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Reflecting on an eventful August
As we close the chapter in August, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the numerous activities that kept our community engaged and lively throughout the month.
One of the most notable highlights was the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, which proved to be a fantastic success thanks to the dedication and effort of the LHHF committee. Their hard work culminated in a vibrant event that brought families and friends together, showcasing the spirit of Rochelle.
Among the many attractions, the Little Miss Peanut contest on Friday night stood out. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Golden K Club, the event showcased the talents and charm of our young ladies, each of whom did a remarkable job. Their enthusiasm and spirit radiated through the crowd, making the event a joyous occasion for all attendees. The car show was another amazing event with 160+ cars of all types. Thank you to all who made this event a great success, and we look forward to next year.
On Aug. 10, the Fly In Drive In faced some challenges with rainy weather in the morning. However, the skies cleared up in the afternoon, allowing us to enjoy an impromptu air show, a petting zoo, a car show by Hub City Motor Club, and an impressive showcase of the “Hamilton” collection of supercars. One of the most exciting moments was watching a car race against an airplane – a unique spectacle that engaged attendees of all ages. The event also featured a flight simulator created by Toni Williams and his team, offering participants a chance to experience a flight around Rochelle. This innovative attraction added a fun and educational element to the day. Additionally, the afternoon was filled with music from “Route 38 Unplugged,” providing a diverse range of tunes that catered to every musical taste.
In another significant development,
WHERE IT’S AT
COMMUNITY VOICES
John Bearrows
we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Transload yard on Aug. 14 – a pivotal moment that signifies the beginning of a $4.8 million expansion. This project not only promises to enhance our infrastructure but also includes the involvement of officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation, who have been instrumental in this initiative and many others within our community.
As we move forward, we hope to see progress on the downtown project as well, which is currently in the preliminary stages. Many residents have been curious as to why we did not commence this project as planned in May. The delay was due to the grant we awaited, which was unfortunately held up for much of the summer.
Rest assured, I will continue to keep everyone updated on these developments. In a bittersweet turn of events, our community was faced with the news of the closure of the News-Leader and other publications produced by News Media Corp. after 50 years of service. This was a shock to many, as these local papers have been integral to keeping our residents informed. Fortunately, we received word that Shaw Media will be taking over the News-Leader and other outlets. This news is a relief for our town, as having a local newspaper is vital for information dissemination and community engagement.
On another bright note, I was honored to be a small part of the rededication and anniversary celebration of the Masonic Lodge in Rochelle at 500 Lincoln Highway, which was 100 years old
One of the most notable highlights was the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, which proved to be a fantastic success thanks to the dedication and effort of the LHHF committee.
on Aug. 9. It included a beautiful ceremony put on by the Grand Lodge.
Looking ahead, the next month will be focused on the development of our city budget, which will be presented to the full council for approval at the first meeting in December. This process is crucial as we seek to allocate resources efficiently and address the needs of our community. To continue to ensure transparency and keep everyone informed, I will continue to provide on-site updates each month. You can catch me at the Hub City Senior Center on the third Thursday at 10 a.m., and the third Wednesday of each month at Hawthorne Inn/Liberty Village at 2 p.m. Additionally, every other month, I’ll be available at Lincoln Manor at 10 a.m., with the next session scheduled for Oct. 5. These meetings are open to the public, and I encourage everyone to attend, share your thoughts, and stay informed about our city’s developments monthly.
As we forge ahead, I would like to close with a favorite quote from former President Harry S. Truman: “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Let us continue to embody these qualities as we work together for the betterment of Rochelle.
• John Bearrows is the mayor of the City of Rochelle.
ON THE COVER
The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication of the Diane McNeilly Memorial Garden on Aug. 26. Speakers included Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera (from right), Mayor John Bearrows and McNeilly’s daughter, Kristine McNeilly. Also present was Kishwaukee College President Laurie Borowicz. See story on page 3. Photo by Jeff Helfrich
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Memorial Garden pays tribute to civic leader Diane McNeilly
‘Each role she embraced played a vital part in the shaping of the future of Rochelle’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The city of Rochelle honored longtime community leader Diane McNeilly on Aug. 26 with a ribbon cutting and dedication of a memorial garden at North Seventh Street and 10th Avenue.
McNeilly, who died in late 2023 at the age of 79, was an active community leader and volunteer, serving on many boards and working to bring about change within the city. The city of Rochelle erected the garden at the site in recent years and chose to dedicate it to her, along with a bench that bears her name, provided by the Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Club. The garden is near McNeilly’s former home.
The ribbon cutting and dedication were hosted by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the city of Rochelle. Speakers included Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera, Mayor John Bearrows and McNeilly’s daughter, Kristine.
“Everyone has a story about Diane and how special she was and what she
taught them and how instrumental she was,” Herrera said. “Right up until she passed away, she was still doing all of those things and promoting Rochelle and telling everyone how wonderful it was. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate someone who was so proud of our community and steeped in the history of it. We are so fortunate.
“She was a great educator. People like that are the heart of Rochelle and are what small-town pride is all about. We are thankful to the family for sharing her with us. We’re happy that people can come to this beautiful space and have a seat on the bench and honor her and her dedication,” she said.
McNeilly worked at Kishwaukee College from 1969-2000 and served in multiple positions there, including vice president of instruction. Outside of her professional life, McNeilly had decades of involvement in the Rochelle community through a number of governing boards, nonprofits and civic organizations. She had a passion for sports and recreation, which led to her involvement in Spring Lake Pool, founding the Rochelle Rays Swim Club and serving as a Flagg-Rochelle Park District commissioner.
McNeilly also served on the Rochelle Township High School District board, the city of Rochelle’s Planning & Zon -
ing Commission and the Downtown Rochelle Association. McNeilly was integral in the creation of LOTS (LeeOgle Transportation System) and the Hub City Senior Center. That allowed for more public transportation for seniors and residents in general in the city and area, something McNeilly was passionate about. McNeilly had a passion for political activism, especially civil rights, which led to her years of leadership of Rochelle’s League of Women Voters organization.
Bearrows called McNeilly “a remarkable individual” who he remembers for dedication and commitment.
“Diane served in every role she undertook with an exceptional level of
commitment, always prioritizing the well-being of her community over her personal preferences,” Bearrows said. “It’s fitting that we dedicate this garden and bench in her memory and even more special that this site lies behind the last house she lived in and cherished. This location symbolizes the deep roots that she planted in Rochelle and reminds us of her lasting impact on our lives.
“Diane was filled with dedication. Her contributions were vast and each role she embraced played a vital part in the shaping of the future of Rochelle,” he said.
GARDEN TRIBUTE, page 8
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, a ribbon cutting and dedication were held for the Diane McNeilly Memorial Garden at the intersection of North Seventh Street and 10th Avenue in Rochelle.
Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows speaks at the Diane McNeilly Memorial Garden dedication on Aug. 26 in Rochelle.
‘Then they finally come in and we’re
RCH Family Healthcare Clinic speaks out about importance of seeing general health provider
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle Community Hospital is working to make the community aware of the importance of being established with a general health provider through its Family Healthcare Clinic for individual or family health care.
RCH doctors and nurse practitioners have availability for new patients in their practices, with services including annual visits for blood work and checkups, immunizations and a homebase for care in the event of a sudden or chronic illness, RCH’s Dr. Graham Isaacson said Aug. 25.
Isaacson said the benefits of having a primary care provider include finding and treating diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure before they become a problem, building a relationship with familiarity and trust, cancer screenings and immunizations for shingles, pneumonia or flu, and having someone to organize patient needs such as visits to specialists.
“There are a lot of benefits to having a primary care provider,” Isaacson said. “One of the biggest things is trying to find and treat diseases before they become a problem. You might not know that anything is wrong or you might not have any symptoms, but we can screen people for things they might not know they have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. We can do blood work to find out if patients have high cholesterol.
“Finding these things early, before someone has symptoms, can be beneficial in helping to prevent strokes, heart attacks, complications from diabetes and things like that. A lot of these things don’t show symptoms until something scary like a heart attack happens,” he said.
Regular checkups are important, even if patients aren’t experiencing a symptom that is giving them concerns, Isaacson said. In his career, he’s seen patients who have come in to see a doctor for the first time in 20 years, who were then diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes that had gone unknown.
playing catch-up’
for
Every single week I see patients who have waited too long to come and see a doctor. I see people all the time who have sky-high blood pressure or diabetes. I’ve seen people who have had unchecked diabetes for years and years. It happens a lot. Unfortunately, it happens a lot because people didn’t have insurance for many years or couldn’t afford to come in. Then they finally come in and we’re playing catch-up. It’s a very common occurrence.
“You really can feel totally fine and have a lot of things going on on the inside that your body is doing a good job of covering for,” Isaacson said. “The sooner we can find those things, the sooner we can get you treated for them and the less likely you are to end up in the hospital a few years down the line. It’s important to have regular check-ins for things like the heart, blood pressure and basic labs.”
