Oregon_Republican_Reporter-04-26-2024

Downtown fire

Cause of fire that destroyed two Mt. Morris buildings remains under investigation / 3

Local roundup

Find out how area teams fared in bowling, baseball, softball, soccer and track and field / 11-13, 16

Official election results

Election results finalized by the I llinois State Board of Elections / 9

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Oregon High School music students offering 2 events

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Oregon High School music students will host their last two concerts of the school year in May, capping off their success at the organizational contest.

The Spring Concert is at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5. The Jazz Dance is at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Both free performances are in the OHS auditorium.

The music program finished third in the IHSA state sweepstakes. The concert band, jazz band, concert choir and jazz choir combined for four Division 1 ratings and three “Best of Days” at the IHSA orga-

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Chana Mother’s Club offering Spring Salad Supper on May 6

The Chana Mother’s Club will host the Spring Salad Supper at 6 p.m. Monday May 6, at the Chana Education Center, 204 N. Main St.

Bring your signature salad and be

OREGON LIBRARY

Community Seed Library

Looking to start your garden planning? Check out our seed library. We have more than 100 packets of all types of heirloom seeds free for anyone.

Story Time (18 months to 6 years)

10 a.m. Mondays. Stories, activities and fun. Go online or call to register.

Knit & Crochet is back on Mondays

The group will meet at 1 p.m. and is open to anyone. From beginner to expert, all skill levels are welcome. Bring any hand craft and work on it while socializing. Need help getting started with your knitting project?

Stop in on a Monday. Registration is requested. Visit www.oregonpubliclibrary. com or call 815-732-2724.

Book Clubs

The 2WBC meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, to discuss “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

The Afternoon Book Club meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, to discuss “Vampires of El Norte” by Isabel Canas.

Is This Just Fantasy? Book Club will meet in May to discuss “Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik.

Cocktails & Crimes will meet at 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 19, at Chrissy’s Corner (formerly Messie’s).

nizational contest April 20 in Stockton.

“It’s one of my favorite events of the year,” choir director Zach Hall said. “We get to go show off the hard work that we have been putting in all year. I am proud of our students and I think they represented our school very well.”

“It was one of the best contests I can remember in recent years. … All the groups executed their music very well,” band director Andy Eckardt said.

The music students are excited about the upcoming events.

“The Jazz Dance is the best time of the year ... great snacks, great people and even better music,” jazz and concert

choir member Brady Davis said.

“The Spring Concert is the last major event for band and choir. ... I pride myself on the abilities of the choir and band to deliver a stunning performance,” said Isaac Ebert, a member of all four groups.

“A lot of honest work has gone into the Jazz Dance and I hope you can all experience it,” said Caleb Ward, a member of the choirs.

“The Spring Concert and Jazz Dance are our chance to have fun with what we’re doing and share our work with an amazing audience. No stress, no judges, just music,” said Sarah Eckardt, a member of all four groups.

prepared to reminisce. Diane Lillie will present a collage of photos from the collection of Lyle Deuth that was compiled for the sesquicentennial celebrated in 2022. Bring along any memorabilia you would like to display. Especially fun are class pictures, photos from the famous fun fairs

and objects or trinkets from past years. Invite any former teachers and students to join us as we relax and share memories. Drinks and table service will be provided. For more information, call Lindy at 815-631-4263, Diane at 815-440-4554 or Linda at 815-543-3844.

Books on Tap Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Cork & Tap to discuss “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Fundamental Yoga, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Functional Yin-Yasa

This class is a hybrid of yang (active yoga) with yin (passive yoga). We will use fundamental yoga postures combined with functional movements to build strength and warmth followed by passive, long-held poses to help with flexibility and mobility of the joints and soft tissues. A yoga mat and blocks are useful props for this class. All levels are welcome. Oregon library patrons only. Registration is required. This class fills quickly. Call 815-732-2724 or visit www. oregonpubliclibrary.com to register.

Illinois Library Presents The Many Lives of Kal Penn, 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 7 Actor, writer, producer and former White house staff member Kal Penn will be joined in conversation by Bridget Petrites of the Evanston Public Library, who will facilitate a fun game show-style experience featuring the accomplishments of Penn.

Questions can be submitted when registering at bit.ly/ILP_KalPenn. Penn is a former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

He is known for his starring roles in “Designated Survivor,” “House,” Mira Nair’s “The Namesake,” the Harold & Kumar franchise and the Christmas comedy “The Santa Clauses” for Disney+.

Earlier this year, Penn wrapped production on the Bloomberg Green climate change docuseries “Getting Warmer with Kal Penn” and the Viacom/Paramount+ comedy “Surina & Mel.” His first book “You Can’t Be Serious” was released in November 2021. Ink with A Friend Monthly Card Club, 6 p.m., Monday, May 13

Sending personal cards to your friends and family is a way to let them know you care and are thinking about them. All designs include colored cardstock, designer series paper, detailed stamped images, die cut pieces, matching ink, ribbon and embellishments. All cards come with matching envelopes. Whether you’re a new card maker or a seasoned pro, our kits are suited to every skill level. Sign up today to reserve your spot. Oregon patrons only. Registration is required by calling 815-732-2724 or www. oregonpubliclibrary.com.

Save the Date

“Read, Renew, Repeat” is the theme for the Summer Reading Program. The Kick-off Party is 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Cause of fire that destroyed two downtown Mt. Morris buildings under investigation

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

MT. MORRIS – A portion of one downtown Mt. Morris building destroyed in an April 16 fire has been partially taken down as a safety measure while the other’s charred remains still stand.

Fire Chief Rob Hough and Capt. Mark Lewis were back at the corner of West Main Street and Wesley Avenue on April 17, securing barricades around the structures and washing soot off village streets.

“The investigation is still ongoing. There is no cause determined as of this time,” Hough said.

The fire department along with the Mt. Morris Police Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office as well as agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are conducting a joint investigation, according to a news release Hough issued April 16.

Hough and his department received a call at 1:33 p.m. April 16 after a resident reported seeing flames coming from an apartment in the building at 1 N. Wesley Ave.

When he arrived at the location, Hough and his crew saw heavy smoke and visible flames from the streetlevel windows of the downstairs apartment.

Hough said the county’s 911 center also received multiple calls about smoke and fire coming from the twostory, wood-frame building.

“There were several occupants exiting the building, as well as attempting to put the fire out,” Hough said in the release. “The fire was growing rapidly and advancing throughout the building. The occupants reported that everyone had exited the building and were accounted for. Strong winds, age and condition of the structure rapidly accelerated the fire.”

Hough said fire crews “proactively evacuated” the building housing Sharky’s bar and, as a precaution, Rockford Bell Credit Union located east of the fire at 4 E. Main St.

“Several companies utilizing multiple large-diameter hose lines, ground monitors and three tower ladders finally brought the fire under control at approximately 3:45 p.m.,” Hough said.

The fire quickly spread to the bar because of strong winds and the absence of a fire wall separating the two structures. The fire was extinguished by 5 p.m., with most mutu -

al-aid companies released by 7 p.m.

“Firefighters remained on scene performing salvage and overhaul of the structures until approximately 9 p.m.,” Hough said. “There was one injury – an occupant who reported

smoke inhalation. They were treated and released on the scene. No firefighters were injured at the incident.”

Social media reports of several pets dying in the fire could not be verified. Hough said an initial combined dam-

The investigation is still ongoing. There is no cause determined as of this time.”

age estimate to both buildings is $300,000.

The Mount Morris Fire Protection District requested a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Box 15 to the thirdalarm level for additional assistance from the following agencies: Advanced EMS, the Byron, Dixon City, Dixon Rural, Forreston, German Valley, Lanark, Oregon, Pecatonica, Polo, Shannon and Stillman fire protection districts and Ogle County Emergency Management.

Village President Phil Labash praised the quick efforts of the fire department for stopping the fire from spreading to other nearby structures. The buildings were bordered by the Shell gas station on the north, separated

a parking area, and the credit union on the east, separated by a walkway.

by

Photos by Earleen Hinton

Mt. Morris Fire Capt. Mark Lewis washes away soot from Wesley Avenue in downtown Mt. Morris on April 17 after an April 16 fire that destroyed two downtown buildings.

The charred remains of Sharky’s Sports Bar is seen April 17 after an April 16 fire in downtown Mt. Morris. An excavator stands where the other building destroyed by fire was located. Portions of that building were removed as a safety precaution.

Rob Hough, Mt. Morris fire chief

An Irish setter visits during a stormy, rainy week

For many years, the family of Marcia and Lyle Printz were at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in the pew in front of us. Each Sunday we were all there to take part in what was going on. If the minister was gone, Lyle did the preaching. For a number of years, Lyle was the superintendent of the Sunday School and I think Marcia and Lyle handled the youth group at one time. We all did our part.

Lyle did fist bumps with young and old and even handed out candy to the little ones as they came down the side aisle. I think we would have referred to him as a fixture in the church. He was just always there.

But the years have gone by and for the past few months that spot where he always sat has been empty. We all thought he would come back but that

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

was not to be and now that spot always will be empty. He will be missed greatly. At his funeral this past week, it was good to visit with Samantha and Courtney. I had not seen either of them for several years. Time certainly marches on.

This past week has been a stormy, rainy week and now it is cold again. I filled my bird bath with water and now I wonder if it will freeze. The cooler weather has kept the daffodils blooming longer and the grape hyacinths are now lovely. But the Van

Eseltine crab apple tree will not be lovely this year. I had such a lovely one at the farm and was glad to have this one in my yard here in town. The frosts the past two mornings have not helped it and it looks rather sad.

