4/29/2021 McHenry County News

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VOL. 11 • NO. 19

Conservation district celebrates

It was April of 1971 when McHenry County Conservation District was formed by a successful county-wide referendum and then formally organized in July 1971.

The conservation district founders envisioned a public agency that would preserve and protect the land and the water they loved and lived on, while promoting a way of life they cherished, and establishing a place that could be shared with the wildlife around them.

“During this 50th anniversary year, we celebrate and recognize the milestones achieved, the growth, achievements and accomplishments, the many partnerships that help bring projects to life, and most importantly the citizens and taxpayers of McHenry County who placed their trust in the conservation district to bring into being the conservation dream envisioned by the founders,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Kessler. “We congratulate the past and present Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and citizens of McHenry County on the 50th anniversary of the creation of the McHenry County Conservation District and express sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.”

Throughout the past 50 years, McHenry County Conservation District has secured and protected more

PUBLISHED BY ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING, LLC

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

than 25,600 acres, diverse with woodlands, wetlands, prairies, creeks and rivers that afford habitat for a wide array of native plants and wildlife species - including numerous endangered and threatened species. District properties are also home to 17 Illinois state nature preserves and portions included within the boundaries of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

Over the years, McHenry County Conservation District has been awarded and nationally recognized as a leader in conservation and environmental stewardship excellence for its role in ecological restoration, rare plant discoveries, scientific research, the re-meandering of Nippersink Creek, Blanding’s turtles and other wildlife reintroduction, investments in green infrastructure, greenway corridors and trail connections like the regional Prairie Trail and recently completed Ridgefield Trace.

Today, McHenry County conservation areas provide residents access to 35 sites where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreational pursuits on 106 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of regional biking trails, 25 fishing areas, six campgrounds, six canoe launches, 36 miles of horse trails and 18 sites with multiple picnic

See CELEBRATES, Page 7

Attempted child abduction ‘unfounded’

On Thursday, April 22, at 10:18 a.m., the Woodstock Police Department was made aware of a reported attempted child abduction, which occurred near the intersection of Cobblestone Way and Castle Road.

As of April 22 at 5:45 p.m., Woodstock detectives had interviewed the child, several witnesses, and reviewed video surveillance footage related to this investigation.

WPD felt this incident will be classified as “unfounded.”

However, WPD will continue to interact with the child and her family, as well as interviewing other possible witnesses.

During the initial part of the investigation, Woodstock patrol officers learned that on April 22, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a 9year-old female D-200 student was walking to her bus stop, located at the aforementioned location; a male subject driving a gray colored minivan reportedly stopped next to her, honked the horn, and told her to get into the van. The child continued on toward the stopped

school bus, with the minivan still following her, and safely got onto her bus without further incident.

The gray minivan, described to be in dirty condition, continued driving northbound away from the scene. The child described the male subject to be possibly white, with short dark hair and a mustache.

If anyone has further information on this incident, contact the Woodstock Police Department at 815-338-2131.

WPD does not normally issue press releases before the entire investigation is complete.

However, in this incident it was our responsibility to do so because of the public interest and safety factors involved with our children.

If any information or evidence is developed in the future that will change the status of this investigation, another updated press release will be issued.

To protect the identity of the child and her family, no further information will be released at this time.

COURTESY PHOTOS McHenry County News

Sleep under the star-filled sky, hike the trails, follow animal tracks and stoke the campfire as you enjoy the quiet, peaceful surroundings at Thomas Woods Campground.

Memorial Day weekend camping at Thomas Woods

Memorial Day weekend is near– make your plans to bring the family out for a weekend of camping at Thomas Woods Campground in Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. Sleep under the star-filled sky, hike the trails, follow animal tracks, and stoke the campfire as you enjoy the quiet, peaceful surroundings. Marengo Ridge offers hikers five miles of looped trails to explore through majestic oak woodlands and savanna.

Thomas Woods Campground is open weekends only, April 30 through Oct. 31 and has tent campsites for $15 residents/$20 non-residents and

a RV sites for $25 residents/$35 nonresidents. Reservations can be made online at MCCD.me/Reservations at least 48 hours in advance and up to six months in advance with a credit card.

For assistance making your online reservation call 815-338-6223, ext.

1211.

If space is available, visitors make a reservations onsite with the campground host (first-come, firstserved). Don’t forget to purchase your firewood at the time you make your reservation. Firewood can be purchased for $7 a bundle (approximately 10 pieces).

Pack a picnic basket and spend an afternoon exploring one of the beautiful, natural sites in McHenry County. The McHenry County Conservation District offers 31 different picnic areas and shelters for your next family gathering or group outing. Picnic areas and shelters require a permit when there are more than 16 people, and for groups of 15 or less wishing to guarantee exclusive use. Most shelters include grills and are handicap accessible.

Reservations are taken online at MCCD.me/Reservations and require at least one week notice. For more information visit MCCDistrict.org.

Page 2

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Costs increase as Poplar Grove Vintage Wings Belvidere tackles summer & Wheels opening kickoff projects around town

By Bob Balgemann REPORTER

Summertime brings more to the city than just improved weather. It’s also time for a number of projects that are undertaken by municipal workers to keep the overall community looking sharp.

Work being done includes sidewalk replacement, landscape maintenance, tree removals, and mowing properties at various locations around the city.

Typically, aldermen don’t spend much time discussing the proposed expenditures presented by Public Works Director Brent Anderson during a spring Committee of the Whole meeting. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made the 2020-21 fiscal year like no others and with that unsettling atmosphere came questions, most of them relating to cost of those largely housekeeping matters.

During the committee meeting Director Anderson reported receiving five bids for the sidewalk program, ranging from $147,620 to $253,050. The low bid came from Globe Construction in Addison. Randy Baier Construction in Belvidere finished second, with his quote of $152,775.

Alderman Clayton Stevens asked who received the contract last year and was told, Globe Construction.

“Frankly, I’d like to see a local guy, rather than someone out of Addison,” the alderman said.

“We have the option of using a local contractor if I believe his bid is within 10 percent of the low bid,” Mayor Mike Chamberlain replied.

“Is that something I was just told, or is that a fact?”

“I think that’s only when our unemployment is over a certain percentage,” Budget and Finance Officer Becky Tobin said. “Then we have the ability to do that, I think.”

Other bids came from companies in Rockford, Huntley and Woodstock.

The mayor asked Anderson if he had experienced any problems with the quality of the low bidder’s work, and was told, “No, we have not.”

With there being no further comments or questions, the committee voted 8-1 to recommend accepting Globe’s bid. Dissenting was Stevens.

There was more discus-

sion at the ensuing city council meeting, when aldermen voted 8-2 to award the sidewalk contract to Globe. Opposition came from Stevens and Alderman Tom Porter.

Alderman Marsha Freeman asked, “So, Brent, this isn’t for our 50/50 program, right? This is for the ones downtown and the public ways?”

“This includes our 50/50 sidewalk programs (involving property owners), plus the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramps that are required as part of IDOT’s (Illinois Department of Transportation) overlay program,” Anderson replied.

“That’s why there are two line items.”

“On the 50/50 program, do we still have a waiting list from year to year, or are we lacking participation from time to time?” Alderman Dan Snow inquired.

“No, so far we haven’t been lacking,” Anderson said. “Last year we were able to use the majority of the funds in the 50/50 program.

We had a few people come in late last year and will be on this year’s list. First come, first served for that program.

Our last several years have been well received.”

Stevens asked about some bid numbers, stating a company could do a 6-inch sidewalk cheaper than a 4-inch sidewalk. He asked if that was a typo and was told “no.”

“That’s the way they did it,” Anderson said. “It’s a lot lower quantity for a 6-inch as opposed to the 4-inch. Maybe that had something to do with it.”

More questions Alderman Matt Fleury asked what was involved in the landscape maintenance program.

Anderson said that included the streetscape area downtown, plus the landscaped areas in the municipal parking lots, along Appleton Road on the reserve curve by Lincoln and, he believed, the Welcome to Belvidere signs on the outskirts of town.

There were two bids for this work and they were close. Area Services Inc. in Belvidere had the low quote, $23,404.98; LawnCare by Walter Inc. out of Grayslake was next, at $23,590. Area Services’ bid was $300.02 under the winning quote

from 2020.

Discussion evolved from the tree removal program as Porter said he noticed the low bid of $51,600 was $11,600 over the city’s current budget. “How would that be reconciled?” he asked.

“Typically, we make sure it stays within our budget,” Anderson said of expenses.

“If we have emergency storm damage that increases the cost, we will advise council of that.”

Porter persisted. “This is over our $40,000 budget, that’s what I’m saying,” he said.

“For the forestry budget we have $40,000,” Anderson replied. “I’m saying we will stay within that $40,000 budget. As the tree work progresses, barring any emergency tree work that has to be done, we should be able to stay under that $40,000 number.”

Chamberlain interjected: “For clarification, let’s call this the forestry program.”

“How often do we go over the budgeted amount?”

Snow asked.

Tobin fielded that question, saying, “There were quite a few years when we went over (the budget), but that was because we were removing so many trees because of the emerald ash borer (disease). At one point, we were spending $120,000 on the program. Now we’re back down to the normal $40,000.”

Anderson confirmed that, saying in 2015-16 the budget was $135,380.

Aldermen ultimately recommended approving the low bid from Tree Care Enterprises Inc., Rockford, of $51,600. Three bids were submitted in all, ranging from the $51,600 to $54,400.

