1840 via the Mississippi River, settling in Savanna before moving to the area that now is Georgetown, north of

Lanark. That didn’t last long before he found a prime opportunity to help in Mount Carroll’s development.

Emmert ran a grist mill elsewhere on the river, helped start the Mount Carroll Seminary (which would later become Shimer College), and helped start the Carroll County Republican newspaper. He became a wealthy man, and donated the land needed for Oak Hill Cemetery, which is where he was buried after his death in 1857.

After Emmert’s death, the house went through several owners before eventually ceasing as a dwelling, probably by the 1920s. Before then, Galena Street was the northern exit from town, but as cars became dominant on the road, a bypass was needed to improve traffic flow through town. The current steep curve then was constructed, and it went though the house’s front yard after crossing State Street. Between the soil moved for construction and the naturally shifting landscape, the house’s first floor eventually became a basement. In the years up to its eventual abandonment, the structure, with a new front door, was

relegated to use as storage.

From the outside, it looked as if there were only two floors to the building. The rediscovery of the original ground floor also led to finding the home’s original fireplace, which once had a beehive oven. The spring on the lower floor came in under the wall, which brought water and refrigeration; milk, cheese and butter were put in the water to keep them from spoiling. Gmitro shows it to children during school field trips, and she said they are often amazed by how it works.

“This house was really well off because they had refrigeration and running water,” Gmitro said. “They didn’t have to go out to get to a pump or something like that, and it works in the winter and never freezes.”

With the original ground floor brought back to life, that meant trying to find a way to make it so that all visitors could see not just that floor, but the other levels, too. The result was an overall viewing experience of the entire inside of the house. Volunteers built a glass walkway from door to door, and cut out most of the top two floors to give visitors a view of what the rooms looked like during the Emmerts’ days – with nine children running around back then.

When visitors look up, they see the bedrooms on the top floor; look across and they see more bedrooms; look down and they see the social quarters. The original stairway would have been near the front door. The decor is made up of period pieces, most of which were donated.

“We had to come up with a plan,” Rogers said. “Our first thought was to build a floor, but then you’ve got to have stairs and people can’t see. Then we came up with this ramp approach to give it a dollhouse look.”

One of the artifacts on the top floor

is an original rope bed. They were made with straw as a cushion, and the ropes, tied to each side, served as the support. Those beds, volunteer Linda Anderson once heard, also led to the popular bedtime phrase, “sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

“We always learn stuff and hear stories from the people that come through,” Anderson said.

City leaders are praising the project and the efforts by volunteers. Every penny spent on restoration and the property came from donations; not a single cent came from the city.

“It saved a property that was falling down as you enter the community, and the outpouring of support of the project with volunteers and money, it’ll become an asset to our community,” Mayor Carl Bates said. “It’s come from being derelict to being a sight that you can see.”

Alderman Mike Risko, who coordinated efforts between the city and the MCCDC, sees this project as the first of many that the city plans to undertake in the next year. This includes an expansion of the Carnegie Library, where $1.2 million was raised by local efforts to get a matching grant; the Shimer Square project, a housing and business incubation development on the former college campus; and a recreation center near the school building.

“We’re looking at this to be a jumpoff for the great things that are going to be happening with our community,” Risko said. “We’re really hoping to let people see that this is a town that cares and gives donations. That’s where a lot of these projects come from. It’s so cool the way people give and respond.”

As for the house and park, there’s still work to be done. Picnic tables and a pavilion are planned for the front lawn, which is where a Governor’s Hometown Award sign from 2020 will be installed. A native prairie patch is planned to be put near the house to help give it some more of its old 1841 charm.

The volunteers are proud of their work, and consider it a point of pride that the city didn’t have to spend anything on it.

“All of the people who donated and all of the people who supported this is what made it happen,” Rogers said. “If they didn’t do that, this couldn’t have happened.”

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Key players in the restoration of the David Emmert Stone House are, from left: local business owners Len and Linda Anderson, Nancy Gmitro, who spearheaded the project, Mount Carroll Mayor Carl Bates, Chris Rogers, and builder and alderman Mike Risko.

This is what the home looked like before the restoration was completed.

NUIC Boys Basketball

Fulton junior Baylen Damhoff was named the Player of the Year in the NUIC South this season and was one of six unanimous selections to the first team on the all-conference squad.

