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Preschool classes underway at reopened May School in Rochelle
‘I am so proud of how things are going. It has truly been better than expected,’ says Stepping Stones Preschool director
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Stepping Stones Preschool began operations at the newly reopened May Elementary School on Aug. 19, Rochelle Elementary School District officials said.
Stepping Stones Preschool, previously inside Lincoln Elementary School, served 180 students and had a waiting list of about 40 kids last year. The district received a preschool-for-all grant for two years (fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026) that made it consider expanding its offerings and led to the May School location at 1033 N. Second St.
May School was closed by the school board before the 2021-2022 school year as the district shifted to an attendance center model due to declining enrollment and an increase in the district’s dual language program, which was previously only offered at Lincoln and Central elementary schools. The district was facing a half-full May School before the decision was made.
Stepping Stones Preschool has been expanded to seven classrooms at May School. There are morning and afternoon classes.
“I am so proud of how things are going. It has truly been better than expected,” said Yazmin Nambo, director of Stepping
May School was closed by the school board before the 2021-2022 school year as the district shifted to an attendance center model due to declining enrollment and an increase in the district’s dual language program, which was previously only offered at Lincoln and Central elementary schools. The district was facing a half-full May School before the decision was made.
Stones Preschool. “While there are some minor adjustments we still need to make, overall things are going well – and that is a direct reflection of the dedication and care of our staff. Our parents have also made the transition to the new school great by being so supportive and responsive, which makes all the difference for our students.”
The district has revamped classrooms, bathrooms and offices to make the building work for a preschool, Nambo said. Parking has also been created for staff and the administration expects to have a playground ready by mid-September.
Nambo said the district’s maintenance and technology departments have been hard at work behind the scenes to make sure everything at the school is functional for staff and students to receive the best preschool experience possible.
“To support our growing program, we added another classroom and teacher to serve more preschoolers,” Nambo said.
“We also added a support specialist to help with screeners, workshops, and our
Birth-to-three classes. We currently have 190 students enrolled, with two on the waiting list and about 15 more to be screened.”
The district was excited to put May School back into service and serve more preschool learners and families in the community. The expansion is a move in the direction of potentially expanding district services for children from birth to three years old in the future.
The expansion’s future will depend on whether the district continues to receive the grant. District Assistant Tony Doyle said that May School is already planned to serve multiple purposes for the district.
“Having May School be the new location for our Stepping Stones program has led us to classroom expansion, which adds 40 more students a day, an inside and outside place space and more space for specialized services,” Doyle said.
“May School will also house maintenance resources and personnel, technology workroom/storage and eventually the district’s main kitchen for food services.”
With the help of an OSLAD grant, the Rochelle public pool underwent $620,000 worth of renovations a few years ago that included the addition of the splash pad, patching and repainting of pools, new shade umbrellas, an upgraded locker room with LED lighting, 16 new lower entrance parking stalls, new fencing and revamped landscaping. See story on page 3. Photo by
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Jeff Helfrich
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Spring Lake Pool sees highest attendance in 5 years
‘It shows that all the work and effort it takes to open it every year is worth it’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Spring Lake Pool in Rochelle saw its highest attendance numbers in 5 years this summer, Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Director of Recreation
Maureen Stevens said Aug. 21.
The park district attributed the high numbers at the outdoor pool to a hotter-than-normal summer, which also necessitated creativity with staffing, such as shift swaps so staff could have extra breaks and rotations to stay cool and sharp.
Stevens said the park district hires over 40 staff members for each summer, regardless of expected attendance or temperatures. More staff were scheduled for shifts this summer to deal with larger crowds. The park district was happy to see high numbers this summer to increase revenue and provide a place for area residents to beat the heat.
“Spring Lake has always been a community feature,” Stevens said. “Just knowing that it’s still in people’s hearts is reassuring. It shows that all the work and effort it takes to open it every year is worth it because you get to see the happiness on everyone’s faces.”
Spring Lake’s amenities also include a splash pad, which is available with admission during open pool hours and available for free when the pool is closed. That helped it to provide another way to residents to cool off outside of the pool’s 10-week season.
The facility also offers swimming lessons and a swim team, which serves to bring more residents to the pool and teach water safety. Five sponsored community swims were held this summer that offered free admission for residents, courtesy of Central Bank, Rochelle Community Hospital, the City of Rochelle, First State Bank and the Community Action Network.
With the help of an OSLAD grant, the longtime Rochelle public pool facility underwent $620,000 worth of renovations a few years ago that included the addition of the splash pad, patching and repainting of pools, new shade umbrellas, an upgraded locker room with LED lighting, 16 new lower entrance parking stalls, new fencing and revamped land-
scaping.
Stevens said recent reinvestment has also included new decking, and an overhaul of the filter to help with water clarity and chemistry. The park district has plans to upgrade pool heaters before next summer.
“The board had the foresight to know that Spring Lake has always been a beloved location in Rochelle and that just doesn’t disappear overnight,” Stevens said. “Being able to reinvest those funds back into Spring Lake and something people love is completely worth it. We’re so thankful the board was willing to make that investment a few years ago to help keep things running smoothly.”
Stevens said hiring seasonal staff for Spring Lake is a “massive undertaking”, with lifeguards, maintenance, customer service and coaching personnel needed. The hiring process typically begins in February.
Amid hotter recent summers, the park district is thankful for high attendance numbers, along with its new amenities that can help keep residents cool.
Other public outdoor pools in the area and region have gone by the wayside in recent years, but Spring Lake has not. Stevens said the facility saw “a huge influx” of nonresidents utilizing the pool this year, and expects that to continue.
“While Spring Lake is always for our residents, having that extra revenue from outside of the community really only helps us,” Stevens said. “The fact that other entities in surrounding areas have closed their pools and are going to splash pad only or no water at all is understandable when you look at it from financial and risk management standpoints. But keeping it community oriented and the benefits of Spring Lake far outweigh all of that risk and cost for us. All we can do is train our staff the best we can to make sure we can keep the community safe. I think everyone would agree that still having Spring Lake is worth that effort.”
Jeff Helfrich
Spring Lake Pool in Rochelle saw its highest attendance numbers in five years this summer, Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Director of Recreation Maureen Stevens said Aug. 21.
D-231 to fund limited after-school program this fall
Rochelle School District encouraging families to make new after-school care arrangements for 2026
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
After its grant cycle ended in the summer of 2025, the Rochelle Elementary School District will be locally funding its after-school program this semester through Dec. 12, district officials said Aug. 21.
Programming is running in a more limited fashion this semester. The HUB Program will not offer a morning option, and some of its enrichment opportunities will not be available. Students will still benefit from daily academic support, snacks, and doorto-door transportation as needed.
The grant-funded HUB Program is specifically targeted to support the district’s K-8 at-risk youths and has used a before and after-school model plus summer school. It provides educational activities for children and experiences such as field trips and members of the community coming in to do demonstrations for the students.
The HUB Program recently finished its third year of a three-year grant cycle following winning two five-year grant cycles, for a total of 13 years.
“This semester we are committed to keeping the HUB program available for our families,” said Yazmin Nambo, HUB Program director. “We will be locally funding a semester of the program that will run from Sept. 2 to Dec. 12. Families can feel confident knowing services will continue during that time, though programming will be limited. We will continue partnering with community organizations and maintain our family programming.”
The district has already begun reaching out to families who were referred to the HUB Program for the fall.
At the June school board meeting, District Assistant Superintendent Tony Doyle said work was underway on applying for the new grant cycle, with October likely being the earliest the district would hear back.
“The HUB program was created to expand access for students who may
not always have these opportunities,” Nambo said. “By prioritizing at-risk students, we make sure those who need extra academic, social, or emotional support have a safe and enriching environment that sets them up for success. We will exhaust all possibilities and work hard to try to keep the program alive for our students and families.”
Little Hubs Learning Center, Rochelle’s daycare, announced plans this month to open a second location at Hicks Hall at the Rochelle United Methodist Church at 709 Fourth Ave. for school-aged children in September. The new location will be named Little
Hubs Student Center.
At the new location, hours of operation will be before school from 6:30-8 a.m. and after school from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Little Hubs Student Center will be open most days out of school excluding major holidays and a one-week winter break. It will be open for early release days throughout the school year. It will offer summer care for children and hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The location will serve breakfast and an afternoon snack to children before and after school, along with lunch on early release days. Summer will serve breakfast, lunch and an afternoon
snack. All meals are included in the price of tuition.
Rochelle Schools Superintendent Jason Harper said that new amenity could help to fill the void left by a limited or nonexistent HUB Program.
“We continue to communicate with our local daycare and other organizations to keep them updated on the status of the grant program,” Harper said. “We understand that our families are looking for additional after school options and we want to help make those connections. We continue to encourage all of our families to make new arrangements for after school care starting in January of 2026.”
Jeff Helfrich
Programming is running in a more limited fashion this semester. The HUB Program will not offer a morning option, and some of its enrichment opportunities will not be available. Students will still benefit from daily academic support, snacks and door-to-door transportation as needed. Shown is Rochelle Middle School.