City council later approved the contract with minimal discussion.

The question of higher cost also was raised about mowing grass at three locations around town.

Anderson said that was because a couple of spots were added including a city parking lot and some additional area down by the Kishwaukee River. On only receiving one bid, from LawnCare by Walter Inc. in Cherry Valley, he said, “There’s nothing to compare to. Basically, I think these numbers are in line with what we’re seeing.”

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Writers are limited to one letter per month. Deadline is 5 p.m. Fridays.

Send letters for the Belvidere Republican to: Letters to the Editor, 130 South State Street, Suite 101, Belvidere, IL 61008, fax to 815-547-3045, or email bdrnews@rvpublishing.com

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Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, will open for the season starting Saturday, May 1.

The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Grilling and Chilling 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the picnic pavilion. On the menu will be brats, hotdogs, chips, baked beans, beverage and cookie.

Regular open hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday noon to 3 p.m., or by appointment.

The public is invited to take this opportunity to walk the campus and learn a variety of aviation historical facts and anticipate the chance to see vintage aircraft take flight at the adjacent Poplar Grove Airport.

Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum will hold a golf outing on Friday, June 11, at Timber Pointe Golf Club; 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove. The event will begin with a 1 p.m. Shotgun Start: $375 per foursome or $100 per individual.

The museum is very excited to present an opportunity to support the Poplar Grove Aviation Education Association and Wings and Wheels Museum. This year more than ever, the museum needs the community to support this fundraising event. Funds are needed to expand educational programming, provide scholarships, improve exhibits, and maintain our campus.

Visit www.poplargrovewingsandwheels. com for more information.

Nothing runs like a Deere

By Ann Marie Cain, FBCM

MANAGER, WINNEBAGO-BOONE FARM BUREAU

Whether you farm or not, many people know John Deere Implement’s slogan, “Nothing runs like a Deere. Living in the country, that saying can take on a totally different meaning, especially when you live by a forest preserve or wooded area.

It is more common than not, that I encounter deer traveling to and from work. “Deer Crossing” signs mark many

roadways where deer tend to be prevalent. While deer can’t read the signs, deer have a habit of crossing the roads in the same area. When I make a turn down certain roads, I always slow down then start scanning the fields, tree line, and shoulders for deer (or the reflection of their eyes, if at night). While this safety precaution may annoy drivers behind me, even with a few close calls, I have yet to hit one (knock on wood)!

A little bit of caution has saved me from the huge expense of

repairing or replacing my car.

Soon, Farm Bureau members can also save big with John Deere.

Farm Bureau Members Save Big! Mark your calendars for bigger savings with John Deere Rewards. From May 15 to 31, John Deere will offer Farm Bureau members a free upgrade to Platinum 2 Rewards savings for 60 days.

See DEERE, Page 4

Belvidere fire dept. calls The Belvidere Fire Dept.

100 block of N. State St. responded to 71 calls April 19 smoke alarm to 25.

Thursday, April 22 Monday, April 19 BFD responded to 6 medBFD responded to 6 med- ical calls and the following ical calls and the following fire/rescue calls. fire/rescue calls.

200 block of N. State St. 2100 block of Tobyne Dr. - smoke alarm call cancelled en route 1500 block of 14th Ave. 2200 block of Pearl St. - public service call cancelled en route 900 block of E. Pleasant St. 300 block of W. 10th St. - - public service person in distress 100 block of E. Madison St. - assist invalid Tuesday, April 20 2200 block of Iris Ave. BFD responded to 8 med- good intent call ical calls and the following Mural Ct./S. State St. - spefire/rescue calls. cial outside fire 900 block of W. Perry St. Mural Ct./S. State St. - speattempted illegal burning cial outside fire 1000 block of 10th Ave. 4000 block of Spruce Ct. carbon monoxide alarm call cancelled en route 600 block of 10th Ave. Wednesday, April 21 call cancelled en route BFD responded to 7 medical calls and the following Friday, April 23 fire/rescue calls.

BFD responded to 11 med2700 block of Huntington ical calls and the following Dr. - smoke alarm fire/rescue calls.

Obituaries

3819 Buckingham Dr. Rockford - building fire Newburg Road/N. Appleton Road - motor vehicle accident 600 block of W. 8th St. - assist invalid 600 block of W. 8th St. public service

Saturday, April 24 BFD responded to 1 medical call and the following fire/ rescue calls.

1700 block of Henry Luckow Lane - gas leak 300 block of Taylor Ridge public service US Route 20 & Town Hall Road - motor vehicle accident Sunday, April 25 BFD responded to 6 medical calls and the following fire/rescue calls.

2100 block of Tobyne Dr. call cancelled en route 2000 block of Derby Lane smoke scare 600 block of Buchanan St. carbon monoxide alarm

ROBERT BEST, 82 Robert Best, 86, of Rockford, passed away on April 22, 2021. He was born December 5, 1934, in Belvidere, son of Charles “Ted” and Evelyn (Havens) Best. He graduated from Belvidere High School, class of 1952, and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Bob married the love of his life, Carol Schafman, on April 4, 1959, at St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere. The pair were blessed

with 62 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary recently.

Bob worked for Gunite Corporation for 43 years, retiring in 2001. He had many hobbies and interests including sailing, fishing, snow skiing and water skiing, travelling and gardening. However, nothing captivated Bob more than his family.

Bob is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Carol; their children Ted (Kim) Best, Kristi (Chris) Goddard and Kathi (Greg)

Gusinde; sister Donna Bachman; sisters-in-law Alice, Joyce and Mary Ellen; grandchildren Ana, Ella, Hadley, Jack and Ben, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved bulldog Sophie.

A graveside service will be held on Friday April 30, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Belvidere Cemetery, 1121 N. Main Street Belvidere, Ill. To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.

AndersonFCS.com.

CHESTER KRUCKENBERG, 72 Chester Kruckenberg, 72, of Capron died on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Amberwood Care Center, Rockford.

He was born June 6, 1948, in Mundelein, Ill., to Arthur and Vivian (Umbdenstock) Kruckenberg. Chester served in the United States Army Infantry from 1967-1969.

Survivors include his

siblings Ken (Sandy), Art (Meg), Victor (Sandra) Kruckenberg, and Eileen Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, George and James Kruckenberg, and Jean Harnisch; brothers-in-law Eugene Harnish and Ed “Cobb” Anderson; as well as two nieces, Pamela Kruckenberg, and

Andi Swenson.

Per Chester’s wishes a Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home has been entrusted in his care.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Page 3

Belvidere CPA: Crime Scene 101

By Anne Eickstadt EDITOR

“Crime scene investigation shows skip over the ‘boring’ details that, in reality, can make or break a case,” said Det. Tom Delavan. “They never show all the hours of exacting attention to detail it can take to process a crime scene correctly. The programs only show the evidence actually being found and race to the exciting parts that keep viewers coming back for more. Also, why do the forensic specialists in the shows race around chasing the bad guys? That part is supposed to be done by the police officers, not the analysts.”

“It’s amazing how much technical stuff you have to know,” he said. “We are involved with crime scenes at least once a week. For every hour we are in the field, we spend two hours writing up detailed reports. CSI shows can create unrealistic expectations in the public who think a crime can be solved in the course of an hour. They can do the same for suspects as well, which can work to our advantage. I once told a suspect to sit on a piece of paper so we could match her ‘sitting’ print with the impression on the car seat. She promptly confessed.”

“We keep our crime scene kit in our vehicle so we can go to a crime scene straight from home if we need to without needing to stop by the Public Safety Building to get our gear,” said Det. Paul King.

“Time is crucial.”

“We might have a major crime with minimum evidence or we might have a minor crime with tons of evidence,” he continued.

“The ‘CSI Effect’ is the unrealistic expectations of the jurors from watching the TV shows. They think irrefutable evidence will be available in every case. They don’t realize that in real life it can take up to nine months to get fingerprint results from AFIS. Instant results are only found on television shows.

“We place a marker everywhere we will be searching,” said Delavan. “We take pictures going in so we know what the scene looks like before anyone touches it. We take exit pictures going out so we know how it looked when we finished. We take pictures as we find stuff.

“If there is a wounded victim, the first thing we do is get the first responders in there.

Once they have attended to the victim, we have to ask them what they touched or moved. Their first priority is to take care of the victim, not to preserve the crime scene.

“After they are done, however, it might look like there was a struggle as they have pushed things around to tend to the victim, when no struggle actually took place. So we have to start with re-creating the crime scene as it was before they moved things. We speak to victims. We speak to offenders. We look for and speak to witnesses.”

“We take photographs first,” said King. “First from

a distance and then increasingly closer so we can place every object in the room in its exact position. We place the evidence in a bag with one person in charge to maintain the chain of custody.

“Then the evidence is brought back to the Public Safety Building, labeled, signed, and dated. Signatures will run across the label and onto the bag every time it is opened and resealed. Any disturbance in the signature/seal indicates the bag has been opened and needs to be accounted for.”

“We have to preserve all physical evidence properly,” said Delavan. “If a shirt is soaked in blood, we cannot put it in a plastic bag. When we have to handle it again, it would be a bloody mess. We have to dry it out first and we have a place we can do that properly. Then we will place it in an evidence bag. We use a lot of cardboard boxes and paper bags so that evidence can breathe.

“Initially we are looking for probable cause to make an arrest. For major crimes, we will get a search warrant so we can secure the property until we are completely done with it. By the time the court case comes up, we need to have evidence that is beyond a reasonable doubt to present to the court in proving the case.