AFC senior Carson Rueff, Eastland freshman Parker Krogman, Fulton senior Ethan Price, Milledgeville junior Connor Nye, and Polo junior Brock Soltow also were unanimous picks to the team.

Second-teamers were AFC senior Lane Koning, Amboy sophomore Eddie Jones, Eastland junior Trevor Janssen, Milledgeville senior Kacen Johnson and Forreston senior Owen Greenfield and sophomore Brendan Greenfield.

AFC seniors Jordan Harris and Kaleb Goldman, Amboy junior Troy Anderson, Eastland senior Carsen Heeren, Forreston senior Brock Smith, Fulton sophomore Dom Kramer and senior Reed Owen, and Polo junior Carter Merdian and senior Carson Jones were all named honorable mention.

NUIC Girls Basketball

Two Eastland players and two Polo players were unanimous selections to the NUIC South’s all-conference first team.

Eastland seniors Sarah Kempel and Paige Joiner and Polo senior Lindee Poper and freshman Camrynn Jones joined Amboy’s Elly

Jones, a junior, Amboy’s Addison Pertell, a sophomore, and AFC’s Taylor Jahn, a junior, as unanimous selections.

Forreston’s Jenna Greenfield, a junior, was also selected to the first team.

Second-teamers were AFC’s Brianna Gonnerman, a junior, Amboy’s Maeve Larson, a junior, Eastland’s Quinc Haverland, a senior, Forreston’s Brooke Boettner, a senior, Milledgeville’s Lily Smith, a senior, and Polo’s Courtney Grobe, a junior.

Honorable mentions were Forreston’s Rylee Broshous, a junior, AFC’s Alexis Schwarz, a junior, and Amboy’s Courtney Ortgiesen, a senior.

Poper was named MVP and the Sportsmanship Award went to Milledgeville.

Parker Krogman

Sarah Kempel

Paige Joiner

Lindee Poper - MVP Baylen Damhoff - Player of the Year

CLASSIFIED

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EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

GRAIN ELEVATOR OPERATOR

The Hill sdale Elevator Co is looking to fill the position of Grain Elevator Operator

We are wanting to find a reliable, selfmoti vated person to join our team at the Hillsdale facility.

The Grain Operator will work with the Location Manager and other staff to manage the day to day outside operations This includes Drying , Storing, Receiving, Storag e and Quality Control of Grains. This is a full-time, hourly position with overtime During the fall, you will be expected to work overtime during harvest

The Hillsdale Elevator Co offers an excellent benefit package for all full-time employees, including Pension, 401k, Health Insurance, Dental and Vision and paid time off.

Hourly wage will be based on knowle dge and experience.

Contact the Hillsdale Office at 309-658-2218 and ask for Doug or Patti, or send a resume to patti@hillsdaleElevato rCo.com

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS CLOTHING

CELEBRATE RECOVERY!

A program based on the Bible Weekly Meeting -

Every Friday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at York Community Church, Thomson, IL. Contact: Robert Heath @ 815- 2593550.

Need to place an ad?

Call us today! 833-584-NEWS

GROW YOUR CAREER WITH IDHS!

C o m e a n d l e a r n a b o u t c a r e e r o p t i o n s , o u r a m a z i n g b e n e f i t s , t h e a p p l i c a t i o n p r o c e s s a n d i n t e r a c t w i t h m a n a g e m e n t a n d h u m a n r e s o u r c e s w h o w i l l a s s i s t y o u o n y o u r p a t h t o s u c c e s s ! T h i s i s a n i n f o r m a t i o n a l e v e n t o n l y - N o i n t e r v i e w s a t t h i s e v e n t

CLICK

s t a y a t M a b l e y b e c a u s e o f t h e i n d v i d u a l s w e s e r v e T o k n o w t h a t I c a n p o s s i b l y m a k e t h e r d a y a l i t t l e b e t t e r a n d o r b r i g h t e r , m a k e s m e k e e p c o m i n g b a c k " A , B " f e e l I ’ v e g r o w n s i n c e b e e n h e r e a s i t i s n o t m u n d a n e w o r k a n d I a m g v e n n e w w o r k t o g r o w a n d l e a r n K P

Please

l i c k t o v i e w v i d e o

RIP -N- TEAR: Sewing RepairsBlue Jeans, Work Clothes & Zippe rs Replaced In Thomson area 815-541-3178

