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Fike and Kruger: Spreading love of art
COMMUNITY VOICES
Tom McDermott
It is not possible to tell the complete life story of anyone in 1,000 words, much less two life stories. But let’s take a glimpse into two amazing people who not only were artists but spent much of their lives creating more artists: Ernest “Ernie” Fike and Franklin Kruger. Ernest Fike was born in 1930, the son of Clarence and Clara. A Chicago boy with a small-town heart raised in the hustle of the big city, Ernie found a love for art. It was in high school that Ernie met a teacher who would become a lifetime friend, Merle Blackwood, his art teacher.
They were so close that when Merle’s eyesight began to fail in his later years, Ernie finished some of his artwork for him. Ernie graduated from high school in 1948 and stepped away from education. Ernie married Betty Sanford in 1950, became a manager at “Hey Brothers Ice Cream,” and began a family.
Ernie never lost his love for art, but with a family, it was not an easy decision on how to proceed. A major family decision was made. Ernie’s family moved in with Betty’s parents and Ernie went back to school. Over the next several years, the Fike family lived on a shoestring budget, but the sacrifice paid off. Ernie completed a four-year degree from Manchester College and a master’s degree in art education from Northern Illinois University. Ernie was ready to follow in the footsteps of his teacher, friend and fellow artist, Merle Blackwood.
Rochelle Elementary School District was seeking teachers, and Ernie Fike was hired. In true Fike fashion, Ernie was hired to teach social studies, not the job he wanted, but he had his foot in the door when an art position opened. The rest is history. From about 1962 to 1985, Ernest Fike would touch the lives of hundreds of elementary school students.
Each year, Clyde the chicken
Both men had lives beyond teaching, artist, cartoonist, historian, author, husbands and fathers. Space is too short to tell the whole story of either man because their story still goes on. With each student’s brush stroke, every thumb pressed into clay, a little piece of the teacher survives through their students.
appeared, and students would diligently draw the caged bird. The chicken was not always the same, but was always called Clyde. Students would recall a stuffed snow owl, which added new meaning to the term “still life.” If you were one of his students, you can probably still say the color wheel forward and back. Ernie would utilize closed-circuit TV to demonstrate the basics and then personally visit each of the elementary schools in Rochelle and even some of the surrounding schools.
“Best art teacher ever.” “Mr. Fike was an amazing art teacher. Made learning about art fun and interesting.” Student after student still holds Ernie Fike in the highest regard. Although Ernie passed in 2002, his students can still see him at the front of the class when the bell rings, a smile on his face and his familiar farewell, “Adios Amigos.”
Franklin Kruger was the son of William and Genevieve. Born in Rockford in 1920, Franklin spent his youth in the “Forest City.” Franklin attended elementary school in Rockford and graduated from Rockford East High School in 1938. The trip to Rochelle was a long one, not in miles, but in time. Several years at Northern Illinois University, acquiring both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and yet more time at the Mizen Academy of Art in Chicago. The Mizen Academy had opened in 1936 under the direction of Frederic Mizen, a renowned fine arts and commercial artist. Mizen Academy trained Franklin for his time at National Lock and
Rockford Illustrating Company. Throw in World War II, a stint in the Army, and the years flew by quickly. Franklin married Rosalyn in 1951, and finally, in 1952, Franklin Kruger accepted a teaching position at Rochelle High School, where he would teach art classes for the next 29 years before retiring in 1981.
At Rochelle High School, Franklin Kruger would become the stuff of legend. Between classes, he could be seen dashing through the halls on his way to the teacher’s lounge; a product of the 1950s and 1960s, smoking cigarettes was an accepted habit. Each year, Mr. Kruger would recommend the best and the brightest students for a scholarship from the Rochelle Women’s Club to attend a one-week art school. For Franklin, it was more than teaching the basics; he wanted his pupils to excel. If students put in the effort, they found Mr. Kruger by their side, helping them to achieve more than they ever thought they could.
Christine Berg described Franklin this way: “Mr. Kruger was the one instructor that changed the direction of my life. Because of his encouragement and help photographing my artwork, I was able to apply to the Art Institute of Chicago. Thankfully, I did get accepted and moved to Chicago. What an adventure that was! Thank you, Mr. Kruger, you were top-notch and your influence carries on!” Accolades from past students follow a common thread: “My favorite teacher,” “Forever remembered as the best teacher ever.”
Both men had lives beyond teaching, artist, cartoonist, historian, author, husbands and fathers. Space is too short to tell the whole story of either man because their story still goes on. With each student’s brush stroke, every thumb pressed into clay, a little piece of the teacher survives through their students. And the student becomes an instructor and passes the love of art to the next generation. In this way, Ernest Fike and Franklin Kruger may live for a very long time, spreading the love of art.
• Tom McDermott is a Flagg Township Museum historian and Rochelle City Council member.
The new library media center at Rochelle High School includes a centralized circulation desk in the middle of the space.
Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
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Rochelle eighth-grade volleyball in action
Jaqueline Garcia passes the ball during an eighth-grade volleyball match. Rochelle won 13-25, 25-16, 25-20. TOP
RIGHT: Rochelle’s Calli
Metzger passes the ball during the match. BOTTOM
RIGHT: Rochelle’s Tinley
Tabor serves the ball during the match. Tabor served nine straight points for the Hubs.
BOTTOM LEFT: Rochelle’s Tinlea Sitter tips the ball over the net during the match.
Photos provided by Robin Rethwill TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s
Here are photos from a Rochelle eighth-grade volleyball match.
Rochelle High school board approves budget, introduces new teachers
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Rochelle Township High School District board held a public hearing for and unanimously approved its fiscal 2026 budget at its monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 15.
During the public hearing, District Business Manager Kevin Dale presented key figures in the budget. The district has total receipts of $19,152,173, total expenditures of $20,886,158, and transfers of $650,000.
“A lot of the deficits are intentional in some areas due to our reserve reduction plan that we put in place to spend down project costs so we’re not going out and asking for more money,” Dale said. “We’re spending what we already have in reserves and keeping those costs in house.
“Overall we’re healthy with beginning and ending fund balances across all funds. We’re not required by the state to file a deficit reduction plan even though we’re showing deficits in multiple funds. We’re right on track with our plans.”
Part of RTHS’ reserve reduction plan is using funds to pay for construction costs, including its newly renovated library media center, for which construction cost was $746,050 and will be paid for this year as part of the fiscal 2026 budget.
Teachers
RTHS Assistant Principal Alison Vrana presented a principal’s report to the board during the meeting and detailed RTHS’s new teachers. New to RTHS are Kim Waters (Spanish teacher), Finley Callahan (English teacher) and Amber Cravens (librarian).
Currently, 33% of RTHS’s teachers are nontenured. The school has recently worked to improve its supports in place for new teachers, including new teacher orientation, a mentor program, professional learning communities, collaboration, Danielson evaluations and the addition of a student growth coach.
Homecoming
Vrana detailed Homecoming Week plans for RTHS, which will take place
held a public hearing for and unanimously approved its fiscal
Sept. 22-27.
The parade will take place 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, and will run from the downtown area to Tilton Elementary School.
The pep rally and coronation will take place outdoors on the football field at 6:30, followed by the powderpuff football game at 8 p.m.
RTHS will face LaSalle-Peru in football on Friday, Sept. 26, and the Homecoming dance will be Saturday, Sept. 27.
Personnel
The board unanimously approved personnel changes, including the resignation of Deanna Jacobs (softball head coach) and the employment of Anna Criswell (interim softball head coach, 2025-26) and Chad Stewart (interim assistant softball coach, 2025-26).
Following a meeting in executive
Expulsion
session, the board voted unanimously to expel an unnamed student for two years.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
ABOVE: Rochelle Township High School District Business Manager Kevin Dale speaks during the school board’s budget hearing on Monday, Sept. 15. Board members Janet Kacvinsky (center) and Joel Thompson (right). BELOW: At its monthly meeting, the Rochelle Township High School District board
2026 budget.
Ogle County shares tips for safe open burning
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Fall is here and the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department offers these tips and reminders for open burning.
Instances of open burning increase through the fall. In most areas of Ogle County, it is permissible to burn landscape waste from the property it was generated on, as long as this burning does not lead to nuisance smoke conditions for neighbors and does not interfere with roadways.
It is not permissible in Ogle County to burn garbage, plastic, furniture, bedding materials, textiles, electronics, tires, demolition debris (including lumber, processed wood items, and treated lumber), or other waste materials. Nothing in the regulations prohibits recreational or cooking fires fueled by clean firewood.
If you will be burning landscape waste, do so on days when contaminants will easily dissipate, burn dry materials that will burn and not smolder and avoid burning during windy or overly
dry conditions. If you live in a municipality, check local guidelines prior to
any open burning.
