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September is Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
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September is an especially important awareness month for the public and for behavioral healthcare. It is both Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Millions of Americans are impacted by substance use disorders, mental illnesses, and suicide each year.
Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors Recovery Month.
“The Goal of Recovery Month is to increase awareness that treatments for substance use disorders and mental illnesses work, and that recovery is possible,” Sinnissippi Centers’ President and CEO Stacie Kemp said. “But just as important, is to let people know that they can be a great support to someone suffering from a substance use disorder or mental health concern without any special knowledge or training, just by being there. However, getting more information about these diseases and disorders is always helpful for everyone.”
Some facts to consider:
There are nearly 37 million rural Americans – more than half of rural residents – who live in mental health professional shortage areas. Distance to treatment services in rural areas can be a barrier to getting treatment. Family and friends can play a key role in helping address mental illness and substance use disorders by identifying when someone has a problem.
Only 20% of those with a substance use disorder get the help they need. There are many barriers, but stigma and lack of coverage or inadequate coverage are two major reasons.
Information for Recovery Month online is available at samhsa.gov/recovery-month.
“Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about suicide, a leading cause of death for individuals in the United States,” Kemp said. “Another goal is to inform people about what they can do to help keep their loved
ones safe.”
In 2023, a little over 49,000 Americans died by suicide. In that same year, the CDC estimates that almost 13 million Americans had suicidal ideation (thinking about suicide).
“People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying or sexual violence, are at higher risk for suicide,” Kemp said. “Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.”
“The more that we openly, honestly and directly talk about suicide, the more we can help to prevent it. We also need to look for the signs of suicide ideation in those around us,” Kemp said.
Some of those signs include: Someone saying they feel like a burden, being isolated, increased anxiety, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, increased substance use, increased anger or rage, extreme mood swings, expressing hopelessness, and/or talking or posting on social media about wanting to die.
Who are the people at risk? Those with:
• Depression, other mental health concerns, or substance use disorders
• Chronic pain
• Family history of mental health concerns or substance use
• Family history of suicide
• Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having recently been released from prison or jail
• A history of suicide attempts
• Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities
“What can you do? Safeguard the people in your life from the risk of suicide and support them: Ask how they are doing, ask about what is going on in their life,” Kemp said. “Keep them safe as best you can. Just be there for them to listen and be non-judgmental, do not try to ‘fix them.’ Help them connect to any treatment or support resources they need. Follow up with them to make sure they are OK.”
A great resource someone in crisis can use is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call them by dialing 988, send a text to 988, or even chat online at 988lifeline.org. Sinnissippi Centers also has a 24-hour toll-free number you can use for someone in crisis (800-242-7642).
Another great resource is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website at afsp.org. Sinnissippi Centers also maintains an extensive links page for a wide variety of behavioral healthcare topics at sinnissippi.org.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Focus House, a residential treatment center for boys ages 12-17, will mark its 50th anniversary in November.
Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Photo provided by Sinnissippi Centers
Sinnissippi Centers, which offers mental health services, opened the agency’s newest office on May 12 at 212 W. Blackhawk Drive in Byron. It is the center’s third office in Ogle County.
Focus House celebrates 50 years of change, community and supporting at-risk youths
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Focus House is one of two facilities of its kind in the state. The Ogle County treatment facility just north of Rochelle provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming.
Focus House will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in November. It offers residential treatment for boys ages 12-17 in the justice system who are court-ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Youth in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and public service work at Focus House. The facility has three teachers and two paraprofessionals.
Other programming includes alternative suspension services for kids who receive out-of-school suspension in Ogle County. Focus House also offers alternative expulsion services and outpatient treatment for youths on probation, along with evaluations for youths and work with students at the Chana Education Center.
Focus House will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Nov. 14 with an event at Luna. The event will feature past and present directors, teachers and board members, highlighting the county-owned facility’s 50 years of history and impact.
“It will celebrate the last 50 years and look forward to the next 50 years,” Focus House Executive Director Brenda Mason said. “I think 50 years for a mental health facility is a really long time to still be operating and to be operating well. The board members take a lot of pride in it and there are staff members here with a lot of longevity, some with 20-40 years here.
“It’s been such a staple of the community for so long,” he said. Focus House has changed a lot. It used to have babies that would be cared for here in the beginning. It’s touched so many families in the Rochelle and Ogle County areas. Everyone is excited about 50 years.”
When Focus House first started, it served as a home for youths involved in juvenile abuse and neglect cases without places to go. It previously served boys and girls from infants to teenagers,
Jeff Helfrich photos
Focus House will celebrate its 50th anniversary in November. It offers residential treatment for boys ages 12-17 in the justice system who are court-ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Youth in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and public service work at Focus House.
typically for longer terms than today. The first location was the Miller House in Rochelle, before the move to its current Illinois Route 251 location, which has seen new buildings over the years.
“Facilities like this are very uncommon,” Mason said. “For it to be county-owned and operated, there’s one other facility in Illinois like it. It’s very unique. It’s incredibly good for Ogle County youth, because they would have to be sent very far away if this weren’t here. We don’t charge anything for Ogle County youth. If we sent them out for treatment, it would cost the taxpayers a lot of money to have to pay for that. We can give so much treatment to the youth and keep them here and close to their homes.”
Focus House sees support from the community, which Mason called “amazing.” Focus House kids work for the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park Dis -
trict from April to October, cleaning up parks to earn money. The Rochelle Police and Fire departments often go to the facility for demonstrations or help with programming.
The Foundation for Focus House, a nonprofit, helps provide youth with essentials such as hygiene items, clothing and school supplies. The organization hosts three fundraisers each year to support these needs.
“I think it’s such an amazing thing to have so much community backing and wanting to help the youth of the community,” Mason said. “It’s such a rich community of people who want to help their youth and keep them in the community. The staff here are so passionate about that help. I think they care so much. These kids need a lot of help.
“It comes out as bad behavior, but at the end of the day, they came by it pretty honestly. I think it’s awesome to see a
state. The Ogle County treatment facility just north of Rochelle provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming.
community rally behind kids that didn’t have a good upbringing and really just need the help.”
Focus House has longtime staff members, including some who have been there more than 20 years. Mason said not being a Department of Child & Family Services facility allows Focus House to prioritize Ogle County youth and build its own program, which helps staff to stay committed to the cause and kids.
The Focus House executive director enjoys looking back on the kids who had a positive outcome after their time in the facility.
“Even if they came away from here and had a slip-up, they’re young,” Mason said. “I think they always think back to this time where they were in a structured, supportive, nonchaotic environment and they saw it’s what they want for their lives. I know our kids will always look back on this time and know they were supported here and that this felt good and they don’t want to live in the chaos they grew up in.”
Mason enjoys coming to work at Focus House each day to help kids on the road back from behavioral problems after a hard upbringing.
“If we as a society can’t intervene when those bad things are happening, we should be helping them later on,” Mason said. “They’re still kids and need support, love and care. That’s what brings me to work every day. Our kids become so well-mannered and you get to see them just be kids. These are 15-, 16-year-old boys who have never built a snowman at home or had a water balloon fight. Here, they can do that.”
Focus House is one of two facilities of its kind in the
Rochelle High School’s former director of bands
into ISU Band Hall of Fame
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Terry Roderick, former director of bands and school administrator at Rochelle Township High School, will be inducted into the Illinois State University Band Hall of Fame on Oct. 11. Roderick is one of five individuals who will be honored as members of this prestigious Hall of Fame award, all of whom have made major contributions as graduates of ISU.
The RTHS Band has won many awards at the ISU Marching Band Championship events, and the band grew to almost 200 members during Roderick’s leadership. This number included the musicians, flag corps, rifle corps, and
honor guard, all of which earned special awards and recognition throughout Illinois.
Roderick led the band during his time at RTHS from 1970 through 1984, and went on to serve as principal of RTHS through 1995. Other achievements of the band were winning the Northern Illinois University Marching Band Championships many times, and even being selected to perform for the Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field several times.
When contacted, Roderick said, “While I am being honored with the Hall of Fame award, the credit goes to all of the RTHS Band students for their commitment to the band program and loyalty to me, during my 14 years of leadership.”
Roderick, 82, and his wife, Dee, live in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and will attend the induction ceremony along with their two sons, Kip and Kent. Anyone wishing to send a congratulatory note to Mr. Roderick can do so by emailing him at t.roderick@me.com.
The induction ceremony will take place at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University on Oct. 11 during the marching band competition featuring many Illinois marching bands. Tickets for the event cost $15 per person, and the public is invited.
The actual timing of the induction will take place around 6:30 p.m., after most of the bands have performed, and will be followed by the 400-member ISU Marching Band Performance on the field.
Photo provided by Terry Roderick Terry Roderick, former director of bands and school administrator at Rochelle Township High School, will be inducted into the Illinois State University Band Hall of Fame on Oct. 11.
Master Showmanship Contest held at 4-H Fair
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The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Luke Lichty of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. The runner up was Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Other senior participants ages 14-18 included Lucas Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Addison Yordy, Leaf River Busy Beavers 4-H Club; Allissa Martin, Carefree 4-H Club; Max Thurow, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Robbie Thurow. Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; and Boone Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club.
The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Junior Master Showman winner was Grady Poliska of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. The runner-up was Jaxon Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Another junior participant, ages 8-13, was Blake Frisbie, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.
To earn the title, each participant had to show a pig, steer and sheep. Showmanship is based on the knowledge of the species; how the participant shows the animal, following directions, moving the animal, setting up, stopping, control and safety of the animal, and the attention given to the judge and animal; and the appearance of the club member, clean and neat, prompt, alert, confident and courteous.
The winner of the Senior Master
Showmanship contest won a belt buckle, $100 cash award, and the opportunity to attend the Master Showmanship contest at the Illinois State Fair. The senior runner-up won a $50 cash award. The Junior Master Showman-
ship winner won a belt buckle and a $50 cash award. The junior runner-up won a $25 cash award.
Cash awards were sponsored by Hackbarth Farms. Belt buckles were sponsored by Maplehurst Farms Inc.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension
Ogle County 4-H Master Showmanship participants line up to await the results.
Public works mutual aid amendment OK’d
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle City Council at its meeting Monday, Sept. 8, unanimously approved an amendment to an agreement with the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network.
The city first agreed with IPWMAN in 2014 to provide and receive emergency assistance in the event of a natural or manmade disaster that would require action beyond normal capabilities. Being involved with IPWMAN involves assistance with equipment, materials and personnel in the event of a disaster.