Woman calls for compassion for families of 2 men who died in June
Police: Investigation continues into deadly shooting in Polo
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A woman who knew one of two men shot and killed at a Polo home in June made a public plea at the Polo School Board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 20, asking for “grace and forgiveness” for the 19-year-old who police say shot a 29-yearold man before taking his own life.
Joshua M. Conway, 19, of rural Polo and Michael C. Gul, 29, of Wauconda were found dead on the third floor of a Polo teacher’s home in the 500 block of West Mason Street late Saturday night, June 14.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the Polo Police Department and Ogle County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home at 11:58 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting with one adult male victim and at least one adult woman held at gunpoint by another man inside the residence.
On June 16, law enforcement identified Conway, a 2024 graduate of Polo High
School, as the male with the handgun. Law enforcement officials have said the investigation into the deaths is continuing.
“I am just basically asking people for grace and forgiveness for Josh and his family,” said the woman, a relative of Conway, after speaking during the public
comment period of the meeting Wednesday. She urged compassion for the families of both men and said some family members have been harassed on social media sites.
“His [Gul] family lost someone, too. His children don’t have a father now. People need to have compassion for him,
too,” she said. “Hopefully, this can shine some light on mental illness.”
The August meeting was the first school board meeting following the board’s June 18 meeting, when about 125 people attended.
See POLO SHOOTING AFTERMATH, page 9
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Earleen Hinton
Trish Bolen speaks to the Polo School Board during the public comment portion of the Aug. 20 meeting.
Rockford man pleads not guilty to felony charges of running from police with a loaded gun
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A Rockford man accused of running from police while carrying a loaded gun pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 27, to four felony charges.
Alexander Kurtz, 19, entered his plea when he appeared before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska for a preliminary hearing with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow.
Morrow told Peska that Kurtz had agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and wished to plead not guilty to all of the charges.
Wednesday was the second court appearance for Kurtz, who was remanded to the Ogle County Jail on Aug. 20 after Peska denied his request to be released from custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
Kurtz is charged with the felony
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Rochelle Veterans War Memorial brick engraving still available in time for Veterans Day
Every fall, additional bricks in the Rochelle Veterans War Memorial are engraved in time for Veterans Day.
Orders for brick engraving are collected and the engraver is hired to perform the work on a dry day in the fall. For those interested in having a brick engraved on behalf of a veteran for Veterans Day 2025, the deadline to receive the order form and payment is Sept. 15, 2025. Orders received after this date will be held until the next engraving can be scheduled. The cost for a brick is $75 and order forms can be obtained at the Rochelle VFW or on the Rochelle city website. Payment by check or money order is required, payable to the Rochelle Veterans War Memorial Association. Orders can be dropped off at the VFW or mailed to Box 344, Rochelle IL, 61068. Jeff Helfrich
offenses of unlawful use of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, resisting a peace officer, and illegal possession of ammunition without a Firearm Owner Identification Card.
All the charges stem from an Aug. 19 traffic stop in Byron.
Kurtz was arrested by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies when the vehicle he was a passenger in was stopped at 6:39 p.m. near the intersection of West Blackhawk Drive and South Fox Run Lane in Byron.
Court documents say Kurtz ran away from a deputy while carrying an AREX Delta X 9 mm handgun despite being told to halt by police. Court documents also claim Kurtz knew the gun was stolen.
During Kurtz’s Aug. 20 detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley said Kurtz ignored commands to halt and ran through a residential area in Byron with the gun that was loaded with 17 rounds, but had no bullet in the chamber.
Police said the gun was stolen out of Rockford and that Kurtz did not have a FOID card.
Morrow asked Peska to release Kurtz since he had no criminal history, was employed, and could stay with family as his case proceeds through the court system. Morrow argued that Kurtz had not “brandished” the weapon and should be released since he had no criminal history.
Peska disagreed, noting that Kurtz failed to comply with the deputy’s directions while carrying a loaded, stolen gun.
After the Wednesday hearing, Peska remanded Kurtz to the Ogle County Jail, stating that his detention was needed for the “safety of the community” and to ensure Kurtz’s appearance for future court dates. Peska set Kurtz’s next court date for 1 p.m. Sept. 17.
The driver of the vehicle Kurtz was riding in, Skylar J Risner, 20, of Rockford, was cited for improper lane use and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was released on a notice to appear.
Another passenger, Jordan Jarvis, 20, of Sterling, was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis as a passenger. He was released with a notice to appear.
Ogle County Agriculture in the Classroom holding freezer meal fundraiser
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple?
Order 10 delicious freezer meals that have been prepared and frozen for your convenience. Each meal serves 3-5 people. Meals include pulled pork, pulled pork mac and cheese, chicken bacon ranch pasta, smoked kielbasa sausage, chicken and biscuits, BBQ pulled chicken, grilled chicken, boneless ribs with bacon cheddar mashed potatoes, sweet chili meatballs with rice and green bean casserole with tater tots.
Cost for the 10 meals is $195 cash/ check or $200 credit card. Proceeds benefit the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program. There are two ways to order:
• Mail your name, phone number, number of meal sets (they come in a set of 10 meals), and payment to 811 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll, IL 61053. Make checks payable to: Ogle-Carroll Ag Partnership (OCAP).
• You can order online at go.illinois.edu/freezermeals
Place your order by noon Sept. 3. Meal pick-up is from 4-5 p.m. Sept. 30 at the University of Illinois Extension office, 421 W. Pines Road, Oregon. Please contact the office at 815732-2191 or e-mail charbm@illinois. edu with any questions.
Agriculture in the Classroom is a statewide educational program with lessons offered to kindergarten through eighth grade. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the general public gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.
Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension Ogle County in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water and Carroll County Soil & Water.
Alexander Kurtz
Photo provided by Chuck Roberts
Rochelle council adopts purple as official color
City recognizes Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival volunteers
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
At its meeting Monday, Aug. 25, the Rochelle City Council unanimously accepted a strategic communications plan that will see it adopt purple as the city’s official color and change branding in the coming months.
The strategic communication plan, put together by City Community Engagement Director Jenny Thompson, covered the city’s communication procedures with residents, Rochelle Municipal Utilities customers, community stakeholders and in-house employees.
The branding change came as part of the plan and the city council supported the change after reviewing survey input and public comments.
The city underwent a rebrand in
2015, and its color scheme had been primarily red since. The city’s large water tower near the overpass in the center of town recently underwent a renovation
and painting, with the color purple and the city’s newer branding font after soliciting resident feedback on the design. The new paint scheme was
well-received by residents. The city’s official color will now match Rochelle
Jeff Helfrich
The Rochelle City Council recognized the volunteers who put on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival after it took place Aug. 15-17. The longtime Rochelle event was held at Atwood Park this year instead of its usual downtown location due to conflicts with planned city construction.
• POLO SHOOTING AFTERMATH
Continued from page 5
VanVickle said the female was able to flee the residence with other members of the household. He said that when members of the Ogle County Emergency Response Team and the Northwest Critical Incident Response Team entered the residence they found Conway dead on the third floor of the home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gul, a 2014 graduate of Prophetstown High School, also was found dead on the third floor.
At the June 18 Polo School Board meeting, several people – including family and friends of Conway – gave emotional statements to the board alleging misconduct by a female high school teacher.
“How was it handled?” Conway’s sister asked. “It wasn’t. Josh was a victim of something that never should have happened.”
Some friends of Conway accused school officials of not acting on the “many” accusations and “shoving them under the rug,” arguing the teacher should be investigated. Others expressed sorrow for both families.
Polo School Board President Matt
Mekeel read a prepared statement to Conway’s family and the crowd stating the board’s thoughts and prayers were with the family after the tragic events.
“I am confident that you, as well as everyone within the community, understands and respects that the board does not discuss internal personnel matters in an open forum,” Mekeel said. “It is also our goal to hold our teachers to high standards and appropriate professional interaction with students. When information is brought to the district’s attention, it is our goal to ensure appropriate investigation occurs of all credible concerns. The board does not take such matters lightly, so if you have specific factual information that would assist in any investigation, please provide it to our legal counsel and law enforcement.
“Beyond that, we are unable to comment further as we understand an open law enforcement investigation remains pending.”
At the Aug. 20 meeting, Trish Bolen told the school board that citizens are watching how the board responds.
“We’re paying attention,” Bolen said. “Where’s your accountability? I’m really disgusted by some of your actions... sweeping this under the rug. You’d better find a way to fix it.”
VanVickle has said the investigation
is ongoing, and Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said his office would review all materials once the police investigation is complete.
While attending Polo High School, Conway engaged in athletic and academic pursuits. He had finished his first year as a student at Louisiana State University, where he made the dean’s list.
Gul earned a degree in sports management from Rockford University in 2019 and served as clubhouse site director and camp supervisor at the Buffalo Grove Park District.
Personnel
After the public comment period and following action on other agenda items, the board entered into a closed executive session to discuss personnel.
Here are the personnel items and the actions taken by the board: Accepted the resignation of Margaret Weegens.
Approval of Brock Soltow as a volunteer football coach.
Approval of Katie Chesnut as volunteer supervisor for cheer.
Approval of Keith Chesnut as a volunteer supervisor for athletics.