Fall also is a great time to start a backyard compost bin. The fallen leaves of the season are a great base for your new compost bin, and then fresh green food waste can be mixed in. Composting is a great way to dispose of fruit and vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds, flowers and houseplants and your backyard landscape waste. Composting food waste recycles this waste into compost, and reduces harmful emissions and odors from landfilling this waste.
Most landscape waste also can be mulched up with your lawnmower as an alternative to raking and burning leaves. Let your leaves lie and mulch them with your lawnmower; this reduces smoke from open burning and is a good natural fertilizer for your lawn as it enters the winter season.
If you have questions or concerns about the open burning of waste or wish to file an anonymous complaint regarding open burning, call 815-732-4020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil.gov.
Shaw Local file photo
The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department released reminders for open burning.
Safranek wants a new judge to oversee case
Oregon mother accused of suffocating her 7-yearold son in 2021
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
An Oregon woman accused of suffocating her 7-year-old son in 2021 is asking for a different judge to preside over her case as it continues to move through the judicial system.
Sarah Safranek, 38, through her attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, filed the motion asking to replace Associate Judge Anthony Peska on Sept. 12.
Safranek is accused of killing her son, Nathaniel Burton, in the family’s Oregon home in February 2021. She is charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. She was arrested April 21, 2021, was indicted May 4, 2021, and pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021.
Judge John Redington was the judge for Safranek’s case, presiding over many hearings and delivering pre-trial rulings, before he retired in 2024.
Chief Judge John “Ben” Roe entered an order in July 2024 assigning the case to Peska upon Redington’s retirement.
Wednesday’s hearing was the first time in more than a year that Safranek appeared in court as some pre-trial rulings, made by Redington, were under appeal.
Wednesday’s hearing was the first time Peska had presided over a hearing for Safranek.
Isley’s motion asks that Safranek’s case be assigned to another judge.
Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten filed a response to Isley’s motion, arguing that the defense motion was “untimely” and had missed the 10-day window to ask for a substitute judge.
She has been held in the Ogle County Jail since her arrest.
“Judge Peska is so prejudiced against
her [Safranek] that she cannot receive a fair trial,” according to the Sept. 12 defense motion.
A hearing to argue both motions is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in front of Roe.
See NEW JUDGE on page 7
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Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Sarah Safranek, 38, is escorted into a courtroom by a sheriff’s deputy at the Ogle County Judicial Center on Wednesday. She is accused of suffocating her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton, in 2021. She has been held in the Ogle County Jail as since her arrest.
Continued from page 6
Safanek’s jury trial was removed from the court calendar in July 2024 following a motion by prosecutors who argued that some rulings made by Redington limited the evidence they wanted to present to jurors. They argued Redington’s decision had “impaired” their ability to proceed with first-degree murder charges.
Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock filed an appeal July 10, 2024, nine days after Redington ruled on several motions in limine filed by the defense and prosecutors.
Motions in limine determine whether certain evidence may be presented to the jury. They are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. Motions in limine in the Safranek case have been sealed and are not viewable to the public.
In June 2024, Redington listened to testimony and arguments regarding the motions and, after reviewing case law, limited the state’s ability to enter all internet searches and journal entries they said Safranek made. He also limited hearsay statements prosecutors said others made regarding domestic
violence directed toward Nathaniel.
Redington removed Safranek’s scheduled jury trial date over the objection of Isley, and no court dates were set, pending the appeal process.
During a June 28, 2024, hearing, Leisten argued that several internet searches were discovered on Safranek’s phone. He said some of the searches asked questions about parents having thoughts of killing their children.
He said the searches were “very important” to the case and showed that she was “planning on killing Nathaniel.”
But Isley argued that the searches should not be allowed because there was no direct evidence that Safranek made the searches.
Isley said that there were other people inside the house who had access to the devices.
Allowing the internet searches as evidence at trial would be prejudicial to Safranek, Isley argued, adding that prosecutors had not specified on which devices the searches occurred, and some of the searches were made many months before the boy’s death. Isley argued that someone else may have used Safranek’s Google account to make the searches.
Leisten countered that the defense could cross-examine any witness at the trial who testifies about the searches.
Redington agreed July 1, 2024, to allow the state to offer some of the internet searches as evidence while denying others.
In his ruling, Redington allowed an Aug. 5, 2020, search titled “I’ve had thoughts about killing my kid. Thoughts of killing my children – anyone else have them?”
Another, made Nov. 1, 2020, asked, “What is it called when a parent is obsessed with the thought of killing their child?”
Redington also allowed Feb. 17, 2021, searches of “How much does cremation of a child cost?” and “How long does an investigation take after a child passes away.”
Redington reserved ruling on some of the other motions made by both the prosecution and defense.
Those hearings followed a June 17 hearing during which four prosecution witnesses testified that Nathaniel, before his death, told them that he was being abused by his mother. Defense attorneys countered that the statements were hearsay and should not be allowed as evidence.
Isley argued that the witnesses’ testimonies were inconsistent, lacked crucial specifics as to when and how the alleged incidents happened, and should not be taken at face value.
She argued that some of those statements were hearsay, and allowing them in would affect Safranek’s due process –a legal term that refers to fair treatment for a defendant as their case moves through the court system. Hearsay statements refer to information received from witnesses that cannot be substantiated through cross-examination.
In that decision, Redington said statements made to two Dixon residents with whom Nathaniel had stayed would be allowed as evidence in the trial, including his claims that his mom tried drowning him when he was taking a bath and had tried to choke him in two other incidents.
The appellate court issued its opinion July 25 and its mandate Sept. 4.
Nathaniel was a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School. He was found unresponsive and not breathing at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.
According to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services visited the house about a dozen times over two years, following up on five reports of suspected abuse and neglect.
Rochelle High students can earn seal to show they’re bilingual
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle Township High School saw 24 students from the Class of 2025 and 2026 earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which certifies high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.
The Illinois Seal of Biliteracy is an official credential that appears as a gold seal on a student’s diploma and transcript. Students qualify by meeting benchmarks in English proficiency (ACT, SAT, or similar) and demonstrating proficiency in a second language through state-approved assessments. Students who earn the Seal are eligible for college credit in language coursework at participating Illinois public colleges and universities.
“At RTHS, we believe in preparing students for their tomorrow,” RTHS Principal Chris Lewis said. “The Seal of Biliteracy exemplifies that mission. It recognizes global competence, academic strength, and cultural diversity. We are very proud of the number of students who received college credit, and many of these students, depending on the university, will receive up to 12-16 credits.”
Class of 2025 Seal of Biliteracy recipients included Fernando Aguilar, Luis Blas, Anahi Cervantes, Jocelyn Cervantes, Isabella Chavez, Manuel Cruz, Betty Flores, Viviana Fulgencio, Giselle Garcia, Bryan Garcia, Josue Garcia, Natalie Higueros-Lopez, Makayla Lara, Adamary Lopez, Damaris Macias, Flor Magana, Stephanie Munoz-Rojas, Ivanessa Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, Yaretzi Villalobos, and Brisa Zepeda. Commendable – Yasmin Bahena and Arline Villanueva. Class of 2026 recipients include Emely Hernandez, Jorge Martinez, and Ashley Villanueva.
In 2019, RTHS saw five recipients of the seal. That number dropped to three in 2020 before rising to eight in 2021 and 11 in 2022. Two RTHS Seal of Biliteracy recipients were seen in 2023 before 16 in 2024 and 12 in 2025. A total of 57 students have earned the distinction, with 28 of those in the past two years, which the school believes reflects the growth and strength of its World Language and bilingual education programs.
“It’s been pleasant to see the program’s growth and its outcomes,” RTHS Counselor Javier Zepeda said. “I’m glad we started working with dual credit classes
and continuing to work with the AP level. A large number of the students who have received the seal have been Hispanic, but not all of them. It’s been a pleasure to be part of. The administration has supported it and we continue growing.
“I want to give credit to our entire Foreign Language department. I expect it to continue to grow in the future. I think it has strong roots and support. It’s a big savings for students and families. It saves a whole semester’s worth of classes.”
Zepeda credited RTHS’s foreign language department for the success of the Seal program. Eva Lenkaitis, Anna Birsa and Edna Vazquez build foundations in Spanish I-IV. Lenkaitis leads the AP Spanish program. This year, RTHS AP Spanish students achieved a 100% pass rate with an average score of 4.3, exceeding the national average. Zepeda said the Seal of Biliteracy benefits students most in two ways.
“If a kid wants to go into the workforce, that says a lot to an employer,” Zepeda said. “If a kid wants to attend community college or a university, they get Spanish credit hours with the seal. That saves money and time for students and families. The seal tells employers and schools that
they’re bilingual and bicultural. It shows they’re comfortable with both.”
