A helping hand makes all the difference. Everyone deserves acce food without fear of shame. Lets end the stigma behind food ins Resources and more information available at your local health department office.
MT. MORRIS TIMES
High school roundup
Find out how local high school teams
/ 15 SPORTS
Crimes and court
Oregon man pleads guilty to conservation crimes / 6
Grant Funded By CDC in Ogle, Whiteside, Carroll, and Lee Counties and Lee Counties
Earleen Hinton
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Frozen over
MT. MORRIS LIBRARY
Library Closed
The library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of Presidents Day.
Therapy Dog Holly to Read with Kids: Monday, Jan. 27
We have an exciting opportunity at the library with Holly, a local therapy dog. Holly will be here the fourth Monday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for 15-minute time slots. You can register a child for a time slot using the link on our Facebook Events page. The program is free for everyone, but you must register.
Ink with a Friend, 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10
We will be offering a card-making class with local crafter Liz Gullett. You will get all the materials to make two cards to take
home. Stop by to see the samples. There is a $5 fee when you register. Registration is limited so call the library or stop by to save your spot before Feb. 3.
Lego Night, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20
Bring the family out for some awesome brick building. We will pull out all the Legos for this night and kids can build whatever they imagine. Kids can put a name to their creation and keep it in our display for all to enjoy until the next Lego night.
Display Case Showings
Stop by to see our beautiful nativity set and the lovely winter scene. We always are looking for collectors or artists who are willing to share their treasures in our display cases. If you are interested, call 815-734-4927.
MT. MORRIS SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS
Winter Macrame Project: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28. Cost is $15 and all supplies will be provided. Sign up by calling 815-734-6335.
CORRECTIONS
Manicure or pedicure: Sign up for an appointment to get your nails done. You can get a manicure or pedicure without polish ($25) or a full manicure or pedicure with
Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
Book Donations Welcome
We are accepting donations for the next book sale. We cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest Condensed books, VHS tapes or audio cassettes.
Explore More Illinois
Explore More Illinois users can access and reserve passes for any of our attractions on the Mount Morris Library website, mtmorris-il.org, under the resources page. Visit the website to browse attractions.
Lions Club Glasses and Hearing Aids Collections
Donation boxes for eyeglass and hearing aid recycling are available at the library. When the boxes are full, they are picked up by local Lions members and dropped off at collection depots.
polish ($30). Call the center at 815-7346335 to reserve your time.
Diamond painting: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31. Paintings are available to buy.
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Earleen Hinton
A creek on West Grove Road, south of Forreston, is frozen over Jan. 21 after subzero temperatures fell across the region.
1 dead after Sunday house fire in Emerson
Cause of the blaze remains under investigation
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
STERLING – A 32-year-old woman has been identified as the victim of a Jan. 19 fire at her home in Emerson, which is located between Morrison and Sterling.
Christina M. Haugen died in the fire at 5500 Mill St. in Emerson, Whiteside County Sheriff John F. Booker announced Tuesday afternoon. An autopsy conducted Tuesday morning confirmed Haugen as the victim.
Fire crews responded to Haugen’s home about 3:15 p.m. Sunday. They made multiple attempts to search the interior of the structure but were forced to evacuate because of heavy fire conditions and a partial collapse of the ceiling on the first floor, according to a news release from the Sterling Fire Department.
During a recovery mission conducted at the residence Monday, the Sterling Fire Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal and Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office discovered a body inside the home about 2:30 p.m., Booker said.
Sterling and Rock Falls firefighters and CGH EMS were called to the scene for the structure fire. Mutual aid from surrounding departments, including Dixon Rural Fire and Polo, was requested while units were en route, the release said.
Sterling firefighters arrived on scene within 10 minutes and found heavy smoke and fire conditions
throughout the first floor of the structure. A second alarm was requested later, bringing a total of 16 departments to the scene, according to the release.
“This was one of the worst house fires I’ve seen in a long time,” Booker said. “A huge thank you to all the fire departments that responded to this. ... They did a fantastic job.”
Booker said weather played a role in
This was one of the worst house fires I’ve seen in a long time. ... The [fire departments] did a fantastic job.”
John F. Booker, Whiteside County sheriff
the fire because of the extreme cold.