MISCELLANE OUS FOR SALE

Small Sq Hay Bails Grass or Alfalfa Call no text 815-499-8968

SEASON Join o Wyffels Hy our Rese in the Gen the road for hard w Duties incl Genese Packag Operate Wage s Road C Assist w overnigh Assist w All hote OT ava EMPLOYMEN

MAINTENANCE

WANT ED F.T or P.T

Must pass background check

Apply at: Heritage Square 620 N. Ottawa Ave Dixon, IL 61021 EOE

Electrical and Industrial Technology Faculty

Must possess 2000+ hrs workforce experience w/ hands- on manufactur ing skills in industrial maintenance

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc. edu/ postings/1644

Accounting Assistant

Associates in business or accounting required. Kno wledge of accounting, experience w/ accounting softw are, experience w/ Excel, & ability to maintain confidentiality requir ed

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc. edu/ postings/1649

Transfer Program C oordinator / Program Advisor

Master's degree in Counseling , Student Personnel, or related with three years in academic, transfer, career , or personal counseling required.

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc. edu/ postings/1672

Campus Safety & Security

HS diploma or GED, driver's license, & good driving record required Associates in criminal justice & one year of related experience preferred. Certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, Campus Secur ity Authority (Clery Act), and Mental Health First Aid must be completed within a set probationar y period

A ppl y online: https://jobs.sv cc. edu/ postings/1670

Learning Com mons Dis ability Support

Inst ruct ional Ass ist ant (part-time)

Bachelor's degree in STEM, Biology, Mathematics, or related and experi ence which provides relevant knowledge and skills required.

Apply online : ht tps://jobs.svcc .edu/postings/1673

Sauk Valley Community College

Attn: Human Resources

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT CODE

EMPLOYMEN

The City En forcem Enforcem supervis io Responsi of all pro ordinances patrols an complian City of St inspections complian The succe Property months o knowledg codes an materials. communi skills A some rel municipa driver's l qualificatio Resumes, related refe Question addresse Ster ling, mguern sey@ster The

PUBLICATION

NOTICE

NOTICE is given of the death of KAREN HARMON of Lanark, Illinois.

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

SEASONAL HEL P WANTED

Join one of the largest independent seed companies!

Wyffels Hybrids is currently hiring for seasonal employees at our Research facility in Geneseo, Illin ois . In addition to work in the Geneseo facility we are looking for individuals to go on the road during planting season in the spring. We are looking for hard working, dependable people to join our team!

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CARROLL COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE ESTATE OF KAREN HARMON DECEASED

CASE NO:

2023 PR 9

PUBLICATION

Duties include:

TEAR: Repairseans, Work & Zippers aced Thomson area 815-541-3178

G LLANE OUS

Hay Bails or Alfalfa no text

815-499-8968

Geneseo Facility

Packaging and organizing seed envelopes

Operate lab equipment to facilitate the packaging process

Wage starting at $17/hour!

Road Crew:

Assist with planting operations across IL, IA, MN and WIovernight travel

Assist with loading/unloading equipment

All hotels and overnight meals are company paid!

OT available

Apply in person or online at:

13344 US H wy 6, Geneseo, IL

Monday-Friday 8am-3pm or www.wyffels.co m/jobs

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER City of Sterling , IL

The City of Ster ling has a full-time opening for a Code En forcement Officer. This position is assigned to the Code Enforcement Department and works under the direct supervis ion of the Building & Zoning Superintendent. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to enforcement of all property maintenance codes, zoning codes, and other ordinances as required for the City of Sterling. Routinely patrols and inspects all types of residential properties to ensure compliance with the codes and ordinances as adopted by the City of Sterling. Documents and maintains records of all inspections and violations for appropriate actions to achieve compliance and prepare for possible court appearances.

The successful candidate must be certified by ICC as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within twelve (12) months of employment The candidate should have a general knowledge and understanding of building, general construction codes and a reasonable knowledge of the practices and materials. Position requires excellent written, verbal, communication skills, basic computer skills and public relation skills A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required with some relevant post high school education desirable Prior municipal experience is preferred. Must have a valid Illinois driver's license Salary is commensurate to experience and qualifications

Resumes, including salary history, with at least three (3) work related references must be received no later than 03/24/2023

Question concerning this position and resumes should be addressed to: Code Enforcement Department, 212 Third Ave, Sterling, IL 61081, 815-632-6624 or emailed to: mguernsey@sterling-il.gov

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t need it?

