Monster trucks, Bigfoot returning to Morrison’s Whiteside County Fair
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
MORRISON – High-octane excitement returns to the 154th Whiteside County Fair on Thursday, Aug. 14, as Full Throttle Monster Trucks, featuring the legendary Bigfoot, roars back in.
The fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St. in Morrison.
It will feature a carnival, demolition derby, livestock judging, truck and tractor pulls, monster trucks, bull riding and live entertainment.
Live entertainment
• Aug. 12: Next Level Pro-Bull Riding
• Aug. 13: Next Level Pro-Bronc Riding
• Aug. 14: Full Throttle Monster Trucks (Several monster trucks will be lined in front of the grandstand at 7 p.m.)
• Aug. 15: ISP Tractor/Truck Pull
• Aug. 16: Robbo’s Extreme Demo Derby
Admission prices
• $10 – Daily Adult
• $2 – Daily Child
• $25 – Adult Season
• $5 – Child Season (ages 6 to 11)
• Children younger than 6 get in free Gate admission is cash only. Daily admission includes same-day reentry with a stamp. Season passes require daily punches, and reentry requires a daily stamp.
Gate price includes admission to all grandstand shows at no additional cost. Seating is free.
Carnival
Opens daily at 1 p.m. and at noon Saturday.
Daily attractions
• Carnival
• Granpa Crachet stage show (three shows per day)
• Bingo (nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.)
• Chicken Poo Bingo
• Cake/Pie Walk (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.)
• Carnival
• Bear Hollow Log Carvers
• Pedal Pull (Tuesday and Saturday)
• Bertrands Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• Kitsie’s All-Star Barnyard Revue & Pig Races
• Bicycle giveaway (6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday)
Wristband Days: From 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. $30 for a daily band.
Mega Pass: Allows patrons to ride anytime the carnival is open. The cost is $60 if purchased the week before the fair and $70 once the fair starts.
For information, call Director of Publicity Todd Mickley at 815-499-8880 or visit whitesidecountyfair.org for updates.
Alex T. Paschal file photo
Bigfoot driver Roger Gauger goes airborne during the Full Throttle Monster Truck Show in 2023 at the Whiteside County Fair. Bigfoot is set to return this year.
May 1965: $51,000 raised for Fulton flood relief
60 years
May 5, 1965
Assistance poured in from all directions as Fulton residents began the numerous tasks involved in a return to normal living after being isolated for several days by the greatest flood in the history of the Mississippi River. The most dramatic example of the spirit of the good neighbor demonstrated toward Fulton was the raising of more than $51,000 for Fulton Flood relief by radio station WSDR in Sterling.
The City Council agreed to set up a Fulton Flood Relief Committee to be made up of the mayor and six members of the council to handle the many tasks of cleanup and restoring public facilities damaged by the flood.
50 years
May 7, 1975
First Reformed Church will hold a Mortgage Burning Service. Plans are to burn a copy of the mortgage on the Educational Building, which was built in 1965 and now is paid in full. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Cornelius Hoekstra of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, who served as pastor of the church during the time the new building was added to the church.
The Fulton City Council accepted the resignation of Third Ward Alderman Clarence Kettler, who gave his reason for resigning as the conflict of interest that apparently existed on the council since his wife was appointed city clerk. Mrs. Kettler is employed by the city as a bookkeeper in the water works office. State’s Attorney Pignatelli ruled this constituted a conflict
of interest. Mayor Wiersema, however, never was officially notified.
40 years
May 8, 1985
The City Council spent about an hour discussing plans for the development of the proposed shopping center. After listening to discussion, the council voted unanimously to “support” the development. The mayor said this did not represent any definite commitments on the part of the city but was a step toward favorable consideration of definite plans to be submitted at later meetings.
Howard’s Feed & Coal of Fulton was honored at an award banquet in Woodhull, Illinois. The firm was recognized for its outstanding sales and service during 1984 by Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa. The award was presented to Howard Houzenga and Bill Schaver.
30 years
May 3, 1995
City Clerk LaVonne Huizenga is shown in a photo swearing in Larry Woods, Fulton’s newest alderman. Mayor Ven Huizen appointed Woods at the regular meeting of the City Council. Woods is taking over for Alderman Mike Kober, who resigned his seat early in April.
Bill and Kristi VanZuiden received the Operation Pride Award. Operation Pride is a community organization that recognizes positive accomplishments in the area. The VanZuidens received the award for the outstanding improvement to their home and property.
20 years
May 4, 2005
This year’s Dutch Days festival will be held this weekend in downtown Fulton. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Dutch Liberation –1945.” Ron Koehn has been chosen as this year’s grand marshal for the Dutch Days parade. Robert de Leeuw, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and his wife will participate in a roundtable discussion about the years of occupation in Holland and the liberation activities that occurred in 1945.