Approval of Jalen Bickett as assistant football coach.
Approval of Mandy Smith as middle
school cheerleading coach.
Approval of Ravin Goral-Day as a permanent substitute.
Approval of Steve Ackeberg as a substitute bus driver, pending all background and State of Illinois requirements.
Approval of Paul Cavanaugh as a substitute bus driver, pending all background and State of Illinois requirements.
Approval of Stacey Kellms as a substitute bus driver, pending all background and State of Illinois requirements.
Approval of Beth Sundman as a paraprofessional.
Approval of Mallory Patterson as a paraprofessional.
Approval of a pay increase for Kim Gray.
Approval of a pay increase for Lindy Diehl.
Approval of Beth Shipman as Special Education teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.
Approval of Deena Simester as a Math Interventionist for 120 days, pending all background checks and State of Illinois Requirements.
Approval of Kayla Cholke as a paraprofessional.
Approval of Andrew Weilacher as assistant track coach for middle school.
Ogle County Farm Stroll is Oct. 12
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The University of Illinois Extension on Sunday, Oct. 10, will host the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of highly diversified family farms open to the public on one big day.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be farm tours, demonstrations, and fresh local food samplings and sales. Satisfy your local food craving and curiosity. Please dress according to the weather; it will take place rain or shine.
More farms have been added this year, so be sure to start the day early if you plan to visit them all. The farms participating in this year’s stroll are Barnhart’s Stone Corner, BerryView Orchard, Dietrich Ranch, Happily Homegrown, Hinrichs Farm, Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, Jen’s Sunshine Farm, Orion Organics, Ponto Ranch, and Triple Creek Bison.
See farm-raised cows, Nigerian Dwarf goats, corn shelling and grinding, rope making, organic fruits and
American Guinea Hogs will greet you Oct. 10 at the 12-acre homestead, Happily Homegrown.
vegetables, pigs, an apiary, homemade goodness, and more. One of the farms is full of antique farm equipment and farming history.
How does the stroll work? Choose which farms you want to see and create your route using the map and brochure.
This is a free event, but bring cash to stock up on local, farm-fresh products. Contact the Ogle County Extension Office at 815-732-2191 with any additional questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program.
OBITUARIES
DORIS E. LINDAAS
Doris E. Lindaas, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Services are pending at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St, Rochelle, IL 61068. www.UngerHorner.com
How to Submit
All obituaries can be sent to saukobits@shawlocal.com. Receipt for all obituaries must be confirmed by phone. For information, call 815-5264438; if no one is available, please leave a message for staff to follow up.
• Care provided by the entire hospice team: physician, nurse, social worker, certified nursing assistant, chaplain, dietitian, pharmacist, and volunteers.
• Care is individualized and based on the patient’s and family’s goals of comfort and quality of life.
• Supplies, equipment and medications.
• Service where the patient resides.
• Specialize in pain & symptom management.
• Spiritual enrichment and bereavement counseling.
• Ancillary Therapies: Music, Physical/ Occupational, Speech, Massage, Pet, etc.
• Ability to provide education to caregivers and family members.
• On-call nurse available 24/7.
• Assistance with advance directives and community support.
• Provide Education to those we care for
• Volunteers providing special attention and stimulation.
Photo provided by University of Illinois Extension
Continued from page 7
Township High School’s.
“We want Rochelle’s branding to reflect the heart of our community,” Thompson said in a news release. “Purple has always been a color that connects us — whether on the field, in our schools, or at community events. At a time when so much can divide us, we’re leaning into what unites us.”
The city’s logo designs will remain unchanged, with only the primary color changing. The city will begin updating signage, digital branding, and other communications materials over the coming months. Residents can expect to see the refreshed look gradually appear throughout the community.
Thompson said during the meeting that the color change will take “some time and cost” and will be budgeted for over the next two years.
“This isn’t just a color change — it’s a statement of pride,” Mayor John Bearrows said in a news release. “Rochelle is a community that honors its traditions while looking ahead to the future. By returning to purple, we’re listening to our residents and celebrating what makes the Hub City feel like home.”
At its meeting Monday, Aug. 25, the Rochelle City Council unanimously accepted a strategic communications plan that will see it adopt purple as the city’s official color and change branding in coming months. The branding change came as part of the plan and the city council supported the change after reviewing survey input and public comments.
Volunteers honored
The council recognized the volunteers who put on the Lincoln Highway
Heritage Festival after it took place Aug. 15-17. The longtime Rochelle event was held at Atwood Park this year instead of
its usual downtown location due to conflicts with planned city construction.
“I want to thank all of you for all that you did to make an amazing weekend come together,” Bearrows said. “We all know how it is when you have a few hands doing a lot of work. You only have about 8-10 people on your committee, and I think that’s amazing. I hope more people step up and volunteer and help them.”
Baneski promoted
Promotion and swearing-in ceremonies were held for Elvis Baneski of the Rochelle Police Department, who was promoted from detective to patrol sergeant. Baneski has been with the department since 2008 and has been a detective since 2022.
“If you are going to commit a crime, this is not the guy you want coming after you,” RPD Chief Pete Pavia said. “He will go the extra mile and turn over every stone. He’s done a great job for us. I have all the faith in the world because of his patrol and investigation experience that he will do a fantastic job as sergeant.”
Photo provided by city of Rochelle
Chana Methodist church to celebrate 150 years
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Chana Methodist Church will celebrate its 150th year Sept. 7.
A 10:30 a.m. service will be dedicated to children and their grandparents. There will be a luncheon at noon, historic displays, reminiscing and slide show. At 1:30 p.m., the church will have a service including special music, past ministers and more history about the church. Everyone is welcome.
Chana Methodist Church was built in 1875. At that time the fellowship was already 19 years old. Methodist class meetings were started in 1856 under the leadership of Edwin A. Canfield.
Spiritual needs of the early settlers were also met by the Methodist circuit riders. One of the circuit riders points was the Canfield School located west of Chana. The White Oaks schoolhouse, built about one mile southeast of Chana, was also a point on the circuit.
Eventually the White Oak congregation became large enough to support its own pastor, and it was during the pastorate of the Rev. Z.D. Paddock that the church was built in Chana. The cost was $1,800.
At the time the church was built, it was the last building on Main Street. It was approached by a wooden sidewalk, and the wooden steps led to two entrance doors. The interior of the church was quite elaborate with red carpeting, black horse-hair and walnut pulpit furniture, a pump organ and a marble topped table used for communion.
The church was formally dedicated on Sunday, Sept. 8, 1875, by the Rev. Luke Hitchcock of Chicago.
For many years the Chana Methodist Church was part of a three point circuit that included the churches of Paynes Point, Lighthouse and Chana. Service was held in Lighthouse in the morning, in the afternoon at Chana and evenings at Paynes Point. Later, Lighthouse and Chana became a two point charge.
In the 1890s, the church was remodeled, and a single entry was built. With some later modifications and additions.
The members of the congregation still receive communion at the rail, which was part of the original structure.
Chana United Methodist Church continues to play an active part in the community, and its influence is broadened by those who left the area, but were formerly a part of the generations who built it.
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists cordially invite you to an
house on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Rochelle clinic located at 1211 Currency Court, Rochelle.
Northern Rehab to host open house in Rochelle on Sept. 18
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists cordially invite you to an after-hours open house on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Rochelle clinic located at 1211 Currency Court.
Celebrating the recent Rochelle clinic expansion, you can stop in and tour the expanded clinic, enjoy light refreshments, and a Rochelle Chamber
ribbon-cutting at 5:15 p.m. as they celebrate this step forward in continued growth and commitment to excellent care.
Chosen as Ogle County’s Best Physical Therapists for six consecutive years since 2019, Northern Rehab has a strong commitment to the community and strongly believes in giving back to the community that has supported them over the years. For more information about the open house, call 815562-3299.
Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes 2 new members
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the addition of two members to its growing network of local businesses and organizations: Rowland Auctions LLC and Special Olympics Illinois.
Rowland Auctions LLC is a locally operated auctioneering business, bringing professional auction services to the region. Many community mem -
bers will recognize owner Austin Rowland from his work at the Flamingo Palace in Oregon, where he has helped customers find the right antique or select a quality custom frame. Rowland Auctions aims to bring energy, expertise, and
integrity to every auction they host.
Special Olympics Illinois is a statewide organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of sport. Providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Illinois fosters inclusion, builds confidence, and strengthens communities. Their impact extends far beyond athletics, touching the lives of athletes, families, volunteers and supporters across the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome both Rowland Auctions LLC and Special Olympics Illinois to the Chamber,” said Chance D. Munroe, the Chamber’s executive director. “Our members are the heartbeat of our community, and these two additions bring unique value, talent, and heart to our network.”
For information about these new members or to learn about the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.oregonil.com or call 815-732-2100.
Photo provided by Northern Rehab
after-hours open
Chance Munroe
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Hilliker
All-Star Superband makes Wednesday appearance on Mt. Morris bandshell
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
A special Wednesday night concert was held in Mt. Morris on Aug. 27 as part of the Jamboree Concert Series in which the AllStar Superband made its debut on the bandshell.