Next year, the first class of students from the Rochelle Elementary School District’s Dual Language program will enter RTHS as freshmen. Zepeda said he hopes that results in more students achieving the Seal of Biliteracy. Since the Seal of Biliteracy program started, RTHS counselors have talked to students who achieve it about the potential of coming back and working in the education field. The elementary school district has former seal earners who are now bilingual teachers.
“The program is creating our own teachers,” Zepeda said. “There’s a need for bilingual teachers and this program lets us do that. I get happiness from this program. The community is putting a lot of value in their own culture and identity.
“This is our language and we need to keep it and take advantage of it. When my father came here, he was afraid people would find out he spoke Spanish. Now, speaking and understanding two languages is important. And it helps students learn about other cultures. This new generation will be able to serve people in different industries.”
Rochelle Park District Board: OSLAD grant application for Tilton Park discussed
Atwood Park band shell undergoing renovations
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners heard an update Monday, Sept. 15, from Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger on plans to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition Development grant for a project at Tilton Park.
Tilton Park houses three baseball fields used by Rochelle Little League. The total project is estimated to cost $1.1 million. The grant that the park district plans to apply for could yield a maximum of $600,000 in matching funds. Tilton Park has been identified in the park district’s master plan as in need of maintenance projects in the next several years. Potential receipt of the OSLAD grant would allow those projects to be done sooner and together.
In recent years, the park district received an OSLAD grant for improvements at Spring Lake Pool, which included a new splash pad, shade structure, landscaping and renovation of existing facilities.
Tilton Park currently houses a senior league field, a Little League field, a minor league field, a concession stand, basketball court and playground. The softball field and tee ball diamonds in the area are on Rochelle Elementary School District property.
Improvements in the grant application include replacement of the senior league field backstop with netting, the installation of adjustable turf at the senior league field that would allow it to be used for different age groups, new covered chainlink dugouts and benches and new press boxes, drainage and tile work, new perimeter fencing and foul poles to allow for a larger centrally located area between the three fields that would see the addition of two batting cages and a playground, new concrete in spectator areas around the fields and near the basketball court to improve handicap accessibility, an asphalt trail throughout the park and towards the softball and tee ball areas, a
new shade structure near the current concessions area, and moving the flagpole location.
The park district recently held a public meeting on the improvement plan to get input from the community. The grant application will be submitted at the end of the month and will include letters of support from local businesses and organizations. The park district expects to hear a definitive answer on the grant by spring 2026.
Ohlinger said plans are in place to improve the parking lot and walking paths near the tee ball fields at May Elementary School, but that work can’t be included in the grant due to it not being on park district property.
Bandshell
Ohlinger said during the meeting that renovation work is currently underway at the band shell at Atwood Park. Work has and will include concrete lifting and leveling, caulking, painting, lighting replacement, and
ter aquatic and youth supervisor positions, park supervisor, parks & facilities manager and swim lessons instructor.
The executive director also thanked all of the park district’s seasonal maintenance staff who recently departed as summer came to a close. The park district also saw help from Focus House students and Rochelle Township High School FFA members for park and creek cleanup.
The park district currently is working on a new volunteer system to incentivize volunteers to continue helping with park district programming.
removal and replacement of benches. Some benches will be permanently removed to allow for more lawn chair seating.
Employment
Ohlinger said the park district has numerous open positions currently, including personal trainers, REC Cen-
Events
Ohlinger updated the board and community on upcoming events at The REC Center, including a Pumpkin Plunge at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 where kids can have fun with pumpkins in the pool, and a Dive In Movie at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 where kids can watch “Moana” while in the pool.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger (left) and Commissioner Dale Wells participate in the Sept. 15 board meeting.
Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Commissioner BT Carmichael (left) and Board President Tim Hayden participate in the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.
Rochelle High School names Homecoming court candidates
Rochelle Township High School recently named its 2025 Homecoming Court candidates. Winners will be crowned at the pep rally and coronation on Sept. 25.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Freshmen: Chloe Escatel, Isadora Hueramo, Tess Kissack, Om Shah, Braxton Bruns, and Nolan Zick.
Sophomores: Carol Carpenter, Jillian Bruns, Jasmyn Mascote, Saul
ABOVE: Rochelle High School seniors nominated for the Homecoming court include Ashley Dickey, Ava Horner, Audyn Kemp, Angel Perez, Van Gerber, Frank Nasca, Brode Metzger and Emmanuel Nambo. ABOVE RIGHT: Juniors: Dylan Etes, Camryn Metzger, Briel Metzger, Abby Losoya, Dylan Manning, Brody Bruns, Adam Cobos and Angel Hernandez. BELOW RIGHT: Sophomores: Carol Carpenter, Jillian Bruns, Jasmyn Mascote, Saul Avila, Brayden Harley and Aidan Lopez. BELOW: Freshmen: Chloe Escatel, Isadora Hueramo, Tess Kissack, Om Shah, Braxton Bruns and Nolan Zick.
Cobos, and Angel Hernandez. Seniors: Ashley Dickey, Ava Horner, Audyn Kemp, Angel Perez, Van Gerber, Frank Nasca, Brode Metzger, and Emmanuel Nambo.
Photos provided by RTHS
RTHS dual-credit, AP programming has expanded
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Over the past decade, Rochelle Township High School has expanded its dualcredit and advanced placement offerings to better prepare students for what comes next.
After previously offering “a handful” of college-level classes, RTHS now boasts its dual-credit and AP programs as among the region’s strongest. In 2015, RTHS students earned 214 college credit hours through dual credit courses. That number has increased to 1,290 in 2025. More than 75% of the RTHS Class of 2025 graduated with some sort of college credit.
“When three out of every four seniors graduate with some college credit, it
changes the story,” RTHS Principal Chris Lewis said. “We’re not just talking about a few students, we’re talking about a cultural shift toward college and career readiness for everyone.”
RTHS students pay $50 per credit hour for dual-credit courses, and that cost is waived for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. This means a 15-credit semester costs only $250 at RTHS – compared to $2,945 at Kishwau-
kee College, $6,000 at Northern Illinois University, or $23,000 at an Illinois private college. That’s up to $22,750 in savings per student.
“We know the cost of higher education is a real concern for families,” Lewis said. “Our dual-credit program gives families a head start but it also gives students who might not feel they are up to college to give it a try with minimal financial commitment but tons of
RTHS academic support.”
With the way college differs from high school, students in dual-credit courses at RTHS have the advantages of five days a week of instruction and stronger connections with teachers and counselors.
RTHS Counselor and Dual-Credit Coordinator Tasha Bonnell said taking college courses while still in the high school environment sets students up for success.
“Our model gives students the scaffolding they need to succeed in college-level work before they transition to full independence,” Bonnell said. “Meeting five days a week, providing daily accountability, and embedding support makes a huge difference for students who are still building academic habits. Young students are not mature enough to make those academic behavior decisions sometimes.”
AP courses are a key part of RTHS’s dual-credit strategy. AP classes challenge students with college-level content, and those who pass AP exams earn
Jeff Helfrich
Rochelle Township High School has expanded dual-credit and AP programming education.
Sept. 23
Art & Chill: Join us for an art project, snacks and relaxation at the library on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 4-5 p.m. This week we will be making Laurel Burch Inspired Metallic Cat Drawings
Sept. 24
Continued from page 11
credits accepted at colleges nationwide. In the past year, RTHS students earned 360 college credits through AP exams.
RTHS AP courses are taught by Tim Hill (AP Calculus), John Pfaff (AP Statistics), James Jackson (AP Chemistry), Scott Swartz (AP Advanced Literature), Dave Cartwright (AP U.S. History), Beth Mock (AP Studio Art), Eva Lenkaitis (AP Spanish Language), and Keaton Shumard (AP Music Theory).
RTHS has seen an increase in dualcredit earning among Hispanic students and first-generation college-bound students.
Adult Book Club meets at 10:15 a.m. This month we will be discussing the book Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
Storytime meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 10:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Storytime is for children birth to 7 years old with a caregiver. This week we will be reading books about leaves and making fall crafts.
Over the past three years, Hispanic participation in dual credit has nearly doubled. RTHS credits that increase to strategies such as bilingual family communication, advisory support and a structure that allows students to take college-level classes in a familiar high school environment.
Dual-credit programming at RTHS is not limited to college-bound students. Through the Kishwaukee Education Consortium, RTHS students earn college credit while completing hands-on training in fields like welding, automotive technology, health sciences, early childhood education and culinary arts. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications through the program and start jobs immediately after high school.
Sept. 25
Storybook Theatre Troope is the library’s new Drama Club, come and join in the fun and learn all about putting on a play! This club meets from 4-6 p.m. Please call the library for more information.