A drawing presented outlays the present streets and avenues showing the new courtyard, expanded parking areas and development possibilities for the Windmill area. City officials signed a contract with a firm to prepare plans to develop the area adjacent to the windmill. The cost of the $15,000 study has been paid by a
$7,500 grant from Exelon Nuclear and $2,500 from the City of Fulton, a private individual grant and $1,250 each from the Friends of the Windmill and Millers groups.
10 years
May 6, 2015
Central Bank Illinois was ranked in the 2014 Top 15th Percentile of Community Banks by Seifried & Brew, LLC. To be recognized with this distinguished ranking, Central Bank demonstrated exemplary performance of balancing risk and reward on the Bank’s Seifried & Brew Total Risk/ Return composite ranking.
The Fulton Thomson Food Pantry received a 2015 grant from the DS Flikkema Foundation of Fulton. The funds will be used during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons to provide additional food assistance to pantry clients.
Gounaris hires private criminal defense attorney from Chicago
Dixon man accused of attempted murder of 3 police officers
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A rural Dixon man charged with the attempted murder of three police officers at his residence in June 2024 now will be represented by a private attorney, a move that comes after two Ogle County public defenders who both defended him left the office.
Jonathon Gounaris, 32, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card – all of which stem from a June 12, 2024, standoff with police in the rural Dixon subdivision of Lost Lake. Gounaris has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford.
Originally, Gounaris was represented by former Public Defender William Gibbs. Gibbs left the office in August 2024 and the case was taken over by Public Defender Michael O’Brien, who left the office mid-April. Gounaris now is represented by attorney William Wolf of Wolf Criminal Law based in Chicago.
Gounaris appeared before Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe on April 28.
Wolf was unable to attend the hearing so attorney Jack DeBacker of Wolf Criminal Law went in his place.
Wolf and DeBacker filed a motion for discovery, which refers to the formal process in which parties involved in a court case exchange information about the case. It’s intended to prevent “trial by ambush” in which one side is surprised by evidence at trial that they had no prior knowledge of.
DeBacker maintained Gounaris’ previous position of arguing for release while Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse maintained hers and argued for continued detention.
Gounaris has been denied pretrial
release as far back as his initial detention hearing June 20, 2024. O’Brien made extensive arguments supporting Gounaris’ release at a hearing March 17, when he called the June standoff a “paradox of the welfare check.”
The state disagrees and has continued to argue for detention since that initial June 20 hearing. Kruse said March 17 that police had found Gounaris to be wearing ballistic body armor while armed with two handguns, pepper spray and a knife.
“This wasn’t a man who was having a mental health crisis. This was a man that wanted to kill someone,” she said.
At the March 17 hearing, Roe took the arguments under advisement and ruled April 8 for continued detention, which has since been appealed by the defense.
On April 28, Roe again ruled for detention.
Gounaris is charged with shooting three members of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team after a three-hour standoff when police tried to enter his home in Lost Lake.
The ERT is made up of individuals from agencies including the sheriff’s office, Oregon and Byron police departments and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Ketter was shot in the face and taken by air ambulance to OSF Medical Center in Rockford, where he underwent surgery. He was released from the hospital June 14.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputy Tad Dominski was shot in the arm and Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was shot in the torso. They were treated at KSB Hospital in Dixon and released later that evening.
Gounaris also was shot during the gunfire exchange and was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was treated before being booked into the Winnebago County Jail on June 18.
Gounaris’ next hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. May 30.
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You probably already know your neighbors … Stop in for a visit!
Please join us for a tour of the home and enjoy some refreshments at 1708 Conor Ct. Clinton, IA Saturday, May 10th from 11am –1pm
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For an appointment please contact Dan Dolan 563-570-1460. CONTACT: 563-506-4265 (Kevin Dolan), 563-570-1460 (Dan Dolan), www.DolanCorp.com
Jonathan Gounaris
SVCC opens outdoor classroom for students
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
DIXON – Sauk Valley Community College over the past few years has been working to create an outdoor multipurpose space for its students.
Vice President of Business Services Kent Sorenson said that about three years ago, SVCC leadership started working to create a campus grounds master plan that would encompass the entire property and would include roadwork, foliage and an outdoors classroom and study space at the back of the college, which sits along the scenic Rock River.
The resulting classroom features an outside stage, several hammocks, a traveling artists’ display, new seating, tables and a nearby student coffee bar.
Vice President of Academics and Student Services Jon Mandrell said that the college had longed for an opportunity to revitalize its riverfront space, and it was just a matter of where and when to do it.
“I think the biggest outcome of the project was to revitalize the space, capitalizing the riverfront use, but then also to create a multipurpose space,” Mandrell said. “You can come out here, study, have performances and classroom presentations.”
The outdoor classroom features stone bench-style seating; several black pillars equipped with power outlets for students to charge their electronic devices; and three large whiteboards for instructors, one of which has a reddish tint to reduce sun glare.
“We’ve had a lot of our first-year experience courses go out here, especially in the fall at the beginning of the semester, and being able to showcase that,” SVCC Vice President of Advancement Lori Cortez said. “It’s a really cool learning space for our students.”
