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Christmas in the Country Dec. 6-7
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
FORRESTON – Forreston’s Christmas in the Country is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7
Here is the schedule of events:
9 to 11 a.m. – Rolls and coffee, First United Methodist Church
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Christmas Corner, First United Methodist Church
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soup, sandwich and salad luncheon, First United Methodist Church
4 p.m. – Tasty Treats Cookie Sale (benefiting Faith Lutheran), Forreston Township Building
5 to 6 p.m. – FIHS/FHS Carolers perform in downtown Forreston and Memorial Park
5 to 8 p.m. – Vendor/Craft show, Forreston Grade School Gym
5 to 8 p.m. – Chili Cook Off, Forreston Grade School Cafeteria
5 to 8 p.m. – Chili and Potato Bar, Forreston Grade School Cafeteria
5:30 to 6 p.m. – Light Up Santa Parade, on Ash and Cherry streets and around Memorial Park
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Cookies and Cocoa, Forreston Fire Department
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Nothing Bundt Cakes sales (benefiting EMS team), Forreston Fire Department
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Christmas Angel Project is underway
FORRESTON – The Forreston Lions Club’s annual Christmas Angel Project is underway at Solutions Bank.
To participate, select an angel from the tree and buy a $20 gift for the child listed on the angel. Return the wrapped gift with the angel attached to the bank no later than Tuesday, Dec 10.
The Lions Club also will deliver food baskets Saturday, Dec. 14.
Anyone who knows someone who could use a food basket is asked to call Lion
Larry Dikkers at 815-266-1856 or Lion
Randy Ludwig at 815-238-2700.
Forreston Grade School will also be collecting canned goods for the food boxes.
Leaf River Lions to host breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14
The Leaf River Lions Club will be serving breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Bertolet Memorial Building, 103 W. Second St.,
Santa and Mrs. Claus countdown the lighting of tree at Memorial Park during the 2023
in the Country.
6 p.m. – Community Tree Lighting With Santa, Memorial Park
6 to 7:30 p.m. – Santa Visit and Christmas list submission, Memorial Park
6 to 7:30 p.m. – Hot Cocoa at the Park (Sponsored by FABA), Memorial Park
6 to 8 p.m. – Candy Cane Express: Forreston Holiday Lights, rounding back to
Leaf River.
The menu includes pancakes, waffles, french toast, scrambled eggs, Eickman’s breakfast sausage, applesauce, orange juice, milk and coffee.
Santa will arrive at 9 a.m. so don’t forget your camera to get some pictures with Santa.
For more details visit the Facebook page – leafriverlionsclub – or send an email to leafriverlionsclub@yahoo.com.
Men’s
prayer breakfast is Dec. 7
The Forreston Community Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Forreston Reformed Church, 501 S. Third Ave.
“Come enjoy the food and fellowship as we pray for the needs of our community,” the Rev. Lyle Zumdahl said.
A freewill offering for the local food pantry will be accepted. All men of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.
– Shaw Local News Network
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Forreston Journal. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
Memorial Park
6 to 8 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt (sponsored by Forreston Boosters) Saturday, Dec. 7
7 a.m. – Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Forreston Reformed Church
9:30 a.m. to noon – Snacks, Crafts and Chats with Santa, Forreston Library
FORRESTON LIBRARY
Cookies, Crafts and Chats with Santa – Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to noon Santa’s coming to the library! Be sure to bring your child’s Christmas list and your camera to get those precious pictures of your little ones with Santa. Then stop by the community room for refreshments and a craft to do here or to take home.
Winter Book Sale – through Dec. 21 Books, puzzles and DVDs will be available for purchase (by donation) during regular business hours the first few weeks of December. We have a large selection of new and gently used items for all ages and interests. Help support the library and take care of some of your Christmas shopping with us.
Toddler/Preschool Storytime – Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Join us every Wednesday, when school is in session, at 10 a.m. for stories, games, and crafts. This program is a great opportunity for children and caregivers to discover the joy of sharing stories and making new friends in a relaxed setting.
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Earleen Hinton file photo
Christmas
Chilly temperatures greet visitors to Oregon’s festive Candlelight Walk
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Old Man Winter failed to keep the faithful away from Oregon’s 38th Candlelight Walk on Saturday.
With temperatures in the low 20s, visitors made their way through the downtown stopping in shops, touring Conover Square, and strolling along Candy Cane Lane.
Santa Claus greeted kids in two different locations – Conover and at the Kid’s Winter Carnival, held at the United Methodist Church.
The event held from 3 to 8 p.m. also included horse-drawn wagon rides, entertainment and food.
This year’s Christmas tree –located on the east lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse Square – was lit at 6 p.m. and followed by a performance by members of the Byron Dance Academy dressed in lighted Christmas-themed costumes.
The Oregon High School Madrigal singers and the OHS Jazz Band closed the evening with performances at the Coliseum Museum.
At Conover Square, families could watch model trains wind their way around the many tracks at the Blackhawk Model Train Club, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and stop in at local shops.
The 38th Candlelight Walk is organized by the Oregon Chamber of Commerce.
Earleen Hinton photos
Luella Garrey, 1 month, wasn’t too sure about telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas as she and her mom, Maddison, visited with him at the Oregon United Methodist Church’s Kid’s Christmas Carnival during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk on Saturday.
Mary Elliott of Stampin’ Up! tends to a customer at Conover Square during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk on Saturday.
Isaac Ebert plays the trumpet for the Oregon High School Jazz Band as they play a selection of tunes inside the Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana during Oregon’s Candlelight Walk on Saturday.
Thanksgiving meals bring back memories
Thanksgiving day was a busy one and I started out joining the O’Connors for their big family bash. Food was abundant and it was nice seeing all the O’Connor family together.
You cannot beat turkey, dressing and all the trimmings surrounded by family. I have always been a lover of cranberry sauce, which many people might pass on by but not me. Someone had made very good cranberry sauce that day and I enjoyed it immensely.
Then my granddaughter Amy and her husband, Preston, came over to get me for the Obendorf family gathering in Mt. Morris. I felt like I was on a progressive dinner event because I arrived there in time for the dessert part of the meal.
Remember how years ago we had those progressive dinners where we
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
went from house to house for different courses of a meal? Do they even do that anymore? I have not heard of that type of event any more.
I had already had some of Susan’s pumpkin dessert at O’Connor’s family gathering, but that slides down easy. Then after visiting for a while at the Obendorf Thanksgiving in Mt. Morris, we gathered for dessert. I was ready for Robin’s cheesecake and some pumpkin pie.
I had made pumpkin pie earlier in the week, but one can never have enough of pumpkin pie at this time of
year. Violet had brought me several pumpkins for my steps for decorations. The squirrels had cleaned out the one in front of the house, but they never seem to find the ones on the west steps.
So I decided earlier in the week to take one and cut it up for a pie. It took me all day to cut it up, scrape it off, cook it, and grind it in the food processor. I only got one pie made and I was exhausted, plus my kitchen was a mess. By the next day I put my kitchen in order and bagged up the rest of the pumpkin for the freezer.
I thought about the Pilgrims in the first Thanksgiving and wondered how they managed to get it all together. They even had to feed the Native Americans who brought the venison. Those women had to be of hardy stock.
Just recently I watched a program of the Pilgrims traveling across the ocean. It was quite a trip and some did not survive the water part of it. Many died later and they were down to a handful of people. Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Tilley was a part of that and her family did not survive. But Elizabeth did and later her marriage to John Howland was the first wedding in Plymouth Colony.
Lucy Bassett, out first teacher, was a descendent of Elizabeth and John Howland who came on the Mayflower. It has been an interesting story for Polo and one that needs to be looked at again. Polo does indeed have some interesting history.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Oregon Grade School’s ‘Crier’ chronicles student life
Otto Dick OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
Oregon Grade School’s newspaper was called “Crier,” referring to the town crier who was a public official who stood on a picnic table where people heard updates.
Here are some topics from an edition in 1939.
Grade 2: Three students are absent because of Scarlet Fever.
Grade 4: Miss Cann sent for a Be Kind to Animals Week Poster
In geography we are studying iron and steel.
We each took a bar of P and G soap to school! We pressed a pattern on what we wanted to make and cut around the pattern, smoothed it down and then painted it. We made Indian heads, skeleton heads, butterflies and apple blossoms. (P and G soap – Proctor and Gamble)
We have a fuzzy caterpillar in our rock garden. It has made a cocoon.