“We have to be very methodical and document everything in our reports. They can get very long and very dry with a narrative description of

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Det. Tom Delavan and Det. Paul King lead the Citizens Police Academy class about working crime scenes and gathering and processing evidence.

the scene and step-by-step descriptions of what we did, but we have a saying – ‘If it’s not in the report, it didn’t happen.’

“When police arrive on the scene, they assist the victim(s), search for/arrest suspect(s), separate and interview witnesses, protect and process the crime scene, and maintain evidence throughout the court procedure.

“We work with a belief in

Locard’s Exchange Principle.

It holds that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it, and that both can be used as forensic evidence. That’s why we protect crime scenes. We use the crime scene tape to protect it from contamination from bystanders, witnesses, news reporters, and even other police officers.

“If a gun is involved, we need to check the stippling patterns from gunshot residue and look for residue on everything and everyone at the scene. It helps to prove or disprove the stories we are told by the witnesses.

“Some cases fall into place quickly while others are never solved. The detectives keep working and learning and doing the best they can.”

Earth Day tree give-away program

By Mindy Long

LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN IDA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Ida Public Library in Belvidere celebrated Earth Day 2021 by participating in the 12th annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program.

Neighborhood Forest is a Minneapolis/St. Paul nonprofit whose aim is to provide free trees to kids on Earth Day. Begun in 2010, the program has reached over 100,000 families who have planted over 50,000 trees across North America.

This year, the organization received a record number of registrations and distributed over 18,000 trees to 35 states. Trees were carefully selected for their region and growing season and shipped in time for an April 22 Earth Day planting. Ida Public Library received white spruce saplings.

Ida Public Library staff learned about the program from a small library in Tamarack, Mich., and signed up the Belvidere/Boone County community for registration.

Over 89 kids were registered by their families to receive the trees on the distribution day of April 21, just in time for Earth Day. Children did not need to be a library cardholder to register and each child in a family could receive a tree.

Officer Tim Blankenship of the Belvidere Police Department joined the library to safely deliver the trees curbside to families. Ida Public Library thanks Officer Blankenship, the Belvidere Police Department, and Neighborhood Forest for this opportunity. If you missed out, you can participate again next year. Happy Earth Day 2021.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Sheriff Dave Ernest addresses the ladies of Zonta Club at their planning meeting.

Zonta Club of Belvidere makes plans

Zonta Club of Belvidere met at the Moose Club Wednesday, April 21, to make plans for the coming year.

Featured speaker for the evening was Boone County Sheriff Dave Ernest. He educated the members on the new laws dealing with Boone County and city law enforcement practices.

President Shelley Johnson, owner of Sunshine Stitches, announced new officers and new members will be inducted at the May 19 meeting.

The annual Zonta Salad Luncheon has once again been postponed because of COVID restrictions. The new planned luncheon date will be in September 2021 at the Moose Club. The luncheon money usually funds scholarships for all three Boone County high schools. This year the $3,000 for scholarships was raised by selling the usual Zonta pecans and a new fundraiser selling fudge.

Zonta International is an organization dedicated to advocating for women’s issues ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing throughout the world. Local Mindy Long of the Ida Public Library gives white projects which support womspruce trees to Elle and Emme Mathison to celebrate en are chosen by local Zonta Shelley Johnson, outgoing Zonta president, and Carol Edson outgoing treasurer, Earth Day while Kate Mathison waits. members. invited Sheriff Ernest to speak at the Zonta meeting.

Page 4

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Viewpoint

Slices of life

You and me to our core

I wanted you, and I had you. It was beyond wonderful. But you had to leave and now I am alone.

It was so comfortable between us. There was never any question of tomorrow.

When I called, you answered.

When you texted, I texted back. We never doubted one another’s loyalty.

You were there for the birth of our four children (and the conception for that matter - ha!). We raised them together. Family was our everything. You were my everything. You gave us your everything.

You were always there in the face of adversity. When I got a flat tire, you showed up to fix it. When I got in a fender bender, you dropped everything and arrived before the police. You had my back.

And I had yours. I stood by your side no matter what the adversity. I never would

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

have considered anything but you and me. Us together. It was the way it was supposed to be.

We both knew and understood that. To our core.

We said, “I love you” often. I never doubted your love. I took the future for granted. I banked on 50 years together. I thought we had it in the bag. No question.

We were young and healthy. We were in love. We adored one another.

But then something bad happened. Something I never saw coming. Something I never anticipated or even imagined. I wouldn’t let my-

self imagine it.

I still can’t imagine it, most days.

But this isn’t imaginary.

It’s real. This is my life. My brand new life. And there is no outrunning or escaping it.

Eight months ago everything was normal, and then normal turned itself upside down and inside out.

You got sick and you died.

I didn’t believe it was going to happen. Looking back, I should have seen you slowly sinking but I guess I didn’t want to see it. I couldn’t see it. How could I let myself see it?

I thought we’d get a miracle. But that wasn’t the way it was supposed to work out.

So you left this earth. And I stayed.

And there I was. Here I am.

Alone. Without you.

For the rest of my time here on earth. Not for the rest of my life because that would

be ill-spoken. We will live together again. We will be reunited.

But for now I am here and you are there and that is beyond difficult. This separation from you is testing me on every level of my psyche.

On every level of my being.

I am incomplete without you, yet I need to learn to be complete. Or at least pretend I’m complete, and we both know I’m not good at pretending.

But for now it’s what I have to do. For me. For you.

For us. I believe it’s what we planned. It’s what I promised you. And I try to never go back on my promises.

I will see you soon.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright, author and member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Rep. Keicher on expunging records for drug dealers State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, issued the following statement following passage of House Bill 3447; legislation to de-felonize possession of hard drugs in the State of Illinois including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, morphine, ecstasy, oxycodone, LSD, PCP and methamphetamine; allowing prior convictions of these offenses to be expunged and reducing the penalty for such offenses moving forward from a felony down to a Class A misdemeanor: “This bill has many holes and is a tragic mistake that will be exploited by drug dealers and accelerate the proliferation of hard drugs in communities across Illinois

at the expense of those recovered from drug addiction. For too long we have over-criminalized those addicted to certain drugs and not recognized the personal vulnerability the addiction creates. It has impacted all of us, including communities of color the legislation is purportedly intended to help.

“Wiping clean the felony convictions of drug dealers, instead of addressing those addicted, gives those dealers a glide path to stay on the streets and profit by targeting impressionable youth and adult addicts struggling to stay clean. In 2016 my cousin Sarah, a victim who struggled with drug addiction, died from an overdose after being

clean for many years.

“Under the bill passed in the House today, the man who gave those drugs to my cousin can have his record of the sale expunged. The tragedy that my family and others throughout Illinois have suffered in losing a loved one to a drug overdose will be repeated more often as a result of House Bill 3447.

“We can and should work together to provide pathways of hope and opportunity for recovering addicts so that they can obtain employment and/or pursue their education without being held back by a felony drug conviction for possession in their past. We absolutely need to lift these folks up and help them.

• Deere

Term limits on legislative leaders one step closer to reality On April 22, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to pass legislation supported by state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, to impose a 10-year term limit on legislative leaders. The legislation is House Bill 642 and applies to the positions of Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of both the House and Senate.

“In the aftermath of the Mike Madigan era, Illinois needs a clean break with the politics of the past,” Representative Keicher said. “Today’s vote makes clear our bipartisan commitment moving forward to enforce a change in leadership at least once every 10 years – for both

Republicans and Democrats. This will lead to more accountability in the legislative process and hopefully greater public confidence in our collective work on behalf of our constituents and local families. In January the House passed a ‘rule’ that could be changed at any time, codifying this in statue is the place we fought to have it so it doesn’t fall prey to political gamesmanship.”

House Bill 642 now advances to the State Senate for consideration where it is expected to pass. The bill was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 115-0-1, with only Rep. Will Davis (D-Hazel Crest) voting Present.

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“However, the legislation approved by the House today gives a free pass to career criminal drug dealers whose only interest is profiting off the misery and addiction of others. As a parent and active member of my community, I fear the devastating consequences that House Bill 3447 will have on our families and the way it will limit prosecutors’ ability to keep drug dealers off our streets.”

House Bill 3447 makes possession of the aforementioned controlled substances a Class A misdemeanor, which includes crimes like petty theft and is punishable by less than one year in jail or up to two years of probation and/or a fine of at least $75.

er em b de m e R nclu to i 5W ’s: t he at

On Thursday April 15, Judge John H. Young found Benigno Ortiz, 52, of Bolingbrook, guilty of five counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, after a multi-day bench trial.

The offenses occurred between October of 2015 and November 2016 at a home in the Inverness subdivision in Loves Park. The victim was between 11 and 12 years old when the offenses occurred.

Ortiz faces a minimum sen-

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and the changes required to meet COVID-19 guidelines would greatly impact that experience.

We appreciate all the support you have given us in the past. If you would like to help support the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation’s educational programs, donations may be mailed to: Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation, 1925 S. Meridian Road, Rockford, Ill. 61102.

We are already working on plans for the 2022 Farm Breakfast and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Annual Farm Breakfast postponed to 2022 After much deliberation, the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Foundation’s Farm Breakfast Planning Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the June 12, 2021, Farm Breakfast. We are dedicated to preserving the Farm Breakfast experience

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Join us as we travel to the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wis. on Thursday, Sept. 16 for a delicious lunch and a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” This telling of the biblical story of Jo-

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Ortiz pronounced guilty of child sex offenses

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The Illinois House of Representatives voted on Thursday, April 22 to pass legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, to impose a 10-year term limit on legislative leaders. The legislation is House Bill 642 and applies to the positions of Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of both the House and Senate.