Willett, Hofmann & Associates of Dixon is the project’s main architecture and engineering firm. It suggested that SVCC connect with Ayres & Associates due to its expertise in landscape design, and Ayres & Associates eventually joined the project as a subconsultant. Input also was gathered from faculty, staff and students.
“Furniture is always a really big topic with our students,” Mandrell said. “It seems like as we do remodels around campus, they’re very interested in furniture. They’re very interested in power sources, ease and access
higher graduation rate and have higher success rates,” Cortez said. “So we bring different artists out here, whether they’re magicians [or] musicians, and cultivating a really fun space for our students.”
Besides student use, Mandrell said the outdoor space also will host several community events, such as the college’s Tri-Chamber business gathering in July and the alumni celebration that follows the annual student commencement. Eventually, he would like to hold the school’s police academy graduation there.
Sorenson said the project cost about $1.5 million and was funded using a combination of the college’s local funds and a state grant.
to the building.”
SVCC leadership took student feedback to heart, adding new outdoor seating along with vibrant red hammocks near three art displays – featuring sculptures by artists from across the country – which change yearly. A fourth display is reserved for a yet-tobe-selected artist from the Sauk community.
“We’re really trying to make this the one place where students want to come,” Sorenson said. “So there’s a
coffee shop right inside.”
The Skyhawk Coffee Bar provides students with snacks and caffeinated beverages to help fuel them through lectures and study sessions.
Students can access the cafe from inside the college and then walk outside to the new multipurpose outdoor space, which also features a stage for performances and student activities and engagement.
“We know that students who engage on campus have a higher GPA, have a
Director of Facilities Rich Groleau said SVCC’s next capital development board project focuses on expanding and improving the outdoor space. Plans include extending the concrete paths, upgrading lighting and roads behind the building, and improving accessibility across the back area.
The project also covers parking lot renovations and resurfacing Alan Pfeifer Drive. If funding allows, additional upgrades could include re-siding the school’s original T1 building and installing a larger overhead door for the agriculture department, as some of its equipment does not fit through the existing 11-foot door.
Sauk Valley Community College’s Kent Sorenson (foreground) and Jon Mandrell and Lori Cortez (background) stand beside the college’s new outdoor classroom in Dixon.
Photos by Brandon Clark
New hammocks have been placed in the outdoor classroom at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.
Cleaning of the streets before Dutch Days parade
ABOVE: With brooms in hand, youngsters scrub clean the street May 3 ahead of the Fulton Dutch Days parade. RIGHT: After the scrubbing of the street, the Dutch Days parade makes its way through downtown Fulton.
ABOVE: A youngster tosses a bucket of water onto the streets of Fulton on May 3 as the traditional cleaning of the parade route takes place during Fulton’s Dutch Days. LEFT: The annual cleaning of the streets kicks off the 51st Fulton Dutch Days parade May 3. Dressed in traditional Dutch garb, volunteers throw water and scrub the streets ahead of the parade marchers.
Relay For Life of Sauk Valley Plans Our 30th Year event Westwood Sports Complex, Building 3 Saturday, June 14, 2025 5:00pm-9:30pm
30th Anniversary Celebration
All past chairs, team captains, participants, sponsors, and planning committee are invited to attend the 30th Celebration of RFL at 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. and be introduced and given a small gift. Please send text to Betty Clementz at 815-535-4443 of your name, position in past Relays, years if known, and team name, so a nametag can be prepared for your pick-up on June 14th in Building 3 of Westwood from 4:30 - 4:55 p.m.
We want to thank each of you!
Team Formation
Register your team at www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil or call 1-800-ACS-2345 for assistance. Resources are available on that website to start team fundraising. There is no minimum of money to be raised, no charge to join Relay For Life. Every dollar collected is tax-deductible; every luminaria sold can be added to team total collected. All registration forms available at Sauk Valley Foodbank in Sterling.
Survivors are the Heart of Relay
1. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or register online at www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil to receive a free survivor T-Shirt in the mail.
2. Pre-register to participate in its first lap by all survivors by sending to Survivor Committee the form below or drop off your information at Sauk Valley Foodbank Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - noon. Register on-site on June 14th to pick up your free gift in Building 3 at Westwood from 4:30 - 5:20 p.m. and register at that time the number of years of survivorship.
Relay For Life of Sauk Valley Survivor Participant in Opening Lap at 5:30 p.m. June 14 at Westwood Building 3
Survivor name ____________________________Phone ( _________ ) __________________
Mailing address _______________________________________________________________ (street, city, state, zip)
Mail this bottom portion to: Survivorship Committee of RFL 18626 Hoover Road Sterling, IL 61081
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Iowa DOT announces bridge closures for two projects at Fulton DAVENPORT, Iowa – A pavement replacement project on the U.S. 30 bridge over the Mississippi River between Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton will require closing the roadway to traffic starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, until 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Davenport construction office.
When the roadway is closed, motorists must follow a marked detour route using U.S. 67, Illinois 84 and Iowa 136 to cross the river.