Dungeons and Dragons: Our new D&D Club will meet from 4-6 p.m. This group is
“KEC dual-credit classes are a direct pathway to a skilled trade and a sustainable career,” Lewis said. “Both options matter, and both reflect our commitment to preparing students for tomorrow.”
RTHS teachers have spent time earning certification to teach college-level courses. To become certified, teachers must hold a master’s degree in the subject area they plan to teach or a master’s degree in another field plus 18 graduate-level credit hours in the subject area.
Starting in 2026-2027, RTHS will offer four new dual-credit courses: U.S. History I and II, Biology and Chemistry. Teachers who currently are pursuing dual-credit credentials are David
for middle and high school students. Step into the spotlight as a member of a K-pop idol group … with a secret mission: hunting demons!
Pokémon Club
Pokémon Club meets from 4-5 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 29, Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 10 and 24.
Cartwright, Jarrod Reynolds, Justing Otte, Anna Criswell, Kevin Hunt and Jonathan Gehm.
Current RTHS dual-credit certified teachers are Matt Hagemann (ENG 103, ENG 104), Scott Swartz (ENG 103, ENG 104), Eva Lenkaitis (SPAN 202, SPAN 203), Rachel Plock (MAT 101, MAT 208, MAT 150), Holly Karner (PSY 102, SOC 170), Anna Adolph (COMM 101), Kurt Wolter (CAD 110), Donna Page (Agriculture AGT Series), Deanna Jacobs (Agriculture AGT Series), and Kristin Flanagan (Intro to Education).
“Our amazing teachers are key to this program,” Lewis said. “Without their desire to go after these endorsements, our students would not have these opportunities at RTHS.”
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United Way volunteers lend a hand for Day of Caring
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
United Way of Lee County & United Way of Ogle County hosted their annual Day of Caring on Saturday, Sept. 13, by bringing together volunteers from across Lee and Ogle counties to make a difference in the community.
This year’s event saw more than 125 volunteers roll up their sleeves to complete 23 projects in just three hours, providing more than 200 hours of community service in a single morning.
In Lee County, volunteers worked at:
• The Dixon: Historic Theatre to complete a cleaning project
• Goodfellows to help organize their giveaway donations
• Dixon PADS to help organize items at the men’s shelter
• Open Sesame to help paint bathrooms and clean up their garden
• Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery to help organize items at the Legacy Home
• Woodlawn Arts Academy to help with paint projects
• Sinnissippi Centers to help landscape at two locations
• Dixon Public Library to organize books and clean the Mini Food Center
• Clipper Kiddies Preschool to help shingle their playhouse
• United Way of Lee County cleaning and organizing the Free Little Libraries In Ogle County, volunteers partnered with:
• Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County to complete a yard cleanup for a local veteran
• Bread of Life Food Pantry for a cleaning project
• HOPE of Ogle County to help clean and organize their facilities
“Day of Caring is such a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Ashley Richter, executive director of United Way of Lee County and United Way of Ogle County.
“The time and energy given by our volunteers makes a real impact for local nonprofits and strengthens our entire community.”
• Dixon riverfront to help landscape
• Lowell Park Road cleanup to help pick up trash
• Franklin Creek Conservation Association to help stain a fence and do landscaping
• City Park in Amboy to paint picnic tables
• Oakwood Cemetery to organize and clean the mausoleum
For more information about United Way of Lee County and how to get involved, visit unitedwayofleecounty. org. For more information on United Way of Ogle County, visit uwogle.org.
Volunteering for Sauk Valley Bank, Sarah Cleary (left) and Kathy Medema dig into their work Saturday, Sept. 13, at Open Sesame’s Lincoln School in Dixon. Volunteers from the bank and the Reagan Mass Transit District cleaned up the school’s vegetable garden as part of United Way of Lee County’s Day of Caring.
Alex T. Paschal photos
Between explorations
interesting bugs and insects, Kam Horton, 7, of Dixon helps clear up the garden Saturday, Sept. 13, during United Way of Lee County’s Day of Caring.
My GEAR Outreach helps children in foster care in Whiteside, Lee, Ogle counties and beyond
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
When children are torn from everything they know and thrust into foster care, one woman’s program steps in to give them hope, comfort and a sense of belonging on their very first night.
Liz Estilow started My GEAR Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports local children from infancy through age 18 as they enter foster, adoptive or kinship care. The organization provides “first overnight” bags and welcome boxes to help ease the transition into new homes.
After working as a social worker for 20 years, Estilow stepped away from direct service but wanted to remain connected to foster families. She founded the nonprofit as a way to continue supporting the children and families she cares about.
“It’s a way to give back to our kids and to let our kids know that they’ve got
Photo provided by Jen Bruce Liz Estilow started My GEAR Outreach, a nonprofit that supports local kids from infancy through age 18 as the enter foster, adoptive or kinship care.
a community that is supporting them and loving them,” Estilow said. “And then also letting our foster families know that they have some support too,
and they’ve got someone to reach out to when they need things.”
First overnight bags include new pajamas, socks, underwear, a pillow, pillowcase, blanket, Bible, crayons, pens, pencils, journals, coloring books, age-appropriate toys and activities and a stuffed animal. Welcome boxes contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, water bottle, hair brush, fun wash cloth, comb, liquid bath soap and a night light.
Estilow said the reality of foster care removals is often sudden and traumatic, with many children entering the system carrying only a handful of belongings. She hopes the welcome boxes and overnight bags will ease that transition.
“Most removals are emergency removals,” Estilow said. “They happen right this minute, the child needs to be removed, and often, children will take whatever little belongings that they have in a black garbage bag, and that’s how they enter foster care. And it’s just
not OK. It’s not OK for our kids to know that that is their worth.”
Now in its 10th year, My GEAR began in Clinton County, Iowa, and has since expanded its reach to children in nine additional counties across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, including Lee, Ogle and Whiteside.
Estilow said she would love to expand the program into additional counties, but she does not have the time or the money. She said that launching the program in a new county costs around $3,000, with annual operating expenses ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per county.
“I’m kind of at my limits right now. I work full time. I am a foster care recruiter for Four Oaks on the Iowa side,” Estilow said. “Volunteers to help with fundraising is what I really need... someone who writes grants and someone who likes to fundraise.”
from page 14
She said donations can be made through the organization’s website, where supporters can also find information about ongoing fundraisers. The group’s Facebook page, My Gear Outreach, regularly posts information on its current needs.
Monetary contributions are accepted via PayPal, Cash App, Venmo and other common platforms. Supporters can fund welcome boxes for $50 per box or overnight bags for $150 per bag.
In addition to financial support, the organization welcomes donations of new items for the welcome boxes and first overnight bags. Interested donors are encouraged to contact the group through their website to arrange donations or pickups.
“These kids are going through one of the most traumatic experiences they’ll ever experience, and they deserve new things,” Estilow said.
Estilow also shared some sobering statistics about the foster care system, highlighting the critical shortage of available homes for children in need. She said that in Iowa, there is roughly a 43% deficit in foster homes compared to
the number of children entering care – a problem that she said is mirrored in Illinois.
“This shortage means kids are often removed not only from their homes but also from their communities, schools, and activities,” Estilow said. “They can end up an hour or even three hours away, making it harder to stay connected to their biological families and support systems.”
Estilow said that the ultimate goal of foster care is reunification – helping families heal so children can return home safely. She said that Iowa sees about 4,000 children entering foster care each year, while Illinois, with larger population centers like Chicago, has numbers closer to 23,000 annually.
For those considering becoming foster parents, basic requirements vary slightly by state but generally include
being at least 21 years old, having a home with appropriate sleeping quarters for children, passing background checks and completing training classes through local agencies. Marital status and income are not barriers to fostering.
Recognizing that fostering can be emotionally demanding, Estilow encourages people who may not want or be able to foster to find other ways to support foster families. This could include helping with meals, transportation, donations or volunteering with nonprofits like My GEAR Outreach.
“There’s also a lot people can do simply by talking about foster care and raising awareness,” Estilow said. “Sometimes, the conversation alone can inspire others to step up and help.”
Those interested in becoming foster parents in Illinois can start by visiting the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website at dcfs.illinois. gov.
“My GEAR Outreach ensures every dollar donated goes straight to local kids and families,” Estilow said. “If people want me to speak to their organizations about foster care or our work, I’m always happy to share.”
For more information on the program or to make a donation, visit mygearoutreach.org.
Shaw Local File Photo
My Gear Outreach gives foster children overnight bags, clothing, personal supplies, and other items, to help make the transition to a new home a little less intimidating.
Rochelle High School’s remodeled library media center celebrated at ribbon-cutting
‘This space is for us to help prepare students for their tomorrow’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
Rochelle Township High School hosted a ribboncutting Monday, Sept. 15, for its recently remodeled library media center.