Isaacson has been building his practice since he came to work at the RCH Family Healthcare Clinic about a year ago. RCH also has a new physician assistant in Kristi Gonzales, who is building a practice as well.
More people in the community having an established health care provider also can help to take the burden off the
RCH convenient care and emergency departments and make for shorter waits for patients who utilize same-day appointments with their established provider.
“A lot of times people go to our convenient care or emergency room when they have an ear infection or strep throat that aren’t necessarily emergent,” Isaacson said. “Having a primary care provider you can come in and see for a same-day appointment for those things benefits the patient and the hospital. It’s typically much cheaper to see a primary care doctor compared to the emergency room, and you don’t have to wait in long lines, and you get the care you need. And you’re not overtaxing the emergency room.”
General health providers at RCH can
also refer patients easily to other specialties and services offered in the hospital, including cardiologists, kidney doctors, a podiatrist, dermatologist and urologist who offer care to patients a few days a week, and a new behavioral health clinic.
Building relationships with patients is Isaacson’s favorite aspect of being a primary care physician and doing family medicine.
“Some people I see once a year and some people I see every month,” Isaacson said. “I’ve been able to build a lot of great relationships in the past 12 months. It makes a difference. I know my patients really well and they know me and what to expect. You get better care when you
See CLINIC, page 8
Dr. Graham Isaacson, Rochelle Community Hospital’s Family Healthcare Clinic
Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle Community Hospital doctors and nurse practitioners have availability for new patients in their practices, with services including annual visits
blood work and checkups, immunizations, and a homebase for care in the event of a sudden or chronic illness, RCH’s Dr. Graham Isaacson said Aug. 25.
Whiteside career center prepares teens for law enforcement
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
While their classmates head to math or English, students at the Whiteside Area Career Center are taking part in mock trials and learning how to deescalate suspects – all as part of real-world law enforcement training.
The program provides high school students from across the Sauk Valley with hands-on experience in criminal justice, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, corrections and related fields through classroom instruction and scenario-based learning.
“The program mimics if they were ever to get hired by a police department,” instructor Michael Wolfley said. “I set it up throughout the year... as if they’re going through a police academy. I run them through the same type of situations, scenarios and training.”
The program’s major objectives include:
• History of law enforcement
• Constitutional law
• Illinois law
• Courts and the legal system
trials and real-world law enforcement scenarios where they are tasked with making tough decisions.
“In a couple of weeks, we’ll be doing taser training, and then they’ll be going into scenarios with a partner, where they’ll encounter somebody,” Wolfley said. “They’re going to have to decide if they can talk them down with verbal directions, or does the person rise to a threat level where they gotta tase them or possibly rise to a situation where they gotta use lethal force?”
Wolfley hopes to take the program a step further with the addition of a shooting simulator – a tool that would allow students to practice high-pressure decision-making in a safe, controlled environment. He plans to purchase the equipment using a recent donation from the Whiteside County CrimeStoppers.
• Communication and dispatch operations
• Report writing and records
• Criminal investigations
• Search and seizure
• Community relations
• Patrol functions
• Traffic investigations
• Corrections
• Private security operations
• Criminology and other related areas
Students also visit the Whiteside and Lee County jails, hear from local attorneys and judges, go on ride-alongs with local officers, and participate in mock
“It’d be nice to get a squad car donated to us someday,” Wolfley said. “The nice thing with that is when we do our traffic stop scenarios, Sterling has been gracious every year, letting us use one of their older squad cars.”
Since retiring from the Dixon Police
Brandon Clark
Instructor Michael Wolfley speaks to his criminal justice program students at the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling.
Steward-Caron Roads Industrial Corridor Study presents draft final recommendations
Project aims to ease semi traffic through village of Steward in the future
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
On Monday, Aug. 25, a public informational meeting was held on the ongoing Steward-Caron Roads Industrial Corridor study, which is being conducted by Blackhawk Hills Regional Council at the request of the city of Rochelle, village of Steward and Lee County regarding the development between Rochelle’s southeastern industrial area and Steward.
The meeting was attended by community stakeholders and presented draft final recommendations. The study aims to improve conditions around current and future development for the best interests of the area. The Aug. 25 meeting was held at Rochelle City Hall in the council chambers. The study started in November 2023 and will conclude its findings and recommendations at the end of September.
The SCRIC Strategic Plan focuses on Steward and Caron Roads and areas accessed by the roads and considers activity within a 5-mile corridor. It looks to address current transportation issues, such as truck traffic through the village of Steward, and to keep them from getting worse in the future. The area of the study has seen industrial development in recent years and it’s expected it will see more, with multiple current ongoing projects at various levels for new development.
“If there continues to be development along this corridor, what is that going to look like in the future?” BHRC Executive Director Daniel Payette said. “We have a really good opportunity to work on that now because a lot of that area is not built out yet. We’ve taken a look at the corridor, the transportation aspects, the economic development potential, and potential conflicts between different types of industry and transportation.”
The meeting was led by Alan Meyers of WSP USA, a consultant on the project, who presented findings and a number of
different plans to make for best traffic flows.
Meyers said the strengths of the corridor include diversity of existing industrial uses, recent growth showing market interest, land available for development, rail transload for interstate proximity, and established communities. Challenges include truck conflicts through Rochelle and Steward including safety, noise and emissions; rail activity, potential impacts of growth on communities, and residential, bike/ pedestrian and open space amenities, he said.
The area is predominantly industrial and agricultural, other than the village of Steward. The area also includes a planned Steward Creek Solar energy facility, the first phase of which is planned for 1,200 megawatts, which would be the largest capacity facility of its kind in the country.
The village of Steward has long had concerns about truck traffic through the village and 24-hour truck traffic counts were done during the study.
“We had about 200 trucks going eastbound on Main Street and Perry Road and about 175 going west on Main Street and Perry Road,” Meyers said. “It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it has a lot of impact. I stood there and listened to the noise and watched them clang and bang over the railroad crossing and go past
the school. It’s not a place that can accommodate a significant amount of traffic. The numbers have disproportionate impacts and we recognized that early on.”
The Aug. 25 presentation detailed concept plans to ease truck traffic through Steward that would relocate Interstate 39 southbound on and off ramps further north to bypass the village. The bypasses would be shorter, faster and avoid rail crossings.
Four similar concepts were presented, but preferred by Meyers and attendees Aug. 25 was a concept that would relocate southbound on and off ramps west of Interstate 39 between Steward and Interstate 39 with a roundabout and a new Steward and Elva Road alignment.
“It would be faster and safer for the truckers and show up on their GPS and keep trucks out of the village of Steward,” Meyers said. “It would be north of the village and would come to a roundabout or T intersection. We like roundabouts, but we’re not married to the idea. All of the access to the village would remain in place and all the roads used today could still be used.”
The plans also include potential for green space buffers between roads for noise and visuals, bike/pedestrian paths, rail improvements and land planning.
“We think this whole program has a series of value propositions,” Meyers said. “Economic value in terms of supporting the village of Steward’s future development, potential for more than 10,000 new jobs if you build out all of these parcels, and potential to drive residential development in the area. Compared to no action, your transportation value in terms of time and cost savings for users is going to be tremendous along with reductions in emissions and crashes, and community value, protecting the village to accommodate growth and provide more green space and bike/ pedestrian access.”
The estimated construction cost for the project is a total of $50 million in terms of dollar value by the time it’s completed. The project would start with three years of preliminary engineering and environmental work, before two years of applications, final plans, right of way and permits, and 2.5 years of construction for a total of 7.5 years.
“We’d have to find funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation and get it through Federal Highway Administration grants and the Federal Railroad Administration,” Meyers said. “Local contributions would be pretty nominal. It’s an expensive proposition and not easy. It has to be a long process due to the federal involvement with
interchange.”
the
Jeff Helfrich photos
On Monday, Aug. 25, a public informational meeting was held on the ongoing Steward-Caron Roads Industrial Corridor study. Shown is Alan Meyers, a consultant on the study who led the meeting.
The meeting was attended by community stakeholders and presented draft final recommendations. The study aims to improve conditions around current and future development for the best interests of the area.
Hilliker
the Aug. 26
• GARDEN TRIBUTE
Continued from page 3
Along with her community activism, McNeilly also wrote a popular “Dear Diane” column in the NewsLeader, educating readers about health and fitness and inspiring others.
“She approached her civic duties with the same seriousness and passion she devoted to her family and friends,” Bearrows said. “As we stand here today, let us remember her not only for her achievements, but for the spirit of community service she instilled in all of us. May this park serve as the Diane McNeilly Memorial Garden, a place where her memory can inspire future
• CLINIC
Continued from page 4
have a good relationship with your doctor.”
Isaacson said regular checkups can prevent more serious health care problems from compounding after going unchecked. If an issue like high blood pressure can be regulated with one medication soon, that can prevent having to be on more medications or having a greater potential to suffer a stroke or heart attack in the future.
Fear of the unknown, not having time, potential high costs and trust issues are among the reasons Isaacson estimates more people don’t see a primary care provider. RCH offers some evening hours for patients with time constraints and wants to reach out and build trust with new patients.