Nearly 500 Illinois agencies are members of IPWMAN. Mutual aid through IPWMAN can be used for emergency events such as tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, flooding, infrastructure failures, earthquakes, terrorism, and non-emergency planned events.
The amendment to the original agreement includes mutual aid not being just for emergencies, IPWMAN being governed by a nonprofit board, and a new process for future amendments.
City Public Works Director Tim Isley said mutual aid through IPWMAN was used by the city back in 2015 when an EF4 tornado hit just outside town, destroying dozens of homes.
“This allows us to get help from other communities, as well as help other communities in need,” Isley said. “When we did get help from this, we got support from five or six different communities. IPWMAN is a really great organization and I enjoy working with them. They’ve helped communities save millions of dollars.”
Mayor John Bearrows expressed his support for the partnership.
“It’s a great humanitarian thing to do,” Bearrows said.
EMS
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to participate in its Ground Emergency Medical Transport program to benefit the Rochelle Fire Department ambulance services.
In 2019, the state introduced legislation that allows municipalities to collect additional Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services beyond what Med -
LEFT: At the Sept. 8 meeting of the Rochelle City Council, Mayor John Bearrows read a proclamation in honor of Constitution Week Sept. 17-23 and presented it to members of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. RIGHT: The Rochelle City Council proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week at its meeting Sept. 8. The proclamation was accepted by Eddie and Melissa Villalobos (center), representing El Sol Restaurant.
icaid reimburses for emergency transportation. RFD has participated in the program since it started.
The reimbursement is based on the cost of delivery for the service, and because that number changes, the agreement must be periodically updated.
Parking
The council voted unanimously to postpone a vote until Sept. 22 to potentially remove no parking signage and allow parking on either side of Avenue G between South Main and South Third streets.
Parking is prohibited along either side of Avenue G between South Main and Wood streets. Currently, the 300 block of Avenue G between South Main and South Third streets has a designated left turn lane. As the block of Avenue G is no longer part of Rochelle’s designated truck route, the left turn lane is no longer necessary, and the city is considering removing the dedicated left turn lane to allow parking to improve conditions for residents.
Isley said Monday that the vote was postponed for “further consideration.”
Proclamations
Bearrows read a proclamation during the meeting in honor of Constitution Week from Sept. 17-23, 2025. The proclamation was accepted by members of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A proclamation in honor of National
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2025) was read by City Councilwoman Rosaelia Arteaga and presented
to Eddie and Melissa Villalobos, representing longtime local Mexican restaurant El Sol.
Jeff Helfrich photos
Country Road Greenhouses schedules fall sale
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Country Road Greenhouses, wholesale growers of native plants and producers of the Prairie Plugs grow method, will host its second annual fall plant sale Sept. 28-29 at the farm near Rochelle.
A wholesale supplier of native plants to governmental and nonprofit groups for environmental projects, Country Road will host the sale, which is open to the public, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
CRG continues its quest to help the environment that began on its farm 40 years ago. Bought by the Redington Family from lifelong grower Larry Creekmur, the farm has been providing solutions to landscaping challenges for the past 40 years, with solutions that are time-tested. The Redingtons, including son Ryne, have more than 25 years of growing experience.
“We sell only native perennial forbs, grasses, sedges and also native trees and shrubs,” co-owner Bryan Reding-
ton said. “These plants are friendly to pollinators such as butterflies and bees etc. The native plants to this area include milkweeds, native sunflowers and asters for emergent wetlands and from woodlands to full-sun dry areas.”
For an entire list of plants to be offered at the sale, see the CRG scrolling list at PrairiePlugs.com.
Throughout the year, sales from plants grown on the farm are made wholesale to groups and organizations
such as Wild Ones, a native plant nonprofit. Wild Ones promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action.
Other CRG clients include the Friends of the Chicago River, The Wetlands Initiative, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Lake County Forest Preserve District, St. Charles Park District and the Rockford Park District.
The farm is located 12 miles west of DeKalb, 3 miles east of Rochelle and 1 mile north of Casey’s gas station in Creston. The fall sale is the farm’s only yearly sale open to the public. The sale will include individual plants and trees, as well as plants grown with their exclusive “Prairie Plug” method.
The Prairie Plug method is a native plant grown in a flat container with a hole on the bottom that can be used to pop the plant out for easy planting.
The sale also features first- and second-year native trees and shrubs in 3-gallon containers.
Country Road Greenhouses is located at 19561 E. Twombly Road, Rochelle.
SEPTEMBER 20TH + 21ST
VISIT US FOR FALL-BLOOMING PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS, GOURDS, MUMS, CORN STALK BUNDLES, AND STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS. 40% OFF CONTAINER TREES, SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS AND 30% OFF BALLED & BURLAP TREES *Some exclusions apply
Gregory Shaver
A monarch butterfly
4-H Fair Rabbit Show winners announced
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Ogle County 4-H Fair Rabbit Show winners were recently announced. Winners are as follows:
Champion Jr. Showmanship: Hunter Kremske. Champion Intermediate Showmanship: Tessa Bruns. Champion Sr. Showmanship: Anna Marquardt. Champion Market Pen of three: Landyn Day. Reserve Champion Market Pen of three: Ali Danekas. Champion Single Fryer: Ali Danekas. Reserve Champion Single Fryer: Landyn Day. Champion Production Class: Ali Danekas. Reserve Champion Production Class: Harper Bruns. Champion Rabbit Carcass: Pyper Bruns. Reserve Champion Rabbit Carcass: Tessa Bruns.
Six Class - Top of Class Jr. Buck: Ali Danekas. Top of Class Jr. Doe: Tessa Bruns. Top of Class Int. Buck: Anna Marquardt. Top of Class Int. Doe: Anna Marquardt. Top of Class Sr. Buck: Hunter Kremske. Top of Class Sr. Doe: Ali Danekas. Best of Six Class: Hunter Kremske. Reserve Best of 6 Class: Anna Marquardt.
Four Class - Top of Class Jr. Buck: Harper Bruns. Top of Class Jr. Doe: Ali Danekas. Top of Class Sr. Buck: Ali Danekas. Top of Class Sr. Doe: Anna Marquardt. Best of Four Class: Harper Bruns. Reserve Best of Four Class: Anna Marquardt.
Lop Breeds - Top of Class Jr. Buck: Wesley Eckerstrom. Top of Class Jr. Doe: Wesley Eckerstrom. Top of Class Sr. Buck: Cora Mickley. Top of Class Sr. Doe: Anna Marquardt. Best of Lop Breeds: Anna Marquardt. Reserve Best of Lop Breeds: Cora Mickley. Crossbred - Top of Class Jr. Buck: Ali Danekas. Top of Class Jr. Doe: Pyper Bruns. Top of Class Sr. Buck: Leo Day. Top of Class Sr. Doe: Pyper Bruns. Best of Crossbred: Leo Day. Reserve Best of Crossbred: Pyper Bruns.
Pet Bunny - Top of Class Junior Pet Rabbit: Alayna Doane. Best of Pet Bunny: Alayna Doane. Reserve Best of Pet Bunny: Kinley Truckenbrod. Champion Costume Class: Hunter Kremske. Champion Cage Decoration Contest: Ali Danekas. Best of Show: Harper Bruns. Best Reserved of Show: Hunter Kremske.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension Hunter Kremske (left) and Tylar Groth (right) hold their rabbits on the show table as the judge evaluates them during the Rabbit Show.
Hilliker
HUB Program funding still uncertain
Board hears update on district and schools improvement plan
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
At its monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Rochelle Elementary School Board heard an update on the status of its HUB Program from Superintendent Jason Harper and HUB Program Director Yazmin Nambo.
After its grant cycle ended in summer 2025, the Rochelle Elementary School District will locally fund its HUB Program through Dec. 12. Programming is running in a more limited fashion this semester. The HUB Program will not offer a morning option, and some of its enrichment opportunities will not be available. Students will still benefit from the after-school program, daily academic support, snacks, and door-todoor transportation as needed.
The grant-funded HUB Program serves at-risk students in the district’s K-8 grades, offering before- and afterschool activities as well as summer programs. In addition to educational support, the program provides enrichment through field trips and community-led demonstrations. The HUB recently completed its third year of a three-year grant cycle, following two previous five-year cycles – marking 13 years of continuous service.
Nambo said Tuesday that she’s been told recently by a state consultant that there is no timeline for the HUB Program’s grant. One grant application was opened up for after-school programs for non-school districts. Nambo said she explored applying for the grant through the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District partnership, but learned it wasn’t an option since the program must be run entirely by a park district, not a school district.
“They just keep telling us that there’s no timeline,” Nambo said. “We looked into applying for that other grant, but we don’t have anything else right now.”
Harper said the district has communicated the change and situation to families of students to prepare them for the program’s potential end so they can make arrangements for the spring semester.
“After winter break, the program
teachers who recently started their year. Stepping Stones Preschool has three new teachers, Lincoln Elementary School has one new teacher, Central Elementary School has four new teachers, Tilton Elementary School has four new teachers, and Rochelle Middle School has nine new teachers.
“We have a lot of new teachers again this year,” Harper said. “We’re grateful for all of their efforts. I’d like to thank them for that and the teacher’s association for its efforts on working with our new hires to create a genuine and meaningful mentor experience for them.”
Budget
won’t exist anymore pending some sort of change that happens at the state/federal level with grant funding,” Harper said. “That becomes more of a reality as we get closer and closer. Parents need to have different plans in place come January.”
Nambo and the HUB Program team will continue to monitor the state grant situation, Harper said.
“In the event that there is the opportunity for us to apply for this type of programming, we will apply again,” Harper said. “The timeline of submitting a grant to potentially receiving it is usually about half a year. All those variables could come into play. But at this point, there is nothing being offered.”
School improvement planning
Harper presented an update during the meeting on district and school improvement planning. The superintendent said that after a discussion tour across both Rochelle school districts in spring 2024, the elementary district has put four improvement areas into place with four specific work groups.
Among the four are social emotional learning with goals for each building, school information system use improvement, academic readiness, and finally, staff retention, development and recruitment.
“We’re trying our best to collaborate across districts and buildings,” Harper said. “All while working to bring multiple voices and stakeholders into this process. It’s been a multi-year process, and hopefully, as we look back on these goals throughout the year, we’ll have
good progress.”
New teachers
The board heard a presentation by the principal of each school in the district during the meeting regarding new
The board held a public hearing and unanimously approved its fiscal 2026 budget during the meeting. District Business Manager Kevin Dale presented the estimated core numbers of the budget to the board.