Steve came to go to church with me and then we worked out in the flower bed.

Susan told me to leave the leaves for a mulch to keep the weeds down. I have always raked them clean but I will listen to her and see how it turns out. I am thankful to have my children come and help me. I sometimes wonder what childless people do as they age.

This afternoon my granddaughter visited me with her new dog Roscoe. He is an Irish setter and a lovely dog. He’s also a happy dog since he does

not have to spend all his day in a cage. He gets to go to grandma’s house in Savanna during the day where he plays with other dogs. I love Irish setters and Roscoe was very well-behaved. He can come to my house anytime.

The group from the Polo Historical Society came back from Northern Illinois University and the 2024 Regional History Conference. They were pleased with Zachary Bishop from Aurora University and his focus on “Verifying Underground Railroad Sites in Northern Illinois.” Bishop now has a notebook of sites in this area. We will see where this goes.

• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Travelers had their own methods of communication

The following story was written by Jane Shoemaker and appeared in her book “Pine Creek Recollections – a Storytelling Book” in 2001. I will be sharing selections of her book in my column for a few weeks. – Otto Dick

By JANE SHOEMAKER

My mother and father invited everyone to the table. No one was turned away. And some very strange guests put their feet under our table as far back as I can remember. Probably the ones I remember most vividly were the hobos, otherwise known as bums.

Throughout my childhood, young adulthood years and even up into the 1930s, I remember the bums long before the Great Depression, young

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Chris Martin to speak at Oregon Depot on April 27

OREGON – Retired State Police Detective

Sam Thomas and insurance investigator Seth Gelander recently interviewed Oregon Depot Museum board member Chris Martin about his lifelong Oregon experiences.

men who spent time riding the rails. It was expected. If boys between 12 and 16 just disappeared in those days, no one worried too much. Of course, mothers prayed every night they were OK. It was common practice to “bum” your way across the country, see the sights, experience life and jail and then come home again to settle down.

Life was different then. Sowing the wild oats was accepted. Hobos spent time in jail to be assured of three meals a day, then a ticket back home. Our Pine Creek farm was marked by the hobos. This meant that hobos had their own communication methods and passed the word on where a good meal was available and some jobs to perform and perhaps a place to sleep. When dad took these men in, he

gave them odd jobs, fed them and, for some, prepared a place for them to sleep. There were repeaters. Those on the rails for a few years came back and were treated with affection. After supper and telling stories, one returning bum asked for a place to sleep. No beds were available in the house, but he asked if he could sleep under the dining room table. My mother found an extra pillow and quilt and he slept under the table.

Two of my brothers, Jack and Tweed, traveled the rails during their late teen years. Not gone from the home fires long. Welcomed back into the fold and was the family storyteller for the next year, telling us of their adventures. Jesse Feary, my first cousin who came with his brothers

and sister to live with us after the death of their mother and father, left one day and wasn’t heard of for years. When he finally communicated, he was married, had children and was living in Colorado.

My father was not only a farmer, road commissioner for the Pine Creek Township and ran a threshing machine, he rose at 4 a.m. and cooked breakfast. His breakfast was hot cereal, toast and orange juice. My dad’s breakfasts were pancakes, sausages, potatoes, cheeses, fruits and quick breads. And by 5 o’clock he was in the barn tending to the early morning chores.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.

Martin has served as Ogle County treasurer, Oregon mayor, a board member for the Oregon Park District and a board member for the Oregon Depot Museum.

He will give a presentation at the Oregon Depot at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27.

For more information about the program, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, Chris Martin at 815-742-8471 or Otto Dick at 815-440-0639.

Chris Martin (far right) is shown with Darin DeHaan, city administrator for Oregon; Roger Cain, Depot Board president; and Mike Abernethy, Silver View owner, when ownership of the Silver View vintage rail car was officially transferred to the Oregon Depot Museum.

Photo provided by Oregon Depot Museum

Women Who Care donate $8,600 to senior center

contact@shawmedia.com

OGLE COUNTY – 100 Women Who Care

of Ogle County has donated $8,600 to the Mount Morris Senior and Community Center.

The award was gratefully received by Melissa Rojas, the center’s executive director, on April 18.

“Of the five possible recipients of the evening, Melissa gave compelling reasons that a donation to the center would provide needed support to the community and beyond,” said Deanna Forrest, 100 Women Who Care of Ogle County member. “Seniors are a growing segment of our population and supportive services are continuously becoming a vital need. Plans for the donation include a computer lab to provide instruction and assistance for those who need help navigating our ever expanding online world.”

Rojas is seeking computer savvy volunteers who can help support, guide and instruct at the Center, located at 9 E. Front St. in Mt. Morris. For more information, visit mmseniorcenter.com.

“100 Women Who Care Ogle County is a group of women who join together to donate to charities within Ogle County,” Forrest said.

The local chapter is part of the 100 Who Care Alliance, which is international in scope. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis and a 501(c)(3) is nominated and voted on to receive $100 from each member. No other fees are required.

RuralUrbanDayforOregonRotarians

“Membership is at 86 members. The goal is to reach 100 this year. The more women who care, the more support for the community,” Forrest said.

Anyone interested in becoming a member or learning more about how the donation process works should contact Forrest at forrestdede5@ gmail.com or visit www.facebook. com/oglegives.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Mother’s Day Brunch offered in Oregon at The River’s Edge Experience

OREGON – The Oregon Chamber of Commerce and a local business is presenting a special Mother’s Day Brunch at The River’s Edge Experience from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12.

Each mom will receive a special gift and free ticket for door prizes. There will be a special Bling Pull Activity, silent auction gift baskets and photos with mom.

Tickets cost $35 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 12 and $5 for children 5 years old and younger.

Tickets will be sold until May 5 at the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, A.M. Floral Co., Cork & Tap, Hazel’s, JTI Salon & Spa and Merlin’s Flowers & Otherside Boutique or online. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Menu items catered by Hazel’s are breakfast casserole with eggs, ham and cheese, fresh fruit bowl, cheesy potatoes, creamy chicken marsala, yogurt parfait with granola and fruit, coffee, juice and dessert. A cash bar will be available.

Call the Oregon Chamber of Commerce for more information at oregonil.com or 815-732-2100.

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

Photo provided by Deanna Forrest Mt. Morris Senior Center Executive Director Melissa Rojas (center) smiles as she poses with members of the 100 Women Who Care of Ogle County and the mock check representing the $8,600 donation given to the center April 18.

Photo provided by Chelsea Eden

The Rotary Club of Oregon celebrated agriculture with presentations by Oregon FFA members at its April meeting. Area farmers joined the club by listening to Oregon Junior/Senior High School teachers and FFA student leaders talk about activities and opportunities at the schools for students. Pictured (from left) are Owen Flanagan, Hayley Wolfe, Rotary President Chris Madden, Cooper Alderks, Molly Ziegler and Rotarian Stan Eden.

OBITUARIES

JOAN ELIZABETH (COX) HOWE

Born: April 30, 1939

Died: April 16, 2024

Joan Elizabeth (Cox) Howe, 84, of Lena, IL, died April 16, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and faithful dogs. Joan was born April 30, 1939, on the family farm to Dean and Mary (Barnhizer) Cox of Polo, IL.

She is survived by her children, Barb (Randy) Loomis of Lena, Martha (John) Irak of Hobart, IN, Burnham (Judi) Martin of McConnell, Marybeth (Joe) McConkey of Winona, MN, Fred (Laurie) Martin of Bloomington, IL, Devan (Juanda) Howe of Merrill, WI, Debby (Rod)

GENEVA FLORENCE MUELLER BOONE

Born: September 1, 1930

Died: April 21, 2024

MT. MORRIS, IL – Geneva Florence Mueller

Boone, age 93, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL.

Geneva was born on September 1, 1930 in Menominee, Michigan, the daughter of Ernest & Vivian (Hiatt) Mueller. She graduated from Wausaukee High School in Wisconsin. Geneva married Horace Boone on May 1, 1954 in McAllister, WI, and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2009. Geneva worked for Watt Publishing, Hough Hardware, Jamesway, Kable News Company, and Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home. She liked to garden and read, but most of all, her time with her grandchildren,

MABLE GRAY

Born: August 21, 1927 in Chana, IL

Died: April 16, 2024 in Mt. Morris, IL

Chana, IL – Mable Alice Gray, age 96, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris, IL. She was born August 21, 1927 in Pine Rock Township, Ogle County the daughter to Merritt and Alice (Canfield) Gray. She graduated 8th grade from Kings School, Stillman Valley High School in 1945, and Northern Illinois University in 1949 with a degree in Home Economics. She spent her entire teaching career at Savanna High School. Mable was a lifelong member of the Chana United Methodist Church where she was active in the women’s group. She was also a member of the National Teacher’s Association and

Schiffman of Orem, UT; 16 grandchildren; 19 greats and one great great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Norm, her parents and two brothers.

Joan was a very determined and strong woman. Her talents were many, she was an accomplished photographer, her beloved Springers being her favorite subjects. To say she loved dogs her entire life would be an understatement. She started competing with dogs at age 9. Joan spent years training, showing, and accumulating winnings in obedience as well as agility and rally all around the Midwest.

Joan was a founder of Green County Humane Society, along with starting a dog park in Monroe. She wanted dogs to know the thrill of running off leash. She was active with Green County Pregnancy Center, serving as board member and treasurer. She made countless sewing and personal care kits sent

and great-grandsons.