The band’s original perfor -
mance date of Friday, July 11, was canceled due to inclement weather. The 18-piece rehearsal big band hails from Milwaukee.
The free concerts are on Fridays during the summer in downtown Mt. Morris.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
TOP LEFT: The All-Star Superband made its debut on the bandshell stage in Mt. Morris on Wednesday, Aug. 27. TOP RIGHT: Cooler temps meant blankets and jackets for some members of the crowd who turned out to hear the All-Star Superband on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris.
ABOVE: A saxophone player with the All-Star Superband plays a tune on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Mt. Morris Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris. LEFT: Kable Concert Band Member Sylvia Saunders (second from right) listens to the music of the All-Star Superband on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris.
Continued from page 11
Birth to Five Illinois
The council heard a presentation during the meeting by Abby Hoskins of Birth to Five Illinois Region 47. The organization works to help families in Ogle, Lee and Whiteside counties to access early childhood services.
Hoskins said Birth to Five Illinois’s recent work has included gathering data and families’ experiences about barriers to services, creating a regional action plan, and looking to increase the amount of early childhood resources for local families.
The organization’s next objectives will focus on early childhood mental and behavioral health resources and continued community collaboration. More information can be found at www.birthtofiveil.com/region47.
Pickwick property sale
The council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property at 1414 Pickwick Drive for $6,000.
In July, the city issued a request for proposals for the purchase of the property, which is approximately .29 acres
in size and zoned residential.
The city had the property appraised at $25,000, but was not required to sell it for at least 80% of the appraised value
due to conducting a public RFP process.
The buyers of the property reside in the adjacent property and plan to use it
as additional outdoor space for their family.
The property can’t be built on due to the utilities that run through it.
Jeff Helfrich
Promotion and swearing-in ceremonies were held Aug. 25 for Elvis Baneski of the Rochelle Police Department, who was promoted from detective to patrol sergeant. Baneski has been with the department since 2008 and has been a detective since 2022.
Dixon man accused of attempted murder, attorney argue media coverage
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
The defense attorney for a rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers in Ogle County is asking the court to reconsider its previous ruling regarding media coverage.
Jonathon Gounaris, 33, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card – all of which stem from a June 12, 2024, standoff with police in the rural Dixon subdivision of Lost Lake. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford.
Gounaris appeared before Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe on Monday, Aug. 25, with his attorneys, William Wolf and Jack DeBacker of Wolf Criminal Law, based in Chicago.
Soon after Gounaris was arrested, the court granted extended media coverage that allows cameras to photograph those involved in the court proceedings at Gounaris’ hearings.
Wolf said he’s concerned allowing the media to take and publish “voluminous” photos of Gounaris wearing handcuffs, leg irons and a jumpsuit issued to inmates will contaminate the jury pool.
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock disagreed.
Gounaris’ case has received “no more attention” than other “high profile cases” in the county, Rock said. “No one is being prejudice.”
Roe agreed with Rock, stating that “nothing has been out of the ordinary” with the media coverage in this case.
But Wolf disagreed and asked Roe to “stop this from becoming a perpetual perp walk court date after court date” and requested that Gounaris be allowed to participate in hearings wearing civilian clothes and without being shackled.
Rock objected, arguing that someone in custody doesn’t get “dressed out,” he said.
Roe said he wouldn’t have a problem with allowing Gounaris to attend hearings without handcuffs.
“That is the one thing I would consider,” Roe said.
Rock also told the court that he “didn’t learn about this until right now” and would like to see “something in writing.”
Roe also said that he “would consider something in writing” and made no ruling on the issue Monday.
At a hearing in May, Wolf said he plans to pursue a motion asking to hold the trial outside of Ogle County,
a motion that was filed March 6 by former Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, who left the office in mid-April. As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, Wolf had not yet filed that motion.
Motions asking to move a trial to a different location typically cite pretrial publicity as a reason why the filing party believes a defendant would not get a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed.
Gounaris’ next court appearance is set for 3 p.m. Sept. 25.
The national chiropractic scientific commission for the Clinical Compass recognized Dr. Jeffrey Cates’ contributions to scientific literature and research. He has served on the Scientific Commission of the Clinical Compass for decades.
Cates honored with Research Emeritus Award
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The national chiropractic scientific commission for the Clinical Compass recognized Dr. Jeffrey Cates’ contributions to scientific literature and research. He has served on the commission for decades.
The purpose of the commission is to advise the chiropractic profession on issues related to identifying, interpreting and compiling the scientific evidence associated with chiropractic care and to collaborate on the development, publication, dissemination, and utilization of guidelines and care pathways for the United States.
The commission awarded Cates’ the lifetime Research Emeritus Award for his commitment and dedication to the profession and the health of the public.
Cates has worked with the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters/Clinical Compass for several decades and has published works that include several guidelines and medical journal articles on quality assurance and standards of care in healthcare.
He maintains a private practice of chiropractic orthopedics in Oregon.
Photo provided by Jeffrey Cates
Alex T. Paschal photos
Jonathan Gounaris leaves an Ogle County courtroom Monday, Aug. 25, in Oregon.
William Wolf, attorney for Jonathan Gounaris, appears Monday, Aug. 25, in Ogle County Court. Wolf requested his client not appear in court wearing shackles when media is present.
Ogle County dog rescue brings rescues together
September event in Oregon lets people meet with adoptable dogs
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
An Ogle County all-breed dog rescue is bringing multiple rescues together for a September event at which people can hang out with adoptable dogs.
The fifth annual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at Carnation Park, 1 Webster St. in Oregon. Aside from seeing the dogs, attendees can grab a bite to eat while shopping vendors for dog products and service providers, and participate in activities with prizes for kids, Bonafied rescue owner Melodee Hoffman told Shaw Local.
Those looking to be a vendor at the event are required to pay a $20 fee and
turn in the sign-up form to Bonafied at P.O. Box 66, Oregon, IL 61061. Vendors also are asked to donate a basket, product or service valued at $15 to $20 that will be included in prizes.
Bonafied, which stands for Bring Out Natural Abilities Found in Every Dog, was founded in 2017 with the goal to match orphaned dogs with loving families. To do that, the rescue has a comprehensive adoption and education process, Hoffman said.
The rescue takes in dogs of any age, breed or physical condition. All dogs are then spayed or neutered, given the appropriate veterinary care, and placed in foster homes before adoption, she said.
The September event is intended to raise awareness and educate the public about the overpopulation and need for homes for animals that would otherwise be euthanized, Hoffman said.
All funds raised from the event will go toward the care of dogs at Bonafied.
For information, contact Hoffman at bonafied@yahoo.com or 815-973-9162.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Jessica Fair of Oregon decks out her dog, Jazzy, during Bonafied’s first Rescue Rally in 2020 at the dog park in Oregon’s Carnation Park. The fifth annual event will be from
to
Sept. 27 at the park.
Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County is excited to once again bring the opportunity for a local family to win a 6x10-foot, handcrafted playhouse thanks to Oregon High School’s FFA Ag Construction class. And new this year is the addition of a second raffle of an 8x10-foot storage shed thanks to Byron High School’s Construction Class.
Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County to raffle off playhouse and shed
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County is excited to once again bring the opportunity for a local family to win a 6x10foot, handcrafted playhouse thanks to Oregon High School’s FFA Ag Construction class. And new this year is the addition of a second raffle of an 8x10 storage shed thanks to Byron High School’s Construction Class. Both high school classes worked hard during the school year building and learning the ins and outs of construction. The high schools have generously donated these items to help Habitat raise funds to purchase building materials for future projects.
Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the summer at various locations as well as through the Habitat website – www. habitatoglecounty.org. Only 500 tickets
will be sold for each raffle. Tickets are $10 each or 3 can be bought for $25. The winning ticket of the Playhouse Raffle will be drawn on Sept. 19 at the Oregon High School Homecoming game. The winning ticket of the Shed Raffle will be drawn on Oct. 17, the evening of the Byron High School Homecoming game.
For more details on the raffles go to www.habitatoglecounty.org, follow Habitat of Ogle County’s Facebook page, or contact Sheri Anspaugh at Sheri.anspaugh45@outlook.com.
About Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County: The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County is to seek to put God’s love into action, by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 2002 Habitat has built 14 houses in Ogle County along with countless critical home repairs and mobility projects. For information, visit habitatoglecounty.org
Photo provided by Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County
Rochelle FFA cleans up Kyle Creek
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Photos provided by Rochelle Township High School FF
Rochelle Township High School
Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club holds final
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their last meeting Aug. 11 for the 20242025 4-H year.
They discussed how the fair went. Each member presented one of their projects. David Bagwell talked about his photography project. He had taken a picture of a unique log in the family yard. He captured the perfect angle and centering with his photography skills.
Finn Slattery discussed his whittling project. He made a very cute mushroom.
Lydia Sherburne presented her food science project. She had made three recipes for fruit drinks that were low in sugar and had to make advertising and marketing ideas to sell her drinks.
Kaden Lingbeck presented his Longhorn hen, Blanca. Blanca received Grand Champion Mediterranean for 4-H poultry and the open show. The judge said that he could find nothing wrong with her. She was the most perfect chicken he had seen in a while.