Total revenue is estimated to be $23,274,787, and total expenditures are
See HUB PRogRam on page 17
Jeff Helfrich
HUB Program Director Yazmin Nambo speaks during the Tuesday, Sept. 9, meeting of the Rochelle Elementary School Board.
Man gets 2-year sentence for 100 mph chase
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A man who fled from police for 22 miles across Ogle County at speeds in excess of 100 mph before crashing into a Mt. Morris squad car in February 2023 was sentenced to two years in prison Thursday, Sept. 4.
Derrick Holmes, 35, formerly of Highwood and now a resident of Rockford, received a two-year prison sentence despite arguments from Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse that he be sentenced to the maximum six years in prison to deter others from driving at high speeds when fleeing police.
“The public should know that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated,” Kruse told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe.
Holmes pleaded guilty in an open plea in December 2024 to the felony offense of aggravated fleeing from police and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and speeding more than 35 mph over the speed limit. Twelve other charges related to the Feb. 23, 2023, incident were dismissed.
During Thursday’s hearing, Illinois State Trooper Zachary Hare, who was an Ogle County patrol deputy on Feb. 20, 2023, said his department received a call around 1 a.m. of a drunken driver heading into Ogle County from DeKalb County.
Hare said Ogle County officers learned that the vehicle, a red Ford Mustang, was traveling west on state Route 64. Hare said he encountered the car near the intersection of South Moore Road and Route 64, just inside Ogle County, where he clocked the Mustang on radar doing 108 mph in the 55 mph zone.
“I tried to stop him, but he fled,” Hare said. As Hare continued to chase the car, he observed it running a stop sign and a traffic light while traveling 90-130 mph.
Hare said the Mustang was clocked doing 100 mph through downtown Oregon, through one red traffic light.
“It was traveling at a high rate of speed, erratically passing two vehicles,” Hare testified, adding that the car had driven around two attempts to stop it using stop strips.
When the Mustang entered Mt. Morris on Route 64, which is known as Hitt Street within city limits, the car hit a Mt. Morris police squad near the intersection of North Wesley Avenue and Route 64.
The police vehicle – a 2019 Dodge Ram pickup truck – suffered damage, but the officer inside was not injured.
Hare said the Mustang continued to be driven despite “heavy front-end damage” and headed down an alley before finally coming to a stop at 14 E. Front St.
“When the car stopped, both the driver and a passenger exited the car, and the driver fled on foot,” Hare said. “I released my K-9.”
Hare said the dog chased Holmes until he reached a fence that he could not scale and surrendered by putting his hands in the air.
Hare said Holmes’ speech was slurred and he had an odor of alcohol on his breath. He refused to take field sobriety tests or a breath test, Hare said.
Hare and another officer discovered open bottles of alcohol in the vehicle.
Ogle County Patrol Sgt. Ross Dillon testified that he talked to Holmes’ passenger, who also had a small dog with him.
“He [the passenger] said he was scared for his life,” Dillon said. “He said they were both intoxicated and were fleeing from police.”
Kruse asked Roe to follow state statutes and sentence Holmes to the maximum allowable sentence. She said Holmes had a long criminal history, which included reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of a controlled substance, and bank robbery for which he was sentenced to federal prison.
On May 23, 2014, Holmes was sentenced to 76 months in federal prison for the September 2023 robbery of Kent Bank in Freeport.
Kruse said Holmes’ actions demonstrated that he should be sent back to prison.
“This defendant fled police for over 20 miles, passing others on roads not meant for those speeds,” Kruse said. “He could have caused serious harm when he crashed into the squad car.”
She said Holmes showed no concern for his passenger or the dog, was continuing to consume alcohol during the chase, and then tried running from police on foot when the car was stopped.
But Holmes’ attorney, Assistant Public Defender Brandon Gecan, argued that Holmes’ difficult home life and abuse of alcohol had started early in his life.
“Alcohol and other substances have permeated his life,” Gecan said. “This was his ‘rock bottom.’ He has not drank alcohol since this night and he has done
that on his own. He has maintained his sobriety.”
Gecan argued Holmes should be sentenced to probation so he could continue to be employed, get treatment for his addiction and be a productive citizen.
“He is employed and he’s maintaining his sobriety,” Gecan said. “He’s been sober for two and a half years. His conduct that night was the result of decades of clouded decisions that rose to a crescendo. This night was his wake-up call. Derrick knows this was bad. He realizes it could have been much worse.”
When asked by Roe if he wanted to make a statement before sentencing, Holmes said, “I do take full responsibility for my actions. I do accept any decision this court makes.”
In levying his decision, Roe said there appeared to be an “escalation” in Holmes’ actions before his offense, but acknowledged the “significant childhood trauma” he suffered through a parent abusing alcohol and drugs, which led to years of his own drug and alcohol abuse.
“I would think you should have been at ‘rock bottom’ back when you were in federal prison,” Roe told Holmes. “But
the ‘rock bottom’ didn’t occur until now.”
Roe said Holmes had many chances to end the police chase that morning, but did not. “Your mind is not right when you are operating a vehicle at these speeds and alcohol is involved,” Roe said. “Imprisonment is necessary; probation would be inconsistent with the ends of justice.”
Roe noted that Holmes had been respectful during court appearances and had made all of his court appearances while being released on bond since his arrest.
“I truly believe you highly regret what happened,” Roe said.
Holmes was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, of which he will serve at least 50%, meaning he could be released in 2026. He will be under mandatory supervised release for six months following his release. Holmes was also ordered to pay $8,432 in restitution for the damaged squad car, with monthly payments starting upon his release from prison.
Holmes was remanded to the Ogle County Jail until being transported to an IDOC facility.
Derrick Holmes
To raise awareness of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, 2025, the Rochelle Chapter,
DAR holding Constitution Week word search contest
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
To raise awareness of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, the Rochelle Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a Constitution Week word search contest for students through grade 12.
Copies of the puzzle are also available on the chapter’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/RochelleChapterNSDAR
or can be picked up at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library. Completed puzzles may be submitted at the library or by mail to Rochelle Chapter, NSDAR, Box 104, Rochelle, IL 61068. The deadline to receive all entries is Sept. 30.
A drawing from all correctly completed puzzles to award two cash prizes will be held during the Rochelle Chapter’s Oct. 4 meeting. Family participation is highly encouraged, especially for younger students.
Photo provided by Rochelle DAR
Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a Constitution Week word search contest for students through grade 12.
Sniffing and tail wagging all part of the Doggy Dash fundraiser at Polo High School
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Sniffing, yipping, tail wagging, and more sniffing were all part of the prewalk ritual for the 30 or so pups that took part in Polo High School’s 2025 Doggy Dash on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Under sunny skies with cool temperatures, dogs and their owners – or significant others – headed out on a 1-mile walk to benefit a local animal shelter.
One owner and pup– Heidi Miller of Forreston and Gunner – opted for the 5K run and also won the costume contest.
Gunner was ready to go as he chewed on his leash before the start of the 5K. Meanwhile, Nova, a threelegged poodle, didn’t let her lack of a fourth leg stop her from running to other canine entrants during the prerace/walk sniff fest.
And then there was Hattie, a soulful basset hound that calmly watched it all from ground level, without even a little yip.
Organized and run by members of Polo High School’s student council, participants also received treats and swag or, more appropriately, “wag” bags from local businesses.
“We weren’t sure how many were coming this year, but it was a good turnout on a nice day,” said Emily Meinert, Polo High School teacher and student council adviser. “We had 37 participants, probably close to 30 dogs. We had five sponsors: Muddy Nuts Coffee, Pet Supplies Plus, Pines Meadow Veterinary Clinic, Northern Illinois Veterinary Services and PetSmart.”
The event was created four years ago as a fun activity for dogs and their owners while also providing a way to raise funds for a local animal shelter, Meinert said.
This year’s recipient, Happy Tails Humane Society, 1408 McNeil Road, Rock Falls, received the $500 donation.
Happy Tails is a limited-intake, no-kill facility that shelters and cares for stray and abandoned dogs and cats until they are adopted into loving, permanent homes.
Happy Tails is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, call or text 815-626-2994.
Earleen Hinton photos
Polo High School students and others start the Doggy Dash on Saturday, Sept. 6. The event raised money for a local animal shelter.
Gunner chews on his leash as he and his son, Rooster, wait for the start of Polo High School’s Doggy Dash. Gunner and his owner, Heidi Miller of Forreston, ran the 5K while Gunner and his owner, Jon, took part in the 1-mile walk. The pups also won the costume contest.
Carlee Grobe, Grace Miatke and Laynie Mandrell pose for a photo with Harley and Max at the Doggy Dash on Saturday, Sept. 6. The event, organized by the Polo Student Council, raised money for a local animal shelter.
Ogle County 4-H Fair Goat Show winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H Fair Goat Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
pion Dairy Goat Crossbred Dam & Daughter: Lexi Sarver. Grand Champion Dairy Dry Doe: Chloe Alexander. Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Dry Doe: Kodi Hubbard. Grand Champion
Dairy Milker: Jenna Alexander. Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Milker: Kodi
Hubbard. Grand Champion Dairy Goat
Dam & Daughter: Jenna Alexander. Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Goat
Dam & Daughter: Kodi Hubbard. Grand Champion Dairy Goat Wether: Mackenzie Thiel. Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Goat Wether: Chloe Alexander.
Meat goats: Grand Champion Meat Goat Kid: Aleeya Dykstra. Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat Kid: Bristol Clark. Grand Champion Meat Goat Doe: Hailey Clark. Reserve Grand Champion
Meat Goat Doe: Wesley Clark. Grand Champion Meat Goat Dam & Daughter: Katelyn Rockwood. Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat Dam & Daughter: Bristol Clark. Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether: Aleeya Dykstra. Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat Wether: Caelen Janesak.
Pygmy goats: Grand Champion
Pygmy Doe Kid: Ellie Schier. Reserve Grand Champion Pygmy Doe Kid: Lexi Sarver. Grand Champion Pygmy Doe: Lexi Sarver. Reserve Grand Champion
Pygmy Doe: Ellie Schier. Grand Champion Pygmy Goat Dam & Daughter: Ellie Schier. Reserve Grand Champion Pygmy Goat Dam & Daughter: Lexi Sarver. Grand Champion Pygmy Goat Wether: Emma Schier. Reserve Grand Champion Pygmy Goat Wether: Ellie Schier.