Geneva is survived by her children, Vivian Atteberry of Mt. Morris, IL, Tim (Vivian)

Boone of Ocala, FL, Pam Boone of Mt. Morris, IL, and Connie (Bill) Horst of Mt. Morris, IL; six grandchildren, Christopher (Allyson Clark) Boone of Winter Garden, FL, Jared (Martha)

Horst of Brookshire, TX, Zach (Ryan Starkey)

Horst of Polo, IL, Danielle Horst of Forreston, IL, Jessica (Frank) Rago of Carol Stream, IL, and Justin (Katie Pollard) Atteberry of Marblehead, MA; great-grandsons, JJ Horst, Lincoln Rago, Lennon Rago, and another due in August; sister, Joan Bantle of Marinette, WI; brother, Bob Mueller of Marinette, WI; and sister-in-law, Barbara Boone.

Geneva is preceded in death by her father, Ernest; mother, Vivian; stepmother, Alice; husband, Horace Boone; and son-in-law, Dave Atteberry.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Private family burial will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.

Memorials to Serenity Hospice & Home.

the Ogle County Retired Teacher’s Association. Mable enjoyed traveling and eating at various restaurants with her sister Ida Belle Gray. She was predeceased by her parents and her sisters Emma Brooks and Ida Belle Gray. Mable is survived by her nephew Stephen Brooks of Lansing, Michigan and other nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street in Oregon, Illinois with Rev. David Rogula officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:00 AM till 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the White Rock Cemetery near Kings, IL. A memorial fund is established in Mable’s name for Serenity Hospice and Home and Chana United Methodist Church. Visit www. farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Mable.

to Haiti with veterinarian Dr. Thayer from Broadhead. Joan was an avid knitter, making everything from potholders and slippers to sweater coats. She could knit, watch TV, and carry a conversation all at the same time. She was a devoted fan of Kevin Costner and had the thrill of meeting him at his premiere of “Open Range.” When Joan wasn’t busy with her many interests, she was a dedicated career woman working at First Federal of Monroe for 27 years. She enjoyed being Bank Manager and loved her many customers.

Joan was a member of Martintown Community Church and Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport serving as Sunday School Teacher. In her later years she was a member of the Monroe Bible Church. She also was a Girl Scout, Betty Crocker’s Homemaker of Tomorrow, and member of the D.A.R. In her recent homebound years this determined woman printed hundreds of clippings

MARGARET A. SCHOLL

Born: December 24, 1929 in Freeport, IL

Died: April 15, 2024 in Winnebago, IL

Margaret A. Scholl, 94, passed peacefully at her home, Prairie View Assisted Living facility in Winnebago, Illinois on April 15, 2024.

Margaret was born, December 24, 1929, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Burt P. and Clara C. (Gilbert) Stauffer. She graduated in 1947 from Polo High School and went on to Manchester College graduating with a B.A. in 1951. She also attended Ball State University. Margaret was a teacher in Polo and Milledgeville teaching kindergarten, junior and senior high school. She worked at Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for over 27 years. Traveling, cooking, gardening and most of all helping others were her life’s interests. Margaret was a member of East Jordan UM Church and was involved with numerous church and community clubs. Margaret married Arnold Scholl, March 25, 1951, and together they had a daughter Barbara and an infant son.

of encouragement and sent mailings weekly to people in need of an uplifting word. Joan held a special place in her heart for great granddaughters McKenzie and Savannah, she appreciated their help caring for her these past few years.

A graveside service will be held at Fairmont Cemetery in Polo, IL on Wednesday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m.

Her son-in-law Pastor Joe McConkey will officiate.

If so desired, memorials may be given to Green County Humane Society in Monroe, Wisconsin.

The family would like to express thanks to Kelli at Monroe SSM Health/Hospice for the loving care she showed us all. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh. com

She is survived by her daughter Barbara (Thomas) Mellinger of Freeport, IL; grandsons Bradley (Nicole) Maines of Freeport, IL and Shawn (Melissa) Page of Hanover, IL; great grandsons Steven A. Maines of Freeport, IL and Damien W. Page of Hanover, IL; great granddaughters Araya M. Maines of Freeport, IL, Sabrina G. Page and Leah R. Page both of Hanover, IL; sister-in-law Ruth Stauffer of Mt. Morris, IL; brother-in-law J. Myron (Karen) Scholl of Polo, IL; numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband Arnold; infant son; brothers Clarence and Daniel.

A memorial visitation will be Friday, April 26, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Jordan Church in rural Sterling, IL. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at East Jordan Church with Rev. Jim Miller officiating. She will be laid next to her family in a private service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to East Jordan Church in Sterling or Prairie View Assisted Living in Winnebago, IL. A special thanks to Heartland Hospice of Rockford.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.

CRIME AND COURTS

Mt. Morris man sentenced to 8 years in prison

Irvin sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor in 2022

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – A Mt. Morris man was sentenced Monday to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for sexually abusing a minor in 2022.

Steven K. Irvin, 58, pleaded guilty Monday to the felony offense of aggravated criminal sexual abuse when he appeared with his attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, in front of Judge John Redington.

Isley told Redington that Irvin had agreed to plead guilty to the offense as part of a plea agreement reached with

the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office.

“How do you plead,” Redington asked Irvin.

“Guilty, your honor,” Irvin said.

Irvin was arrested for aggravated criminal sexual abuse in May 2022 after an investigation by the Mt. Morris Police Department. Irvin has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since his arrest.

Court documents indicate Irvin “knowingly committed an act of sexual conduct” with the girl who was under the age of 18.

“During the investigation, the defendant was developed as a suspect.

The case was reviewed by the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office and charges were authorized,” Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in a news release.

At the sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told Redington that the victim in the case had submitted a victim impact statement and asked that it be entered in as part of the court record.

Redington read over the statement and proceeded with Irvin’s sentencing hearing without sharing the contents of the victim’s statement.

Redington told Irvin that he will be credited for 615 days served in jail and is required to serve 50% of the eightyear sentence.

Irvin will be subject to four years mandatory supervision after his release, Redington said.

Isley told the court she had informed Irvin that his guilty plea could trigger an evaluation to determine if he is sexually violent.

“He will be evaluated after the prison sentence,” Isley said.

“Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The defendant’s criminal record qualified him for an extended term sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections,” Rock said.

Court records indicate Irvin has previous convictions in Ogle County for misdemeanor battery and criminal trespass, driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended driver’s license. Irvin also has burglary convictions in Carroll and Whiteside counties.

Attorneys, judge hold conference for former Boy Scout leader

Endress accused of sexual abuse in 2004

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – An Ogle County judge held a special conference with attorneys Monday for a former Boy Scout leader accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy 20 years ago.

Jason L. Endress, 45, of Morrison, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred in 2004 when he was a director at Camp Lowden, a Boy Scout

camp east of Oregon.

Endress has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

On Monday, Endress appeared in court briefly before his attorney James Mertes and Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley retired to Judge John Redington’s chambers to conduct a 402 conference hearing.

A 402 conference is intended to be an open process where attorneys and a judge discuss relevant information regarding the case and a potential outcome. Defendants are not present

during the conference, but must agree to waive their presence before it is held. Mertes requested the 402 conference in March.

After the conference, Redington set a status hearing for 1 p.m. July 10.

Endress, a teacher at Clinton High School, in Clinton, Iowa, for 22 years, was put on paid administrative leave in August 2023.

He was arrested June 25, 2023, after the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office received a call June 23 from Emily Cross, chief operating officer of the Blackhawk Area Council, who told police the organization’s hotline received a call with the allegations.

The council is chartered by the national Boy Scouts of America and is

headquartered in Rockford, serving southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois. In Illinois, it runs Canyon Camp, between Stockton and Apple River, and Camp Lowden.

During an August 2023 preliminary hearing, Ogle County Sheriff’s Lt. Brian Ketter testified that he contacted the hotline caller, who said he was a camper at Camp Lowden in 2003 and 2004, when Endress, then 25, was a director.

According to court documents, the alleged sexual contact occurred May 24 and Sept. 6, 2004.

Endress is free on $100,000 bond after posting 10%, or $10,000. He has no criminal history in Iowa or the Sauk Valley area, according to court records.

Judge grants continuance for man charged with possessing child sexual abuse images

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

OREGON – The defense attorney for an Oregon man charged with possessing images of child sexual abuse asked for and received another continuance to discuss potential outcomes for his client.

Ogle County Public Defender

Michael O’Brien requested the continuance for Kris D. Stubblefield, 33, as they appeared before Judge John “Ben” Roe for a status hearing April 18.

Stubblefield was arrested Oct. 21, 2023, by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies after a monthslong investigation and search of his home, prompted by a tip from the National Center for Missing

and Exploited Children. Charging documents said all the children were younger than 13 and some were as young as 3, with the offenses occurring in August and October 2023.

Stubblefield has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges. O’Brien said he needed more time to discuss potential outcomes with Stubblefield after a 402 conference with Roe on April 11. A 402 conference is intended to be an open process where attorneys and a judge discuss relevant informa-

tion regarding the case and a potential outcome. Defendants are not present during the conference, but must agree to waive their presence before it is held.

Roe set Stubblefield’s next hearing for 2:30 p.m. May 9. Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse did not object to the continuance.

In December, Roe ordered an evaluation of Stubblefield and denied his request to be released from jail to serve as a caregiver for his ailing grandfather. Stubblefield has been held in the Ogle County Correctional Center since his arrest, but has requested numerous times to be released from custody as his case proceeds.