The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.
The Illinois 136 bridge, also known as the North Bridge, over the Mississippi River will close May 12 for maintenance by the Iowa Department of Transportation. That project, which includes a deck overlay, will force the bridge to be closed to all traffic from May 12 through Sept. 30 with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1.
During the project, traffic will be detoured to the Highway 30 bridge, located south of Fulton.
“If there’s an incident on Highway 30, traffic may be rerouted to the Savanna/ Sabula bridge. Please plan ahead for potential delays and increased traffic,” city of Clinton, Iowa, officials posted online.
“The Iowa DOT understands this may be inconvenient and they appreciate your
patience as they work to ensure the long-term safety of the bridge.”
State Rep. McCombie accepting spring photo contest entries
SAVANNA – State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, is accepting entries for her fifth annual spring photo contest.
The contest is open to 89th Congressional District residents.
Participants can submit photographs of people, landscapes or landmarks to showcase spring’s beauty. Residents can submit a photo that best represents the 89th District’s people and places, including monuments and statues. The winning photos will be displayed in McCombie’s Savanna and Springfield offices for the 104th General Assembly term.
The winning pictures will be selected by McCombie. The photographers also will be invited to the photograph unveiling at McCombie’s Savanna office. An 89th District map is available online at repmccombie.com.
The contest rules include: Photos must be submitted by email to mccombiephotocontest@gmail.com.
Pictures must be taken in the 89th District during the spring.
Photos are due as soon as possible, and winners will be announced June 21.
Pictures must be sent in high resolution.
Photo submission emails must include the photographer’s name, home address, email, phone number and photograph location.
DIXON – The Dixon Historic Theatre has received a $100,000 anonymous donation for facility enhancements and programming, according to an announcement made April 24 by the theater’s board.
There have been a lot of changes at the theater during the past two months, from reopening March 2 after a $1.5 million restoration project to firing former executive director Darren Mangler and filling the role with Spencer Aurand, the former business manager at Dixon Stage Left, on April 8.
Since 2019, when the new board – the Historic Dixon Theatre Group – took over the theater, donations and grant funds have been crucial to keeping it up and running, according to a news release.
“This extraordinary gift will allow us to continue improving the facilities, expanding our programming and supporting our goal of greater sustaina -
bility,” Aurand said in the announcement. “The donor has given their blessing to release this information in hopes of sparking additional gifts to advance this community mission.”
“While the donor has requested to remain anonymous, we are deeply grateful for their generosity and belief in our mission. It is support like this that lets us know we are on a good path in advancing the cultural and economic benefits the theater can provide our community,” Theater Board Chairman Mike Venier said.
The major renovations, which included repairing the roof, ceiling and other structural work, are complete, but some cosmetic changes still are in the works. Free public tours of the theater are being offered starting at 10 a.m. every Saturday.
“Come join us to see how things are progressing,” the announcement said. For more information, visit dixontheatre.com.
– Payton Felix
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Baseball
Warren-Stockton 4, Fulton 2: The Steamers had only one hit in the road setback. Dom Kramer took the loss after pitching six innings with six strikeouts, one walk, four hits and three earned runs allowed.
Milledgeville 3, Fulton 2 (9 inn.): Tied 1-1 going into extra innings, Fulton took a 2-1 lead via an error in the top of the ninth. The Missiles answered as Evan Schenck’s two-run single provided a walk-off win. Schenck had two hits and two RBIs.
Fulton 1, Warren-Stockton 0: Fulton’s Chase Dykstra struck out 11 in six innings and Jacob Huisenga closed it out in the home shutout. Huisenga scored the lone run on an error in the fourth inning as each team had only three hits.
Eastland 3, Amboy 0 (8 inn.): Peyton Spears broke a scoreless tie with an RBI double and Brayden Jackson added a two-run double in the Cougars’ road win. Spears pitched 71/3 scoreless innings. Quinn Leffelman had two of Amboy’s five hits.
Morrison 10, Milledgeville 7: The Mustangs scored six runs in the top of the seventh en route to a comeback win at Milledgeville. Aydan Meinsma had three hits and an RBI and Kamden White had three RBIs for Morrison. Meinsma got
Scott Anderson
Erie-Prophetstown’s Evan Steimle makes a catch against Hall on April 28 at Foley Field in Kirby Park in Spring Valley.
the win after pitching four innings in relief. Karter Livengood had a home run and two RBIs for Milledgeville.
Fulton 11, Polo 1 (5 inn.): The Steamers outhit Polo 10-2 in the home win as Jacob Huisenga led the team with two doubles and three RBIs. Evan Folk earned the
win with four strikeouts in 41/3 innings.
Softball
Fulton 18, Milledgeville 5 (5 inn.): Fulton’s Resse Germann had a double, a home run and five RBIs in the road win. Kyle Smither (three RBIs) also homered.
Belle Curley (three RBIs) got the win in the circle.