Other classes – Grand Champion Pet Goat: Alana Smith. Reserve Grand Champion Pet Goat: Jenna Alexander.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension
Kodi Hubbard (left) and Jenna Alexander (right) show their Dairy Goats in the 4-H Goat Show.
Ogle County 4-H Fair Foods winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H Fair Foods Contest winners were recently named. The winners are as follows:
Cooking – Top of Class 4-H Cooking 101, Cereal Bars Exhibit: Kate Costello. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 101, Coffeecake Exhibit: Nolan Adams. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 101, Cookies Exhibit: Cora Mickley. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 201, Biscuits Exhibit: Hunter Kremske. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 201, Nut Bread Exhibit: Declan Franks. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 201, Scones Exhibit: Jenna Heller. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 301, Dinner Rolls Exhibit: Preston Taylor. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 301, Yeast Bread Exhibit: Cora Mickley. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 301, Tea Ring Exhibit: Sophia Stein. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 301, Sweet Rolls Exhibit: Jenna Heller. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 301, Cake Exhibit: Alyse Rogers. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 401, Focaccia Bread Exhibit: Jenna Heller. Top of Class 4-H Cooking
401, French Bread Exhibit: Andrew Hickman. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 401, Pie Shell Exhibit: Jenna Heller. Top of Class 4-H Cooking 401, Sponge Cake Exhibit: Adrien Booker.
Food Science – Grand Champion Food Science Exhibit: Lydia Sherburne. Global Gourmet – Top of Class Global Gourmet Exhibit: Anne Kennedy.
Kitchen Boss – Top of Class Kitchen Boss Exhibit: Lydia Sherburne.
Science Fun – Top of Class Science Fun with Dairy Foods Exhibit: Lydia Sherburne. Top of Class Science Fun with Kitchen Chemistry Exhibit: Lydia Sherburne.
Food Preservation – Top of Class Food Preservation Fruits/Vegetables (Canning) Exhibit: Tessa Bruns. Top of Class Food Preservation Jams, Jellies & Preserves Exhibit: Tessa Bruns. Top of Class Food Preservation Combination Exhibit: Andrew Hickman. Grand Champion Food Preservation Exhibit: Andrew Hickman. Reserve Grand Champion Food Preservation Exhibit: Tessa Bruns.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension
Jenna Heller with her Top of Class Pie Shell.
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.
I am slowly learning to tolerate the ugliness of normal
“Progress is ugly.”
That dismal thought struck me as I was driving country roads, enjoying expansive, gently rolling farm fields – a view interrupted by a never-ending row of power poles.
Many of the weathered, wooden standards were leaning, waiting for a storm that would finally bring someone who cared. Or at least was paid to care and repair.
I wondered about years ago when those poles were planted. Was there excitement about the promise they made? The power they’d bring to brighten homes and shops. Make life easier. Those poles also connected telephone lines and then cable TV. Then, more progress brought us towers for the cellphones in every pocket and purse.
Technology tends to creep into our lives. This is most striking to me as I travel the ever-so-convenient interstate highway and pass under those colossal power lines that stretch beyond sight.
Every time I see the huge metal structures, they remind me of creatures from “The War of the Worlds.” Sometimes I hold my breath as I rush through the electric “cloud” that I imagine fills the surrounding air.
PAPERWORK
Lonny Cain
New technology I see blossoming now in corn country is fields of solar panels harvesting the power of the sun to deliver us energy.
I wonder if anyone ever took a hard look at how those poles and towers interrupt the landscape. But hey, I know that is the price of progress. The advancement of civilization requires a certain amount of tolerance.
I remember a photo I saw long ago. The shot was from above, showing row upon row of rooftops – homes jammed together. What stood out was the massive clutter of TV antennas. Every home had this ugly metal contraption needed for entertainment. The photo was a clear reflection of a significant part of our lives at that time.
Still is, I guess, but now I see more “dishes” for cable connections. There’s a small apartment building I drive by now and then. Covering one corner of the building, there is a tall stack of cable
dishes, one on top of the other. One for each apartment. I am reminded again: “Progress is ugly.”
But then, when I sit on our back patio, nestled into stylish patio furniture, I can’t help but see the abandoned cable dish on my roof. I see the wires tucked into the siding, not really hidden. Nice try, though.
The houses around me also have their little TV bumps on the roof – or wherever it works best. Normal. Those poles along the road. Billboards along the highway. Cell towers. They are all normal. I have learned to tolerate the ugliness of normal.
I study the landscaping of other homes as my dog walks me through our neighborhood route. Mostly, what stands out are the metal fence stakes driven into every front lawn. Bolted to each is a bright red address sign. All are required to help firefighters find elusive addresses on country roads.
The signs are splattered across entire neighborhoods. Some homeowners try to decorate them, to incorporate them into their manicured lawns. Easier said than done, though. But, again, there’s that price tag for progress. Although I do question the technology of red signs ver-
sus a GPS app that takes you directly to addresses.
On our last dog walk, I especially noted how one homeowner tried to enhance the city’s yellow fire hydrant in the front yard. I also have the bright yellow statue in my yard – a new addition this year with city water hookup. I wonder what I can do to help it fit into my landscape. A fire hydrant in front of my house must be a benefit, right? I tell myself that now, every time I mow around it.
Yes, I know, I need to lighten up. The world is full of little blemishes. And the benefits far outweigh the minor distractions. Most of the time. I just needed to rant and share a thought. That progress sure can get ugly.
Meanwhile, I will join many others and do what I can to pretty up the real world. In fact, right now I am fighting the urge to attach my red address sign to the top of that yellow fire hydrant.
•LonnyCain,retiredmanagingeditor ofTheTimesinOttawa,alsowasa reporterforTheHerald-NewsinJolietin the1970s.HisPaperWorkemailislonnyjcain@gmail.com.OrmailtheNewsTribune,426SecondSt.,LaSalle IL 61301.
Mail hold for inmates also a separation of powers exercise
After years of writing from a newsroom cubicle for an audience I might encounter at the grocery store, or who could just come in the front door and demand an audience, it’s taken time to adjust to a broader readership.
I’m thankful for emailers who identify a hometown or which Shaw Media masthead is “their” newspaper. Occasionally it’s a geography lesson, but importantly reminds that government policies affect everyone, regardless of for whom (or even if) they voted, as well as the eternal value of considering different perspectives.
All those thoughts coalesced in a recent email from a reader in Bristol, a new-to-me unincorporated Kendall County community. The emailer’s child receives the Kendall County Record each week in prison and directed my attention to MidwestBookPrisoners.org, which supplies
books, magazines and other materials to incarcerated people.
The group opposes the Aug. 14 emergency rule allowing the Department of Corrections to intercept mail. According to Wednesday’s Capitol News Illinois report, “books, magazines and other publications can only come through the prison’s mailroom from the publisher,” while personal mail is opened, scanned and provided in either digital form or a paper copy. DOC contracts for this work.
Change proponents – Republicans and labor unions – point to “a series of incidents last fall that left dozens of correctional personnel hospitalized
after exposure to substances or overdoses in the prison population,” according to CNI’s Beth Hundsdorfer. state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, pointed to incidents of drug-laced Bibles and letters from fake law firms.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will review the issue at its Tuesday meeting. An emergency rule can stay in place for 150 days. If DOC wants the change to be permanent, it has to submit the rule through the conventional process. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act dictates this delegation of legislative powers to state agencies, which otherwise fall under the executive branch, without depriving the General Assembly of its oversight authority.
JCAR last met Aug. 13 – one day before the current emergency rule. CNI also quoted Jennifer Vollen-Katz, who leads the John Howard Association, a prison oversight group, noting
we haven’t yet seen results of a new law requiring seized contraband data.
“There’s no dispute that this is a problem, that even if anyone is impacted by illegal drugs in prisons, we have a problem. That is absolutely the case. The question is, why is IDOC now saying it’s an emergency, right? What has changed? We have not seen any evidence, data or information that indicates what has changed and why this is now being considered an emergency.”
This isn’t a personal issue for most, although deeply affecting whoever it touches. It’s also a separation of powers exercise. Either way, attention is warranted.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia. com.
Scott T. Holland EYE ON ILLINOIS
Combatting soil erosion from wind, water, part 2
Several strategies can slow erosion and get our food and farm systems back on a sustainable track.
Plant cover crops. By keeping roots in the ground year-round, cover crops help keep soil in place and maximize water-holding ability, making it more resistant to floods and droughts.
Diversify crop rotations to help build soil fertility and disrupt pest cycles. Plant perennials, such as prairie grasses or trees, in or near crop fields to maintain deep living roots year-round – stabilizing soil, drawing carbon deeper underground and capturing excess fertilizer before it can become a pollutant.
Plow less (or not at all) with low- or no-till farming systems that minimize disturbance and keep moisture in the soil.
While many farmers across the country are already doing some or all of these things, for others, adopting such practices will be a major change in their operations – and change is not easy. It’s in everybody’s interest to support U.S. farmers in rebuilding soil health and preventing erosion through policies, such as the Agriculture Resilience Act, proposed legislation to help U.S. agriculture achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, improve soil health, and provide farmers with tools to adapt to climate
COMMUNITY VOICES
Henry Tideman
change impacts like extreme weather events and trade wars, that can ensure transition that benefits all. (Union of Concerned Scientists, Dec. 17, 2025)
When fields are left bare after harvest, soil can easily blow away in the wind or wash away in storms, depositing fertilizers and chemicals into waterways. Cover crops, which include winter wheat, crimson clover, cereal rye, oats or radish, are planted after harvest and before winter. Those crops can reduce soil erosion, break up compacted soil, provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, and prevent latent fertilizer from leaching into rivers and streams.
Less than 6% of Illinois farmland uses cover crops. Six years ago, Illinois became the second state in the nation to offer subsidies to farmers for planting cover crops in the fall, an effort to reverse its status as one of the worst states for agricultural runoff.
The Demand for Fall Cover for Spring Savings program has outpaced state funding every year since. However, despite the program’s popularity
and calls from environmentalists and farmers for its funding to increase, the 2026 budget reduces funding by 31%.
“I have made difficult decisions –including to programs I have championed, which is hard for me,” Gov. Pritzker said during his State of the State and budget address in February. (Capitol News Illinois, June 25, 2025). However, farmers do not need state funding to use cover crops. Although multiple factors weigh on farmers concerning cover crops, the main reason they do not use them seems to be that doing so costs money, while leaving soil to erode costs nothing in the short term, although long-term results in decreased soil productivity.
