Program at Oregon Depot Museum talks about campus that is set to close in December / 5
Find out how local football teams fared in final week of regular season / 14-15
Polo pastor Suzanne Stout helping victims of recent hurricanes / 7
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SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of its enhanced traffic enforcement efforts as part of the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program.
The efforts, conducted between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, were aimed at reducing traffic crashes and saving lives, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said in a news release.
During the STEP enforcement periods, deputies stopped 110 cars and issued
Donations sought for Thanksgiving meal boxes
The New Life Community Center is seeking donations to provide turkey meal boxes to local neighbors for Thanksgiving. The turkey meal boxes are bought from the Northern Illinois Food Bank at a cost of $23 and provide a full Thanksgiving meal to a local family. Organizers are hoping to buy 90 turkey meal boxes, which include a 12to 14-pound whole frozen turkey, stuffing, turkey gravy, whole kernel corn, green beans, dry pinto beans, dry potatoes, white
Fall Storytime – Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Join us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for stories, games and crafts. This program is an opportunity for children and caregivers to discover the joy of sharing stories and making new friends in a relaxed setting.
Lego Club, 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4
Join us Nov. 4 and bring your imagination. Tuesday Morning Movie, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 No school? No problem. Join us for a fun morning movie and popcorn. This Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-packed adventure introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.
Stories With Stacey, 10 a.m. Thursdays Miss Stacey is back with her fall story time
91 citations. Citations issued included:
• 32 speeding citations
• 13 occupant restraint citations
• 15 electronic device use citations
• 30 other traffic citations
• 1 criminal arrest
The efforts were conducted under high-visibility traffic safety campaigns including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.”
By focusing on impaired driving, speeding, seat belt violations and other dangerous behaviors, the department worked to protect all road users and pre-
vent crashes caused by risky driving.
“The goal of this enforcement was to make our roads safer for everyone,” VanVickle said. “By focusing on the leading causes of crashes – such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts – we aimed to save lives and remind drivers that violating traffic laws will not be tolerated.”
The STEP grant was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of a statewide effort to improve roadway safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
rice, diced fruit, cranberry sauce, hot cocoa, dessert mix and canned sweet potatoes. Donations can be mailed to New Life Community Center, P.O. Box 66, Forreston, IL 61030. Any donations received above the amount needed to buy the meal boxes will be used to buy food for the food pantry.
The New Life Community Center offers support to Forreston and the surrounding area with a food pantry and thrift store. The thrift store offers upscale clothing and household items with proceeds going back to the center to help offset operating costs.
Nov. 9 lunch set for veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, the Leaf River Lions Club is having a Lunch Drive Thru from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 9. Donations will be accepted for the meal. Proceeds will benefit the Rockford Veterans Drop-In Center.
Lions will be serving a brat or beef hot dog meal complete with chips, applesauce and a beverage at the old fire station next to the Bertolet Memorial Building in Leaf River, 103 W. Second St.
– Shaw Local News Network
Soft Plastic Recycling We are collecting film-type plastic for recycling. This includes plastic bags, zipper type baggies (with the zip portion removed), cereal/snack bags, bubble wrap, and other soft plastic. Make sure bags are free from
debris and remove all paper/sticker labels. Community Room
Looking for a place to hold your event? Our community room (with a small kitchenette) is available. Call the library at 815-938-2624 for more information.
sessions for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration is needed.
November Book of the Month
“The Accidental Tourist” by Anne Tyler introduces Macon Leary, a travel writer who hates to travel. He also is a lonely man. Dog trainer Muriel turns his world upside down when they meet. Stop by the circulation desk and pick up your copy today.
November Craft
Stop by the circulation desk and pick up your kit to make a pumpkin just in time for Thanksgiving.
A to Z Reading Challenge Victory is almost yours! We value you
Accuracy is important to the Forreston Journal. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
finishing your A to Z Reading Challenge. All participants who complete the challenge will be vying for the grand prize. Need a title that starts with “V”? You can vacillate between the very wide variety of “V” book titles that are visible on our display. New Releases
Adult Books: “Killing Time” by M.C. Beaton, “Santa’s Secret” by Fern Michaels, “A Love Discovered” by Tracie Peterson Juvenile Book: “Tracks and Scat” by Kristin J Russo
Picture Books: “In the Swamp” by Alissa Thielges, “Bruce Is Way Too Loud” by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
HOW ARE WE DOING?
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8, dressed as a giraffe, and
dressed as Uma from Disney’s “Descendants 2,” present their tickets to be punched and receive candy Oct. 26 at trunk-or-treat at Crossroads Community Church’s Polo campus. About 800 people attended the event. TOP RIGHT: Tammy Ludwig of Forreston holds 4-month-old Bensyn Engelbarts, who is dressed as a corncob, at the trunk-or-treat. ABOVE: Jenna Martz, 2, of Polo, twirls in her princess costume. LEFT: A family poses for a photo at trunk-or-treat. From left are Travis Fisher of Dixon, dressed as a phantom; Shiloh Haas, 9, dressed as Hermione Granger; David Dahl of Polo as himself; Asher Full, 1, dressed as a monkey; and Theo Fisher, 4, dressed as The Incredible Hulk. MIDDLE LEFT: Auralia Trahan, 7, of Polo throws a ring as part of a game while older brother James Trahan, 8, watches at the trunk-or-treat at Crossroads Community Church’s Polo campus.
Last week was quite an experience for the Polo Historical Society when several of us Zoomed with the head guy of “Network To Freedom.” He lives in Nebraska and there he was in my living room as we discussed something that happened years ago.
Technology is amazing and I keep asking myself what comes next in our world?
Barry mainly was interested in what went on in this area almost 200 years ago. How did all this Underground Railroad stuff get started and who were the families that came? Where did they come from and how far did they travel? How long did it take them as they traveled with small children and new babies?
I think of Judge Virgil Bogue and his family. He was here first for a while in the area and then went back east for his wife who had just given birth to a new little girl. They had another small little girl and they packed their trunks and headed for Buffalo Grove. It was a seven-week journey for Jerusha Ben-
Betty Obendorf
ton Bogue and her family.
Some of the families were seasick as they traveled by water and had to leave the boats and travel the rest of the way by wagons. Jerusha lived only a year after she arrived in Buffalo Grove to the farmland her husband had selected earlier. She moved into a log cabin, which probably was not the easiest life.
Jerusha was the first burial in Buffalo Grove Cemetery and we have no idea what happened to those little girls. Maybe they went back east to grandparents there for an easier life. The women had to be hardy stock if they were going to survive and Jerusha did not.
As I put information together for the application form for the Underground Railroad people buried in Polo
Country schools will be the topic of the Polo Historical Society’s program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Polo Senior Center.
Betty Obendorf willl be the presenter. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Former teachers especially are encouraged to come and share their memories.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Fairmount Cemetery, I did it as a timeline as people arrived in Buffalo Grove. I did not put the whole family together of those who took part in that dangerous activity.