Geneseo 14, Erie-Prophetstown 1 (5 inn.): The Panthers were outhit 12-3 in the road loss. Chloe Hamilton had a single and stole two bases for E-P.
Morrison 6, Milledgeville 0: Bella Duncan had 19 strikeouts and allowed four hits and one walk in the road shutout. Duncan also was 2 for 3 at the plate with a home run. Kendra Kingsby also pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run with eight strikeouts. Milledgeville had three errors.
Warren-Stockton 7, Fulton 5: Fulton gave up five runs in the top of the seventh in the home setback. Averi Bush led the Steamers with three RBIs.
Fulton 13, Polo 1 (5 inn.): The Steamers outhit Polo 10-3 in the home win. Haley Smither and Resse Germann each had a home run with four RBIs in the shortened game. Jessa Read had four strikeouts in five innings with two hits, no walks and no earned runs allowed.
Erie-Prophetstown 18, Hall 1 (5 inn.): Hannah Ryan led the Panthers with four RBIs and Eden Jensen had a home run in the road win. Wynn Renkes struck out eight in five innings with three hits and no earned runs or walks allowed.
We Support Our Local Schools!
GO STEAMERS AND KNIGHTS!
Forreston-Polo second at Hawk Classic; Morrison 11th
By ANDY COLBERT
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – With Class 1A sprint relay powers from Forreston-Polo, LenaWinslow and Morrison entered at the Oregon Hall of Fame Hawk Classic on May 2, a mini-state meet was expected. However, a short-handed Morrison team scratched out of the 4x200 and 4x400-meter relays and used a backup squad in the 4x100 relay.
Last year, the Mustangs won all three relays at the state meet and returned the bulk of those units, including star runner Brady Anderson. At Oregon, it came down to Levi Milder, who took second in the 100 and 200 meters to Alec Schlichting of Lena-Winslow.
“We let Brady rest and get healthy,” Milder said. “There are bigger and brighter things ahead.”
The 200 between Schlichting and Milder was a near photo finish at 22.0722.09, which rank as the first and third best times in 1A this year.
“Considering the weather delay, rain and cold, I’m OK with that time,” said Milder, who was sixth in the 1A state meet as a sophomore with a 22.38.
Schlichting, who has the top 1A time in the 100, bested Milder 10.99 to 11.09 and also led Lena-Winslow to a win in the 4x100 relay. He was awarded co-MVP of the meet with Rochelle pole vaulter Andrew Nuyen, who broke the meet record by almost two feet.
Erik Lindahl of Erie-Prophetstown had the record at 14-9, set in 2002. With a large crowd assembled around the pole vault pit, the nationally ranked Nuyen cleared 16-6 and had a close attempt at 17-1.
Nuyen helped the Hubs to their firstever win at the meet. In the 21-team field, Rochelle had 95 points to 76 for second-place Forreston-Polo. In a close battle for third, it was Woodstock North with 63, Lena-Winslow with 62 and Winnebago with 60.
Forreston-Polo dominated the jumps and took second in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.
Sophomore Jonathan Milnes, who had never tried long jumping until the week of the meet, surprised the field with a leap of 20 feet, 8 inches to claim first.
“My thought process was to throw my speed out and do the best I could,” said Milnes, who also took third in the high jump at 5-10.
Fellow sophomore teammate Eli Fer-
the quartet ran a 1:31.18 in the 4x200 relay, second to Woodstock North’s 1:31.04 and the fifth best time so far in 1A.
Schwarz, Milnes, Dewey and Hayden Vinnedge were close behind LenaWinslow in the 4x100 relay, 43.37 to 43.88. In the 4x400 relay, won by Byron with a 3:29, Ferris, Vinnedge, Schwarz and Dewey were next at 3:32.
Milledgeville-Eastland was close behind in third at 3:33, with Konner Johnson, Micah Toms-Smith, Adam Awender and Draven Zier. The same group was fourth in the 4x200 relay (1:33.50).
Parker Krogman gave the program a title with a season-best time of 41.61 in the 300 hurdles.
“Dropping the baton in the 4x100 relay and running a bad race in the high hurdles set me up for this,” Krogman said. “I knew I couldn’t have another bad performance.”
Milledgeville-Eastland tied Morrison for 11th with 27 points. Oregon was next with 24, followed by Newman 19 and Erie-Prophetstown 18.
In the most competitive event of the meet, with six runners at 2:01 or lower, Wyatt Widolff of Newman and Daniel Gonzales of Oregon had PRs in attempting to chase down Evan White of Rockford Christian in the 800 meters. White held on to win in 1:57.68. Widolff was next at 1:58.28 and Gonzales ran a 1:58.53.
“I wanted to pace off Evan and outkick him, but he‘s got a legendary kick himself,” said Wildoff, who ran a 1:55 in helping Newman almost break the state 1A record in the 4x800 relay last year.
For Gonzales, it was his first time under two minutes and the junior has Ian Hussung’s school record of 1:56.57 in his sights.
