SVM_Spotlight_030720

p g i t S O l ht SAUKVALLEY.COM n MARCH 7, 2020 n PAGE D1 n AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE MAKING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES

SPOTLIGHT | VFW POST 540

At our service

t Everybody’s a winner, thanks to VFW Pos in 540. From patrons at the Post to people y the community to those who served, the rk – all benefit from the dedicated staff’s wo and from a certain royal lady luck E

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISK For Sauk Valley Media

y nights in DIXON – When it comes to Thursda be. to e plac Dixon, VFW Post 540 is the h week Friends and neighbors gather eac d, the foo s ciou deli the for 540 t inside Pos ations that vers con friendly faces and the lively fill the room.

Hearts fundAlso, there’s the weekly Queen of chance to the for raiser, which draws people in win big. sive raffle.

The Queen of Hearts is a progres er which und s, The game begins with 54 card rs found in joke two the s nestle all four suits plu s. card ing play of k a standard dec VFW continued on D24

Neighbors Helping Neighbors for 151 Years AMBOY Leffelman & Associates Amboy 815-857-2125 lisa@leffelmanassoc.com

BYRON Byron Insurance Agency 132 W. @nd St., Suite 10, Byron.

(815) 234-3211. office @byronins.com

DIXON Sauk Valley Insurance, Inc. 109 6th Street, Dixon 815-288-2541 www.saukvalleyinsurance.com

ERIE Mel Saad Agency 928 8th Avenue, Erie 309-659-2470 saad@mchsi.com

B V-A

FRANKLIN GROVE Stenzel Insurance Agency

102 N. Elm, Franklin Grove 815-456-2319 office@stenzelinsurance.com

LAMOILLE Leffelman & Associates LaMoille 815-638-2171 lexi@leffelmanassoc.com

LEE CENTER Baylor Insurance Agency Lee Center 815-857-2716 rbaylor1@gmail.com

MORRISON Cornerstone Insurance Agency

102 W. Main, Morrison 815-772-7782 lsandrock@2cornerstone.com

BRADFORD VICTOR-ADAMS

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Member Owned and Operated

SM-ST1751660 SM-ST1626365 SM-ST1626365

MT. MORRIS Gilmour Insurance Agency, Inc. 103 S. Wesley Ave Mt. Morris 815-734-6600 gilmourins@comcast.net

PAW PAW First State Insurance 385 Chicago Rd, Paw Paw 815-627-8552 gsaf74@yahoo.com

ROCHELLE Miller Insurance Group 427 N. Main Street, Rochelle 815-561-9911 fax: 815-561-9912 insure10@frontier.com

Query Insurance Agency

330 May Mart Drive, Rochelle 815-562-4152 tbecker@crumhalsted.com

ROCK FALLS Adami Insurance Agency 712 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-625-6220 Tracey.adamiagency@gmail.com

Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc. 801 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-626-1300 hughmillerinsurance.com

SUBLETTE Leffelman & Associates Sublette 815-849-5219 chris@leffelmanassoc.com

Providing Insurance Coverage for Local Homes & Farms Since 1869

120 W. South Street | Franklin Grove 815-456-2334 | www.bradfordmutual.com

D2 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, March 7, 2020

SPOTLIGHT | FARLEY’S APPLIANCE

‘We’re here for you’

Post 540 has donated more than $200,000 in raff le proceeds to the community VFW

renovate the building space to make it more inviting to the public, either for a short visit or a room rental. From the t new, bright ceiling tiles to the bathPeople buy tickets, and on the back room updates, the building’s event of each one, they put their name, space has a fresh new look. The new phone number, and the number 75-inch television in the banquet hall under which they think the queen is is great for watching sports or to play a lurking. Each week, the tickets are put slide show. in a barrel, and if the winning ticket There’s still more to be done, but also has the correct card, the holder thanks to the raffle, the post can conwins the pot. tinue with updates and fixes, Spangler If no one gets the correct card, said. another drawing is held the next week, The raffle also provides a way for and the pot continues VFW members to to grow. And grow. give back to the comTo play And sometimes grow. munity – more than Queen of Hearts tickets “We’ve had two jack$200,000 has been cost $5 for six; they are pots of over $300,000 given to charities available at VFW Post 540, that have gone to local during the last few 1560 Franklin Grove Road winners,” said Cmdr. years, Spangler said. in Dixon, from 2 p.m. MonMelissa Spangle, the That includes supday through Friday and posts first female porting organizations from 11 a.m. Saturday and commander. such as the PADS Sunday until closing time, Spangler took on homeless shelter and which depends on events the role in July after the local Shop with and attendance. Drawings serving 2 years as a Sheriff program, to normally are held Thursquartermaster, in name just a few. days at 7:30 p.m., with the charge of the post’s “It’s not just helping last ticket sold at 7:25 p.m. finances. Originally veterans, it’s helpThe winner, who need from California, Spaning our community, not be present, will get 70 gler joined the Army because our veterans percent of the pot. Of the Medical Services live in our communiremaining 30 percent, half Corps in 2003. She ty,” she said. goes to charity and the club was deployed to Iraq Although the raffle keeps the rest. twice and also was has helped the public Call the post at 815-288stationed in Germany regain interest in the 5165 for more information. and San Antonio.