I had men in one grouping, women in another group and adult children who took part in another. Now it all needs to be rearranged and Beth, who
is knowledgeable with a computer, can do it. I wish I knew more about computers but I simply do not.
When John Waterbury Sr. arrived, he had a number of brothers and a sister who all came with their families at different times. It was a very large family and almost all of them were abolitionists along with their wives and adult children. They were an amazing family.
A question came up: How many slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad stayed in the area? We are finding that some stayed and did not travel to Canada.
I also am working on our country school program since it will be coming up soon at the Polo Senior Center. When I get up in the morning I do not have to wonder what I am going to do today? I know exactly what needs to be done and I head for the computer.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
The village of Adeline was laid out on the land of John Rummel in 1846. Adeline was resurveyed by A.Q. Allen in 1855.
Adeline is named after the wife of state legislator Thomas J. Tanner, who traveled from Forreston to Oregon, the Ogle County seat through the Adeline area.
On one of these trips he met Rummel, who was selling lots in the Adeline area. The judge told Rummell he would buy a lot if he named the town after his wife. Rummel sold the lot to the judge and named the town Adeline. (If that’s accurate, it is an interesting story. There are several versions told about the name Adeline.)
The 1880 census for Adeline showed a population of 196. The population in the 2020 census was 78.
Here’s an excerpt from a Nov. 3, 1950, article titled “Adeline Survived Two Cyclones”:
“It stands to reason that a town, if it’s named after a woman, will act like a woman. That’s the way Adeline, Illinois, has been since she got her name back about 1846. She sat though two cyclones and she keeps right on with her business as usual even though the post office went out with the New Deal.
“Reported Adeline is the second-oldest town in Ogle County. Adeline has charms despite her age. You can’t look at her from any direction without admitting she’s beautiful.”
Otto Dick
Adeline had three churches. They were the United Brethren, Zion Evangelical and Methodist. At 5 p.m. May 18, 1898, the second cyclone hit the town, demolishing several homes on the north edge of town. The roof and steeple of the United Brethren Church was damaged and the Zion Evangelical Church was totally destroyed.
Adeline once was a prosperous community having two grocery stores and a post office. The mail was brought by horse and small spring wagon from the depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad onehalf mile south of the village. Salesmen would ride the train coming to town to sell their wares, staying overnight at the Campbell Hotel.
Adeline had a 12-member band with Ben McCosh as leader. The band presented concerts on the street on Saturday evenings during the summer. The concerts brought large crowds to town.
The village of Adeline’s first official election was held in the dwelling of John Cornell on Sept. 26, 1882.
The wonderful stone schoolhouse built in 1868 is still in good condition today.
Northern Illinois to close outdoor education facility in December
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A former teacher, a former food administrator and the current director of the Lorado Taft Field Campus spoke about their experiences at the unique Northern Illinois University facility Oct. 26, one month after a decision in September was announced to close the historic outdoor education facility in December because of “aging infrastructure” and increasing operational costs.
About 100 people gathered inside the Oregon Depot Museum on Saturday to learn more about the history of the Lorado Taft Field Campus located north of Oregon adjacent to Lowden State Park and see if anything could be gleaned about what will happen to the site.
“I really appreciate all the support we’ve received,” campus director Melanie Costello said about the 17 to 19 staff members employed at the facility. “We have been going through a variety of emotions. I don’t have answers as to what will happen in the future.”
NIU’s Media Relations Department confirmed Sept. 23 that the 141-acre facility will close permanently Dec. 15.
“This was a difficult decision because Lorado Taft has been a favorite destination for members of our community as well as Illinois children and youth who have enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and camp facilities,” said Rena Cotsones, vice president and chief engagement officer division of outreach, engagement and regional development.
The Lorado Taft Field Campus originally was part of the Wallace Heckman estate and Eagle’s Nest Art Colony that overlooks the Rock River Valley from a high vantage point on the east bank of the river. It is adjacent to Lowden State Park, which is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The park is the home of Lorado Taft’s Eternal Indian statue, commonly referred to as the Black Hawk statue.
NIU acquired a portion of the Heckman estate in 1951, six years after Lowden State Park was created in 1945. NIU named the campus after Lorado Taft and ran it as a field campus offering outdoor education classes and camps for school children across northern Illinois.
NIU discontinued its outdoor education degree program in 1999, Costones said in a statement. The program required “significant financial backing” but was affected when “client preferences” changed after the pandemic.
“While the rustic buildings are pic-
turesque, they are inefficient, antiquated and in need of costly repair. The aging infrastructure, including a wastewater treatment facility that has exceeded its functional lifespan, would require millions of dollars of investment to bring it to modern standards,” Costones said in the statement, adding that while the Taft Campus has been “a special place and has provided great outdoor experiences for generations of young people,” it no longer aligns with NIU’s current mission and goals.”
Fond memories of Taft experiences were echoed Saturday by Costello, former Oregon educator Tim O’Rourke and former Taft food administrator Andy Colbert, both of Oregon.
“When I began work there in 1980, it was the peak of the educational program. Several professors and graduate assistants were on staff, there was a waiting list of grade schools wanting to come here for residential outdoor ed and master’s level classes attracted students from all over the world, especially in the summer when a full curriculum was offered. I especially remember all the Canadians,” Colbert said.
O’Rourke, who taught fifth grade in the Oregon school district, said local students as well as students from the Chicago suburbs learned about the area’s history, flora and fauna during
their stay at the Taft Campus.
“It was an experience my students remember. The dining hall, where the view of the Rock River Valley was spectacular, the eagles, the geese,” O’Rourke said. “There was bird banding, arts and crafts, night hikes ... pioneer skills were taught in the log cabin. We studied the river and learned about river deltas and fossils. And then we incorporated everything we learned at Taft right back into our classrooms.”
O’Rourke said teachers from the Chicago area who stayed with their students at Taft also learned about nature.
“Teachers from Chicago would grab my hand on the night hikes concerned that there were no street lights. They
The Taft House is part of Northern Illinois University’s Lorado Taft Field Campus in Lowden State Park.
were learning, too,” O’Rourke said. Colbert, who retired in 2010, said the outdoor education aspect at Taft had begun to decline.
“Over the years, the educational aspect of Lorado Taft began a slow decline with professors not being replaced and conference business beginning to take precedence,” Colbert said.
“Losing its international reputation in outdoor ed, not having an faculty connection to NIU and being 40 miles from DeKalb made Taft a questionable entity for the university. Though it pains me to see Taft closing, I understand why the decision was made.
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The 12-year-old Oregon boy who is charged with making a “threat of violence” against Oregon High School in September appeared Tuesday in Ogle County juvenile court for a third time and remains in the custody of his mother.
The boy is charged with making a terrorist threat and disorderly conduct, both felonies. Those charges, according to court records, are the result of a post on social media that said: “I am going to shoot up Oregon High School on Sept. 20, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.”
