Boone County Shopper February 23, 2023

MOM & SON SHAMROCK DANCE

SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH AT RIVERS EDGE

Light refreshments are provided. Each young gentleman will receive a goodie bag & a corsage for Mom. Each couple will have the opportunity to have their picture taken to remember this special evening. Doors open at 6 PM to check in & have photos taken. (PK)

Min/Max: 25/50

3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH FOR YOUTH & ADULTS

Four divisions: Adult/Female, Adult/Male, Youth/Female, Youth/Male (youth divisions will have age groups: 5-6 grade, 7-8 grade

DETAILS OR TO REGISTER VISIT BELVIDEREPARK.ORG OR CALL 815-547-5711

The Boone County Shopper at 815544-2166 or visit our website 24/7 at www.boonecountyshopper.com

MIKE SPOHR BUILDERS: Over 25 years experience. Pole barns, roofs, decks, siding, flooring, remodeling, general handyman services. Free estimates and fully insured. Call 815-751-6263.

FARM HAND/TRUCK DRIVER: Full time or part time job in Capron on a grain farm. Farm work and grain hauling. Call if serious about the job, 815-509-8101.

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available.

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STROKE & CARDIOVASCULAR disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-742-7290. (MCN)

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CO-ED YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Registration

Now - March 19th

Practice Begins Week Of April 3rd

Games Sat., April 15th-Sat., May 20th

Tournaments will be the following in the evening. (TBD) Minimum 6 players max of 10 for a team. Practice days/times will be determined by the coach. 3rd-4th/5th-6th/7th-8th Grade

Whether you have played before or it’s your first time come join the fun of YMCA volleyball, learn new skills and make new friends while having fun!

What You’ll Need Gym shoes (not worn outside) & water bottle w/your name. Knee pads are recommended.

Location

Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 West Locust Street, Belvidere

Details - $70 for Belvidere Members, $85 for Non-Members, $575 for a team max of 10 players. *If you are registering a team, please contact Laura directly at lyerk@belviderefamilyymca.org before any players register online. Special request for players and coaches may be made during online registration but are not guaranteed. Eligible for Patrick J. Murphy Youth Recreation Scholarship. Ask us for more details!

REGISTER AT www.belvidere.recliquecore.com/programs or call 815-547-5307

Family Memberships (2 adults & children)

Only $60/Month - Pay 1 year in full & receive an EXTRA MONTH FREE

220 W. LOCUST ST., BELVIDERE • 815-547-5307

belviderefamilyymca.org

To The Citizens of Boone County Fire Protection District #2

In mid-September of 2022 Boone County Fire Protection District #2 (BCFPD#2) and the City of Belvidere were notified that OSF Saint Anthony were selling their Lifeline ambulance assets to Elite Ambulance out of Orland Park, IL. The City of Belvidere ambulance contract was already scheduled to expire in April of 2023 and the BCFPD#2 contract would expire April 2024. Saint Anthonys had covered ambulance service since 1987 when it took it over from BEVARS. Saint Anthony Hospital ran Lifeline Ambulance up until selling to Elite. Boone County and the City of Belvidere were very fortunate to have Lifeline Ambulance provided to the community at ZERO cost to the taxpayers unless you were billed by Lifeline Ambulance. The benefit of having a hospital-based ambulance service was that the hospital absorbed all the costs to have ambulances available to the area. Now not having a hospitalbased ambulance available simply means area residents will have to pay to have staffed ambulances available for the BCFPD#2 community, however, won’t be billed if transported.

The City of Belvidere sent out a Request for Proposals to area ambulance companies for 2 ambulances within the city limits staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year to cover 911 calls. 4 proposals were submitted ranging from $848,046 to $1,433,100 net costs annually. On January 23rd, 2023, the City of Belvidere Public Safety Committee voted 9-0 yes to contract ambulance service with Metro/Paramedics to be forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

BCFPD#2 will be faced with the same situation in a year needing 2 ambulances. Currently citizens of BCFPD#2 only pay a corporate tax for the fire department which does not include ambulance service. The current 2022 tax rate is approximately .2466% out of .40% that could legally be levied per State Statue. We have the lowest tax rate out of 28 fire departments in 5 counties. We are not seeking to increase our fire tax. This referendum is asking for voters to approve a new ambulance tax. Most of the area fire departments currently levy both fire & ambulance tax.