High-risk issues like high blood pressure and high blood sugar that can cause strokes and diabetes can often go unnoticed over time without regular check-
generations to contribute to the betterment of our community just as she did.”
Kristine McNeilly recalled attending community events with her mother, and she thanked the community for embracing her mother.
“The neat thing is this was a place that let her be who she was,” Kristine McNeilly said. “Rochelle became a place that she called home. She moved into this house behind us, overlooking this garden. This being her space is beautiful. And she loved flowers. Even though she’s not here, there’s so much of her here. This is all that she’d ever want. Thanks to the community for being a place she could be herself. She loved it here.”
ups, Isaacson said. The RCH family practice provider wants people in the community to avoid strokes that can make it hard to talk, eat and work, and to avoid diabetes that can cause kidney problems and lead to dialysis, vision loss and nerve pain.
“Every single week I see patients who have waited too long to come and see a doctor,” Isaacson said. “I see people all the time who have sky-high blood pressure or diabetes. I’ve seen people who have had unchecked diabetes for years and years. It happens a lot. Unfortunately, it happens a lot because people didn’t have insurance for many years or couldn’t afford to come in. Then they finally come in and we’re playing catch-up. It’s a very common occurrence.
“I see people all the time who haven’t seen a doctor in decades. I want people to know that they’re not the only ones coming in that haven’t seen a doctor in many years. We don’t judge people. We figure out what needs to be done and we start taking care of them,” he said.
COME SEE YOUR FR ENDS
Kristine McNeilly speaks during
dedication of a garden honoring her late mother, Diane McNeilly.
Jeff Helfrich
• TRAINING PROGRAM
Continued from page 5
Department, Wolfley’s broader mission has been to spark long-term interest in law enforcement careers and build up the region’s future public safety workforce.
“The goal was for me to come here and help regain that interest in our area youth... so that maybe we feed some kids into the Sauk [Valley Community College] program, and then build our own local talent so that everybody can have good officers coming up the pipe in the future,” Wolfley said.
Milledgeville High School senior Kayden Knutti said he is considering pursuing a career in law enforcement at the state or federal level.
“I find the career path fascinating, and I want to help people,” Knutti said. “I really enjoy the different scenarios. We did one on cuffing people. It’s just not something I expected we’d actually get to do in the class.”
Morrison High School senior Ryan Peppers said he plans to study criminal justice at Sauk Valley Community College after graduation.
“I’ve wanted to be a cop ever since I was little. That or the Army,” Peppers said. “I’d like to be a Morrison cop or somewhere local. This class is great. Instead of sitting around for eight hours, you get to do hands-on stuff.”
prisons. Now in his fifth year of teaching, he is starting to see his earliest students reach the age to enter law enforcement.
“I just had my very first student graduate from the Sauk [Valley Community College] police academy, and he’s joined the Sterling PD,” Wofley said. “Another student is joining the academy this spring, and a third student just asked if he could use me for a reference and will be testing in the area soon. I always tell the seniors to get ahold of me when the time comes and I’ll help any way I can.”
Although he knows that not every student who takes the program will pursue a career in law enforcement, Wolfley hopes the experience leaves a lasting, positive impact.
“I hope that they leave a better person,” Wolfley said. “I like to see the kids come in from the different schools. In the first couple of weeks, everybody’s quiet. But by the end of the year, they’ve gelled together and formed some good bonds. I’ve seen some good friendships between other schools form, and that’s the best thing.”
The WACC is a cooperative endeavor of 16 member school districts and three parochial schools, educating students who come from five counties: Bureau, Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside, according to WACC’s website. Most of the population is from Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon, with the remainder residing in surrounding rural areas and small
WHO
UNITY HOSPICE?
• 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.
Tribute Band Battle: CCR knocks Eagles out of Mt. Morris Jamboree top spot
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Move over, Eagles – CCR has the top spot now.
Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, closed out the 2025 Jamboree Music Series in Mt. Morris in record-breaking style Friday, Aug.29.
“We have 2,500 tonight and that is a new all-time record,” said Larry Ubben, Jamboree organizer, grinning ear-toear as the band played its final set during the two-hour, free concert.
The four-member band had the large crowd rockin’ as they cranked out popular tunes accompanied by guitar solos and spot-on vocals at the Warren Reckmeyer Bandshell.
Chairs filled the lawn circling the bandshell, with some concert-goers securing their viewing spots hours before the music began at 7 p.m.
Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band, held the attendance record for one week, bringing in 2,200 on Aug. 22.
Fortunate Sons topped that mark with chairs stretching across South Wesley Avenue, east of the bandshell,
which is closed for traffic during the concerts.
The dance area directly in front of the bandshell was filled with concert-goers moving to the music as temperatures dipped in the mid-60s and the band cranked out fan favorites.
Other attendance totals for this year included 1,400 set by Rocks Off, a Rolling Stones tribute band; Brass from the Past, playing a selection of Motown, soul and rock tunes, 1,350; and the Chicago Tribute Anthology, a tribute band for the iconic band Chicago, 1,200.
The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District summed up the 2025 concert series with this post on social media: “Couldn’t have asked for a better night to close out the 2025 season of the Mt. Morris Jamboree. The Fortunate Sons brought in a record-smashing crowd of over 2,500 tonight. We are honored to serve our community and think events like this show what a hidden gem it is.
“Thank you to all who safely visited our community, and a special thank you to Larry Ubben for all his hard work to bring his dream of Mt. Morris as a musical destination to fruition.”
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
An estimated crowd of 2,500 turned out to listen to Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater tribute band, on Friday, Aug. 29, in Mt. Morris. Concert-goers used their cellphone flashlights during the song “Long As I Can See the Light.”
A member of Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater tribute band, plays a guitar solo during the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt. Morris on Friday, Aug. 29.
OBITUARIES
JOYCE CAROLYN (TOTTEN) TAYLOR
Joyce Carolyn (Totten) Taylor, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the age of 89. She was the devoted wife of the late Donald J. Taylor, and was born in Rochelle, Illinois, to the late James and Fern (Tower) Totten.
Joyce dedicated her life to teaching, first as a high school math teacher and later as a preschool teacher in Illinois, where she made an impact on countless young lives before her retirement. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church in Oak Park, Illinois. Through her service with the United Methodist Women, she served many roles and fulfilled multitudes of duties over the decades. She played an active role on the Member Care Committee, faithfully sending cards for birthdays and other occasions, bringing joy and connection to her church family. A proud fan of the University of Illinois basketball team and a supporter of her beloved Chicago "Cubbies," Joyce’s spirit was also defined by her love of music. She was often heard singing and carried a “song of the day” in her heart. In recent weeks, two songs became especially meaningful: “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” which marked her move to Rhode Island to live near her eldest daughter, Beth, and “Amazing Grace” – particularly its third verse – which reflected her deep faith.
One of Joyce’s greatest joys was gathering her family together. In the summer of 2024, she hosted a treasured reunion at her assisted living residence, with a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline and her cherished church – a
perfect setting for a woman whose life was rooted in faith, music, and love. She was the loving mother of four children, Elizabeth J. Dorich (husband, Nicholas Jr.), Gwen P. Feifarek (husband, Jonathan), Julie D. Mann (husband, Charles), and Timothy D. Taylor (wife, Amy). Joyce was blessed with nine grandchildren, Scott Schmalzer (wife, Melinda), Jacqueline Stackhouse (husband, Daniel), Nicholas Dorich III (wife, Patricia Mann), Tara Kitchen (husband, Joseph), Christopher Dorich (wife, Natasha), Jonathan Dorich (wife, Victoria), Heather Dorich, Alexander Feifarek, and Ella Taylor; and 13 greatgrandchildren, Shane, Logan, Addison, Jackson, Bodhi, Barrett, Skylar, Ryder, Emma, Ronin, Melody, Cody, and Wyatt. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephew, and friends. In addition to her husband, and parents, Joyce was predeceased by her two caring siblings, Murlin Totten and Wanda Miensma.
Joyce will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to family, her steadfast faith, her sense of humor and her ability to find a song for every moment of life. Outside the doors of her beloved church are the words, “May Peace Prevail On Earth.” Joyce lived those words each day, bringing peace to others and helping it prevail in the world around her.
Relatives and friends are invited to honor Joyce's life in a celebration of life memorial service at Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park, IL at 11am on Saturday, September 6, 2025 with a reception to follow at the church. Her burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce's memory may be made to Kids Above All, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 450, Chicago, IL 60631; Kidsaboveall.org or The Salvation Army, 6835 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852.
Photos provided by Rochelle Kiwanis
Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Club President Will McLachlan recently was presented with two awards. He received the Outstanding Club Leadership award from the Rochelle club.
McLachlan recognized for work with Kiwanis
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Club
President Will McLachlan recently was presented with two awards.
He was named Distinguished Club President at the Kiwanis Convention and received the Outstanding Club Leadership award from the Rochelle organization.
“We would like to take a second and recognize Will,” a Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Facebook post said. “Will recently stepped down as club president, but as you can see he made a significant impact. We appreciate you, Will, and all your work and dedication not only to our club but the youth of our local communities.”
Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K Club President Will McLachlan recently was presented with two awards. He was named Distinguished Club President at the Kiwanis Convention.
DORIS E LINDAAS
Doris E Lindaas, age 89, of Rochelle, IL, passed away surrounded by family in her home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Doris was born on September 26, 1935 in Esmond, IL the daughter of Russell and Edith (Fogle) Barnes. Doris was devoted to her family and created a home filled with love and laughter. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She made blankets or quilts for every grandchild, great grandchild, and great-greatgrandchild of hers.
She had a passion for lighthouses and birds, and could often be found sharing stories, enjoying nature, or simply spending time with those she loved most. Known for her strength and compassion, Doris also gave of herself as a caregiver in her later years, touching many lives with her kindness.
Doris is survived by her ten children: Stan (Raquel) Lindaas, Roxanne (Phil) Charnock, Dirk (Robin) Browning, David Davis, Yvonne (Ted) Wilkinson, Paul (Nancy) Davis, Howard Davis, Denise (Jeff) Frakes, Denver (Kim) Davis and Jenifer Holtzclaw; 32 grandchildren: Christopher (Meleanie) Lindaas, Sonya (Doug) Simons, Eric (Andrea) Lindaas, Bri Ana Lindaas, Jade (Noah) Emry, Lance (Julie) Charnock, Brandi Charnock, Corey Charnock, Abby (Brian) Arensdorff, Desiree (Chad) Duncan, Chad (Amber) Green, Jeff (Kira) Green, Erin (Dave) Vana, Dustin (Rebecca) Davis, Derek (Ashley) Davis, Stephanie (Kevin) Adamski, Andrew
How to Submit
All obituaries can be sent to saukobits@shawlocal.com. Receipt for all obituaries must be confirmed by phone. For information, call 815-526-4438; if no one is available, please leave a message for staff to follow up.
(Nicole) Wilkinson, Naomi Davis, Andi Davis, Sarah (Joe) Herrmann, Joy (Nick) Dertinger, Chantel Davis, Paul (Ivy) Davis, Maegan Davis, Chelsea (Tim) Torres, Raeann (Arthur) Bowlds, Ben (Sasha) Fransen, Natalie (Brent) Fransen, Erika (Zach) Harrison, Allison (John Michael) Loggins, Lucas (Melissa) Holtzclaw, and Kara Holtzclaw; 91 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren and sister, Susan (Allan) Crowther.
In addition to her parents; Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Davis; three brothers, Edwin, Charles, and Emmett Barnes; baby sister, Mary; her grandchildren: Angela and Roxanne, twin daughters of Dirk; Greg Peters, son of Yvonne; Joshua Lindaas, son of Stan and Kat Sorg, daughter of Roxanne; great grandchild, Gabriela Galindo, daughter of her granddaughter, Andi; and son-in-law, Eddie Holtzclaw.
Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M.7:00 P.M. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the Rochelle United Methodist Church with Pastor Katherine Paisley officiating. Burial will follow at the Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Dogs, Gyros, Italian Beef, Seafood, Sandwiches, Sausages, Shrimp, Homemade Soups Breakfast: Sausage Gravy With Biscuits and Tater Tots
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.
Business leaders take stand with Gov. Pritzker
The breadth of invited attendees at the event organized last week by Gov. JB Pritzker really stood out for me.
The event along the Chicago River was designed to publicly warn President Donald Trump not to send National Guard or regular military troops into the city. The usual collection of Democratic politicians, union leaders and several anti-violence and progressive activists were on hand and several spoke.
But what made this rally seem different was the presence of people who aren’t usually at these things.
On the list of attendees were six university and college presidents or chancellors, including University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and Illinois Institute of Technology President Raj Echambadi.
Several business types also showed up.
Derek Douglas, president of the Civic Committee and the Commercial Club of Chicago, called the possible deployment “unprecedented and unwarranted” during his speech.
“Deploying federal troops or federalizing the National Guard without engaging state and local government, business, philanthropic and community
Rich Miller VIEWS
leaders – the ones who understand Chicago’s needs and are on the ground working daily to make our city safer – is unprecedented and unwarranted,” Douglas said.
The Commercial Club of Chicago is not a bunch of lefties. It was founded in 1877 by many of the city’s wealthiest people. Fifteen years ago, the Civic Committee was best known for demanding that public employee pensions be reduced.
Billionaire philanthropist James Crown formed a public safety task force in 2022 within the Civic Committee. Crown’s task force set a goal of reducing the number of murders from 805 the year before to below 400 by 2029. That looked impossible at the time, and when Crown died the following year, hopes sank.
But Crown’s original goal appears to be easily within reach this year, four years ahead of schedule. The murder rate has been declining both in the city
and around the country for the past couple of years, at least partly because of a big surge in federal funding of the sort of anti-violence programs advocated by Crown. That federal funding has now been cut off.
Douglas admitted during his speech last week that even with the progress, Chicago still “has a ways to go” on violent crime. He also said, “there is a critical role for federal support that could benefit our city,” but that what they need is “aligned action.”
“What we don’t need,” Douglas said, “are disruptions to our economy and our businesses. Active-duty military patrolling the streets of our city sends the wrong message and risks slowing our economy and disrupting the progress we’ve made together. It will impact businesses’ bottom lines and ability to operate efficiently. It will impact tourism and employees getting to their jobs. It will impact morale.”
Douglas concluded his speech by saying: “The kind of sweeping, uncoordinated, indiscriminate action being threatened sets a dangerous precedent, and we stand with our city and all Chicagoans to encourage the administration to productively engage with us, to
help us continue to make progress on this critical issue.”
Others in the business community attended and contributed written statements.
“We have seen how the sudden deployment of federal troops in other cities can needlessly disrupt communities and businesses, hurt local economies, and deter tourism,” Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin said. “The best path forward is partnership and collaboration. If the federal government wants to work constructively with local leaders and community partners, we welcome that engagement to keep making progress toward a safer, stronger city.”
Like Douglas, Lavin said he would welcome “constructive engagement” from the federal government.
Civic Federation of Chicago President Joe Ferguson claimed sending in the troops is not “legally justified,” adding, “investment and partnership is what is needed to move this City and State to a better future.”
• Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Welcome back Rochelle News-Leader, local media
Local media serves as a community’s connective tissue, especially in small towns like Rochelle, where residents look to trusted neighborhood outlets such as the Rochelle News-Leader, 93.5 Superhits and 102.3 The Coyote for timely, relevant information. While national outlets offer sweeping coverage, it’s these local platforms that deliver news with context, proximity and deep community relevance.
Residents served by the Rochelle News-Leader benefit from hyperlocal reporting. From City Council decisions, park district and Ogle County news to high school sports, local business openings, community events, and human interest stories that large media often overlook. The paper’s staff are woven into the fabric of Rochelle: The faces behind the bylines are your
neighbors and friends, attuned to the details that matter. This familiarity fosters trust, and when serious stories emerge – like public health advisories, zoning changes or school updates –Rochelle residents know exactly where to turn.
Similarly, 102.3 The Coyote and 93.5 Superhits play a vital, audible role. As a local radio station, it provides not just news headlines but a soundtrack of community: emergency alerts, local weather, school closings, tractor pulls, farm bureau updates and a shout-out to the community that
national stations simply can’t replicate. On rural roads or at home, The Coyote is there, live and local.
A 2023 Nielsen report found that about 72% of Americans say they trust local news sources more than national outlets, citing relevance and community focus as key reasons. Additionally, about 80% of people in small towns reported depending on local newspapers and radio for updates on local government, schools and emergencies. While these figures vary across studies, the consistent message is clear: small-town populations lean on local media as their primary lifeline for timely, neighborhood-specific information.
The immediate benefit is actionable knowledge: knowing when the next community meeting is, where the con-
struction zone begins, or if the weather will shut down schools tomorrow. Beyond that, local media helps build social cohesion – highlighting local heroes, nonprofit efforts, school fundraisers and milestone celebrations.
For communities like Rochelle, the presence of both Rochelle NewsLeader, 93.5 Superhits and 102.3 The Coyote isn’t just nice, it’s indispensable. They’re trust anchors, storytellers, watchdogs and rallying points. Residents depend on them not just for staying informed, but for being rooted, engaged and connected in their shared hometown life.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
• Jeffrey A. Fiegenschuh is the city manager of the city of Rochelle.
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Not in your backyard? Let our state officials know
CONSIDER THIS
Reed Harris
Many of you may think that what is happening in ICE raids with immigrants, and some citizens, and those that protest by marching, those at sitins at universities, troops in your backyard and detention camps being built, won’t happen to you or those you love or your friends.
Hopefully, then, your family and friends are white, or your children won’t fall in love with someone of color. Hopefully, your children won’t go to a university and feel a need to protest. Hopefully, if you or someone you care for is not a citizen, then they have all the paperwork needed to show that they belong here and, hopefully, that will be it. Hopefully, troops won’t march in your streets, ever, or detention camps won’t be built near you. Hopefully, you live in a state that will allow you to vote. Remember, state voting regulations apply to every state citizen.