As a result of the dust catastrophe of the 1930s, in 1937, President Roosevelt wrote governors of all states recommending legislation that would allow local landowners to form soil conservation districts, following a model Soil and Conservation Districts Law. States did pass such laws; these districts now number over 3,000 in the U.S. and its territories. Illinois has 97.
Ogle County Soil and Water Con-
servation District works cooperatively with other conservation organizations for the conservation of farm and other land and water. It has no single source of funds. Some was from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but that stopped recently. Illinois’ fiscal year 2026 budget allots $7.5 million to state SWCDs – that’s $1 million overall cut from the previous year. Funding had already been cut by $4 million total in fiscal year 2025. (Capitol News Illinois, June 25, 2025).
Desire by responsible politicians in the Illinois state government to decrease expenditures is easy to understand, as Illinois fiscally is squeezed between a large need to fund pensions, large debt, decreased federal income, and politicians like Andrew Chesney waving the flag to voters of tax reduction.
If you think cover crops and SWCDs are good expenses for the state of Illinois, contact state Rep. Tony McCombie and Chesney, or other legislators in your district.
• Henry Tideman is a resident of Oregon.
estimated to be $25,734,537, with total transfers of $6.5 million. Dale said the budget is operating at an intentional deficit due to ongoing construction projects in the district, namely a large renovation and expansion at Tilton School.
“We’ve been talking for months about construction projects and how we’re using our reserves to spend down costs,” Dale said. “This is an intentional deficit budget, primarily due to construction costs and moving money to address those costs.”
Dale said the district’s reserves are still “healthy” despite the transfers to partly offset debt incurred by construction. He also said “a lot” of the district’s grant funding for various operations has been reduced.
Personnel
support staff personnel changes including the resignations of Mikayla Johnson (paraprofessional, Lincoln) and Kaylee Brown (paraprofessional, Lincoln), the employment of Rusul Al-Mashhadani (paraprofessional, Central), Krystal Baez (paraprofessional, Lincoln), Alejandro Nazario (bilingual paraprofessional, Tilton), Denia Rincon (paraprofessional, Lincoln), Courtney South (health aide sub, Stepping Stones) and Jose Vicente (bilingual paraprofessional, RMS) and the transfer of Danni Kaecher (health aide sub to full-time health aide, Stepping Stones and Tilton).
Also approved Tuesday were extracurricular personnel changes, including the resignation of Haydin Sorrentino (volleyball assistant coach) and the employment of Jessica Kielsling (speech coach), Cora Martinez (dance coach), Chelsey Stolte (lunch detention), Adaleiah Villalobos (cross country assistant coach) and Myranda Wilbur (dance coach). Continued from page 10
The board unanimously approved
4-H Fair Horse Show winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H Fair Horse Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Grand Champion Performance Horse: Molly Ziegler. Reserve Senior Grand Champion Performance Horse: Addison Yordy. Junior Grand Champion Horsemanship: Alyse Rogers. Reserve Junior Grand Champion Horsemanship: Stellina Lombardozzi. Senior Grand Champion Horsemanship: Piper Johnson. Reserve Senior Grand Champion Horsemanship: Reese Johnson. Junior Equine Sportsmanship Award: Piper Johnson. Junior Performance High Point Award: Alyse Rogers. Senior Performance High Point Award: Molly Ziegler. Junior Horse Speed Award: Stellina Lombardozzi. Senior Horse Speed Award: Addison Yordy. Jr. Horse Trail: Alyse Rogers. Sr. Horse Trail: Evelynn Helton.
IS 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.
• Volunteers providing special attention and stimulation.
• Assistance with advance directives and community support.
• Provide Education to those we care for
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension Molly Ziegler waits for her class with her horse, Luva Masquerade Party.
Ogle County 4-H Fair
Swine winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H Fair Swine Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Champion Junior Showmanship: Emree Wiltfang. Champion Intermediate Showmanship: Grady Poliska. Champion Senior Showmanship: Gwendolyn Hall. Grand Champion Breeding Gilt: Gwendolyn Hall. Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt: Grady Poliska. Third Place Breeding Gilt: Emree Wiltfang. Fourth Place Breeding Gilt: Jaxon Alderks. Fifth Place Breeding Gilt: Paisley Poliska. Grand Champion Market Swine: Jaxon Alderks. Reserve Grand
Champion Market Swine: Gwendolyn Hall. Third Place Market Swine: Gwendolyn Hall. Fourth Place Market Swine: Maxwell Thurow. Fifth Place Market Swine: Maxwell Thurow. Grand Champion Pair of Barrows: Emma Schier. Reserve Grand Champion Pair of Barrows: Eralynn Wiltfang. Grand Champion Pair of Gilts: Maxx Wiltfang. Reserve Grand Champion Pair of Gilts: Paisley Poliska. Champion Ogle County Born and Raised Gilt: Grady Poliska. Reserve Champion Ogle County Born and Raised Gilt: Paisley Poliska. Champion Ogle County Born and Raised Barrow: Jaxon Alderks. Reserve Champion Ogle County Born and Raised Barrow: Ayden Alderks.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension
Jaxon Alderks (left) smiles after receiving the Grand Champion Market Swine banner from 4-H Ambassador Allissa Martin (right) during the 4-H Swine Show.
RICHARD M. SCHUTTE
Born: June 21, 1929
Died: September 8, 2025
Richard M. Schutte, age 96, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away on September 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He went to be with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.
Born on June 21, 1929, in Ishpeming, Michigan, Richard was the son of Guy and Hilda Schutte. He graduated from Republic High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula before pursuing higher education at St. Olaf College, Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan and Central Washington University. Richard went on to earn his Master’s degree from Mankato State University in Minnesota.
A brave veteran, Richard served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army Airborne Division during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. For his fearless actions in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star. Though he rarely spoke of his heroism, Richard is honored for his extraordinary courage during a critical engagement.
Richard had a lifelong passion for teaching and coaching. He spent many years shaping young minds and inspiring athletes in Shelton, WA; Compton, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Ashland, WI; and Saginaw, MI, before concluding his 28-year career at Rochelle Township High School, where he retired in 1992. He was later inducted into the R.T.H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
A gifted athlete, Richard was a conference champion in cross-country during his college years, running an average mile time of 4 minutes and 20 seconds – a testament to his dedication and competitive drive. He continued to embrace the outdoors throughout his life, especially in his beloved
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he enjoyed skiing, hunting, trapping, fishing, and savoring pasties.
Known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and boundless positivity, Richard was a joy to be around. He had a special gift for uplifting those around him with ease. With an adventurous past, Richard had great stories to be heard – whether it was mining in Montana, logging in northern Michigan, dodging bears while working as a park ranger in Yellowstone, and even hopping trains in his youth.
In his later years, Richard found peace and joy in quieter pursuits. He loved spending time with his family, sitting on the dock at Lake Sule, tending to his abundant garden, golfing, reading, watching sports, and exercising with long, daily walks around town.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Helen; his children, Michael (Cappy) Schutte of Sun City, AZ, Janice (Jeff) Davey of Sterling, Barbara (Corey) Westra of Granger, IN, Susan Hunter of Byron, Paula (Tim) Albers of Rochelle, and Patti (Don) LeRette of Rochelle. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Casey (Phil) Ballard, Cara (Kevin) Salvador, Emily (Scott) Morgan, Jaclyn Davey, Nicole (Dalton) Kellett, Mitch Westra, Maggie Hunter, Vance Hunter, Ethan Albers, Ava Albers, Brandon LeRette, and Amber LeRette; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Liam Salvador, Olivia Salvador, Calee Ballard, Quinn Morgan, and Sylvie Kellett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Bernice Lowell of New York.
Visitation was from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Faith Lutheran Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Burial with military services provided by the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard and the Army Honor Guard will be at Lawnridge Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church and/or Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL.
To share a memory or express condolences, please visit https://www.ungerhorner. com/.
ROBERT EARL FABRIS
Born: February 15, 1943
Died: September 5, 2025
Robert Earl Fabris, of LaMoille, Illinois, formerly of Sandwich, Illinois, passed away in his home on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Robert “Bob” was born on February 15, 1943, in Sycamore, Illinois, to John and Vera (Riddell) Fabris. He grew up in Creston, Illinois, and graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1961. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy, and was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. His military training in electronics prepared him for a 27-year career as an electronics engineer at CTS Knights in Sandwich, Illinois. While at CTS, his work included components for the guidance system on the Hubble Space Telescope. Bob continued to use his skills as a repair technician for Performance Food Group. He retired in 2007.
On September 2, 1967, Bob married Betsy Bohart in Rochelle, Illinois. Bob and Betsy
built a loving home in Sandwich, where they raised their children. They often spent time camping and fishing. Bob always enjoyed a cold Old Milwaukee, and a competitive hand of euchre with family and friends. He was known for his great sense of humor, his gift for striking up a conversation with anyone, and his remarkable ability to fix or rig anything. In 1994, Bob and Betsy relocated to LaMoille, Illinois. He was a lifetime member of the Rochelle VFW Post 3878 and, for a time, a member of the Moose Lodge 1016 in Sandwich.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wendell Davidson, John Fabris, and Paul Fabris, and sister-in-law Cheri Bohart. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betsy; his two children, Ginny (Curt) Shaw of LaMoille and Rob (Hope) Fabris of Ottawa, Illinois; his grandchildren, Jordan Shaw, Ashton (Clay) Kasperski, Noah Fabris, and Lindsey Fabris; and his great-grandchildren, Colton and Walker.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Community United Methodist Church of LaMoille. Visitation will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life service will begin at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor David Jungnickel officiating. Memorials in Bob’s honor may be made to Rochelle VFW Post 3878 or Community United Methodist Church of LaMoille. Visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook.
Mayci Humphrey of Dixon washes a steer at the Ogle County 4-H Fair in Oregon on Thursday, July 31.