Firefighters ran into some problems “with a little bit of issues with the equipment, but nothing that hindered or caused any problems with them fighting the fire,” he said.
The 16 fire departments fought the blaze in freezing temperatures into Sunday night. Because Emerson does not have a municipal water supply, tankers from surrounding fire districts continually shuttled water to the scene where it was then emptied into portable tanks that engines could draw from to battle the flames.
Because of the subzero windchill, a salt truck from Hopkins Township was called to the scene to spread salt after ice formed on Mill Street.
The cause of the fire continues to be investigated by the Sterling Fire Department, Illinois Fire Marshal and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
A Polo fire tender supplies water for a fire Jan. 19 in Emerson. Fire crews from across the region battled frigid temperatures fighting the blaze for several hours.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Firefighters from several departments battle a fire Jan. 19 in Emerson.
Alex T. Paschal
Investigators work Jan. 20 at the scene of a house fire Jan. 19 in rural Sterling. Firefighters discovered a body at the fire scene about 3 p.m. Monday.
Family members part of a couple of inaugurations
I always have been interested in inaugurations, and it does not make a difference who happens to be going into the White House. It just seems to be a festive time for our country. One year, my brother David and his wife, Rebecca, were invited to an inauguration and to an inaugural ball. I could not wait to hear all about it when they arrived home.
My sister Ruby Jean was part of the inaugural parade of Dwight D. Eisenhower and attended a fancy function afterward. She spoke of how she shook the hands of Gen. Omar Bradley on this occasion when she was part of the Women’s Army Corps. She was in the band and did many unique things. I have all of her letters and someday I need to put a book together for the family and museum. I, myself, had no desire to be in
POLO
HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
Washington, D.C., on any of those occasions as part of a crowd of thousands of people. I will watch gladly all the festivities on TV from my living room in the quiet of my home.
I was very interested in an article about moving in and out of the White House. This individual was responsible for packing up all of the things of the president who was leaving and sending them to the new address. They also have quite a storage area for furniture, paintings and all sorts of extra stuff that’s added to make the White House very lovely. Those things have to be put back into storage.
Then all the belongings of the new president arrive. During the inauguration all that stuff is put in place. The person in charge goes back to the storage area and pulls out all sorts of lovely things to blend in that make the White House exquisite looking again.
This individual and their committee spend the inauguration time packing up, loading a truck, putting away, unpacking a truck, rearranging, selecting from storage and making certain all is breathtaking when the new president walks in the door. They have very little time to watch any of the actual inauguration. They have to have a good decorating eye and work quickly. They are no doubt very skilled and have had good training. It was an interesting article.
The weather this year is very cold and I would rather watch all the fes-
tivities from the warmth of my home.
But it’s even a bit cooler than it usually is so I can hardly imagine what it must be like standing outside in Washington, D.C. You would have to be dressed very warmly if you were out in this weather very long. You also would have to be sipping on something very hot.
I think about all the animals out in this type of cold and how they are surviving when the very cold winds blow. My cat does not even step out in the garage, so she understands the warmth of the house. So we will be watching the festivities of our country covered with a blanket in my big chair.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Waterspout was topic in 1882 Oregon newspaper
The Thursday, July 6, 1882, Oregon newspaper had a story about a waterspout.
Other headlines is this edition were “One Man Killed and Several Injured –Houses Struck,” and “Horses and Cattle Also Succumb to Lightning – Great Damage to Property in Oregon and Elsewhere in the County.”
This event happened 11 years after the first C&I train entered Oregon and 20 years before the first car entered Oregon.
According to the article:
“Friday night witnessed the most disastrous storm ever in this locality at 1 p.m. with three dense black clouds appearing to come in contact over the town. This is a natural phenomenon but
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Those Were the Days set for Saturday, Jan. 25
OREGON – Officers and board members of the Ogle County Historical Society will present the Those Were The Days program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Oregon Depot, 400 Collins St.
An overview of the society’s mission to preserve and disseminate records and a
Otto Dick OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
seldom seen over land. It usually consists of a dense cloud of almost inky blackness shaped in a conical form from the sky to the earth.