In previous hearings, O’Brien said

Stubblefield’s incarceration continues to be a hardship on his family since he would be providing care to his grandfather if he were released.

Kruse again renewed the state’s argument to keep Stubblefield in custody, citing reports from the Illinois attorney general and the sheriff’s office that he is a registered juvenile sex offender and was in possession of more than 1,500 images of child sexual abuse on his phone, she said.

In previous denials of Stubblefield’s request for release, Roe said “criminal acts involving the internet” would be difficult to restrict or monitor if Stubblefield were to be released. He denied Stubblefield’s release again April 18.

Steven K. Irvin

Jason L. Endress

Kris D. Stubblefield

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following police activity.

April 15

Eric Blackburn, 48, of Dixon, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after deputies, Byron police and the Byron Fire Protection District responded to the area of North German Church Road and North Kufalk Lane about 6 p.m. for a truck versus farm equipment crash. An investigation showed Will Winterton, 18, of Byron, was traveling west on North German Church Road in a skid loader when Blackburn struck him from behind. Winterton was taken to SwedishAmerican Hospital for injures.

April 17

Cassandra Ruiz, 31, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop at the intersection of Blackhawk Road and Market Street about 6:02 a.m. Ruiz was taken to the Ogle County jail, released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

Ryan M. Sage, 37, of Ashton, was arrested for driving while under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol after deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 8900 block of east Illinois Route 38 about 4:52 p.m. A citizen reported a vehicle was traveling all over the roadway and struck the side of a guardrail shortly before crashing. Upon arrival, deputies found a red Dodge Challenger in the south ditch facing south with minor passenger side and front-end damage. An investigation showed Sage was westbound in the

OREGON POLICE

April 8

Chelsea D. Orr, 31, of Oregon, was issued a citation at 8:54 p.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration for no insurance. The violation occurred in the 200 block of East Washington Street.

MT. MORRIS POLICE

March 29

Justin W. Coltrain, 43, of Mt. Morris, was arrested at 4 p.m. in the 10 block of North Wesley Avenue on an Ogle County warrant for failure to appear on a previous charge. Coltrain was transported to the Ogle County jail.

Danielle M. Gasiamis, 43, of South Elgin, was issued a citation at 7:20 p.m. for speeding 45 mph in a 30-mph zone after a traffic stop in the 200 block of East Hitt Street. Gasiamis was released on scene.

Hefziba D. Brito Sotelo, 25, of Elgin, was issued a citation at 7:05 p.m. for speeding

8900 block of Route 38 when he exited the roadway, entered the north ditch, lost control and struck a mailbox. Sage drove back onto the road, crossed both lanes of traffic and entered the south ditch where he struck an embankment and came to rest. Ashton Fire Protection District and EMS personnel were called to the scene to tend to Sage, who was taken to a local area hospital with minor injuries. He was arrested at the hospital and also cited for improper traffic lane use, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, illegal transportation of open alcohol and obstructed windshield. Sage was released at the hospital on a notice to appear and given a court date for early May.

April 18

Jessi Watson, 31, of Kingston, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a report of a possibly intoxicated driver at the Monroe Center Oasis at 1:39 a.m. Watson was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance. Alondra Villa-Diaz, 23, of Davis Junction, was arrested on two counts of domestic battery after deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the 700 block of Golden Prairie Drive about 11:49 a.m. Villa-Diaz was taken to the Ogle County jail and held in lieu of bond.

April 19

Amber Dodson, 31, of Stillman Valley, was arrested for aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer after deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the

April 11

A 15-year-old female of Mt. Morris was issued a civil citation at 11:05 a.m. by the school resource officer for possession of cannabis – not more than 10 grams. The violation occurred at Oregon High School, 210 S. 10th St. Brandon S. Watry, 37, of Oregon, was

43 mph in a 30-mph speed zone after a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Hitt Street. Brito Sotelo was released on scene.

April 4

About 4:30 p.m., police were sent to the area of the 100 block of East Hitt Street for a trespassing complaint. After an investigation, Carl D. Pitt, 82, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for criminal trespass to real property. Pitt was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

April 11

Ashley M. Paddie, 33, of Oregon, was

Stillman Valley Fire Protection District parking lot about 4:57 p.m. Dodson was taken to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.

Otoniel Armenta-Ceniceros, 18, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop near the intersection of Stillman and Wildwood roads about 7:40 p.m. Armenta-Ceniceros also was cited for an equipment violation. Armenta-Ceniceros was released on a notice to appear.

Jenny Zepeda, 27, of Rochelle, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the area of South Mulford Road and Illinois Route 38 about 9:48 p.m. Zepeda also was cited for suspended registration. Zepeda was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

April 20

Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries in the 13000 block of east Illinois Route 72 about 11:52 p.m. An investigation showed a westbound vehicle had struck the rear end of a car slowing in traffic. The juvenile operator and juvenile passenger were taken by Lynn-Scott-Rock ambulance for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. The juvenile operator was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash in the 4000 block of North River Road about 7:49 p.m. An investigation showed Stephanie Sotelo, 39, of Rock Falls, was southbound, traveled off the east side

issued a citation at 11:33 p.m. for operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The violation occurred in the 400 block of Franklin Street.

April 13

Frank Fenton, 59, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 6:30 p.m. for violating the city ordinance of allowing a dog to

arrested at 7:45 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 10 block of South Ogle Avenue. Paddie also was cited for no valid registration and transported to the Ogle County jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

April 14

David J. St. Clair, 30, of Mt. Morris, was issued a citation at 4:15 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration after a traffic stop in the 100 block of East Hitt Street. St. Clair was released on scene.

Joy F. Nielsen, 48, of Oregon, was issued a

of the roadway and struck the ditch embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn. Sotelo was examined by Byron EMS and refused medical treatment.

Hailey Quinn, 33, of Rockford, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance/cocaine, possession of a controlled substance/fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, an outstanding Ogle County warrant and an outstanding Winnebago County warrant after a traffic stop on Illinois Route 2 near the intersection with Creekside Drive about 9:05 p.m. Quinn was a passenger in the vehicle. She was taken to the Ogle County jail, given a notice to appear on the drug and paraphernalia charges and detained on the Ogle County and Winnebago County warrants.

April 21

A 17-year-old juvenile male was arrested for no valid driver’s license and disobeying a stop sign after a traffic stop in the 3000 block of South Ridge Road about 7:28 p.m. The juvenile was released on a notice to appear.

Calvin M. Sullivan, 23, of Oregon, was arrested for possession of adult use cannabis outside of approved container after a traffic stop in the 1000 block of North Moose Road at 10:03 p.m. Sullivan also was cited for improper lighting/one headlight and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Sullivan was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date. Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

run at large. The violation occurred near the intersection of Ninth and Jefferson streets.

Ten verbal warnings and 14 parking citations were issued April 8-14.

Charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

citation at 8:10 p.m. for an expired registration after a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Brayton Road. Nielsen was released on scene.

April 18

About 3:45 p.m., police were sent to the area of the 10 block of East Center Street for a trespassing complaint. After an investigation, Robert D. Vandyke, 43, of Mt. Morris, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass to real property. Vandyke was transported to the Ogle County jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

2024 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

Voters in Lee, Whiteside and Ogle counties cast their ballots March 19 for county, state and federal congressional races, and in some cases, answered referendum questions. Here is a list of the contested races and results. Races that are uncontested are not included.

Mail-in ballots had two weeks to arrive as long as they were postmarked by Election Day. Voters also had two weeks to address any issues that led to them casting provisional ballots. Election results were finalized Friday by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

* Indicates winner, (i) indicates incumbent Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

Lee County Board Republicans

District 1, Vote for 2

*Michael J. Koppien (i): 600 votes (38.81%)

*Ronald Gascoigne (i): 542 (35.06%)

Paula Meyer: 404 (26.13%)

Ogle County Coroner

Republicans

*Christie M. Cox: 3,834 (50.71%)

Chad Horner: 3,726 (49.29%)

Ogle County Board

Republicans

District 5, Vote for 1

Ron Kern: 552 (48.85%)

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

First Fridays monthly show at the Oregon VFW on May 3

*Dan Janes: 578 (51.15%)

Referendum

Ogle County sales tax of 1% for schools, school resource officers and mental health professionals

Yes: 2,770 (30.66%)

*No: 6,264 (69.34%)

State Senate Republican

Chris Bishop: 2,918 (15.05%)

Tim Yager: 7,078 (36.5%)

*Li Arellano Jr.: 9,394 (48.45%)

Congress

17th Congressional District Republicans

Scott Alan Crowl: 9,696 (32.41%)

*Joe McGraw: 20,223 (67.59%)

U.S. President Democrats

*Joe Biden (i): 739,646 (91.48%)

Marianne Williamson: 28,777 (3.56%)

Dean Phillips: 25,615 (3.17%)

Frankie Lozada: 14,513 (1.79%)

Republicans

*Donald Trump: 479,556 (80.50%)

Nikki Haley: 86,278 (14.48%)

Ron DeSantis: 16,990 (2.85%)

Chris Christie: 9,758 (1.64%)

Ryan Binkley: 3,114 (0.52%)

Source: Lee, Whiteside and Ogle county clerk’s offices, Illinois State Board of Elections

OREGON – The First Fridays Open Mic will present its monthly show at the Oregon VFW on May 3.

The event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. A jar is available for donations.

“Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier,” said Lowell Harp, one of the event’s organizers.