Oregon Police Chief Matt Kalnins was made aware of the threat by an FBI agent at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 18, court records indicate. The boy is accused of creating a false Facebook account using the name of a classmate and then making the threatening post from that site using a school-issued Chromebook.
According to state statute, a person “commits the offense of falsely making a terrorist threat when in any manner he or she knowingly makes a threat to commit or cause to be committed a terrorist act ... or otherwise knowingly creates the impression or belief that a terrorist act is about to be or has been committed, or in any manner knowingly makes a threat to commit or cause to be committed a catastrophe as defined ... that he or she knows is false.”
Disorderly conduct is the “unlawful interruption of the peace, quiet, or order of a community, including offenses called disturbing the peace,
vagrancy, loitering, unlawful assembly and riot.”
Court records said FBI agents determined the IP address for the post came from the boy’s home and not the classmate, who told police he only knew the boy through playing the video game Fortnite.
Police officers quickly determined the 12-year-old did not have access to weapons.
Kalnins and Oregon Superintendent P.J. Caposey issued a joint news release Sept. 19 stating the agencies had concluded the threat was not credible. Caposey sent a message alerting parents of the “situation” between 8:45 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.18, following the school’s homecoming parade and bonfire.
“To ensure ongoing security and peace of mind,” Kalnins said Oregon police officers would maintain a strong presence around the school Sept. 20 as well as throughout the weekend’s homecoming festivities.
According to court records, the boy told police he made the post because he was “just messing around” and wrote it because he wanted to get out of school and had not been bullied. He said it was a “dumb mistake” and wrote in a letter of apology that he would never intentionally hurt anyone and did not realize the consequences of his actions.
The boy’s first court appearance was Sept. 20 when he was released to the custody of his mother. He appeared again in court Sept. 24, represented by Ashley Davis of Rockford. Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Russo represented the state.
At that hearing, Davis asked Judge John “Ben” Roe to modify the conditions of the boy’s release so other adults could help supervise him as his case proceeds through the court system. Russo did not object and Roe granted that request.
The boy appeared in court again Tuesday with his mother. Davis told Roe she had not yet received a plea offer from prosecutors and asked the case to be continued.
Roe set the boy’s next court date for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Juvenile court proceedings are not open to the public.
The juvenile justice system for youths ages 10 to 18 is different from the criminal system for adults. Offenses are considered delinquent acts rather than crimes and cases are “adjudicated delinquent” rather than “found guilty.” Adjudication is the process wherein a judge determines whether a juvenile committed an offense.
Names of juveniles charged with offenses are not released to the public.
The information Think Before You Post: Hoax Threats are Serious Federal Crimes can be found on the FBI website. It reads in part:
In recent months, the FBI and law enforcement around the country have investigated a number of hoax threats of targeted violence against schools and other public places. These threats – often issued via text message or posted on social media – are taken very seriously. Hoax threats are not a joke and they can have devastating consequences – both for the public and for the perpetrators, according to the FBI.
Issuing a threat even over social
The Bureau and its law enforcement partners take each threat seriously. We investigate and fully analyze each threat to determine its credibility. Hoax threats disrupt school, waste limited law enforcement resources and put first responders in unnecessary danger.”
David Bowdich,
former FBI deputy director
media, via text message or through email is a federal crime (threatening interstate communications). Those who post or send these threats can receive up to five years in federal prison or they can face state or local charges, according to the FBI.
“The Bureau and its law enforcement partners take each threat seriously. We investigate and fully analyze each threat to determine its credibility,” former FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said. “Hoax threats disrupt school, waste limited law enforcement resources and put first responders in unnecessary danger. We also don’t want to see a young person start out adulthood with a felony record over an impulsive social media post. It’s not a joke. Always think before you post.”
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – An 18-year-old Woodridge man has begun serving a three-year prison sentence for the criminal sexual assault of a Polo woman in June.
Ronald Peacock was transferred Oct. 18 from the Ogle County jail to the Northern Reception and Classification Center at the Stateville Correction Center in Crest Hill after pleading guilty Oct. 3 to the Class 2 felony charge.
Individuals in custody who are admitted to the NRC are in reception status. They remain in reception sta-
tus until they are transferred to a permanent institution. Peacock had been held in the Ogle County jail in Oregon since his arrest in June.
Ronald Peacock
Prosecutors said the offense took place when Peacock was working for the carnival during Polo’s Town & Country Days. Peacock initially was charged June 17 with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, but the charges were amended June 25 to attempted criminal sexual assault, a Class 2 felony, and two counts
of aggravated battery, Class 3 felonies. Peacock was charged with trying to sexually assault a woman after confronting her at her car June 16 at the Casey’s gas station, 120 N. Division Ave., Polo.
Peacock pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal sexual assault on Oct. 3. The other charges were dismissed.
Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe sentenced Peacock to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Peacock will serve 50% of that sentence and will receive credit for jail time already served – 109 days. Peacock will have 12 months of mandatory supervised release when his sen-
tence is completed.
Peacock pleaded guilty to using “force or the intent of force” when he placed his hand on the woman’s genitalia, intending to sexually assault her, according to court documents.
During a June 17 hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Peacock told the woman to take him inside the store, where she thought he was going to commit a burglary. But, Leisten said, Peacock told her he didn’t want money. She then ran from the store and Peacock followed, knocking her down onto the street and committing the assault before another person yelled and Peacock fled, Leisten said.
Police say teen was killed by 17-year-old boyfriend
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Family and friends of a former Oregon High School student who police said was strangled to death by her boyfriend in Ashton held a candlelight vigil in her memory Oct. 27.
“Thank you all for being here,” said Jordan Garcia of Oregon, the mother of Jaedyn Hill. “She loved you all so much. She is definitely going to be missed.”
Hill, 16, was found dead Oct. 15 in the Ashton apartment she shared with her boyfriend, David J. Sosa, 17, who also is a former Oregon High School student.
Sosa is charged with killing Hill and is being charged as an adult.
“She was my baby angel,” said Monica Hill of Kentucky, Jaedyn’s grandmother.
Garcia said Jaedyn was her “shopping buddy” and thanked everyone who attended the vigil near Oregon High School on a chilly night.
“I don’t want you to think of her as a victim. I want her to be remembered for much more,” Garcia said. “She was my sunshine.”
Heidi Zimmerman of Oregon, a friend of the family, said whenever anyone buys shoes they should think of Jaedyn.
“She loved new shoes,” Zimmerman said.
Lee County Sheriff deputies found Hill dead in her apartment after they received a call from Rochelle police officers at 7 a.m. Oct. 15. Rochelle police said a teenager, later identified as Sosa, had walked into their lobby about 6:45 a.m. and said he was involved in a murder.
Lee County deputies went to 702 Richardson Ave., Apt. A, in Ashton for a welfare check and found Hill’s body in the apartment. Sosa and Hill, who
were in a dating relationship, resided at the apartment, Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan said in a news release. The couple also share a child together who resides with relatives.
