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OREGON 815-732-3282 ROCHELLE 815-562-5571

POLO Tri-County Press

VOLUME 162 NO. 4 • SERVING THE POLO AREA SINCE 1857

COUNTY NEWS

FRIDAY, April 3, 2020 • $1.00

SPRING CALF

Confirmed Case A man in his 50’s is Ogle County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case. / 3

LOCAL NEWS

Tornado Touches Down A EF-1 tornado touches down east of Oregon on March 28. / 4-5

Drive-In Opens Oregon’s iconic

Jay’s Drive-In opens amid the COVID-19 pandemic. / 11

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

A calf nuzzles mom as she checks out the photographer at the Ray Schmidt farm east of Polo along Pines Road. The spring calving season has started despite cold weather and the coronavirus pandemic.

INDEX

One Section - 24 Pages

Betty’s Column........15 Byron Library............. 8 Church News............12 Classifieds.........20-24

COVID Closures........ 3 Oregon Library.......... 7 Oregon Police...........19 Otto’s Column........... 6

Pine Creek News...... 2 Property Transfers...19 Serenity masks......... 9 Sheriff’s Arrests.......19

DEATHS Published every Friday

by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Glen D. Hollis, Warren George Reckmeyer, Page 18

Tri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| POLO BEAT

2

POLO

BUILDING UPDATE

Polo pool project has started

Tri-County Press

The Polo Lions Club along with the City of Polo and the Polo Park District have taken the concession stand building down at the Polo Pool.

The three entities will be working together to construct a new concession stand building for the pool.

oglecountynews.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 732-6166 ext. 2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County.

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Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal, and

Oregon Republican Reporter.

The TRI-COUNTY PRESS (USPS No. 638-530) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media.

Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to TRI-COUNTY PRESS, 113 N. Franklin, Polo, IL 61064.

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Copyright 2020

The trucks and equipment for the tear down were provided by Bocker Excavating, Bills Excavating and Jim Ports.

Polo Lions members volunteered for the project as well.

CHAMBER CHATTER Monthly Events The Polo Rehabilitation & Health Care Community Easter Egg Hunt is cancelled that was to take place on Saturday, April 4.

Please check with the library to see if this event is cancelled. Join us for Coffee with a Cop the second Wednesday of the month, the next coffee will be Wednesday, April 8, from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Come have simple conversation with Chief Rockwood over coffee and refreshments.

As a ministry of the Polo Council of Churches we hope you will join is for an opportunity to get to know our neighbors better by attending the “Our Table Community Meal” on the last Monday of the month: April 27, at Faith UMC, 702 E. Dixon, Polo.

Come join us as we offer everyone a free home-cooked meal from 5:30 - 7p.m.

Pine Creek News By Karen Merlak

A night of severe storms hopefully brings us to a morning of sunshine. We extend our prayers to those who suffered damage from the winds. In every storm, we are comforted by the presence of a God who leads us.

This morning for church, Pastor Charlotte Hoppe led an online service through Facebook live. While we can’t be together now, it is nice to know we are still connected through social media and other technology.

This is the part of the news where I would share travels and visits of those living in Pine Creek. With travel and visiting limited, our area has been rather quiet. We have been trading emails, texts, phone calls, and “likes” on our social media.

There is no distance that can keep our church family completely apart. We have connected with each other because of our love of God. Belonging to a church is much more about sharing God’s love with people.

Weekly Events Polo Rehabilitation & Health Care has temporarily cancelled the Thursday Morning Community Coffee.

The Polo Senior Center is temporarily closed.

Business after Hours If you are interested and would like to host a Business after Hours or Breakfast before Business call the Chamber at 815-946-3131.

tact us so that we can announce your special business celebration during our Annual Dinner.

Board Meeting The Polo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting for April 1, at 5 pm at the KSB Clinic Community Room has been cancelled.

Certificates of Recognition The Polo Chamber of Commerce would like to issue Certificates of Recognition to any Polo Chamber of Commerce business members who are celebrating five years of being in business, or those with five-year increments of being in business in Polo. Con-

Get the Word Out Contact The Polo Chamber of Commerce at 815-946-3131, polochamber@gmail.com, or mail to P.O. Box 116, Polo, IL 61064 if you would like to post your event on the Chamber Sign, Chamber website (www.polochamber.org), Chamber Facebook Page and/or the Chamber Chatter.

My daughter, Stephanie and her boyfriend,Joao, are making their plans for their move south to Texas. Joao is finishing his final semester of graduate school. Sadly, the graduation ceremony has been canceled. Still, we are all very proud of Joao and his accomplishments.

Stephanie continues to work from home for her job. The hunt for a new job in their new location has started. I may be slightly biased, but I think Stephanie will do just fine. She is brilliant and creative and will be a great addition to any company.

My son, Matt, and his wife, Ema, are sheltering on the base in Hawaii. He is planning a trip home in August. Hopefully, they will be able to travel again by then. They have approximately eighteen months left in Hawaii before he transfers to another base.

My hope is that the next location is a little closer so we can see them both a little more often. When he comes home this summer, it will be nearly two years since we’ve been together. The two of them continue to take in animals that need a little extra care.

My son, Clint, is overseas. We had hoped he would be returning this week.

Unfortunately, the world events of the past week have extended his stay for another sixty days. I sent a message expressing my sadness for him. His reply, “It will be ok.”

I have been anxiously watching the tree in my backyard. The branches sway

in the wind, bending back and forth.

The tree has even lost some large limbs which have been gathered by the neighbors for their fire pit.

I noticed the tiniest of branches at the very top, waiting to be covered by the spring leaves. The branches are so far from the trunk and yet, they rely on the trunk to send nutrients from the soil and water. They are far away from each other and connected at the same time.

As I study the smaller branches, I am reminded of my children. Even though they live so far away, I try to send them love and encouragement whenever I can. They are far apart but we are still connected by love.

The same can be said for our church families, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. We may be far apart from each other due to social distancing, but we are still connected. We are connected by the shared experiences of the past and present.

We are all experiencing the uncertainty of this situation. Maybe, we even feel like we are far away from God. No matter what events transpire here on earth, we are all still connected to each other and to God. He is ours and, most importantly, we are His. My hope is that we will all be together again very soon, worshipping and giving praise. For now, plan to join us next Sunday as Charlotte brings a Palm Sunday message on Facebook live. Let’s continue to pray for each other.

YOUR HEALTH

Man in his 50s tested positive at Rochelle Community Hospital

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Ogle County Health Department has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in the county and is conducting ongoing investigations of “many other” possible cases, it said in a press release late Monday afternoon.

“The one positive case does not

accurately represent actual COVID19 cases in the general population,” the release said. “This is because 80 percent of cases are mild so testing is not always performed.”

The individual is a man in his 50s that was tested at Rochelle Community Hospital.

Further details about the individual will not be released to protect the privacy of the individual and their family, the release said. Both the individual and their close contacts are being monitored by the OCHD. The OCHD advised county residents to continue to follow the stay at home order currently in effect.

YOUR GOVERNMENT

Ogle County offices to remain closed until April 30 Supervisor of Assessments, Animal Control, County Board Chairman and Vice-Chairwoman, Planning & Zoning, and Solid Waste,” a Tuesday press release said. “Please reach out to each individual office for further clarification on how they can process your business.”

Additionally, those county offices will be operating with limited staff to lessen the chance of exposure for everyone.

These buildings will be closed to

the public and the new procedures will remain in effect until Wednesday, April 30.

“Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation,” the release said.

OREGON PARK DISTRICT

Facilities to remain closed The Oregon Park District will continue to adhere to the recommendations of President Trump, Governor Pritzker and the CDC and will remain closed until April 30.

“We believe it is in the best interest of our community to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said a press release issued late Tuesday.

“All programs and events scheduled through April 30 will either be cancelled or postponed and you will be contacted accordingly.

“Oregon Park District playgrounds, skate park, outdoor fitness equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts and dog park will also remain closed. All parks will remain open, but the water fountains and bathrooms will not be available. If you

choose to use the parks for walking, hiking, running or biking, please continue to comply with social distancing requirements,” the release said.

The park district has remained closed since March 14 including the Nash Recreation Center.

“During this time, the Oregon Park District employees have remained committed to our operation and are looking forward to serving the community upon reopening,” the release said. “Many projects have been completed and program changes implemented in preparation for our residents to return. A special thank you to the Oregon Park District employees for their continued dedication and commitment to serving our community.”

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• Friday, April 3, 2020

As the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and remaining consistent with county government operational changes at the Ogle County Judicial Center, officials are modifying operations at the historic Ogle County Courthouse and Pines Road Annex.

“In an effort to be proactive and to better protect the public and county employees we are closing the following offices to the public: County Clerk & Recorder, Treasurer,

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Ogle County

3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

4

SEVERE WEATHER

EF 1 tornado touches down east of Oregon Buildings, trees are damaged, no injuries

BY EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@oglecountynews.com Mary Ann and Rich Rhoads were watching storm updates on TV from their Oregon home Saturday night when they knew one of their rental properties on German Church Road was “in the danger zone”.

“We were watching TV last night and they showed the line for German Church Road and they had this big circle and I said to Rich, ‘that’s going to get us’, and sure enough we drove out here about a quarter to 10 and it was like this,” Mary Ann said.