“I got tripped at 450 meters in and lost some momentum,” Gonzales said. “I used it as motivation and then on the last 150, I treated it like I was running downhill.”
Newman’s 4x800 relay of Briar Ivey, Cody McBride, Trevor Simpson and Widolff were third at 8:44.
ris was second in the high jump at 6 feet. Ferris and Milnes also ran on the 4x100 and 4x200 relays that took second.
Senior triple jumper Billy Lowry was first in the triple jump for Forreston-Polo with a mark of 41 feet, 4 inches, done on his first attempt before the weather turned inclement and the meet was delayed because of lightning. Hunter DeWall added a third in the discus with a toss of 140 feet.
It was on the track that Forreston-Polo
was most impressive with senior Noah Dewey anchoring sophomore-laden groups in each of the three relays.
“My sophomore year, I was taught things by the seniors,” said Dewey, a fivetime state relay medalist. “I’m trying to do the same thing with these sophomores. We have a lot of fast guys and I love the cooperation it takes, whether it’s Polo or Forreston runners.”
With Ferris, Milnes and another sophomore Brody Schwartz joining Dewey,
A surprise fourth place for Newman was George Jungerman’s PR of 135-6 in the discus. Oregon got a fourth from Briggs Sellers in the shot put with an effort of 45.4.
Amboy’s Joel Billhorn was fourth in the 400 meters with a 53.72. E-P got a third from Nathan Punke (12-0) and fifth from Aidan Jepson (11-6) in the pole vault. Freshman Lane Decker had a PR of 43.71 to take fourth in the 300 hurdles for Morrison.
Earleen Hinton
Erie-Prophetstown’s Elijah Foster competes in the triple jump at the Hall of Fame Hawk Classic on May 2 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon.
United Methodist Church Pastor Leanne Keate - 815-564-2302
April 21-27
Warranty deeds
Marsha M Riley, Ervin Kent Massingill, Ervin S Massingill Estate and Brian K Massingill to Marsha M Riley and Ervin Kent Massingill to 17420 Star Road, Prophetstown, and one parcel on Star Road, Prophetstown, $0.
Eric R Nicklaus and Billie J Nicklaus to Lance Demarlie and Alayna Demarlie, 5207 Spruce St., Galt, $272,000.
Alyssa R Bauer, now known as Alyssa R Morris, to Rentco LLC, 822 Ave. A, Rock Falls, $70,000.
Jesse Duran, William Sewell, Cecily Sewell, Cymone Sewell, Cienna Sewell, Cydney Sewell, Catherine Sewell Estate, Kathryn Duran, Kasandra Jones formerly known as Kasandra Duran, Emmalee Nova formerly known as Emmalee Duran, Jessica Duran, Joseph Thomas Duran Estate and Guadalupe Duran Estate to Francisco Javier Flores, 704 W. 7th St., Sterling, $17,500.
Ralph Charleston Jr and Linda Charleston to Tina Gonzalez Delira, 1103 Hickory Hills Road, Rock Falls, $35,000.
Pmp Holdings LLC to Lee A Schmidt, trustee, Karen G Schmidt, trustee, and Schmidt Revocable Trust, 405 1st Ave., Rock Falls, $830,000.
Dakota J Carber to Hope O Tiemann, 402 W. South St., Morrison, $80,000.
Midfirst Bank to Relo Property, 901 Ave. A, Rock Falls, $68,001.
Conni J Person and Ture A Person to Jonah T Green, 108 College Ave., Prophetstown, $87,000.
Kurt And Brian Properties LLC to Annette Ewald, 604 6th Ave., Rock Falls, $145,000.
Gerilyn M Pritchard to Saul Rodriguez and Lisa Rodriguez, 1710 Albany St., Erie, $338,500.
Christopher Michael Anderson to River James Konter, 903 Ave. J, Sterling, $120,000.
Kathryn Riley and Robbie Riley to Brandy L Denning, 405 13th Ave., Rock Falls, $80,000.
William Aberle to Chad Gilmore, 10160 Buell Road, Rock Falls, $234,900.
Brooklyn Linton to Jayden R Linton and Jayden J Muntean, 1210 E. 15th St., Sterling, $80,000.
Sterling Federal Bank to Isabelle Smith and Ethan D Janssen, 2008 15th Ave., Sterling, $106,250.
David R Cochran to Justin Westfall, 219 W. 2nd St., Rock Falls, $150,000.
Gary W Sikkema and Cheryl A Sikkema to Terry L Sikkema and Stacey L Dail, 1425 10th Ave., Fulton, $0.
Quit claim deeds
Industrial Development Commission and the city of Rock Falls to Scott Matejka and Amber Matejka, 303 14th Ave., Rock Falls, $100.
James D Batten and Enedina F Juarez Batten to Tampico Mini Storage LLC, one parcel in Tampico Township: 22-23-126005, $0.
Dineshkumar Patel to Sureshkumar G Patel, no parcel information available: 11-22-229-009 and 11-22-229-010, $0.