According to court documents, Sosa is accused of placing a belt around Hill’s neck and strangling her to the point of asphyxiation. He then walked 11 miles from Ashton to Rochelle to turn himself in at the police department. Deputies found Hill’s body on the floor in the southeast bedroom of the two-bedroom apartment with a belt around her neck and a knife on the floor near her body, according to court documents.
An Oct. 16 autopsy conducted by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office determined strangulation was the cause of Hill’s death.
Sosa appeared in Lee County court Oct. 16 and was remanded to the Kane
County Juvenile Detention Center. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing set for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7.
Garcia asked the 60 people who attended Sunday’s vigil to keep Sosa’s
family in their prayers.
“They lost a child, too. It’s rough on both sides,” Garcia said.
Hill’s obituary can be viewed at www.finchfuneral.com.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
POLO – The Rev. Suzanne Stout, pastor of Pine Creek Christian Church in Polo, has been called to help with Children’s Disaster Services, an American Red Cross partner agency, to assist in the care of children and families affected by the double impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As a trained volunteer with CDS, Stout has been assigned to one of the hardest hit areas in Tampa/ Clearwater for her two-week deployment, church officials announced in a news release.
The CDS team arrived with a Kit of Comfort containing carefully
selected toys that promote imaginative play for children. The volunteer team gives children individualized attention and encourages them to express themselves to start the healing process.
The American Red Cross continues to provide shelter services in the hardest hit areas one month after Helene made landfall in Florida. CDS teams have worked in several locations in North Carolina, Florida and Georgia in the weeks after both hurricanes.
Long-term recovery is only the beginning for families in the hardest impacted areas and CDS volunteers are there to support the needs of children in healing and recovery.
“Please pray for all those affected by disasters: victims, survivors and responders. CDS is grateful for our volunteers who show compassion to young children in this difficult time,” said Carolyn Neher, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services.
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Taxpayers in Ogle County could see about a 0.4 cent drop per $100 on their property tax bills next year if the proposed county budget is approved Nov. 19.
The Ogle County Board Finance Committee is recommending a property tax rate of 69 cents per $100 equalized assessed value for fiscal 2025. The 2024 rate was 69.4 cents per $100 equalized assessed value.
Ogle County’s estimated equalized assessed value – one-third of the value of all the property in the county – rose to $2,072,246,529. It’s an increase of more than $101 million over the 2023 EAV.
“That’s a large amount and that is the primary driver of what changed the tax structure in terms of the increases in revenue,” Finance Committee Chairperson Jeff Billeter said during the county’s Oct. 28 budget hearing.
The proposed 2024 property tax levy is $14,294,200. That’s an increase of $607,133 from the amount levied in 2023.
Proposed appropriations to more than 80 funds total $63,680,582, which includes the nearly $14.3 million property tax.
The county’s largest fund is the General Fund, to which the Finance Committee is proposing an appropriation of $19,183,051, which is a 5.5%
Continued from page 5
“Instead of academics, Lorado Taft evolved into a business and that’s not what a college is meant to be. However, those of us that worked there can take heart in knowing the positive impact we had on all the types of groups that utilized our facilities.”
In her statement, Cotsones said NIU “must invest its resources in programs and initiatives that more directly contribute to NIU student success and our other academic priorities.”
She also said the majority of the Lorado Taft staff will be able to transfer to jobs on the DeKalb campus or at a regional center.
Costello said she was not involved in the “who, what, where” in the decision to close the facility.
“I don’t know. I wasn’t involved in that decision. I just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Costello of Stillman
increase from fiscal 2024.
The revenue, which includes $5,595,000 of property tax levy, is expected to result in a surplus of $375,949 in the General Fund at the end of the year, Billeter said. The total anticipated General Fund revenue is $19,559,000, he said.
Department heads were asked to reduce their non-salary budgets by 10% for fiscal 2025, Billeter said.
“They did a great job with that and it made a huge difference in the General Fund,” he said.
Some of the other funds that will receive part of their revenue from property tax levy dollars include the County Highway Fund ($1.98 million), IMRF Fund ($1.4 million), Mental
Health Fund ($1,101,280), Federal Aid Matching Fund ($990,000), Social Security Fund ($950,000), Insurance Premium Levy Fund ($775,000), County Bridge Fund ($650,000), War Veterans Fund ($394,340), Senior Social Services Fund ($294,500), Co-Operative Extension Fund ($130,000) and the TB Care and Treatment Fund ($34,080).
The Ogle County Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on the third floor of the Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. Fifth St., Oregon.
The proposed budget can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3f9Uuvd or by visiting OgleCountyIL.gov and looking under the “County” tab along the top of the webpage and clicking on “Transparency.”
LEFT: Retired teacher Tim O’Rourke of Oregon was one of the speakers who talked about the outdoor education program at the Lorado Taft Field Campus during an Oct. 264 program at the Oregon Depot Museum in Oregon.
FAR LEFT: Andy Colbert (left), a former food administrator for the Lorado Taft Field Campus, serves his famous cinnamon rolls with Kris Martinaitis after a program about the history of the Taft Campus at the Oregon Depot Museum in Oregon.
Valley told the crowd.
The Taft Campus property includes works by Lorado Taft, a dining hall that overlooks the Rock River, other buildings and dorms.
Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said the Taft Campus consists of three parcels of land including five acres along the river commonly referred to as “Ganymede Springs.” He said 59 acres above the Rock River – accessed through the entrance to the state park – encompasses the parking lot and all the campus buildings and other outdoor facilities.
He said a 76-acre parcel runs from the main campus east to River Road and was purchased by NIU in 1965.
Williams presented a timeline of the Taft property that outlined a 1943 Illinois House resolution to buy the 300-acre Heckman estate and former art colony for $50,000 after the death of the last surviving Eagles Nest Art Col-
ony member.
“That’s $911,000 in today’s money,” Williams said. “Thirteen thousand of that came from local donations, $237,000 in today’s money. So if people feel like we own it out there, we kind of do. That was a big donation.”
In 1951, Gov. Adlai Stevenson signed a bill transferring 66 acres of land, including the Taft campus, to NIU to promote outdoor education, Williams said.
In August 2023, NIU contacted the city of Oregon to estimate the cost of running a sewer line from the city to the campus because the campus’ system was failing.
“That estimate was $1.5 million and, of course, the city would not pay for that. That would have to be paid for by NIU or IDNR,” Williams said.
When Williams contacted Cotsones after the announcement about the closing, he said she estimated that $12 million to $14 million in repairs would be needed on the Taft campus
property. He said he asked for a detailed list of what those projects were in case a private investor was interested in buying the property.
Williams also said he contacted state representatives to make them aware of the situation and spoke with an IDNR official to ask if their agency would have the monetary resources to make the needed repairs.
“He just started laughing, the answer being no, IDNR does not have the money to make those repairs,” Williams said, adding he also was trying to find out what the options were for the transfer of the Taft property back to the IDNR.