Those with questions can call Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.

The VFW at 1310 W. Washington St. has ample parking and a restaurant and bar within the building. A fish fry runs from 4 to 8 p.m.

Interstate 39 overnight lane closures at Perryville Road bridge begin

DIXON – Overnight lane closures on Interstate 39 at the Perryville Road bridge in Cherry Valley began April 22 and run through Thursday, May 2.

Closures are needed for workers to paint the bridge, the Illinois Department of Transportation said in a news release.

Polo Lions Club makes donation toPoloYouthBaseballLeague

Closures will begin at 7 p.m. each night and end at 5 a.m. the following morning. No work will take place Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28. One lane in each direction will be closed during the project, which is scheduled to be completed at 5 a.m. Friday, May 3.

“Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment,” the release said.

Over the next six years IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and almost 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation.

Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois include about $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges and 762 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @ IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Photo provided by Jeff Short Polo Lions Club member Josh Gorzny presented a donation to Joey Kochsmeier for the Polo Youth Baseball League on April 8. “Thank you Josh for representing the Polo Lions Club and thank you Joey for everything you do for the community,” Lion Jeff Short said.

Photo provided by Lowell Harp

Kevin O’Neil (left) and Greg Crull appeared at last month’s First Fridays Open Mic. They are half of the popular local band known as Well Strung.

Timber Lake Playhouse schedules workshops for youth

MOUNT CARROLL – Timber Lake Playhouse is offering workshops and classes in the arts this summer as well as performance opportunities for youth ages 6 to 18.

“I’m very excited to see the interest in our summer programs,” Executive Director Dan Danielowski said in a news release. “Our youth production of ‘Matilda, Jr.’ last season was so successful that we’re offering these types of opportunities again this summer.”

The High School Theatre Intensive runs from July 8 to July 27. The workshop is for high school actors, singers, dancers, technicians and other creatives. Participants will gain the tools necessary to perform on stage, help produce shows at their school and ace college auditions.

During the workshop, high school students will produce and perform in the All Area High School Musical production of “Ride the Cyclone, High School Edition.”

“Ride the Cyclone” chronicles the lives of six teenagers from a Cana -

dian chamber choir whose lives are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other – the chance to return to life.

The popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived. “Ride the Cyclone” will be performed July 23-27. The cost of the workshop is $200.

TLP’s Next Stage Junior Theatre will produce “The Lion King Jr.” on July 1 through July 6. There will be no performance July 4.

“The Lion King Jr.” features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You” and “Hakuna Matata.” Young performers also will get the chance to learn a wide range of new theatrical skills such as mask-making and puppetry, encouraging them to explore this beloved story with creativity and pride.

All youth will audition and be cast in a specific role during the first week of the workshop.

They will learn songs and chore -

ography, build sets and props and perfect their parts during the workshop. Participants will receive instruction in vocal technique, acting, stage movement and auditioning,

The workshop and production runs from June 17 through July 6 and is open to youth ages 5 to 18. Cost for the workshop is $100 and includes script and T-shirt.

One of the most popular TLP workshops is the Children’s Theatre Workshop. This summer, TLP will be holding two sessions of the CTW on July 6 and Aug. 3. The workshop is a perfect way for young artists to shine. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The July 6 workshop concludes with a ticket to the matinee performance of the “Lion King Jr.” Cost for the Children’s Theatre Workshop is $50 and it is open to children ages 6 to 12.

Scholarships are available for TLP’s summer workshops. Visit the TLP website or call the box office at 815-244-2035 to inquire about applying for a scholarship.

Also available are classes aimed at students as young as 3. TLP has part -

nered with The Virtual BabySitter’s Club to give patrons full access to all artistic and creative virtual sessions for kids ages 3 to 12.

These sessions are conducted by professional performers from Broadway and beyond in a live, interactive virtual experience, Danielowski said in the release.

TLP Reads is a series of books read by Timber Lake Playhouse actors and Teaching Artists. Partner teachers from around the country use these videos as part of their reading curriculum. The series also is available for parents to use with their children. The books are targeted for primary and elementary reading levels.

Timber Lake Teaches is a series of instructional videos designed to empower the emerging musical theater performer. With classes that both develop technical skills and encourage performers to infuse those skills with their individuality, it’s about leveling up in a way that feels true to yourself.

Visit www.timberlakeplayhouse. org to see the list of classes available this summer or call the box office at 815-244-2035 for more information.

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SPORTS ROUNDUP

Bowling

The Oregon Junior High boys and girls bowling teams competed at the 2024 IESA state finals at Joliet Town & Country Lanes on April 19-20.

Several all-time OJH IESA state records were set or approached including the all-time high girls team score, boys high individual game, second-highest individual 10-game girls score, fourth-highest girls place finisher, fourth-highest boys individual 10-game series score, fifth-highest individual place finisher and sixth-highest individual 10-game girls score.

The girls team, coming off a record-setting second-place finish behind Sycamore at the sectional the previous weekend, placed seventh in the state by recording the highest 10-game series total in school history, a 5,875 series, 43 pins ahead of Sycamore, which finished eighth.

“This is the second time OJH has placed seventh and the second-highest place ever,” coach Al Nordman said. “Leading Oregon was 17th-place finisher eighth grader Carli Bailey with a 1,686 series, the second-highest series ever and the fourth-highest individual place winner. She was followed closely by seventh grader Abi Kalnins with a 1,594 series in 27th place, the sixth-highest series in his-

tory and the seventh-highest place winner.

“Also bowling all 10 games was eighth grader Savannah Nagy, who finished with a 1,448 series and a 48th-place finish. In addition, fifth grader Briannah West bowled eight games, 938 series, and eighth grader Whitley Key bowled two games, 209 series,” Nordman said.

“The boys team overall had a disappointing premature end to their season, not making the second day of the event with a 15th-place finish,” Nordman said. “However, individually one person did advance to Day 2. Eighth grader Diego Hernandez set a school record with a 278 individual game en route to recording the fourth-highest 10-game series ever, an 1,817 series, and his 28th-place finish is the fifth-highest in history. Also, narrowly missing advancing to Day 2 of the event was seventh grader Ethan Rowe with a 667 4-game series, 12 pins from advancing. He was followed closely by seventh grader Layne Newberry with a 598 series and eighth grader Asher Kramer with a 588 series.”

The IESA state bowling finals was created in 2011 and is a single-class statewide event. In 2024,162 girls and 166 boys competed at the state finals, Nordman said.

Girls soccer

Byron 2, Oregon 1: The Hawks’ eightgame undefeated streak came to an end with a loss to the Tigers. Deborah

Oregon 7, Mendota 0: The

TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Schmid scored the lone goal for Oregon.

Hawks beat

Earleen Hinton Oregon’s Anna Stender and Byron’s Claire Hinnkel battle for the ball as rain falls April 18.

Continued from page 11

the Trojans to improve to 9-1.

Anna Stender and Kenna Wubbena led Oregon with two goals each. Deb Schmid, Teagan Champley and Aniyah Sarver added one goal each. Stender, Schmid and Champley also had one assist each.

Mili Zavala recorded three saves for the Hawks.

Oregon 8, Sterling 0: At Oregon, the Hawks improved to 10-1 on the season with a shutout win over the Golden Warriors.

Deb Schmid scored three goals, Anna Stender scored two goals and Teagan Champley, Kenna Wubbena and Noelle Girton added one goal apiece for Oregon. Stender, Champley and Engelkes each tallied one assist.

Softball

Rock Falls 14, Oregon 3 (6 inn.): The Rockets pounded out 16 hits and scored eight fourth-inning runs in a run-rule win over the Hawks on Monday.

Jeslyn Krueger went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, including a home run, and Emma Skinner went 2 for 4 with four RBIs to lead Rock Falls at the plate.

Abree Barker had two hits and Olivia Paul chipped in three RBIs for Oregon.

Peyton Smit earned the complete-game win, allowing three earned runs on five hits and striking out eight with five walks.

Amboy 6, Forreston 5: The Clippers took a 5-3 lead in the third inning and hung on for an NUIC South win over the Cardinals.

Brittlyn Whitman, Tyrah Vaessen, Kiera Karlson and Addison Shaw each totaled two hits to lead Amboy. McKenna Rummel led Forreston with two hits.

Polo 12-13, Ashton-Franklin Center 2-8 :

The Lady Marcos swept the Raiders in an NUIC South doubleheader.

In Game 1, Karlea Frey went 3 for 3 with an RBI and Cheyenna Wilkins went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, including a double and a triple, to lead Polo.

Camrynn Jones earned the complete-game win in five innings, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out eight with one walk.

In Game 2, Frey went 4 for 5 with three RBIs, including three doubles, Wilkins totaled three hits and two RBIs and Allissa Marschang chipped in two hits and three RBIs for Polo.

Frey earned the complete-game win, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and striking out eight with one walk.

Fulton 21, Polo 4 (4 inn.): The Steamers scored 14 first-inning runs en route to a run-rule win over the Lady Marcos.

Emily Kane went 4 for 4 with four RBIs, including a home run, Kira Wilson went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and Zoe Kunau went 3 for 4 with three RBIs for Fulton. Addison Hartman also homered and had three RBIs for the Steamers.

Jessa Read earned the complete-game win, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and striking out three with no walks.

Cheyenna Wilkins and Sydnei Rahn each hit a solo home run for Polo.

See ROUNDUP, page 13

Earleen Hinton

Oregon’s Addison Rufer moves the ball against Byron on April 18.