“Like this” included heavy damage to the old dairy barn of what used to be Ed and Ethel Dirksen’s farm. The barn’s roof was blown off with pieces of it strewn across the field to the northeast and across German Church Road.

A tornado was spotted near Stillman Valley, east of Byron shortly before 9:30 p.m., the National Weather Service in Chicago confirmed late Saturday night.

The NWS confirmed Sunday afternoon that the tornado was an EF-1, with winds registered as high as 100 mph. It lasted from 9:13 to 9:24 p.m. and traveled 7 miles.

An EF-1 tornado is capable of Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media winds from 86 mph to 110 mph and ABOVE: Mary Ann and Rich Rhoads of Oregon walk past their barn at 1314 German Church Road that was damaged by the tornado on causes moderate damage; the stronSaturday night. BELOW: ComEd crews were out on Black Walnut Road, northeast of Oregon, replacing utility poles and downed wires gest, an EF-5, brings winds in excess early Sunday morning. One of Ogle County’s emergency sirens stands at left. of 200 mph.

Tornado warning sirens blared in Dixon and Oregon around 9:07 p.m., shortly before the Stillman Valley tornado was sighted.

The weather warning sirens in Oregon sounded three times between 9 and 9:14.

A metal machine shed which used to sit just to the west of the barn, was gone, exposing tractors and other farm machinery that was inside the property at 1314 German Church Road.

“It just leveled the machine shed,” Rich said.

The Rhoadses own the property with Mary Ann’s sister Ginger McDanel and her husband, Gary.

The farm’s house had some missing shingles from its roof. “There aren’t any renters in the house right now,” Mary Ann said.

Further north on German Church, south of the Byron nuclear generating station, a “no passing” road sign

See TORNADO, Page 5

• TORNADO

5

Continued from Page 4

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

• Friday, April 3, 2020

TOP: A road sign and utility pole are bent over along German Church Road, south of Exelon’s Byron Generating Station. LEFT: Brad Jackson, a traffic control worker with Heels and Hardhats Cnotracting Company was busy Sunday morning placing signs along roads that had downed wires or damaged utility poles.

Jackson had worked through the night. BELOW: Connie Kunce was inside her home on Weld Park Road when the storm took down trees, BOTTOM LEFT: A tree lays on top of Kunce’s LP tank.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

was blown over along with utility poles on the east side of the county road.

Northeast of German Church, mature trees were uprooted and another machine shed was damaged along Merrill Road.

Connie Kunce, who lives at 5947 Weld Park Road, heard all the weather alerts and was tucked inside her one-level home when she heard the storm hit.

“I was in the hallway, scrunched down,” said Kunce whose home does not have a basement. “It took the big pine trees along the house and they fell across my driveway, and it tore the electrical service lines to my house. ComEd was here and pulled the trees off of my driveway, which was really nice.”

In her backyard, a large tree laid across her LP tank, which appeared to have been moved by the wind.

“So, I have no heat,” Connie said this morning as helpers arrived to clear more trees.

“We were calling her to check on her as it was coming,” said Greg Kunce, Connie’s son, who is also a firefighter.

“I had my alerts and I knew about it,” said Connie. “I’m just thankful that it missed the house. My parents planted those pine trees when their grandkids were born, so that’s like 54 years ago. They were nice trees.”

South of Weld Park Road and east of German Church, ComEd crews were busy replacing utility poles and wires along Limerick Road and Black Walnut Road.

Brad Jackson, a traffic control worker with Heels and Hardhats Contracting Co., was busy Sunday morning placing and removing signs along roads that had downed wires or damaged utility poles. Jackson worked through the night after the tornado passed through Ogle County.

A horse watched all the activity from a barn on Black Walnut Road.

“The horse is a little rattled, but the mules aren’t,” quipped the owner.

In Whiteside County, the storm rolled in from the southwest, and proceeded into Lee County toward Dixon before heading toward Oregon.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

6

LOCAL HISTORY

Chasm history covers westward move in 1855 Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK On Dec. 28, 1990, James E. Chasm wrote (The Chasm Family History).

This history covers four generations starting with his Great Grandfather Thomas Chasm and his wife Mary McShane moving west in the year 1855 in a covered wagon.

Part of the trip was made with the wagon being hauled by barge on the Erie Canal with oxen pulling the barge. The Chasm name was originally Chisolm, then Chism and finally the 1860 census lists the family name as Chasm.

Thomas Chasm was born in England and Mary McShane was born in Ireland with both moving with their parents to Canada. In the year 1838 their marriage took place on August 26 at Brunswick, Canada.

In 1844 they left Canada and moved to West Acton, Massachusetts with their four children.

Two of their children died at Boxborough, Mass. John was 4 years old and Mary 1 year old.

So this family born in England and Ireland moved to Canada, then two locations in Mass., Rockvale Township north of Oregon and finally Oregon in 1855.

Thomas Chasm is not buried beside his wife Mary at Riverside Cemetery. He died of typhoid fever Aug. 18, 1862 at David’s Island in New York Harbor while serving as a private in the Union Army.

He was buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Thomas and Mary had a total of seven children, (Chasm 2nd Generation). Alexander, Thomas Jr., James C. and his wife Ellen Slain are buried at Riverside Cemetery.

One year after his father died while serving in the Union Army his son Thomas Jr. enlisted Feb. 9, 1864 at age 19.

Two members of the Chasm 3rd generation who are buried at Riverside Cemetery are the children of James C. Chasm. They are Fred and Florence May Chasm. George Chasm and his wife Avis owned and operated the Chasm Café located east of the court house on S. 4th Street.

The 4th Generation were James and Horace sons of George A. Chasm. James and Horace both served in the WWII.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: James E. Chasm of Oregon, was a fourth generation Chasm. George Chasm, a third generation Chasm. This is James’ brother, Horace Chasm. Mary, the wife of Thomas Chasm who was the first Chasm living in Oregon and her husband Thomas, are buried in New York. Photos supplied by Otto Dick

To summarize this there are seven members of the Chasm family buried at Riverside Cemetery. Two served in the Civil War and two served in WWII. James Chasm wrote in his diary about growing up in Oregon during the depression.

“Our home had no indoor plumbing other than a sink in the kitchen which consisted of two wash basins and a pail. The other sanitary facility was a little building out back. In the winter the frost on the seat made for a quick trip.

“Heat was supplied by coal stoves,

one in the living room, one in the dining room, and the cook stove in the kitchen. Heat for the up stair bedrooms came through a hole in the floor directly over the living room stove. We woke each winter morning to the clatter of my dad shaking the grates on these stoves while he rekindled the fire.

“Our dog Tippy loved to lay behind the dining room stove. He would lay there until he became over heated . He would then get up and go lay against the front door which always had cold air seeping in under it. We would laugh at him

as he repeated the cycle of warm-ups and cool-downs.

“We were poor in the sense that our folks struggled to make ends meet during the depression, but rich in love with parents who sacrificed for us boys. And wealthy in the fact we had a great neighborhood with friends and playmates. What wonderful years! What wonderful memories! We were so busy having a great time with creative endeavors plus swimming, hiking in the woods, cave and fort building that we didn’t realize we were poor.”

OREGON LIBRARY

Library Closed Due to the shelter in place order the Oregon Public Library will be closed until further notice. All programs have also been cancelled. We hope to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and contribute to the health of the community. Since we are a fine free library you will not be accruing fines for overdue materials, so don’t worry about returning your items.

lenging times, so register by emailing child’s name, birth date, guardian’s name, library card number and aphone number or email address to the library email (can be found on ourwebsite), then just start recording at home the titles of the books you read to your pre-kindergarten child.

Debbie, ourChildren/Youth Librarian, will be checking emails and answering any questionsthat might come up.

Children can listen to or read stories on e-book readers,tablet computers, or other devices as well as the old fashioned way. You caneven repeat books.

Computer games do not count.

Once we are back in the library, stop by to pickup your own folder and we will add your list to the folder.

“There are many little waysto enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”-Jacqueline Kennedy

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Now is the perfect time to star 1,000 Books before Kindergarten! It’s very simple to start. Normally you wouldcome to the Library, register, receive your own folder with reading logs andstart tracking your reading.

Well, we have to adapt to these chal-

Available Resources for Your Stay at Home Online Resources: Audiobooks & eBooks are available on Axis 360 and Biblioboard.Links are available on our website: oregonpubliclibrary.com/ online-resources/ Use our WiFi outside of our building

by connecting to the Oregon Library Guest Access WiFi network that doesn’t need a password.

Did You Know?

On Dec. 3, 1872, an ordinance was passed by the City Council of Oregon to establish a library and reading room for the general public.

Eight gentlemen were appointed to a Board of Directors which held their first meeting in the office of Judge Woodcock (then County Clerk) on Dec. 14, 1872.

A committee was formed to make selection of books. The report of the committee was accepted at a later meeting and the books were ordered to be purchased.

There were 967 volumes in the library, exclusive of all public documents. In the reading rooms, there were five weeklies, four monthlies, two quarterlies, and many other magazines and papers. (History of Ogle County) 2020 CENSUS Most homes should have received a paper questionnaire (sometimes known as the census form). Please complete your form online, by phone, or by mail when your invitation to respond arrives.

CELEBRATING OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! We’ve been fortunate to meet great people and proud to have saved them money on lab testing.

Thanks to all who have allowed us the opportunity to serve you.

If you haven’t been in, we’d love to meet you.