“We really won’t know what will happen until some later point in time,” Williams said.
Asked if NIU planned to sell the property, the university’s media relations department replied in an email: “University leaders are currently exploring options for future stewardship of this unique property.”
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO – Polo City Council members have taken steps to ensure the former Congress School can be safely demolished.
Council members unanimously voted Oct. 21 to accept a $66,900 bid from Husar Abatement LTD, of Franklin Park, to abate asbestos in the former Congress School. Alderman Randy Schoon was absent.
There is asbestos in part of the roof, in the floors of a couple of rooms on the second floor and a few other places, Public Works Director Kendall Kyker previously said.
“I’m not against spending this money now, but I think we screwed up spending $15,000 on it,” Alderman Tommy Bardell said. “[The former owner] should have just signed it over to us and then we could do it.”
Council members on Aug. 7, 2023, unanimously voted to spend up to $15,000 to purchase Congress School, plus $2,500 for related expenses, according to meeting minutes.
Congress School is located at 208 N. Congress Ave.
“I honestly have no idea how we got wrapped up in that school project,” Alderman Joey Kochsmeier said.
“I was sold on purchasing it to get a grant [to demolish it] because a citizen can’t. Now we have this cost.”
The city is continuing to search for grants to cover the cost of demolition, Mayor Doug Knapp said.
It has to abate the asbestos now because if the roof collapses, the asbestos would spread and the cost to demolish it would increase dramatically, Kyker said.
On Aug. 19, Polo City Council members unanimously voted to enter an
engineering agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates Inc. for asbestos abatement at a cost not to exceed $7,500.
According to the agreement, Willett, Hofmann & Associates prepared and sent documentation, conducted any pre-bid meetings and building walkthroughs with potential bidders and opened bidding. It will conduct a pre-construction meeting, do a final inspection on the completed asbestos abatement work and perform a final
air-quality test and review and process contractor pay requests.
City officials had expected the cost of asbestos abatement to be about $80,000.
The city received three other bids in addition to the one from Husar Abatement Ltd. The others were from Nationwide Environment & Demo LLC, of Franklin Park, for $77,200; DEM Services Inc., of Alsip, for $117,000; and M&O Environmental Co., of Mokena, for $269,500.
Oct. 19-25
Warranty deeds
Ronald H. Stocking and Joyce M. Stocking to James K. Bertsch and Cherie A. Bertsch, one parcel in Pine Rock Township and 3749 E. Pine Rock Road, Oregon, $16,300.
David R. Dewey and Lisa M. Dewey to Andrew P. Dewey, 507 S. Central St., Woosung, and 601 S. Central St., Woosung, $120,000.
Jeffrey V. Johnson to Jeremy W. Nesemeier and Mindy M. Nesemeier, one parcel on Hannah Street in Mt. Morris, $16,000.
Darlene A. Montague, trustee, and Donald W. Montague Trust to Darlene A. Montague, trustee, and Darlene A. Montague Trust, 7649 W. Anterier Road, Dixon, $0.
Penny R. Wilken and Penny R. Kessler to Penny R. Wilken, trustee, and Penny R. Wilken Trust, 5454 N. West Branch Road, Forreston, $0.
Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and Elkhorn United Methodist Church to Brick Church Cemetery Association, 17022 W. Brick Church Road, Polo, $0.
Bryce L. Hawkins and Monica Hawkins to Daniel L. Lundquist and Tracy L. Lundquist, 9479 N. Woodgate Lane, Byron, $400,000.
Scott A. Walter and Alison K. Walter to Chelsea Castanza, 318 W. First St., Stillman Valley, $260,000.
Michelle R. Nagel to Daniel and Brianne Bialczak, 3916 E. Whippoorwill Lane, Byron, $320,000.
Harvest Glenn LLC to Marco A.
Hernandez and Adriana Hernandez, 1113 Frosty Morning Dr., Davis Junction, $20,000.
Maryon Stretton to Juli Squibb, 105 N. Congress Ave., Polo, $98,900.
William E. Carlson and Kathleen L. Carlson to Kyle and Rachel Aldridge, 138 S. Fox Run Lane, Byron, $459,000.
Betty N. Ford, deceased by heirs, to Joanna M. Easley, 312 W. Center St., Mt. Morris, $136,000.
Hector and Vyanett Arevalo to Andrew D. Koenig, 110 Windover Park Dr., Rochelle, $260,000.
Curtis W. Keplinger to Angelica Valencia and Vicente Silva, 426 N. Second St., Rochelle, $49,900.
Marco A. Hernandez and Adriana Hernandez to Todd Schlosser, 208 S. Fletcher Ave., Mt. Morris, $116,000.
Phyllis J. Labudde, deceased by heirs, to Lukas Lingel, 103 S. Fifth Ave., Forreston, $157,000.
Paul M. Homman and Tammy J. Homman to 9237 North Conger Road LLC, 9237 N. Conger Road, Leaf River, and two parcels in Byron Township, $325,000.
Errett Warehousing LLC Series Hines to Boise Cascade Building Materials Distribution LLC, 727 N. Wiscold Dr., Rochelle, and two parcels in Dement Township, $5 million.
Quit claim deeds
William F. Taylor and Margaret Taylor to William and Margaret Taylor, 404 Mississippi Dr., Dixon, 402 N. Mississippi Dr., Dixon, 219 Crabapple Court, Dixon,
and 221 Crabapple Court, Dixon, $0. Cornetts Chana Tap LLC to Amy S. Clark, 104 N. Center Ave., Chana, $0. Elizabeth A. Mangan to John P. O’Toole, 858 Fairground Circle Dr., Oregon, $0.
Berg Family Land LLC to Karen B. Fincel, one parcel in Dement Township, $0.
Berg Family Land LLC to Gary Berg, one parcel in Dement Township, $0.
Berg Family Land LLC to Sandra Berg Holte, one parcel in Dement Township, $0.
Gary W. Abels and Joanne L. Abels to Gary W. Abels, trustee, Joanne L. Abels, trustee, and Abels Family Trust, 516 W. White Oak Road, Forreston, and 16315 W. Town Line Road, Forreston, $0.
Trustee deeds
Patricia Erdmann, trustee, and Patricia Erdmann Trust to Jeremy W. Nesemeier and Mindy M. Nesemeier, one parcel on Hannah Street in Mt. Morris, $12,000.
Kim D. Krahenbuhl, trustee, and Gail J. Dirksen Testamentary Trust to Shane Logan, 614 S. Blackhawk Road, Oregon, $187,500.
Charles R. Haisch, trustee, and Carl L. & Betty L. Stoner Joint Tenancy Living Trust to Charles R. Haisch, trustee, Susan L. Haisch, trustee, and Charles R. & Susan L. Haisch Joint Tenancy Living Trust, two parcels in Buffalo Township, $0.
Executors deeds
Donald E. Dirksen, deceased by executor, to Shane Logan, 614 S. Blackhawk Road, Oregon, $187,500.