Continued from page 12

Oregon 6, Byron 5: Haleigh Burkhart drove in the game-winning run in the fifth inning to lift the Hawks.

Burkhart led Oregon with three hits. Madi Shaffer and Sarah Stevens added two hits apiece.

Alexi Czochara threw four strikeouts to earn the win.

Baseball

Dixon 13, Oregon 2: The Dukes improved to 10-2 overall and 6-0 in the BNC with a run-rule win over the Hawks.

Quade Richards went 4 for 4 with three RBIs, Max Clark went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and Alex Harrison and Ari Selmani added two hits apiece for Dixon. Harrison tripled on both hits.

Jack Washburn drove in both runs for Oregon.

Dixon 24, Oregon 12: The Dukes led 8-4 after one inning and pulled away for a Big Northern Conference win over the Hawks.

Quade Richards went 3 for 4 with five RBIs, Max Clark went 3 for 6 with three RBIs and Alex Harrison went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and three walks. Harrison scored a team-high five runs.

Max Clark pitched 41/3 scoreless innings of relief for Dixon, allowing

one hit and striking out seven.

Logan Weems totaled three RBIs and Jack Washburn scored three runs for Oregon.

Ashton-Franklin Center 6-3, Polo 1-7: The Marcos and Raiders split their NUIC South doubleheader.

In the opener, Scott Robertson went 2 for 3, including a double, to lead Polo. On the AFC side, Brock Lehman blasted a solo home run on his only hit. Caleb Thomas earned the win for the Raiders, allowing one earned run on five hits and striking out seven with two walks.

In game two, Gus Mumford went 3 for 3 with two RBIs and Jeffrey Donaldson went 2 for 3 with three RBIs to lead Polo. Logan Nelson pitched three innings for the win, allowing one earned run on one hit and striking out three with one walk. Ben Rockwood tallied two RBIs for the Raiders.

Forreston 11, Winnebago 2: The Cardinals took a 4-2 lead after three innings and pulled away for the win with a sixrun sixth.

Alec Schoonhoven went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and scored three runs and Patrick Wichman went 2 for 3 with two RBIs for Forreston.

Daniel Koehl and Kendall Erdmann each pitched two shutout innings for the Cardinals.

See ROUNDUP, page 16

Earleen Hinton

Forreston’s Carson Akins throws to first base for an out April 20 against Winnebago at Forreston High School. The Cardinals won the game 11-2.

Add Stillman Valley to athletic halls of fame

Add Stillman Valley to the list of school districts instituting an Athletic Hall of Fame. It will include teams, individuals, coaches and friends.

As an observer of the Cardinals sports scene since 1970, three names immediately pop out to me – Bucky Babcock, Mike Lalor and Craig Young.

Coaching Stillman to five state football titles says it all about Lalor.

As far as Young, he was among the best distance runners in the state in a one-class system in the early 1970s.

Babcock dominated football fields and wrestling mats.

Don’t get me wrong. There are loads of other standout individuals, especially in baseball, football, wrestling, softball and girls basketball.

I also recall unheralded Dan Godfread, who amazingly made it on two NBA rosters, even if just for a few games.

And let’s not forget chess, where Phil Bratta has been at the helm since the early 1980s. Indeed, there has been a rich heritage of achievement at the school.

Andy Colbert

With so many recent state football titles, a difficult part for the HOF committee will be determining a yearly pecking order.

No word yet on whether athletes from the former Monroe Center High School that closed about 65 years ago and absorbed into Stillman Valley would be eligible for the HOF.

With Forreston, Oregon and Stillman starting HOFs this year, that leaves Polo as the only school in Ogle County without one.

The Ogle County Track and Field Meet will be held at Rochelle on Tuesday, April 30. It has been going on for more than 50 years and Forreston-Polo has hopes of winning the boys and girls meets in the same year for the first time ever.

Rochelle has hosted the meet all but a couple of years in the late 1970s after Oregon also got an all-weather track. Polo remains the only school

without an all-weather surface, relying on old-fashioned limestone.

This year will be one of the most balanced county meets in recent memory. Stillman Valley has substantially improved and although Rochelle has always had the enrollment advantage, the Hubs are capable of being beaten.

The top two athletes are pole vaulters, Leo Cardenas of Oregon and Andrew Nuyen of Rochelle.

Both have unique stories.

Cardenas was a promising Hawks freshman, but he moved to Arkansas his sophomore and junior years, where he placed at state. Returning to Oregon for his senior year, he tied for top height (14 feet, 2 inches) at the Class 1A indoor state meet.

Nuyen made remarkable progress from his freshman to sophomore year, going from 9 feet to 15 feet. In vaulting circles, a 6-foot increment is almost unheard of.

Not only that, but he was the Class 2A indoor state champ, besting a stiff field.

Both Cardenas and Nuyen have benefited from attending pole vault teaching academies in Bloomington and Joliet.

Without a doubt the highlight of the Ogle County meet will be those two going at it in the vault.

In baseball, Byron, Forreston and Stillman Valley are all having fine campaigns and their records may be misleading because of the tough schedules they have played. Each has high hopes heading toward the postseason.

As is usually the case in high school baseball, availability of pitching will be the key.

Softball is a different story with one strong arm carrying a team. As expected, Stillman Valley is carrying the banner among county schools. The Cardinals got a big 6-2 win over North Boone on a windy April 19 afternoon, ending the Vikings’ eightgame winning streak. Both squads are contending for Big Northern supremacy with Stillman Valley currently leading the way.

• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, has been a sports writer for Shaw Media and has covered high school sports in Ogle County for more than 31 years.

Making plays around the diamond

Photos by Earleen Hinton

ABOVE: Forreston’s Alec Schoonhoven throws to first base after fielding a ground ball against Winnebago on April 20 at Forreston High School. The Cardinals won the game 11-2. ABOVE RIGHT: Forreston’s Brady Gill fields a ground ball against Winnebago. RIGHT: Forreston’s Brendan Greenfield (7) and Brady Gill (18) catch a Winnebago runner between second and third base.

Angela Reynolds named varsity girls basketball coach at Oregon

SHAW

OREGON – Angela Reynolds has been hired as the new head girls basketball coach at Oregon High School. “We are excited for Angela to get started,” Oregon Athletic Director Mike Lawton said. “Angela is energetic and passionate about the opportunity to lead our girls basketball program. With

• ROUNDUP

Continued from page 13

Oregon 7, Rockford Christian 3: The Hawks scored seven fourth-inning runs and held off the Royal Lions for a BNC win.

Logan Weems went 2 for 2 with two RBIs and Jack Washburn and Gavin Morrow each chipped in two RBIs. Washburn earned the complete-game win, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and striking out three with one walk.

Fulton 12, Polo 2 (6 inn.): The Steamers rolled to a run-rule win over the Marcos.

Mason Kuebel totaled three RBIs

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

April 12-18

Warranty deeds

Dawn R. Furman to Karin Gordon, 526 N. Woolf Court, Rochelle, $122,000.

Midfirst Bank to Maak Investmensts LLC, 102 W. Olive St., Forreston, $59,860.

Andrew T. and Lauren Nicole L. Frisbie to Cecelia Peterson, 1403 Crimson Ridge Drive, Byron, $130,000.

Rochelle Commons LLC to Reo Fundit 4 Asset LLC, 120-150 N state Route 38, Rochelle, $2,200,000.

Danielle Johnson and Broch Jones to Austin D. and Hannah M. Bailey, 196 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $230,000.

Paula Machelle Mathis to Tahir Karim, 504 S. Ninth St., Rochelle, $93,000.

AJ Homes LLC to William Long and Kylie Heck, 3330 S. Watertown Road, Oregon, $157,000.

Sabrina Heath to Lacy Michelle Johnson and Tristin Lyle Woodin, 505 W. Colden St., Polo, $85,000.

Geoffrey R. Carter to Kristy, Juan Antonio and Abelardo Gonzalez, 122 S. Washington St., Rochelle, $174,000.

Zachary M. Bernardin and Cecellia J. Stover and John R. Gomez, 1045 N. Ninth St., Rochelle, $170,000.

Jacob R. Ellenby and Andrea Forster to

her having been a former player here not that long ago on successful Oregon teams, she definitely understands what it takes and is willing to put in the time and effort toward success. We are looking forward

and Jimmy Crimmins and Jacob Huisenga totaled two hits each for Fulton.

Chase Dykstra earned the complete-game win, allowing two earned runs on three hits and striking out six with three walks.

Nolan Hahn drove in both runs for Polo.

Oregon 15, Rockford Christian 5 (5 inn.): The Hawks scored 10 second-inning runs and rolled to a BNC win over the Royal Lions.

to the future of Lady Hawk basketball under her guidance.”

“I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to take over this program,” Reynolds said. “We have a great group of girls and I look forward to putting in the work with them this offseason to prepare for next year.”

Reynolds has been the junior varsity coach with the Oregon program for the past several seasons.

Jack Washburn, Avery Lewis, Logan Weems and Bryce Becker totaled two hits apiece to lead Oregon. Washburn tallied three RBIs, including a home run and a triple, and Gavin Morrow also chipped in three RBIs for the Hawks.

Forreston 7, River Ridge 2: Brady Gill went 3 for 3 with two RBIs as the Cardinals defeated the Wildcats in an NUIC crossover game.

Kendall Erdmann and Carson Akins added two hits apiece for Forreston.

Alex Ryia pitched three innings for the win, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out two with no walks.