“Great balls of fire rolled along the ground and many objects were struck by lightning. Our people did not dream of a flood 40 feet above the river and coming from where no water had come to them before. There was a rush from beds into the upper stories of homes that were surrounded with water. When morning came and the storm over, these Oregon
residents were surrounded with a sea of water.”
The following are samples of reported damage:
• All bridges in Pine Creek except two in that township were gone.
• All bridges were destroyed on the C&I railroad between Oregon and Forreston.
• A corncrib with 400 bushels of corn near Rochelle floated off.
• Aaron Perrine of Pine Creek lost two horses by drowning.
• Mr. W. Taylor’s new organ was completely submerged.
• Dr. Bunker entered his stable through a second-story window to rescue his horse. The animal’s head was still above the floodwater.
• William Williams, near Daysville, lost one horse by lightning. One was paralyzed and another blinded.
• A chimney on Mr. F. G. Jones’ residence was knocked down.
It was even reported that lightning entered Charley Marsh’s telegraph office and knocked a silver coin off the shelf located near the telegraph instrument.
Water reached the upper sash of the first floor of H.H. Delterrich’s residence and he and his children sought refuge in the garret.
I had to look up garret in the dictionary and discovered it means attic.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
discussion about the resources the organization has and the services it provides will be part of the program.
On display will be two paintings by well-known artists Harry Nurmet and Carrie Vaughn that recently were donated. Other historic artifacts can be seen as well.
Copies of the society’s recent quarterly
newsletter also will be available.
After the presentation, tours of the Nash House Museum and carriage house annex will be offered for small groups. Visitors are asked to come to the carriage house annex behind the Nash house at 111 N. Sixth Street to start the tour. The open flag will be flying. The public is invited to monthly
meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday. Donations are needed and graciously accepted.
For more information about the presentation or other depot topics, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, Chris Martin at 815-742-8471 or Otto Dick at 815-4400639.
– Shaw Local News Network
A small aircraft was found in a field near Byron on Jan. 15. The plane was not occupied and the pilot was located uninjured,
Plane makes emergency landing in field near Byron; no injuries
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
BYRON – No one was injured Jan. 15 when a small plane made an emergency landing in a field near Byron.
“We had a report of a plane crash at the west end of Stub Road north of Byron,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “We arrived on scene and found an airplane that had made
NEWS BRIEF
PACT to host trivia night fundraiser Jan. 25
POLO – Polo Area Community Theatre is hosting a trivia night Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Polo Room, 712 N. Division Ave. Get ready for a night of fun with food and beverages available to buy, raffle items and cash prizes for the top two teams.
Registration for teams of four to six
an emergency landing in the field and the pilot was nowhere to be found.”
The name of the pilot was obtained by the sheriff’s department through the plane’s tail number, an alphanumeric code painted on the tail or rear fuselage of the plane that identifies the aircraft.
“We made contact with him in the Dixon area. He was uninjured,” VanVickle said, referring to the pilot.
members ages 13 and older is being accepted by emailing info@polotheatre.org.
Registered teams will get a free answer.
Check-in starts at 6 p.m., with trivia beginning at 7 p.m.
Cost is $10 for each team member.
All proceeds benefit Polo Area Community Theatre. – Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office
Oregon man pleads guilty to conservation crimes
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com and CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com
OREGON – An Oregon man has been banned from hunting in Ogle County or visiting any of its state parks and fined $16,000 as part of his sentence for threatening a conservation police officer, violation of the wildlife code and theft.
Brandon S. Miller, 31, pleaded guilty to the charges Jan. 15 when he appeared with his attorney, Eric Morrow, in front of Judge Russell Crull.
“We have an agreement,” Morrow told Crull. Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten agreed.
Miller was facing multiple charges of poaching whitetail deer in Lee and Ogle counties and in October 2024 was charged with theft and unlawful possession of a controlled substance after a search at his home.
The October 2024 charges against Miller accuse him of knowingly taking “unauthorized control” of a U.S. savings bond worth between $500 and $10,000 in order to “deprive the owner permanent use or benefit.”
The charge of possessing less than 15 grams of Adderall, a controlled substance, and cannabis plants was dismissed.
Those charges came after an Oct. 3, 2024, search of Miller’s home by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Special Operations Unit with the assistance of the Illinois Conservation Police.