Susan A. Busser, deceased by executor, to Steven B. Conner and Sandra M.
Conner, 315 E. Fourth St., Byron, $200,000.
Deeds in trust
Wayne J. Ludewig and Cindy L. Ludewig to Wayne J. Ludewig, trustee, and Wayne J. Ludewig Living Trust, 3847 N. Illinois Route 26, Forreston, $0.
Wayne J. Ludewig and Cindy L. Ludewig to Cindy L. Ludewig, trustee, and Cindy L. Ludewig Living Trust, 3847 N. Illinois Route 26, Forreston, $0.
Wayne J. Ludewig and Cindy L. Ludewig to Cindy L. Ludewig, trustee, and Cindy L. Ludewig Living Trust, one parcel in Forreston Township, 13952 W. Town Line Road, Forreston, and two parcels in Lincoln Township, $0.
Wayne J. Ludewig and Cindy L. Ludewig to Wayne J. Ludewig, trustee, and Wayne J. Ludewig Living Trust, one parcel in Forreston Township, 13952 W. Town Line Road, Forreston, and two parcels in Lincoln Township, $0.
Ken Oltmanns to Matthew D. Koning, trustee, Susan A. Koning, trustee, Matthew D. Koning Trust and Susan A. Koning Trust, one parcel in Taylor Township, $305,000.
Matthew J. Merrill and Dawn L. Merrill to Matthew J. Merrill, trustee, Dawn L. Merrill, trustee, Matthew J. Merrill Trust and Dawn L. Merrill Trust, 275 Parkview Dr., Oregon, and 269 Parkview Dr., Oregon, $0.
Vicki L. Farbo to Vicki L. Farbo, trustee, and Vicki L. Farbo Land Trust, 1928 Southfield Lane, Byron, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – Coming into its regular-season finale against Athens on Oct. 25, Oregon desperately needed a win to qualify for the playoffs.
Building a 35-0 halftime lead, the Hawks (5-4) secured a berth in 3A with a 57-14 win.
“I’m proud of how we played. We were clicking on all three phases,” Oregon coach Broc Kundert said.
Asked at halftime what pleased him most, Kundert didn’t hesitate as he mentioned the passing of Benny Olade, who was 3-for-4 at that point for 91 yards.
“Benny’s looked perfect out there. Every week he has been improving,” Kundert said.
For a team that converted to a ground game after three-year starting quarterback Jack Washburn wasn’t able to play this year because of a health problem, Olade’s passing added an extra dimension to an offense that lost fullback Logan Weems to injury during the week.
A positive for Oregon was the return of end Josh Crandall, who caught a 30-yard touchdown pass and
saw some action on defense. Crandall got a second opinion on his injury, allowing him to play.
“We didn’t think we’d be seeing him,” Athens coach Ryan Knox said.
“They were more physical than us.”
The Hawks forced four first-half fumbles and drove at will on their five
first-half touchdowns against the defending 2A state runner-ups who lost 19 starters.
Keaton Salsbury recovered the first fumble at midfield. Five plays later, Hunter Bartel ran in from nine yards out for a 6-0 lead.
After a 65-yard drive, Olade scored
from a yard out and connected with Crandall on the PAT for a 14-0 lead.
Avery Lewis had a 20-yard touchdown run and Cooper Johnson tacked on a 40-yard TD run for a 28-0 lead.
The play that excited the large home crowd the most, though, was a 46-yard bomb from Olade from his own 4-yard line to a wide-open Kade Girton.
“They caught us selling out on the run,” Knox said.
After halftime, Bartel scored to make it a running clock. Sophomore Jakobi Donegan stepped in for Olade and had touchdown runs of 15 and 46 yards. A shorthanded defense started two sophomores at linebacker.
A bright spot for the Hawks was only one penalty, an improvement from Week 1 in which mental mistakes factored in a loss against North Boone.
Under Kundert, Oregon will be returning to the playoffs for the second year in a row after a nine-year absence. It is the Hawks’ 16th appearance in the 50-year history of the IHSA playoffs. Oregon’s highest finish is a second place in 2000.
In the first round of the playoffs, No. 13 seed Oregon (5-4) will go on the road to play No. 4 Princeton (7-2) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Remember all the jubilation over Byron’s hard-fought 29-28 win over Dixon two weeks ago? Strangely, Byron would have been better off losing.
Sure, it would have meant sacrificing the conference title, but it would have put the Tigers in a much better position in the Class 3A playoff bracket. A loss to Dixon would have dropped them to the No. 2 seed instead of No. 1.
As it is, No. 2 seed Wilmington has a much easier pairing than No. 1 Byron. The main reason is that private school powerhouse Lombard Montini is not in Wilmington’s eight-team quadrant.
Byron gets Montini in the second round. Not only that, but on the road again.
Thus it’s very likely the 3A title game will be contested in Lombard three rounds before the actual championship. That’s how overly dominant both squads are and how unjust it is that they are meeting so soon in the postseason.
We all know how good Byron is. How does Montini stack up?
Consider this: Their only losses were to 8A Chicago Marist (8-1) and 7A Oak Park Fenwick (7-2). In each game, the Broncos kept it close.
In Week 9, they romped over St.
Andy Colbert
Laurence, one of the favorites in 4A, winning 28-3. They also have wins over two 5A qualifiers.
In analyzing the 4A bracket, Byron may have been better off petitioning to move up a class for 2024. There is no one in that group comparable to Montini.
However, as we’ve said before, the Tigers have a reputation as giant killers with wins over Reed Custer and Immaculate Conception in 2021 and Montini last year. Byron was an underdog each time and found a way to win.
They will go in as underdogs again, but if anyone in 3A can give the Broncos a game, it is Byron.
How did the rest of the conference shake out in the playoff pairings?
Interestingly, Genoa-Kingston, Oregon and Stillman Valley, all 5-4, saw their fates impacted by the Rockford Christian forfeit. Stillman Valley took the forfeit and did not get any extra
playoff points. Genoa-Kingston played Chicago Leo, which won only one game (hence one extra playoff point). Oregon got two points by adding Athens (2-7).
As a No. 13 seed, Oregon gets what appears to be a fun game with Princeton. But I also thought the same thing when the Hawks got Du-Pec last year.
One positive already is that Oregon opted for a Friday night contest instead of Saturday afternoon like last year’s stagnant atmosphere at Du-Pec. Look for the Hawks to perform much better under the lights.
Whoever wins between Oregon and Princeton looks to have a decent road to the quarterfinals with a Chicago Public League team in the second round. Chicago Public League teams have been notoriously bad in the playoffs.
No. 14 Genoa-Kingston also got a decent draw with a trip to Du-Pec. At No. 15, Stillman Valley got the worst of it with 9-0 Wilmington.
Both Stillman Valley and Wilmington have long and storied playoff histories. The Wildcats also have one of the best pregame shows in the state with motorcycles and fireworks.