Afterwards they celebrated with ice cream and favorite toppings. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club is a very active club that enjoys community service projects. If you are interested in 4-H and would like to be in an active club, call Nickie Lingbeck at 815-275-2492.
Photo provided by Lydia Sherburne Pictured is Kaden Lingbeck holding Blanca and Finn Slattery petting Blanca. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club recently held its final meeting of the year.
STATE
Hundreds of police departments use camera company accused of breaking state law
By ANDREW ADAMS aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com
CHICAGO – An automatic license plate reader company used by hundreds of police departments around Illinois broke state law by allowing federal border enforcement officers to access Illinois license plate camera data, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said.
The company, Flock Safety, was also allegedly used by out-of-state police earlier this year to look for a woman who recently had an abortion. That situation sparked the secretary of state’s office to audit Flock.
License plate readers are cameras which can automatically detect the license plate, make, model and other details of cars while they’re driving. These details are logged and entered into a database that can be searched and shared between law enforcement agencies, governments and private companies.
A 2023 state law, which was backed by Giannoulias, prohibits operators of license plate readers from sharing the data they collect for the purpose of enforcing immigration or abortion-related laws.
Giannoulias alleges that Flock gave U.S. Customs and Border Patrol access to Illinois data as part of a pilot program. Flock also didn’t have any safeguards to prevent other out-of-state police from violating Illinois’ license plate reader law, Giannoulias said.
Giannoulias said the company’s actions “put them in direct violation of Illinois law” in a video statement Monday.
“We will not tolerate any violations to our data sharing and privacy laws,” Giannoulias said. “Moving forward, we encourage local law enforcement to closely examine their relationship with Flock and ensure that their use of this technology is compliant with the law.”
The law prohibiting this kind of data sharing does not contain any specific penalties for violating it.
Giannoulias’ office told Capitol News Illinois it is “conducting an investigation” into the matter. The office has been
access to the data collected by their cameras. In Illinois, at least 27 police departments disclose information in this way, including 14 which list the other agencies that have access to their data.
More than 461 police departments, prosecutors, dispatch agencies, state universities, transit agencies and railroads in Illinois had access to Flock data, according to these disclosures. All of the transparency reports have been updated within the past week.
The attorney general’s office and Illinois State Police both have access to Flock data. ISP pays the company about $50,000 per year, according to state records. The agency can access Flock’s data for investigations but doesn’t operate any Flock cameras and doesn’t share its own data with Flock, according to an ISP spokesperson.
While license plate reader cameras are frequently associated with the Chicago region – in part due to a major statebacked program in the region – downstate municipalities use them too. Flock transparency reports indicate that the Champaign Police Department has 46 cameras. Normal has 51 license plate readers and other cameras, while Springfield has 135.
Out-of-state data sharing
in talks with the state’s attorney general, although it declined to describe specifics.
At least one city, Evanston, has deactivated its Flock cameras and begun the process of canceling its contract with the surveillance company. In a statement, the city called the situation “deeply troubling.”
A spokesperson for Flock, meanwhile, said that they were unaware of any ongoing investigation and that the company disagreed with the secretary of state’s legal assertions.
“We clearly communicated poorly,” Flock CEO Garrett Langley wrote in a blog post earlier this week. “We also didn’t create distinct permissions and protocols in the Flock system to ensure local compliance for federal agency users.”
In that statement, Langley said the company had paused all pilot programs
with federal agencies. Langley also said he tasked the company’s top lawyer with overseeing the rollout of new compliance tools.
Flock cameras’
prevalence
Flock does not disclose its customers, but a database based on news reports and company statements assembled by the Electronic Frontier Foundation found about 90 police departments in Illinois that are confirmed to use Flock cameras.
Flock customers can elect to share information about their system through pages hosted by the company that disclose what types of information is collected, how many vehicles have been detected by their system and how long data is stored.
Police departments can disclose what other law enforcement agencies have
The 14 agencies that disclose data sharing also share information with 551 agencies outside the state, including with law enforcement organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and more.
These out-of-state agencies that have access to Illinois license plate data include police departments, universities and state agencies. The list of organizations also includes the federal General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and a U.S. Air Force base, according to Flock transparency reports.
State law requires that police departments and other license plate camera operators in Illinois obtain a written declaration from all out-of-state law enforcement agencies saying that they will not use license plate reader data to enforce abortion restrictions or immigration enforcement.
Gregory Shaver file photo
A Flock Safety license plate reader near at the intersection of Route 120 and Queen Anne Road in Woodstock.
Trump Derangement Syndrome: An old problem with a new name
Trump derangement syndrome is an affliction of mostly the leftists in the country. TDS can be defined as a personal behavior where one views everything that Trump does as bad. For instance, if the current president discovered a cure for cancer, ended all the wars around the world, or eliminated poverty, many of our leftist brethren would find negativity in these accomplishments, insisting that he should also have cured heart disease or diabetes.
TDS has its origin with the columnist and psychiatrist, Charles Krauthammer, who coined the term Bush derangement syndrome during the George W. Bush administration. He defined the syndrome as “the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies.” The term has evolved from “Obama Derangement Syndrome” (2008) and “Clinton Derangement Syndrome” (2016), resulting in today’s TDS.
According to psychologist Dr. Brad Brenner of the Therapy Group DC, TDS “is a partisan insult, not a psychiatric diagnosis” based on his review of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5). Just because TDS is not listed as a disorder does not necessarily mean it does not exist. For instance, in DSM-5, the diagnosis of “gender identity disorder” was changed to “gender dysphoria” in 2013, making it a diagnosis with less of a stigma. At that time, there were no breakthroughs in treating this disorder, suggesting that the change in DSM-5 could be characterized as political in nature.
A bill in the Ohio legislature was introduced to require the National Institute of Health to study TDS concerning this toxic state of mind that has
divided the country and has led to violence across the country, including assassination attempts on the current president. The research goal is to identify the basic cause and identify solutions. The Minnesota Legislature is reviewing a bill to classify TDS as a mental illness and add it to the amended statutes as a legal definition. It would be interesting to see if the definition of TDS is included in the next version of DSM if this legislation passes.
Dr. Brenner said that TDS may be taking a toll on a person’s physiology as indicated by these four characteristics. Struggling to disconnect from political news might lead to irritability, so take a step back.
Take control over what information is coming to you. For example, when scrolling through Facebook, if you pause and read about a particular topic, more content related to that subject matter will be sent to you. If you stop at a specific political page, then expect more political posts to be sent to you.
If political conversation increases another person’s anger, don’t engage. Political discussions may result in the loss of friendships with others, so Brenner advises choosing how much energy one desires to invest in these discussions.
Finally, if a person experiences headaches or trouble sleeping, these are signs that political stress is taking a toll. Brenner offers three guideposts:
• Be self-aware by noticing how you react to political discussions, such as changes in mood, a racing heart and “spiraling” thoughts.
• Manage your emotions by stepping away from the politics and doing something enjoyable like taking a walk, cooking, going for a swim – anything that brings calm to your psychological well-being.
• Talk to a psychiatrist.
Chuck Roberts is a Rochelle resident and the owner of the Roberts Armory World War II Museum.
Chuck Roberts VIEWS
OPINIONS THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Government needs some of our info, but how much? For how long?
Who could’ve seen this coming? Oh – everyone?
About two months ago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias accused Mount Prospect police of improperly sharing information from automatic licenseplate readers. So it wasn’t surprising to see Giannoulias front and center in Monday’s Associated Press reporting about a company that operates those readers pausing its federal contracts amid concerns revealed in a recent audit.
Flock Safety has cameras in more than 4,000 communities nationwide, according to The AP, capturing billions of pictures every month. Legally, Flock Safety doesn’t own the images – they belong to the police agencies that have jurisdiction over the cameras and therefore have their own guidelines about handling data and requests for access.
Garrett Langley, Flock Safety
ANOTHER VIEW
Scott T. Holland EYE ON ILLINOIS
founder and CEO, told The AP his company had pilot programs with Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection regarding fentanyl distribution and human trafficking. But Giannoulias expressed concerns over potential conflict with a 2023 state law that bars the data from going to out-of-state or federal agencies looking into immigration or abortion issues.
“We clearly communicated poorly,” Langley said. “We also didn’t create distinct permissions and protocols in the Flock system to ensure local compliance for federal agency users.”
Adopting a conciliatory tone is proper, but the way this story is devel-
oping provides little comfort to people who saw the red flags waving far ahead of the current situation.
According to the Illinois State Police, there were more than 200 million plate detections last month with more than 5.7 million hits, defined as when a read plate matches with Hot List or Hot Plate: “Numbers of stolen vehicles, wanted subjects, missing persons, AMBER alerts, suspended, revoked or expired registration or any other criteria … from a variety of sources including but not limited to: the National Crime Information Center, Law Enforcement Agencies Data System and the Illinois Secretary of State.”
That also means there are 194,414,279 scans in that same timeframe of no use to government body. Cook County is home to 352 of the 683 cameras the data dashboard covers. St, Clair has 130 and Peoria 60; no other county has more than 10.