VFW Post, none of Her husband, Paul, it would be possible also a veteran, brought without the incredible her back to his hometown of Dixon work of its members and its auxiliary and the two became involved in the members, who help with the kitchen Post. For the Spanglers, the VFW is and are known for making tempting more than a place to serve others and desserts. the community, it’s also a way for them So whether the attraction is the lure to regain the camaraderie they enjoyed of Taco Monday or the jovial sense of during their time in the service. community and excitement generated “This gives us a sense of belonging,” by the Queen of Hearts raffle, everySpangler said. “I was looking for a one is invited to stop in and join the sense of camaraderie, and I found it fun. with my brothers in arms. There are “These are all great guys, and it’s a some great individuals, and this is a great organization,” Spangler said. “It’s great group.” an organization I’m proud to be a part It’s a group that has worked hard to of.”

CONTINUED FROM D1

When the jackpot in the VFW’s Queen of Hearts raffle starts climbing, it’s not unusual to see a packed house, like this one in 2016. “We’ve had two jackpots of over $300,000 that have gone to local winners,” said Cmdr. Melissa Spangle.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The folks at Farley’s have logged a lot of extra miles in the past 60 years, taking every step they can to make sure they give their customers fast, friendly, knowledgeable – and local – service

BY AVALYNDA CASEY For Sauk Valley Media

DIXON – Walk into Farley’s Appliance, Heating and Cooling any time of day and you will find it bustling with activity.

A wide array of ranges, refrigerators, washers and dryers line the aisles, and helpful advice can be found behind the counter from one of the several customer service staff members with years of experience ready to be at your service.

Great customer service is the trademark of this family-owned business, started by owner Chuck Murphy’s grandfather, Joe, and uncle Jerry Farley in 1960.

Murphy became a partner in the mid’90s, and when Jerry retired in 2000, he took the reins.

“I feel I am lucky to be in this type of business,” Murphy said, adding that “we are unique, in that we will go the extra mile.”

He and his team will work with you or your contractor to provide the best possible prices and service, and new, used, or special orders can be delivered to your home or business.

FARLEY’S continued on D34

Robert Maltry, Agent 709 N Brinton Ave Dixon, IL 61021 Bus: (815) 288-4206

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And, like you, we’re happy to call it home. And we’re proud to be here celebrating 25 years of service.

Thank you for your business and your trust.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 002130 – Rev. 11/16 ©2016 – 11922017

Saturday, March 7, 2020

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SV Weekend • D3

SPOTLIGHT | FHN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Answering a call to action

Fighting cancer is a team effort at the Leonard C. Ferguson Center; the state-of-the-art treatment facility’s top-notch lineup includes doctors, therapists, nurses – and the team’s most valuable player: the patient Submitted by FHN

FARLEY’S

CONTINUED FROM D2 t

Farley’s carries an extensive selection of the biggest brands, from GE, GE Profile, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Maytag, Amana, Samsung, Frigidaire – more than a dozen in all, ensuring that you will find just the right brand for your budget and style for your project.

They also offers professional-style appliances from GE Monogram with financing options, so you won’t have to wait to upgrade your home.

Murphy knows Chuck why his business Murphy is flourishing: “There is no secret to success – it’s just hard work. People want fast, effective service, and a live phone.”

Farley’s also offers far more than appliances: In 2006, Murphy added Heating and Cooling sales and service, and now has a wide range of systems to fit all budgets, as well as competitive rates for furnace-cleaning in the fall, and air-conditioning servicing in the spring.

Staff also is knowledgeable on their lesser-known products, such as home water systems and central vacuums, that add convenience and upgrades to your home.