In 1A, Lena-Winslow (9-0) goes in looking for its fifth straight title game
appearance. Can either Rockford Lutheran or Sterling Newman give opposition to the Panthers?
We’ll find out more about Lutheran in the first round when it travels to No. 1 seed Leroy.
The team to beat in 1A remains Bellevile Althoff, who beat a 6A playoff squad in Kaneland to end the regular season.
Rochelle had high hopes to get in a weak 4A North bracket, but ended up in 5A where danger exists around every corner. What hurt Rochelle was smaller schools with 4-4 records beating teams with better records (such as Genoa-Kingston over Lutheran). Every time that happened, it bumped Rochelle up a notch, making 5A inevitable.
In 8-man ball, Polo takes the overall No. 2 seed and is ranked as a No. 1. There is a difference. Seedings are based on an established win/loss formula, whereas rankings are based on a team’s prowess.
There are flaws in both, but the IHSA and 8-man seedings take the human element out of it.
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By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – As expected, Byron qualified both its boys and girls cross country teams for the Class 1A sectional. Somewhat unexpected, Oregon did the same.
Running on its home course at the regional Oct. 26, Oregon took third in the girls race and seventh in the boys race. The top seven teams moved on and it had been several years since the Hawk boys advanced. They nipped Stillman Valley 196-199 for the final qualifying spot.
Also sending teams to the sectional will be the Polo-Forreston boys and the Stillman Valley girls.
Oregon coach Gabe Poser was excited to have the boys sneak in and the girls finish third.
“The girls had a plan and strategized what teams and runners they needed to stay with,” Poser said. “We practiced using the hill to our advantage. We really wanted third. We went and did it. Amazing.”
The next order on the agenda is attempting to return to state. The last time the girls were at state was 2011.
Leading the way for Oregon was Ella Danhorn in 14th place and Jillian Hammer in 15th place.
Daniel Gonzales was eighth in the
more like a training run in preparation for the sectional. Tim Starwalt was third for the boys and Ashley Potter was 10th in the girls race.
“Our No. 1 goal was to punch our ticket to the sectional,” Byron coach Mike McHale said. “We have (Potter) up toward the front and then a nice pack.”
Starwalt is expected to place third at the sectional. Last year, the boys were 10th at the sectional and the girls were ninth.
“We’re going to get after it,” McHale said.
After finishing ninth in 2021, eighth in 2022 and not fielding a full team last year, it was a boon to the Stillman Valley program to have the girls finish seventh and grab the final spot ahead of Eastland. The top finisher for the Cardinals was senior Zoe Larson in 23rd place.
Noah Genandt led the P-F boys with a 19th-place finish. It will be a return trip for the team to the sectional.
Winnebago took first in both races.
boys race for Oregon.
“It felt good and it may have been my best race,” Gonzales said.
For Byron, the regional served
For the first time in several years, Oregon’s Park West will not be the sectional site. The Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island is this year’s host.
Class 1A Forreston Regional: LenaWinslow defeated Forreston in two sets, 25-14, 25-18, ending the Cardinals’ season.
Class 1A Shabbona-Indian Creek Regional: Polo defeated Amboy in two sets, 25-20, 25-13. Polo faced Milledgeville in the regional semifinal Wednesday. The regional championship was Thursday with the winner advancing to the Polo Sectional on Nov. 5.
Class 2A Sterling Newman Regional: After beating Morrison 29-27, 25-19 on Monday, Oregon fell to Erie-Prophetstown 25-15, 23-17, ending the Hawks’ season. Highlights for Oregon in the Morrison match were Anna Stender with three aces, three kills and digs; Madi Shaffer with an ace and 15 digs; and Skylar Bishop with five kills, a block and two digs. Highlights for Oregon in the E-P match were Grace Tremble with six kills, three digs and a block; Anna Stender with nine assists, two kills and five digs; and Madi Shaffer with two assists, six digs and an ace.
Polo 2, Amboy 1: Polo won a tight regular-season match 25-16, 25-27, 26-24.
Milledgeville 2, Polo 0: The Missiles won 25-23, 25-16 on senior night as Kendra Kingsby had eight kills and Hannah Foster had five kills and two
aces. Brinley Hackbarth had 17 assists and Kennedy Livengood had 14 digs for Milledgeville (22-8, 8-3 NUIC South). Bridget Call led Polo with 10 kills and 11 digs.
Oregon 2, Rock Falls 1: Oregon won 21-25, 25-19, 25-22 as Madi Shaffer had 33 digs and Anna Stender had 28 assists and two blocks for the Hawks (15-14, 6-3 Big Northern). The Rockets fell to 15-17, 4-5.
Lena-Winslow 2, Forreston 0: Forreston fell 25-17, 25-23 as Jaiden Schneiderman had 13 kills and two aces.
Football
Big Northern
Dixon 55, North Boone 0: The Dukes (8-1, 7-1 BNC) secured second place in the conference with the blowout win. It was Dixon’s second shutout of the season and fifth time allowing seven points or fewer. North Boone closed the season at 4-5, 4-5.
Winnebago 35, Rock Falls 32: The Rockets battled until the end but fell short to finish 1-8, 1-8. It was a season high in scoring for the Rockets. Rock Falls’ two closest games came in its final two contests. Winnebago finished 2-7, 2-7.
Byron 43, Stillman Valley O: The Tigers ended the season with a perfect 9-0 record.
See ROUNDUP, page 15
To request your FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com
Continued from page 14
Byron will host Fairbury Prairie Central at 7 p.m. Friday in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Cardinals (5-4) face undefeated Wilmington in Class 3A first-round playoff action at 6 p.m. Saturday in Wilmington.
Northwest Upstate Illini
Lena-Winslow 58, Forreston 30: The Cardinals put up a fight, but the Panthers (9-0, 8-0) finished the regular season undefeated for the third straight time. Forreston finished 2-7, 1-7, missing the playoffs for the first year since 2009. It is Forreston’s fewest wins since a 2-7 campaign in 1994.
8-Man
Polo 52, Orangeville 8: The Marcos led 24-0 at the end of the first half and scored 20 points in the third quarter en route to the win. Gus Mumford scored first for the Marcos, followed by Gage Zei-
Continued from page 12
Compared to last year when Amboy rolled over everyone in the 8-man playoffs, this year is more wide open. Can the Marcos bring out the magic again and make an appearance at Monmouth?
gler who had a 60-yard interception return for Polo’s second score. In the game, Gus Mumford had two touchdowns. Mercer Mumford also scored. The Marcos host Alden-Hebron at 7 p.m. Friday in first-round playoff action.
Boys Cross Country
Class 1A Oregon Regional: Forreston (fifth) and Oregon (seventh) advanced to the Alleman Sectional on Saturday. Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez (16:56.1) placed eighth and recorded a personal best. Forreston’s Noah Genandt (18:29.2) took 19th with a PR.