Miller already was facing multiple charges of poaching whitetail deer in Lee and Ogle counties, including one case in which Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police accused him of illegally taking six deer from Lowell Park, a Dixon city park and nature preserve that is off limits to
hunters.
Miller was ticketed Sept. 13, 2024, in Ogle County for possessing a “freshly killed” male deer during closed season. In that case, conservation police said they found Miller with a “bloody knife and bloody 13-point buck” at 3 p.m. on Brooks Island Road, just south of Oregon.
A violation of probation report was filed Oct. 21, 2024, stating that because of the new charges, Miller’s probation sentence for a 2022 burglary should be revoked. That charge also was dismissed Jan. 15.
Miller was sentenced to 30 months probation and also ordered to surrender any firearms – including all his crossbows – to conservation police. He also was ordered to pay $16,394 in fines and costs.
Conditions of his probation include having no contact with the conservation police officer and the theft victims and both of their families.
Miller threatened the conservation police officer on Oct. 3, 2024, when he said, “I’m going to beat you up in front of your wife” and used derogatory language about the officer and his wife, according to court records.
On Jan. 15, Miller told Crull he had one request – that 15 mounted deer heads taken during the search be returned to him.
Morrow told Miller that was not part of the plea agreement.
“You are not getting them back,” Morrow told Miller.
The heads have a value in excess of $3,000, according to the records.
Asked by Crull if he still wanted to plead guilty, Miller replied yes, telling the judge that although he could not read, he could sign his name.
Miller also “objected” to Leisten’s reading of a summary of the charges he was pleading guilty to, a common procedure during sentencing hearings.
“I wasn’t there,” Miller said when Leisten said [Miller] was at his Oregon residence when the search warrant was executed.
“You can’t object,” Morrow told Miller. “There may be some differences, but the facts are there.”
Crull continued with the sentence and again went over all of the conditions.
“You can’t hunt in Ogle County and you can’t go to any of the parks in Ogle County,” Crull told Miller.
Crull asked Miller how long it would take him to pay the $16,396 fine and court costs.
“Right now I am unemployed, but I’m going to figure it out,” Miller replied.
Crull ordered Miller to start paying $300 a month starting Feb. 24.
Crull also told Miller that he had been facing “numerous serious offenses” and must adhere to all conditions of the plea agreement or face more consequences.
“This [sentence] is a very good outcome for you,” Crull told Miller. “If it was me deciding, it would be much worse. It is going to be imperative that you do everything you are told to do by probation.”
Lee County charges
Miller pleaded guilty Jan. 16 in Lee County Circuit Court to one count of unlawful use of game, multiple violations, and was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay $889, which includes a $200 fine.
One count of unlawful use of game was dismissed, according to the plea agreement.
Miller was indicted Feb. 16, 2024, in Lee County court on the charge of unlawful use of game, which is punishable by two to five years in prison.
However, because of a previous felony burglary conviction in Ogle County within the last 10 years, Miller was eligible for an enhanced sentence of two to 10 years.
According to the indictment, Miller “knowingly possessed any animal part or parts, namely six whitetail deer, a species that is protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code, having a value greater than $3,000.”
According to the statute, the value is $1,000 per whitetail deer, plus $500 per point for antlered deer up to 10 points, and $750 per point for 11 points or more.
In that case, Miller was accused of taking four does and two bucks, one with an eight-point rack and one with an 11-point rack, for a total value of $18,250.
The indictment also included one count of unlawful use of game, multiple violations, which accused Miller of knowingly violating the statute multiple times.
The animals were taken on six occasions, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2023, conservation police said.
According to the conservation police field report, Miller was interviewed Oct. 17, 2023, by officer Randy Leannah about multiple deer takings between Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 2023. Miller initially said he took five, but Leannah learned of the sixth during the interview.
During the interview, Miller said he shot does on Sept. 27, Oct. 3, Oct. 4 and Oct. 8, 2023, the 11-point buck on Oct. 1, 2023 and the eight-point buck on Oct. 14, 2023, all with a crossbow.
Brandon S. Miller
State law prohibits area sheriffs from assisting ICE with mass deportations
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
DIXON – Sheriffs from across the Sauk Valley said state law forbids them from assisting with newly sworn-in President Donald Trump’s promise to “launch the largest deportation program in American history.”