Back in January, the RTHS board approved a bid of $746,050 from Stenstrom Construction in Rockford for the remodeling work, which began in late April and concluded a few weeks ago. The remodel includes versatile space, flexible furniture, a content creation room, updated technology and modern design. The LMC had not seen major changes since it was constructed in 2004.
The ribboncutting was attended by members of the community and RTHS staff, administration and board members. Speakers included RTHS District Superintendent Jason Harper, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera and Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows.
“We’re extremely proud of this,” Harper said. “Sometimes it felt a little slower than we would have liked, but we’re here in September welcoming students and our students are enjoying this space, which we love to see. This space is for us to help prepare students for their tomorrow. This space is the Hub of Hubland. It’s welcoming for every single student, regardless of what year they are or what they want to do after high school.”
Harper thanked recently retired RTHS Librarian Ann Marie Jinkins for her work on designing the new library. Jinkins started the process in 2023. He also thanked current Librarian Amber Cravens and Library Aide Jennifer Simmons for their work to bring the space to life this year. Harper also thanked RTHS’s board, maintenance department and District Business Manager Kevin Dale for their work on the project.
Herrera called the renovated LMC “a great addition” to Rochelle and thanked RTHS for investing in the community’s youths. Bearrows commended the school on the project and said the city will do
everything in its power to support RTHS.
“As a city, we need to take a serious look and make sure that our community continues to grow, not only economically, but residentially,” Bearrows said. “It’s our job now to provide the things to support the sustainability of all of our schools and to see growth in youth numbers. I commend you for what you’ve done and we give thanks to our schools for shaping our youth of tomorrow. That’s the most precious commodity we have in our community.”
Cravens said students started to use the renovated LMC space two weeks ago. It saw 889 check-ins by students the first week and 1,413 the second week.
The LMC now has study rooms where students can connect their Chromebooks to TVs, a Makerspace studio, sewing machines, print stations, digital resource catalogs, charging stations and supplies
for projects.
“We have just about everything students could want or need to be successful at school,” Cravens said. “ Everyone has been thrilled. We’ve had lots of students coming through the doors. Every seating area and room gets used. The kids love the space and want to be here.
“I like that there’s something for everyone here. Even kids who aren’t readers. I’ve had kids bring in fabric and go sew during their study hall.”
Jinkins attended the ribboncutting to see the product of her years of work on designing the new library.
“Since 2023 I’ve dreamed of this and I’ve pictured it and walked through it in my head so many times,” Jinkins said. “It’s so exciting to be actually in here and seeing that it has all come together, all the different spaces for all of the different kinds of students. I am excited by the sheer
number of kids who can be in here comfortably. We could pack the old library with people, but it was not a comfortable situation. There can be many different groups of people here doing different things at the same time now.”
Cravens said the renovations will set RTHS and its students up well for the future due to its amenities and technology. She called the content creation room, which students can use to record podcasts, “cutting edge.”
The new RTHS librarian has welcomed her new students into the new space this fall.
“I love it here,” Cravens said. “The administration is so supportive and the teaching staff has been wonderful. The kids have been great. I would have thought there would be more bumps with it being a new space and me being new, but it’s really been super smooth.”
Jeff Helfrich
On Monday, Sept. 15, Rochelle Township High School hosted a ribbon-cutting for its recently remodeled library media center.
SUZANNE COLBERT
Born: June 30, 1964
Died: July 21, 2025
With the death of Suzie Colbert, a mother lost her best friend and sunshine of her life. The world also lost a true globetrotter and beam of pizzazz.
Suzanne Kay Colbert died Monday, July 21, 2025, in a multiple-vehicle accident near the Washington D.C. area where she resided and was based as a flight attendant for United Airlines. Suzie was born on July 30, 1964, the daughter of Joel J. and Eleanor “Bobbie” M. (Goettle) Colbert in Champaign, Illinois. Her formative years were spent in Rochelle, Illinois, a place she always loved to return for visits with family, old friends and to watch Hub football. Growing up under “Coach Colbert,” Suzie developed an emotional attachment to football. It carried throughout her life, so much so that she arranged flights that would put her in the nexus of major
NFL games. A more rabid fan of the sport would be hard to find. Suzie also had a fond appreciation for learning, starting as a kid at Tilton grade school. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaii, all the while living in Honolulu and working at United. Her primary occupation was a long career as a flight attendant, but she did take a 4-year voluntary furlough after 9/11 to teach English and literature to students of different nationalities. She frequently substitute taught and had the heart of an educator. A lighter side of her emphasis on learning came from an ambition to be on a game show. As an undergrad at NIU, she majored in general studies, reasoning that knowing a little bit about everything would help her chances to make the bright lights of television.
Besides Arlington, VA, and Honolulu, HI, Suzie spent several years in Los Angeles, never making it to the big time, but embracing a venue much different than rural Ogle County. That was a theme for her, as she traveled the world over and easily assimilated into its people and culture. Once, she moved in with a family in Guatemala and learned to speak Spanish.
Or, a trip to Italy would be made to learn cooking techniques. Rather than be a consumer of travel, she was a giver. Meeting new people wherever she went, Suzie desired to serve others. No matter one’s skin color, religion, age, ethnicity or education, Suzie was there for you. As an advocate for peace and justice, she fought for social and political causes and wasn’t shy about sharing her viewpoints. The D.C. area was particularly fascinating to her and she jumped headlong into the fray, often pedaling her bike to wherever the action was.
Though she lived an adventurous life, she also found joy in simple things. In contrast to the zest of being at a Super Bowl or a tennis match in Paris, Suzie could just as easily be found visiting the great churches and cathedrals of the world.
A practicing Catholic, Suzie was a follower of Jesus. As the outpouring from co-workers all over the globe testify, she lived it out in every aspect of her life, both on and off the job with them.
Suzie is survived by her mother, Bobbie of Rochelle, IL; sister, Jodi (Brett) Kemp of Stevensville, MT; brothers: Andy Colbert of Oregon, IL; Bo (Cindy) Colbert of Trinity, NC;
and Tony (Catherine) Colbert of Florence, MT. She was predeceased by her father, Joel Colbert, and sister-in-law, Kathy Colbert. She was a fun-filled aunt to Matt (Ceren) Kemp, Ryan Kemp and Lindsay (Kevin) Brown; Blair Colbert and Jorie (Carlton) Getz; Anthony Colbert and Mallory (David) Garten; Mia and Madi Colbert; and a great aunt to Alexandra and Liliya Getz. Though never married, Suzie loved each as her own, leaving an indelible mark. But, that was the case with everyone she encountered.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Cooper Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street, Rochelle. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. with Xavier Valdivieso officiating. Please bring lawn chairs if you are staying for the service. In the case of inclement weather, all of the services will be at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Suzie’s memory to the Flagg Rochelle Museum. Visit www.ungerhorner. com to sign the online guest book.
• Care provided by the entire hospice team: physician, nurse, social worker, certified nursing assistant, chaplain, dietitian, pharmacist, and volunteers.
• Care is individualized and based on the patient’s and family’s goals of comfort and quality of life.
• Supplies, equipment and medications.
• Service where the patient resides.
• Specialize in pain & symptom management.
• Spiritual enrichment and bereavement counseling.
• Ancillary Therapies: Music, Physical/ Occupational, Speech, Massage, Pet, etc.
• Ability to provide education to caregivers and family members.
• On-call nurse available 24/7.
• Assistance with advance directives and community support.
• Provide Education to those we care for
• Volunteers providing special attention and stimulation.
OPINIONS
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 started having these thoughts, while munching popcorn
PAPERWORK
Lonny Cain
Confession: A major incentive to go to a movie is the popcorn. Yes, the movie is important, but the popcorn can tip the scale.
Fact 1: I like most varieties of popcorn. But theater popcorn is the best. (My opinion. I have no issue with those who disagree.)
Fact 2: Popcorn crunching time tends to be the first 30 minutes in the theater chair – waiting for the movie to start. First come advertisements, the request to shut off cellphones and be respectful, and note the exits. Then the previews start. Those I enjoy.
So I’m at the cinema this past week. While enjoying my popcorn time, something strange happened when movie previews started bursting on the screen.
I noticed each clip was punching one of my emotional buttons. They were hitting triggers that suddenly pulled me in, even without the full background story.
Normally, I’d just be watching and judging – do I want to watch this movie? But I was busier reacting to the moments. Actual emotional reactions.
You know that heart tug you feel when the underdog, beaten and broken, somehow gets up and stands tall and victorious? Truth wins. Justice wins. Love wins. That’s what I’m talking about.
I was surprised by what was happening. I think this might be an aging thing. Getting emotional at the tiniest things: a simple sentence, an old photo, the dog looking at me with those eyes, and yes, scenes from a movie. This happens a lot more than it used to.