Girls cross country
Class 1A Oregon Regional: Oregon (third) advanced to the Alleman Sectional on Saturday. Ella Dannhorn (22:28.9) ran a season best to take 14th place and Jillian Hammer (22:43.8) ran a personal best to take 15th. Christine Ramirez (22:59.2) also ran a PR and was 18th for Oregon. Lorelai Dannhorn (29th) and Madeline Rogers (30th), who ran a PR, rounded out the Oregon scoring.
It is always exciting come playoff time in Polo. Never underestimate the quality of play in 8-man compared with 11-man. Hitting is hitting, no matter how many players are on the field.
This column always has been a proponent of discipline. The Chicago Bears’ last-second loss was evidence
of the importance of this with a defensive back taunting the Washington fans instead of concentrating on the final play. The same player earlier was penalized 15 yards for sticking his finger in an opponent’s facemask. What it tells me is the Bears’ coaching staff has allowed a culture of ego and cockiness to invade the team. The end result of being overly toler-
ant led to that debacle of a loss. Be it high school, college or pro, young athletes don’t need to be coddled and enabled. They need to be held accountable and discipline is the only way to instill this in them.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local News Network covering high school sports in Ogle County.
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Don't need it? Sell it! Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS
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Estate Sale 11627 IL 72 (White Eagle Storage)
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 A to 4 P
unique and valuable items at great prices ! The sale feat ures furniture such as dining room table with chairs, buffet cabinet, armoires, coffee tables, end tables, desks, cedar chests, lamps, and sewing machi ne.
In addition there will be a large ar ray of glass dishes, place settings, silverware, vases and serving pieces; an abundance of Christmas decoration s and other holiday décor; wall art, games, books, antique and vintage items such as Haldane dance hall chairs and Sear s catalogs, greeting cards, and knickknacks
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
CCFM-BW-1, LLC
Plaintiff, -v.-
KIPP E MEYERS AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY
L. THORP, KATHY A. THORP, CITY OF OREGON, DON HYLE, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JEFFREY L. THORP
Defendant
2023 FC 75
NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 26, 2024, the Sheriff of Ogle County will at 10:00 AM on November 22, 2024, at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
Commonly known as 606 SOUTH 2ND STREET, OREGON, IL 61061
Property Index No. 16-03-333-010
The real estate is improved with a single family residence
The judgment amount was $210,315.43.
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; the balance, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general 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 furth er subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale
The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and plaintiff makes no rep resentation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information
If this prope rty is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, othe r than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this prope rty is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
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 SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information, contact Plaintiff's attorney: ERIC FELDMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1622 , Chicago, IL, 60604, (312) 344-3529. Please refer to file number IL-FC24-606. E-Mail: paralegal@efalaw.com
November 1, 8, 15, 2024 947492
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF Ogle - Oreg on, ILLINOIS
U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Plaintiff vs. DANIEL J STEELE II; TAYLOR M. FOX; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 24 FC 27 CALENDAR
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on December 6, 2024, at the hour 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 02-33-129-008. Commonly known as 104 S. 1ST AVE., FORRESTON, IL 61030.
The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information For informat ion call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 810, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (708) 668-4410 ext 52109. 24-199336 SHERIFF I3254373
November 1, 8, 15, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
CCFM-BW-1, LLC
Plaintiff,
-v.KIPP E MEYERS AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY L. THORP, KATHY A. THORP, CITY OF OREGON, DON HYLE, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JEFFREY L. THORP
Defendant
2023 FC 75 NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 26, 2024, the Sheriff of Ogle County will at 10:00 AM on November 22, 2024, at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT NINE (9) IN BLOCK SEVEN (7) IN HILLS'S FIRST ADDITION TO THE TOWN, NOW CITY OF OREGON, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK A OF MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS, PAGE 126 IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OG LE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS Commonly known as 606 SOUTH 2ND STREET, OREGON, IL 61061
Property Index No. 16-03-333-010
The real estate is improved with a single family residence
The judgment amount was $210,315.43.
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; the balance, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general 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 furth er subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale
The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and plaintiff makes no rep resentation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information
If this prope rty is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, othe r than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). 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 SECTIO N 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information, contact Plaintiff's attorney: ERIC FELDMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1622 , Chicago, IL, 60604, (312) 344-3529. Please refer to file number IL-FC24-606. E-Mail: paralegal@efalaw.com 8190-947492
November 1, 8, 15, 2024 947492
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF Ogle - Oreg on, ILLINOIS
U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Plaintiff vs. DANIEL J STEELE II; TAYLOR M. FOX; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 24 FC 27
CALENDAR
NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause the Sheriff of Ogle County will on December 6, 2024, at the hour 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff's office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:
LOT THREE (3) IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF FORRESTON, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT ACKNOWLEDGED BY GEORGE W HEWITT; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FORRESTON, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
P.I.N. 02-33-129-008. Commonly known as 104 S. 1ST AVE., FORRESTON, IL 61030.
The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information For informat ion call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 810, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (708) 668-4410 ext 52109. 24-199336 SHERIFF I3254373
November 1, 8, 15, 2024
CITY OF OREGON, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City of Oregon, Illinois is seeking Illinois Environmenta l Protection Agency Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP) funding for a Wastewater System Improvements project. The City of Oregon has prepared a detailed Project Plan regarding this project, and the proposed financing of the project is through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Water Pollution Control Loan Program. As a condition of the proposed funding, a Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Impact Determinati on (PEID) has been prepared by IEPA. Detailed information on the project, together with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (IEPA) Preliminary Environmenta l Impact Determination (PEID) documents, will be available for public inspection at City Hall locat ed at 115 North 3rd Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061. The IEPA has reviewed the above cited project plan and concurs with the applicant's finding that the proposed project is technically appropriate and cost effective
The IEPA has issued a Notice of Intent to Issue a Categorical Exclusion for this project.
at 115 North 3rd Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061. The IEPA has reviewed the above cited project plan and concurs with the applicant's finding that the proposed project is technically appropriate and cost effective
The IEPA has issued a Notice of Intent to Issue a Categorical Exclusion for this project.
Persons and/or organizations wishing to make a statement on the proposed project or the PEID for the project will be asked to identify themselves and their respective interest at City Hall in the City of Oregon. Written statements regarding the subject of the PEID and the Categorical Exclusion for the project will be accepted until 10 days after the publication of this Public Notice on Novembe r 1, 2024, and should be addressed to the IEPA as indicated in the Preliminary Environmental Impact Determinati on document. Written comments can be directly submitted to IEPA to the attention of Ellen Watters, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, 1021 North Grand Avenue East, P.O Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 627949276.
November 1, 2024
Don't need it? Sell it!
Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS
Persons and/or organizations wishing to make a statement on the proposed project or the PEID for the project will be asked to identify themselves and their respective interest at City Hall in the City of Oregon. Written statements regarding the subject of the PEID and the Categorical Exclusion for the project will be accepted until 10 days after the publication of this Public Notice on Novembe r 1, 2024, and should be addressed to the IEPA as indicated