“Today we spoke loud and clear – no more Mike Madigan’s, ever,” Sosnowski said. “Putting a firm term limit on legislative leaders is long overdue and means an end to entrenched power in the same handful of people.

Just a few short months ago, passing this bill would have been impossible. Now that Madigan is gone, we’re able to turn the page and begin the process of restoring accountability to Springfield. We voted today that no one, Democrat or Republican, can serve as Speaker of the House or Minority Leader for more than 10 years.

I am a co-sponsor of this bill and am pleased to have helped pass it into law.”

House Bill 642 now advances to the State Senate for consideration where it is expected to pass. The bill was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 115-0-1, with only Rep. Will Davis (D-Hazel Crest) voting Present.

tence of 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and will have to serve at least 85 percent of that sentence, Benigno Ortiz followed by a parole term of three years to life. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The case is set for status on May 21, 2021. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

(Continued from page 2)

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Rep. Sosnowski statement on House passage of bill imposing term limits on legislative leaders

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seph and his brothers is filled with great music, costumes, laughter, joy and heart. Utilizing many different styles of music from pop/rock to country to musical comedy this sparkling show follows young Joseph as he faces adversity and triumphs through his dreams and his strong, unwavering faith.”

The bus will leave from the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau building located at 1925 S. Meridian Road, Rockford, at 8:30 a.m., and pick up at the Cherryvale Mall overflow parking lot at 8:45 a.m. The cost is $105 per member and $110 per non-member, which includes the cost of motor coach transportation, lunch and the show. Our estimated return time is 6:30 p.m. at the Cherryvale Mall and 7 p.m. at the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau. Registrations are due by Wednesday, Aug. 18. Seats are limited to the first 40 people.

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Thursday, April 29, 2021

Library corner

Belvidere Police obtain arrest warrant for Rockford man for Aggravated Robbery and Robbery

The wonderful month of May, with its flowers and May baskets, begins on Saturday.

In the library world, May is National Get Caught Reading Scott J. Njos, 38, of Rockford, is wanted 1 Felony is punishable Month. Begun in 1999, the for Aggravated Robbery-Class 1 Felony by four to 15 years in the National Get Caught Readand Robbery-Class 2 Felony.

Department of Corrections ing campaign is run by Every On April 11, 2021, the Belvidere Police and a Class 2 Felony Child a Reader, a national Department was dispatched to Subway is punishable by three non-profit organization that Sandwich Shop, 1220 N. State St., for a to seven years in the helps introduce children to the report of a robbery to the business.

Department of Corrections. magic of reading.

Patrol officers and detectives responded Njos is currently being The campaign features auto the scene and collected evidence, held in the Winnebago thors, athletes, artists, singers Scott J. Njos County Jail on unrelated including surveillance video providing and other well-known celebsuspect descriptions. charges. rities who believe books have An ongoing investigation, in cooperation Anyone with information regarding a powerful impact on young with the Rockford Police Department, this incident or any criminal offense is people. Ida Public Library will allowed police to identify and locate a encouraged to contact the Belvidere Police feature some of these celebsuspect.

Department at 815-544-2135. Anonymous rities on our Facebook page Belvidere detectives reviewed the reports can be made by contacting, 24 during May. Watch for Kristi investigation with the Boone County hours a day, Boone County Crimestoppers Yamaguchi, Laurie HernanState’s Attorney’s Office, which authorized at 815-544-7867 (815-547-STOP) and dez, Neil Gaiman and Alicia felony charges against Njos. boonecountycrimestoppers.com. Persons Keys and be sure to post a The investigation is ongoing and with information leading to an arrest can be Caught Reading photo of your additional charges are possible. A Class awarded a cash reward of up to $1,000. own!

Here at Ida Public Library, board trustee James Lee was Caught Reading and had this to say about the impact books of the coronavirus pandem- recognized this year in P.H. and libraries had on his life: Scholarship ic. The event gives student Kuyper Gymnasium.

“As a little boy growing celebration honors scholarship recipients the opThe following student from up in Chicago, I struggled to portunity to personally thank your area was: learn how to read. I was lucky Central students enough that my parents purCentral’s annual Scholar- and share dinner with donors chased the World Book Encyship Celebration was sched- who help make their Central Poplar Grove: Kyle Hauser received the clopedia set. For some reason, uled for Thursday, April 22, education possible. More than but was canceled because 800 students would have been Journey Scholarship.

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I loved books and found the encyclopedia very valuable as I could use it to write reports for school. I also found it to be useful in giving me knowledge that would be very helpful in my life.

“Later, when I was able to actually go to a library, I was just in awe when I saw all the books. Most of my life I was able to make good use of libraries. I also was able to become a very good reader. The libraries provided important resources that I would not have had available to me otherwise.

I was able to go far beyond the information in the encyclopedia.

“I believe the library plays a very important role in the life of a small community. It provides resources that everyone has access to use. It levels the playing field for families that don’t have the financial resources to underwrite the education of their children.

“It provides support to the local school district. It provides an opportunity to grow and learn. It becomes a beacon of hope for those who may be disadvantaged. It is a place that welcomes all people in the community. It is a place that

Page 5

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Ida Public Library Board Trustee James Lee.

provides services that all can use. It provides a cultural oasis that otherwise may be lacking.

“It keeps the community from becoming a veritable desert fueled by misinformation and ignorance. It is a center that has the ability to bring people together. It is not only the books. It is a center of intellectual activity that helps the community to grow and blossom. For me, having a good community library is an important reason on my list of things to check when I decide where I want to live.”

Lawmakers spar over using estimates in redistricting Census data, American Community Survey are two options on table

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Democrats and Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly are continuing to wrangle over the possible use of census estimates, as opposed to official numbers, to redraw state legislative and congressional district maps.

It’s a decision that could have a significant impact on whether Illinois residents are equally represented in the Statehouse and Congress, and one that is particularly important for communities of color and other underrepresented groups.

But the decision also could determine whether lawmakers themselves will draw the maps, or whether the job will be handed over to a bipartisan commission. That’s because delays in the 2020 census caused by the pandemic and other factors mean the official, block-level census numbers needed for legislative redistricting won’t be available until several weeks after the June 30 deadline set out in the state constitution for completing the process.

The Illinois Constitution does not specify what data lawmakers are to use when redrawing maps, although they have traditionally relied on final, official numbers from each decennial census. But because of delays in producing those numbers this year, Democrats in the General Assembly have suggested using other data such as the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, which is based on a sample of households around the country.

That has been the subject of heated debate during hearings

of the House and Senate redistricting committees, including a joint hearing held last week in East St. Louis.

“If the General Assembly misses the June 30 deadline, mapmaking will be turned over to a commission of political insiders. The public will be cut out of the process entirely,” Sen. Christopher Belt, D- Centreville, said during that hearing. “This is not an independent commission, as some have wrongly claimed. It is a commission of political appointees named by legislative leaders. That’s not democracy.

That’s a disservice to the people we represent.”

Republicans, like Sen. Jason Plummer, of Edwardsville, on the other hand, argue that June 30 is really just the deadline for lawmakers to draw the maps. After that, the job is handed over to an eight-member bipartisan commission.

And if that commission can’t complete its work by Aug. 10, a ninth member from one of the two major parties is chosen at random by the secretary of state and the deadline is extended to Oct. 5.

They argue that instead of rushing to meet the June 30 date, it would be better to wait for the more accurate census data and let the process be handled by a bipartisan commission—either the one spelled out in the constitution, or a slightly different one they have proposed in legislation.

“Let me be very clear, the only people concerned about June 30 and providing misleading information about that supposed deadline are those very politicians who want to use this process as a way to empower themselves to the

detriment of their constituents,” Plummer said. “Extending the time period would allow us to use the actual census data, not the ACS data.”

In this debate, both sides lay claim to protecting the interests of communities of color and other hard-to-count groups. Republicans argue that the ACS routinely undercounts minority residents and that official census numbers are more reliable, especially after the state spent $50 million last as part of an effort to boost participation in the census.

But Democrats have argued that this year in particular, the survey data may be more accurate in counting those groups because of historically low participation rates among some groups during the 2020 Census.

Belt, who worked in the Metro East area encouraging people to fill out the census forms, said he saw the reluctance on the part of some communities firsthand.

“And every single time we tried to do something, we were lucky if we got 14-15 people to come up, because they were afraid, for a host of reasons,” he said. “Then I go to Fairmont City, a largely Hispanic-Latinx community, and they are afraid that the Census Bureau is going to act as a law enforcement agency, and send them back. So they don’t come up. And so they don’t take part in it.”

Christopher Mooney, who teaches political science at the University of Illinois Chicago, said during a webinar about redistricting Tuesday that there is likely a more strategic reason for Democrats to push for using the ACS data—position-

ing themselves for an all-butcertain court challenge.

“If you lay down a marker (saying), these are the maps we want, and they get challenged, then you have first dibs at editing them up,” Mooney said. “It doesn’t have to go back to the old process.”

Michael McDonald, a redis-

tricting expert and University of Florida political science professor, also said during that webinar that ACS numbers are poorly suited for redistricting purposes, but that they could be useful in states like Illinois where lawmakers face a deadline.