We are here to help Mon.-Fri 7am-4pm 832 N Galena Ave., Dixon 815-677-9384 www.valulab-dixon.com SM-ST1766137

rehab, recover, return home. www.simplythefinest.net

7

• Friday, April 3, 2020

Updates 2020 Summer Reading Program Bookmark Contest deadline has been extended to April 13, so while you’re at home consider this an art assignment!

Follow our Facebook for other virtual resources during this closure and updates. You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the Oregon Public Library Facebook page. The Library staff will be posting updates and new virtual resources as they become available.

While we are closed you may have questions about your materials. These

are the steps the PrairieCat consortium has taken to best serve our patrons!

• Due dates are being extended for items with due dates of 3/13/2020 through 3/31/2020 until April 7, 2020 • -Library card expiration dates for patrons whose cards would have expired in March 2020 have been extended until April 30, 2020 • Hold requests will be suspended from closure of business on March 16 March 31 • Pending hold requests made before March 17 will be addressed after March 31 • Delivery of items has been suspended.

Please do not worry about returning your materials until we have reopened.

Because this is an ongoing situation, we will post updates as more information becomes available.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” — Shannon L. Alder, inspirational author

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

8

LOCAL NEWS

Oregon man helps supply paint to Darkhorse retreat

BY CASSIE BUCHMAN Shaw Media Around Oregon, his hometown, Todd Myers is known as “the paint guy.”

“I’m kind of known in my town as the go-to guy for any paint-related questions,” said Myers, who has worked for more than 17 years at True Value Manufacturing in Cary in nearby McHenry County, where he’s now the senior learning consultant for the company.

Myers also has spent the past 3 years donating money to Darkhorse Lodge, a combat veterans retreat near Kentucky lake in rural Tennessee launched by a Byron couple that is close to opening.

When organizers asked him if True Value

would be interested in donating paint, he immediately started the process to get approval.

The average number of combat veterans who die by suicide daily is about 22. The Darkhorse Lodge mission is to provide support for combat veterans by providing them a place to rest, recreate and “communicate with others who have walked in their boots,” it says on its website.

“I immediately thought, you know, this is a very worthy cause,” Myers said. “It’s something that these veterans need, to have a place to go and heal.”

Myers went to True Value’s Manufacturer’s divisional vice president, John Vanderpool, who also saw it as a worthy cause.

“He agreed. ... This is a problem, that not a lot of people have heard about, and [Darkhorse Lodge]

is something that can help,” Myers said. “It’s all about being a good steward and supporting communities and our veterans.”

The company is donating paint, in a mood-boosting color called Moonglow, and primer for all six buildings, about 15,000 square feet. The hope is to get it to the lodge by mid-April.

Darkhorse Lodge is

Byron Marine Alec Catherwood was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

See DARKHORSE, Page 9

POLO LIBRARY Closed until further notice In cooperation with the Governor’s Stay at Home orders, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Polo Public Library is closed until further notice and all programs scheduled during this time have been cancelled or rescheduled.

All currently checked out books have been renewed until May 1.

You are still be able to use Axis 360, OMNI/Overdrive, Libby, and Biblioboard for e-resources (books, audio books) and we will be posting on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/pololibrary) other resources to help fill the gap while you can’t use the library.

If you are new to Polo and haven’t had a chance to get a library card, or maybe

you aren’t normally a reader but would like to try ebooks during this time, we will be issuing temporary library cards for people in Buffalo Township.

If you are interested in this, please visit our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ pololibrary) or email library@pololibrary. org for more information.

WiFi is still available outside of the

library building by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815-946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary.org.

We sincerely hope that everyone stays healthy and safe during this time.

Zeigler Sophomores: Madissen Allen, Jasmine Badon, Kaylah Boelens, Nicole Boelens, Blake Diehl, Oliver Kaczmarski, Madison Leesman, Morgan McBride, Neveah Nave, Natalie Nelson, Devion Sankey, Kadence Sheaffer, Linnea Sundman, Faith Ukena, Taryn Zell.

Juniors: Joey Bardell, Marah Blake, Harper Clark, Alex Dusing, Cole Faivre, Abby Gorzny, Katy Hess, Zane Lindstrom, Tyler Mathis, Emma Mooney-McCawley, Teagan Prescott, Kassidy Scott,

Bennett Soltow, Gavin Zell.

Seniors: Sadie Baumann, Garrett Bittinger, Audrey Hess, Jakob Kindle, Tucker Mumford, Trinity Olmedo, Scott Prerost, Caleb Scott, Mya Simmons, Brittany Traeger, Patrick Wright, Coley Zeigler.

Brady Wolber.

Sophomores: Molly Blackburn, Cooper Blake, Maddi Jones, Devin Rucker, Spencer Scott, Braelyn Velez.

Juniors: Brady Clark, Kaylee Lowry, Izzy Sellers, Becca Wagner, Alyssa Wakenight, Parker Wolber

POLO HONOR ROLL Polo Community High School Honor Roll for third quarter High Honor Roll Freshman: Teah Almasy, Molly Blum, Courtney Bushman, Cody Buskohl, Ella Carlock, Katie Cavanaugh, Breanne Cox, Ally Cytych, Anna Faivre, Carson Jones, Reylee Katner, Lindee Poper, Brogan Shank, Annalise Stamm, Kamryn Stockton, Jessica Townsend, Cayden Webster, Payton Wells, Laura Wright, Bekah

Honor Roll Freshman: Eli Baumann, Brooke Florin, Logan Hudson, Kaylee Hunter, Kylee Hunter, Carley Kness, Ben Plachno,

Seniors: Brandon Albano, Jace Coffey, Tyler Diehl, Grace Gabaldon, Brody Glawe, Amber Henson, Lucia Sande Gonzalez, Ramsey Shroyer, Chelsey Weems, Rebecca Wiegand, Kennedy Yingling.

BYRON LIBRARY Byron Public Library Closed Due to the shelter in place order issued by the state of Illinois, the Byron Public Library is completely closed until further notice. Due dates have been extended by our library system so there is no need to worry about late fees!

Practice social distancing and stay safe, everyone!

Be sure to check our Facebook page for the latest news from the library.

Parking Lot WiFi OMNI, eRead Illinois, and Biblioboard. All you need is your smart device and your Don’t have reliable internet at home?

The Byron Library may be closed, but library card. Available 24/7! there is still WiFi available! Park along our south wall and look for the WiFi Introducing Hoopla! password in the window. Available 24/7!

Big news! The Byron library has added Hoopla to our digital services! Patrons Check out our eBooks! now have access to online e-books, The library may be closed, but you can movies, music, comics and audiobooks still get library books without leaving for FREE with your library card. Hoopla is home! Visit the Byron Library’s webpage available on your computer and on your to access our three eBook resources – mobile phone or tablet with the Hoopla

app. Check it out in your app or play store or on hoopladigital.com today!

Available 24/7!

Local History Are you interested in local history?

The library has several resources to get you started in your search. Check out the library’s local history page at http:// byron.lib.il.us/services/local-history/.

Available 24/7!

COPING WITH COVID-19

Other hospice homes taking COVID-19 precautions

largest of the year, have been cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Along with masks and gloves, Serenity is accepting donations of many other items including Clorox wipes and coffee. Donors are instructed to leave items at the front door at 1658 S. Illinois 2 or call or text 815-973-4514 for pick-up.

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

• DARKHORSE Continued from Page 8 named after the Marine Corps unit 3/5, or “Darkhorse,” which lost 25 Marines between 2010 and 2011 while fighting in Afghanistan. One was Alec Catherwood, of Byron, killed Oct. 14, 2010; his parents, Gretchen and Kirk, started the lodge as a way to honor their son.

Being from neighboring towns, Myers and the Catherwoods have friends in common.

“There’s been a lot of fundraising efforts over the last couple of years, and that’s where I really got involved in donating money to the construction of these units,” he said.

Original plans called five cabins; those plans have grown, and now there will six guest cabins and a dining hall, handicapped-accessible, with rooms named for each of the 25 men killed.

Rock River Hospice & Home

Nurse Megan Dietrich wears a donated mask at Serenity Hospice & Home as it deals with a shortage of them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo supplied.

One of Sterling’s hospice facilities luckily stocked up on medical masks and supplies prior to its knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rock River Hospice & Home believes it has enough masks for the time being and has connections through Whiteside County should it run low, Executive Director Emily Taylor said.

Staff at the hospice facility have been taking every day precautions and being vigilant by doing extra hand washing and cleaning.

Temperatures of those entering the building are checked. Visitors have not yet been banned due to it being an end of life facility. Two visitors per patient are currently allowed. Those with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to leave, Taylor said.

going into patient’s homes. Gowns are less needed but will be needed more if a patient with COVID-19 ever comes under the care of the facility.

“We have held back a few of the genuine N95 masks because we’re waiting to see if we get a patient with coronavirus,” Theisen said.

“We think we eventually will get a patient with coronavirus.”

Currently Serenity is limiting visitors to three at a time and tak-

ing body temperatures of those that come into the eight-room building.

Community areas in the building are closed.

Exceptions could be made to the three-visitor rule due to the fact that Serenity is an end of life facility. So far, that hasn’t been an issue.

Public events being cancelled has been another issue for Serenity. The nonprofit relies on donations and fundraisers.