In the months leading up to his inauguration Monday, Trump said he would declare a national emergency and use military assets to make good on his campaign promise of the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said state laws such as the Illinois Trust Act prohibit his office from assisting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement with detainers or acting on immigration status without a judicial warrant.
“The Attorney General can charge a law enforcement officer with official misconduct and potentially decertify them for cooperating,” Van Vickle said. “As a law enforcement officer in Illinois, we can’t even ask individuals about
to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities by limiting local and state law enforcements’ involvement in federal immigration enforcement. However, many law enforcement agencies feel the Trust Act leaves them in an impossible position by forcing them to choose between obeying federal immigration detainers or complying with state statute.
“I’m not going to do anything to get into trouble,” Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said. “Illinois has in the past filed lawsuits against two Illinois sheriffs. I do not want to be number three.”
The Trust Act was amended in 2021 with the New Way Forward Act, which prohibits ICE from contracting with Illinois correctional facilities to hold detained immigrants.
money to supplement the sheriff’s office, which is no longer available to us, and is being taken out of state.”
Trump’s border czar Tom Homan has promised that Chicago will be “ground zero” for the mass deportations. But Gov. JB Pritzker has said that while “convicted violent criminals” should not be allowed in the state, he also “has an obligation to protect” migrants and asylum-seekers who come to his city.
In a news release issued Monday, state Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, accused Pritzker of fearmongering.
their immigration status. That’s something that’s prohibited underneath the Trust Act.”
Enacted in 2017, the Trust Act is meant
“We’ve housed inmates for the federal government in Ogle County since the mid-90s,” Van Vickle said. “However, upon implementation of that amendment, we had to stop housing all of our ICE inmates. Those people are still being housed. They’re just being housed in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, we used that
“Gov. Pritzker is once again misleading Illinoisans,” McCombie said in the release. “Current deportation efforts already prioritize removing illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. It’s disappointing to see Gov. Pritzker distort the truth to try to score political points. We all want to live in safe communities, free of crime, and enforcing the law against those who break it is common sense. Instead of fearmongering, let’s focus on solutions that protect law-abiding citizens and ensure justice is served.”
Alex T. Paschal file photo Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle
JACQUELYN PETTIT
Born: March 14, 1931
Died: December 12, 2024
MT. MORRIS, IL – Jacquelyn Petitt passed away peacefully December 12, 2024. Jackie was born March 14, 1931, in Melrose Park, IL, to Vernon V. and Marguerite (Jorgensen) Smith. She graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, IL, and attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She married Dick Petitt on May 15, 1956 in Maywood, IL.
In late May of 1956, Jackie accompanied Dick, seeing the USA courtesy of the USAF. She, with her husband, owned and operated Mt. Morris Farm Supply Feed Mill and
KATHRYN L. COX
Born: October 5, 1946 in Dixon, IL
Died: January 14, 2025 in Dixon, IL
Kathryn Lynn Cox, 78, went to be with her Lord in Heaven Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center, with her loving family by her side.
Kathryn was born October 5th, 1946 in Dixon, IL, to Clinton George Ortgiesen and Mildred Edna (Deadmond) Ortgiesen. She graduated from Polo Highschool in 1964.
Elevators. Jackie and Dick liked entertaining, and held a large Kentucky Derby party yearly. They also enjoyed golfing and fishing at Lost Lake.
Jackie belonged to P.E.O., and was a volunteer at KSB for many years.
She is survived by a son, Rick Petitt of Franklin Grove, IL: daughter, Kim (Bob) Macklin of Mt. Morris, IL; daughter-in-law, Cindy Petitt of Trophy Club, TX; grandchildren, Jordan Petitt and Cara Petitt of North Carolina, and Molly (Eric) Towle of Oregon, IL: and great-grandson, Ezra Towle.
She was predeceased by her spouse; parents; brother, V. Richard Smith; and her son, Bradley V. Petitt
Memorials to Mt. Morris Fire Foundation and Serenity Home And Hospice, Oregon, IL.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.
Cremation rites were handled through Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL.
Kathryn married the love of her life, Edward Alan Cox on June 5th, 1964 in Dixon, IL. They celebrated 57 wonderful years together until his death in 2021.