“If you’re under a tight

timeline, and legally you have to have districts adopted by a drop-dead date, and that dropdead date may be before the release of the actual redistricting data, you’re better off getting some districts drawn using some basis for drawing them like the ACS and then cleaning up afterwards,” he said.

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Page 7

Defender awards presented at March meeting ing, which celebrated 51 years of preserving and protecting the environment in McHenry County.

The evening included talks on climate change by

McHenry County Sheriff’s report April 14 Javier Rico Rivas, 45, Holiday Hills, was cited for interfering with the reporting of domestic violence and domestic battery/bodily harm; Mariusz Duda, 39, Prospect Heights, was cited for aggravated DUI 3; April 15 David M. Billingham, 55, Harvard, was cited for aggravated DUI 4; John L. Pinto, 49, Cary, was cited for violation of bail bond/family member, domestic battery/bodily harm and domestic battery/physical contact; Daniel G. Rivera, 31, Harvard, was cited for home invasion/cause injury, aggravated domestic battery/strangle, criminal trespass to residence/ person present and domestic battery/bodily harm; April 17 Travis R. Surma, 19, was cited for possession of a controlled substance; April 18 Lauren K. Fallico, 30, McHenry, was cited for domestic battery/bodily harm; April 19 Cara M. Ullrich, 42, Richmond, was cited for domestic battery/bodily harm; Scarlet C. Cartwright, 52, Marengo, was cited for contempt of court.

The following arrests in McHenry County were reported by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. Suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

April 13 Adam D. Armstrong, 29, Woodstock, was cited for battery/cause bodily harm; Zachary A. Woody, 21, Harvard, was cited for delivery/manufacture cannabis over 30 grams, and cannabis control act-over 30 grams not more than 100 grams; Anthony Sierra, 18, Hanover Park, was cited for manufacture 15>200 pills ecstasy, possession of 15>200 pills ecstasy, mfg/del other amount sched IV, delivery/ manufacture cannabis over 30 grams, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance, and cannabis control act-over 30 grams not more than 100 grams; Joshua T. Perrealt, 20, St. Charles, was cited for possession of a controlled substance; Parrish I. Watts, 18, Racine, was cited for aggravated fleeing/bodily injury and aggravated reckless driving bodily harm; Damien A. Chavez, 22, Chicago, was cited for 3 counts of retail theft/disp merch >$300;

• Celebrates

Bill McKibben, founder and senior adviser emeritus of 350.org and author of “The End of Nature” and “Falter,” and Jim Halfpenny, author, scientist and educator; and membership meeting segment with board of directors election and annual awards ceremony featuring those honored for their work throughout 2020 for their environmental stewardship.

The recipients of the four awards given, including two recipients of the Government Award, are: • Theta Award: presented to the McHenry County Conservation District for

preserving open space, protecting wildlife, providing environmental education programs and resources for recreational opportunities for all to enjoy, and in recognition of their 50th anniversary.

• Government Award: presented to the Village of Prairie Grove for its dedication and commitment to green energy and status as greenest community in the United States bestowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for usage of 88 percent from green energy sources.

• Government Award: pre-

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• Volunteer Award: presented to Pam Schroeder and Debby Church for their devotion to saving valuable donated books and success at creating online sales, bolstering our fundraising dollars annually.

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of the Passport to Lost Valley Adventure exhibit at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park. In addition outdoor First Fridays summer concerts are back, plus Pedal, Paddle Saddle, Hooked on Fishing, summer day camps, The Great Outdoor Beer Trail and a myriad of outdoor adventures for young and old alike.

In the days and months to come, sign up to receive notices via the district’s e-newsletter, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, tune in to one of their series on YouTube, join one of their Facebook groups and let the district help you discover McHenry County Conservation District.

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areas and shelters, as well as a multitude of opportunities for wildlife viewing Help celebrate this milestone Throughout the district’s 50th year of service to McHenry County, residents can register for new programs and activities that will encourage residents to get outdoors like Hike for the Health of It, Trail Riders-a 50 mile ride (broken down into segments), Fall History Hikes, Family Scavenger Hunts and a 50th themed geocaching coin.

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The annual meeting, along with a highly successful virtual silent auction, raised nearly $10,000, which helps, in part, to fund The Environmental Defenders’ Summer Internship Program. Sponsors of the 2021 annual meeting includes Wells Fargo Advisors, McHenry County College, William R. Kreznor Associates, Inc., Baird & Warner, 1776 Restaurant, Marvin’s Toy Store, Citizen’s Climate Lobby and the McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program.

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Thursday, April 29, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF BOONE In the Matter of the Estate of DOLORES V. LEJCAR, deceased No. 2021-P-19 CLAIM NOTICE AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Notice is given of the death of DOLORES V. LEJCAR, of Belvidere, Illinois on December 29, 2019. Letters of office were issued on March 24, 2021, to MIDLAND STATES BANK as successor in interest to Alpine State Bank and Trust Co., 600 S. State Street, Belvidere, Illinois 61008, as independent executor, whose attorney is TOBIN & RAMON, 530 South State Street; Suite 200, Belvidere, IL 610083711.

NOTICE is given to unknown heirs at law, if any, and whose names or addresses are not stated in the petition that an order was entered by the Court on March 24, 2021, admitting the will to probate.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4), an 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 Boone County Circuit Clerk - Probate Division at the Boone County Courthouse, at 601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, or with the representative, or both, on or before October 18, 2021, which date is not less than six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of any 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.

DATED: April 8, 2021.

MIDLAND STATES BANK as successor in interest to Alpine State Bank and Trust Co, Independent Executor Tobin & Ramon Attorneys for Petitioner 530 South State Street; Suite 200 Belvidere, IL 61008-3711 (815) 544-0316 mail@tobinramon.com (Published in the Belvidere Republican April 15, 22 & 29, 2021) 393802

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS MCHENRY SAVINGS BANK,

Plaintiff, v.

GRAND PRIX, INC., MICHAEL J. FLEMING, and HOME STATE BANK as Trustee On Behalf Of Trust Agreement Dated October 1, 1997, Known As Trust Number 4599, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

20 CH 000229 Property Address: 4002 Main Street, McHenry, Illinois 60050 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S FORECLOSURE SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above-entitled cause on February 24, 2021, Bill Prim, the Sheriff of McHenry County, Illinois, or his deputy, will on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 262, Woodstock, IL 60098, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder(s) for cash, the following described real estate: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 26 TOWNSHIP 45 NORTH RANGE 8 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWESTERLY CORNER OF THE CENTER PARCEL OF LAND CONVEYED BY THE CHICAGO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY,

BY DEED DATED JULY 22, 1958 RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 34214, ON AUGUST 25, 1958; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID CENTER PARCEL SO CONVEYED TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY, A DISTANCE OF 326 FEET; THENCE WEST ALONG A WESTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE PARCEL CONVEYED TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY, TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 9 OF BLOCK 3 OF THE COUNTY CLERKS PLAT OF WEST MCHENRY, SAID PLAT BEING RECORDED IN BOOK 2 OF PLATS, PAGE 39, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF DEEDS, IN AND FOR MCHENRY COUNTY; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY IN A STRAIGHT LINE TO A POINT IN THE CENTER LINE OF MAIN STREET AS SAID MAIN STREET IS NOW LOCATED AND ESTABLISHED, A DISTANCE 9 FEET EASTERLY AS MEASURED P E R P E N D I C U L A R LY FROM THE CENTER LINE OF THE CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY’S ICC TRACT NO. 113; THENCE EASTERLY

ALONG SAID CENTER LINE OF MAIN STREET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN MCHENRY COUNTY ILLINOIS. (EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE FOLLOWING PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 45 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWESTERLY CORNER OF THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND CONVEYED BY THE CHICAGO AND N O RT H W E S T E R N RAILWAY COMPANY, TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY BY DEED DATED JULY 22, 1958, RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 342414 AUGUST 25, 1958; THENCE NORTH 05 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST (BEARING ASSUMED) ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID CERTAIN PARCEL SO CONVEYED TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY, A DISTANCE OF 178.75 FEET FOR A POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING NORTH 05 DEGREES, 25 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST ALONG SAID WEST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 187.72 FEET, MORE OR LESS TO THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF ILLINOIS STATE ROUTE 120 (ELM STREET) (WAUKEGAN ROAD), AS CURRENTLY MONUMENTED; THENCE NORTH 69 DEGREES 28 MINUTES 50 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF ILLINOIS STATE ROUTE 120, A DISTANCE OF 130.47 FEET, TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY RIGHT OF WAY AS CURRENTLY MONUMENTED; THENCE SOUTH 06 DEGREES 08 MINUTES 21 SECONDS EAST, ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID RAILWAY RIGHT OF WAY, A DISTANCE OF 112.2 FEET TO AN ANGLE POINT IN SAID RIGHT OF WAY; THENCE SOUTH 09 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 14 SECONDS EAST A DISTANCE OF 132.49 FEET; THENCE NORTH 84 DEGREES 34 MINUTES 05 SECONDS EAST A DISTANCE OF 106.72 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) Commonly Known as: 4002 Main Street, McHenry, Illinois PIN: 09-26-354-032 The total Judgment on the property is: $122,483.15.

The property consists of a commercial building.

Terms of Sale: Ten per-

cent (10%) due by cash or certified funds at the time of sale and the balance is due within 24 hours of the sale; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1.00 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300.00, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund.