Mother is so sweet, she is always kind and very nice, she doesn’t have to be dressed in lace to show my mother’s grace, by Barbara James.
Myron Yorks accompanied his parents on a three-week trip to the west. He is now convinced that traveling is the only way to study geography.
The birdhouse contest closed the later part of April. There must have been a shortage of lumber in Oregon
as only three finished birdhouses.
Grade 6: Few are working overtime to finish our reed and raffia baskets.
Gum Chart: Mr. Kuethe made a chart for all the persons caught chewing gum during school time. He named the chart (Gum Mountain).
The pupils who were caught had to
put their gum on the mountain with their name beside it.
Book club meeting, hobbies, model airplanes, salt and pepper shakers and stamps. Deck Tennis? Captain Ball?
Mr. Kuethe: “When was Rome built?”
James L.: “At night. Mr. Kuethe: “Who told you that?”
James L.: “You did, you said Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Photo provided by Otto Dick
This photo shows a classroom at the Nash School.
Santa and a lighted parade all part of the fun at Polo Christmas Festival, on Saturday, Dec. 7
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
POLO – Santa Claus, a lighted parade and historic trolley rides are just three of the events planned for the Polo Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Presented by the Polo Chamber of Commerce, activities will be in the downtown area and include special offers at local businesses.
Here are some of the planned events:
8-10 a.m. – Doughnuts with Santa at Crossroads Community Church, doughnuts and drinks, photos with Santa 8:30 a.m. – Reindeer Run (benefitting Polo Public Library)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Craft and Vendor Show at Centennial School Gymnasium: crafters and vendors; FFA concession stand; cookie decorating and crafts for children
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – The Christmas Cupboard
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Second Hand Rose, free gifts for children, $5 fill-a-bag
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Our House Antiques
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Historical Trolley Rides starting at Polo Historical Society Building (Trolley provided by Gateway Trolley)
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Soup luncheon at Polo Church of the Brethren, soup, salad, rolls and dessert. Donations go to Children’s Ministry
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Winter Carnival at Crossroads Community Church
6:30 to 7 p.m. – Live Christmas music by Spontaneous Combustion Barber-
shop Chorus at Paul’s Park
6:45 p.m. – Parade of Lights in partnership with Polo High School FFA
7 p.m. – Santa’s arrival and Christmas tree lighting at Paul’s Park, drawing of 60/40 raffle winner
4 to 7 p.m. events
Blackhawk Area Credit Union –
Photobooth, Gingerbread House Contest, refreshments
First State Bank – S’mores holiday photobooth, popcorn and hot cocoa
Kim’s Gateway Antiques & Gateway Big Box Resale – Christmas carolers, cocoa, coffee and cookies
Lamplight Tavern – Food and drink
specials, kids activities and goodie bags
Lillian Noah Salon – Complimentary Christmas hair tinsel and adult Santa cocktails
Marco Nutrition – Meet and greet with Queen Elsa of Arendelle
Next Landscaping – Feed Santa’s “Reindeer” hosted by Polo High School
Northwestern Mutual – Facepainting
Polo City Hall – Vendor Booths: Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and American Legion; Photobooth with Liv’s Lense; Balloon Twisting artist
Polo Senior Center Refreshments –Festival of Trees and gifts for children; Lions Club Dinner Italian beef or hot dog, chips and drink, live music at 5 p.m. Polo Schools Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble, 6 p.m. Polo Schools Band
Studio 112 – Ornament craft, coffee, hot apple cider and treats
Under Pressure Therapeutic Massage – Make your own reindeer food
Forreston Fire Protection District adds new brush truck
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
FORRESTON – The Forreston Fire Protection District has added a new brush truck to its fleet of firefighting equipment that officials say will enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies and serve the community with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The new vehicle, a Ford F350, is equipped with the latest technology and safety features, including a Darley skid unit featuring a 300-gallon tank and 300 GPM pump. This acquisition represents a significant upgrade to the department’s capabilities, replacing a 54-year-old, 1970 Ford 250, officials said in a news release.
“The safety of our community is always our top priority,” Forreston Fire Chief Bob Meyers said. “This new firetruck enhances our ability to protect lives and property, it also provides
our firefighters with the tools they need to perform their duties safely and efficiently.”
The Forreston Fire Protection District thanks the taxpayers of Forres -
ton and the surrounding communities for their contributions to the district that enable us to acquire equipment like this, Meyers said.
“Special thanks to the family of the late Phyllis LaBudde, Forreston Mutual Insurance, and Kyle Groenhagen at Country Financial Insurance. Their contributions directly impacted our ability to purchase this equipment,” the release said.
The Forreston Fire Protection District has been serving the community since 1948, providing fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services. With a team of 32 dedicated members, the department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and businesses in Forreston and the surrounding communities.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in downtown Polo on one of the city’s fire engines, ready to light the community Christmas tree at the 2023 Polo Christmas Festival. This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 7.
Photo provided by Forreston Fire Protection District
The Forreston Fire Protection District has added a new brush truck (right) to its fleet of firefighting equipment replacing the old truck (left).
Light It Up
Oregon man’s holiday service brightening up homes across Sauk Valley
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
OREGON – What started as a joke between friends is quickly turning into a growing business for an Oregon man.
Miller’s Festive Lights is a new seasonal service that rents and installs colored holiday lights outside of customers’ homes. Owner Jonathan Miller, who also works in the maintenance department for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, said the idea for the business started as a joke he made one evening.
“All my friends ask me to put up their Christmas lights for them,” Miller said. “So, I jokingly said I was going to start charging people to do it this year. I did a few of them, and it’s turned into a substantially larger thing than I anticipated.”
Miller starts taking orders in September and meets customers at their homes to take measurements, discuss display options and provide them with an estimate. Customers can either use Miller’s lights or have their own installed and enjoy them until after Jan. 1, when Miller will schedule a time to remove them.
“I like going out to their house so I can see exactly what it looks like,” Miller said. “Then, when I do my quote, I can give them multiple options. I also don’t charge more for having them installed earlier in the season. By getting them installed early, customers can also use them at Thanksgiving or Halloween if they want.”
Miller even has a way to streamline the process for repeat rental customers.
“I cut my lights to size specifically for the house,” Miller said. “That way when I take them down at the end of the season, I can label them for next year, so I know exactly which lights go where, and they’re already ready to go.”
The rapid success of the business already has Miller looking toward the future.
“We’re already starting to figure out how we can expand and make it more efficient,” Miller said. “Right now, my family helps me out here and there, but it’s essentially just me running around taking measurements, providing quotes and doing the installs. It’s a lot for one person, and I’ve had a lot of requests – more than I would have ever dreamed.”
Miller can be reached for more information at millersfestivelights@gmail.com or by calling 815-501-3395.
Polo theater group to present Christmas show in December
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawlocal.com
Polo Area Community Theatre is in rehearsals for its Christmas show “FrUiTCaKeS” to be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 and 14, at the Polo Town Hall, 117 N. Franklin Ave. Mix together an enormous batch of fruitcakes, three-dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor lights, a plague of
chickenpox, two Southern spinsters, a lonely old man, a singular police officer, a bunch of kids in a Christmas pageant and a fruitcake thief all living in a tiny Georgia town and then add a runaway from the big city and you’ve got “FrUiTCaKeS.”
The cast of 21, including 13 area children, have been rehearsing since early October.
Tickets are available at polotheatre. org or at the door.
Photo provided by Miller’s Festive Lights
Jonathan Miller sits atop a house he decorated with Christmas lights. Miller of Oregon owns Miller’s Festive Lights.
Photo provided by PACT
Cast members rehearse a scene for PACT’s Christmas show “FrUiTCaKeS.”
Rochelle’s Roberts Armory preserves WWII equipment while honoring those who served
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
ROCHELLE – Charles Roberts started preserving World War II equipment and memorabilia in 1987 when he acquired a 1943 White half-track.
Thirty-seven years later, that passion has evolved into a machine shed filled with 25-plus vehicles and the creation of Roberts Armory, a museum designed to help future generations learn about the armored vehicles, artillery and other artifacts used by the U.S. in World War II.