So considering the vast volume of images and the relatively small amounts of highway locations monitored, this is perhaps not as widespread a data security concern as, say, the Department of Justice trying to forcibly access voter registration data.
But both contribute to a pattern of fairly questioning how much information citizens should provide to participate in the government we fund and whether said government is capable of safely executing the responsibilities it creates.
Registering cars and voters is logical. As is feeling such logic has natural limits and wondering how far they can be pushed.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Redistricting free-for-all portends disaster for American democracy
By The Daily Herald Editorial Board
It is Republicans in Texas who have launched a broad national free-for-all to draw boundaries that favor one party or the other in the makeup of a state’s congressional delegation. It is Republicans in California who provided the chilling portent of where it all will lead.
“What you’re striving for is predetermined elections. You’re taking the voice away from Californians,” complained state Sen. Tony Strickland about Democrats’ approval Thursday of a gerrymandering plan that could sidestep his state’s system of non-partisan redistricting.
And when California Democrats crowed that they had to act in order to counter Texas’ partisan redistricting action earlier in the week, Assemblyman Minority Leader James Gallagher painted an even more devastating picture. “You move forward fighting fire with fire and what happens? You burn it all down,” he said.
Ever since President Donald Trump encouraged Texas to light the redistricting match as a strategy to head off the increasingly likely possibility his party will lose control of the House of Representatives in 2026, states across the coun-
try have begun engaging in a tit-for-tat race to shape the makeup of the U.S. House by disenfranchising the minority populations of their voters through congressional map making.
Texas and California may have nullified each other with their machinations.
Missouri may be headed to a special legislative session to tilt its congressional balance toward Republicans. New York lawmakers are considering an effort to redraw their state’s boundaries for Democrats, even though it could not have an impact until 2028. More Republican moves are being planned or considered in Kansas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio and Maryland. Democrats are rustling boundary papers in Maryland, Wisconsin and even here in Illinois, where gerrymandered redistricting by Democrats has already given the party a 14-3 congressional advantage over Republicans.
Gerrymandering, the process of drawing political district boundaries so as to concentrate one party’s historic majorities in some regions and decrease the opposing party’s influence in others, has been a practice of political disenfranchisement since even before Massachusetts Gov. Eldridge Gerry’s redrawn Senate districts inspired the name in 1812.
We do have options, however. The Freedom to Vote Act is one. Among other things, the act would require strong, uniform rules for congressional redistricting and ban partisandrawn congressional boundaries.
Now, aided by a narrow 2019 Supreme Court ruling and 21st century technologies that have made the process even faster and more precise, it poses perhaps a greater threat than ever to the structure of American democracy.
But, that may be one redeeming grace of the partisan circus that Texas Republicans set in motion. Headlines from the redistricting fracas have captured the attention of voters from coast to coast, making what was once an arcane political strategy with a funny name into a meaningful warning in every American household that appreciates the moral underpinnings of democracy.
One doesn’t need a doctoral degree in political science to see that the net result of these partisan shenanigans is the very
opposite of majority-rule democracy. Nor, is it a matter that affects only the individual politics of a single state. It can render moot the voices of millions of voters from both parties in the policies and laws of the entire nation.
We do have options, however. The Freedom to Vote Act is one. Among other things, the act would require strong, uniform rules for congressional redistricting and ban partisan-drawn congressional boundaries. It passed the U.S. House in 2022 before being stymied by a Republican filibuster in the Senate. A Machiavellian Trump administration is not likely to welcome such an effort anew, but Democrats in Illinois and Republicans throughout the country who respect and value true, fair democracy must begin moving toward a national Fair Maps policy.
Yes, it can create some technical vulnerabilities for one party or another. But if we truly are to uphold a system in which “every person’s vote counts” means something, we must act.
Failure, as California’s Republicans have sagely predicted, will mean a future of endless fire-vs.-fire fights and the inevitable destruction to which they will lead.
STARVED ROCK COUNTRY
Dedicated to growing the awareness of everything the Starved Rock area has to offer
Utica Welcome Center brings the art of Douglas Dalrymple to SRC
By RYAN SEARL rsearl@shawmedia.com
Starved Rock Country has long been a hub for local and visiting artists, with the region’s picturesque landscape inspiring generations of painters, sculptors, photographers and poets. Now, a revolving selection of works by some of the region’s acclaimed artists will be on display at Utica’s Starved Rock Country Welcome Center (248 W. Canal St.) –located just minutes away from the gates of Starved Rock State Park.
This series of free to visit, pop-up exhibits has been made possible through a partnership between Heritage Corridor Destinations and NCIARTworks, and will showcase the work of local and regional artists at this popular tourist information center and Illinois product-themed gift shop.
“The partnership we’ve established with NCIARTworks is a valuable addition to the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center,” said Robert Navarro, president and CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “By featuring regional artists alongside our existing Illinois Made products, we’re enhancing our efforts to promote and celebrate the culture, talent, and creativity of the region.”
The first featured artist in this collaboration is Douglas Dalrymple, a Chicago-based painter known for his expressive works in oil and watercolor. A variety of Dalrymple’s pieces are on display and available to buy at the Welcome Center through Sept. 17.
“My journey from crayon-wielding tot to IT executive and back to the embrace of brushes and pixels is a testament to life’s unpredictable beauty. While my right hand may have led me to art, it’s the left turns in life that have enriched my palette,” Dalrymple saidin his artist statement. “In each piece of my artwork, you may find a satirical ode, a self-effacing chuckle, and an occasional subtle reflection on the human experience. Through vibrant hues and playful subjects, I endeavor to
Heritage Corridor Destinations partners with NCI ARTworks to host a special, limited time pop-up
bring a smile, provoke thought, or simply offer a whimsical escape from the daily grind.”
The Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and NCIARTworks will be hosting an artist’s reception for this exhibit from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 5. The exhibit at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center is a preview of the Dalrymple Solo Exhibit at NCIARTworks, which is set to open on Sept. 12.
Located a block from Utica’s bustling downtown Mill Street, The Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe is the perfect first stop before you start exploring nearby Starved Rock State
Park. Managed by Heritage Corridor Destinations, the shop features a curated section of items made by Illinois Makers and Artisans – perfect for souvenirs or any gift-giving occasion. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artisan-made walking sticks, pottery and greeting cards, all made in Illinois or celebrating the region.
From children’s toys to New York Times best-selling accounts of local history, there’s no shortage of unique items in store for you at this exciting new addition to downtown Utica. In addition to the great items, you’ll find all the useful brochures, maps and guide books you need to plan your stay
in the Starved Rock Country area.
Based around three central pillars, Artistic Collaboration, Educational Outreach, and Arts Space Development, North Central Illinois ARTworks (located at 408 5th St., Peru) is fostering communication between artists, arts organizations, and arts educators through a regional arts calendar, arts directory, public round table discussions, seminars and workshops. NCI Artworks also hosts regular gallery shows, artist talks and coordinates public art projects throughout the community. For information on upcoming arts events in the area, be sure to follow NCI Artworks on social media.
Photo provided by Heritage Corridor Destinations
show for artist Doug Dalrymple.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1990: Baseball outfielders Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr. become the first father and son to play on the same team, the Seattle Mariners; the pair hit back-to-back singles in the first inning and both score.
Rochelle seeks to build on 10-win season
All-Interstate 8 running backs Dylan Manning, Roman Villalobos back for 2025 campaign
By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com
After a historic 2024 season in which the Rochelle Hubs reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals and posted their first 10-win season in over two decades, head football coach Kyle Kissack said he wants his players to “make their own history” in 2025.
Rochelle kicks its season off Friday night, when the Hubs renew an old Northern Illinois Big 12 rivalry with a nonconference game against the Geneseo Maple Leafs. The Hubs, who went 10-2 and finished second in the Interstate 8 to Sycamore last season, are replacing several all-conference players, including All-State honorees Grant Gensler and Jack Carmichael.
“We have a lot of kids who will be in their first competitive moment of a varsity football game on Friday night,” Kissack said. “We’ve done everything we can to put them in situations throughout the summer and fall and see how they respond to pressure... Our kids have had the opportunity to be a part of some good groups in recent years. They’ve practiced with those groups and they understand the standard. Their objective now is to create their own history.”
Despite losing several starters from the 2024 roster, Rochelle welcomes back key players on both sides of the football. All-Interstate 8 running backs Dylan Manning and Roman Villalobos, who combined for over 2,300 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns last season, are expected to be big contributors both ways, with Manning moving from cornerback to safety while Villalobos slots in at inside linebacker. Offensively, the Hubs scored 39.3 points per game and rumbled for over 4,000 yards on the ground in 2024.
“The skills those two kids have fit well with the system we run,” Kissack said. “At Rochelle, if you want to play running back, you better be able to block. Those kids do a good job of that and it’s a focal point for us. They’ll certainly have to take on more of a leadership role and make sure they’re a sound, foundational part of what we want to do offensively. ... For us, it’s about being physical at the point of attack, controlling the line of scrimmage and being sound in our blocking scheme.”
Returning linemen Adam Cobos and Markell Pogue are primed to take on two-way roles in the trenches, where the Hubs are reloading after losing multiple key contributors, including fouryear starting offensive lineman Kaiden Morris.