No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of McHenry County. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “As Is” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/151507(c)(l)(H-l) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-l), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(l) and (g) (4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

The property will not be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. For information regarding this sale, interested parties may contact: Samuel G. Harrod IV at Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC, 1515 E. Woodfield Road, Second Floor, Schaumburg, IL 60173 telephone: (847) 330-2400.

Dated: April 6, 2021 Bill Prim Sheriff of McHenry County, Illinois Samuel G. Harrod IV (A.R.D.C. No. 06207021) MELTZER, PURTILL & STELLE LLC 1515 E. Woodfield Road, Second Floor Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 (847) 330-2418 sharrod@mpslaw.com I3167063 (Published in the McHenry County News April 15, 22 & 29, 2021) 393713

MILLER. An Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Representative &Letters of Office were issued on April 13, 2021 to BETH CONKLING, Poplar Grove, Illinois, who is the legal representatives of the estate. The attorney for the estate is Attorney Nathan J. Noble, 504 North State Street, Belvidere, Illinois.

Within forty-two (42) days after the effective date of the original order of admission, Heirs and Legatees may file a petition with the court to require proof of the will by testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in section 5/6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975. (755 ILCS 5/6-21).

Heirs and Legatees also have the right under section 5/8-1 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/81) to contest the validity of the will by filing a petition with the court within six (6) months after admission of the will to probate.

Claims against the estate may be filed on or before October 22, 2021, that date being at least 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 755 ILCS 5/183, whichever date is later.

Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098, or with the representative, or both.

Copies of claims filed with the Clerk, must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

Date: April 15, 2021 Nathan J Noble Attorney for Executor (Published in the McHenry County News April 22, 29 & May 6, 2021)

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTYIN PROBATE In the Matter of the Estate of LILLIAN J. MILLER Deceased Case No. 21PR000112 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of: LILLIAN J. MILLER of WOODSTOCK, IL. Letters of office were issued on 4/5/2021 to Representative BETH CONKLING, 4893 WALNUT GROVE DR., POPLAR GROVE, IL 61065 whose attorney is NOBEL, NATHAN J., 504 N. STATE ST., BELVIDERE, IL 61008.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois 60098, or with the representative, or both.

Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his at394114 torney within ten days after it has been filed, STATE OF ILLINOIS /s/Katherine M. Keefe IN THE CIRCUIT Clerk of the COURT OF THE 17TH Circuit Court JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (Published in the McHenry COUNTY OF BOONE County News April 22, 29 In the Matter of & May 6, 2021) the Estate of 394113 IRENE E. SCHULTZ, deceased STATE OF ILLINOIS) No 2021-P-25 )SS CLAIM NOTICE COUNTY OF Notice is given of MCHENRY ) the death of IRENE E. IN THE CIRCUIT SCHULTZ, of Kirkland, COURT OF THE 17TH Illinois on February 17, JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 2021. Letters of office COUNTY OF MCHENRY were issued on April 12, IN THE MATTER OF 2021, to RAYMOND A. THE ESTATE OF: SCHULTZ, 2051 Flora ROBERT T. MILLER, Church Road, Kirkland, Deceased.

IL 60146, as independent No. 21 PR 113 executor, whose attorney NOTICE FOR is TOBIN & RAMON, 530 PUBLICATION-WILL South State Street; Suite AND CLAIMS 200, Belvidere, IL 61008TO: MICHAEL MILLER, 3711.

LAUREN MILLER, AND The estate will be adALL IT MAY CONCERN ministered without court NOTICE is given of Continued on next page the death of ROBERT T.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Belvidere High School athletic schedule Thursday, April 29 Varsity vs. Harlem, home at 5 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Varsi- Belvidere North HS ty vs. Belvidere North, home at Funderburg Stadium Saturday, May 1 7 a.m. - Bass Fishing, VarFriday, April 30 sity vs. Batavia/Marmion HS 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Tournament, away at ShabboJunior Varsity vs. Belvidere na Lake North, home at Baseball Var10 a.m. - Girls Softball, sity Field Varsity vs. Rockford East, 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, away at Rockford East Varsity vs. Belvidere North, 10 a.m. - Boys Baseball, away at Belvidere North Junior Varsity vs. Belvid5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Ju- ere North, away at Belvidere nior Varsity vs. Freeport, 2-3 North Innings following Varsity, 10 a.m. - Boys Baseball, home at Softball Varsity Field Varsity vs. Belvidere North, 5 p.m. - Boys Volleyball, home at Baseball Varsity Field Junior Varsity vs. Harlem , 10 a.m. - Boys Track and home at Belvidere North HS Field, Varsity vs. Rockford 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, East, Harlem & Jefferson, Varsity vs. Freeport, home at away at Rockford East, HarSoftball Varsity Field lem & Jefferson 6 p.m. - Boys Volleyball, 10 a.m. - Girls Track and

Field, Varsity vs. Rockford Junior Varsity vs. Jefferson, East, Harlem & Jefferson, away at Jefferson away at Rockford East, Har5 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Varlem & Jefferson sity vs. Boylan, home at Funderburg Stadium Monday, May 3 6 p.m. - Boys Volleyball, 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Varsity vs. Jefferson, away at Junior Varsity vs. Guilford, Jefferson home at Baseball Varsity Field 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Wednesday, May 5 Varsity vs. Guilford, away at 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Guilford Junior Varsity vs. Guilford, 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Var- away at Guilford sity vs. Jefferson, home at 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Softball Varsity Field Varsity vs. Guilford, home at Baseball Varsity Field Tuesday, May 4 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Junior Varsity vs. Freeport, away at Freeport 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Continued from previous page Varsity vs. Freeport, away at supervision, unless under Freeport 5 p.m. - Boys Volleyball, 5/18-4 of the Probate Act

Friday, April 30 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Freshman/Sophomore vs.

Belvidere, away at Belvidere 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Junior Varsity vs. Belvidere, away at Belvidere 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Varsity vs. Belvidere High School, home at Baseball Varsity Field 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Varsity vs. Jefferson, away at Jefferson

Field, Varsity vs. Boylan Catholic, away at Boylan Catholic 10 a.m. - Boys Track and Field, Sophomore vs. Boylan Catholic, away at Boylan Catholic 10 a.m. - Girls Track and Field, Varsity vs. Boylan Catholic, away at Boylan Catholic 10 a.m. - Girls Track and Field, Junior Varsity vs. Boylan Catholic, away at Boylan Catholic

Monday, May 3 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Varsity vs. Rockford East, home at Baseball Varsity Field 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Varsity vs. Crystal Lake Central, away at Crystal Lake Central 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Junior Varsity vs. Crystal Lake Central, home at North Tennis Courts Saturday, May 1 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, 10 a.m. - Girls Softball, Ju- Varsity vs. Guilford, away at nior Varsity vs. Hononegah. Guilford Home at F/JV Softball Fields 10 a.m. - Girls Softball, Tuesday, May 4 Varsity vs. Hononegah, home 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, at Softball Varsity Field Varsity vs. East, home at 10 a.m. - Boys Baseball, BNHS Tennis Courts Junior Varsity vs. Belvidere, 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, home at F/JV Baseball Fields Junior Varsity vs. East, home 10 a.m. - Boys Baseball, at BNHS Tennis Courts Varsity vs. Belvidere High 5 p.m. - Girls Soccer, VarSchool, away at Belvidere sity vs. Auburn, away at AuHigh School burn 10 a.m. - Boys Baseball, Freshman/Sophomore vs. Wednesday, May 5 Belvidere, home at F/JV 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Baseball Fields Varsity vs. Rockford East, 10 a.m. - Boys Track and away at Rockford East

4:45 p.m. - Boys Track and Field, Varsity vs. Jefferson, away at Jefferson 4:45 p.m. - Boys Track and Field, Sophomore vs. Jefferson, away at Jefferson 4:45 p.m. - Girls Track and Field, Varsity vs. Jefferson, away at Jefferson 4:45 p.m. - Girls Track and Field, Junior Varsity vs. Jefferson, away at Jefferson 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Junior Varsity vs. Auburn, home at Belvidere HS Gym 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Varsity vs. Auburn, home at Belvidere HS Gym 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Varsity vs. Auburn, home at Softball Varsity Field 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Junior Varsity vs. Auburn, home at F/JV Softball Fields Thursday, May 6 4:30 p.m. - Boys Baseball, Freshman/Sophomore vs.

Freeport, home at F/JV Baseball Fields 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Varsity vs. Boylan, away at Boylan 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Junior Varsity vs. Boylan, away at Boylan 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Junior Varsity vs. Freeport, away at Freeport 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Varsity vs. Freeport, away at Freeport 5 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Junior Varsity vs. Boylan, home at Milt Brown Stadium 6:30 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Boylan, home at Milt Brown Stadium

Poplar Grove’s Nelson part of national tournamentqualifying bowling team at UW-Whitewater Rachel Nelson, a native of Poplar Grove and graduate of Belvidere North High School, is a member of the 2021 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater bowling team, which punched its ticket to the United States Bowling Congress’ Intercollegiate Team Championships on Sunday, April 18, by placing fourth at the ITC Addison (Ill.) Sectional at Stardust Bowl.

The Warhawks claimed the fourth and final qualifying spot from the sectional, moving up from fifth place after the first day of competition and erasing a 131-pin deficit on the final day. UW-W finished Sunday’s second block with a score of 3,836 to total 7,587 for the weekend over a span of 40 Baker games.