It’s not only the public that needs to be thinking about the future. Take, for instance, our Congress. It’s very interesting how Republicans in Congress keep voting with the president. I imagine that they think that when Congress is dismantled or restructured that they will stay in power, along with the president. If you are one of these people, ask yourself, what does the president need you for if this happens? If he requires a few people to stay in a restructured Congress, to give him a “look” of being a president of the people, like Russia, why would he need 535 bodies? Good
luck with that.
One thing we, as citizens, are going to have to learn to do is to say “hi” to as many people as we can and then ask them how their day is going. Whether we are walking down the street, in a subway, on a march, or whatever the circumstance, this is the least we can do to show a small bit of comfort to others.
It doesn’t matter what their political preference is or their “looks or vibe,” simply say “Hi, how is your day going?” Yet there is one more thing that we should do in conjunction with this. Listen to their answer. Without doing this, the greeting doesn’t mean anything. By listening, we are saying we care about their answer. If necessary, we may have to stop for a short conversation. This will hopefully help them to have a better day and even feel better about their current situations. And many of them will be in situations they need to feel better about.
Let’s refocus now and talk about a few of the recent actions of President Donald Trump. He now is taking on The Smithsonian because they are too woke. “As President Trump promised, the Trump Administration is committed to rooting out Woke and divisive ideology in our government and institutions,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said. This quote can be found at tinyurl. com/ytfrkwb2.
First, the Merriam-Webster definition of woke: “Aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues [especially issues of racial and social justice].” Although there is an emphasis on racial and social justice, this definition refers to all of us. Do you think we should just forget that there was slavery, indigenous cruelty and Japanese internment, to name a few?
Hopefully, troops won’t march in your streets, ever, or detention camps won’t be built near you. Hopefully, you live in a state that will allow you to vote. Remember, state voting regulations apply to every state citizen.
Do you think that we would never again do these kinds of acts if we forgot? Aren’t we again doing the same thing to many different races with our handling of immigrants? Are people who consider themselves woke really divisive or create disunity or dissension?
Another action by the president was the Executive Order on Elections. “President Trump recently issued an executive order containing election policies that have traditionally been the purview of states.” This quote came from tinyurl.com/43um773s. Of course, this will be played out in court. My simple reply is Why? Why would an executive order that is blatantly against constitutional law even be followed? This can be said of many of the executive orders that President Trump has signed. Why are these not ignored? Why are these even allowed? Would you say that when it comes to President Trump’s second term that the Constitution doesn’t even exist for this administration?
Again, about elections, Trump said the following. “Vladimir Putin, smart guy, said, ‘You can’t have an honest election with mail-in voting,’ ” Trump said. “And he said there’s not a country in the world that uses it now.” This is from tinyurl.com/2pk3ex6t. Of course,
this is all a lie. There are several U.S. states that only allow mail-in voting. And in the same article mentioned above, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance notes that 34 countries allow some form of postal voting, although some have restrictions on which voters can use the method. Why would anyone ever listen to Putin anyway? On the website rferl. org, they note that “Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a new measure that allows elections at all levels and referendums to be conducted by mail and via the internet, according to the Kremlin’s website.” This was in 2020, so is Putin just blowing smoke in his conversation with Trump? Duh! This is just a small fraction of the things our president is trying to accomplish. Is this Democracy? Are these actions following the Constitution that has taken 250 years to write and clarify? “Many have said,” to take a quote from our president, that there are no ‘teeth’ in our Constitution and laws. No way to squelch any attempts to change things. Do you agree? Can we do anything about it?
We can march. We can protest. We can write articles. But also, we can call our elected officials in Congress, Republican and Democrat, and tell them to start doing something for us, the ones who voted them in. We can also call or write the president with the same message. We also can let our state officials, from the governor down, know that we don’t want troops in our cities, ICE on our soil, nor anyone dictating what our elections look like. This is our state, not theirs.
• Reed Harris is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.
Four awarded St. Paul scholarships
St. Paul Lutheran School in Rochelle recently named its 2025 scholarship recipients: Emma Kennay, Abby Metzger, Allison Dickey and Natalie Wagner (not pictured).
“We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead,” a district Facebook post said.
Photo provided
Custom satisfaction
Whether it’s someone who wants to ring out the old and ring in the new, or someone who wants a necklace with links to their past, Brooks Jewelers in Oregon can craft pieces that are as precious as the metals and gems they’re made from
By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com
Even with more than two decades in the business, Jennifer Brooks can’t say that she’s seen it all when it comes to jewelry.
But even if she hasn’t seen it, she can make it.
Jennifer is one of the Brooks behind the counter and behind the name of Brooks Jewelers in Oregon. The shop, which opened in September 2024, sells and creates custom jewelry as well as offering repairs, cleaning, inspection and appraisal, and engraving.
It’s the custom jewelry part of her job where she really shines, just like the pieces she creates.
“I like the emotional payout,” Jennifer Brooks said. “I absolutely love it when someone comes to me [for a repair] and goes, ‘This has been in my family for years,’ and it looks rough where the mounting looks cattywampus and things are missing. Then you bring it back to them as new as you possibly can, and the look on their face – they get a real good look at it and there’s tears. I get hugs, it’s wonderful. It’s why I do it: all those memories wrapped in one.”
Jennifer Brooks is willing to tackle most any project, big or small, and she enjoys the challenge, whether it’s turning people’s precious memories into precious metal or translating someone’s vision in their head to the ring on their finger.
Most of the pieces in the store’s showcases – which range in price from $35 to $4,000 – are ones Jennifer has made. Don’t see what you like? Talk to Jennifer or her husband, Nick; they can either order it or have it made in the store.
The Brookses spend a lot of time in their workshop at the back of the store, both making and tending to pieces without having to send them elsewhere – it’s all done in-house, which makes for shorter turnaround times, typically a day or two.
Jennifer handles the jewelry, while Nick handles much of the store’s business aspects and engraving. Engravings
a
As far as recent trends in the ring scene, rose golds and micro diamonds are popular right now, as well as halostyle rings where the center stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones, Jennifer said. She’s also noticed that rings with more flash, or “bling,” are becoming popular, but cautions that the more parts put on a ring, the harder it can be to keep all those pieces on the ring.
can be done on a variety of surfaces, including slate, metal, mirror, glass, wood and leather. Personal touches can even be added, like having an inscription done on a piece of jewelry in a person’s handwriting.
“I’ll help people pick something that not only looks intricate, but is actually sturdy and stable,” she said. “It’s going to be worn forever; you want it to withstand some of that wear. The more bling you put in, the less stable the ring becomes. While some things may look real great, they aren’t so great in the long run.”
While not necessarily a new trend, the technology behind lab-created diamonds has improved in recent years to help the stone last longer. They were first introduced to the jewelry market in the 1980s, and are, chemically, still a real diamond and still made with carbon, but are less expensive than a diamond created naturally. The first LCDs wound up turning yellowish and weren’t as stable, but technological advances in the past few years have made it difficult for the naked eye to tell the difference between a lab diamond and the real thing, Jennifer said.
“They’re cleaner, are less expensive and more environmentally friendly because they are grown in a lab instead
Brooks Jewelers in downtown Oregon opened in September 2024.
Photos by Cody Cutter
Jennifer Brooks of Brooks Jewelers in Oregon specializes in creating custom jewelry. If there’s an idea in mind for
special engagement or wedding ring that someone has, it’s a challenge she’s willing to take on. “They’ll come in with an idea, and I hope to far exceed what they were coming in with,” she said.
• BROOKS JEWELERS
Continued from page 18
of being mined from the earth, and so the clarity and color can be controlled a whole lot better,” she said. “I carry it because I know the younger generation today is more financially savvy and more ecologically minded.”
Jennifer Brooks has been a jeweler for 22 years, and recently felt it was time to take her talents to the next level and have a place of her own, she said. She attended Gem City College’s School of Horology, an accredited trade school in Quincy. During that time, she’s been involved in thousands of wedding jewelry decisions – sales, consultations, sizings, repairs, cleanings, appraisals.
Custom jewelry is Jennifer’s specialty, and she’s already taken on several one-of-a-kind wedding projects since opening. She shares some of her creations on the shop’s Facebook page each week.
For some customers, jewelry can be like a link to a special person or cherished memory, and custom pieces can honor those parts of their life and keep them near and dear. Among the projects Jennifer has had a hand in: A bride who wanted to have her father’s ashes incorporated into a restored add-a-pearl necklace; a groom-to-be who wanted to propose to his fiancee not with a ring, but a horse-themed pendant made with stones from an old promise ring; and a woman who wanted her late husband’s wedding ring to be cut and flattened into a piece of a necklace.
“It’s very emotional and very cool that you can do little things that mean so
much to people,” Jennifer said.
When it comes to customers, Jennifer has experience with both ends of the spectrum: those who know exactly what they want to those who aren’t even sure where to start. The best piece of advice she can offer is to have a price in mind beforehand; that way, she can narrow down the search to find pieces with the four C’s of jewelry – carat weight, color, clarity and cut – that will fit into another C: cost.