Boys track & field

Rocket Invite: The Dixon, Newman, Rock Falls, Amboy, Forreston-Polo, Fulton and Bureau Valley boys teams competed April 19 at the Rock Falls Rocket Invite at Hinders Field.

She is a 2014 graduate of Oregon High School and was a multi-sport athlete at the school during her time as a student-athlete.

Reynolds was a member of the 2014 girls basketball team that won a Class 1A regional championship that season. She is a 2019 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and has been employed as a math teacher at Oregon High School since 2019.

On the boys side, Dixon topped the 12-team field with 1231/2 points. Forreston-Polo claimed third with 901/2, Rock Falls took fourth with 83 and Newman finished fifth with 54 to round out the top 5. Bureau Valley (45) secured sixth, Amboy (26) came in seventh and Fulton (2) took 12th.

Forreston-Polo’s Eli Ferris won the 110 hurdles (16.86) and took second in both the 300 hurdles (43.29) and the high jump (1.82). F-P’s Micah Nelson won the 800 (2:05.73) and teamed up with Brody Schwartz, Brock Soltow and Hayden Vinnedge for a second-place finish in the 4x400 (3:35.83). De’Angelo Fernandez, Schwartz, Soltow and Noah Dewey won the 4x100 (44.07) and 4x200 (1:34.46).

Ryan Hancock, 8638 N. Finch Lane, Byron, $300,000.

Rosita C. Jimenez Declaration Trust, Rosita C. Jimenez, trustee, to Donna Vargas, 5695 S. Park Place Drive, Rochelle, $340,000.

Zackery Martin to Geoffrey Carter, 401 Main St., Leaf River, $80,000.

Barry B. and Saundra L. Skinner to Cornerstone Contractors of Florida LLC, 114 River Road, Oregon, $0.

Brian S. and Jodi L. Horner to Krista Heng and Karen Harmon, 3261 S. Daysville Road, Oregon, $590,000.

James J. Johnson to Kerri and Christian Osmond, 4496 S Mulford Road, Rochelle, $410,000.

Quit claim deed

Travis Bauscher and Makayla Jackson to Edwin G. and Ann I. Bauscher, 509 N. Division Ave., Polo, $0. Trustees deeds

Eileen J. Anderson Revocable Trust, Eileen J. Anderson, trustee, to Stuart Meyers, 304 S. Locust Ave., Forreston, $98,995.

Stillman Banccorp Trsbc003, Stillman Banccorp, trustee, to Jay L. and Wendy M. Martin Trust, Jay L. and Wendy M. Martin, trustees, 124 Fox Run Lane, Byron, $0.

Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice

LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Angela Reynolds

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON,

Fence

AMF

Clipper Grain Cleaner; JD 55 Combine “Corn Special” Gas w/ 3 R. Corn Head, 2 R. Corn Head, 12’ Grain Platform; JD 10’ Hyd. Disk; Heider Barge Box w/Gear; Kewanee 12’ Cultimulcher; Flat Rack & Gear; MM H320-2R. Pull Picker; Oliver 83-2 R. Pull Picker; Bale Cage Sides; Kewanee 45” PTO Lift Elevator; JD Running Gear; Elec. Wheel 760 A Gear; 40’ Hay Elevator; Drag Sections; JD 10’ Hyd. Disk; JD 495A Planter; Hesston PT10 Haybine; Gravity Box & Gear; 2 Flair Boxes and Gear; JD 2R. & 4R. Front Cultivators; JD 30 Pull Combine; Knight Spreader; JD 24 Baler; JD 14T. Baler; Sets JD Rims w/ 14.9-38 tires & 13.6-38 tires; 3 pt. Bale Mover; 3 IHC Endgate Seeders; JD #8 Mower; JD #10 Mower; JD 6’ Rear Blade, 3 pt; AC 5’ Rear Blade, 3 pt; Steel Wheel Rake, 3 bar; 2 R. Rotary Hoe; JD #44 2 B. Trip Plow; JD #55A 3B. Hyd. Plow; JD #37 Loader fits 2010; NI Rake; Assort. Livestock Gates; Wagon full Assort. Tools; Surge Milker Pail; License Plate Collection; Wire Panels; 12+ 20’ Assort. 10”x10” Barn Beams; Assort. Salvage Farm Implements.

HOUSEHOLD-ANTIQUE: Round Oak Table w/ Chairs; 2 Oak Chest of Drawers w/ Mirrors; Side- bySide Secretary; Show Cases; Player Piano; Flat top Trunk; 50+ Assort. Wood Chairs & Extra Tables; Seed Corn Sign; Wagon full of Magazines (5,000 -1950’s-1970’s-perfect cond!) incl: Life, Time, Post, Look, Prairie Farmer, Successful Farmer, Farm Journal, Movieline, McCalls, Flight Journal, Hoard’s Dairyman, Country Music, Popular Mechanics, Hot Rod, PLUS MUCH MORE-SEE WEBSITE FOR LIST

OF ALL MAGAZINES REPRESENTED!; Leaf River School Year Books; Glassware; Assort. Farm Toys; 200+ Records & Albums 45, 78, etc; Old Adv. Items; Washer & Dryer.

Note: Extremely large sale of old items, many not listed. Many restorable Tractors & Implements. All property sold as-is condition! For further information call Jamie Stukenberg 815-601-9413.

Terms: Cash or check w/ picture ID. Lunch Stand & Porta-Pot on grounds. Check websites for many pictures. www.Proauctionsllc.com

106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

COMMON ADDRESS: 508 W. Fulton Stree t, Polo, IL 61064

P.I.N.: 14-09-376-001

The real estate is improved with a single family residence

THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $90,374.52

Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchase r shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representations as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held by the sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeite d to the State without further notice

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

The OregonNas hua Township Monthl y meeting dates for the 2024-2025 years are as fol lows :

May 8th

June 12th

July 10th

August 14th

September 11th

October 9th

November 13th

December 11th

January 8th

February 12th

March 12th

April 8th is the Regular Monthly and Annual Town Meeting

All the meet ings are on the second Wednesday of the month and start at 6:30 p.m except if a meeting falls on a holiday, then the meeting will be held on the Tuesday prior to the original date, at the Oregon-Nashua Township Building, 107 North Etnyre Avenue. April monthly meeting will be held the same day as the annual town meeting

The 2025 Annual Oregon/Nashua Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

April 26, 2024

ASPHALT PAVING & REPAIR BID

REQUEST

REQUEST

The United Lost Lake Property Owners Association is seeking bids for a contractor who is currently in the business of providing asphalt paving & repair and is Illinois certified. Bid specification packets can be picked up at the ULL POA office located at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 on Monday - Friday from 9AM - 3PM. All bids must be received by 3PM on Monday, May 13th, 2024

The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interes t of the community.

April 23 & 26, 2024

CHIP SEALING ROADS BID

REQUEST

Illinois certified Bid specification packets

Forreston, Illinois to consider the following:

of

9AM - 3PM

All bids must be received by 3PM on Monday, May 13th, 2024. The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interes t of the community.

April 23 & 26, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING - PLANNING COMMISSION VILLAGE OF FORRESTON, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS To Whom It May

Concern:

A. The request of Emily Roemer and Devin Krontz for a variance on the maximum square feet for an accessory structure required under Chapter 7-11 of the Village's Code

Said Chapter 7-11 provides that an accessory structure shall not exceed nine hundred square feet.

Petitioners request a variance so they may construct a garage that is twelve hundred square feet. The property for which the variance is requested is situated at 611 S Walnut Avenue, Forreston, Illinois 61030 and has a Property Identification Number of 02-33403-003, 02-33403-002.

est. 1851

Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Jordan & Kimberly Smith of 512 E Mason St., Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within two feet of the property line at 512 E. Mason St., Polo, IL This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 1416-230-012, otherwise known as 512 E. Mason St., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.

Sydney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk 4/19/24, 4/26/24

April 19 & 26, 2024

NOTICE TO BID

est . 1851

Dated this 26th day of April 2024.

Planning Commission Village of Forreston, Illinois

April 26, 2024

The United Lost Lake Property Owners Association is seeking bids for a contractor who is currently in the business of providing chip seal paving and is Illinois certified Bid specification packets can be picked up at the ULL POA office loca ted at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 on Monday - Friday from 9AM - 3PM All bids must be received by 3PM on Monday, May 13th, 2024. The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interes t of the community.

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned Planning Commission, designated by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Forreston, Illinois, will conduct a public hearing at the hour of 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Forreston Village Hall 301 N. Walnut Avenue, Forreston, Illinois to consider the following:

POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING

A. The request of Emily Roemer and Devin Krontz for a variance on the maximum square feet for an accessory structure required under Chapter 7-11 of the Village's Code. Said Chapter 7-11 provides that an accessory structure shall not exceed nine hundred square feet.

Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by

The Oregon Community Unit School District #220 will accept sealed bids for Milk Products for the 2024-2025 school year. Bid packets will be available beginning April 16, 2024, and may be picked up at Oregon C.U.S.D #220, 206 S 10th Street, retr ieved from the district website at www ocusd.net on the District Information page under Resources, or by calling the School District Office at (815) 732-5300. Bids will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on June 4, 2024.

April 26, 2024

LEG

NOTICES

April 23 & 26, 2024

ALL OTHER VENDORS {UNDER $2,500} $12,305; TOTAL VENDORS - $46,971 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITION GENERAL SPECIAL REVENUE

BEGINNING FUND BALANCE $312,429 $120,468

REVENUES $123,221 $31,882

EXPENDITURES $78,512 $36,828

ENDING BALANCE $357,138 $115,522

Petitioners request a variance so they may construct a garage that is twelve hundred square feet. The property for which the variance is requested is situated at 611 S Walnut Avenue, Forreston, Illinois 61030 and has a Property Identification Number of 02-33403-003, 02-33403-002.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO THIS 31ST DAY OF MARCH, 2024.