“We keep evolving to adapt to changing styles and trends in the industry.”

Above all, Farley’s promises to service everything they sell, with factory-trained technicians.

“We appreciate all of our customers very much,” Murphy said. “We’re here for you!”

More info Farley’s Home Appliances/Heating & Cooling, 1245 N. Galena Ave. in Dixon, is pen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Call 815-284-2052, go to farleysappliance. com or find it on Facebook for more information.

Katy Lartz| Cancer Caregiver | Cancer Patient

“As a nurse and a patient, I can say that FHN’s staff is second-to-none.”

It came outt off nowhere. wh With no family f il history hi t off cancer, no risk i k factors, f t and nothing but time on her side, Katy Lartz was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 at age 30.

“I was a busy mother, studying for my BSN,” Katy shares. “An ultrasound showed suspicious lesions, which turned out to be cancer.” She was successfully treated and continued her studies, focusing on oncology.

“When a job became available at the cancer center, I felt compelled to apply. I was thrilled to be hired and get to work with cancer patients.”

Katy felt fulfilled by her work. But sadly, an MRI showed that cancer had spread to her brain and she needed to go to UW Madison for brain surgery. This nurse-turned-patient wasn’t done fighting. Neither were her friends and mentors at the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital, who pledged to attack the cancer aggressively. “That is exactly what we did,” says Katy. “Now, scans show no signs of cancer.

With the help of these incredible people, I feel good.”

If you face a cancer diagnosis, FHN is here to provide state-of-the-art treatment for you too. Call us at 1-815-599-7000. www.fhn.org

SM-ST1751980

Farley’s secret to success? Hard work

surgery in the same place as their lumpectomy or mastectomy, right here at FHN. Our Center is more than high-tech, though: From the moment a patient walks in our door, we’re part of his or her team.

Our outstanding staff genuinely cares about our patients, and we’re honored to take time to get to know them and their needs.

Perhaps most importantly, we understand that being diagnosed with cancer is a big, frightening deal. That’s why we offer a three-day guarantee: You’ll have a follow-up appointment within three business days of your referral. In addition, you may contact us, even if you aren’t a regular FHN patient.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you want a top-notch team of experts working on your treatment as soon as possible.

At the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, you’ve got just that. Call us at 815-5997000 to get your team together.

I N HER O W N W OR DS

An important worldwide event reached its 20th anniversary this year.

World Cancer Day, observed every February 4, is an international call to action established in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.

The day isn’t an attempt to raise awareness of any certain type of cancer, but instead to honor and aid in the fight that thousands of people and their healthcare teams are fighting, every day.

We at the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport are proud to be part of that fight. In just the past few years, our talented team of professionals has cared for patients fighting 20 different types of cancer, right here on our Freeport campus.

Our medical oncologist-hematologist Arshad Shaikh, MD, offers our patients treatments that are on the front line of immunology, which gives a patient’s own immune system the power to fight certain cancer cells.

Our radiation oncology team, led by Bobby Koneru, MD, and Gary Shultz, DO from the Paramount Oncology Group in Dubuque, provides our patients state-ofthe-art treatments usually only available in university hospitals. Volumetric Modulated ARC Therapy (VMAT) – also called Smart Arc or RapidArc radiation therapy – allows our experts to more precisely target cancer cells for treatment, leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.

Though patients don’t usually see him at the Center, our team includes surgical oncologist Spyridon Theodorakis MD, FACS. He served fellowships in surgical oncology at Tulane University in New Orleans and at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, NY, and has made it possible for breast cancer patients to consult and have reconstruction

State-of-the-Art Cancer Care at a University Level – Close to Home

D4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, March 7, 2020

‘We can do it all’ SPOTLIGHT | BOSS CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME

Building new? Fixing up the old? Whatever the case may be, when it comes to home remodeling, Boss Carpet has got you covered, from floor to ceiling

“Holly does such a great job at being able to understand the customer’s needs. Being a well-rounded designer, she is able to produce exactly what the customer is looking for.”

Joe Doane | Boss Carpet One general manager

Holly Westgerdes (left), certified kitchen and bath designer with Boss Carpet One Floor & Home, is ready to help customers with all their home remodeling needs, from start to finish.