“Have your budget fixed before you start shopping, and tell the person you’re working with what your budget is,” she said. “It’s not a secret. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. That allows me to be able to give you the best deal for what you’re paying. We can find something in budget.”
Working with customers, creating one-of-a-kind pieces, helping people honor the memory of a loved one through a piece of jewelry – for the Brookses, customer satisfaction is the jewel in their crown. If they can find something a customers likes, that they can afford, and that will bring them joy for years to come, then they’ve done their job.
“I hope that they always feel welcome, respected and that I have done everything that I possibly can to make their wish come true,” Jennifer said. “They’ll come in with an idea, and I hope to far exceed what they were coming in with.”
Brooks Jewelers, 113 N. Fourth St. in Oregon, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Find it on Facebook, go to brooksjewelers.net or call 815-7322374 for more information.
Cody Cutter
Jennifer Brooks of Brooks Jewelers in Oregon works on a ring at the store’s workshop. She has 22 years in the jewelry business and specializes in custom pieces.
Ogle County judge clears man of aggravated battery
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Chicago man accused of beating an Oregon man at a March 2024 gathering in rural Oregon was acquitted of felony aggravated battery Monday, Aug. 18, after a one-day bench trial.
Vincente Estrada-Martinez, 44, was found not guilty after Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska listened to witness testimony in the morning and attorney arguments in the afternoon at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon.
“The court finds you not guilty,” Peska told Estrada-Martinez. “I believe self-defense was justified.”
The Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office had charged Estrada-Martinez with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, alleging that he caused “great bodily harm” when he punched the man and broke his nose.
Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss argued that Estrada-Martinez also broke the man’s ribs following a verbal altercation during which the man made a slur about Estrada-Martinez’s daughter.
“[Estrada-Martinez] didn’t just hit him once,” Voss said, adding that the man suffered “severe” injuries, including broken ribs and damaged teeth. “This wasn’t self-defense. This was a beating.”
But Estrada-Martinez’s attorney, Melinda Jacobson of Rockford, said Estrada-Martinez was acting in self-defense when the man – who she said was heavily intoxicated – was verbally abusive to other people at the party and threatened to “kill everyone.”
“These things do not happen in a vacuum. It all happened very quickly,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson said the alleged victim was the aggressor and had argued and fought with others at the party before Estra -
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da-Martinez stepped in to try to calm the situation.
“[The man] came back with what was believed to be a weapon, wearing a hoodie, with his hands in his pockets,” she said. “That was a real threat.”
Jacobson said Estrada-Martinez took physical action in an attempt to save others.
“This was self-defense, and this was also defense of others,” she said. “There were no weapons. This was a fist fight. My client believed his actions were necessary to not only protect himself, but everyone who was present.”
Jacobson said that after someone called 911, Estrada-Martinez chose to stay at the ranch and cooperate with police. She said her client struck the man because he believed his threat to “kill everyone” was real.
“A drunk person can pull a trigger as well as anyone,” Jacobson said.
Voss disagreed, arguing that Estra -
da-Martinez became angry when the man made a slur about Estrada-Martinez’s daughter.
“[Estrada-Martinez] did not have a right to create great bodily harm,” Voss said.
In reviewing witness testimony, Peska said the alleged victim had been drinking and could not remember who hit him when questioned.
Both the defendant and the man testified through Spanish-speaking interpreters.
“[The alleged victim] had something inside his hoodie and asked if anyone wanted to start a problem and said he was going to kill all the people at the party,” Peska said. “That is alarming in itself.”
Peska also said he did not believe Estrada-Martinez was responsible for causing the broken nose.
“I do not believe the defendant caused the injury,” Peska said.
Warranty deeds
• Tiffany Cravatta to Jacob Michael Hedden, 511 E. Buffalo St., Polo, $117,500.
• Marilyn L Gecan, deceased by heirs, to Zachary R Harden, 902 S. Third St., Oregon, $187,000.
• Dan Luepkes to F3 Realty Mm LLC, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township: 08-26-426011, $127,500.
• Mt Morris Church Of The Brethren to Rodney R Caldwell and Denise L Caldwell, 202 W. Center St., Mt.Morris, $65,000.
• Domingo Ortega-Ortega and Domingo Ortega Ortega to Michael Wolf and Hailey B Wolf, 402 North St., Monroe Center, $230,000.
• Geraldine E Timmer, deceased by heirs, to Curtis R Timmer and Jennifer A Timmer, 303 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $0.
• Roger G Timmer, deceased by heirs, to Kevin C Baumann and Debra A Baumann, one parcel in Forreston Township: 02-09300-001, $0.
• Kimberly Wetzel to City of Oregon, 131 S. Third St., Oregon, $62,000.
• Jacob R Rose to John Lynch, 6809 S. Joanne Ave., Rochelle, $242,500.
• Duane W Capes to Nancy L Capes and Jacob R Rose, 6809 S. Joanne Ave.,
Rochelle, $160,463.
• David J Shaw and Rosslynn E Shaw to Jeffrey Morozink and Lisa Harris, 503 N. Sangamon Lane, Dixon, $375,000.
• Thomas Oliver White Jr. to Manuel C Vasquez and Susan E Vasquez, 804 Madison St., Oregon, $105,000.
• Lindsey Reichert and Evan Reichert to Lindsey Caple, 8366 N. Canary Drive, Stillman Valley, $259,000.
• Shirley M Henson-Gilbert and Shirley M Henson Gilbert to Anthony A Peterson to Michelle M Peterson, 1020 N. Valentine Road, Polo, $85,000.
• Benjamin A Johnson to Jessica Trudeau, 533 Countryside Drive, Stillman Valley, $389,850.
• Peter J Sheldon, Janet L Tamillo and Janet L Sheldon to Kasey Anderson and Kassandra Anderson, 4839 N. Wendorf Road, Monroe Center, $295,000.
• Taylor E Strehl and Jenny L Strehl to John Rudecki, 8560 N. Hales Corner Road, Stillman Valley, $375,000.
Quit claim deeds
• Ian Jaffe to Ian Jaffe, trustee, and Ian Jaffe Declaration Trnamzo2025, one parcel in Marion Township: 05-20-400-003, $0.
• Helen L Wheeler, deceased by executor,
and Estate of Helen L Wheeler to Consolidated Grain And Barge Co. and Consolidated Grain & Barge Co., 10551 E. Titus Road, Rochelle, $0.
• Cristina M Pelayo, Sarah J Pelayo, Jaime S Pelayo, Emilia D Lopez, Charles H Brooks and Whitney N Sprague to Emilia D Lopez, 215 W. Second Ave., Rochelle, $0.
• Cristina M Pelayo, Sarah J Pelayo, Jaime S Pelayo, Emilia D Lopez, Charles H Brooks and Whitney N Sprague to Emilia D Lopez, 128 E. North St., Creston, $0.
• Christopher G Dewey to Jessica S Dewey, 105 N. High St., Kings, $0.
• Karen M Hey, deceased by heirs, to Martin A Hey Sr., 8297 S. Main St., Dixon, $0.
• Daniel Williams and Danielle Williams to Dennis L Williams and Laura E Williams, 1008 W. Ave. B, Rochelle, $0.
• Kennyth J Grimes and Matthew D Grimes to Sheryl L Grimes, 709 S. Second St., Oregon, $0.
• Gary Duane Blobaum and Amy Blobaum to Gary Duane Blobaum, trustee, Amy Joan Blobaum, trustee, and Blobaum Family Lv Tr, 3073 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $0.
Executors deed
• Helen L Wheeler, deceased by executor,
and Estate of Helen L Wheeler to Consolidated Grain And Barge Co. and Consolidated Grain & Barge Co., two parcels in Flagg Township: 24-32-401-006 and 24-32-402004, $33,000.
• Roger A Hickey, trustee, and Roger A Hickey Tr, to Blake A Benesh, one parcel in Marion Township: 10-19-300-013, $384,000.
Deeds in trust
• James T McKenzie to Bruce L Hiscox, trustee, Brenda C Hiscox, trustee, and Family Hiscox Lv Tr, 2747 Brooks Island Road, Oregon, $0.
Trustees deeds
• Curtis R Timmer, trustee, Debra A Baumann, trustee, and Geraldine E Timmer Family Trust to Debra A Baumann and Kevin C Baumann, 11537 N. Baileyville Road, Forreston, and one parcel in Forreston Township: 02-09-400-003, $0.
• Curtis R Timmer, trustee, Geraldine E Timmer Family Trust and Debra A Baumann, trustee, to Curtis R Timmer and Jennifer A Timmer, 11537 N. Baileyville Road, Forreston, and one parcel in Forreston Township: 02-09-400-003, $0.
• Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1. Fairly large
6. Barrels per day (abbr.)
9. Cover the entirety of
13. Leafy appetizer
14. Showy ornament
15. Norse personification of old age
16. Athletes
17. Closes tightly
18. Attack via hurling items
19. Where the reserves stand
21. Sword
22. Begat
23. Damage another’s reputation
24. Northeast
25. Turf
28. For each
29. Hours (Spanish)
31. Western state
33. One who offers help
36. Flanks
38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
39. Free from drink or drugs
41. Tunnels
44. Mature
45. More dried-up
46. News organization
48. Steal something
49. Forms one’s public persona(abbr.)
51. Female fish eggs
52. Small petrel of southern seas
54. Edible starches
56. Historical
60. In a place to sleep
61. Horse grooms
62. Off-Broadway theater award
63. Chinese dynasty
64. Resembling a wing
65. Small projection on a bird’s wing
66. Of the Isle of Man
67. Derived unit of force (abbr.)
68. Plate for Eucharist
DOWN
1. Vipers
2. Ancient city in Syria
3. Slog
4. Emits coherent radiation
5. “Pollock” actor Harris
6. Bleated
7. Monetary units of Afghanistan
8. Tooth doctor
9. One who takes apart
10. Commoner
11. Beat poet Ginsberg
12. Cave deposit material
14. Home energy backup
17. Begets
20. Face part
21. Frocks
23. Hill or rocky peak
25. Giving the impression of dishonesty
26. About ear
27. Male parents
29. Popular grilled food
30. Vaccine developer
32. Not conforming
34. Polite address for women
35. 1970 U.S. environmental law
37. Astronomical period of 18 years
40. One who fights the government
42. Center for Excellence in Education
43. Watches discreetly
47. An electrically charged atom
49. Hymn
50. Arabic given name
52. Popular pie nut
53. City in Zambia
55. Species of cherry
56. John __, British writer
57. Be next to
58. Make angry
59. Give birth to a lamb or kid
61. Unhappy
SPORTS
PREP FOOTBALL: ROCHELLE 41, GENESEO 14
Rochelle routs Geneseo in season opener
By ANDY COLBERT
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Any questions the Rochelle football team had after losing a stellar senior class were answered Friday with a resounding 41-14 nonconference win over Geneseo in Rochelle.
One of the biggest questions was replacing seven starters on the offensive and defensive lines.
“We looked like Rochelle football was supposed to be,” Hub line coach Erick Olson said. “But, it helps having two backs (Dylan Manning and Roman Villalobos) with over 1,000 yards coming back.”
Manning, who head coach Kyle Kissack thinks could be the best ever to play at Rochelle, started the game with an 89-yard kickoff return. Geneseo appeared to have the 5-foot-11, 185pound junior bottled up at midfield, but Manning broke free and outran everyone to the goal line.
“Actually, before the game, I envisioned a kickoff return,” Manning said. “I’ve never had one before in high school. Maybe because I was too slow before. One thing I try to do when running is not let the first guy tackle me.”
He did that all night long, rushing for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
“Dylan is so dynamic, with great vision and agility,” Kissack said. “He doesn’t come down easy. He is such a humble individual, too.”
Manning’s running mate, Villalobos, also tore through the Maple Leaf defense. A state-caliber wrestler, Villalobos added a pair of scores and had 91 yards up the middle from his fullback position.
The Hub offense was unstoppable until late in the game when the starters were out and Rochelle attempted its only punt.
“Rochelle is what they are advertised to be with their physicality,” said second-year Geneseo coach Matt Furlong, who took over after being the defensive coordinator for Cary-Grove. “They get
off the ball well. We didn’t tackle or block good enough.”
Dating back to the genuine slugfests of the 1970s, Geneseo and Rochelle renewed their storied rivalry for the first time in several years. For now, Rochelle demonstrated they had the upper hand.
After trailing 14-0, the Leafs strung together a 16-play, 68-yard scoring drive, with Furlong showing his coaching chops by going for it on a pair of fourth downs. Quarterback Jackson McAvoy scored on a 3-yard keeper, but his real gem was a last-second pitch to Kye Weinzierl, after nearly being thrown for a loss, on a fourth-down attempt.
The Hubs quickly made it 20-7 on a 5-yard touchdown by Manning. Then, they caught the Leafs off guard with a
well-executed onside kick by Aaron Hernandez that was recovered by Jon Andrist.
With two minutes left in the first half, Rochelle was in the end zone again, taking a 27-7 lead on a Manning score.
After forcing a punt, Rochelle took possession at its own 20-yard line with 1:30 left. Quarterback Van Gerber, one of many new starters, efficiently led the Hubs downfield to the 12-yard line before time ran out at the half.
Geneseo put together a solid drive to start the third quarter, but Rochelle’s top defensive returner, Brode Metgzer, blew up a third-down attempt and the drive stalled at midfield.
Villalobos then had Rochelle’s longest run of the game, a 34-yarder, setting up his own TD three plays later to make it 34-7.
On its next possession, Geneseo pulled within 34-14 on a Weinzierl 33-yard score. During the drive, the Leafs converted their fourth of five fourth-down attempts.
Tyler Gensler, younger brother of all-staters Grant and Garrett, put the game out of reach with a fourth-quarter score for Rochelle.
Geneseo was held to 155 net yards, an average of 2.9 yards per play.
“We stayed disciplined and read our keys,” said Hub DB Mark Green, who led both sides on defense with 10 tackles.
The only glitch for Rochelle was eight penalties for 55 yards, twice allowing Geneseo drives to stay alive.
“It was a great start,” Kissack said. “We had a lot of holes to fill, and it was a challenge for our kids to prove that they could.”
Photo provided by Marcy DeLille
Rochelle’s Roman Villalobos (40) rumbles for yardage during their game with Geneseo on Friday, Aug. 29.
Rochelle volleyball drops match at Dixon
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Leah Carlson and the Dixon volleyball players have a single word written on the white athletic tape wrapped around their fingers.
“One.”
It is another reminder to play as a team.
The mantra has led to success as the Duchesses improved to 2-0 after a 25-19, 25-19 win over Rochelle in Thursday night’s home opener at Lancaster Gym.
Carlson had six kills, eight assists and two aces as Dixon had a balanced attack on the stat sheet.
“We’re only focusing on our level of energy and being as one team,” Carlson said. “We write ”one” on our finger to represent that we can’t be individuals in the game. It’s not going to work.”
Rochelle (1-1) led the first set 19-17 and Dixon took a timeout. The Duchesses responded with six straight points, including one of two aces from Abby Hicks.
Morgan Hargrave (six kills, eight digs) and Solis Thompson (two blocks) also had two aces as Dixon posted nine as a team.
“Our serving was really good tonight,” Carlson said. “It’s just great to have a bunch of seniors that you’ve been playing with for four years now. It’s a good team dynamic and a good vibe.”
Rochelle stayed within striking distance in the second set, but Dixon never let the Hubs get too close down the stretch.
“It was point for point in both matches up until like 16, 17,” Rochelle coach Molly Sly said. “We kind of fell off. They were able to run with it at the end, find their hot hitters. Not to take anything away from them, but we kind of gave up in the back row.
“Our serve receive was not where it should have been for the last 10 points.”
Meredith Bruns led Rochelle with three kills and two aces. Emma Metzger and Jillian Bruns also had two aces for the Hubs.
“I think if we can take that away and kind of fight for the finish instead of the first two-thirds of the game,” Sly said, “I think we might have had a different match.”
Dixon was without its primary
libero, Yui Santos, as she was still recovering from bumping her head in the Sterling game.
She will have plenty of time to recover as Dixon now has a week off on the schedule.
“Rayven [Mowery] and Abby [Hicks] stepped in really nicely tonight for Yui’s absence,” Dixon coach Bunyan Cocar said. “I thought the folks who came in were really consistent serving. We just played good team volleyball tonight.”
Cocar said the team’s service game made up for some of the errors.
“That was really nice to see,” he said.
With an experienced group of seniors, Cocar says this year’s team can be special.
“I told them our team has probably the most experienced lineup of anybody,” he said. “We have all seniors
Leah Carlson shows her taped finger with the word “one” written on it, along with her jersey number. Playing as one is a motto she and the rest of the volleyball team have emphasized this season.
pretty much ... I expect them to know how to win games when it’s 20-19. We don’t make mistakes and we focus even more.
“That’s kind of the senior leadership
I expect from Morgan, Leah, Izzy [Queckboerner], Presley [Lappin]. All these girls who have been with us since their sophomore year playing varsity. They just know how to win.”
Alex T. Paschal
Rochelle’s Meredith Bruns makes a play against Dixon on Thursday, Aug. 28.
Dixon’s
Drake Lansman
Rising gridiron
The Rochelle junior tackle football teams took on Sterling on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Photos provided by Robin Rethwill
TOP LEFT: Jaxon Gomez pushes a defender wide during a Rochelle junior tackle football game Saturday, Aug. 30 in Rochelle. TOP RIGHT: Michael Vaughn (27) shakes a tackle and rounds the corner during a game against Sterling. ABOVE: Tulsa Dahman (65) protects the quarterback during a Rochelle junior tackle football game Saturday. LEFT: Rochelle’s Michael Vaughn is tackled but not before he gets a first down.