Kathryn is survived by her three children, Randy (Michele) Cox of Maitland, FL, Sue (Carlos) Cox of Dixon, IL, and Cyndi (Andrew) Cunningham of Rochelle, IL; six grandchildren, Sean Cox, Dylan (Lily) Cox, Chandler Cunningham, Trenton Cunningham, Easton Cunningham, and Nicole Huggins; two great grandchildren, Brylee and Skyler; two sisters, Donna (Carl) Jaske of Columbus, OH, Wanda (Arthur) Willstead of Dixon, IL; five brothers, Mike (Mary) Ortgiesen of Mt. Morris, IL, Dennis (Tom) Ortgiesen and Steve Ortgiesen both of
March deadline for 2 Village of Progress scholarships
OREGON – The Village of Progress Foundation is offering two scholarships this year.
A $1,000 scholarship is offered through a joint effort between The Larry Young & Friends Charities and The Village of Progress Foundation. Larry Young & Friends Charities partners with The Village of Progress Foundation every year to help make the annual golf outing a success. Young also serves on the foundation’s board of directors.
Another $1,000 scholarship is through the generosity of the Cacciatore family. The Cacciatores have been longtime supporters of the Village. Wanda Cacciatore served on the Village of Progress board of directors for 10 years beginning in 1988. She has served on the
Rock Falls, IL, Carl (Barb) Ortgiesen and Clark Ortgiesen both of Mt. Vernon, IL; her dog Alice; and many friends and family. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Alan Cox on December 15th, 2021, her parents, Clinton and Mildred Ortgiesen, Edward’s parents, Edmund and Alice (Johns) Cox, and one granddaughter, Danielle Huggins.
Besides spending time with her family and friends, Kathryn enjoyed playing games at the senior center and with her family, watching the birds on her deck, and looking at her flowers. She volunteered many hours to the concession stands in Polo, and at the Polo Food Pantry. She also served on the board
foundation’s board for almost 30 years. The scholarship honors her husband, Pete, also an enthusiastic supporter of the Village. Pete died in 2014. To be eligible for either scholarship, the student must be a resident of Ogle County and be either a high school senior who is disabled or planning on attending college and majoring in an area related to the disabled or a full-time undergraduate college student who is disabled or is majoring in an area related to the disabled.
Applications must be received by March 15 and include at least two written references. The financial status of the applicant is not a consideration. For an application, call the Village of Progress at 815-732-2126 or visit www.villageofprogress.org.
– Shaw Local News Network
at the Polo Senior Center. She graduated as an LPN from Sauk Valley College in 1980 and worked as a nurse at the Dixon State School until it closed, and the Polo Nursing Home until she retired. She touched many lives with her generosity and will be greatly missed by many. Celebration of life will be held at the Polo Area Senior Center on Saturday, January 18th 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with light refreshments being served.
In memory of Kathryn, please consider donating to the Polo Senior Center or the Polo Food Pantry in her name
Polo Family Funeral Home is handling her arrangements. Please visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
Sinnissippi Centers expanding behavioral health services in county
New office in Byron expected to open in March
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
BYRON – Behavioral health care is expanding in Ogle County as Sinnissippi Centers prepares to open its new Byron office in March.
The new location at 212 W. Blackhawk Drive in Byron will have a full array of services for children, adults and families that are offered at other outpatient offices. Some of those include substance use treatment, psychiatric services, intervention services and peer support services, Sinnissippi President and CEO Stacie Kemp said in an interview with Shaw Local.
Like Sinnissippi’s other outpatient offices, it also will offer intensive community-based services called community support teams for individuals who often struggle getting to the office for services because of their mental illness, Kemp said.
it’s one of the larger cities in the county, a place where people might go to buy groceries or pick up a prescription at a pharmacy.
“As we build up capacity, we’ll build fees for service, so we’ll build a client funding source and that’s what will help us be sustainable moving forward,” Kemp said.
The center already has hired an office supervisor for the new location and it’s actively hiring for clinicians and clerical positions.
Established in 1966, Sinnissippi provides crisis support, individual and family counseling, addiction treatment and more to individuals in Carroll, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Whiteside counties. It has office locations in Dixon, Freeport, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.