NOTICE

NOTICE is given of the death of KAREN HARMON of Lanark, Illinois.

Letters of Office as Independent Administrator were issued on March 1, 2023 to Brandon Harmon, 320 N Bruce Street, Lanark, IL 61046, whose attorney is Timothy S Mahoney, Mahoney, & Mahoney, LLC, 109 West Main Street, Freeport, Illinois, 61032.

ministered without court supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interes ted person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Carroll County Courthouse, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, or with the representatives or both on or before the 1st day of September, 2023, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred

sentative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice.

Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred

Copies of a claimfiled with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed

Timothy Mahoney, Timothy Mahoney Attorney for Administrator

Timothy Mahoney MAHONEY & MAHONEY, LLC

109 W. Main Street Freeport, IL 6l032 8l5/656-4600

tim@mahoney mahoney.com

March 15, 22, 29, 2023

INVITATION TO BIDS

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

ACCO UNTANT or BOOKKEEPER OPPORTUNI TY

Copies of a claimfiled with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed

Climco Coils is seeking an Accountant or Bookkeeper. Position and wages commensurate with qualifications.

Timothy Mahoney, Timothy Mahoney Attorney for Administrator

Climco is a financially solid manufacturing company that has been operating in Morrison, IL for over seventy years Climco offers competitive wages & attractive benefits including company daycare, medical and dental insurance, 401K, continuing education and a professional work environment.

NOTICE is further given to creditors and others interested that the estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interes ted person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Carroll County Courthouse, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, or with the representatives or both on or before the 1st day of September, 2023, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice.

Timothy Mahoney MAHONEY & MAHONEY, LLC

109 W. Main Street Freeport, IL 6l032 8l5/656-4600

Ca nd id ates should e-mail a cover letter and resume to : employment@climco.com

CLIMCO COILS COMPANY - EOE

Letters of Office as Independent Administrator were issued on March 1, 2023 to Brandon Harmon, 320 N Bruce Street, Lanark, IL 61046, whose attorney is Timothy S Mahoney, Mahoney, & Mahoney, LLC, 109 West Main Street, Freeport, Illinois, 61032. NOTICE is further given to creditors and others interested that the estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interes ted person terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Carroll County Courthouse, Mt. Carroll, Illinois, or with the representatives or both on or before the 1st day of September, 2023, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice.

tim@mahoney mahoney.com

Shannon Cemetery District will be accepting bids for the 2023 mowing season for the Brethren Cemetery (Division ST) and Shelly Cemetery (E IL-72) Sealed bids must be postmarked by 3/31/23. Bids will be opened at Board Meeting 4/4/23. Winning bidder will be notified by 4/7/23. For bid packets, contact:

Ernie Johnson CFO 815-541-9738 ecjohnson1953 @gmail.com

March 15, 22, 29, 2023

AUCTIONS AUCTIONS AUCTIONS

Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred

Cemetery Board reserves the right to accept or reject any bid

Upcoming On-Line ONLY Auction

“Highland Community College Electronics Lab”

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Copies of a claimfiled with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed

(items begin closing @ 10:00 A.M.)

Timothy Mahoney, Timothy Mahoney Attorney for Administrator

Public Notice

There will be a

Auctioneers Note: This auction is comprised of an accumulation of 30+ years of electronic testing equipment, supplies, work/test benches, shelving and boxes full of NOS items. We will be offering appointment only inspection of these items March 20 & 21 between 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. To schedule an appointment please contact Troy Rudy; Auctioneer @ 815.297.4846

SM-ST2061788

Timothy Mahoney MAHONEY & MAHONEY, LLC

109 W. Main Street Freeport, IL 6l032 8l5/656-4600 tim@mahoney mahoney.com

www.rudyontheweb.com

March 15, 22, 29, 2023

(an online catalog will be viewable on/or before March 24)

Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred

Copies of a claimfiled with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorneywithin 10 days after it has been filed

Timothy Mahoney

Public Test of the Election tabulation equipment in the Carroll County Clerk's office located at 301 N Main St, Mt. Carroll, IL on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10 a.m.

The public is welcomed to attend.

Amy R. Buss Carroll County Clerk & Election Authority

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023 Classified

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