Millard W Mandrell to Millard W Mandrell and Michele M Mandrell, 302 3rd. Ave., Rock Falls, $0.
Gregg W Pessman and Ellen W Pessman to Ellen W Pessman Family Trust and Gregg W Pessman Family Trust, 5691 Garden Plain Road, Fulton, and one parcel on Garden Plan Road, Fulton, $0.
Deeds
James D Batten and Enedina F Juarez Batten to James D Batten, trustee, Enedina F Batten Juarez, trustee, and Batten Family Trust, 308 E. Kimball Road, Tampico, $0. Christian D Rios Vargas and Auctioncom LLC to Pennymac Loan Services LLC, 600 E. 5th St., Rock Falls, $0.
Barb@BarbKophamer.com 815-772-4850
Dykstra & Law
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Brent Dykstra, Agent In River City Mall
1426 10th Avenue, Fulton 815-589-2200
Jaswal Properties LLC to 425 Mart Inc, 210 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, $200,000.
Kelsey Renee Fehrmann to Matthew Wallace Fehrmann, two parcels on Coleta Road, Sterling: 04-28-200-001 and 04-28-200-005, $676,000.
Trustees deeds
Gay L Elfline Trust to Carrie A Meyer, 322 N. Jackson St., Morrison, $154,900.
Source: Whiteside County Recorder’s Office
Drs. Terry and Sarah Foust
“Serving Large and Small Animals”
602 N. High Street, Port Byron, IL
Phone 309-524-6484
Fax: 309-524-6485 www.riverviewvets.com
FARM - INDUSTRIAL
Larry’s Metal
We Sell and Service All Major Brands 309-887-4447
Call 815-632-2560
16262 Waller Rd., (Rt. 84), Fulton, IL
DIRECTORY BUSINESS AND SERVICE
Clerk Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No 2025TX39
The Property is located at:
29048 KNIEF RD., ROCK FALLS, IL 61071
Property Index Number: 17-10301-018
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025.
On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed
1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner
10594-952855
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952855
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2021-00372
TO:
Estate of Steve J Steele Occupant Estate of Steve J Steele Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property;
Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed w ith the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2025TX40
The Property is located at:
1016 MAIN ST., ERIE, IL 61250 Property Index Number: 20-06478-008
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025.
On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed
1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952856 April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952856 ed
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed w ith the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2025TX40
The Property is located at:
1016 MAIN ST., ERIE, IL 61250 Property Index Number: 20-06478-008
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025. On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952856
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952856
TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 2021-00375 TO:
April D Rick Spouse of April D Rick
April D Rick Spouse of April D Rick Jake V erkruysse Occupant Village of Erie Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2025TX41
The P roperty is located at: 611 8TH AVE., ERIE, IL 61250 Property Index Number: 20-07230-008
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021. The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025.
On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952857
described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2025TX41
The P roperty is located at: 611 8TH AVE., ERIE, IL 61250
Property Index Number: 20-07230-008
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025. On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952857
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952857
TAKE NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 2021-00389
TO: Adam I Anderson Spouse of Adam I Anderson Adam I Anderson Spouse of Adam I Anderson Mischa Anderson Charles Burger Occupant Whiteside County Clerk
Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots
A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WHITESIDE County, IL as Case No. 2025TX43
The Property is located at: 409 E MARKET ST., TAMPICO, IL 61283
Property Index Number: 22-14328-011
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.
The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025. On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952858
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952858
ty, IL as Case No. 2025TX43
The Property is located at:
409 E MARKET ST., TAMPICO, IL 61283
Property Index Number: 22-14328-011
Said Property was sold on 11/3/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021. The period of redemption will expire on 8/ 25/2025.
On 09/17/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed 1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 10594-952858
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952858
Notice of Public Hearing
Erie School Board of Education NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the School board of Erie CUSD 1, in the County of Whiteside, State of Illinois, that the tentative amended budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, will be on file and conveniently available for pub lic inspection at 520 5th Avenue, Eri e, Illinois in this School District from and after 8:00 am., on the 20th day of May, 2025. Notice is further hereby giv en that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 6:30 pm., on the 23rd day of Ju ne 2025, in the Hi gh School Media Center at 435 6th Avenue, Erie, Illinois. Dated this 1st day of May , 2025. The School board of School District Number 1, in the County of Whiteside, State of Illinois.
By Secretary Shannon James
23rd day of Ju ne 2025, in the Hi gh School Media Center at 435 6th Avenue, Erie, Illinois. Dated this 1st day of May , 2025. The School board of School District Number 1, in the County of Whiteside, State of Illinois.
By Secretary Shannon James
May 6, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROBATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARCIA SNYDER Case No. 2024 PR 81 Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Marcia Snyder, last a resident of Fulton, Illinois, who died on June 10, 2024. Letters of office were issued on November 6, 2024, to Wade Larkey, 801 14th Ave., Fulton, IL 61252, and Trisha Sikkema, 3649 West 12th St , Newton, IA 50208, as Independent Co-Executors. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Hui zenga, 1011 4th St , Fulton, IL 61252
Trisha Sikkema, 3649 West 12th St , Newton, IA 50208, as Independent Co-Executors. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Hui zenga, 1011 4th St , Fulton, IL 61252
Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or wi th the Representative or both, on or before October 29, 2025. Any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after i t has been filed.