NIU special teams saves struggling offense
Dev’ion Reynolds’ 96-yard kickoff return for TD changes NIU’s fortunes against Holy Cross
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
NIU’s season opener sure seemed headed toward a defeat at the hands of an FCS team. At least until Dev’ion Reynolds turned the tide in just 13 seconds.
The offense was struggling, especially after starting quarterback Josh Holst left the game in the second half Saturday against Holy Cross in an eventual 19-17 Huskies victory.
Special teams wasn’t performing much better with some costly miscues.
And the defense, as sharp as it had been all game, just gave up the game’s first touchdown on a 77-yard drive that took just 1:27 off the clock and gave the Crusaders their first lead, 10-6.
Reynolds made sure the lead was short-lived. He already had a 54-yard kickoff return. Turns out that was just the appetizer. Reynolds went 96 yards for a touchdown, putting the Huskies ahead 12-10.
“That drive before, we kind of had a mental lapse,” safety Muhammed Jammeh said. “We gave up a lot of plays. ... When Dev made that play, he made up for a couple of the plays on defense. You just feel the confidence through the whole team. the whole stadium, everything.”
It revitalized everything for the Huskies at that point. Holy Cross went three and out on its next drive and only managed 9 yards for the rest of the game. When the offense got the ball back, it pulled out its first touchdown of the game, pushing the lead to 19-10.
NIU was 3 for 13 on third down before that drive. The Huskies went 2 for 2 on the scoring drive, letting Chavon Wright take a direct snap and score on a 2-yard run. He finished his NIU debut with 11 carries for 77 yards after rushing for over 2,200 yards last year at Charleston, leading NCAA Division II.
“He gave us energy on the sideline. 96-yard touchdown, you have to build on
defense stepped up. He had an interception earlier in the game. It was the third of his career in his 39th game and first since 2023.
“I just want to keep the defense and instill the mindset to attack the next play,” Jammeh said. “Let’s not give in. We had a relapse on one drive, but we came back, stacked plays on top of plays.
Before Reynolds’ return, special teams hadn’t exactly been a bright spot. Highly touted transfer kicker Andrew Glass missed an extra point. Long snapper Ross Pedro had a high snap that lost 32 yards, a miscue that not only set up Holy Cross’ first points of the game but kept NIU from crossing 200 rushing yards as a team.
Cason had a 69-yard return to start the second half, but the Crusaders missed a field goal attempt. Danny Vuckovic had a punt blocked and ended up shanking one for 20 yards after pinning two inside the 20 to start the game.
Special teams was a point of emphasis during the offseason, NIU coach Thomas Hammock said. He said Saturday showed there’s a lot to get better at. Hammock said the blocked punt happened because the team didn’t count the overload correctly. And they tried to kick it away from Cason on his TD return, but the Crusaders countered well to make sure he still ended up with the ball.
Hammock said on the whole, it’s about experience with special teams.
“You lose guys in the portal? Those are guys that were playing special teams,” he said. “We’ve got a true freshman on the special teams unit. We have guys who haven’t played football on the special teams unit. So that’s going to happen. A lot of things like that happen in the first game, they have to learn from quickly. These things cannot continue to show up.”
Hammock said he trusts special teams coach Cory Connolly to get things straightened out by Friday’s game at Maryland.
The growing pains certainly didn’t apply to Reynolds, who only played in the bowl game last year.
that,” Wright said. “And I feel we did build on that as far as confidence.”
Holy Cross made things interesting with a 97-yard kickoff return of their
own by Alijah Cason with 4:03 left. But the defense came up with another threeand-out to preserve the win.
Jammeh said he liked how the
“It felt unreal, honestly. I didn’t know if it was real,” said Reynolds, a Carmel Catholic graduate and redshirt freshman. It’s my first game, but I really appreciate the opportunity everybody’s giving me, putting me in the game.”
David Toney for Shaw Local News Network Northern Illinois University linebacker Filip Maciorowski (right) celebrates after tackling Holy Cross’s quarterback Saturday at Huskie Stadium at NIU in DeKalb.
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.
Turn those unwanted items into cash. Sell them in the Classifieds! They may be just the thing someone else is looking for.
WHITE ROCK TOWNSHIP ANNUAL TRE AS URER'S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1 APRIL, 2024 THROUGH 31 MARCH, 2025
Range: Under-($25,000)- Tom Smith, Jim Milligan, Lorraine Hubbard, Dennis Probasco, Tim Reints, Charles Hubbard, Brian Tobler ,... $25,000 to $49,999- Heath Strohman, TOTAL COMPENSATION; $43,735
SUPERVISOR FUND EXPE NDITURE SUMMARY
IRS Taxes- $11,720; IL Dept of Revenue- $2,331; Toirma- $2,551; Accounting Services - $1,150; Donations- $5,700; Bonnell Industry- $141,868; All other disbursement less than ($2,500.00)- $3,594 TOTAL VENDORS- $168,914
GE NE RAL ASSI STANCE FUND-REVENUE SUMMARY
Property Taxes- $0; Interest- $2,119; TOTAL REVENUE- $2,119.
GE NE RAL ASSI STANCE FUNDEXPE NDITURE SUMMARY
All other disbursements less than ($2,500.00) - 0; TOTAL VENDORS - $0 ROAD & BRID GE FUND-REVENUE SUMMARY
Property Taxes- $40,960; Replacement Taxes- $6,232; Interes t- $3,342; Toirma $594; Farm and Fleet- $4; TOTAL REVENUE- $51,132 ROAD & BRID GE FUND-COMPENSATION S UMMARY
Range: Under $25,000: Jeff Johnson, $6,412; TOTAL COMPENSATION- $6,412 ROAD & BRID GE FUND-EXPENDITURE SU MMAR Y TOIRMA- $3,991;All other disbursement less than (82,500)- $15,838; TOTAL VENDORS- $19,829
All other disbursement less than ($2,500)- $0.00; TOTAL VENDORS- 0 SUMMARY S TATEMENT OF CONDITION WHITE ROCK TOWNSHIP 1 Apri l, 2024 throu gh 31 March, 2025 Supervisors General Road and Special CBHB Special Fund Assistance Bridge Road Fund Equipment Fund Fund Tax
Beginning Balance $251,484 $47,750
Disbursements
($212,848) (0) (826,241)
Ending
Subscribed and sworn to this 13th day of August, 2025
Mark L Hayes, Mark L Hayes – Supervisor/Treasurer
I, Faith Hayenga, Clerk of White Rock Township, Ogle County, Illinois, do hereby certify that theabove is a true copy of the Annual Treasurer's Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
Faith M Hayenga, Faith Hayenga – Clerk
September 3, 2025
LEG AL NOTICES LEG AL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OG LE, IL LINOIS IN RE THE ESTATE OF RICHARD H. KURZ, DECEASE D Case No 2025PR000052 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Richard H. Kurz, of Rochelle, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on the 20th day of August, 2025, to Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk, LLC, 2040 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore, Illinois 60178, whose attorneys are Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk, LLC, 2040 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, with the
2040 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore, Illinois 60178, whose attorneys are Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk, LLC, 2040 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than 4:30 p.m. on or before the 5th day of March, 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 has been filed.
By: /s/ Cassandra A. Gottschalk One of its Attorneys Cassandra A. Gottschalk Attorney No. 6309115 Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk, LLC 2040 Aberdeen Court Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 758-6616 service@foster buick.com
September 3, 10, 17, 2025
September 3, 10, 17, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
Estate of:
RENEE J. FELTS, Deceased
No. 2025 PR 48 CL AIM NOTICE
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, 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
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.,
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 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 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 No-
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 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 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.
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 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, conducting and transacting the business known as:
Cleary Exteriors
Pressure Washing
389 Red Fox Dr Davis Junction, IL 61020
ting 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
Notice of pub lic hear ing on the Pol o Communi ty Unit S ch ool Distri ct #222 Tentative Bud get for July 1, 2025Jun e 30, 2026. NOTICE IS HEREBY G IVEN by the Board of Education of the Polo Community Unit School District #222 in the Counties of Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside, State of Illinois, that the tentative budget for the said school district for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2025, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at Aplington Middle SchoolDistrict Office- 610 East Mason, Polo, Illinois, 61064 between the hours of 8:00 am - 3:30 pm The Budget is also available online at poloschools.net beginning on August 14, 2025. Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:00 pm on September 17, 2025 at Centennial Elementary School, 308 S. Pleasan t, Polo, IL 61064, to provide an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed budget. The purpose of this public hearing is to inform residents
September 17, 2025 at Centennial Elementary School, 308 S. Pleasan t, Polo, IL 61064, to provide an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed budget. The purpose of this public hearing is to inform residents about the district's estimated expenditures and revenue for the upcoming school year prior to the budget vote
Sept. 5, 2025
Notice
The Polo Community School District will be holding a Public Hearing on September 17, 2025 at 6:05pm at Centennial Elementary School 308 S. Pleasan t Avenue. This Public Hearing is to continue to offer ELearning Days in lieu of Emergency Days.