The United Lost Lake Property Owners Association is seeking bids for a contractor who is currently in the business of providing asphalt paving & repair and is Illinois certified. Bid specification packets can be picked up at the ULL POA office located at 903 Missouri Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 on Monday - Friday from 9AM - 3PM. All bids must be received by 3PM on Monday, May 13th, 2024. The ULLPOA will judge all bids without bias but reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and will accept the bid determined to be in the best interes t of the community.

April 23 & 26, 2024

April 26, 2024

PHILLIP FOSSLER, TREASURER

Dated this 26th day of April 2024.

I, JUDITH NORRIS, CLERK OF BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, OGLE COUNTY, IL DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE FISCA L YEAR ENDING 3/31/2024

Planning Commission Village of Forreston, Illinois

JUDITH NORRIS, CLERK

April 26, 2024

ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT BUFFALO TOWNSHIP ROAD DIST RICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING 3/31/2024

REVENUES - PROPERTY TAXES $157,115; REPLACEMENT TAX $40,841; WOOSUNG TOWNSHIP $19,703; SALE OF EQUIPMENT $37,764; INTE REST $197;

TOTAL REVENUES - $255,620.

LABOR – ALL LABOR $20,733; 941 $9,976;

TOTAL LABO R - $30,709.

Jordan & Kimberly Smith of 512 E Mason St., Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within two feet of the property line at 512 E. Mason St., Polo, IL This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 1416-230-012, otherwise known as 512 E. Mason St., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.

VENDORS - BIRKEYS $3,298; WOLBER EXCAVATING $12,424; TOIRMA $9,103; POLO COOP $16,946; ILLOWA CULVERTS $5,877; GRAY EXCAVATING $6,425; ALTORFER $6,623; DOC'S EXCAVATING $25,453; BONNELL INDUSTRIES $2,453; SICALCO $4,944; NICOR $2,889; OGLE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPT $3,468; ROBER PIEPER $6,508; WES TREE SERVICE $11,850; HELM $13,019; FOLKERS FARMS $3,900; OREGON-NASHUA TOWNSHIP $82,500; ALL OTHER DISBURSEMENTS [UNDER $2,500] $16,546;

TOTAL VENDORS - $234,226;

Sydney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk 4/19/24, 4/26/24

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITION

April 19 & 26, 2024

GENERAL SPECIAL REVENUE

BEGINNING FUND BALANCE $129,268$228,435 REVENUES $84,609 $119,271

EXPENDITURES $106,902 $102,241

ENDING FUND BALANCE $106,975 $245,465

PHILLIP FOSSLER, TREASURER

MARCH 31, 2024

I, JUDITH A. NORRIS, CLERK OF BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, OGLE COUNTY, IL DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ANNUAL TREASURE R'S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING 3/31/2024.

April 26, 2024

LAW

LEGATEES

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; WILLIAM BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR KATIE GREEN, DECEASED; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS

NO. 2023FC57

Address: 508 W. Fulton Street Polo, IL 61064

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 22, 2024, I, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will on May 31, 2024 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

PARCEL 1

ALL OF LOT SIX (6) AND PART OF LOT FIVE (5) IN BLOCK FOUR (4) IN BURNS AND GOODHUE ADDITION IN THE CITY OF POLO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT

THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK A OF PLATS, PAGE 85, AND RE-RECORDED IN BOOK B OF PLATS, PAGE 5 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6; THENCE EASTERLY ON THE NORTH LINE OF WEST FULTON STREET 79.1 FEET; THENCE NORTHERLY 140 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 5; THENCE WESTERLY 78.2 FEET ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOTS 5 AND 6 TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 AND THENCE SOUTHERLY ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BUFFALO, THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS PARCEL 2

ALSO THE SOUTH HALF (1/2) OF VACATED ALLEY LYING NORTH OF AND ADJACENT TO PARCEL 1; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BUFFALO, THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

COMMON ADDRESS: 508 W. Fulton Stree t, Polo, IL 61064

P.I.N.: 14-09-376-001

The real estate is improved with a single family residence

THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $90,374.52

Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representations as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held by the sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeite d to the State without further notice.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the forecl osure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Prope rty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 3650, Chicago, IL 60602, telephone 312-541-9710. Please refer to file number IL 23 0506.

Local Public Agency

of Oregon

Ogle Section Number Route(s) (Street/Road Name) Washington Street NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals for the project described below will be received at the office of City Cler k, City of Oregon, 115 North Third Street, Oregon, IL 61061 until 10:00 AM on 05/07/24.

Sealed proposals will be opened and read publicly at the office of City Clerk, City of Oregon, 115 North Third Street, Oregon, IL 61061 until 10:00 AM on 05/07/24.

DE SCRIPTION OF WORK

Location: Washington Street

Project Length: 0.05 Miles

Proposed Improvement: Streetscape improvements along Washington Street (IL Route 64) from 4th Street (IL Route 2) to 5th Street. Improvements include: earth excavation (incidental curb & gutter, sidewalk, and driveway removal), P.C.C. Curb and gutter, P.C.C sidewalk, manhole adjustment, and HMA patching.

curb and gutter, P.C.C. sidewalk, manhole adjustand HMA patching.

1. Plans and proposal forms will be available in the office of Fehr Graham, 515 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, IL 61068 for a non-refundable $100 fee (overnight delivery not available) Also available electronically at www.fehrgraham.com for a non-refundable $25 fee.

1 Plans and proposal forms will be available in the office of Fehr Graham, 515 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, IL 61068 for a fee of $100 (no overnight delivery available). available electronically at www.fehrgraham.com for a fee of $25.

[x] Prequalification

2. [x] Prequalification

checked, apparent as read low bidders must file within hours after the letting an "Affidavit of Availability" BC 57) in triplicate, showing all uncompleted contracts awarded to them and all low bids pending award for Federal, State, and private work One original shall be filed with the Awarding Authority and two originals with the IDOT District Office

If checked, the 2 apparent as read low bidders must file within 24 hours after the letting an "Affidavit of Availability" (Form BC 57) in triplicate, showing all uncompleted contracts awarded to them and all low bids pending award for Fed eral, State, County, Municipal and private work. One original shall be filed with the Awarding Authority and two originals with the IDOT District Office.

3. The Awarding Authority reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any or all proposals as provided in BLRS Special Provision for Bidding Requirements and Conditions for Contract Proposals.

The Awarding Authority reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any or all proposals as provided in BLRS Special Provision for Bidding Requirements and for Contract Proposals.

4 The BLR Forms shall be returned by the bidder Awarding Authority: a Local Public Agency Formal Contract Proposal (BLR

4. The following BLR Forms shall be returned by the bidder to the Aw arding Authority:

a. Local Public Agency Formal Contract Proposal (BLR 12200)

b. Schedule of Prices (BLR 12201)

b Schedule of Prices (BLR 12201)

c Bid Bond (BLR 12230) (if applicable)

c. Proposal Bid Bond (BLR 12230) (if applicable)

d or Training Program Certification (BLR use for project with Federal funds.)

d. Apprenticeship or Training Program Certification (BLR 12325) (do not use for project with Federal funds.)

e Business Office (BLR 12326) (do not use project with Federal funds)

e. Affidavit of Illinois Business Office (BLR 12326) (do not use for project with Federal funds)

5 The appearing in the bid schedule are approximate and are prepared for the comparison of bids Payment to the Contractor will be made only for the actual quantities work performed and accepted or materials furnished according to the contract The scheduled quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished may be increased, or omitted as hereinafter provided.

5. The quantities appearing in the bid schedule are approximate and are prepared for the comparison of bids. Payment to the Contractor will be made only for the actual quantities of work performed and accepted or materials furnished according to the contract The scheduled quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished may be increased, decreased or omitted as hereinafter provided

6. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty the bidder has examined the plans and understands all requirements for the performance of work The bidder will be responsible for all errors in the proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in depth examination. The A warding Authority will, in no case, be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect of the bidder

6 Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty the bidder has examined the plans and underrequ irements for the performance of work The responsible for all errors in the proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in depth examination Awarding Authority will, in no case, be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in profits resulting from such failure or neglect of bidder.

7. The bidder shall take no advantage of any error or omission in the proposal and adverti sed contract.

7 The bidder shall take no advantage of any error or omission in the proposal and advertised contract.

If special envelope is supplied by the Awarding Aueach proposal should be submitted in that envelope furnished the Awarding Agency and the blank spaces on the envelope shall be filled in correctly to cl early indicate its contents envelope other than the special one furnished by the Awarding Authority is used, it shall be marked to clearly indicate its contents When sent by mail, the sealed proposal shall be addressed to the Awarding at the address and in care of the official in whose office the bids are to be received All proposals shall be filed prior to the time and at the place specified in the Notice to Bidders Proposals received after the time specified will be the bidder unopened.

8. If a special envelope is supplied by the Awarding Authority, each proposal should be submitted in that envelope furnished by the Awarding Agency and the blank spaces on the envelope shall be filled in correctly to clearly indicate its contents.

9 will be given to a bidder to withdraw a proposal if the bidder makes the request in writing or in person before the time for opening proposals.

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