Two fundraisers, including their

The buildings are up and drywalled, and the electricity running, but there’s still a ways to go, Gretchen Catherwood said last week.

Next comes raising money and supplies for the installation of tongue-and-grove ceilings in the great hall, flooring, carpeting, decking, aluminum wheelchair ramps, furniture, large appliances and kitchen items.

Once the buildings are done, organizers will be looking for donations for boats, motors, fishing gear, and other recreational items.

A rainy spring and a the coronavirus precautions have slowed thing down a bit, but “we’re plugging away here,” Catherwood said.

“We’re hanging in during this virus time.”

Call 731-363-3616, go to darkhorselodge.org or find Darkhorse Lodge on Facebook to donate time, money or materials, or for more information and updates.

State senator Tim Bivins offers some words of kindness to Gretchen and Kirk Catherwood, parents of Lance Corporal Alec E. Catherwood, who died 19 in combat serving the marines in Afghanistan on Oct. 14, 2010. In October 2017, they were presented with a replica of the sign that designates Illinois 72, from the south side of the bridge in Byron to the Ogle and DeKalb County line, as “Lance Cpl. Alec E. Catherwood Memorial Road.”

Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice Sterling’s other hospice facility, Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice, also has enough masks and supplies

See MASKS, Page 10

Ogle County Newspapers file photo

• Friday, April 3, 2020

On March 19, Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon put out a request to the community to donate unused or homemade medical masks as it deals with a shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, over 200 masks have been donated. One volunteer’s entire job has become picking them up from people or organizing those that have been dropped off.

“We can’t order any masks,” Community Relations Manager Angie Theisen said. “We’re competing with all the nursing homes and medical facilities. Hospice is not at the top of that list. It’s been a silver lining in all this to see how much people care in the community.”

Donors have been making the masks from materials including vacuum cleaner bags or dust rags. One Byron sewing shop donated elastic bands for the masks, which have been a tough material to come by.

Theisen said staff at Serenity go through the masks fast. They are being reused when necessary and appropriate. Gloves are also a needed resource for the hospice home.

Serenity also provides the service of

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Serenity Hospice & Home accepting mask donations

9

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

10

COPING WITH COVID-19

ChowDown OTown helps local restaurants deliver ‘It’s the community feeding itself and taking care of itself ’

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Joseph Farris of Byron wanted to celebrate his 95th birthday with a meal at Blackhawk Steak Pit. But, he couldn’t, due to the fact that its dining room is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farris still got his meal. Family ordered it from Florida to be delivered via ChowDown OTown, a new local delivery service that works with 10 local restaurants in the Oregon area that currently have their doors closed. The delivery driver even sang happy birthday to Farris.

“It feels great to be able to continue to feed our community,” ChowDown OTown Owner Andrew Carlson said. “I grew up here. I live here. I love

Michael KrabbenhoeftShaw Media

Andrew Carlson, owner of ChowDown OTown, writes down an order for a local restaurant. our town and we’re truly all in this together. Seeing the response from our customers, it’s fantastic. It’s the community feeding itself and taking care of itself.”

Chowdown OTown is an idea that Carlson has

had for the past year and a half. He envisioned a pooled delivery service serving rural Ogle County. Carlson also owns Scoops and has experimented with delivery in the past. He looked up info on services like UberEats and GrubHub and found nothing in the area.

The delivery service wasn’t supposed to start until the beginning of April. But after government mandates forced restaurants to close their dining rooms, Carlson knew it was time for ChowDown OTown to deliver.

“Right now we deliver to Oregon, Mt. Morris, Chana and Byron,” Carlson said. “We’re still feeling it out and ironing out the kinks. We’re still figuring out dispatch. We want to expand to other parts of the county and have different teams and drivers.”

The current restaurants that use ChowDown OTown include Northside BarbaQ, Scoops, Hector’s Cocina, Blackhawk Steak Pit, Blackhawk Nutrition, Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat, Jay’s Drive-In, Messie’s Bar & Grill, Sledgehammer’s

See ChowDownOTown, Page 11

TOP LEFT: Niki Hunt of Mt. Morris is one the many volunteers who are continuing to make and donate masks for Serenity Hospice & Home as it deals with a shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. CENTER: Here are some of the donated masks that were made for Serenity. TOP RIGHT: Nurse Megan Dietrich wears a donated mask. Photos supplied.

An eye exam is a good idea, especially if things are starting to look a little fuzzy around the edges.

Dr. Kurt K. Nelson Optometrist

629 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois • 815-284-6866 Member of the American Optometric Association.

Therapeutic Licensed.

• MASKS Continued from Page 9 to last for the next 2-3 months.

Clinical Nurse Expert Kim Gaffey says masks are completely unavailable to purchase from anywhere, but her facility keeps supplies stocked and on hand whenever possible.

“We prepared for this during H1N1,” Gaffey said. “Being small without buying power, we need a supply.”

Visitors are currently not allowed in the Gaffey building. Staff temperatures are taken every morning.

Packages are dropped off outside in front of the building.

When doing care in patient’s homes, Gaffey staff leaves shoes outside and does not go from house to house to prevent spread. Staff also have access to a stock of thermometers, another hot commodity in the current health care market.

Gaffey has plans in place to get creative should her facility run out of supplies in the future.

“When we run out, it will be very difficult,” Gaffey said. “In lieu of a gown, you can use a raincoat and wash it later with bleach and water.

We’ve been looking into homemade face shields, not masks. For longterm home care patients, household gloves that can be reused can help.”

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

“I think it’s been a welcome relief for people, having somewhere to go.”

Terry Wilken, owner of Jay’s Drive In restaurant in Oregon, stands near his sign on March 25 during opening day for the 2020 season, also known as, the “social isolation party.”

Jay’s has added extra parking stalls to allow them to serve more customers during this time of social distancing and isolation.

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

• ChowDownOTown Continued from Page 10 and Bela’s Cafe.

ChowDown OTown delivers from those restaurants whenever they are open. Last week, they delivered from as many as five restaurants at once on a given night. To see which restaurants are available daily, visit ChowDown OTown’s Facebook page.

Carlson said his delivery service has interest from more restaurants and bars on eventually delivering.

In the future, he’d like to start a website and an app that works similarly to the larger pool delivery service’s models.

For delivery, customers call ChowDown OTown at 815-979-1037.

For pickup or carry out, call the restaurants directly.

“We’re a coalition, more of a team,” Carlson said. “We don’t make much money off ChowDown OTown but it does help ease the hit for busi-

“It’s been very good,” Wilken said.

“It’s been busy and we’re working out the bugs on our new system.”

Jay’s Drive-In also now offers delivery through local delivery service ChowDown OTown. Wilken said delivery is something custom-

back then, but it works for the situation we’re in right now,” Wilken said. “It’s perfect for us. You sit in your car and you’re isolated.”

Wilken has changed the system in an effort to combat the possible spread of COVID-19. He’s had the past two weeks to sit back and watch other businesses and to consider the

best way to serve customers.

Jay’s has added parking spots where customers can call in orders on their phones. The time was also taken to make sure all of the traditional carhop menus are working correctly. Around 90 orders were placed on opening day as of Wednesday afternoon.

nesses. Many of our partners relied heavily on dine in.”

ChowDown OTown currently has five delivery drivers on staff. Most of them are food service workers that aren’t currently able to work due to dining rooms being closed.

Two of the delivery service’s partners are developing unique dining alternatives. Blackhawk Steak Pit and Maxson’s Restaurant & Riverboat are developing meals you can cook yourself that will be available for delivery and pickup.

The interactions found through the delivery service have been fulfilling even though it’s only been in business since March 18, Carlson said.

“We had a single mom stuck at home with her kids without a car,” Carlson said. “She was running out of ideas for food. We got her taken care of. We’ve had three calls from family members in other areas or states to deliver food to their loved ones here.”

ChowDown OTown delivery driver Dave Mammoser carries an order from Hector’s Cocina back to his vehicle on March 27.

See JAY’S DRIVE-IN, Page 13

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

• Friday, April 3, 2020

The sign at Jay’s Drive-In in Oregon reads “Social isolation party here, 11-8 p.m.”

The owner of the historic restaurant business says he isn’t making light of the situation, but wants to bring some normalcy back to the community during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it’s been a welcome relief for people, having somewhere to go,” Jay’s Drive-In Owner Terry Wilken said of the drive-in’s opening day on Wednesday.

The dining room of the drive-in is closed just like every other restaurant, bar and most other buildings in the area and abroad. Many area restaurants are putting their all into carry out and curbside pickup services to maximize possible business until the state allows them to reopen completely.

The drive-in’s throwback carhop system from the 1950s and 1960s is tailor made for the current situation. Customers stay in their cars and call in their orders remotely while workers prepare the food and bring it out to them.

“I don’t think it was their plan

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Jay’s Drive-In opens with new system amid COVID-19

11

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| CHURCH NEWS

12

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH 9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist.

815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

ST. MARY CHURCH

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

Congress Ave. & Webster St. Pastor Leslie Lake PoloCob@risebroadband.net

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH

416 Prospect St., Dixon John Lewis, Pastor 815-677-9199

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris Pastor Josh Ehrler 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

How to submit church news Changes in church listings and articles about special church services and events can be emailed to news@oglecountynews.com.

For more information call 815-732-6166 ext. 2591.