X-factors for the Hubs include All-In-
terstate 8 honoree Brode Metzger, a third-year varsity player who returns at tight end and outside linebacker. Defensively, Rochelle held its opponents to 18.5 points per game last year.
“They’ve done a great job of encouraging the competitive battles we’ve had at some of the other positions,” Kissack said. “Our defense embodies the culture of our program, which is being physical and relentless. We want to be as fundamentally sound as we can be and get as many hats to the ball as we can. Having the athleticism to run alleys and play sound defense will be extremely important to be successful in our conference and more so in our nonconference schedule.”
Van Gerber will take over as a firstyear starter at quarterback, while Gavin Neale returns as a player to watch at
running back and inside linebacker.
The Hubs, who have made the playoffs over each of the last four years under Kissack, will play an Interstate 8 schedule that includes home contests with La Salle-Peru and Ottawa, as well as road matchups against Sycamore , Morris and Kaneland. Rochelle’s nonconference opponents include Chicago King, 1A state runner-up Lena-Winslow and 4A playoff qualifier Waterloo.
“It’s as challenging of a schedule as we’ve had in a number of years,” Kissack said. “We have historically successful programs up and down the schedule. ... Those staffs are doing the best they can to put the best product on the field, not only for their program and their kids, but for their community. It’s quite the challenge, and the focus for us will be week to week.”
Russ Hodges
Dylan Manning (right) and Roman Villalobos (left) are two key returning players for the Rochelle Hubs, who will face Geneseo on Friday in their first game of the 2025 season.
Thuney embraces leadership role with linemen
By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com
When Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles traded for offensive lineman Joe Thuney in March, there were plenty of reasons why Poles wanted to add the veteran All-Pro to his roster.
Thuney had done it all and seen it all up to that point. He had won four Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs and was a major upgrade at the left guard position after earning four All-Pro accolades.
But Thuney also provided something else that Poles wanted to add to the roster with new head coach Ben Johnson: veteran leadership. Over the spring and throughout training camp, Thuney exuded that leadership as he embraced the role with his new team.
“It’s great,” Thuney told reporters at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Wednesday. “These camp days, we have so much time. We’re here for a long time. We talk about anything and everything. I think guys in the O-line room, everyone loves football. We all love talking ball and the things you’ve seen. The other guys in the O-line room, they have great stories, too, and great experiences, too. It’s a great back and forth. I’m happy to be part of the room.”
Players on both sides of the line of scrimmage have credited Thuney with making them better this camp. Young offensive linemen such as Theo Benedet and rookie Ozzy Trapilo called Thuney a great leader to have in the room and have tried to learn from him as much as possible.
Thuney got a chance to work alongside both Benedet and Trapilo during camp’s starting left tackle competition. They learned from both watching his technique, even if not all of it translated to tackle, and by the encouraging words he provided during the battle.
Defensive players have learned a lot, too. Whether it’s a veteran like defensive tackle Grady Jarrett or a younger player like tackle Gervon Dexter, there’s a lot to learn from going against and being close to Thuney.
“You watch him,” offensive line coach Dan Roushar said. “Watch how he does everything, from the minute he enters the building to how he goes into the meeting to what he does on the field,
Bears over the past three seasons, where he became a role player on both defense and special teams. He played in 41 games and started five over three years in Chicago, totaling 85 tackles and a forced fumble. Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals in March and competed with the team until he was cut Tuesday.
“We like Jaylon defensively and we like him on special teams, as well as D’Marco,” special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said. “So looking forward to both of those guys coming in and helping us on defense and on special teams.”
Jackson spent the past three seasons with the New Orleans Saints after they selected him in the fifth round in 2022. After missing his rookie season with an injury, he played in 27 games over two years. He had 26 tackles and mostly received special teams snaps.
He’ll reunite with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was his former head coach with the Saints.
The Bears could likely bring back both Duvernay and Daly as they re-work their roster over the next few days and week.
whether it be a walkthrough or any team rep. It’s invaluable to have him, to have Jonah [Jackson], to have Drew [Dalman], guys that have played. I think we’re all growing from that.”
Thuney is also imparting wisdom to quarterback Caleb Williams whenever he needs it.
He’s played with two great quarterbacks in his career: the Patriots’ Tom Brady and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. While Thuney doesn’t get into specifics of how each quarterback handled different situations or make it a point to be a part of Williams’ development, he does try to share his general experiences with both Williams and his offensive linemen teammates.
Thuney didn’t want to get into playing comparisons when he was asked the similarities and differences he saw among Williams, Brady and Mahomes. Brady was a longtime veteran when Thuney joined him and Mahomes had a few years under his belt when he went to the Chiefs.
But Thuney has seen growth from Williams. There’s a lot of improvement
in terms of communication and understanding the offense compared to when they started in the spring. He’s encouraged by what it means for the future.
“I think Caleb’s done a great job taking everything in stride, even for a younger player, someone who doesn’t have the amount of repetitions that my other quarterbacks have had, and he’s done a great job of just working his tail off before work starts, and after, he stays after,” Thuney said. “And so it’s been great to see that, his dedication to the game and to the playbook has been awesome. So those are things you’re really excited to see as an offensive lineman.”
Roster moves
The Bears made a few roster moves the day after cutting down their roster. They claimed cornerback Jaylon Jones and linebacker D’Marco Jackson. To make those claims, the Bears released long snapper Scott Daly and wide receiver punt returner Devin Duvernay.
Jones previously played with the
“There are a lot of transactions that happen over the next 48 hours and the last 24 hours, so it’s a lot of transactions this time of year,” Hightower said. “So that just is what it is.”
The team also brought in 15 players to its practice squad. They signed wide receivers Maurice Alexander, Miles Boykin and JP Richardson, running back Brittain Brown, tight end Stephen Carlson, defensive ends Xavier Carlton, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Jamree Kromah, linebacker Power Echols, long snapper Luke Elkin, cornerbacks Tre Flowers and Mekhi Garner, defensive tackle Jonathan Ford, offensive linemen Jordan McFadden and Ricky Stromberg.
Injury update
Safety Jaquan Brisker and rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite each left Wednesday’s practice early. Linebacker T.J. Edwards and defensive end Dominique Robinson continued to miss practice after they left Tuesday’s practice early.
Running backs Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai and defensive end Austin Booker continued to miss practice.
AP file photo
Bears guard Joe Thuney (left) and offensive tackle Luke Newman (center) work out during practice at training camp last month in Lake Forest.
Hey Bears, hope isn’t a plan at left tackle and edge rusher
It wasn’t exactly the endorsement you were hoping for from Ben Johnson regarding his starting left tackle.
The usually transparent Bears head coach was asked if someone stood out and earned the position.
“I think we’re going to have a starter for Week 1, and we’ll go from there,” Johnson said.
This wasn’t coachspeak or Johnson wanting to hide who the winner of the competition was; he was being transparent again and telling the group who competed that he wasn’t impressed. How could he be?
Call it a blind spot for the blind side. I want to believe the Bears are ready to take the next step and become a winning team, but when you miscalculate like this at left tackle and at edge rusher, it’s tough to earn the benefit of the doubt.
Of the three competitors who entered the competition at the beginning of camp, Ozzy Trapilo is currently playing his more natural right tackle position, Kiran Amagadjie is getting reps as a backup guard, and Braxton Jones is the incumbent who isn’t fully healthy after a fractured ankle ended his 2024 season.
Silverman
Not ideal.
The problem is, GM Ryan Poles’ plan to fix the position was far from perfect to begin with, as I wrote about back in May.
The proof is in the process. Hope is not a plan.
The Bears were hoping Jones would be healthy after a serious injury, hoping that Trapilo could switch positions, and hoping Amagadjie would be an improved player after injuries, but the Bears dropped the ball on his development in his rookie season.
Part of the thinking was that this year’s starting left tackle would benefit from having All-Pro Joe Thuney next to him. Flawed logic again. You improve at left tackle by signing, drafting, or trading for a good left tackle – especially when it’s one of the most important positions on the field.
Thuney will help, as will having Johnson as play caller, but it doesn’t solve a
major problem.
All this after hoping that keeping Matt Eberflus and pairing him with Shane Waldron would be a solution last season.
Poles also hoped:
• Ryan Bates would be his starting center in 2024, when he had never played the position in the NFL.
• Velus Jones could thrive at wide receiver or running back, and drafting him in the third round after an unproductive six-year college career.
• Chase Claypool would emerge as the Bears’ No. 1 receiver in 2023.
Even the best of the best general managers have misses, but in four drafts, Poles has yet to select a third-rounder to produce for the team in any capacity.
Zaach Pickens was his latest third-round cut on Tuesday.
The Bears have had more success with undrafted free agents Tyson Bagent, Jack Sanborn, Theo Benedet and Jahdae Walker than third- and fourth-round picks.
When you ask football experts the three most important positions in the NFL, their answer is usually QB, left tackle and pass rusher.
The Bears’ two starters at defensive end had a combined 8.5 sacks in 2024. Montez Sweat underperformed but is supposed to be healthier this year, while newcomer Dayo Odeyingbo got $32 million guaranteed for his three sacks last season. Sure, Sweat was hurt last year and should be more productive this season. How productive is the question, and this is where the Bears are hoping yet again.
