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Serving the Polo Area Since 1857

POLO

Tri-County Press January 8, 2015 Volume 157, Number 16 - $1.00

Close Game

Staying Safe

Family Tradition

Lady Marcos are edged out 36-30 in loss to Forreston. B1

Agencies offer tips for staying safe in the bitter cold. A7

Three Mt. Morris families continue a 68-year-old Christmas tradition. A4

Winter arrives with cold, snow By Vinde Wells Editor Icy roads put cars in the ditch as Old Man Winter finally made his appearance last weekend and early this week, bringing ice, snow, and bitter cold to Ogle County. After a warmer than normal December with just a trace of snow, area residents were in for a reality check when a winter storm Saturday brought fog, freezing rain, rain, snow, more freezing rain, all topped off by a couple of inches of snow. The temperature hovered above the freezing mark for a few hours. Sunday brought a little more snow, a little sunshine, and plummeting mercury. By Monday morning the temperature had nose-dived to a bone-chilling -5 degrees. A second storm Monday evening added another three inches of fluffy snow as the temperature stayed around the zero mark with significant wind chills. Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said deputies responded to a few accidents and several cars in the ditch throughout the county during and after Monday night’s storm. “We have nothing really

Sheriff advises limited travel With a forecast of extreme cold and strong winds Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle advised limited travel until weather conditions moderate. A posting Tuesday on the sheriff’s department website advised that north-south roads were expected to drift as the winds whipped up snow that fell over the weekend and Monday evening. VanVickle said road conditions will be updated frequently on the department’s Facebook page and at least twice daily on the website.

Snowy Afternoon Snow returned to Ogle County Saturday morning for the first snow of 2015. Above, Ill. 26 between Forreston and Polo was snow-covered Sunday afternoon. At left, A driveway off Oregon Street in Polo is cleared of snow Sunday afternoon. Photos by Chris Johnson

serious,” he said. “It was pretty much the same conditions all across the county.” The situation was much the same on Saturday and Sunday. “We had an hour and half of slushy snow on Saturday,” VanVickle said. “A number of vehicles were in the ditch. I-39 was the most affected.” Turn to A2

City issues 58 building permits for total of $1.2M Construction projects on the rise in 2014

significantly in 2014 both in number and total dollars spent. City Clerk Susie Corbitt distributed the yearly report to council members Monday night that showed By Vinde Wells 58 permits issued for a total Editor of $1.2 million. One project accounted Building projects in for most of the total Polo were on the rise — the $867,000 new

manufacturing building completed by PNC. By contrast, Corbitt said only 32 building permits were issued in 2013 for a total of $257,092. The second largest permit in 2014 was issued to Jose Garcia for a $90,000 project that included demolition of a house at 402 S. Franklin Ave. and new construction.

PNC’s new 100 by 100 foot building, at the firm’s East Oregon Street location was expected to bring at least two dozen new jobs to the community. The firm, which makes custom electromagnet solenoid coils and wiring harnesses for the automotive and hydraulic industry, has two locations

in Polo. The other building is on East Mason Street in the downtown. The city council approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement with PNC in July for 60 percent of the real estate taxes generated from the expansion to go back to the firm for its redevelopment for the remainder of the TIF

district’s duration, which is 17 years. The remaining 40 percent would remain with the city in the TIF Fund. Building permits are issued for many kinds of projects, from new buildings to remodeling to electrical upgrades, swimming pools, decks, and fences.

Byron Park District to get grants for projects

Path, fishing piers planned for Hamas Park By Vinde Wells Editor

Byron is one of 72 Illinois communities that will receive park and recreation grants. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced $26 million in investments for 75 projects in 72 communities across Illinois. The investments will help communities acquire land for parks and enhance recreational opportunities, a press release issued by Quinn stated. “The availability of firstrate parks and recreation facilities helps Illinois attract and keep businesses and families in Illinois,” Quinn said. “By providing these

opportunities, we enhance the quality of life in Illinois and help build a strong economy at the same time.” The Byron Park District, will receive $298,500, to redevelop and enhance Hamas Park and $46,700, to acquire land along the Rock River. “We’re very excited to receive the grants,” said Byron Park District Executive Director Michael Perkins Tuesday. “We have some good projects planned that will put the funds to good use.” Projects include making the path at Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park handicapped accessible and looping it, adding fishing piers, creating an entrance plaza with a play area, and erecting a marquee sign to advertise local programs and events. The land the park district is seeking to buy is on River Drive on the north side of the

In This Week’s Edition...

river, Perkins said. Just over $24 million in funds is provided through the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program that is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. An additional $2 million comes from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Together, these sources can provide up to onehalf of a project’s funds. The announcement of $26 million will support more than $52 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide. “These programs help protect critical open space in Illinois, especially in areas of the state where development is occurring at a fast pace,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “These resources also help communities maintain and modernize facilities they

Chamber Chatter, A9 Church Bells, A5 Classifieds, B6-B10 Entertainment, A6 Fines, B4

already own, protecting the value of public investments.” The OSLAD Program started in 1986. Prior to this year, OSLAD has made $390.5 million available for 1,678 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax. LWCF has been in existence since 1965. Prior to this year, $122 million has been available for 724 park projects in Illinois. Ogle County Byron Park District, $298,500, to redevelop and enhance Hamas Park. Byron Park District, $46,700, to acquire land along the Rock River.

The Byron Park District is slated to receive two state grants totaling almost $345,000 to enhance Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park on the north bank of the Rock River adjacent to Ill. 72 and to purchase additional land along the river. Photo by Vinde Wells

Park. Stephenson County Village of Rock City, DeKalb County to add new Genoa Township Park $62,300, District, $60,600 for playground equipment at enhancements at Chamberlain Rock City Park.

Marriage Licenses, A4 Polo Police, A2 Pine Creek News, A3 Public Voice, A8 Property Transfers, B4

Sheriff’s Arrests, B2 Social News, A4 Sports, B1 State’s Attorney, B2 Weather, B2

Whiteside County City of Rock Falls, $400,000, for initial development of the RB&W District Park on the Rock River.

Deaths, B3 Chester L. Garrison, Richard L. Holby, Clifford H. Jacobs, Debra L. Pierce

Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com


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