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

• JAY’S DRIVE-IN

13

Continued from Page 11

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

READING MATTERS

Home and school connection important for achievement

T

his column is addressed to teachers, parents, and grandparents.

I recently read some information about research in the area of parent involvement and how it makes a difference for children’s school achievement. The impact is great, so it is worth sharing.

Did you know that family involvement with children and school contributes to student’s literacy achievement? When families are involved students’ grades, attendance, and attitudes toward school improve, and their behavior and social skills tend to be better as well? When families are involved students are also more likely to graduate from high school?

What can we all do to build strong partnerships between school, teachers, students, and families?

Schools and teachers can be sure to be mindful about building relationships with all students and their families.

We can also be aware of barriers that might keep families from participating in school events such as transportation, child and/or elder care, time, language or even anxiety about school.

One suggestion is to offer multiple forms of

COMMENTARY Mary Gardner Reading Specialist

home-school communication such as social media, appropriate apps, traditional notes home, texts or phone calls.

We might survey our parents each year and ask them which form of communication works best for them.

Thinking outside the box to offer conferences at different times of the day, using technology to invite virtual participation in open houses, and ways to provide childcare so that families are more likely to participate are all examples of possible solutions to overcoming barriers.

As families we can be positive about school and show interest in what our children and grandchildren do at school every day.

Talking about their day is a key to showing that school is important. We can explain to our children that information from the teacher is import-

ant, so it is a part of their job to be sure they bring home any notes or information from the teacher.

Many schools use home-school folders to carry notes and homework back and forth.

We can establish a routine of looking through that folder each night.

It is important for us to be sure to contact our child’s teacher if we have questions or concerns about anything.

Teachers will give out information about the best way to contact them.

Homework can often cause difficulties at home, especially if the child or the parent does not understand what to do.

Be sure to communicate any difficulties your child is having with homework.

Generally speaking, the practice will not be at all beneficial if there are tears, frustration or anger involved.

Overall, if each of us thinks about the impact of working together we can find ways to make that home-school connection stronger.

Certainly we all have the best interests of the children in mind!

• Friday, April 3, 2020

McKenna Puseman, 18, delivers an order to a car at Jay’s Drive In restaurant in Oregon during opening day on March 25. The drive in is utilizing their parking stalls and intercom ordering system to allow social isolation for customers and staff.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

ers have asked about for the past few years and he’s happy to finally be able to offer it.

Employees at the drive-in are having their body temperatures checked before starting to make sure everyone is healthy. Extra cleaning of surfaces is being done and employees are wearing rubber gloves and changing them often. The new cleaning policies and delivery system has actually resulted in Wilken having to hire more employees, rather than using less due to not being open for dining.

Students not currently being in school helps fill those positions and hours.

“It gives us staff,” Wilken said. “A lot are students out of college and high school. And it helps with business.

Kids have to eat lunch somewhere.”

The Drive-In has been open since 1965 and open under the name Jay’s since 1983. Historically, it has always opened for the season on the last Wednesday in March.

That hasn’t changed. The hours have changed for now.

The current plan is for the drive-in to be open 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. rather than closing at 9 p.m. in years past.

Many restaurants and businesses have been closing earlier during the COVID-19 situation.

Despite having a business model more built for it, the COVID-19 situation will still take a toll on Jay’s. Wilken estimates that at least half its business in the past has come from the currently-closed dining room, especially when temperatures are cooler as they are now.

But, regardless of the situation, Oregon and area residents can still go to Jay’s on the last Wednesday in March and get a burger and a shake, as they always have.

“I think they need that right now,” Wilken said.

“Everyone is taking it seriously, but they don’t want their lives to stop. They want an escape.”

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14

SEVERE WEATHER

Approximately 24 buildings destroyed by tornado

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Approximately 24 buildings were destroyed during a March 28 EF-1 tornado that traveled through the Oregon and Byron areas, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.

No injuries were suffered by residents or first responders. The tornado traveled seven miles with a maximum width of 400 yards and winds of up to 100 miles per hour.

“I want to personally thank our 911 dispatchers, deputies, Stillman Fire Protection District, township partners, ComEd and residents for the response last night,” VanVickle said in a Facebook post. “It is truly the essence of our community when everyone comes together to help in their capacity.”

Trees and power lines fell and blocked roadways on Saturday evening. Township officials cleared trees and ComEd was on scene after the storm and the following day restoring power.

VanVickle said that his dispatchers fielded numerous calls and that his office communicated directly with the National Weather Service, who indicated that a tornado had touched down. The EF-4 tornado that touched down near Rochelle in 2015 was on the minds of many on Saturday night.

“We take those weather events very seriously,” VanVickle said.

“We experienced that in 2015. The old adage that it won’t happen here obviously isn’t true.”

Residents took the tornado warning and sirens seriously as well during the storm, VanVickle said.

“Their perspectives have changed since 2015 and so has their level of respect for mother nature,” VanVickle said. “That’s always a good thing.”

TOP: Metal from a machine shed lays twisted in a nearby field on Marrill Road, south of Stillman Valley.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

AT LEFT: This is the path that the tornado took when it touched down in Ogle County, east of Oregon, on Saturday night.

Image from the National Weather Service

SEARCH UPDATE

Department’s new boat to help with continued search

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department will now have more of a presence on the Rock River.

The department recently purchased a boat and motor for $44,000.

It has been, and will be used, in continued searches for Kent Dearborn Jr., a 33-year-old man from Polo who

went missing while fishing on the Rock River near the Oregon dam on Nov. 20.

“We’ve been out on it since we got it, doing our due diligence,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “We will continue to do searches as weather permits. The boat has a cabin of sorts on it and that helps to stay out longer with the weather.”

VanVickle said searches will con-

tinue to be just on top of the water until the weather warms up further.

There have been conversations with dive teams and private individuals about going back out for underwater searches. But no plans have been made to do so yet.

“If we don’t find [Dearborn] by the end of the month, we’ll reevaluate that and move forward another way,” VanVickle said.

The boat was made by Oquawka Boats and Fabrication of Central Illinois. The company makes custom boats for first responders.

VanVickle’s office placed an order shortly before Dearborn and James Swift, 64, of Forreston went missing.

Swift’s body was found on Jan. 3 near the Dixon dam.

See NEW BOAT, Page 15

LOCAL HISTORY

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society We just had to get out of the house.

It was as simple as that. But where would we go?

Going for a walk was not an option and we really have not had a day for just sitting outside.

Since we had a gift card for Culvers, we decided we would go through the drive-up in Dixon for a turtle sundae.

All the way to Dixon I kept looking in my rear view mirror half expecting to be pulled over by the police. I could just hear them, “Where do you think you are going?”

Would a turtle sundae be something essential as an appropriate answer?

We saw very few cars out on the road and they even seemed to be using social distancing. We made it down and back in good time.

We were then pleasantly surprised to find Paula Faivre waiting to give us a dozen roses from the rose sale in Polo. Even though she could not come in, she could say hi from outside and leave those beautiful roses for us to enjoy. What a breath of spring.

There has been much discussion on past diseases and I keep hearing the name “Spanish Flu” tossed about. I did not know anything about this past pandemic and decided to do some research on the Internet.

I had remembered my grandparents being quite sick from something and I wondered if it had been

the “Spanish Flu.” Later I found out they did not have this particular disease.

The Spanish Flu arrived in January of 1918 and was a global problem until December of 1920. 500 million people around the world were infected including a group of people on a remote island in the Pacific Island area. No one seemed to be able to explain how it had gotten to such a remote spot.

The death toll for this disease was 17 million to perhaps 50 million worldwide. There was no cure and it destroyed the lining of the respiratory system. Today the respiratory system is also involved with this virus.

One of the treatments for the Spanish Flu was water enemas twice a

day and what they called Fomentation Treatments.

It was called Spanish Flu because early reports by the media played down the whole thing in most countries except for Spain.

Spain reported it early with accurate reports to the people. This gave the world the feeling that Spain had been hard hit with the virus and had more problems with the disease than anywhere else.

This was not true and other countries were just as involved as Spain.

The news reporting was simply limited and we did not have the Internet as we have today.

Today the news is right there in our living rooms at any hour of the day and our newspapers are not limited as to what they can print.

• NEW BOAT Continued from Page 14

• Friday, April 3, 2020

After the Nov. 20 incident, VanVickle said he and his office changed their order to better suit their needs after searching for the missing men.

The finished product is a flat bottom boat that can be used in shallow waters. It includes the cabin as well as a ramp on the front that lowers into the water to make it easier to bring divers and victims into the boat.

“When trying to get people into the boat, safety is an issue while lifting people in whether that’s divers or someone you’re rescuing,” VanVickle said.

VanVickle said the boat could allow his office to take a larger role should another water emergency happen like the one in November.

Currently, that responsibility falls on local fire departments first. The Oregon Fire Department does have a boat.

The new boat will be shared with first responders around the area as needed.

“With it being a rural community, we all share resources to make sure all first responders have what they need and can do their duty and get home safe,” VanVickle said. “The person driving the boat might be the chief or someone from the fire department.”

The boat itself cost $32,000. The motor was bought separately at a cost of $12,000. It was paid for through dedicated funds that came from court fines and fees, VanVickle said. Radio and emergency lighting were repurposed from other equipment and added to the boat. The boat

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Is a turtle sundae “essential” in these crazy days?