Submitted photo

lighter blond tones. This option looks great, is waterproof and can withstand DIXON – When it comes to home the traffic from children, pets and spills. remodeling projects, the staff at Boss Boss Carpet One Floor & Home is a Carpet One Floor & Home has the family business that is part of one of selection and the expertise to make any the largest cooperatives in the country, home project a reality. which means it can purchase at fan“We can do it all, from start to finish,” tastic rates, general manger Joe Doane said Holly Westgerdes, a certified kitchsaid. en and bath designer at Boss Carpet “We beat big box store prices. We have One Floor & Home. “We are there, from larger buying power, and that means taking initial measurements on site to better prices for our customers.” the end of the project, taking the final That also means more inventory ‘after’ pictures.” in-stock or ready for next-day delivery With Westgerdes and the team of for customers who prefer to do it themdesigners on staff at Boss Carpet One selves.

Floor & Home, projects go from a dream Whether a client prefers to install on on paper to a their own or seek prodream come true. fessional help, designers Each project like Westgerdes can prois unique, from vide valuable assistance, remodeling a from handling design small powder questions to knowing room to updatelectrical and plumbing ing the look of a requirements. master bathroom “Holly does such a to renovating great job at being able to an entire kitchunderstand the customen from floor to er’s needs,” Doane said. ceiling. She has “Being a well-rounded clients who are designer, she is able to building new produce exactly what homes and those the customer is looking who are making for.” changes to keep A designer also can See the Boss their homes acceshelp keep a project Boss Carpet One Floor & Home, sible as they age. within the budget.

329 state Route 2 in Dixon and “It’s easy to That’s often where she 461 E. South St. in Freeport, is make a home can be creative, taking open Monday through Saturday. more accessible,” the customer’s idea and Go to bosscarpetone.com for Westgerdes said. vision and making it more information.

“We can add easyaffordable, Westgerdes reach cabinets in said. a kitchen or install “Every customer has curbless showers a budget, and we can and grab bars in the bath. We can meet always work with their budget. We do those needs.” offer a free consultation where I can Customers who have their own vision come in and look at the space and help for their project can utilize a designer to guide them.” help them marry their style with prodCustomers also can turn to Boss Caructs that will work well in the home, pet One Floor & Home for projects such while maintaining certain price points. as custom shades or motorized blinds.

“Everyone has a different style, and They also carry closet systems, helping it’s so fun to turn each customer’s ideas home owners to maximize space and into a space they enjoy for years,” said storage.

Westgerdes, an award-winning designer Using the latest software, Westgerdes who has been featured in several publican provide a digital look of a project to cations. help clients see what the finished space The trend of white kitchens remains will look like before they even make a really popular, she said, while some cus- purchase. tomers opt for a pop of color in the back “That’s key for a customer, and it helps splash. When it comes to flooring, she make the customer feel more comfortrecommends the vinyl plank options in able about the decision they’re making.”

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

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Saturday, March 7, 2020

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SV Weekend • D5

SPOTLIGHT | K’S KORNER LEFT: Andy and Marion Younger own and operate K’s Korners, a bar and wedding venue at 13030 Galt Road in Sterling. The family-owned and operated business was established

by Andy’s parents, Marv and the late Darlene Younger in 1972. The vintage dairy barn offers two floors of space for weddings, birthday parties and other get-togethers, as well as a trading post and all the amenities of a cozy neighborhood bar.

BELOW: Back in 2014, instead of being on the inside looking out, the Youngers were on the outside looking up as their special delivery began its slow journey up the road and around the corner.

There’s a lot going on just around the corner Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Looking for a place to say ‘I do’? An indoor party venue big enough to hold a bounce house?

How about a trading post? Or maybe you just want to bend an elbow with buddies at a bar?

There’s a friendly spot just outside of town that has a little bit of this, that and the udder

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

“It’s a welcoming, friendly atmosphere,” Andy said, adding that often people stop in STERLING – Whether you are searching for directions or a break from driving as they for a spot to host a birthday party with an travel down nearby Interstate 88. indoor bounce house, some fun antiques That fall, they opened the Udder Room, or just a place to sit and share a story from and in 2017 they were excited to complete your day, K’s Korners has the answer. renovations on the loft area, which can be Owners Marion and Andy Younger have rented for private parties, weddings and taken their place on U.S. Route 30 and state other events.

Route 2, just south of Galt and north of “It’s pretty exciting to see the ladies’ faces Como, and built a destination. when they see the loft area for the first time.