Roberts’ first purchase, a halftrack, is a vehicle that uses tracks and wheels. According to Roberts, the design was originally conceived by the Russians around 1914, but developed by the Citroen Co. in France. The U.S. Army purchased a license to develop half-tracks and retrofit existing vehicles. Roberts’ half-track was built by the White Motor Co. while others were built by the Diamond-T Motor Co., Autocar Co. and International Harvester.
“As a child, I was interested in military vehicles,” said Roberts, who operates the museum with his wife, Lydia, south of Rochelle at 2090 Brush Grove Road.
Charles, who served in the Army from 1968-70, didn’t know that first purchase would turn into a lifelong passion. “I didn’t buy it as an investment,” Roberts said. “I have an interest in history.”
That interest compelled Roberts to buy other vehicles and restore them to working order. “Some of the vehicles were in bad shape, but now everything we have here runs,” he said.
Working so well, in fact, that the Armory’s vehicles are often used in World War II reenactments and parades held across the region.
Many Armory vehicles recently took part in Midway Village’s massive two-day reenactment in Rockford.
Roberts built the large building that houses the museum in 2010 to provide proper shelter for the vintage equipment that fills the structure from wall to wall.
“It’s good to have a controlled environment for the vehicles,” Roberts said. “The building is insulated and we use waste oil to heat it.”
He hopes his extensive collection sheds light on the tools used by World War II veterans who fought in all the battles.
“They made so many sacrifices,” he said.
Roberts also has written books
about some of the military vehicles used in World War II and has included many historical photos. Links to his books can be found on the Armory’s website along with detailed information and history on each vehicle.
Here are just a few of the entries about some of the vehicles that are on display:
Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel “Higgins Boat” – A landing craft could carry a Jeep, tow a gun or a platoon of soldiers. Some of these boats were constructed with an outer skin of plywood while others with traditional planks.
1939 Cadillac 60 Special Staff Car – As World War II approached, the U.S. Army started purchasing Cadillacs to replace older luxury staff cars. Gen. George S. Patton used a 1939 Cadillac at the end of the war. He was involved in an accident with his 1939 Cadillac in December 1945 that resulted in his
death 12 days later.
M5A1 Light Tank “Stuart” – During the 1930s the United States Army did not consider tanks to be a relevant weapon on the battlefield, but German victories in Europe exploiting firepower and mobility of tank warfare rekindled interest in tanks among U.S. military leaders, resulting in development plans for a light tank. Several models of the light tank were developed, including the M1, M2 and M3 series. In 1942, production began on the M5 series light tank at the Cadillac Division of General Motors Corp. In September 1942, design improvements were made, culminating in the M5A1. A total production of 6,810 M5A1 tanks occurred from 1942 to 1944.
M16 Half-Track – A half-track uses both tracks and wheels as running gear. The half-track was conceived by the Russians around 1914 but successfully developed by the Citroen Co. in
France. The U.S. Army purchased a license to develop half-tracks and experimented with half-track adapters. These were track units that could be retrofitted to existing vehicles. The mobility of the vehicle improved markedly when using these adapters. The scout car M3 was retrofitted with tracks, culminating in the classical design. Half-tracks were built by White Motor Co., Diamond-T Motor Co., Autocar Co. and International Harvester.
1944 M7 Allis Chalmers Snow Tractor –This vehicle was used by the U.S. Army Air Corps and the 10th Mountain Division to haul material on sleds and to rescue downed pilots. The drive train is a standard Willis MB with a two-speed Allis Chalmers gear box. The body, track and under-carriage were made by Allis Chalmers. For information on Roberts Armory, visit robertsarmory.com.
Earleen Hinton
Charles and Lydia Roberts stand among their many World War II vehicles at Roberts Armory, a WWII historical museum near Rochelle. The museum also features other memorabilia and items from the era.
Longtime OSF HealthCare employee will become president of Dixon’s KSB Hospital
OSF will take over operations at
KSB Jan. 1
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
DIXON – In anticipation of OSF HealthCare taking over operations at KSB Hospital in Dixon on Jan. 1, a longtime OSF employee was selected as president and a longtime KSB Hospital employee was selected as vice president, according to a Tuesday news release from OSF.
Jackie Kernan, who has been a part of OSF since 2009, will become president of OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center, which will be KSB Hospital’s new name. It will be the third time Kernan has led a community hospital undergoing a merger with OSF.
As president, Kernan, who is replacing KSB President and CEO David Schreiner, will take the lead aligning the hospital with OSF HealthCare’s overall strategy. She will also be responsible for directing all internal operations “while continuing to ensure that high quality and cost-effective health care is delivered to all patients,” the release said.
“Jackie [Kernan] has been a trusted and respected leader for the communities of Princeton and Kewanee, and I know she will do the same for the Sauk Valley communities,” AJ Querciagrossa, CEO of OSF HealthCare’s western region, said in the release.
Kernan earned her Bachelor of Sci-
ence in nursing from the University of St. Francis and her Master of Science in nursing management leadership from the Saint Francis College of Nursing.
Kernan currently serves as president of OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee, formerly known as Kewanee Hospital. The hospital affiliated with OSF in 2014, according to osfhealthcare.org, and Kernan became president in 2018.
She also is president of OSF HealthCare Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, which was formerly known as Perry Memorial Hospital. That hospital officially became part of OSF in 2021, which is the same year that Kernan became president.
According to the release, she will continue to act as interim president at these locations until a new president is named.
As for vice president, Drew Fenner, former vice president and chief quality officer of KSB Hospital, was selected for the position. Fenner has been a part of KSB for over 10 years.
At OSF Saint Katharine he will oversee operations and special projects,
according to the release.
The partnership between KSB and OSF HealthCare was made official May 10 when the two organizations announced in a news release that they’d signed a term sheet and anticipated a full merger. KSB will be renamed OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center, in honor of Catholic Saint Katharine Drexel, as it becomes the 17th hospital in the OSF ministry, the release said.
KSB Hospital, which employs 920 people, is an independent, nonprofit organization. The hospital is an 80-bed facility that offers traditional inpatient and outpatient services in downtown Dixon. KSB also operates an integrated medical group with 70 practitioners providing medical services in primary and select specialty areas at six locations in Lee and southern Ogle counties.
The agreement includes $40 million in funding for facility renovations, to improve access to care locally and to create seamless referrals to subspecialties. With the affiliation, KSB expects the continued employment of its staff, significant investments in building and technology and enhanced access to specialty resources in the local community.
KSB began formally exploring potential partnerships back in February because of escalating operating and staffing costs, as well as changes to health care financing and how patients use health care.
According to a resolution presented
to the Dixon City Council on Aug. 5, KSB’s board analyzed the feasibility of continuing to operate the hospital independently and found that it would likely lead to its closure.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital experienced an increase in expenses including wages, pharmaceuticals, utilities, facility costs and medical supplies.
Those increased expenses were not covered by increased reimbursement rates because KSB, like other rural hospitals, serves a large portion of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse at a lower rate than commercial insurance, according to the resolution.
As a result, KSB operated with negative margins in 2022 and 2023. Those operating margin challenges led to the erosion of the balance sheet and in January 2024, the hospital’s cash on hand dropped to five days, which made it impossible to borrow funds and reinvest in the organization, according to the resolution.
OSF HealthCare, headquartered in Peoria, has 16 hospitals with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF has about 24,000 employees, known as “mission partners,” across more than 150 locations.
It operates OSF OnCall, a digital health operating unit; OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; OSF HealthCare Foundation; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups.
Oregon OKs resolution against proposed solar project
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – City commissioners unanimously agreed Nov. 26 to go on the record against a proposed solar farm, slated just south of the city limits.
Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said the city needs to advocate for a more “appropriate” use for property near the west bank of the scenic Rock River and has a right to comment on the project because the property and proposed project is within 1½ miles of the city.
“This is not completely in the hands of the city,” Commissioner Tim Krug said.
“The actual approval will be by the county board,” Williams said, “but
this is within the 1½ miles and our resolution will be presented to the county board.”
Pivot Energy of Denver, Colorado, has indicated it is considering constructing a “small solar farm” at 1209 S. Second St., south of the city limits on the east side of Illinois 2, north of County Farm Road.
The 73-acre site is zoned light industrial by Ogle County. Most of its acreage is being used for agricultural purposes and this season was planted in corn. A house is located on just over one-half acre of the property. The property is bordered on the north by F.N. Smith Manufacturing and on the south by County Farm Road. A portion of the property is a few yards west of the river.