This certainly did not stop the steady pace of my hand diving into the bucket of popcorn to continue munching through the emotional ride I was taking. (One must keep up when sharing popcorn.)
But I started thinking about the whole trailer concept and how it was working so well on me. My imagination has a long leash, so it started wandering. This usually starts with a question.
This question hit me ... if I were
This question hit me ... if I were telling the story of my life, what kind of previews would I use to trigger the same connections I was currently feeling?
telling the story of my life, what kind of previews would I use to trigger the same connections I was currently feeling?
I needed to recall highlights from my life that could roll into cinematic scenes. By that I mean poignant moments, scary events, funny incidents, or even tragic or courageous events.
I don’t see my life as a great movie. But we all have episodes that are worth a story to tell. This is not about making a life movie, though. It’s about thinking back on moments that hit those emotional peaks.
Those movie clips suggested an interesting way to assess my life. Or your life? This could be a great way to recapture and savor memories. Imagine a cinematic clip of the day your children were born. Or the day you
proposed. That first kiss. Winning a race. Losing a race.
This method of memory forces you to recall tiny details to capture on film. You need a tight camera focus on faces showing smiles … or tears. Or the footprints made in the sand that day on the beach. The bucket seats in that first car you owned and loved.
You could make a game of this, a writing prompt, a good dinner conversation, or keep it very personal in a daily journal. (I’m doing my usual and tossing the thought into a column.)
Don’t panic. I’m not going to make you sit through a trailer of my life. I simply want to share the idea that all of us could put together cinematic clips from our lives. If your life is like mine, it’s full of scenes that punch those emotional buttons.
Try it. Lean back, feet up, with your brand of popcorn, and let the film roll.
• Lonny Cain, retired managing editor of The Times in Ottawa, also was a reporter for The Herald-News in Joliet in the 1970s. His PaperWork email is lonnyjcain@gmail.com. Or mail the NewsTribune, 426 Second St., La Salle IL 61301.
Prison mail rules debate just beginning; Cook County gets good recidivism news
Reader feedback and continuing coverage are keeping prison issues top of mind this month. Here are a few updates:
JCAR SAYS NO: Last Saturday’s column explored the Aug. 14 emergency rule allowing the Department of Corrections to intercept mail intended for inmates. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules formally objected on Tuesday. Capitol News Illinois said the temporary rule can remain in effect through January, but the vote, per CNI’s Peter Hancock, “sent a clear message to the department that it will need to make significant changes – and listen to feedback from incarcerated people’s families, attorneys and other interested stakeholders – if it wants to make the rule permanent.”
IDOC did submit proposed permanent rules before the meeting, which means the subject will resurface at
JCAR’s Oct. 14 session. But another issue to watch from this story is the fact that IDOC signed a “zero-cost contract” with a vendor that supplies prisons with tablets so inmates can read mail after it’s digitized. The devices are free to the state because the company charges prisoners to access entertainment and communication services.
CNI didn’t report the rates the vendor is charging, but it hasn’t been that long since Congress passed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, giving the Federal Communications Commission the power to cap the cost of phone calls (the nationwide average was
$5 for 30 minutes).
State Rep. Curtis Tarver II, D-Chicago, questioned the logic of introducing the tablets under the guise of drug smuggling prevention, but starting by selling access to streaming content. He’s unlikely to be alone in pressing for better answers.
RECIDIVISM RATES: On Sept. 11, I lamented DOC’s inability to calculate recidivism statistics going back to 2022, which the agency attributes to a “programming issue.” On Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reported some good news on this front. Not from the state level, unfortunately, but a study of a Cook County deferred prosecution/ social services program for juveniles launched in 2020 showed 18% of participants were charged again, a steep drop from 28% in the comparison group. The study also said 85% of juveniles referred to the program graduated.
Those figures show room for improvement, but they also represent significant success in positive changes for dozens of families. Ideally, DOC could also produce statistics allowing us all to evaluate the efficacy of its own efforts to rehabilitate people and prepare them for life outside their cells. The current conditions – we’re all just kind of guessing – don’t really serve anyone’s goals. That’s no way to manage public resources.
GET INVOLVED: Restore Justice is offering an online session covering programs available for incarcerated people, part of the Loved Ones Self-Advocacy Series. DOC’s Jennifer Barrack will speak. Visit tinyurl.com/RJLovedOnes for details.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Booster Days brings weekend fun to Creston
The 68th Annual Creston Booster Days festival was held Sept. 13-14 at Booster Park in Creston. The weekend festival included a pancake breakfast, a craft and vendor show, a beer garden, rides and games, a magic show, music, fireworks, an antique tractor pull, vintage baseball and more.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
TOP LEFT: A child boards a ride at the 68th Annual Creston Booster Days on Sept. 13 at Booster Park in Creston. TOP RIGHT: Skinners Amusements provided rides at the 68th Annual Creston Booster Days. ABOVE, LEFT: The 68th Annual Creston Booster Days featured a craft and vendor show.
Ashton UMC to host dinner, concert
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Join the Ashton United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 4, for a light dinner and a concert. The Alleluia Quartet will share their Christian music with all who attend.
The group has performed at the Ashton UMC at least once a year for the past several years and always provides an inspirational program.
A light dinner will be offered at 5 p.m. and the concert will start at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
A free-will offering will be received for the group.
The church is located at 906 Richardson Ave. in Ashton.
If you have any questions, call 815-453-2328, leave a message and your call will be returned.
Join the Ashton United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 4, for a light dinner and a concert. The Alleluia Quartet will be sharing their Christian music.
From their website the group is described as just four guys from Beth Eden United Methodist Church got together in 1985 to share their musical talents in worship. Since that day, God has continued to bless them and their ministry.
Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District
Taylor Swift Fan Club
Calling all Swifties to the Flagg-Rochelle Library’s brand-new Taylor Swift Fan Club. From friendship bracelet making to Taylor Swift karaoke to finding all the hidden easter eggs, there’s something for every Swiftie. This free program and intended for those in third grade through 12th grade and will meet from 5-6 p.m. Sept. 29, Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 10 and 24.
Coloring Club
Join the library’s coloring club every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. All materials are provided; snacks included.
4C’s Family Enrichment Program
Join us for storytime, music, singing, dancing and crafts. 4C Play and Learn meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is free for families with children ages birth to 5.
Pokémon Fan Club
Calling all Pokémon trainers. From games to crafts, there’s activities for all fans. This free program is intended for kids in second through 12th grade.
Sept. 25
Dungeons and Dragons: Our new D&D Club will meet from 4 to 6 pm. This group is for middle and high school students. Step into the spotlight as a member of a K-pop idol group … with a secret mission: hunting demons.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Ashton UMC
Ogle County Board: Facilities update presented
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Ogle County Board heard a long-range planning and facilities update from board member Don Griffin.
Griffin presented a video to the board on a proposed memorial circle plaza on the south end of the old courthouse, the former site of the previous Ogle County Jail.
The project would be broken into three phases due to needed funds and would involve fundraising. Three benches for the project have already been donated. The first phase would include a statue on a podium with a circular concrete sidewalk surrounding it, connecting to the existing sidewalk. Landscaping and shrubbery would be included as well.
The second phase would include a curved walkway into the memorial from the east, with a total of seven benches. The third phase would include landscaping and trees and shrubs, along with a canopy, the most expensive aspect of the project.
Griffin said the county is ready to go out for bids for the first phase of the project.
“There are great opportunities for things like outdoor meetings and music in this space,” Griffin said.
Griffin also told the board that he recently heard from an insurance adjuster that painting in the old courthouse basement will be covered by insurance.
The old courthouse will also soon undergo a roof replacement, which will see a bid opening Sept. 24.
TCOC more optimistic about federal funding
The board heard a presentation from Tri-County Opportunities Council Executive Director Jill Calkins on services her organization offers to nine area counties and potential federal funding impacts it could soon see.
TCOC offers five programs, including a Community Services Block Grant to provide education and employment resources, a weatherization assistance
program to increase energy efficiency and safety in homes, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist households with energy costs, Early Head Start and Head Start programs to provide early childhood education and health services, and a Foster Grandparent Program as a way for volunteers ages 55 and older to serve youths in the community.
TCOC works to fight poverty and address immediate needs and build long-term stability for local families and individuals.
Calkins said sustained funding is essential to protecting vulnerable households and building thriving communities.
In Ogle County in fiscal 2024, TCOC provided assistance to 1,284 families with LIHEAP, 127 families with housing, three families with furnaces, seven families with weatherization, 38 families with early childhood education, and provided its other services of transportation, food, personal hygiene products, scholarships and more.