Dated this 29th day of April, 2025
REBECCA L HUIZENGA
Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252
815/589-2859
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROBATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LYNNE ZAHNLE
FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF THE DEATH, ADMISSION TO PROBATE AND CLAIM PERIOD IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LYNNE ZAHNLE Case No. 2025 PR 24 Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Lynne Zahnle, l ast a resident of Fulton, Illinois, who died on June 3, 2024. Letters of office were issued on March 17, 2025, to Jill Swanson, of 3723 Loma Ventosa, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650, as Independent Personal Representative. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Hui zenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252. Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 East Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before October 29, 2025. Any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after i t has been filed.
Any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after i t has been filed.
Dated this 29th day of April, 2025
REBECCA L. HUIZENGA
Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois
61252
815/589-2859
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025
Village Of Eri e Zoning Board Meeting
There will be a Zoning Board Meeting at the Erie Village Hall for Saul Rodriguez on Thursday May 15, 2025, at 7pm. This meeting is for approval of a 40 X40 building at 1710 S Albany Stre et, Erie IL.
May 6, 2025
There will be a Zoning Board Meeting at the Erie Village Hall for Saul Rodriguez on Thursday May 15, 2025, at 7pm. This meeting is for approval of a 40 X40 building at 1710 S Albany Stre et, Erie IL.
May 6, 2025
Village Of Eri e Zoning Board Meeting
There will be a Zoning Board Meeting at the Erie Village Hall for Stephen Rudnicki on Thursday May 15, 2025, at 7pm This meeting is for approval of a 6 ft fence on the property line at 704 9th Avenue, that will be behind the property and a 4 ft fence on the property lin e placed on 7th Avenue.
May 6, 2025
24 FC 73 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF WHIT ESIDE MORRISON, ILLINOIS New American Funding, LLC Pla intiff, vs. Joshua Mothershed; et. al. Defendant
NOTICE OF SALE
24 FC 73
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 14TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF Whiteside - Morrison , ILLINOIS Bankers' Bank; Plaintiff vs. Cody J. Meie r; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants; Defenda nt 25 FC 2 CALENDAR NOTICE OF SALE
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025 952857
May 6, 2025
Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, or wi th the Representative or both, on or before October 29, 2025. Any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and the attorney for the estate within 10 days after i t has been filed.
Dated this 29th day of April, 2025
REBECCA L HUIZENGA
Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252
815/589-2859
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025
Dated this 29th day of April, 2025 REBECCA L. HUIZENGA
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereb y given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on June 12, 2025, at the hour 3:00 p.m., Third Floor Lobby of the Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61 270, sell, in person, to the highest bid der for cash, the following d escribed mortgaged real estate:
Attorney for the Estate 1011 4th Street P.O. Box 102 Fulton, Illinois 61252
815/589-2859
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the abov e entitled cause Intercounty Judici al Sales Corporation will on June 12, 2025, at the hour 3:00 p.m., Third Floor Lobby of the Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 East Knox Street, Morrison, IL 61270, sell to the highest bidde r for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOT FIVE (5), LINCOLN SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 22, 1941 IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE 101, IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4) OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 7 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERID IAN; ALL SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF STERLING, COUNTY OF WHITESIDE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. P.I.N. 11-22-207-005. Commonly known as 1616 East 13th Street, Sterling, IL 61081.
Case No. 2025 PR 24 Notice is hereby given to creditors and claimants of the death of Lynne Zahnle, l ast a resident of Fulton, Illinois, who died on June 3, 2024. Letters of office were issued on March 17, 2025, to Jill Swanson, of 3723 Loma Ventosa, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650, as Independent Personal Representative. The Attorney for the estate is: Rebecca L. Hui zenga, 1011 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252. Claims against the estate may be filed wi th the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 East Knox St., Morrison, IL 61270, or with the Representative or both, on or before October 29, 2025. Any claim not filed wi thin that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be
April 29, May 6, 13, 2025
The real estat e is : single family residence If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common inter est community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Secti on 18.5 of the Condominium Prope rty Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection Prospecti ve bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information For informati on call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W24-0368 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3265471
LOT SEVEN (7) AND THE SOUTH HALF OF LOT EIGHT (8) IN BLOCK THIRTY-TWO (32), EAST OF BROADWAY, IN THE CITY OF STERLING, WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED MARCH 2, 1839 IN PLAT BOOK 2 PAGE 19. P.I.N. 11-22-278-010. Commonly known as 203 17th Ave., Sterling, IL 61081. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Cond ominium Prope rty Act. Sal e terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Pros pective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information For informat ion call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road. Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. (630) 794-5300. 14-24-04623 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com