The entire parcel falls under juris-
diction of Ogle County and is not within Oregon’s city limits.
“Oregon is not against solar farms,” Williams said during a Nov. 12 meeting. “Just not necessarily on a riverfront.”
In October 2022, the City Council approved a solar farm west of the Century Hill subdivision on the west side of the city. That project was followed by an annexation agreement with USS Ducks Solar, a subsidiary of Midwest-based US Solar, to annex a 70.64acre parcel into the city.
“One hundred years ago, cities placed industries along the riverfront. That was a mistake,” Williams said during a Nov.12 meeting. “We have learned now that there are more suitable uses.”
Williams told the council that river-
front property is “highly desirable” and the city’s comprehensive plan forecasts that acreage as a potential for future housing development.
Commissioner Terry Schuster echoed Williams’ concern, noting that the proposed location was one of the few areas left where potential residential development could occur. “There aren’t many places left. This is an area that could be developed,” Schuster said.
The resolution says the Pivot Energy project should not be placed along the riverfront.
“Today the cities of Rock Falls, Sterling, and Dixon are spending millions of tax dollars to fix that mistake, recognizing the economic potential in
Jackie Kernan Drew Fenner
12-year-old admits to sending threat to ‘shoot up’ Oregon High School in September
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A 12-year-old Oregon boy has admitted to posting a threatening message on social media in September to “shoot up” Oregon High School.
The boy was adjudicated for the offense of disorderly conduct and was sentenced Nov. 26 to 12 months of court supervision with several conditions, including staying away from Oregon School District property.
He was charged in September with making a terrorist threat and disorderly conduct, both felonies, following his post on social media that said, “I am going to shoot up Oregon High School on Sept. 20, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.”
During his Nov. 26 hearing, he admitted to the lesser charge, disorderly conduct – a Class 4 felony – and through a negotiated plea agreement, the charge of making a terrorist threat was dismissed.
“These are legal terms, and you are 12,” Judge John “Ben” Roe told the boy, who was represented in court by Ashley Davis of Rockford. “I just want to make sure you understand everything.”
“Yes, your honor,” the boy replied as his mother sat behind him in the public section of the courtroom.
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.”
Davis told Roe that a resolution had been reached with Assistant
State’s Attorney Richard Russo, who represented the state of Illinois.
Davis said she had discussed the sentence with the boy and his mother before Tuesday’s court session began.
Russo concurred and asked Roe to include the restriction that the boy can’t enter property of the Oregon school district. Russo said it is possible that because of the boy’s age, that condition could be revisited in the future if all of the other terms of his supervision are adhered to.
Roe agreed and added the condition barring the boy from school property.
The boy was charged after an FBI agent alerted Oregon Police Chief Matt Kalnins of the Sept. 18 threat.
According to court records, Kalnins met with the boy and his mother the next day, Sept. 19, and the boy admitted to 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.
FBI agents determined that the IP address for the post came from the boy’s home and not the classmate’s, who told police he only knew the boy through playing the video game “Fortnite.”
Police officers quickly determined that the 12-year-old did not have access to weapons.
Kalnins and District 220 Superintendent P.J. Caposey issued a joint news release Sept. 19 noting that 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, after the school’s homecoming parade and bonfire.
According to court records, the boy told police that 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.
“He said he never intended to hurt anyone,” Russo told Roe on Tuesday.
Under the plea agreement, the boy must follow all conditions set by the Ogle County Probation Department, including any curfews, assessments and counseling if deemed necessary. Other common conditions for supervision sentences include no consumption of alcohol or medications unless prescribed by a medical doctor.
The boy also must continue to attend school and provide proof of attendance to the court. The boy has been a student at the Chana Education Center since the charges were filed.
“You can’t have any guns ... including BB guns, and you are subject to any random urinalysis ordered by probation,” Roe told the boy. “Do you understand?”
“Yes, your honor,” the boy replied. He also was ordered to complete 30 hours of public service work.
Tuesday was the boy’s third court appearance since the charges were filed.
The juvenile justice system for people ages 10 to 17 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 charges against the boy were filed after several incidents across the U.S. that prompted the FBI to post “Think Before You Post: Hoax Threats are Serious Federal Crimes” on its 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 seriously. Hoax threats are not a joke, and they can have devastating consequences, both for the public and for the perpetrators.”
Issuing a threat even over social media, via text message or through email is a federal crime under threatening interstate communications. Those who post or send threats can receive up to five years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges, according to the FBI.
The boy’s next court date is 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 for an expungement hearing, where defense attorneys and prosecutors present evidence and arguments to support their positions on whether to expunge a record.
Teen facing murder charges will move to adult jail when 18
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
DIXON – The Ashton teen charged with murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend will be move from a juvenile detention center to an adult facility Dec. 18 when he turns 18, a Lee County judge ruled Monday.
David J. Sosa, 17, is being held at the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center on four counts of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Jaedyn A. Hill. Sosa has pleaded not guilty, Lee County Assistant Public Defender Doug Lathe said.
On Monday, Sosa appeared via video call before Judge Jacquelyn D.
Ackert for a status hearing.
Lee County Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Brim told Ackert that Sosa is charged as an adult but cannot be housed in the Lee County Jail, an adult detention center, until he is 18 unless he is able to be separated from the general population. However, those restrictions lift Dec. 18, Sosa’s 18th birthday.
Brim asked for Sosa to be transported on Dec. 18 from the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center to the Lee County Jail.
Without objection from Lathe, Sosa’s defense attorney, Ackert approved the transport order.
Sosa’s charges stem from Oct. 15
when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Rochelle Police Department that a teenager, later identified as Sosa, had walked into the department’s lobby. The teen said he was involved in a murder and provided information.
Lee County deputies then went to 702 Richardson Ave., Apt. A, in Ashton, to conduct a welfare check and discovered Hill’s body in the apartment, Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan has said.
According to court documents, Sosa 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 south-
east bedroom of the two-bedroom apartment with a belt around her neck and a knife on the floor near her body, court documents show.
An autopsy conducted the morning of Oct. 16 at the Peoria County Coroner’s Office preliminarily determined that strangulation was the cause of Hill’s death.
Sosa and Hill, who turned 16 on Oct. 6, were in a dating relationship and lived at the apartment together, Whelan said.
The couple also share a child together who has been living with relatives.
Sosa will appear in court next for a pretrial hearing at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19.
FORREST EUGENE FLOTO
Born: November 21, 1951 in Freeport, IL
Died: November 29, 2024 in Mt. Morris, IL
Mt. Morris, IL - Forrest Eugene Floto, age 73, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 in his home with his family by his side after a short illness.
Forrest was born on November 21, 1951 in Freeport, IL the son of Harvey & Thelma (Derby) Floto. He graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1969. Forrest really enjoyed the young Ladies he spent time with, learning from each and every one of them, then he met Pam Whitten in 1974, and he said “it couldn’t have been any better,” and married her on August 8, 1980 , in Rockton, IL. He told Pam: “how do you know you have the best if you haven’t tried the rest.” Forrest had three children and he was proud of them.
Forrest worked his family farm, and one of his passions was working with his cattle.
Forrest became a 4-H leader at the age of 21, and remained a leader for 34 years, he was involved in the extension youth council, FFA alumni for an extended amount of time, he served as president for the new
fairgrounds starting in 1993 and served as president for 6 years, and he helped build the new fairgrounds, he served on the board for Ogle County Farm Bureau, Ogle Service Co., Blackhawk Service, and then Carroll Service. Forrest’s favorite past times were Sunday drives, pickynickys and parades, going out to eat with friends, weanie roast, and farm beautification.
Forrest is survived by his wife: Pamela Floto, Mt. Morris, IL: 3 three children: Katherine (Ryan) Byers, Forreston, IL, Alison (Albert) Smith, Leaf River, IL, Andrew (Kori) Floto, Mt. Morris, IL; 4 grandchildren: Delaney Byers, Alana and Allan Smith, and Hadley Floto; 5 older Floto girls, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Forrest is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter: Christina Ann; his in laws; and 2 brother in laws.