The center started discussing the possibility of expanding services in Ogle County because of increased demand in 2023. About that same time, the Ogle County Mental Health Board agreed to
contribute additional funding for more services.
“In a two-year period, we had increased staffing by 13%, we’d increased clients served by 44% and client service hours by 14% all in Ogle County,” Kemp said.
When deciding on a location for the additional office, the center looked at where its Ogle County clients were coming from geographically and a majority of them were traveling from the northern part of the county, she said.
The center landed on Byron because
“Our primary goal is to expand the number of individuals that we’re able to serve in Ogle County and residents of Ogle County,” Kemp said.
Ogle County is the only county that Sinnissippi serves that has three outpatient offices. In most counties, the center has only one location.
Sinnissippi’s goal is to serve about 300 additional individuals in Ogle County after the first year of opening its Byron location. Once it is fully staffed and operational, Kemp said, it hopes to serve about 800 individuals in the county each year.
For information or to apply, visit sinnissippi.org.
Earleen Hinton
Sinnissippi Centers is expanding its services in Ogle County by opening a new outpatient office in Byron in March.
Jan. 13-19
Warranty Deeds
Dennis E. Sweetwood and Noreen K. Sweetwood to Benjamin W. Sasscer and Jorden J. Sasscer, 103 E. Main St., Forreston, $55,000.
Robert Quest to Simon O. Latinwo, 251 Ave “C”, Rochelle, $39,500.
Charitable Adult Rides & Services Inc. to Kevin Binkley, three parcels in Mt. Morris, $8,500.
Mtrs Properties LLC and Mtr Properties LLC to Charitable Adult Rides & Services Inc., three parcels in Mt. Morris, $0.
James Hoff and Jean Hoff to John Cortese and Susan Cortese, 1371 N. Mongan Drive, Oregon, $387,500.
Citibank, trustee, and New Residential Mortgage Loan Tr20181 to Butch Rosecke, 3569 W. Egan Road, Leaf River, $23,500.
William J. Mceniry to Eleazar Alcaraz, 6825 S. Joanne Ave., Rocehlle, $114,000.
Scott M. Neukirch and Arminda J. Meukirch to city of Rochelle, 503 N. Main St., Rochelle, $0.
L H Development Inc. to Tanya Harrolle and Matthew Harrolle, 1268 Glacier Drive, Byron, $30,000.
Anna M. Lodestro, trustee; and Josephine Gricus Dec Tr to Mauricio Cortes, 700 Woodland Drive, Dixon, $3,750.
Connie L. Burwitz to Jeffrey Price, 106 N. Main St., Baileyville $25,000.
James S. Arvigo and Linda J. Arvigo to Alexandria Cardot, 309 S. Fourth St. Oregon, $175,000.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to Gale Lowrie Edmund, 526 N. Eighth St., Rochelle, $50,400.
104 Cozy Living LLC to Aloe Investments LLC, 109 Main St., Leaf River, and 111 Main St., Leaf River $128,000.
Edward C. Vock, trustee; Robert L. Vock, trustee; and Anne L. Vock Tr1, to Steven J. Knie, 609 E. Webster St., Polo, $219,000.
Steve S. Gunder and Michelle L. Gunder to Connor B. Lincoln, 705 N. Congress Ave. Polo, $164,000.
Janet E. Berle to Timothy Spelde and Amy M. Spelde, 704 N. Kaskaskia Drive, Dixon, $95,200.
Warranty Deed Trust
Duane Bartelt, Duane R. Bartelt, Shirley Bartelt and Shirley J. Bartelt to Duane R. Bartelt, trustee; Shirley J. Bartelt, trustee; Duane R. Bartelt Trust and Shirley J. Bartelt
a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you. MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range.
No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located. If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.
Trust, three parcels in Eagle Point Township, $0.
Quit Claim Deeds
Daniel L. Nelson and Curt A. Nelson to Sdn Rentals LLC, 210 N. Jackson Ave., Polo; 803 S. Congress Ave., Polo; and 409 E. Oregon St., Polo, $0.
Sandra F. Thomas and Michael A. Thomas to Brent M. Thomas, 16212 W. Milledgeville Road, Polo, $0.