Andy’s parents, Marv More than one has had and the late Darlene tears in her eyes,” Andy Younger, first built a said. “That makes the More info bar on the site back in heart happy. We want K’s Korners, 13030 Galt Road, at the 1972, but he has since people to love it as corner of U.S. Route 30 and state torn that building much as we do.”

Route 2 in southwest Sterling, is down and replaced it While brides love the open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. with a vintage dairy historic barn as a wedTo learn more about rentals, stop in barn he salvaged and ding venue, children or call the tavern at 815-626-2988, moved to the site from and their parents love or find the bar on Facebook for more about a mile away. the large, open space. information.

The large barn – it’s Last year, at least 20 100 feet long and 34 parties were booked that featured a bouncefeet wide, and was house in the indoor loft built in 1951 – was space, Marion said. stripped down to the With 20-foot-tall studs as professionceilings, there is plenty al movers carefully of room for hosting a maneuvered it down celebration. Their own Route 30, which had to granddaughter boasts be shut down for part that it’s the best place of the day to accomfor a perfect birthday party, Marion said. modate the move.

There’s also the K’s Korners Trading Post, “The farmer who owned it said he could where visitors can find antiques and other store 10,000 bales of hay in the loft,” Andy unique items to buy, trade or sell. said.

The Youngers aren’t quite finished with the Once the move was complete, the real property; Andy Younger says he has plenty work began. Andy and Marion oversaw the of work before his vision for the bar is comrenovations, which added plumbing, elecplete. tricals and insulation, built out the spaces In the meantime the couple is enjoying and connected the building to city sewers. the fruits of their labors and the joy of meetIn spring 2015, they opened the tavern on ing new people and greeting familiar faces the first floor with pool tables, darts and a every day. few gambling machines.

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This large barn – it’s 100 feet long and 34 feet wide – didn’t always call K’s Corners home. It used to be about a mile down the road before movers maneuvered it down U.S. Route 30 in 2014 in an impressive feat of engineering that drew a curious crowd of onlookers who’d never seen a barn on wheels before.

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D6 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, March 7, 2020

SPOTLIGHT | BOB MALTRY

Family man

For Bob Maltry, insurance is personal: it’s about taking the time to listen to clients and learn what they need, it’s about finding a way to help them recover from a loss, and it’s about pulling up a chair to the farmers’ table and enjoying a slice of small-town life

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

DIXON – There’s no doubt technology has simplified many aspects of our everyday lives. Talk into a remote control and the TV will find the show you want to watch. Farmers can measure exactly how many bushels of corn they’ve harvested from the controls inside their combine.

And yes, you even can buy insurance with your phone.

As great as technology can be, though, it doesn’t replace the friendly face that welcomes you into his office, knows you by name, and rushes out to help after a devastating loss, Bob Maltry said.

“There’s a lot to be said for a person-to-person meeting.”

This year marked his 25th year with American Family Insurance, more than 20 of those years spent in the Dixon office.

From the start, the insurance business was the right career choice for him, allowing him to utilize his strong management and people skills.

Maltry grew up in Freeport and moved to Dixon to open his first insurance office. Not long after, he was tapped to help establish new offices in Ohio and so he moved his family to the Buckeye state.

He enjoyed the work in Ohio, but longed to return to Dixon, and so just over 2 years later, he moved back to Dixon and resumed his office in town.

From the time his sons, Austin, Drake and Peyton, were old enough to help, they’ve been a fixture around the office. They started shredding, then filing papers, and aged into roles with greater responsibility, answering phones, taking messages and assisting with clients.

Along the way, each honed his communication and

SM-ST1752301

For all your Agriculture needs.

Contact Beau Bunders @ 815-946-2777

To get in touch

Bob Maltry’s American Family Insurance office is at 709 N. Brinton Ave. in Dixon.

Give him a call at 815-288-4206.

organizational skills and today, Maltry is proud to see how each has found success in his own career, even though he will miss seeing them around the office.

He’s lived in bigger cities and suburbs, but Maltry says he prefers life in a small town, where he can counsel his clients on their insurance needs – whether it’s providing coverage for their ranch-style home, their farmhouse on a few acres or their working farm.

Throughout the week he can be found at a local restaurant dining at what he dubs the “farmers’ table,” where he catches up with local farmers. He has a great appreciation and admiration for those who work the land, he said.

Now with 25 years in the business, it’s not uncommon these days to meet with the second generations of his clients.

“I just had a young guy, 33, who I’ve known since he was 8,” Maltry said. “It makes me feel proud, happy to see the younger generations.”