A funeral will be held on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL; with Rev. Larry Jameson officiating. A burial will be held in West Grove Cemetery, Forreston, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday December 6, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.; and another visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mt. Morris Fire Station and/or Serenity Home & Hospice. In Forrest words “Whatever”
OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Warranty Deeds
Lynn Hamilton to Robert Scarbrough and Meagan Hoadley, 821 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, $122,500.
Nachusa Ii Lllp to Matthew C. Gusse and Colline N. Gusse, no parcel number given, $225,248.
Melvin P. Wimer Jr. to Margaret Anne Tyne, two parcels in Buffalo Township, $2,107,400.
Kay L. Brooks to Kay L. Brooks, trustee, and Kay. L Brooks Trust, 205 W. Pine St., Forreston, $0.
David R. Buzzo and Stephanie L. Buzzo to Jesus Medina, 1031 Northwestern Ave., Davis Junction, $309,000.
Ashley B. Goner and Dillon D. Upchurch to Kevin Holder and Stacey Holder, 2112 Southfield Lane, Byron, $265,000.
Shelly A. Kaupas to Timothy Lee Philipp, 504 N. Fifth St., Oregon, $215,000.
Christine M. Probst and Christine M. Jenkins to Jordan R. Obert and Shelby E. Obert, 180 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $246,500.
Quit Claim Deeds
Preston N. Brown and Ashley N. R. Brown to Preston N. Brown, trustee, Ashley N. R.
Larson elected chair of Ogle County Board
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
Brown, trustee, Preston N. Brown Trust and Ashley N. R. Brown Trust, 6524 N. Deer Path, Oregon $0.
Haywell LLC - Mill Creek to Hre Builders LLC, 375 Mill Ridge Drive, 363 Mill Ridge Drive, and 351 Mill Ridge Drive, Byron, $0. Kristy K. Groharing to Kristy K. Groharing Rev Trust, 1176 W. Second St., Byron, $0.
Richard D. Faivre and Linda L. Faivre to Richard D. Faivre and Linda L. Faivre, one parcel in Lincoln Township,: eight parcels in Buffalo township, one parcel in Woosung Township and one other parcel, $0.
Trustee Deeds
Joseph Jacobs, trustee, and John E. Jacobs Trust to Laura Dewey, 8833 W. Woosung Road, Dixon, $0.
Joseph Jacobs, trustee, and John E. Jacobs Trust to Joseph Paul Jacobs, 8753 W. Woosung Road, Dixon, and 8833 W. Woosung Road, Dixon, $0.
Deeds in Trust
Nancy Kay Becker and Howard E. Becker to Old Second National Bank of Aurora Tr8779 and Old Second National Bank of Aurora, trustee, one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $183,447.
OREGON – Bruce Larson, 66, of Stillman Valley, was chosen chairman of the Ogle County Board following a 20-0 vote during Monday’s reorganizational meeting at the historic Ogle County Courthouse.
Larson replaces John Finfrock, who retired last month following 14 years on the board, five as its chairman.
“I will try and be the best Ogle County Board Chairman since John Finfrock,” Larson joked after the vote.
Vice Chairman Patricia Nordman
of Oregon was reelected as vice chairman, also by a 20-0 vote. Four members were not present at Tuesday’s meeting.
“Thank you everyone for having confidence in me,” Nordman said. After the meeting, Larson said he intends to help “grow the county in a sensible way.”.
“I don’t intend to shake up anything drastically,” he said. “I appreciate the other board members’ votes of confidence.”
Larson joined the board after retiring as a public service administrator for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. “I worked there for 30 years,” he said.
Earleen Hinton
Bruce Larson, 66, of Stillman Valley, was chosen as chairman of the Ogle County Board on Monday.
Indiana man accused in Ogle County of sexually assaulting 7-year-old
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – An Indiana man accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old between June and November will appear in Ogle County Court again Dec. 4.
Casper W. Jennings, 34, of South Bend, Indiana, is charged with five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, Class X felonies, and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony.
Jennings appeared in court Tuesday, Nov. 26, with his attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, for a detention hearing.
After hearing evidence presented by Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Heather Kruse and attorney arguments, Ogle County Judge Anthony Peska denied Jennings’s pretrial release.
Court documents indicate Peska ruled that Jennings should not be
released because of the “nature and circumstances” and “regularity” of the alleged offenses. He also cited Jennings’ job in the trucking industry and “reported ongoing sexual assault” of the girl while in a “position of trust and authority,” as additional reasons to deny his release.
Rochelle police arrested Jennings following an investigation, in cooperation with Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center in Dixon, an agency that investigates allegations of physical or sexual abuse.
Jennings is scheduled to appear in court again at 10 a.m. Dec. 4.
Class X felonies are punishable by six to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. A Class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven years in prison.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT NO. 506
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Community College District No. 506 (Sauk Valley Community College), Counties of Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside and State of Illinois for 2024 will be held on December 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL RT 2, Dixon, Illinois, 61021.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact: Peggy Eshleman, Assistant to President & Board, Email: peggy.eshleman@svcc.edu, Phone: (815) 835-6311.
from page 8
residential, commercial, and recreational uses,” according to the resolution, “and whereas, today we recognize there are more suitable sites for solar and industry that do not conflict with critical ecosystems or community interests.
“The City of Oregon does not want to see the legacy for our future generations follow the same mistakes made 100 years ago,” according to the resolution, asking the County Board “respectfully requests any application for a solar farm on the above-described property be denied.”
Prior to an Oct. 23 informational meeting on the project, presented by Pivot Energy, Williams outlined his concerns in a written statement.
“There are more suitable locations for industrial zones that do not conflict with critical ecosystems or community interests,” he said. “Our comprehensive plan has that parcel designated as residential. Riverfront residential properties can boost local economies through increased property values and tax revenues. They attract businesses that cater to residents, such as cafes, shops, and services, fostering a thriving local economy while drawing visitors and tourists.
“Riverfronts naturally offer stun-
ning views and scenic landscapes. Residential developments can enhance these spaces, creating picturesque neighborhoods that draw homebuyers and investors, while industrial sites tend to detract from the natural beauty of the area.”
And he said the installation and maintenance of solar panels may introduce pollutants into the water, especially if chemicals or runoff from maintenance activities contaminate the river.
The Oct. 23 meeting included printed information, with questions and answers, about Pivot Energy’s “conceptual site plan.” Company representatives were available to answer questions and discuss the project, but no public question-and-answer session was offered.
That printed information outlined the benefits of solar arrays, details on the size of elements used in the project, and responses to frequently asked questions about solar farms.
The final questions was: “Why did you choose this location for the solar array?” with the answer: “The solar program requires that we connect to the existing power grid. We must find a landowner interested in entering into a lease with us who has land near existing distribution lines. The land must also be mostly flat, with no major issues preventing us from building a solar array.”
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2023 were $7,906,166. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $8,471,000. This represents a 7.14% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 were $2,007,379. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 are $1,999,162. This represents a 0.41% decrease over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2023 were $9,913,545. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $10,470,162. This represents a 5.61% increase over the previous year.
Casper W. Jennings
Private schools dominate state football finals, again
Andy Colbert COMMUNITY VOICES
There has been much hoopla in the IHSA offices in Bloomington this fall over the 50th anniversary of one of its prized possessions – the football playoffs.
However, with private schools dominating seven of the eight championship games, it became more about outrage than celebration for fans of high school football.
Social media in all corners of the state was abuzz with heated dialogue on the competitive advantage private schools have over the publics.
Yes, it been a long-running debate and the so-called “golden anniversary” of the playoffs became the perfect spark for it to explode into an emotional firestorm.
It all started in Belleville Althoff’s 57-14 win over Lena-Winslow in the 1A title game. Althoff’s offensive line averaged 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. Its star running back, recruited by the top team in college football, scored seven touchdowns, rushed for 438 yards and had an 80-yard pass reception.
If these classes were set up to allow small schools to have equitable competition, how is it that such size and overwhelming talent are found on a 1A team? Althoff in 1A is a mockery.
The competitive mastery continued in 2A, a 47-0 win by Chicago Christian over Maroa-Forsyth. Going into this year, CC had a losing record in the playoffs and even lost 42-6 in the first round to Maroa in 2023. It seems odd that they were able to get so much better in one year after decades of futility.
Class 3A has already been discussed in length with Montini and Byron playing the “championship” game in round two. After losing to Montini 49-8, Monticello may have wished the IHSA had canceled the remaining 3A games after Byron and Montini met.