Ogle County 4-H Fair
Beef winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-H Fair Beef Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Champion Junior Showmanship: Quintin Walton. Champion Intermediate Showmanship: Joseph Thurow. Champion Senior Showmanship: Allissa Martin. Champion Angus Steer: Allissa Martin. Reserve Champion Angus Steer: Mazy Queckboerner. Champion Hereford Steer: Joseph Thurow. Reserve Champion Hereford Steer: Katelyn Rockwood. Champion Shorthorn Steer: Robbie Thurow. Reserve Champion Shorthorn Steer: Mazy Queckboerner. Champion All Other Breeds Steer: Boone Alderks. Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Steer: Sawyer Marceau. Champion Crossbred Market Steer: Allissa Martin. Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer: Cooper Alderks. Grand Champion Market Beef: Allissa Martin. Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef: Cooper Alderks. Champion Bred & Owned Steer All Breeds: Bruce Gehrke. Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Steer All Breeds: Luke Gehrke. Champion Angus Female: Allissa Martin. Reserve Champion Angus Female: Jaxon
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Alderks. Champion Hereford Female: Katelyn Rockwood. Champion Shorthorn Female: Alayna Swanson. Reserve Champion Shorthorn Female: Alayna Swanson. Champion All Other Breeds Female: Cooper Alderks. Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Female: Mazy Queckboerner. Champion Crossbred Female: Alexandra Sarver. Reserve Champion Crossbred Female: Ellie Schier. Grand Champion Female Overall: Allissa Martin. Reserve Grand Champion Female Overall: Jaxon Alderks. Champion Bred & Owned Heifer: Alayna Swanson. Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Heifer: Katelyn Rockwood. Champion Pair of Steers: Allissa Martin. Reserve Champion Pair of Steers: Kodi Hubbard. Champion Pair of Heifers: Alayna Swanson. Reserve Champion Pair of Heifers: Addison Yordy. Rate of Gain: Nolan Adams. Quality Beef 2000: Sawyer Marceau (first); Sawyer Marceau (second); Kodi Hubbard (third); Sawyer Marceau (fourth); Quintin Walton (fifth); Mazy Queckboerner (sixth); Katelyn Rockwood (seventh); Sawyer Marceau (eighth); Mazy Queckboerner (ninth); and Katelyn Rockwood (10th).
Dr. John Clayton 4-H Herdsman Award: Sawyer Marceau. Champion Sr. Bucket Calf: Savannah Marks.
Earleen Hinton
Ogle County 4-H Fair winners announced
Dairy Show
Ogle County 4-H Fair Dairy Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Ogle County 4-H Fair Llama and Alpaca Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Champion Junior Showmanship: Norah Arnold. Champion Senior Showmanship: Immanuel Arellano. Grand Champion Obstacle: Elizabeth Kennedy. Reserve Grand Champion Obstacle: Sarah Curtis. Grand Champion Public Relations: Elizabeth Kennedy. Reserve Grand Champion Public Relations: Norah Arnold. Champion Pack: Immanuel Arellano. Reserve Champion Pack: Norah Arnold.
Quality Meats Show
Ogle County 4-H Fair Quality Meats Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Ogle County 4-H Fair Cat Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Champion Junior Showmanship: Lauren Hickman. Champion Intermediate Showmanship: Andrew Hickman. Champion Senior Showmanship: Anna Marquardt. Champion Feline: Anna Marquardt. Champion Cage or Carrier: Andrew Hickman.
Sheep Show
Ogle County 4-H Fair Sheep Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Lamb: Gwen Hall. Champion Whiteface Market Lamb: Emily Buttel. Reserve Champion Whiteface Market Lamb: Zeke Janoski. Grand Champion Pair of Market Lambs: Gwen Hall. Reserve Grand Champion Pair of Market Lambs: Luke
Lichty. Grand Champion Market Lamb: Gwen Hall. Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Gwen Hall. Grand Champion Commercial Ewe: Gwen Hall. Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe: Emily Buttel. Grand Champion Young Flock: Kaitlyn Adams. Grand Champion Overall Female: Kaitlyn Adams. Reserve Champion Overall Female: Kaitlyn Adams.
Clothing Show
Ogle County 4-H Fair Clothing Show winners were recently named. Winners are as follows:
Sewing – Top of Class Sewing 1: Sewn
Clothing Exhibit: Madeline Kusnierz. Top of Class Sewing 2: Sewn Clothing Exhibit: Lauren Hickman. Top of Class Sewing 3: Sewn Clothing Exhibit: Ella Beran. Grand Champion Sewn Clothing Exhibit: Ella Beran. Reserve Grand Champion Sewn Clothing Exhibit: Lauren Hickman. Top of Class Sewing 1: Sewn Non-Clothing Exhibit: Emma Zimmerman. Grand Champion Sewn Non-Clothing Exhibit: Emma Zimmerman. Reserve Grand Champion Sewn Non-Clothing Exhibit: Madeline Kusnierz
Shopping – Top of Class Shopping in Style Beginning: Lydia Sherburne. Top of Class Shopping in Style Intermediate: Ashley Harbaugh. Grand Champion Shopping in Style: Lydia Sherburne. Reserve Grand Champion Shopping in Style: Ashley Harbaugh.
Costume Design – Top of Class Costume Design Beginner: Elizabeth Kennedy. Grand Champion Costume Design: Elizabeth Kennedy.
Clothing Embellishment – Top of Class Clothing Embellishment Combination: Elizabeth Kennedy. Grand Champion
Clothing Embellishment: Elizabeth Kennedy. Reserve Grand Champion
Clothing Embellishment: Sophia Stein. Visual Arts – Top of Class Visual Arts Quilting – You Can Quilt: Emily Harbaugh. Top of Class Visual Arts Quilting – Quilting the Best Better: Shelby Harbaugh. Grand Champion Visual Arts Quilting: Emily Harbaugh. Reserve Grand Champion Visual Arts Quilting: Shelby Harbaugh.
Immanuel Arellano walks with his llama at the Ogle County Fair.
Photos provided by Ogle County Extension
Brenna Noon (left) presents the banner to Lyla Rittmeyer for Supreme Champion Female in the Dairy show. This banner was sponsored in memory of Brenna’s grandfather, Arnold Noon.
Anna Marquardt with her Champion Feline.
SPORTS
Dylan Manning’s football roots run deep
Hubs’ junior has eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards
By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com
Dylan Manning never thought he would play varsity football as a freshman.
But when the opportunity presented itself, Manning seized it with a calm and stoic demeanor reflective of the family members who came through the Rochelle football program before him.
Manning started his first year of high school with the fresh-soph team, but it became evident very early that his talents exceeded playing at the lower levels. Meanwhile, the Hubs were seeking an answer as to who would emerge as their starting varsity wingback.
That answer was Manning, who made his varsity debut during Rochelle’s third game of the 2023 season, a home matchup against Johnsburg.
Wearing the No. 41 jersey after his uncle Jim Gensler, whose sons Garrett and Grant Gensler rank among Rochelle’s all-time leading rushers, Manning sprinted for 102 yards and three scores as the Hubs totaled over 400 yards in a dominant 48-0 victory.
“It was unbelievable to me,” Manning said. “When I heard, I got ready to play varsity football. Coach [Kyle] Kissack treated me great and he just wanted me to do the best I could... I wasn’t very nervous going into that first game. I was ready to play because I love football.”
From that moment on, Manning has been a fixture of the Rochelle backfield.
Now two games into his junior season, Manning has rushed for over 2,000 yards, eclipsing that mark after rumbling for 173 yards and two scores during Rochelle’s Week 1 victory against Geneseo. Having played alongside his older cousin Grant for each of the past two years, Manning is now the top back for the first time in his career.
“My offensive line has been amazing and the other backs also block well,” Manning said. “They help me to achieve my goals and do what I do. This year,
more teams are focusing on me because they had Grant to focus on last year. There’s more on me this year and I have a lot more people gunning for me. It’s a great feeling and I want to do just as good as Grant and his brother Garrett did.”
As a freshman, Manning helped guide Rochelle to a 7-3 record and a firstround playoff appearance against state powerhouse St. Francis. Although the Spartans eliminated the Hubs from the playoffs, Manning showed breakaway speed and excellent vision, rushing for a team-high 117 yards and two scores
including a 43-yarder late in the game.
“Dylan’s intentional development and the consistency with which he prepares have really been the catalyst for him,” Kissack said. “As dynamic as he is as an offensive weapon, he’s equally, if not more reliable, in the blocking scheme. He’s humble, he understands what we are working to accomplish as a program and he willingly stands in the gap for the best interest of our team.”
By the end of his freshman season, Manning ranked second on the team in rushing yards (726) and rushing touchdowns (11), only one behind his cousin
Grant. He was also named to the All-Interstate 8/KRC First Team despite not making his varsity debut until Week 3.
After finishing his season strong, Manning developed his body over the offseason, adding around 20 pounds to his frame as a sophomore.
“It gave me a lot of confidence knowing what I could do against a better team that’s always in the playoffs,” Manning said. “It was a huge goal of mine to gain as much height and weight as I could. Whenever I saw food, I ate as much as I
See ManninG on page 26
Marcy DeLille for Shaw Local
Rochelle’s Dylan Manning runs with the football during a game against Geneseo earlier this season.
Continued from page 25
could until I was full.”
Manning’s role on the team grew significantly during his sophomore year, as he replaced former teammate Tommy Tourdot as one of the starting cornerbacks in addition to sharing kick return duties with his cousin Grant.
Manning remained the starting wingback on offense, rushing for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns on a team-best 11.4 yards per carry. Defensively, Manning posted 34 tackles and six pass breakups with two interceptions at the cornerback position.
“I was expecting to have a two-way role,” Manning said. “Grant and I had talked about who would play cornerback with Tommy leaving. I like playing defense, so it was exciting for me. It was my first time playing cornerback, but coach [Justin] Otte helped me a lot. I played some 7 on 7s over the offseason and I went up against some of the best receivers in the suburbs, so that helped me a lot too.”
The 2024 season was a historic season for the Hubs, who reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals and recorded their first 10-win season in over two decades.
But it was also a memorable season for Manning, who surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time while wearing the No. 10 jersey, a number worn by his father Ben and his two older brothers, Luke and Caden. Garrett Gensler, who ranks among the program’s alltime leading rushers and owns both the career and single-season rushing touchdown records, also wore the No. 10.
“It was awesome to wear the No. 10 for the first time,” said Manning, whose
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Girls Volleyball
Rochelle 2, Oregon 0 (25-11, 25-10): At Oregon, the Hubs earned a dominant road win behind seven kills and three blocks from Audyn Kemp.
Briel Metzger added five kills and one block, Jillian Bruns had six kills and nine digs, Meredith Bruns had 13 assists, three kills and eight digs and Jaydin Dicket added eight digs and eight assists.
Rochelle 2, Stillman Valley 0 (27-25, 25-23): At Stillman Valley on Sept. 3, Meredith Bruns led rallies in both sets to lead the Hubs to a two-set road win.
Rochelle football roots include his grandfather, Jim, who was a guard for the Hubs several decades ago. “The hard-nosed running is something I learned from Garrett and Grant. Every year, I’m thinking that I want to be better than them and I’m always competing with them. It’s awesome how everyone in my family played for the same program. My grandpa played here and it’s fun to listen to his stories.”