BCFPD#2 has never operated its own ambulance service or had an ambulance tax since our community was so fortunate to have St. Anthonys Lifeline Ambulance absorbing the costs for approximately 36 years. If the April 4th referendum fails, neighboring fire departments and their taxpayers will suffer the burden of providing ambulance service to our community if they are available and not responding to their own incidents.

Currently for 2022 you pay approximately $6.84 per month for a house with a market value at $100,000.00 an annual tax of approximately $82.12. It is estimated if the referendum passes, that your tax would increase approximately $10.80 per month for a house assessed at $100,000.00.

There will be 3 townhall meetings held at the Keen Age Center located at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane at 9 am in the training room on Saturday, February 25th, March 11th, and March 25th. Please make every attempt to come discuss questions or concerns. It’s important to us that our citizens have every opportunity to meet with us.

ATTENTION Tickets Can Be Purchased At https://square.link/u/M7EZDtD6 or Mail a Check to Boone County GOP, P.O. Box 461, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Please Purchase Tickets by March 2nd. Ad paid for by the Boone County Republican Club Central Committee. A copy of our report is (or will be) filed with the IL State Board of Elections.

SERVING OUR COUNTRY - SERVING OUR CITY ELECT RONALD CHILSON REPUBLICAN FOR WARD 2

FEBRUARY 28, 2023 PRIMARY

• US ARMY COMBAT VETERAN (2008-2015) (Retired)

• VFW POST #1491 MEMBER

• TRANSPORTATION TRAINER FOR FORTUNE 500 COMPANY

• COMMUNITY ORIENTED AND RESULTS DRIVEN

• BORN AND RAISED IN BELVIDERE AREA AND MY CHILDREN

I have always believed in standing up for my neighbors and friends. I support our police and fire departments, to keep our streets and homes safe. I believe in repairing our streets and keeping Belvidere affordable. It

Light housework and companionship. Reliable, reasonable rates. 847-890-1811.

QUALITY & PRIDE ARE WHAT DRIVE US COLLISION

We have seen almost every kind of repair or accident.  With each client, we have worked diligently to provide their vehicle with a long lasting, showroom finish with our professional collision repair services. While using a state of the art computerized measuring system, as well as the latest technology in uni body repair equipment and expert color matching, it is our goal to restore your vehicle to its factory vibrance with a perfect repair. We will give your vehicle a clear coat finish in order to protect the new paint from the environmental elements and sun damage.

We are dedicated parents in the Belvidere School District advocating for all community members, staff, and most importantly, the students of District 100.

Our goals for running are to further expand and grow:

• Early Childhood Education

• College and Career Pathways

• Safety and Security to ensure the safest environment possible

Brenner Jorge Herrera Holly Houk

LOOKING FOR LANDLORDS who need help with property maintenance. Some flooring, light electrical, general cleaning, general construction, painting. Photo references. For more information call 815-985-9515.

HOMES FOR RENT! In Your Area. Call Toll Free. 1-833-985-1450. (MCN)

ARE YOU A PET OWNER? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills?

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1888-680-3016 to get a free quote or visit mfcp. (MCN)

NEED NEW FLOORING? Call Empire Today® to schedule a free in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 844-785-0305 (MCN)

WE BUY UGLY homes! J.D. Properties, 815-721-7583.

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3 BEDROOM HOUSE For Rent: 1 bath, in town, fenced in yard, 1 car garage. Tenant pays all utilities. $1,050/month, $1,500/ deposit. 815-703-9515.

LINDENWOOD APARTMENTS: Large 2 bedroom, 1 bath, central air, dishwasher, clean, quiet building. Call 815-547-5732.

2 BEDROOM DUPLEX for rent in Belvidere, no appliances, no pets, large backyard, off street parking. $825/month plus deposit. 608-604-0791.

FOR RENT in Poplar Grove, 4,500 square foot space with electric, $800 a month. 815509-6539.

Nancy J. Houk

August 8, 1939-January 12, 2023

Nancy Houk, 83, entered heaven on January 12, 2023. She was surrounded by her children and passed peacefully at her home.

Nancy was the daughter of Clifford (Al) Larson and Virginia Larson. She was the only sister of Gerald (Jerry) Larson, who survives her.