15

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office recently purchased a boat that will be used in searches for the remaining missing boater on the Rock River as well as patrols during the summer months. is not equipped with sonar.

VanVickle also said the plan is to use the boat to patrol the Rock River during the summer months when boating and recreation is popular in the area.

“There have been pretty much no patrols during the past couple years,” VanVickle said. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is short-handed. We’ll be especially looking out for drinking and driving and drinking and boating.”

VanVickle said popularity of the

river in the summertime and complaints about illegal behavior on the water during that time have gone up in the past few years.

VanVickle specifically mentioned awareness being raised after a June 2016 incident that resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman after a johnboat struck her as it went over the back of the pontoon boat in which she was riding.

There will not be a new position dedicated to summer patrolling on the water, VanVickle said.

“There will be directed patrols,” VanVickle said. “It won’t be every weekend. It will be as staffing allows.”

Sheriff deputies will be trained in the same courses that fire department officials go through this spring in order to work on the water. Both law enforcement and fire officials will be trained on using the new boat specifically.

Decals and some additional equipment will be added to the boat before patrols begin this summer.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

Rochelle distillery makes hand sanitizer donations Product is now being sold to general public to combat COVID-19

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Employees at Kennay Farms Distilling are working more now than they did before their tasting room was shut down last month to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Since they switched from manufacturing spirits to hand sanitizer, the office has been fielding 400 calls a day. Phone calls are being taken for 12 hours each day. Their online order system also has over 400 entries at the moment.

“As fast as things have been moving, we haven’t been able to get bottles in,” Aubrey Quinn, in charge of marketing and logistics at the distillery, said. “We haven’t had to lay off a single employee. Everyone is still working as much as they’d like to.”

Kennay Farms recently finished donating hundreds of gallons of sanitizer it produced initially to area first responders and hospitals. The distillery tried to make donations to organizations within a 50-mile radius of Rochelle.

Last week, social media thank you posts emerged from the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, The Polo Police Department and the Dixon Police Department.

“We live in a rural midwest community and everyone is trying to help each other,” Ogle County Brian VanVickle said of the donation and the way the community has come together amid COVID-19. “That’s what’s great about this community and it’s why people want to live here.”

Even first responders from Rockford and Chicago approached Kennay Farms about the sanitizer. They were given their first case free with an additional purchase. As far as hospitals like Rochelle Community Hospital, Quinn said the distillery worked to meet all of their health standards when they created and donated the sanitizer.

“The hospitals have to be very stringent on what they bring in and have to properly vet it,” Quinn said. “We went through the correct steps.”

The distillery is still producing hand sanitizer and is currently selling it for $20 a bottle or $220 for a case of 12 bottles. It is available

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Shaw Media

Donnie Kennay places bottles of liquid hand sanitizer in boxes March 20 at Kennay Farms Distilling in downtown Rochelle. The distillery ramped up production of sanitizer to help combat the spread of the coronavirus and help hospitals. The first batch of almost 3,000 gallons will be distributed to area hospitals. for purchase at ACE Hardware, Benny’s Convenience Store and at Liquor and Wine in Rochelle.

Orders have also been made from gas stations across the state including a large order from Johnson Oil, who owns Shell Stations in the Sauk Valley area.

Customers can also buy the sanitizer at the distillery in Rochelle at 416 Lincoln Hwy. With the shortage of bottles, customers are being asked to bring their own containers priced per ounce or buy it in growlers or five gallon buckets. The sanitizer is also being sold in bulk.

The sales of the sanitizer has helped the distillery to recoup some income it has lost by its tasting room being closed.

“After some large initial costs from inputs and changeover, we’ve been able to offset a lot of that,”

Quinn said. “We’re just going to continue producing hand sanitizer until our phones stop ringing.”

Kennay Farms Distilling is still selling its trademark spirits as well.

Carry out hours will be changing

as needed. During those times, customers can buy a bottle, growler, or gift card to use later. For more information, call 815-901-1512, visit kennayfarmsdistilling.com or visit their Facebook page.

COLLEGE SIGNING

17

Oregon senior Olivia Lambrigtsen will play her college ball at Kishwaukee Community College, choosing to play both basketball and soccer.

Lambrigtsen has been a part of the Hawks girls soccer program since it first took the field in 2017.

In basketball, she averaged 13.4 points per game for the Hawks this past season as a senior.

She is the daugher of Wendy and Boyd Lambrigtsen of Mt. Morris.

Oregon High School Senior Olivia Lambrigtsen (center) poses with her soccer coach, Seger Larson, and basketball coach and mom, Wendy Lambrigtsen, after signing to play soccer and basketball at Kishwaukee College.

SPORTS COLUMN

What about those coaching changes at OHS? COMMENTARY Andy Colbert

its chances too, but could never close matches out, due in part to the extreme competitive nature of the game.

The new coach will be stepping into an intense environment, something not for the faint of heart.

Unlike volleyball, boys basketball at Oregon was strictly senior-dominated, much the same way the squad from four years ago was. Not being able to get out the regional either time had to be a major disappointment for Virgil.

The talent was there to pull it off, but there is so much more that goes into winning big games than coaching. Mental toughness, discipline and fundamental proficiency are also needed.

In between were three very lean years and more of that is on the way with not much coming up through the ranks. It will be a challenge in putting a competitive team on the floor.

However, when it comes to football and basketball, there is never a shortage of coaching prospects willing to take the challenge. We’re seeing that right now in Hawk football with Nick

Schneiderman.

As a reporter, I am going to miss coach Virgil.

He couldn’t have been more accommodating in responding to my phone calls or post-game interviews. Additionally, he did not sugarcoat things or spew out standard coachspeak.

The 12-year mentor told it how it was, without berating players. Candid, but upbeat was his style.

He was complimentary of fellow opponents and kept a sense of humor, even in trying times.

It was a lot of fun covering his teams, especially this past year.

Though I got down on the 2019-20 Hawks numerous times during the season, I really thought they had a chance to win not only the regional, but perhaps a sectional too. It was an entertaining brand of ball.

From game-to-game, you never knew what you were going to get, it was so up and down.

Like many coaches that resign, both McNamee and Virgil cited family as a reason to give up coaching duties. Certainly, the profession was much easier before the advent of year-round attention to one’s particular sport.

I don’t know about these two, but I’ve had other coaches tell me another reason for quitting is over-the-top interference by parents. That’s always been present, but never at the level it is now.

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• Friday, April 3, 2020

With the resignation of boys basketball coach Quinn Virgil and volleyball coach Faith McNamee, there will be changes in Oregon athletics.

Volleyball is the one sport I know the least about. Well, that and soccer.

But, I am slowly developing a rudimentary understanding of both from being assigned to cover their games. I still prefer when the experts at Sauk Valley sports staff handle them, though.

Thus, I am not in any position to offer commentary on what a change of coaching will do for the volleyball program.

With mostly a line-up of juniors, it is not like Faith is leaving the program empty-handed. It appears the incoming coach will inherit a strong senior class and solid prospects in the lower levels As an outsider looking in, I have come to the conclusion that volleyball is the most competitive of all girls’ sports. You have to be on top of your game or you’ll get eaten up.

Under McNamee, the Hawks won at least 20 matches every year. They were also major players in the post season, nearly pulling off a streak of five straight sectional appearances from 2013 to 2017.

In 2015, they lost by two points to Keith Country Day in the third game of the regional finals and the next year, fell 28-26 and 25-23 to Dakota in regional finals.

In its three sectional appearances, Oregon had

SPORTS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

OHS’ Lambrigtsen to play two sports at Kishwaukee Community College

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

18

COVID-19 & THE COMMUNITY

Retired Oregon teacher donates 300 meals to KSB

BY RACHEL RODGERS Shaw Media A retired Oregon teacher recently donated 300 meals from Salamandra’s to feed health care professionals at KSB Hospital.

Jeen Morss made a $2,000 donation to provide meals from Salamandra Mexican restaurant in Dixon to KSB employees on March 26.

Kayla Ayala, daughter of Salamandra owner Juana Ayala, said Morss is a longtime customer and family friend who wanted to do something special, and they were happy to make it happen.

“We loved the idea and thought it was exactly what our community of health care providers

OBITUARIES GLEN D. HOLLIS Glen D. Hollis, 79, of Polo, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020 in his home.

Glen was born on April 15, 1940 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Paul and Evelyn (Babler) Hollis.

He married Theresa Emmert on March 11, 2020 in his home in Stratford, Illinois.

Glen earned his CDL, and he worked for S

needed during this time,” she said.

The kind gesture of appreciation brought a smile to everyone’s faces, KSB officials said.

Several acts of kindness are circulating throughout the Sauk Valley, including a GoFundMe started by the Sauk Valley Taking Care of Care Takers group.

That group has raised north of $7,000 to provide meals to health care workers throughout the area.

“The support for our heroes on the front lines continues to strengthen, and it is very appreciated by those putting their health in danger to serve others,” the Lee County Unified Executive Leadership Team said of the donations.

Book Trucking, and The Leaf River Ranch retiring in 2008.

Glen is survived by his wife: Theresa Hollis, Polo; children: Todd (Jodi) Hollis, German Valley, Toni (Craig) Lund, Byron; Teresa Hollis, Rockford; step-children: Nevaeh, Quinton, Jasmin, Donnajo, Shyanne, and Ericka; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters Sharon (William) Sutter, Minneola, Florida, and Sue Ann (Ross) Smith, Mineral Point,

Wisconsin; and brother Dale (Patty) Hollis, Mt. Morris.

