Serving the Polo Area Since 1857
POLO Two Advance
Several local libraries received grants to offer services. B3
New downtown event approved Business owner celebrating war hero’s birthday By Vinde Wells Editor
The Polo City Council gave its approval last week, providing certain conditions are met, to an event that could bring hundreds of Marines to town. The council gave the tentative nod Feb. 4 to bar owner Joe Wilson’s request to hold a special event on Saturday, June 27 at Chesty P’s, 104 E. Mason St. The council meeting had been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 but was postponed because of a 13-inch snowfall the day before. Wilson said he already has commitments from 250 Marines who plan to attend the event, which will celebrate the 117th birthday of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, who was highly decorated for his bravery in World War II and the Korean War. Wilson estimated the event could draw as many as 1,000
people. He asked the council to close Mason Street from Franklin Avenue east to Dad’s Bar & Grill from 2 p.m. to the end of the event, and to allow those attending to have alcoholic beverages outside of the bar. The event will include a 50-50 raffle, food, and entertainment. The council gave its approval on the condition that Wilson provides adequate liability insurance for the afternoon and evening, and pending the approval of Mayor Doug Knapp, as city liquor commissioner, for the open seals outside the bar. Puller (1898-1971) served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1918-1955, first in the Banana Wars in Central America and the Caribbean, and later in the South Pacific during World War II and in some of the fiercest fighting of the Korean War. Among his many combat decorations are a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five U.S. Navy Crosses, and a U.S. Army Distinguished Service Cross.
Treasures found
at February Finds By Vinde Wells Editor Mild weather, winter doldrums, and a variety of treasures all led to a near record crowd Feb. 6 at Mt. Morris’ annual antique and collectibles market. The fourth annual February Finds, held at the Mt. Morris Moose Family Center, drew an estimated 500 people, possibly matching the best crowd ever, according to event organizer Edie White. “It was great. We had a great turnout. We don’t have everything totaled up yet, but it may have been our largest crowd ever,” White said Tuesday. Sunshine and temperatures in the 40s offered a pleasant day for people to get out, especially after the blizzard that left more than a foot of snow behind the previous weekend. “I think everyone who came was looking for things to add to their collections,” White said. “And people came out to socialize. I think they wanted to get out because it’s winter.” A varied array of merchandise also drew the crowd, she said. “We had 22 vendors with a lot of different things to offer,” she said. Merchandise included antique furniture, antique tools, primitives, tins, lamps, vintage clothing and jewelry, tin toys, collectibles, quilts and linens, artwork, stamps, postcards, tin lunch
pails, local advertising memorabilia, Depression Glass, pottery, and enamelware. A bake sale put on by the Let Freedom Ring Committee was almost sold out by early afternoon. Robert and Evelyn Thomas took advantage of the almost spring-like day to drive up from Dixon. Robert said they weren’t looking for anything in particular Saturday, but usually come to the event. “We enjoy looking,” he said. “And it’s not far from home.” Vendors were also pleased with the crowd. Howie Herman, Mt. Morris, was enjoying a brisk business at the booth of collectibles he was sharing with Kris Brunner, Stockton. “It’s been a good show,” he said. “It was packed this morning and it’s been steady all day.” He said the shoppers seemed interested in primitives and in finding bargains. “I’ve seen people walk by with old windows, chests, and old jars,” Herman said. Marla Buskohl, Polo, was also pleased with the number of people who came to shop. “I’ve had good sales, especially this morning,” she said. Across the room, Donna Rittenhouse, Mt. Morris, and her daughter Tammy Provo, agreed.
February 12, 2015 Volume 157, Number 21 - $1.00
Valentine Sale
Library Grants
Two Polo-Forreston wrestlers advance to compete in this weekends sectional. B1
Tri-County Press
The annual St. James Valentine Bake Sale will be held on Friday in Forreston. A2
Outdoor Winter Recreation
Julie Cheatham, and Craig Cheatham, Polo, were at the front of the group Saturday morning during a snowshoeing hike through Castle Rock. Photo by Chris Johnson
Hiking through a winter landscape By Chris Johnson Reporter Hiking through one of the many trails at the state parks in Ogle County may seem like a difficult task in the winter months. However, thanks to snowshoes, the trails open up a unique landscape. “It was beautiful,” said Julie Cheatham, Polo, after finishing a hike through Castle Rock State Park on Saturday morning. Feb. 7.
Cheatham was one of 10 people taking part in a snowshoeing event through the Oregon Park District. Snowshoeing is an activity that anyone who can walk can accomplish, said organizer Candice Holbrook. “The thing about snowshoeing is you do not have the ability to get out of control,” said Holbrook, who is the park district’s recreation program manager. “In cross country skiing you have the possibility of flipping. You will never get out of control
while snowshoeing.” “You are not going to be like ahhhh, there is a tree, I am going to hit it,” said Julie, who was on her third snowshoeing hike. Hikers were shown how to strap on snowshoes and prepare trekking poles at Nash Recreation Center before heading to the park. Once at the park, Holbrook had everyone in the group practice walking in snowshoes before heading Turn to A3
Semi driver ticketed after crash Two truck drivers escaped serious injury Feb. 6 in a crash approximately three miles west of Polo. Ogle County Sheriff’s Police said a semi tractortrailer combination vehicle driven by Reuben Smith, 52, Chicago, failed to yield the right-of-way to a Dodge Ram 3500 pulling a loaded 30-foot gooseneck trailer, driven by David Knapp,
57, Saginaw, Minn., at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Freeport Road. According to the crash report, Smith was northbound on Freeport Road, attempting to turn left onto U.S. 52 when his vehicle struck Knapp’s, which was westbound on U.S. 52. The crash occurred at 12:09 p.m. The collision caused Knapp’s truck and trailer to
slide and roll over onto the passenger side, blocking both lanes of U.S. 52 at the intersection. The semi partially blocked Freeport Road. Smith was transported to CGH Medical Center, Sterling, by Milledgeville ambulance. He was checked over and released. Knapp was taken by Polo ambulance to KSB Hospital,
Dixon. His dog was taken to the Polo Animal Hospital, where it was checked over and kept until Knapp was later released from the hospital. Smith was issued citations for failure to yield at an intersection and for being over length on a non-truck route roadway. The Polo Fire Department assisted at the scene.
A pick-up truck and gooseneck trailer block U.S. 52 at the intersection with Freeport Road Feb. 6 after it was struck
Turn to A2 by a semi. Photo courtesy of the Polo Fire Department
In This Week’s Edition...
Birth, A4 Church News, A5 Classifieds, B8-B12 College News, A4 Entertainment, A6
Fines, B7 Marriage Licenses, A4 Oregon Police, B3 Public Voice, A8 Property Transfers, B3
Sheriff’s Arrests, B6 Social News, A4 Sports, A11, B1, B2 State’s Attorney, B3 Zoning Permits, B7
Deaths, B5 Arthur W. Dietze, Albert L. Horrell, Donald L. Miller, Phyllis Ruter, Alice M. Shetler, Bradley A. Thomas
Published every Thursday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media • www.oglecountynews.com