A multi-sport athlete who plays varsity baseball at Rochelle, Manning took up running back at an early age. Playing within the wing-T system of the Rochelle Junior Tackle program, Manning fre -
quently had the ball in his hands. As time has passed, he said his desire to be a running back has become less about scoring and more about making plays.
“At Rochelle, you get the ball a lot and I love to make plays,” Manning said. “In RJT, you’re thinking about touchdowns, touchdowns, touchdowns. Now, I love hitting people and making big plays.”
Manning has continued making big plays early into his junior season. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns during Rochelle’s 28-18 win over Chicago King on Saturday, picking up a key first down late in
the game and helping the Hubs start 2-0 despite losing starting quarterback Van Gerber to a shoulder injury.
Manning, who has moved from cornerback to strong safety this season, aspires to play football collegiately. A scholar-athlete, Manning holds a 3.8 GPA and was an IHSFCA Academic All-State honoree at the end of his sophomore season. On the field, he continues to be motivated by his cousins Garrett, who played at NIU for two years, and Grant, who currently plays at UW-Eau Claire.
“I just want to get bigger and faster,” Manning said. “As long as I’m competing with Garrett’s legacy, I’m good.”
Bruns served 13 points and had seven assists and 10 digs, Audyn Kemp had six kills and three blocks and Jaydin Dickey added five kills and seven digs.
Lady Hub Invite: At Rochelle on Sept. 6, the Hubs picked up two wins and three losses at their eponymous invite.
Rochelle defeated Freeport 2-0 (25-17, 25-22) and Rockford Lutheran 2-0 (25-15, 25-15) and fell to Peotone 2-1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-14), McHenry 2-1 (14-25, 25-22, 15-13) and Yorkville Christian 2-1 (15-25, 25-22, 15-11).
Rochelle 2, North Boone 0: At Rochelle on Sept. 9, the Hubs snagged a quick, two-set
home win, 25-18, 25-20.
Jillian Bruns had six kills and five digs, Dickey added 11 assists and six digs and Meredith Bruns added five assists, five digs and a block.
Girls Tennis
Harlem 5, Rochelle 0: At Machesney Park on Aug. 25, the Hubs struggled on the road against Harlem.
Rockford Lutheran 3, Rochelle 2: At Rochelle on Aug. 26, the Hubs came up short despite singles wins from Merit Namaste-Rose (6-2, 6-1) and Addison Bingham (6-1, 6-2).
Rochelle 3, Belvidere 2: At Rochelle on Aug. 28, Singles wins from Namaste-Rose (6-1, 6-1) and Jaicee Ramos (6-1, 6-1) and a doubles victory from Abby Losoya and Vivian Novak (6-2, 6-2) led the Hubs to a home victory.
Sycamore 5, Rochelle 0: At Rochelle on Sept. 2, the Hubs were swept at home by the visiting Spartans.
Rochelle 3, Kaneland 2: At Maple Park on Sept. 9, Namaste-Rose (6-0, 6-0), Ramos (6-1, 6-1) and the No. 3 Doubles team of Bingham and Katie Toczylowski (7-6, 7-5) led the Hubs to a win on the road.
Kevin Newberry
Mark Busch file photo
Rochelle’s Dylan Manning tries to get by Sycamore’s Kyle Prebil during their game at Sycamore High School in 2023, Manning freshman year.
Rochelle volleyball vs. North Boone
Rochelle hosted a match with North Boone on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Rochelle swept all three levels of volleyball.
Photos provided by Marcy DeLille
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Emori Mickley passes the ball during the Hubs’ match with North Boone on Tuesday, Sept. 9. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Ella Thompson passes the ball during the Hubs’ match with North Boone.
ABOVE: Rochelle’s Audyn Kemp spikes the ball during the Hubs’ match. LEFT: Rochelle’s Emma Metzger serves the ball during the Hubs’ match with North Boone on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Rochelle junior tackle vs. Stillman Valley
Rochelle junior tackle football played games against Stillman Valley on Sept. 7. Rochelle won at all four levels.
Emmitt Putzstuck runs for a first down during a sixth grade junior tackle football game against Stillman Valley on Sept. 7. Rochelle won the game 30-0. TOP
intercepts a Stillman Valley pass in the final seconds of a 20-6 win in the seventh grade junior
for a first down during the eighth grade
a
a
won
Photos provided by Robin Rethwill
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s
RIGHT: Rochelle’s Aiden Bloomberg
tackle football game. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Quentin Ansteth scrambles
junior tackle football game against Stillman Valley. Rochelle
28-0. LEFT: Rochelle quarterback Brecken Bruns slips by four tacklers on
2-point conversion during
fifth grade junior tackle football game with Stillman Valley on Sept. 7. Rochelle won 30-0.
PUBLIC NOTIC E
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(Special Use for a Chi ldcare Cen ter)
PUBLIC NOTICE is h ereby given to all persons in the City of Rochelle, Ogle County, Illinois, that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m in the Rochelle City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Nor th 6th Street relative to the following:
Petiti on of Kendra Elion for a Special Use for a Childcare Center The subject property is zoned B2, Commercial Highway, is located at 211 East IL Route 38, and has a legal description of:
Parcel #: 24-13-476-008
Parcel 1:
Part of the Southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 40 North, Range 1 East of the third Principal Mer idian, Ogle County, Illinois, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
Beginnings at the Northeast corner of Lot 3 in Horner's Subdivision, a subdivision locat ed in the Southeas t quarter of said Section 13, as recorded in the office of the ogle county recorder, thence Northwesterly, along the Northerly line of Lots 3 and 2 a distance of 174.00 Feet to the North west corner of said subdivision; thence Easterly at an angle of 11 degrees 01 minutes 11 s econds as measured counterclockwise from the last described course, a distance of 170.80 Feet to the inter section of a Northerly extension of the East line of said Lot 3; thence Southerly, along said Northerly extension, at an angle of 89 degrees 59 minutes 26 seconds as measured counterclockwise from the last described course a distance of 33.26 Feet to the point of beginning; situated in the county of Ogle and the State of Illinois.
Parcel 2:
Lot 2 as designated upon the plat of Horner's Subdivision, according to the plat thereof recorded April 24, 1975 in File A of plat s, Page 12 as Document No 439957 in the recorder's office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the county of Ogl e and the State of Illinois
Parcel 3:
Lot 3 as designated upon the plat of Horner's Subdivision, according to the plat thereof recorded April 24, 1974 in File A of plat s. Page 12 as Document No 439957 in the recorder's office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the county of Ogl e and the State of Illinois
The peti tion is on file and available for examination in the office of the Community Development Director, 420 N 6th Street, Rochel le, Illinois , during normal business hours.
All persons interested are invited to attend said hear ing and be heard Anyone interested in participating in public commentary remotely should contact Michelle Knight at mknight@rochelleil.us or call 815-5626161 to make arrangements. Rose Hueramo, City Clerk City of Rochelle
Sept. 14, 2025
IN THE UNITED S TATE S DIS TRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DIS TRICT OF ILLINOIS ROCKF OR D DIVISION
ILLINOIS DEBT ACQUISITION COMPANY, L.L.C., Plaintiff, v. EL PASO HCC, LLC, et al. Defen dants.
Case No. 3:24-CV-50034 Ju dges Honorable Iain D. Johns ton and Honorable Margaret J. Sch neider NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Secs. 2001 and 2002, the Order Appointing Receiver entered on January 25, 2024 (Dkt No. 8) entered in the above captioned matter and the July 18, 2025 Orde r setting sale pr ocedures for the sale of Defendants' assets (Dkt. No 129), the Court's Receiver shall, with the assistance of Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation ( Inte rcounty), place for public sale to the highest bidder , the rea l and pe rsonal property mor e full y described below and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt No 1 and incorporated herein by refer ence) on October 10, 2025 at the hour of 12 Noon, CDT, through hybrid means via Zoom (Zoom Instructions) and in person in the Lobby of U.S Courthouse, 327 South Church Street, Rockford, IL 61101:
Real Property: Th e real property commonly known as 850 East 2nd Street, El Paso, IL 61738, operating as El Paso Health Care Center, a 123-bed licensed skilled nursing facility, which is at issue in and more fully d escrib ed in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt. No. 1)
The real property commonly known as 201 East Falcon Highway, Flanagan, IL 61740, operat ing as Flanagan Rehab & Health Care Center, a 75-bed licensed skilled nursing facility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt. No. 1)
The rea l property commonly known as 141 South Junior Avenue, Kewanee , IL 61443, operating as Courtyard Estates of Kewanee, a 35-bed licensed assisted care living fac ility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complai nt in the above capti oned matter (Dkt. No. 1 ).
The real property commonly known as 415 East Main Stree t, Knoxville, IL 61448, operating as Courtyard Estates of Knoxville, a 32-bed licensed assisted care living facility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt. No. 1)
The real propert y commonly known as 1200 West Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462, operating a s Legac y Estates of Monmouth, a 59-bed licensed assisted care living facility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt. No. 1)
The rea l property commonly known as 275 East Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg, IL 614 01, operating as Mar igold Rehab & Health Care Center, a 172-bed licensed skilled nursing facility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above cap tioned mat ter (Dkt. No. 1)
The rea l property commonly known as One Courtyard Boulevard, Monmouth, IL 61462 operating as Courtyard Estates of Monmouth, a 51 -bed licensed assisted care living facility, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above cap tioned mat ter (Dkt. No. 1)
The rea l property commonly known as 703 East Buffalo Street, Polo, IL 61064, formerly operating as Polo Rehab & Health Care Center, an 81-bed licensed skilled nursing fac ility, which is at issue in and more fully d escrib ed in the Verified Complaint in the above captioned matter (Dkt. No. 1). Polo Reh ab & Health Care Center is currently not operating.