Glen is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Alan and Keith Hollis.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A celebration of life will be held later in the summer. A burial will be in Adeline Cemetery, Adeline, at a later date.

WARREN GEORGE RECKMEYER Warren George Reckmeyer, 96, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris.

Warren was born on September 29, 1923, in Quincy, Illinois to George and Ruth (Wittland) Reckmeyer. He attended the Quincy public schools and graduated in 1941.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from February, 1942, to January, 1946. After the war, he attended the Royal Academy of Music in Glasgow, Scotland.

Upon returning to the States, he attended Carthage College and graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bachelor of Music degree, and a Master of Music degree.

He married Carol Ann Prange on June 1, 1952 in Litchfield, Illinois.

He taught music in Illinois public schools for 37 years. He impacted hundreds of students, many of whom went on to careers in music.

He directed the Mt. Morris Kable Concert Band for 59 years, played in several area community bands, and directed the East Bank Commanders Dance Band for 20 years.

He participated in the Mt. Morris July 4th Festival for 60 years, entertaining many as a member of the Clown Band.

Two KSB workers hold their lunches provided by Morss.

He served on several charitable boards and committees. He was a Boy Scout leader and earned the Order of the Arrow. Mt. Morris honored him for his long service to the community through music by naming the band shell, The Warren G. Reckmeyer Band Shell.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School, served on the council, and was active in the music program.

With his wife, they were presented with the Mt. Morris “Hall of Thanks” award, sponsored by the Mt. Morris Community Women’s Club. The two were also recipients of the Community Builders Award presented by the Mt. Morris Samuel H. Davis Lodge of the

Masons.

Woodworking and model railroading were two of his favorite hobbies which provided much enjoyment and produced many projects. In his spare time, he tuned pianos and repaired musical instruments.

He enjoyed baseball and was an ardent St. Louis Cardinal fan. A highlight came in 2016 when he threw out the first pitch to St. Louis manager, Mike Matheny in Busch Stadium, and spent time with Cardinal Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith. He and Carol enjoyed internet fame with their “Together Since 1952” photo.

He is survived by his wife Carol Reckmeyer, Mt. Morris; children Matthew (Mary) of Lincoln, Nebraska; Andrew (Mary Ellen) of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sarah (Donna) of Ottawa, Illinois; Daniel (Shauna) of Trophy Club, Texas; 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Mt. Morris Kable Concert Band fund, c/o Sylvia Saunders, KCB Board member, 414 N. Hannah Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054; the Manor Nursing Home of Pinecrest Community, 414 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054; Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Finch Funeral Home is assisting the family with services.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF

March 25 At approximately 7:59 a.m. Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the intersection of Illinois 251 and Scott Road for a two vehicle accident with an injury.

After arriving on scene, deputies learned a gray Nissan Sentra driven by Jackson Cortez, 23, of Rockford, was traveling southbound on Illinois 251. A white Mack semi with a tractor trailer was driven by Robert Rutledge, 55, of Poplar Grove.

Rutledge had just approached the stop intersection on Scott Road traveling eastbound before he began to turn northbound on Illinois 251 in front of Cortez in the foggy conditions. Cortez was unable to avoid the semi and struck the trailer at the intersection before coming to rest.

Cortez was transported to OSF Hospital by New Milford EMS for minor injuries. Rutledge was issued a

citation for failure to yield at a stop intersection.

Cody Sharp, 50, of Harmon, was arrested at 4:21 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 1,200 block of East Pleasant Grove Road.

Sharp was additionally issued a citation for illegal transportation of alcohol. Sharp was released on an I-Bond and is required to appear in court at a later date.

March 29 Prescott Piaz, 26, of Rockford was arrested at 11:30 p.m. for driving while license revoked and criminal damage of property after deputies responded to a one vehicle roll over crash on Meridian Road near Brick Road at 9:30 p.m.

Deputies were not able to locate a driver at the scene of the crash. Deputies were then dispatched to a suspicious person at a residence south of the crash.

After an investigation Piaz was transported to the Rochelle Hospital to get treatment of injuries he sus-

tained in the crash. Piaz was I-Bonded on all charges and given a June court date.

Caylee Toepfer, 22, of Stillman Valley, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. for domestic battery after deputies responded to a residence in the Village of Davis Junction in regards to a domestic dispute. Toepfer was taken to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

March 30 Dennis Vineyard was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for criminal trespass to residence.

Vineyard’s bond was set at $50,000/10% percent pending a court appearance.

Curtis Palmer, 38, of Stillman Valley, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to the area of 200 E. Chicago Ave. in Davis Junction for a driving complaint.

Palmer was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Darin DeHaan reports the following police activity.

March 19 At 5:04 a.m., police investigated a car vs deer traffic crash in the 2000 block of East Illinois Route 64 involving a 2020 Honda driven by Juan M. Reyes, III, 29, of Mt. Morris. No citations were issued.

March 27 Andrew N. Bjorkman, 33, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 8:46 p.m. for unlawful consumption in a public place. This violation occurred in the 300 block of N. 4th Street.

Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Seven parking citations and one verbal warning were

issued from March 16 through March 29.

General calls for service through dispatch March 16-29 Checking a Subject / Vehicle.................................... 13 Citizen Complaints........................................................6 Animal Complaints........................................................2 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem......................................9 Assist EMS / Other Dept.............................................11 Disturbance / Domestic Battery.................................3 Alarm Response............................................................. 1 911 Hang-up / Open Line..............................................3 Ordinance Violations.....................................................6 Traffic Stops...................................................................4 Juvenile Complaints......................................................2 Alarm Response............................................................. 1

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Ogle County property transfers recorded week of March 20-26.

Warranty Deeds • Timm Arvid Carlson to Steven R. Thoke, 308 E. Center St., Mt. Morris, $105,000. * Hawthorne Holdings LLC to Michael Steven Douglas, one parcel on Highwood, Oregon, $6,500. * Jacob W. Kueny to Alex M. and Paul J. Johnson, 4661 North Marrill Road, Byron, $315,000. * Federal National Mortgage association and Fannie Mae to Benjamin Foster and Tasha Heide, 401 W Devils Backbone Road, Oregon, $80,000. * Dreamers Construction LLC to Steven and Cynthia Keene, 108 Indian Cove Drive, Oregon, $155,000.

* Jennifer J. and Charles E. Heng Jr. to David A. Bouton, 2020 N Silverthorn Drive, Byron, $138,000. * The late Donald Ludwig by heirs to Jon M. Ludwig, one parcel on Town Line Road, Forreston, $250,000. * Shawn C. and Amy L. Bailey to Graciela Balderas Lopez, 307 E. Depot St., Creston, $155,000. * Steven W. and Cindy Keene to Karla J. Knox, 6247 N. River Drive, Oregon, $145,000. * Julie Hendricks to Kurt L. and Mary K. Bruno, one parcel in Eagle Point Township, $225,000. * Nicholas D. and Kelly Pelch to Jordan Larson and Daniel Miller, 1701 Knights Lane, Rochelle, $225,000. * Todd M. McLester to Stephan J. and Zandra J. Northrup, one farmland parcel and 11708 N. Tower Road, Byron, $540,000.

Quit Claim Deeds • Michael Gillespie to Jill Gillespie, 874 Prairie Lily Lane, Davis Junction, $0.

Trustee’s Deeds • Dutcher Trust 2, Mary L. Demetre Bellows and Susan J. Morris, trustees, to John G. and Cordelia M. Heng Trust, John G. and Cordelia M. Heng, trustees, 4756 S. Center Road and 4780 Flagg Center Road, Rochelle, $1,069,779. * J&J Trust317, John F. and Jennifer B. Kruse, trustees, to Ross E. Bushnell, one parcel in Ogle County, $384,353.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Let us know what’s happening in your hometown! Email: news@oglecountynews.com

• Friday, April 3, 2020

March 14 At 8 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving a 2002 Ford driven by Danielle J. Hermes, 48, of Oregon, and a parked 2003 Chevrolet belonging to Tony L. King, 52, of Forreston. No citations were issued.

March 25 Lucas A. Jacobs, 44, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 5:55 a.m. for unsafe equipment. This violation occurred in the 500 block of Oregon Trail Road.

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

20

A1

Classified advertising LEGAL NOTICES

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TAKING BIDS FOR 2020 LAWN MOWING SEASON Location:CHANA FIRE STATION 5995 Honey Creek Rd.

LEGAL NOTICES

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LEGAL NOTICES

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The City of Oregon will be flushing fire hydrants on the following dates: April 6th - 10th, 2020 - North of Rt. 64 April 13th - 17th, 2020 - South of Rt. 64 The flushing is a requirement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and a recommendation of the Insurance Services Office.

City water may be rusty during this operation and residents should refrain from washing clothes etc. during the hours of the flushing operation. At night if your water is rusty, allow the cold water to run until it clears up.

March 27, 2020 April 3, 2020

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Lawn to be mowed once weekly during mowing season, approximately May thru October as needed. Lawn mowing will include trimming of areas if needed.

Contractor will furnish all mowing and trimming equipment. Copy of Contractor's current Liability Insurance coverage must be provided. Bids shall include the cost per mowing.