Like 2A, the champion of 4A was a relative unknown. Chicago DePaul had never had a winning team in five years of playing football. All of a sudden, they exploded onto the scene and crushed Mt. Zion 40-6. How does a team make such a turn around in one year?
Maybe because you can draw kids within a wide swath of the Chicago
area. They also have back-to-back titles in boys basketball with former University of DePaul star Tom Kleinschmidt as their coach.
The only close game was in 5A, a 29-27 win by LaGrange Nazareth over Joliet Catholic. And, that was only because it was two privates going at it.
As expected, traditional big school powers Mt. Carmel (7A) and Loyola Academy (8A) continued the private school clean sweep with decisive wins. The only non-private to claim a state championship was 6A East St. Louis, an anomaly in that they can beat anyone in the state.
Another thing that East St. Louis and the private schools have in common is a propensity for penalties, be it taunting, unsportsmanlike or late hits. ESL led the way with 14-for-151 yards. Close behind was Althoff with 13-125, Mt. Carmel 12-120, DePaul 11-110 and Montini 8-85.
On a side note, one reason the 8A game started almost two hours late was because of all of the penalties earlier in the day. It was close to midnight before it wrapped up.
That lack of discipline starts at the top and is a reflection of what is being played out at the college and pro levels. That same weekend, fights broke
out at the finish of several college games because of taunting and retaliation. It got so bad between Michigan and Ohio State that the police used pepper spray on players.
In recent years, it has been said that people are full of anger in this country because of political issues and polarizing individuals. That’s a lie.
The real problem is the condition of one’s heart. That’s what needs to be changed and society’s message of blaming others is making the situation worse.
Many of the post-game college skirmishes came after a winner tried to plant his team’s flag on the opponent’s home field. That’s ego and pride.
Instead of rubbing it in someone’s face, how about simply shaking hands afterwards and being content as the winner?
Coaches appear to have lost control of their players at the college level. But, if you’ve reached a point where you are begging and financially enticing them to play for you, that’s to be expected.
For anyone’s heart to change, discipline is needed.
See PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC on page 14
Boys basketball
Oregon 66, Marengo 46: Oregon’s Kade Girton led five Hawks who scored in double figures with 15 points in the win.
North Boone 55, Oregon 48: Kade Girton scored 23 points for Oregon in the loss.
Oregon 62, Genoa-Kingston 57: Nole Campos had 12 points, and Girton added 15 in the win to take seventh.
South Beloit 65, Newman 44: Evan Bushman’s 11 points led the Comets with George Jungerman chipping in 10 in the loss. Coltan Porter led South Beloit with 27 points and Ross Robertson had 20.
Rockford Christian 77, South Beloit 73: Rockford Christian won the Oregon Thanksgiving championship. All tournament team members were: Kade Girton, Oregon; Christian Cummings, Rockford Christian; Elijah Daugherty, Rockford Christian; Ross Robertson, South Beloit; Colton Porter, South Beloit; George Jungerman, Sterling Newman; Cole Tillman, Mendota; Aidan Tillman, Mendota; Rylan Carton, Sherrard; and James Blackwell, Sherrard.
Girls basketball
Oregon 52, Mendota 40: Ella Dannhorn scored a game-high 21 points for Oregon in the win.
Stillman Valley 59, Eastland 36: Olivia
Oregon’s Kade Girton (34) makes a move to the basket against Newman on Monday, Nov. 25, at the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. Girton, a senior, was named to the all-tournament team.
Klinefelter had 12 points and nine rebounds, also earning a spot on the all-tournament team for Eastland.
Stillman Valley finished the Forreston tournament 5-0 to win it.
points with 10 rebounds for the Cougars in the win.
Wrestling Oregon 66, West Carroll 15: Earning pins for Oregon were Isaiah Perez, Preston LaBay, Landon Ege, Jackson Messenger and Landen Batton-Harriett. West Carroll’s Nathan Moore opened the dual with a fall. Jonner Smith and Cole Herrell also earned pins for the Thunder.
Oregon 51, Ottawa Marquette 29: Batton-Harriett earned a pin for Oregon and Ethan Mowry took a 7-4 decision in the dual win.
Polo 54, Woodstock North 5: Polo had five pins and four wins by forfeit in the victory.
Polo 42, Genoa-Kingston 30: Polo’s Shawn Patton, Ethan Dewey, Micah Stringini, Tyler Webster and Christian Ryia earned pins in the win.
Boys bowling
Pecatonica 60, Polo 31: Leah Tobin led Polo with 10 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
Eastland 50, Forreston 19: Olivia Klinefelter scored a game-high 21
Oregon 3101, West Central 1473:; Oregon 2848, Abingdon-Avon 2316: The Oregon Boys bowling team hosted a double dual match with Biggsville West Central and Abingdon-Avon at Plum Hollow Family Center in Dixon. The Hawks started the day with a 3101-1473 victory over West Central. The 5-person 3-game format match saw Oregon record its highest game of season 1176
See ROUNDUP on page 15
Earleen Hinton
Hawk grapplers begin season with 2 wins
By RANDY HOLLAND
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The Oregon wrestlers started the 2024-25 campaign with two wins, defeating Ottawa Marquette 51-29 and West Carroll 66-15.
Numbers made a big difference for the Hawks as they had six forfeits against both teams.
Taking the passes against the Crusaders were Tyshawn Gordy, Josiah Perez, Isaiah Perez, Nelson Benesh, Levi Benton, Jakobi Donnegan and Andrew Young.
Against the Thunder, Benton, Jakob Moser, Jack Tinsman, Landen Elder, Briggs Sellers and Josiah Perez got free sixes.
On the mat against Marquette, Preston LaBay got roughed up in a 21-5 major decision loss at 3:57. Jackson Messenger was taken to his back and pinned at 3:06. Landen Batton-Harriett ran a chicken wing at 1:29.
Ethan Mowry eked out a 7-4 win and Leyton Kenney was pinned in a chicken wing at 1:23. Landen Elder was turned with a butcher in 50 seconds. Sellers got tackled at the edge of the mat and went to his back in 49 seconds.
Against West Carroll, Isaiah Perez pinned with a wing and a half at 2:15.
LaBay pulled his opponent back in 46 seconds. Landon Ege hooked up a cradle in 48 seconds and it only took 46 seconds for Messenger to grab a half nelson. Batton-Harriett ran a half nelson in 52 seconds. Mowry never got rolling in a 9-4 loss.
Donegan was turned in a cradle at 1:42. At 106, Gordy was thrown in a hip toss and pinned at 1:46. The meet finished with the forfeit to Perez.
On the JV mat, Gordy was pinned in half nelson, and Dawson Alcala in the first period and Maxx George in the third both pinned.
Newman JV Tourney
The Hawks had 15 wrestlers place at the annual Sterling Newman Junior Varsity tournament.
Landon Ege and Jayden Berry took first place for Oregon. Boone Alderks and Jakobi Donegan finished second. Hunter Skoli, Dawson Alcala and Maxx George took third. Landen Batton-Harriett was fourth. Finishing fifth were Tyshawn Gordy, Kaden Rudy and Zayden VandeSand.
Sixth place medalists were James Kunz, Jakob Moser, Leyton Kenney and Yovanni Carreno.
The young Hawks are in action again next weekend at the Byron Fresh-Soph Tournament.
might not be a solution for.
Continued from page 12
At the high school level, is there more leniency toward players because they have allegedly been recruited to play for you? Also, does an attitude of superiority lend itself toward on-field bullying in the form of penalties?
The combination of a competitive advantage and poor sportsmanship by the private schools has rankled people in Illinois to perhaps its most extreme level, a truly seething cauldron that will carry over into next fall.
Much of the blame is directed at the IHSA, but that is being a bit harsh. They are in the unenviable position of finding a solution for something there
After a semifinal win over a very good Lincolnway-East team, quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald of Loyola said Lincolnway was hampered by playing a weaker schedule than Loyola sees in the Catholic League. If the state playoffs are a step down by the Catholic League, maybe they should have their own state tournament and leave the public schools alone.
Other states have done this and after what transpired at the 2024 state finals, it could be the time for the IHSA to institute such a separation.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
second game (235 average per bowler) highlighted by Matthew Stahl’s 297 game and Gavvin Surmo’s 257 game.