While marking the 25-year milestone with American Family, Maltry says he has no plans to slow down – he’ll continues to serve his clients, catch up with his neighbors and friends and step into training and mentorship roles as needed, he said.

“The thing I look forward to is taking care of my clients the very best way I can.”

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Saturday, March 7, 2020

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SV Weekend • D7

SPOTLIGHT | BRADFORD VICTOR-ADAMS INSURANCE

Help during a time of loss Insurance agency manager knows how important it is to protect people’s dreams — she’s living a childhood dream come true

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

FRANKLIN GROVE – As a child Kelly Reagan-Robery longed for life in the country and tried her best to persuade her parents to let her keep a pet horse in the backyard of their suburban Chicago home.

These days she is living her childhood dream with horses in her 10-acre backyard near Franklin Grove and a career helping homeowners and farmers to ensure their dreams are well-protected, too.

Reagan-Robery is the manager of Bradford Victor-Adams, a mutual insurance company in Franklin Grove.

Unlike larger insurance companies that answer to stockholders, a mutual insurance company is owned by its policyholders and any profit is banked to pay for future losses suffered by them when the mutual has a higher-than-usual number of claims.

It’s a system designed to avoid large rate increases, as well, Reagan-Robery said.

“We want to make insurance affordable for people.”

She started her career in Chicago, working as an underwriter insuring multimillion-dollar companies at a large stock insurance carrier.

When she and her husband, Steve, had the opportunity to move west 19 years ago, it was the right fit and 17 years ago she joined Bradford Victor-Adams, she said.

The company was founded 151 years ago by seven local farmers who were unable to secure insurance with the large stock carriers in the cities and decided to create their own mutual insurance company – one that understands the unique needs of farmers and homeowners in small towns.

“For me, I love being able to support our rural communities and the company’s history,” Reagan-Robery said.

Today, the company also provides homeowners insurance and services 45 counties in northern and central Illinois.

Reagan-Robery has a great team, including her longtime office staff, her board of directors and more than 40 independent Find it on Facebook, go to insurance agencies bradfordmutual.net or call that sell Bradford 815-456-2334 to learn more Victor-Adams poliabout Bradford Victor-Adcies, she said. ams Mutual Insurance Co. Whether she is and the services it provides. managing policies for large farms and farm equipment or suburban homeowners, at the end of the day, her goal is to help people and be there in their time of need, Reagan-Robery said.

“I love my work, because we can help our policyholders get back to where they were before they suffered a property loss.”

Work in the insurance field isn’t without its challenges. Farms are becoming larger, and with more acres, there is a need for efficient farm equipment, which can be a large expense. Having a company and staff who understands farming needs and risks is essential, she said, adding “I have a huge respect for farmers.”

When it comes to insuring homeowners, the ever-increasing technology in the home has presented its own challenges when it comes to ensuring a homeowner has the proper coverage.

It’s also essential that homeowners keep their insurance agents updated on large home improvements – such as finishing a basement or building an addition – to ensure proper coverage in case of damage.

A beautiful new piece of jewelry or a new sunroom may require additional insurance, and an agent can make sure the policyholder has the correct coverage necessary in the event of a loss.

For Reagan-Robery, her work doesn’t stop when the office lights are turned off.

She takes an active part in the community, serving on the board of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association, volunteering at local events and festivals and helping out at her church.

Back at home on her 10 acres, she and Steve enjoy caring for their three horses and two mini donkeys, she said.

“It’s my childhood dream come true.”

Photos

by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com Bradford Victor-Adams manager Kelly Reagan-Robery (back row, right) said she has a great team, including her long-time office staff: Pam Drew (back left) and Pam Hochstein and (front row) Cameron Longan, holding Nora, and Lisa Hall. “I love my work, because we can help our policyholders get back to where they were before they suffered a property loss,” Reagan-Robery said.

The Bradford Mutual insurance ledger from 1869, the year the company was founded by seven local farmers who were unable to secure insurance with the large stock carriers in the cities. They decided to create their own mutual insurance company – one that understands the unique needs of farmers and homeowners in small towns.

""I tell all of my family and ffriends that moving to L Liberty Court was the best d decision I've ever made. It's ffantastic here, all of the staff t take great care of me" ~ Melvin Leffelman Call Kelly at 815.285.2000

Liberty Court Assisted Living & Memory Care 124 Liberty Court Dixon, IL 61021

SM-ST1752357

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