Personal Property:
All personal property that is pledged by the Defenda nts as collateral, which is at issue in and more fully described in the Verified Complaint in the above cap tioned matter. (Dkt. No. 1)
Terms of sale are outlined in the July 18, 2025 Order setting sale proc edures for the sale of Defendants' ass ets (Dkt. No. 129) Additi onal Sale terms Bidders may contac t either Intercounty or the Receiver's attorneys to r eceive Zoom login instructions prior to the sale Bids shall be su bmitte d to the Receiver on the day of the sale and shall include a signed asset purchase agree ment from the bidder and a redline of the bidd er's asset purchase agreement to the stalking hor se bidder's asset purchase agreement. All bids (other than the stalking horse bid) must be in the form of an all cash bid in an amount that exceeds the s talking horse bid by at least two percen t ( 2%) of the stalking horse bid of $18,150,000.00, plus a minimum overbid of an additional $200,000.00 (i.e. $18,713,000.00). All bids must be irrevocab le and may not be subject to conditions or financing contingencies The asset purchase agreement must include the proposed closing date, all final terms of the bid and all schedules thereto. All bids must include sufficient infor mation, as reasonably determined by the Receiver, to allow the Rece iver to determine, in his reasonable business judgment, whether the interes ted party has the financial wherewithal to consummate the sale. The winning bidder will be required to deposit in a sum equal to ten perce nt (10%) of the purchase price contained in the accepted offer accepted by Receiver to the Receiver's designated title company within seven (7) business days after notification of acceptan ce
Pursua nt to the Order entered in the above captioned matter on July 18, 2025 as Dkt. No. 129, at the public sale , Intercounty shall hold an auction whereat bidders that complied with the requirements set forth in the foregoing paragrap h 6 of the Order entered in the above captioned matter on July 18, 2025 as Dkt. N o. 129 start ing with the highest and best bid submitted in compliance with paragraph 6 of the Orde r entered in the above captioned matter on July 18, 2025 as Dkt. No. 129, which highest and best bid shall be determined by Receiver Bidders who complied with the requirement s set forth in the foregoing paragraph 6 of the Order entered in the above captioned matt er on July 18, 2025 as Dkt. No. 129 shall be permitted to submit topping bids at the auct ion until Intercounty and Receiver determine the final and best bid (the "Winning Bid"), and, if multiple bid s are submitted, a back- up bid (the "Back-up Bid" ).
The accuracy of the information solicited by bidders cannot be guarante ed, and prospective bidders are ther efore encouraged to complete any desired and non-invasive due diligence at their own expense. The sale of the Receivership Assets is without rec ourse to Receiver and in "AS-IS" condition, and in any event any sale will otherwise be consistent with the sale proced ures approved in the above referen ced matter The sale is further subject to confirmation by the Court in the above captioned matt er. Any expenses associat ed with the sale also will be subject to and presente d to the Court in the above captioned matt er for approval
Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file in the above cap tioned matt er to verify all information. Prospective Bidders may contact Inte rcounty and or the Rece iver's attorneys for Zoom Instructions.
Property tours will be available to all intereste d bidders at times to-be-scheduled wi th the Recei ver, and the Receivership Assets may also be shown by appointment. Receiver will provide information relat ed to the Receivership Assets for review to prospective bidders, including subject to a confidentia lity agreemen t. To arrange a tour of the facilities or for further information concerning the real and personal pr operties, interested partie s may contact the Receiver through his counsel(s) at Scott & Kraus, LLC: Eugene S. Kraus Jason R. Sleezer Scott & Kraus, LLC 150 S Wacker Drive, Suite 2900 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 327-1050 ekraus@skcounsel .com jsleezer@skcounsel.com I3272825 Sep. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAR JEAN A MILLER, Deceased NO. 2025-PR-49 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of MAR JEAN A MILLER, of Leaf River, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on August 11, 2025, to BRADLEY A MILLER AND DANIEL C MILLER, whose address is 1043 Parkview Dr., Rochelle, IL 61068, and whose attorneys are Fearer, Nye & Chadw ick, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068
Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or wit h the representative , or both, no later than March 3, 2026, and any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it hasbeen filed.
FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK, Attorneys for BRADLEY A MILLER AND DANIEL C. MILLER, Executor of the Estate of MAR JEAN A MILLER, deceased
August 31, Sept. 7, 14, 2025
IN THE
U.S BANK NATIONAL vs. JEFFERY J SECRETARY OF AND NON-RECORD CASE NO.
The requisit you, JEFFERY defendants in you and othe pla intiff praying described as fo ORIGINAL TOWN, AND STATE OF Said prope rty said mortgage(s Deeds as Doc duly issued ou suit is now pend NOW TH ER answer to the therein, in the OCTOBER 13, and a Judgme is now manda you must first http://efile.ill inoisc service provider www.illinoiscourts.go
Diaz A nselmo 1771 West Diehl Telephone: (630) Attorney No. Co Service E-mail: LEG
AL
THE CIRCUIT COURT
CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS HE MATTER
THE TATE OF R JEAN A LLER, eceased NO. 2025-PR-49 AIM NOTICE otice is given of death of MAR AN A MILLER, Leaf River, Illi. Letters of Ofwere issued on ust 11, 2025, BRADLEY A LLER AND NIEL C LLER, whose ddress is 1043 rkview Dr., chelle, IL 61068, whose attors are Fearer, & Chadw ick, 4th Avenue, Box 117, chelle, IL 61068
Claims against the ate may be filed the office of the uit Clerk of Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or wit h the presentative , or th, no later than rch 3, 2026, and claim not filed thin that period barred. Copies claim filed with Clerk must be iled or delivered he representaand to the atrney within 10 ys after it haseen filed.
FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK, Attorneys for BRADLEY A MILLER AND DANIEL C. LLER, Executor of the Estate of MAR JEAN A MILLER, deceased
ust 31, Sept. 7, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs.
JEFFERY J KING; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSIN G AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIM ANTS; Defendant(s).
CASE NO. 2025FC3 9 Pro perty Addres s: 503 W 2nd St Byron, IL 61010 NOTICE FOR PUBLI CATION
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereb y given you, JEFFERY J KING; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON -RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above entitled cause, that suit has been commenced agai nst you and other defendants in the Circuit Court for the Judicial Ci rcuit by said pla intiff praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT 18 OF THE SUBDIVIS ION OF BLOCK 60 IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN, NOW CITY OF BYRON, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS P.I.N.: 05-31-232- 010
Said prope rty is commonly known as 503 W 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010 and which said mortgage(s) was/were made and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Document Number 201805263, and for other relief; that Summons was duly issued out of the above Court against you as provided by law and that said suit is now pending.
NOW TH EREFORE, unless you, the said abov e named defendants, file your answer to the complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County on or before OCTOBER 13, 2025, a default may be taken against you at any time after that date and a Judgment entered in accordance with the pray er of said complaint E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil case s with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider Visit http://efile.ill inoisc ourts.gov/service- providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ /gethelp.asp
Diaz A nselmo & Associa tes, LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563
Telephone: (630) 453-6960 Fac simile: (630) 428- 4620
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff, v. ROBERT L. TURNER, AVEN FINANCIAL INC., d/b/a AVEN FINANCIAL as successor in interest to COASTAL COMMUNITY BANK, GOODLEAP, LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS, and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants Property Address: 8083 South Green Str eet Dixon, Illinois 61021 No. 2025FC20 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
(IT IS ADVISED THAT INTERESTED PARTIES CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS BEFORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE.) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in Community State Bank of Rock Falls v Robert L Turner, Aven Financial Inc., d/b/a Aven Financial as successor in interest to Coastal Community Bank GoodLeap, LLC, Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants, Case No. 2025FC20, Ogle County, Illinois, on August 29, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest bidder.
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate are Courtney Wiga nt, Compliance Associate, 1021 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois 61021 telephone (815) 2848500.
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
Case No. 2025FC20, Ogle County, Illinois, on August 29, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest bidder.
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact for information regarding the real estate are Courtney Wiga nt, Compliance Associate, 1021 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois 61021 telephone (815) 2848500.
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
1. Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of the Town of Grand Detour and its Addition, recorded in Book B of Miscellaneous Records, Page 160 in the Recorder's Office of Ogle County, Illinois; situated in the Township of Grand Detour, the County of Ogle and the State of Illinois. PIN:
21-13-107-002
2 Common address or locat ion of mortgaged premises: 8083 South Green Street, Dixon, Illinois 61021
(C) The improvement on the real estate is a residence.
(D) The real estate may not be inspected prior to the sale
(E) The time and place of the sale are as follows: The Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S First Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025.
(F) The terms of the sale are ten percent (10%) down at the time of the sale, payable in certified funds, and the full balance within seven (7) days.
(G) The case title, case number, and the Court in which the foreclosure was filed arc specified above.
(H) No other information is required to be disclosed.
First Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061, at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025.
(F) The terms of the sale are ten percent (10%) down at the time of the sale, payable in certified funds, and the full balance within seven (7) days.
(G) The case title, case number, and the Court in which the foreclosure was filed arc specified above.
(H) No other information is required to be disclosed.
COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff
By EHRMANN GEHLBACH BADGER & CONSIDINE, LLC
By Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff 114 E. Everett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
Estate of: RENEE J. FELTS, Deceased
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
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
NOTICE IS GIVEN of the death of BERNADINE T. MACK of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on August 18, 2025, to STILLMAN BANCCORP N.A , 8492 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, whose attorney is David A Smith, of Smith Law Group, P.C. at 129 South Fourth Street, P. O. Box 10, Oregon, Illinois, 61061-0010.
CLAIMS against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the first publication of this Notice, or within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probat e Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed with in that period is barred Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to the attorney within 10 days after the claim has been filed.
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.
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
ing 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
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on July 31, 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: Montes Restaurants LLC
DBA Farmers Family Rest au rant loca ted at 317 E. Main St. Forreston, IL 61030
Dated July 31, 2025.
s/Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk
Sep. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Publication Notice
COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff By EHRMANN GEHLBACH BADGER & CONSIDINE, LLC
Estate of: JOYCE I. GATZ, Deceased No. 2025 PR 50 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JOYCE I. GATZ. Letters of Office were issued to JANETTE S FOLKERS, 2535 South Wilson Mill Road, Polo, IL 61064, as Represen tative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081.
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
Joseph McCoy, Senior Trust Officer Stillman BancCorp N.A., Independent Executor August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2025
Publication Notice
1. Lots Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Sixteen (16) in the Original Town of Grand Detour, according to the revised Plat of th To f Grand
By Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy
Courtney E. Kennedy (6322625)
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.
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 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
Public Notice is hereby given that on August 25, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Cleary Exteriors Pressure Washing 389 Red Fox Dr Davis Junction, IL 61020
Dated: August 25, 2025.
s/Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk
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
Dated: August 21, 2025
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 b n filed.
CLAIMS against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the first publication of this Notice, or within three months from the d f ilin
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
Michael J. Smith BARRICK, SWITZER, LONG, BALSLEY & VAN EVERA, LLP 6833 Stalter Drive Rockford, IL 61108 (815)962-6611 service.msmith@ bslbv.com