Please send your Bid Proposal including Proof of Insurance and the Cost Per Mowing to: Oregon Fire Protection District 106 S. First Street, Oregon, IL. 61061 Bids must be received prior to April 7, 2020 April 3, 2020

LEGAL NOTICES

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE In re the Estate of: MICHELLE A. JOHNSON, Deceased.

No. 2020P27 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MICHELLE A. JOHNSON. Letters of Office were issued on March 12, 2020, to JERAMIAH R. JOHNSON, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M. Thomas Suits, of the Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: JERAMIAH R. JOHNSON Independent Administrator Law Offices of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 West Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal.com March 27,April 3,10, 2020

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CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County court system involved in abuse and neglect cases.

Your involvement can impact a child’s future.

Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar roll.com

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LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, ILLINOIS OGLE COUNTY, IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF No. 2020 P 16 KIM P. GOUKER, Deceased.

CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given to creditors of the death of Kim P. Gouker of 118 South Franklin Street, Byron, IL 61010. Letters of office were issued to Carol Nauman, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is David W. Badger, Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC, 215 E. First Street, Dixon, Illinois 61021.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at 106 S. 5th Street, Ste 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, on or before the date which is six (6) months after the date of the first publication of this Claim Notice, or, if mailing or delivering of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: Carol Nauman Independent Administrator David W. Badger Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 215 E. First Street P.O. Box 447 Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4949 (815) 288-3068 FAX badger@egbclaw.com March 27, April 3,10, 2020

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AFC High School has the following coaching positions available for the 2020-2021 SY: Head Football & Head Boys Basketball. Please attach, application, resume and references.

For inquiries please call Traci Gittleson 815-453-7461 ext 1005 or email tgittleson@afc schools.net. Application at www.afc schools.net

LEGAL NOTICES

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN K. LUDWIG, Deceased.

IN PROBATE NO. 2020P28

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of Karen K. Ludwig. Letters of office were issued on March 12, 2020, to Joel C. Ludwig, of 8691 West Town Line Road, Forreston, Illinois 61030 and Shawnda Ludwig, of 8691 West Town Line Road, Forreston, Illinois 61030, as Independent Co-Executors, whose attorney is Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd., 10 N. Galena Avenue, P.O. Box 839, Freeport, IL 61032.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk, or with the representative, or both, on or before September 4, 2020, or within 3 months from date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/gethelp.asp.

Kimberly A. Stahl Circuit Clerk

Nicole M. Bauer, #6236680 Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd. Attorneys for Petitioner Lincoln-Douglas Center 10 North Galena Avenue Post Office Box 839 Freeport, IL 61032-0839 (815) 235-1212 E-mail: nbauer@plager-law.com March 27, April 3,10, 2020

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KEITH W. PRINTZ, DECEASED. IN PROBATE NO: 2020P26 PUBLICATION NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of KEITH W. PRINTZ, of Forreston, Illinois. Letters of Office as Independent Administrator were issued on March 5, 2020 to Jennifer Miskell, 13721 Highway 7, Warsaw, MO 65355, whose attorney is Timothy S. Mahoney, Mahoney, & Mahoney, LLC, 50 W. Douglas, Suite 300, Freeport, Illinois, 61032.

NOTICE is further given to creditors and others interested that the estate will be administered without court supervision unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 I LCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Stephenson County Courthouse, Galena, Illinois, or with the representatives or both on or before the 20th day of September, 2020, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

Timothy S. Mahoney Attorney for Administrator Timothy S. Mahoney MAHONEY & MAHONEY, LLC Attorneys for Administrator 50 W. Douglas, Suite 300 Freeport, IL 61032 815/235-1515

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

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First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, Vs. Ashley Lower; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants,Defendants.

2019CH74 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Ashley Lower; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: Part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of Section 9, Township 25 North, Range 9 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, bounded and described as follows: Beginning 21 chains and 21 links West of the Northeast corner of said Northwest Quarter (1/4); thence South 2.924 chains; thence East 1.71 chains thence North 2.924 chains; thence West 1.71 chains to the point of beginning; situated in the Township of Maryland, the County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

Commonly known as: 6913 W Wagner Rd., German Valley, IL 61039 and which said mortgage was made by, Ashley Lower, a single person; Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Forreston State Bank, its successors and assigns; Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 201504103; and for other relief.

UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this County, Ogle106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, on or before April 20, 2020, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT.RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 120 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 239-3432 Fax: (312) 284-4820 pleadings@rsmalaw.com File No:19IL00324-1 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this firm may be deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.

March 20,27, April 3, 2020

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The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY HOLCOMB BANK f/k/a Holcomb State Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

CASE NO. 2020-CH-25 William B. Hagemann, Craig Hagemann, and Cindy Timm, as Executors of the ESTATE OF BERNICE A. HAGEMANN, THE DELONG CO., INC., BECK'S SUPERIOR HYBRIDS INC., and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF OGLE, In the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Holcomb Bank, an Illinois Banking Corporation vs. William B. Hagemann, Craig Hagemann, and Cindy Timm, as Executors of the Estate of Bernice A. Hagemann, the Delong Co., Inc., Beck's Superior Hybrids Inc., and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, CASE NO. 2020 CH 25. The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants in the above-entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, by the said Plaintiff against you and other Defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows: to-wit: PARCEL 2: Part of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28; part of the Northwest Quarter (1/4) of Section 34 and part of the Northeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 33, all in Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, bounded and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 28; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR); thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 100.03 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence North 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds West, a distance of 870.19 feet; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 17 seconds West parallel with the South line of said Section 28, a distance of 840.71 feet; thence South 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds East parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 1064.76 feet; thence South 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds West, a distance of 338.26 feet to the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence South 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence South 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded) to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road; thence North 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds East along the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road, a distance of 1228.57 feet to the Point of Beginning, all situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois; EXCEPTING THEREFROM the following described tract: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian; thence North 0 degrees 02 minutes 02 seconds East along the East line of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of said Section 28, a distance of 483.78 feet; thence South 44 degrees 53 minutes 12 seconds East, a distance of 703.72 feet (711.48 feet deeded) to the centerline of a public road designated Kishwaukee Road (County Highway No. 33, 102-TR); thence South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 1199.60 feet to the point of beginning of the hereinafter described tract of land; thence continuing South 43 degrees 38 minutes 46 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 129.00 feet to the intersection of the centerline of said Kishwaukee Road and the centerline of a public road designated Hales Corner Road; thence North 67 degrees 28 minutes 56 seconds West along the centerline of said Hales Corner Road, a distance of 243.37 feet (243.25 feet deeded); thence North 86 degrees 43 minutes 56 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 404.94 feet; thence North 4 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 338.26 feet; thence North 0 degrees 15 minutes 41 seconds West parallel with the West line of the East Half (1/2) of the Southeast Quarter (1/4) of Section 28, Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the Fourth Principal Meridian, a distance of 364.00 feet; thence South 43 degrees 43 minutes 34 seconds East, a distance of 1002.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; situated in the Township of Marion, County of Ogle and State of Illinois.

COMMON ADDRESS: 7906 N. Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 PIN Number: 05-33-200-019 Mortgage was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in Ogle County, Illinois, as Document Number 201209155.

And for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending.

Now therefore, unless you, the said above 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 Circuit Court of Ogle County, Chancery Division, in the Courthouse in the City of Oregon, Illinois, on or before the 1st day of May, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that date and a decree entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

Dated: March 5, 2020 JAMES E. STEVENS (#3128256) Barrick Switzer Long Balsley & Van Evera, LLP 6833 Stalter Drive Rockford, IL 61108 815-962-6611 jstevens@bslbv.com

/s/ Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court

March 20,27, April 3, 2020

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FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Emotions will surface if you try to please everyone.

Take a step back and satisfy yourself. Aim for personal growth instead of trying to change others. You are overdue for a break.

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It’s essential to stay focused on what’s important to you and to strive for personal perfection. A change is encouraged.

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Visiting someone who has influenced your life will be insightful. Don’t make a premature change.

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CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Keep your cash and possessions tucked away someplace safe. The best results will come from nurturing a relationship that offers equality and brings you joy. Make love and romance priorities.

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Follow your heart and make smart choices that will bring you the results you are striving for.

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Protect your reputation, personal information and possessions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- A change will lift your spirits. Plan to do something special with a loved one. Make a promise that will have a positive influence on your life.

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Don’t get into an emotional or financial bind by taking on, or spending, too much.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Traveling, spending time with people who bring out the best in you or helping a cause you believe in will be enlightening. A romantic gesture will lift your spirits. ©2018 UFS

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CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Susan M. Benesh. Letters of office were issued on March 23, 2020 to Todd Benesh, 2445 N. German Church Road, Oregon, Illinois 61061, as Executor, whose attorney is Kim D. Krahenbuhl, WilliamsMcCarthyLLP, 607 Washington Street, P.O. Box 339, Oregon, Illinois 61061.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois 61061, or with the representative, or both, within six months from the date of first publication of this notice, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

Dated this 26th day of March, 2020.

TODD BENESH, Independent Executor For the Estate of SUSAN M. BENESH, DeceasedKim D. Krahenbuhl WILLIAMS MCCARTHYLLPP.O. Box 339 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-2101 kkrahenbuhl@wilmac.com April 3,10,17, 2020

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUITCOUNTY OF OGLE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: No. 2020-P-31 SUSAN M. BENESH, Deceased.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, April 3, 2020

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