UW-Whitewater will compete at the Intercollegiate Team Championships for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

This year’s ITC is scheduled

score 1

Thursday, May 6 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Junior Varsity vs. Rockford East, home at BHS Tennis Courts 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Varsity vs. Rockford East, home at BHS Tennis Courts 6:30 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Rockford East, away at Swanson Stadium TBA - Bass Fishing, Varsity vs. IHSA Sectionals, away at Pierce Lake

LEGAL NOTICES

Belvidere North High School athletic schedule Thursday, April 29 4:30 p.m. - Boys Tennis, Varsity vs. Marengo, home at North Tennis Courts 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Junior Varsity vs. East, home at Main Gym 5 p.m. - Boys Wrestling, Varsity vs. East, home at Main Gym 5 p.m. - Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Belvidere, away at Belvidere

4:45 p.m. - Girls Track and Field, Junior Varsity vs. Boylan, home at Funderburg Stadium 4:45 p.m. - Boys Track and Field, Freshman/Sophomore vs. Boylan, home at Funderburg Stadium 4:45 p.m. - Boys Track and Field, Varsity vs. Boylan, home at Funderburg Stadium 4:45 p.m. - Girls Track and Field, Varsity vs. Boylan, home at Funderburg Stadium 5 p.m. - Girls Softball, Varsity vs. Boylan, away at Sport-

Page 9

for May 5-8 at Spectrum EnNelson, a freshman at tertainment Complex in Wyo- UW-Whitewater, is majoring in ming, Mich. human resource management.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater bowling team will compete at the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships for the first time since 2017.

(755 ILCS 5/28-4), an 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 Boone County Circuit Clerk - Probate Division at the Boone County Courthouse, at 601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, or with the representative, or both, on or before October 25, 2021, which date is not less than six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of any 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.

DATED: April 12, 2021.

RAYMOND A. SCHULTZ Independent Executor Tobin & Ramon Attorneys for Petitioner 530 South State Street; Suite 200 Belvidere, IL 61008-3711 (815) 544-0316 mail@tobinramon.com (Published in the Belvidere Republican April 22, 29 & May 6, 2021)

Dated 4/7/2021 CHRISTOPHER PITSCHEL Dated 4/7/2021 Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) to before me, this 7th day of April, A.D. 2021.

JULIE A. BLISS COUNTY CLERK

By K. DREWCOOK DEPUTY (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in the Belvidere Republican April 22, 29 & May 6, 2021) 394185

393393750NOTICE SUMMARY AVAILABLE BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP BUDGETS FOR 2021-2022 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT A SUMMARY OF THE FISCAL YEAR, 2021-2022 BUDGETS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BELVIDERE ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION. THE BUDGET SUMMARY AND DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE SUMMARY ARE AVAILABLE AT 8200 FAIRGROUNDS RD., BELVIDERE, IL. FROM 8:30 – 12:00 AND 1:00 TO 4:30 P.M., MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. JUDITH A. SCHABACKER TOWN CLERK (Published in the Belvidere Republican April 29, 2021)

393964

393750

ASSUMED NAME CERTIFICATE OF INTENTION STATE OF ILLINOIS ss.

County of Boone This is to certify that the undersigned intend...to conduct and transact a retail business in said County and State under the name of FOREST CITY GARDENS LLC at the following post office addresses: 8848 Greenfield Dr., Belvidere IL 61008 that the true and real full names of all persons owning, conducting or transacting such business, with the respective residence address of each are as follows: Alfonso Delgadillo, 1106 9th Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008 Christopher Pitschel, 8848 Greenfield Dr., Belvidere, IL 61008 SIGNED: ALFONSO DELGADILLO

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF BOONE, STATE OF ILLINOIS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RPMLT 2014-1 TRUST, SERIES 2014-1, Plaintiff(s), vs.

PENNY SIMONS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant(s).

Case No. 21 CH 6 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: PENNY SIMONS, NONRECORD CLAIMANTS and UNKNOWN OWNERS,

Defendants in the above entitled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Boone County, Chancery Division, by the said Plaintiff, against you and other Defendants, praying for foreclosure of a certain Real Estate Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT FORTY-FOUR (44) IN CANDLEWICK LAKE UNIT NO. 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NO. 712929 IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF BOONE COUNTY, ILLINOIS Tax Number: 03-26-305017 commonly known as 108 LIVERPOOL DR SE POPLAR GROVE IL 61065; and which said Real Estate Mortgage was made

by PENNY SIMONS and recorded in the Office of the Boone County Recorder as Document Number 2007R07002 AND UNDER LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENT RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 2020R03740; 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 named Defendant, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Circuit Court of Boone County, located at 601 N MAIN ST, BELVIDERE, IL 61008, on or before June 1, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

LAW OFFICES OF IRA T. NEVEL, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Ira T. Nevel - ARDC #6185808 Timothy R. Yueill - ARDC #6192172 Greg Elsnic - ARDC #6242847 Aaron Nevel - ARDC #6322724 175 North Franklin St. Suite 201 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 357-1125 Pleadings@nevellaw.com KP # 21-00464 I3168071 (Published in the Belvidere Republican April 29, May 6 & 13, 2021) 394692

Page 10

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Immediate openings for 1 bedroom apartment homes. Must be 62 years of age or older; disabled regardless of age. Included in rent; water, sewer and trash. All units have washer-dryer, stove, refrigerator & a/c units. Family pet welcome with a deposit.

Immediate openings for 1 bedroom apartment homes. Must be 62 years of age or older; disabled regardless of age. Included in rent; water, sewer and trash. All units have washer-dryer, stove, refrigerator & a/c units. Family pet welcome with a deposit.

Interested parties, please contact: 815-234-2620 Contact us today to receive an application for your new home.

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Immediate openings for 1 bedroom apartment homes. Must be 62 years of age or older; disabled regardless of age. Included in rent; water, sewer and trash. All units have washer-dryer, stove, refrigerator & a/c units. Family pet welcome with a deposit.

1039 Washington St. Pecatonica, IL

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GUN SHOW - MAY 7 & 8 at the Slice Ice Arena, 1632 4th Avenue. West, Monroe, WI. Fri. 3-8 pm, Sat. 8am-4pm. Info call 608897-4481

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Farm Machinery

1999 Prizm 166k $400 Rockton 815-624-8856.

1982 NEW HOLLAND self-propelled haybine 1495, 1994 New Holland 650 round baler, Two Gehl 14’ chopper boxes on John Deere wagon gear. Hesston Stacker, 12’ Bearcat Cultmutcher.

All good condition, never left outside. Call 815-562-6297

2007 MERCEDES BENZ R350 134,000 mi., new tires & battery, clean, runs good. $7,500 OBO Stephanie 815-319-0555 2008 SATURN AURA 136,000 mi., very clean. Gramma’s car. $5,500 262-857-2939 2010 FORD FLEX 117K, excellent condition, all options, elderly owned. $8,900. 773-401-0208.

2015 F350 Long bed, crew cab, diesel, dually, loaded, clean. 815275-0446 leave message

Village Green Apartments Pecatonica 2 1039 Washington St. Pecatonica, IL

800-487-9477

FUN, FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT!

HELP WANTED-APPLY IN PERSON Belt Furnace Loaders @ Nitrotec Rackers Entry Level Positions -Will Train-Full-Time $12.00 Day Shift-$13.20 Night Shift. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, After 2 Months. FPM HEAT TREATING 648 Bypass US Route 20 Cherry Valley, IL 61016 1-815-332-4961

Other Real Estate

Apartments

Monroe, WI

services offered Plumbing Services

transportation

for rent

Bonus requires employment until 8/20/21

PHONE INTERVIEWS

real estate PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2nd Shift

$15

ColonyJobs or to 97211 VISIT

For details on placing an ad in our Business & Service Section Call 815-877-4044

Water Softeners

WE’RE HIRING

TEXT

392946

Farm Market

YOUR SKILLS

Automobiles For Sale automotive

Automobiles Wanted TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR FULL SIZE JUNK TRUCKS & SUV’s.

Haul away 7 days a week. 262758-1807

Boats 1966 BOSTON WHALER 16FT./70HP motor, Trolling motor, Locator. $2,500. Call 262723-6269 1996 PRO CRAFT V180 COMBO W/TRAILER 18ft. fiberglass boat. 150hp Mariner, 10” depth finder w/side imaging, 60lb thrust. 24 volt autopilot trolling motor, 2 live wells, great shape, some scratches in fiberglass. $6,500 OBO. 815-979-0793.

CUB LOWBOY 154 Underbelly mower. Extra tires, belts & parts. $3,600. 262-822-7895.

Motorcycles 1997 HONDA VALKYRIE Black, 13,200 miles. All chrome options & bags. $7,950. 847-245-8811.

2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON Ultra classic, loaded, best of everything, custom paint, low mi., $30,000 invested, asking $10,500 OBO. 262-930-4618.

Trucks & Trailers

2017 MERCEDES BENZ CARGO VAN Excel., condition, Hitop, 2500 series, many extras. $29,500 OBO Call Rich 630-7424730 2021 ALUMINUM UTILITY Trailer. 7 1/2’ x 12’, including 2’ tail with gate ramp, 3500# axle. Very Sharp! $3,300 obo. 608- 8975775

FIND YOUR NEXT AUTO IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Part-Time Advertising Sales Representative We are currently seeking a Part-Time Advertising Sales Representative to serve new and current clients in our Belvidere market. If you like a fast-paced environment and enjoy a challenge, this is the opportunity for you!