Nancy was a blessing to all her family, friends, and many organizations in Boone County. She was an active member of the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois for many decades. Nancy was a fabulous leader and attended almost every parade that involved the Scouts. Nancy always believed in the importance of empowering girls, and served the Girl Scouts for many years. One year she was the cookie coordinator for all of Boone County. Amaze of cookie boxes were stacked high throughout her home. Her kids thought having all those cookie cases stacked up was awesome!!! Her husband.....not so much.

Nancy was also a loyal member of the First United Presbyterian Church. She often helped with luncheons, fundraising, and Sunday school. Nancy was also the backbone of the church Women’s Guild, spearheading the calendar sales. She always believed strongly that the children’s programs were most important.

Nancy was an active member of Zonta Club of Belvidere. She did her part and always participated in the annual pecan fund raiser. In addition, Nancy was always a big supporter of the Boone County Fair. She often volunteered in the Home Ec building and she baked dozens of entries ever year. She won hundreds of ribbons over her ‘fair lifetime’. She also inspired many family members to participate in the fair. Her enthusiasm for the fair was contagious. All of her family and friends loved eating her leftover baked entries every August.

Nancy was loved by all and will be missed dearly by family, friends, and the organizations where she was a member. Nancy enjoyed spending time with family, going on hay rides, singing songs, reading books, watching parades and her breakfast time with the class of ‘57. She never said no to an adventure with her children or a trip up to the lakes. Nancy could always light up a room with her smile and she was gifted with making people feel comfortable and confident in her presence. She had a legendary laugh and her kids could always find her in the grocery store as she laughed and chatted in the aisles.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Houk; her mother, Virginia Larson and her father, Clifford (Al) Larson.

Nancy is survived by her eight children - Joanne (Matt) Henning, Rick (Therese) Houk, Julie (Kevin) Sampson, Jane (Tom Geordt) Eurek, Cheryl (Tim) Murphy, Carol Parsons, Karen (Bo) Ficula, Russell (Holly) Houk.

Nancy also had 18 grandchildren - Douglas (Elyse) Allen, Gregory (Kathleen) Allen, Bryan (Kayla) Allen, Rachel Roseberry, Madeline (Peter) Weickert, Hannah (Jozef) Szabo, James Sampson, John Sampson, Andrew (Erin) Eurek, Joe (Stephanie) Eurek, Kyle Eurek, Emily (Neal) Peterson, Jack Murphy, Racheal (Devan) Magley, Alexander Ficula, Amy Ficula, Kelsey Houk and Abby Houk.

In addition, Nancy also had 14 great-grandchildren - Liam, Charlotte, Theo, Penny, Aeris, Ozias, Henry, Eleanor, Quinn, Evelyn, Ashton, Ava, Bruce, and Logan. Lastly, Arthur the parrot.

Her family that survives her are at peace with the thought her husband, mother and father and every dog she ever owned, will greet her upon her arrival.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 25th at Boone County Museum of History, 314 S. State St., Belvidere from 1-4 pm. Dan Holmes will be officiating a memorial service from 1-1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be set up in Nancy’s name.

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Joanne Louise Nicholl

Joanne Louise Nicholl, 80, of Belvidere, IL. passed away February 12, 2023. She was born on July 22, 1942 in Chicago IL. The daughter of Johanne and Edward Wudi. Joanne was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. On August 15, 1982 she married the love of her life, Thomas Nicholl, and together they shared 40 years of marriage. She was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed mending her family’s

clothes and making costumes and sharing her gift of sewing like her mother did before her. She also enjoyed knitting. Joanne was raised with the notion that she could do anything, and she passed those values down to her children. Joanne worked many jobs in support of her family. She loved to work alongside her husband and together they managed Elmwood Park Standard and later a laundromat. She enjoyed crafting and helping her grandchildren on school projects. Joanne volunteered for Infant Welfare in Elmwood Park and she loved the children in her life. She was supportive and strong in her convictions. She shared the stories of her youth, and her time visiting her family in Denmark. She will be remembered by her strong faith, her free spirit, and her dedication to her family. She will be missed by many.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Thomas Nicholl; children, Debbie (Terry) White, Steven (Elena) Thomas, Kathleen (Sean) Haley, Jenny (Jim) Andres & Tommy Nicholl; grandchildren, Samantha White, Alexandra (Luke Spradling) Andres, Cooper Andres, Charlie Andres, Connor Haley; great grandson, Sebastian “Bash” Bayne; sisters, Barbara Diebel, & Diana Strandt; her brothers & sisters-in-law, Hugh & Shirley Nicholl, Della & David Osinski, as well as David Nicholl. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, & extended family members whom she loved dearly.