Federal funding is in question nationwide for organizations like TCOC, which serves 5,500 square miles of Illinois.
“We’re a little bit more optimistic than we were a few months back, looking at the way appropriations are coming out,” Calkins said. “But until those
reviewed annually due to an “unusual circumstance,” board member Marcia Heuer said.
Permit will allow house to be used as short-term rental
The board unanimously approved a special-use permit to allow a class-one short-term rental house on agricultural-zoned land at 4432 N. Illinois Route 2 in Rockvale Township.
The existing home is located on 5.21 acres of land. Board Member Lyle Hopkins said the home will be used as an short-term rental.
things are finalized, we’ll be paying attention to how we can provide services to the residents of our communities.”
Circuit clerk’s pay raised
The board unanimously approved a 2% increase to the Ogle County circuit clerk’s salary to $94,164 for 2026. The circuit clerk’s salary was previously $92,318. The circuit clerk also receives a state stipend of $6,500.
The salary structure approved Tuesday did not provide salary numbers for the circuit clerk for 2027 and 2028.
The circuit clerk’s salary will be
“It’s not a public road back into this place,” Hopkins said. “The way they talked and the way they go through Airbnb to get people to rent it, it sounded like they had things under control to run a good business.”
Board member Benjamin Youman said short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of Ogle County require special-use permits through the county, but those located in cities like Rochelle are not required to get a special-use permit to rent out a home short-term.
Salt bid approved
The board unanimously approved a low bid of $33,750 from Steve Benesh & Sons for its 2025-2026 ice abrasives for the county highway department.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Ogle County Board members Don Griffin (left) and Zach Oltmanns listen during the meeting Sept. 16 at the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.
Tri-County Opportunities Council Executive Director Jill Calkins
Ogle County Board members Skip Kenney (from left), Jackie Ramsey and Lyle Hopkins listen during the Sept. 16 meeting at the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.
the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m
SPORTS
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: GENOA-KINGSTON 2, ROCHELLE 0
G-K rallies past Rochelle in 2nd set for sweep
There were seven ties in the second set
By JARED BIRCHFIELD
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The seventh time was a charm for Genoa-Kingston in Monday’s nonconference match against Rochelle. Six times, the Cogs tied the Hubs in the second and deciding set of the match, only to relinquish the lead.
Finally, after pulling even for the seventh time, G-K rallied for a 6-1 run to win the second set 25-20 and clinch the match. The Cogs won the first set by the same score.
Presley Meyer’s seventh kill of the night knotted the second set for the last time at 19. Teammate Jessie Fredrickson followed with another spike to put the Cogs in front for only the third time in the set. The sophomore notched a match-high nine kills.
After two more G-K points, a spike by Hub Jillian Bruns (four kills, five digs, two aces) momentarily sidelined the Cogs’ rally.
A Kieragan Gleissner block returned service to G-K, and the Cogs finished out the match scoring on a Rochelle hitting error and a Fredrickson ace.
“We knew our game plan going in. We kind of let up on that, but we’re finally able to finish toward the end. I felt that defensively we started playing really well,” G-K coach Taylor Spellman said. “I think that their game plan was to get our setters out of first contact. So once we were able to get that first ball and put it down where we wanted to, that was the turning point.”
G-K (9-7) did take one-point leads twice after tying the set, only to have Rochelle (10-8) retie the contest and retake the lead. Rochelle led by as many as four points before the first stalemate at 8-8. After that tie, the Hubs’ largest margin was two points. Blocking was also key in the set.
“Unfortunately, we got some great blocks that we didn’t get a first or second touch from that I think we should have,” Rochelle coach Molly Sly said. “They were able to do that. I think that’s the difference.
A change in match strategy played a role.
“We’ve been working on a new rotation, and I think it’s been helping us a lot with connections between the set -
ters and hitters,” Fredrickson said.
GK only needs to come from behind once in the opening set. After scoring the opening point, the Cogs gave up four straight to Rochelle on a Meredith Burns kill and three straight Emma Metzger aces.
Momentum then swung back to G-K. An Annabell Peters spike tied the set at 5-5 and sparked a 6-0 run that put the Cogs in front for good.
Addison Langton, GK’s libero, dove for 21 digs.
In addition to seven kills, Meyer assisted on 11 points and had two aces. Fredrickson also had seven digs. Teammate Arielle Rich notched nine assists and seven digs
Both Jaydin Dickey and Meredith Bruns tallied seven digs for the Hubs. Briel Metzger made three Rochelle kills.
Mark Busch
Rochelle’s Audyn Kemp tips the ball between Genoa-Kingston’s Katelyn O’Carroll (left) and Annabelle Peters during their match Monday, Sept. 15, at Genoa-Kingston High School.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Volleyball
Byron Tournament: At Byron on Sept. 13, Rochelle won two of its five matches, defeating Pearl City (14-25, 25-22, 15-8) and Belvidere (22-25, 25-8, 15-8) and losing to Ottawa, Byron and Milledgeville.
The Hubs finished 10th as a team.
Genoa-Kingston 2, Rochelle 0 (25-20, 25-20): At Genoa on Sept. 15, Jillian Bruns had four kills, two aces and five digs in a two-set road loss.
Sycamore 2, Rochelle 0 (25-20, 25-11): At Sycamore, Jillian Bruns had six kills, three aces and four digs, while Meredith Bruns added six assists and five digs for the Hubs.
Boys Cross Country
First to the Finish Invite: At Detweiler Park on Sept. 13, Rochelle has six runners finish in under 20 minutes.
Tyler Johnson, who finished in 15 minutes, 41 seconds, led the way for the Hubs, placing 35th out of nearly 600 runners. This was Johnson’s first sub-16minute finish and set his personal best by almost 40 seconds.
by
Rochelle’s Tyler Johnson finished 35th overall in a field of almost 600 runners at the First to the Finish Invite on Sept. 13.
Girls Tennis
Dixon 4, Rochelle 1: At Dixon on Sept. 15, Rochelle’s Jaicee Ramos prevented a shutout on the road with a 6-3, 1-6, 10-8 win in No. 2 Doubles.
Morris 5, Rochelle 0: At Rochelle, Morris kept the Hubs off the board in a shutout.
– Kevin Newberry
Photo provided
Rochelle Township High School
Mark Busch Rochelle players celebrate a point during their match Monday, Sept. 15, at Genoa-Kingston High School.
How defense believes it can recover from bad game
By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com
Over the past few days, Chicago Bears players and coaches have tried to answer a common question at Halas Hall: What the heck happened in Detroit on Sunday?
Almost nothing went right for the Bears defensively in their 52-21 loss to the Lions. The 52 points Chicago gave up were the most points it’s allowed in a game since 2014. The Bears had no answers for the Lions’ offensive playmakers as they relished the opportunity to show they were more than just the Bears head coach and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system.
For some players and coaches, moments like Sunday can be a harsh reality check.
“When you have a game like we did on Sunday, man, it feels like the sky is falling, and that’s just to be real,” safety Kevin Byard said Thursday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. “I just try to always remind the guys not to get too high or too low. We faced two really good teams to start this year. Sometimes these things happen.”
For others, Sunday was just part of life in the NFL.
“I think if you’re in this league long enough, you’ve been in one of those types of games,” Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said. “And so you make the corrections that you need to make, and you come back in and you go to work, and that’s what you do. I mean, you get right back up on the horse, let’s go ride again. And so that’s what our guys are doing.”
As coaches and players said this week, there are plenty of issues to attack.
The obvious choice for many is the Bears’ pass rush. Chicago failed to record a sack in a game for the first time since 2023 against the Lions, which allowed Detroit quarterback Jared Goff to sit comfortably in the pocket and dice the Bears’ secondary. The Bears’ three sacks through two games rank tied for 25th in the NFL, while their nine quarterback hits are tied for 23rd.
Chicago hasn’t gotten much production from any part of the line. Top pass rusher Montez Sweat hasn’t recorded a sack and has one quarterback hit, while free agent acquisition Dayo Odeyingbo
has one sack and two quarterback hits. The interior of the line hasn’t helped much either, with defensive tackle Gervon Dexter leading the way with a sack and two quarterback hits.
The Bears said there are different ways to boost the pass rush. They could create more time for the pass rush to get to the quarterback with better coverage. Chicago can also defend the run better earlier in drives to put the offense into obvious passing downs.
Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said the Bears have been close to getting to the quarterback. They just need to learn from the first two games to get that final step.
“Though we didn’t get any sacks last week or a lot of hits, I think there was a lot of things that can challenge us, to push us over the edge, to get to where we need to be,” Jarrett said.
The other obvious defensive fix might not be as easy to resolve quickly.
Chicago’s secondary had a tough showing against the Lions and in the
fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the season-opener. The Lions’ offensive weapons found space throughout the day Sunday and also broke through for explosive plays.