In a complete team effort, the Hawks were led by Caleb Ehrler with a 702 series (234, 213, 255), followed by Gavvin Surmo with a 651 series, Matthew Stahl 645 series, RJ Keene 581 series and Ethan Smice with a 522 series.
In the second match, Oregon defeated Abingdon-Avon 2848-2316. The Hawks were once again led by Caleb Ehrler with a 610 series (180, 239, 191) followed by Gavvin Surmo 605 series, Matthew Stahl 603 series, RJ Keene 545 series and Ethan Smice with a 485 series.
The JV boys received forfeits in each match but did bowl and were led in both sessions by Nolan Page with a 578 series and a 626 series.
Oregon’s Keene 12th: Oregon took 8th among 14 schools with a 4,685 tally. RJ Keene led Oregon with a 1,041 to take 12th. Oregon finished the 5-game team event with a
South Beloit’s Trudane Peterson (21) and Newman’s John Rowzee (23) battle for the basketball on Saturday at the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament held in the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
score of 4685 and an 8th place finish in the 14-school event.
Keene recorded games of 258, 174, 196, 193, and 220. He was followed by Gavvin Surmo with a 979 series, Matthew
Stahl 950 series, Ethan Smice 865 series and Caleb Ehrler with an 850 series.
Oregon entered 2 JV teams into the event with Oregon Red finishing in 4th place
with a 4322 series and Oregon White in 9th place with a 4,017 series in the 19-team field.
The Hawks JV was led by 4th place medalist Aiden Currier with a 988 series, followed by
10th place finisher Ivan Hernandez with a 953 series.
Girls bowling Oregon 1779, West Central 1556: In the season opening match, Oregon defeated West Central 1779-1556. The Hawks were led by Savannah Nagy with a 437 series (132, 170, 135) followed by Katlyn Miller with a 396 series, Carli Bailey with a 366 series, Ahren Howey with a 330 series and Delilia Anaya with a 250 series.
Abingdon-Avon 2036, Oregon 2076: Savannah Nagy again led the Hawks, rolling a 522 series when they hosted Biggsville West Central and Abingdon-Avon at Plum Hollow Family Center, Dixon. Oregon lost a very close 2036-2076 decision to Abingdon-Avon, in a match which saw Abingdon jump out to a 177-pin lead after two games, only to close the gap to 40 pins at the end of the third game. Carli Bailey had a 484 series, Katlyn Miller a 403 series, Ahren Howey a 319 series and Delilia Anaya a 308 series for Oregon.
These matches marked the return of the Oregon girls team bowling after insufficient numbers to field a team last season.
Earleen Hinton
Coleta Road, Sterling, IL 61081, as Representative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CLASSIFIED
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on November 8, 2024, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Estate of:
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before June 17, 2025, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: November 27, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
Community Banc Mortgage Corp PLAINTIFF
Vs. Justin Abell; et. al. DEFENDANTS
No. 2023FC30
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 07/07/2023, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on January 10, 2025 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S. 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
PIN 24-36-228-004
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 217 Southview Dr Rochelle, IL 61068
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, 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 qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Pla intiff and in "AS IS" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney.
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 successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.
The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information
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 informati on: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontag e Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-23-03345. I3256167
December 6, 13, 20, 2024
MARTHA M. GERTMANN, Deceased
No. 2024 PR 55 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of MARTHA M GERTMANN. Letters of Office were issued to DONNA BEHRENS, 17309 Coleta Road, Sterling, IL 61081, as Representative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Representative, or both, on or before June 17, 2025, and any claim not filed within that period is barred.
Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.
Dated: November 27, 2024
Donna Behrens, Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C.
Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 2024
Donna Behrens, Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C.
Attorneys for Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Forrestville Valley School District #221 is seeking applicants for the position of board member The term of office will be from January 15, 2025, until the election of April 2027. Applicants must be a United States citize n, at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the Forrestville Valley School District for at least one year, a registered voter, and may come from any congressional township in the district. Application forms are avai lable on the district website at www.fvdis trict221.org, at the District Office located at 601 E Main Street, Forreston, IL 61030 or by calling the District Office at (815) 938-2036. Application deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025. Interviews will be held on January 15, 2025, beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m.
December 6, 2024
The Forrestville Valley School District #221 is seeking applicants for the position of board member The term of office will be from January 15, 2025, until the election of April 2027. Applicants must be a United States citize n, at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the Forrestville Valley School District for at least one year, a registered voter, and may come from any congressional township in the district. Application forms are avai lable on the district website at www.fvdis trict221.org, at the District Office located at 601 E Main Street, Forreston, IL 61030 or by calling the District Office at (815) 938-2036. Application deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025. Interviews will be held on January 15, 2025, beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Hot Diggity Dog loca ted at 109 Amber Dr. Oregon, IL 61061
Dated November 8, 2024.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6, 2024
December 6, 2024
As sumed Name Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on November 8, 2024, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and postoffice address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Hot Diggity Dog loca ted at 109 Amber Dr. Oregon, IL 61061
Dated November 8, 2024.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6, 2024
NOTICE of MEETING DATE CHANGE FROM MT. MORRIS TOWNSH IP Notice is hereby given that the Mount Morris Township and Mount Morris Road District in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, will hold its regular Township meeting at 6:00 PM on December 19, 2024 instead of December 12th Said meeting will take place in the Township office, loca ted at 105 W Lincoln Street, Mt. Morris, IL 61054. Please feel free to contact the Township office if you have any questions at 815-734-4525. Dated this 25th day of November, 2024.
Paula Diehl, Township Clerk John Thompson, Township Supervisor
December 6, 2024
NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING MT. MORRIS TOWNSHIP & RO AD DISTRICT TAX LEVY
Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing on the proposed Tax Levy for Mt. Morris Township AND Mt. Morris Road District in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025 and ending March 31, 2026, will be on file and available for public inspection at 105 W Lincoln Street, Mt Morris Township office from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said Tax Levy will be held at 6:15 pm, Thursday December 19, 2024 to be held at the Township Office loca ted at 105 W Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, IL. Dated this 25th day of November, 2024
Paula Diehl, Township Clerk
December 6, 2024
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OTICES
CE OF HEARING MORRIS
TOWNSHIP & DISTRICT LEVY s hereby at there will lic hearing proposed Levy for Mt. Township Mt. Morris istrict in the of Ogle, Illinois, for fiscal year beApril 1, nd ending 31, 2026, on file and for public
n at 105 Lincoln Street, rris Townoffice from m to 4:30 Monday Friday is further iven that a earing on Levy will t 6:15 pm, Decem2024 to be the Townice loca ted W Lincoln Morris, IL. this 25th November, Paula Diehl, wnship Clerk er 6, 2024
Sometimes it really is as simple as black & white.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS
NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Se rvicing
PLAINTIFF
Vs.
Karrie H Pionek; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Dwayne M. Flusch; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Kipp Meyers, as Special Representative for Dwayne M. Flusch (de ceased)
DEFENDANTS
NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU:
Karrie H. Pionek
No. 2024FC44
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Dwayne M. Flusch
Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants
That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclos ure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 4924 Wendorf Road Monroe Center, IL 61052 and which sai d Mortgage was made by:
Dwayne M. Flusch
the Mortgagor(s), to GM Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 9905937; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.
NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answe r or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Kimberly A. Stahl
Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-1634
on or before January 6, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH TH E PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 794-5300
DuPage # 15170
Winnebago # 531
Our File No. 14-24-05937
NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3256546
December 6, 13, 20, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPO RATION, PLAINTIFF, VS. BRAD P SMALLEY; JESSICA L SMALLEY; SECRETARY OF HOUSI NG AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS
NO. 2024FC46
133 AUTUMNWOOD LANE DAVIS JUNCTION, IL 61020 JUDGE PRESIDING JUDGE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU, Jessica L Smalley
Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants defendants, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit:
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LOT ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (152) AS DESIGNATED UPON THE FINAL PLAT OF HARVEST GLENN PLAT NUMBER 5, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTH HALF (1/2) OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, THE PLAT OF WHICH SUBDIVISION IS RECORDED IN BOOK D OF PLATS ON PAGE 29 AS DOCUMENT NO. 0006588 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS Commonly known as: 133 Autumnwood Lane Davis Junction, IL 61020 and which said Mortgage was made by, Brad P Smalley and Jessica L Smalley Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Envoy Mortgage, LTD Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 201806459; and for othe r relief UNLESS YOU file your answer or other wise file your appearance in this case, on or before December 30, 2024, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. You have been sued. To participate in the case, you MUST file an official document with the court within the time stated on this Notice called an "Appearance" and a document called an "Answer/Response". The Answer/ Response is not required in small claims or eviction cases unless ordered by the court If you do not file an Appearance and Answer/Response on time, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could be held in default and lose the case. After you fill out the necessary documents, you need to electronically file (e-file) them with the court. To e-file, you must create an account with an e-filing service provider For more information, go to ilcourts.info/efiling If you cannot e-file, you can get an exemption that allows you to file in-person or by mail. You may be charged filing fees, but if you cannot pay them, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. It is possible that the court will allow you to attend the first court date in this case in-person or remotely by video or phone. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or visit the Court's website to find out whether this is possible and, if so, how to do this. Need help? Call or text Illinois Court Help at 833-411-1121 or go to ilcourthelp.gov for inf ormation about going to court, including how to fill out and file documents You can also get free legal information and legal referrals at illinoislegalaid.org. All documents referred to in this Notice can be found at ilcourts.info/forms. Other documents may be available from your local Circuit Court Clerk's office or website ¿Necesita ayuda? Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Illinois Court Help al 833-411- 1121, o visite ilcourthelp.gov para obtener información sobre los casos de la corte y cómo completar y presentar formularios.
PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1 N. Dearborn St. Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Forecl osure and Sale entered in the above cause on 07/07/2023, the Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois will on January 10, 2025 at the hour of 10:00 AM at Ogle County Public Safety Complex 202 S 1st St. Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
$40,995.00, DentDepot, Inc.
$10,365.96, Dinges Fire Company
$4,368.54, Edward Jones
$10,378.13, Elevated Safety
$5,723.40, Emergency Medical Product s, Inc.
$4,643.40, Emergency Apparatus Maint Inc
$2,984.20, Foster Coach Sales, Inc
$6,637.49, Global Life Liberty National $5,485.60, Guardian $4,174.96, IL Public Risk Fund $10,403.00, Illinois Department of Revenue
$35,406.69, Illinois Finance Authority
$60,000.00, Illinois Public Risk Fund $126,478.00, ImageTrend, Inc
$3,874.10, Internal Revenue Service
$125,543.37, Jack's Tire Sales & Service $3,003.06, Kunes Country Auto Group $43,747.26, Lauterbach & Amen, LLP
$22,435.00, MAGGIO Truck Center, Inc $2,900.00, Michael J Stenson $2,845.00, Mid-State Fire Repair $4,174.50, Mobile Electronics $12,276.46, Nicor Gas $3,758.78, Oregon Fire Pension Fund
$7,356.49, Pro Restorations, LLC $106,070.12, R&R Auto & Diesel Repair
$15,146.88, Rock River Auto Body $4,378.10, Sikich, LLP
$14,525.00, Targe tSolutions Learning LLC $3,454.10, Thompson Gas $2,686.98, Verizon Wireless $4,009.69, Wes' Tree Service $3,400.00, WEX Bank $24,239.56, Workforce Wellness & Compliance Services LLC $5,800.00, Zoll Medical Corporation $3,532.40 and all other disbursements less than $2,500 totaling $54,334.55
COMPENSATION: Under $25,000: Jeremy Adams, Chad Bergstrom, Jonathan Box, Lindsey Breeden, Anthony Breeden Jr., Steve Carr, Toni Giuffre, Timothy Grote , Marshal Hackerson, Michael Hoffman, Gregory Hunter, Joshua Lehrke, Riley Lofgren, Landen McKnight, Juan Ocampo, Richard Rhoads, Charles Riforgiate, Matthew Schnorr, Dallas Stalkfleet, Jennifer Stampfler, Lora Stevens McKee, Benjamin Welle; $25,000-$50,000: Lane Dinges, Riley Mead, Stephanie Wendt; $50,000-$75,000: No Employee s $75,000$100,000: Dustin Champlain, Daniel Groenhagen, Anthony Marchetti, Shane Mowry, Damien Vant, Daniel Welle
$100,000+: Michael Knoup
SUMMARY: Beginning Balance General 145,139 Ambulance Fund 186,525 Capital Fund 992,397 Non Major Fund 105,098 Total all funds 1,429,159 Ending Balance General 589,931 Ambulance Fund - Capital Fund 1,142,606 Non Major Fund 55,345 Total all funds 1,787,882
I, Richard Rhoad s, Secretary of the Oregon Fire Protection District, Ogle County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Annual Treasurer's Rep ort for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024 December 6, 2024
LOT THIRTY-THREE (33) IN FIRST ADDITION TO SOUTHVIEW IN THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK J OF PLATS, PAGE 40 IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS.
PIN 24-36-228-004
Improved with Residential COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 217 Southview Dr Rochelle, IL 61068
Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, 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 qua lity or quantity of title and without recourse to Pla intiff and in "AS IS" condition The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee 's attorney.
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 successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.
The property will NOT be ope n for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information
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 informati on: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontag e Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-23-03345.
I3256167
December 6, 13, 20, 2024
OTICES
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-001
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2025
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District General Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025: Expected Cash Balance-Fire-Sep 1, 2024
SECTION V. The Trustees shall have the power and authority during the aforesaid Fiscal Year from time to time, as in their judgment may be necessary, to make transfers among the various line-item appropriations for the purpose of meeting exigencies that may arise during the year to the extent permitted by law
SECTION VI. This Ordinance shall be known as Ordinance No. 2024-001 and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, Ogle County, Illinois, within thirty (30) days of the date hereof. The newspaper shall furnish a certificate of publication to the Secretary of the Fire Protection District, which certificate shall be placed in the official records of the Fire District and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ten (10) days of its publication.
recl osure e County, County Public otherwise at public described CITY OF OK J OF LLINOIS;
SECTION II. That the following sums of money be and they are hereby budgeted and appropriated for corporate purposes for the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Mt Morris Township, Ogle County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025 for the following purposes:
1.
2.
ose of the esidential for each eed $300, roperty is es levied ation as to condition
1/1/2007, assessment and g)(1) and ther than under the e entitled recourse tificate of Confirmation xpense of e subject esentation to check
SECTION III. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District Insurance Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2024, and ending August 31, 2025:
Cash Balance at
RIGHT TO RDER OF ILLINOIS
Codilis & IL 60527,
for the
Morris Fire Protection District’s Insurance Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning September 1, 2024, and ending August 31, 2025, for the purpose of paying insurance premiums: INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Insurance Package Premiums for General and Vehicle Liability, Casualty to Fire Trucks; Bodily
PASSED by the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District of Ogle County, Illinois this 18th day of November, 2024 and filed with the Secretary of the said Fire Protection District the same date.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Marjie Lindquist, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District
Approved by the President of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District of Ogle County, Illinois, this 18th day of November, 2024.
President CERTIFICATE
The undersigned Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, certifies that on the day and date hereof, she was the duly appointed, acting and qualified Secretary of the said Fire Protection District; that in her capacity as Secretary she is the official keeper of the records, minutes and resolutions of said Fire Protection District and that the document attached hereto is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No.
2024-001 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION
FOR THE MT MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING September 1, 2024 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2025.
the original of which is part of the official records of the said Mt Morris Fire Protection District. Dated this 18th day of November, 2024
Marjie Lindquist, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District
The undersigned certifies that on the day and date hereof, he was the duly appointed, qualified and acting President of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District; that on the day and date here of MARJIE LUNDQUIST was the duly appointed, qualified and acting Secretary of the said Mt Morris Fire Protection District and in such capacity was the keeper of the official records, minutes and resolutions of the said Fire Protection District.
Dated this 18th day of November, 2024
President of the Board of Trustees of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District
The undersigned, being the duly appointed and acting Treasurer of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District, as chief fiscal officer of said District, certifies that the estimate of receipts set forth above in Ordinance No. 2024-001 , being the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Mt Morris Fire Protection District for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025 correctly states the revenues, by source, anticipated to be received by the said Fire Protection District for the fiscal year indicated. This certification is made in compliance with the provisions of 35 ILCS 200/18-50.