For immediate consideration send resume /job history to: Vicki Vanderwerff, Director of Advertising Email: vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com Fax: (262) 725-6844

Rock V alley Publishing LLC

392954

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Bizarre Belvidere

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Page 11

A history of Belvidere’s Fire Department mascots

By Mindy Long

LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN/IDA PUBLIC LIBRARY

This past year has been difficult for our local first responders and we thank them profusely for their dedication.

For this month’s Bizarre Belvidere, though, we are going to salute some different historic first responders who were just as dedicated; the mascots of the Belvidere Fire Department. The fire department has been home to several non-human responders over the years; these are just a handful of those extraordinary public servants.

People usually think of a fire department mascot as the beautiful black and white Dalmatian made famous in the Disney movies. Dalmatians became the prominent mascot for fire departments back in the 1800s when fire fighters rode to the scene of a fire in horse-drawn wagons. Most horses, however, are afraid of fire and easily distracted by other animals during the race to put out a fire.

Mascots were necessary to ride alongside and keep the horses on track as well as scare off other dogs. The Dalmatian breed has possessed a special affinity with horses since their origination in 1700s Croatia. As a cross between pointer breeds and the Great Dane, the Dalmatian runs fast, able to clear a path for teams of horses in a hurry. They also provided comfort for the horses, keeping them calm at fire scenes while guarding the fire equipment.

The benefits of a Dalmatian mascot are numerous, but the Belvidere Fire Department mascots were a bit unusual.

The department usually preferred cats as companions in the station houses, and the crews adopted several strays over the years. In 1918, Caledonia residents found a baby skunk wandering on Caledonia Road and brought it to the station. The softhearted fire crew, who couldn’t bear to turn the skunk out, named him “Happy” and adopted him as a mascot. Happy quickly bonded with the station cat and the pair roamed the firehouse together. Assistant Fire Chief Roy Phelps took responsibility for any skunk odor.

After Happy’s passing, the fire department adopted a stray badger. Plentiful in Winnebago County, badgers were seldom spotted in Boone County. When one was captured and turned in to the station, the crew decided once again to adopt a stray critter.

The badger seemed to do well at the station until it escaped its cage one day in the 1920s.

A search was conducted in the neighboring area but the escapee was never located.

For several years, reports would come in to the station about a large badger running amok but it was never caught.

Finally, in 1929, a 20-pound badger was killed on a farm near Kirkland. It put up quite a fight and the fire crew was convinced this was their missing badger.

In addition to cats, skunks and badgers, one of the most popular non-canine mascots to grace the Belvidere fire department was Ole Pete, the fire horse. The Belvidere fire department relied on horse-drawn wagons until the advent of the Studebaker firefighting truck in 1918. Pete was one of the first horses on daily duty at Station #1 and served over 20 years with the

fire department.

Contrary to the usual equine fear of fire, Pete was always eager to get to the scene. In those days, the horses were kept in their stalls with bits in their mouths and harnesses hung overhead so they could be quickly hitched up. Pete would be dancing around in his stall as soon as the alarm bell rang. He was also a huge favorite with the crew and city residents.

When a fire horse completed the day at 8:30 p.m., their bits were removed and they were walked outside for exercise before retiring. Crowds of children and adults would wait patiently every evening for Pete, clamoring to lead him around.

Eventually, though, like all living creatures, Pete got too old to keep up with the fire crew. At first he was assigned to a gentler job with the street and water department, but he would promptly take off whenever he heard a fire alarm, dragging his assigned wagons or carts and following the fire department to the scene. Next, Pete was retired to a local farm for a relaxing retirement.

However, the first day at the farm, Pete jumped the fence as soon as the fire alarm echoed through the town. Pete would spend the next couple of years jumping the fence as soon as he heard the alarms, running to follow and join the crews wherever they headed.

No fence could confine him, but the farmer always knew where Pete was headed and the fire crew would escort him back later.

The day finally came, though, when Pete could no longer jump that fence and everyone knew the humane thing to do. Old Pete was 25 years old when he was retired for the last time, and the Belvidere fire department was so devastated at the loss of their faithful crewmember that, according to Chief Frank Clark, his hide was tanned and turned into a cover for the hoses on the Studebaker fire truck. It may seem gruesome to us, but for those long ago firemen, it meant that Ole Pete would always be along for the ride when the fire bell rang.

The fire department did have dogs as mascots over the years, and Boots was one of their favorites. Born in 1937, Boots was a female mixed breed, part Boston bull and part pit bull, gifted to the fire department as a puppy by Mayor Perry Cratty. Boots was fast on her feet; so fast that the motto in Belvidere Fire was that no man could ever beat her in a race. Boots was always the first on the fire truck during her eight years of service.

Boots wasn’t too fond of flames and would retreat to the truck when there were blazes, but she was right on the heels of the firefighters in smoke filled buildings.

Boots gave birth to at least six known litters during her eight years with the fire department.

Some litters had as many as 13 puppies! The puppies were lovingly adopted by members of the community. Many people used to joke that any bulldog in town was a descendant of Boots.

Boots also loved to hunt and kill rats. She kept the fire department and surrounding buildings clear of the disease-carrying rodents. Sadly, in 1945, Boots happened to ingest some food that had

been laced with rat poison.

She was rushed to the local veterinarian to have her stomach pumped, but it was too late. Boots, beloved fire dog and faithful crew member, died during the evening watch on Sept. 12, 1945.

Boots was buried behind City Hall in a crouched position, facing the fire department, as if ready to rise should she be needed. The fire crew constructed a white cross with her vital information and placed it on her grave.

The Belvidere Clinic was constructed next to the city hall in 1949 and the corner of the parking lot edged near Boots marker. Over the years, motorists knocked down the marker many times as they left the clinic and the marker eventually disappeared, but Boots remains ready to spring into action if called.

After Boots, Duke became the beloved mascot of the Belvidere Fire Department. Born on the 4th of July in 1948, Duke was a pedigreed boxer gifted to the fire department in 1949 by Dr. Gordon Kaske.

Duke absolutely loved firefighting and would race to the truck at the first sound of the alarm. Duke was partial to ice cream, pretty ladies, and news reporters.

Although fierce looking, he was said to have a heart

of gold. His one big fault was a love of hide-and-seek.

Duke was forever hiding fire equipment, boots or clothing around the station house, barking ecstatically when the crew found the items.

The fire department finally added a Dalmatian to the crew in 1978. Duke #2 was a purebred adopted from a Caledonia farm. Duke #2 was a bit skittish, though, prone to snapping at visitors to the station. In 1984, he bit a newspaper reporter and Chief Don Bland stated he could not keep the dog in the station.

Notices were placed in the paper looking for someone to adopt Duke #2. However, the entire fire crew was attached to Duke #2 and convinced Chief Bland to keep him, with Captain Jerry Larson offering to supervise him. Duke #2 stayed on the crew for several years and became so popular with local children that they would come to the station door and ask if Duke could play.

Nowadays, mascots are generally a thing of the past for many fire departments across the country, including the Belvidere Fire Department. Fires have become too dangerous, trucks too complicated and stations too busy for animal mascots. Some cities, however, have special-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Duke was a pedigreed boxer gifted to the fire department in 1949. Duke loved firefighting and would race to the truck at the first sound of the alarm.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Duke #2 stayed on the BFD crew for several years and became so popular with local children that they would come to the station door and ask if Duke could play.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Boots was part Boston bull and part pit bull, gifted to the Belvidere Fire Department as a puppy by Mayor Perry Cratty.

ly trained dogs, called Arson Dogs, who are trained to sniff out minute traces of accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid.

Every now and then, though, those soft-hearted

firefighters will adopt a dog or cat rescued from a fire and give it a home in the station, so you never know when you might spot one of these heroic animals working to keep the city safe.

REAL ESTATE LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS MCHENRY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff, v.

GRAND PRIX, INC., MICHAEL J. FLEMING, and HOME STATE BANK as Trustee On Behalf Of Trust Agreement Dated October 1, 1997, Known As Trust Number 4599, UNKNOWN OWNERS and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

20 CH 000229 Property Address: 4002 Main Street, McHenry, Illinois 60050 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S FORECLOSURE SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above-entitled cause on February 24, 2021, Bill Prim, the Sheriff of McHenry County, Illinois, or his deputy, will on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 262, Woodstock, IL 60098, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder(s) for cash, the following described real estate: Commonly Known as: 4002 Main Street, McHenry, Illinois PIN: 09-26-354-032 The total Judgment on the property is: $122,483.15.

The property consists of a commercial building.

Terms of Sale: Ten percent (10%) due by cash or certified funds at the time of sale and the balance is due within 24 hours of the sale; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1.00 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300.00, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund.

No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of McHenry County. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said

real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “As Is” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(l)(H-l) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-l), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(l) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

The property will not be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. For information regarding this sale, interested parties may contact: Samuel G. Harrod IV at Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC, 1515 E. Woodfield Road, Second Floor, Schaumburg, IL 60173 telephone: (847) 330-2400.

Dated: April 6, 2021 Bill Prim Sheriff of McHenry County, Illinois Samuel G. Harrod IV (A.R.D.C. No. 06207021) MELTZER, PURTILL & STELLE LLC 1515 E. Woodfield Road, Second Floor Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 (847) 330-2418 sharrod@mpslaw.com I3167063 (Published in the McHenry County News April 15, 22 & 29, 2021) 393712

Page 12

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Annual Spring Classic

Coin-op, Advertising & Petroliana Auction Saturday, May 1 10 A.M.

Preview F rida y 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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394217

AUCTIONS

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