Some of the struggles are because of injuries. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon missed time during training camp because of injuries, while backup cornerback Terell Smith is out for the season. Jaylon isn’t expected to return any time soon, and Gordon hasn’t practiced this week and is considered week-to-week.
But the Bears believe a lot of their secondary issues against the Lions were due to miscommunication. Byard said sometimes players didn’t execute the game plan because they tried to do too much, given the deficit later in the game.
For Byard, a lot of the issues were fixable.
”I think it’s really just honing back to the little things, the technique, the details in each call, and just going out
there and playing ball and not trying to overdo things. And just go out there and just play with a clear mind and just know, trust what we’ve been doing since training camp,” Byard said.
What the defense will look like the next time the Bears take the field Sunday afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys remains to be seen. Players said they answered Ben Johnson’s challenge earlier this week with a couple of tough practices.
But the Cowboys will be a tough test. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has plenty of targets to throw to and a revamped running game.
After a week of trying to answer what happened in Detroit, the Bears will get a chance to show what they learned Sunday.
“At the end of the day, it don’t matter what I say, what anybody says,” Jarrett said. “We got to go out there on the field and do what we need to do to put a better product out there.”
AP photo
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is hit by Bears defensive end Montez Sweat on a run during the second half Sunday in Detroit.
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
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BEFORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE.)
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in Community State Ban k 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 wi ll 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 Wigant, 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 Ad-
FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in Community State Ban k 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 wi ll 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 Wigant, 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; situate d 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 Str eet, 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
kennedy@egbcl
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; situate d 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 Str eet, 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 Offi ce, 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 wi thin 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.
case number, and the Court in which
By Courtney E.
Courtney E. Kennedy
Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
E. Kennedy
Courtney E Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
114 E. E verett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Courtney E Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
114 E. E verett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Courtney E Kennedy (6322625) Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC
Attorneys for Plaintiff 114 E. E verett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
114 E. E verett Street, Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 (FAX) kennedy@egbclaw .com
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 2025
in the corder's Office gle County, Illi; situate d in Township of and Detour, the County of Ogle and State of Illinois.
21-13-107-002
Common ads or locat ion of rtgaged premis8083 South een Str eet, n, Illinois 61021
The improvent on the real te is a resince. The real estate not be inected prior to sale
The time and ace of the sale as follows : The le County SherOffi ce, 202 S Street, OreIllinois 61061, 10:00 a.m. on ctober 17, 2025. The terms of sale are ten ent (10%) wn at the time of sale, payable in rtified funds, and full balance thin seven (7) ys. The case title, se number, and Court in which foreclosure filed arc speciabove No other inforon is required e disclosed.
COMMUNITY STATE BANK OF ROCK FALLS, Plaintiff By EHRMANN GEHLBAC
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 real 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 captioned 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
Pursuant 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 paragraph 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 agreement. 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
LEG AL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUI COURT OF TH FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS COMMUNITY STATE BANK O ROCK FALLS , Plaintiff, v. ROBERT L. TUR ER, AVEN FINAN CIAL INC., d/b/a AVEN FINANCI as successor in terest to COAST COMMUNITY BANK, GOODLEAP, LLC, UNKNOWN OWN ERS, and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants Property Addre 8083 Sou Green Str Dixon, Illino 61021 No. 2025F NOTICE OF FORECLOSUR SALE (IT IS ADVIS THAT INTERES ED PARTIES C SULT THEIR OW ATTORNEYS FORE BIDDING FORECLOSURE
SALE.) PUBLIC NOT is hereby g that pursuant JUDGMENT FORECLOSURE entered by Court in Comm ty State Ban k Rock Falls Robert L Turn Aven Financial Inc d/b/a Aven Fina cial as succe in interest Coastal Comm ty Bank GoodLeap LLC, Unknown Owners and N Record Claiman Case 2025FC20, O County, Illinois August 29, 2025, the property h inafter describ wi ll be sold to highest bidder.
(A) The name, dress, and t phone number the person to co tact for informati regarding the estate are Court ney Wiga nt, C pliance Associ 1021 N. Galen Avenue, Dixon, nois 61021 tel phone (815) 2848500.
(B) The legal scription of the estate and common addr is as follows: 1. Lots Seven Eight (8), Nine and Ten (10) Block Sixteen in the Origina Town of Grand tour, according the revised Plat th To f Gran
(B) The legal description of the real estate and the common address is as follows:
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS COMMUNITY STATE BANK O F 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 Addre ss: 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 Ban k 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 wi ll 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
th To f Grand
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; situate d 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 Str eet, 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 Offi ce, 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 fun ds, and the full balance wi thin 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. E verett 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:
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, wh ose 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, Or egon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before March 13, 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 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.
wi thin 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. 5 th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY
PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Roger E Cunz
Deceased CASE NO 2025-PR-59
CL AIM NOTICE
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 repres entative of the esta te The attorney for the esta te is Michae l J. Smith, of Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP, 6833 Stalter Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108.
nois, 61061, or wi th 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:
BK Exteriors loca ted at 7926 S Pine St Grand Detour, IL 61021
Dated August 26, 2025.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
September 5, 12, 19, 2025
Publication Notice
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
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
/s/Roger E Cunz, Jr, Executor Michae l 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
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
NOTICE is giv en of the death of ROGER E CUNZ, wh o 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 repres entative of the esta te The attorney for the esta te is Michae l 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 mail ing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the I llinois Probate Act, 1975 as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Ogle C ounty Circuit Clerk, Probate Division at the Ogl e County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or wi th the Estate legal representative, or both.
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:
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
Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk
Sep. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Don't need it? Sel l it!
Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS
Advertise your job openings her e! Email: classified@ shawlo cal.com or call: 815-526-4645
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, I LLINOIS STERLING FEDERAL BANK, F.S.B., Plaintiff, vs. KEITH W. MULLEN, Defendants
Sep. 12, 19, 26, 2025
2025 FC 3
LE GAL NOTICE F OR FORECL OSURE SALE
PUBLIC AUCTION OF R EAL ES TATE
(IT IS ADVISE D THAT I NTERESTED PARTIES CONSU LT THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS BEF ORE BIDDING AT FORECLOSURE SALE S.)
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.
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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Dated:
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 CLAIMANTS; Defendant(s). CASE NO. 2025FC3 9 Pro perty Addres s: 503 W 2nd St Byron, IL 61010 NOTICE FOR PUBLI CATION
Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5 th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered by the Court in the above-entitled cause on May 27, 2025, the property hereinafter described will be sold to the highest qualified bidd er
(A) The name, address, and telephone numbe r of the per son to contact for information r egarding the real estate is Brad Kolb, Sterling Fede ral Bank, F.S.B., 815 .622.3361.
(B) The common address of the r eal estate is 281 West Cartwright Lane , Oregon, IL 61061 and its legal description is: Lot 47 of Mongan and Etnyre Sixth Subdivision being a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 33, Township 24 North, Range 10 East of the 4th P.M., Ogle County, Illinois; according to the Plat thereof recorded November 22 , 1958 in Book H of Plats, page 32 as Document No. 332029.
/s/Roger E Cunz, Jr, Executor Michae l J. Smith BARRICK, SWITZER, LONG, BALSLEY & VAN EVERA, LLP 6833 Stalter Drive Rockford, IL 61108 (815)962-6611 service.msmith@ bslbv.com
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
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2025
September 5, 12, 19, 2025
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
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 mail ing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the I llinois Probate Act, 1975 as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Ogle C ounty Circuit Clerk, Probate Division at the Ogl e County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, or wi th the Estate legal representative, or both. Copies of claims
(C) The real est ate consists of a t hree bedroom, one bathroom 1,386 square foot house with an attached two car garage
(D) The time and place of the sale are as follows: 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025 at Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061.
(E) The terms of the sale are 10 percent of the purchase price at the time of the auction sale as earnest money, and the balance at least 30 days after the date of Court approval of the sale# saleupon delivery of deed and possession. All payments shall be by CASH, BANK DRAFT, or CERTIFIED FUNDS. Any sale is subject to Court approval. Any specifi c restrictions on property or title will be a nnounced day of sale ANNOUNCEMENTS DAY OF SALE TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ANY PRINTED MATERIAL
(F) The case title, case number and the court in whi ch the foreclosure was filed are specified above
(G) The sal e shall be subject to all easements, covenants, restrictions and rese rvations of record, taxes for the year 2023 and all subsequent years.
(H) No othe r information is required to be disclosed. Sterling Federal Bank, F.S.B., Plaintiff, By WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C Its Attorneys
Maverik A. Good - ARDC 6342150
Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C.
Attorney for Sterling Federa l Bank, F.S.B 202 E. 5th Street / P.O. Box 400