She is welcomed into heaven by her parents, Johanne & Edward Wudi; daughter, Sheryl Ann Merkes; son, Mike Thomas; brother, Al Wudi and her sister & brother in law, Ethel Schneider and Frank Shneider.

A visitation will take place on Monday, February 27th from 5-7:30 pm at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008. A funeral service to follow at 7:30 pm. Private family burial at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights.

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Charles Crout III

On February 17, 2023 Charles Crout passed from the loving care of his family to the eternal loving hands of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Chuck - or Boug, as he was known to his family and those who loved him - was born January 8, 1946 in Harvard, Illinois and was the only son born to his parents, Charles and Bernice Crout, in the middle of 5 sisters. He enjoyed wood working, trains, watching the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears, and reading. He loved his children and spending time with family and friends. As a circumspect and intelligent person, he relished anything that challenged his mind, as a person he possessed a generous spirit and a wonderful, cunning wit. That kind of sense of humor, is what led to what he called “The Curse” being that both Charles Crouts before him ironically and coincidentally also both passed at age 77.

Living in the same community all his life, he was baptized at the Capron United Methodist Church where he maintained a supportive association with the church throughout his life. Chuck graduated from North Boone High School in 1964, served in the US Army from 1965-67, and later graduated from McHenry County College. He began working in the family construction business but later became a journeyman tool and die maker, retiring from Aptar-Cary in 2016 after 19 years of employment. He was a 50 plus year member of Capron Masonic Lodge #575 AF&AM as well as a past master. Additionally, he served several years on the Capron Fire Department, Boone County Fire District #1.

He is survived by his 4 children Charles (Judy) Crout of Pingree Grove, Illinois, Theresa (Tim Allison) Crout of Riverview, Florida, Todd (Nancy) Ryan of Roscoe, Illinois, and Josh (Jamie) Ryan of Queen Creek, Arizona; 5 grandchildren Renee (John) Oleson, Tim Ryan, Caryssa Ryan-Teague, Wilhemina Ryan, and Payton & Makenna Ryan; 2 great-grandchildren Isabella and Theodore Oleson; 3 sisters Carolyn (Kenley) Dalberg of Caledonia, Illinois and Nancy Crout-Lovesee and Anita Crout both of Capron. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also mourn him as well as a maternal uncle Ralph Peterson, and paternal aunt Sophia Phillips. He is also survived by his 2 former wives, Juanita (Blazer) Lee and Patricia (Kellerman) Ryan.

Preceded in death by his parents Charles W. Crout II and Bernice (Peterson) Crout, son James Ryan, sisters Ruth Mabie and Judy Mathews, nephew Patrick Mabie and greatnephew Alec Mabie, and brother-in-laws Artis Creel and Richard Lovesee.

Thank You!

Thank you for spending my special day with meit meant the world to me. Also to those who called, sent flowers or sent a card, thank you. I feel so loved.

Sally McElroy

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Services were held on February 21, 2023, at Capron United Methodist Church with Pastor Jay Shin officiating. Memorial donations can be made in Chuck’s honor to the Capron United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Able Home Health Care and ProMedica Hospice who allowed Chuck to be comfortable and at home during his final days.

BCFD#2 Firefighters Assoc. Presents 2023 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP 2023 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP

& PORK CHOP & PORK CHOP

ESTATE SALE

Hosted by Salvaged by Sonya Estate Sale Company

617 Glenwood Dr. Belvidere, IL 61008

Friday - Saturday, Feb. 24th-25th, 9 AM - 4 PM Entrance numbers will be given out at 8am each day of the sale Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit card & debit card. Sorry no checks. 3% card fee applies to all credit & debit purchases.

*Estate Sale

*Mid-century Treasures

Galore

*Hollywood Regency Sale

*Jewelry

All sales are final, no returns. Pictures and a list of items for sale can be found at https:// www.estatesales.net/lL/ Belvidere/61008/3528327