In seven seasons in the NFL, Sweat averages just over 7.8 sacks per season and has only one double-digit sack year. Sweat has been miscast by the Bears as a top edge rusher, but really is a No. 2 guy. Odeyingbo is a rotational piece that the Bears are paying like a starter.
I hope I’m wrong and the left tackle protects.
I hope I’m wrong and the edge rushers produce.
I hope the Bears win big in 2025 and a championship window opens. Too bad hope is not a plan.
•MarcSilvermanshareshisopinions ontheBearsweeklyforShawLocal. Tune in and listen to the “Waddle & Silvy”showweekdaysfrom2to6p.m. on ESPN 1000.
CLASSIFIED Commercial
Real Estate Auction
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 @ 5:30P M
Loca tion: 623 W. Chestnu t St., Compton , IL 61318
Auction Held On Site - Live Only
To settle the estate of the late James "Howard" McInnis, we will offer the following described commercial property at public auction. The building will be open at 3PM day of the auction for viewing or by appointment with the Auction Co.) Description: This commercial building was formerly used as a machine shop, consisting of approx 7000 sq ft of heated space There is also a 25' x 50' Outdoor loading apron at the south end that is 6" thick concrete reinforced to 8" closest to the alley to accommodate truck loading/unloading Features 240 Volt 3 Phase electric, exhaust fan, office area, and bathroom This cement block and steel siding building has had an update on the roof from Bowstring rafters to a Pitched roof in 1979, and in 2019, 90 percent was coated with White Elastomer. There are 3 gas heaters in the shop area and 1 gas heater in the office/bath area. The ceilings are 9ft, with a single 14x9ft overhead door The office area is approximately 57ft x 15ft - Cinder block walls rest on a 4" thick concrete slab. The building sits on 2 lots with an overall dimension of 100ft x 140ft - If you are looking for a great spot to start your own machine shop as a business or hobby, or perhaps you are looking for that special spot to store collector cars, boats etc. Look no more, this is a very solid building. The address of this property is 623 W Chestnut Street, Compton, IL 61318 - The property will be offered in its as-is condition without any contingencies TERMS: $5000.00 down the day of the auction, with the balance due on or before November 14th, 2025 There is a 2 Percent buyer's premium added to the final sale price. For more information, contact Auctioneer John Bearrows at 815-739-9150
James "Howard" McInnis Est ate - Owne r Karen McInnis – Executor
NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING BEF ORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF MT. MORRIS, ILLINOIS ON VARIANCE APPLICATION FROM DANNY & MONICA POP E Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Mt Morris Zoning Board of Appeals on September 8 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in Village Hall, 105 W Lincoln Street, Mt. Morris, Illinois, for the purpose of considering and hearing testimony with respect to a Variance Application from Danny and Monica Pope (collectively, the “Applicant”) with respect to certain real estate locat ed at 204 W Lincoln St , Mt. Morris, Illinois, and identified as parcel number 08-27-434-007 (the “Parcel”). Pursuant to said Application, the Applicant is requesting a variance from the Village's set-back provisions under Village Code sections 9-11C-2 and 10-4-3C & D. for purposes of installing a cement pad All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard.
Any inquiries may be made to the Village Clerk's office loca ted at Village Hall Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. A copy of said Application is on file in the Village Clerk's office.
By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Mt Morris, Illinois.
Brooke Duffy, Village Clerk Mt. Morris, Illinois August 31, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING
BEF ORE THE NING BOARD OF APPEALS
VILLAGE OF MT. MORRIS, IL LINOIS ON VARIANCE PPL ICATION FROM DANNY MONICA POP E
ce is hereby n that a public aring will be held the Village of Morris Zoning ard of Appeals September 8 2025, at 7:00 p.m., Village Hall, 105 Lincoln Street, Morris, Illinois, the purpose of nsidering and aring testimony respect to a riance Applicafrom Danny Monica Pope ollectively, the pplicant”) with ect to certain estate located 204 W Lincoln Mt. Morris, Illinois, and identified parcel number 08-27-434-007 (the cel”). Pursuant aid Application, Applicant is reesting a variance the Village's t-back provis under Village Code sections 9-11C-2 and 10-4-3C D. for purposes installing a cent pad interested parare invited to nd the public aring and will given an opunity to be ard. inquiries may made to the VilClerk's office ted at Village Monday ugh Friday 7:30 am to pm. A copy of Application is ile in the Village rk's office. order of the Zoning Board of ppeals of the Vilof Mt Morris, llinois. Brooke Duffy, Village Clerk . Morris, Illinois ust 31, 2025
No
Business too small to advertise
APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 25-08
BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mt. Morris, IL:
Section 1. That for the purpose of defraying all the necessary expenses and liabilities of the Village of Mt. Morris for the following sums, or so much thereof as by law may be authorized and the same are here-by set aside and appropriated for the following purposes.
LEG AL NOTICES
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAR JEAN A MILLER, Deceased NO. 2025-PR-4
CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of MAR JEAN A MILLER, of Leaf River, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on August 11, 2025, to BRADLEY A MILLER AND DANIEL C MILLER, whose address is 1043 Parkview Dr., Rochelle, IL 61068, and whose attorneys are Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068
Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than March 3, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it hasbeen filed.
FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK, Attorneys for BRADLEY A MILLER AND DANIEL C. MILLER, Executor of the Estate of MAR JEAN A MILLER, deceased
August 31, Sept. 7, 14, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Notice is given of the death of RENEE J FELTS. Letters of Office were issued to TANYA M. HARROLLE, 1256 Glacier Dr., Byron, IL 61010, as Represen tative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before March 6, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: August 21, 2025
Tanya M. Harrolle
Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before March 6, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: August 21, 2025
Tanya M. Harrolle, Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C.
Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2025 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS Estate of:
JOYCE I. GATZ, Deceased No. 2025 PR 50 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JOYCE I. GATZ. Letters of Office were issued to JANETTE S FOLKERS, 2535 South Wilson Mill Road, Polo, IL 61064, as Represen tative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S
JOYCE I. GATZ.
Letters of Office were issued to JANETTE S FOLKERS, 2535 South Wilson Mill Road, Polo, IL 61064, as Represen tative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before March 13, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Repres entative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated: August 27, 2025
Janette S. Folkers, Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BERNADINE T. MACK, deceased NO. 2025-PR-51 CL AIM NOTICE NOTICE IS GIVEN
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
BERNADINE T. MACK, deceased NO. 2025-PR-51 CL AIM NOTICE NOTICE IS GIVEN of the death of BERNADINE T. MACK of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on August 18, 2025, to STILLMAN BANCCORP N.A , 8492 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, whose attorney is David A Smith, of Smith Law Group, P.C. at 129 South Fourth Street, P. O. Box 10, Oregon, Illinois, 61061-0010.
CLAIMS against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the first publication of this Notice, or within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probat e Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed with in that period is barred
Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to the attorney within 10
tice, or within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probat e Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed with in that period is barred
Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to the attorney within 10 days after the claim has been filed. Joseph McCoy, Senior Trust Officer Stillman BancCorp N.A., Independent Executor August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Roger E Cunz Deceased CASE NO 2025-PR-59 CL AIM NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of ROGER E CUNZ, who died on May 29, 2025. Letters of Office were issued on July 25, 2025, to Roger E Cunz, Jr, 80 Riveside Road, Rockford, IL, 61114, who is the legal representative of the estate
The attorney for the estate is Michael J. Smith, of Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Claims against the Estate may be filed on or before March
Office were issued on July 25, 2025, to Roger E Cunz, Jr, 80 Riveside Road, Rockford, IL, 61114, who is the legal representative of the estate
The attorney for the estate is Michael J. Smith, of Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108.
Claims against the Estate may be filed on or before March 5, 2026, that date being at least six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975 as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk, Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the Estate legal representative, or both.
Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office, Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the Estate legal representative and to his attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: /s/Roger E Cunz, Jr, Executor
Michael J. Smith BARRICK, SWITZER, LONG, BALSLEY & VAN EVERA, LLP 6833 Stalter Drive
or both.
Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office, Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the Estate legal representative and to his attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: /s/Roger E Cunz, Jr, Executor
Michael J. Smith
BARRICK, SWITZER, LONG, BALSLEY & VAN EVERA, LLP
6833 Stalter Drive Rockford, IL 61108 (815)962-6611
service.msmith@ bslbv.com
September 5, 12, 19, 2025
As sumed Name Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 26, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: BK Exteriors loca ted at 7926 S Pine St Grand Detour, IL 61021
Dated August 26, 2025.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
September 5, 12, 19, 2025
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 25, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conduct-
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 25, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Cleary Exteriors Pressure Washing 389 Red Fox Dr Davis Junction, IL 61020
Dated: August 25, 2025.
s/Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 13, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Truck '61 11282 N. Leaf River Rd., P.O. Box 4 Leaf River, IL 61047
Dated: August 13, 2025. s/Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk Aug. 29, Sep. 5, 12, 2025
202 E. 5th Street
P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
sentative, or both, within 6 months from the first publication of this Notice, or within three months from the
Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the Estate legal representative, or both.