Wayne E. Suter, Deceased By Heirs, to Randall W. Suter, 2566 S. Chana Road, Chana, and one parcel in Pine Rock Township, $0.
Scott M. Jaeger and Michaelle R. Jaeger to Scott M. Jaeger, trustee, Michaelle R. Jaeger, trustee, and Jaeger Family Tr, 103 N. Main St., Lindenwood $0.
Deeds of Trust
Kenneth L. Anspach, trustee; Kenneth L. Anspach Tr; Diane K. Williams, trustee; Julie A. Haskins, trustee; and Margaret A. Anspach Tr to Justin Goff and Thera Goff, 17168 W. White Oak Road, Shannon, $0.
Deed in Trust
Allan J. Wooden, Allan J. Wooden Badillo, Sandra S. Wooden, and Sandra Sue Wooden
to Allan J. Wooden, trustee, Sandra S. Wooden, trustee, and Wooden Tr125, 200 W. Ogle St., Baileyville; 12380 E. Haldane Road, Forreston; 406 S. Division Ave., Polo; 10781 W. Judson Road, Polo; and 10557 W. Judson Road, Polo, $0.
Sandra S. Wooden and Sandra Sue Wooden to Allan J. Wooden, trustee, Sandra S. Wooden, trustee, and Wooden Tr125, 304 S. Franklin Ave., Polo, $0.
Trustee Deeds
Julie A. Ellis, trustee; Joseph M. Doner, trustee; and Doner Tr1 to Jeremy Person, 354 W. Phyllis Ave., Rochelle, $155,000.
Keith F. Krupicka, trustee, and Keith F. Krupicka Tr to Lloyd F. Davis and April Davis, 10167 E. Shagbark Lane, Rochelle, $375,000.
Carrie I. McMichael, trustee, and Harold W. McMichael Tr to Eduardo Garcia, Patricia K. Pickett-Pineda and Patricia K. Pickett Pineda, two parcels in Pine Creek Township, $314,900.
Edwin G. Bushnell, trustee, and Frederic R. Bushnell Lv Tr to Edwin G. Bushnell, trustee, and Mary B. Bushnell Lv Tr; two parcels on Weld Park Road in Stillman Valley, and one parcel on Stillman Road in Stillman Valley, $0.
Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice
Oregon takes second, advances to sectional
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Oregon boys bowling team continued its late-season surge with a second-place finish Jan. 18 at the Machesney Park Harlem Regional at Forest Hills Lanes in Loves Park.
“In a field with three of last season’s IHSA top 10 state finals teams, another top 20-ranked team and yet another honorable mention team, the Hawks continued to more than hold their own,” Oregon coach Al Nordman said.
Oregon recorded a 6,249 series and was led by a pair of regional medalists – second-place finisher Matthew Stahl with a 1,330 series (277, 230, 173, 226, 209, 215) and fourth-place finisher Gavvin Surmo with a 1,298 series (213, 247, 192, 187, 212, 247).
In yet another complete team effort, Surmo and Stahl were followed closely by RJ Keene with a 1,276 series, Ethan Smice (1,197), Aiden Currier (791, four games) and Caleb Brooks (357, two games).
“With the top four teams advancing from the 13-team field, the Hawks stayed in contention all day long, starting the day in second place after the initial game, dropped to third after the second game, fourth after the fourth game, but then rebounded with their two highest games of the day in the fifth and sixth games to take home second place as a team,” Nordman said.
Harlem was the regional champion with a 6,449 series.
The Hawks advanced to the Oregon Sectional on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Plum Hollow Family Center in Dixon.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Ethan Smice reacts after a strike Jan. 18 at the Harlem Regional at Forest Hills Lanes in Machesney Park.
Oregon’s RJ Keene makes his approach during a game Jan. 18 at the Harlem Regional at Forest Hills Lanes in Machesney Park.
Oregon’s Matthew Stahl bowls at the Harlem Regional on Jan. 18 at Forest Hills Lanes in Machesney Park.
Oregon’s Gavvin Surmo celebrates a strike Jan. 18 at the Harlem Regional at Forest Hills Lanes in Machesney Park.
Oregon wins twice at quad, stays unbeaten in BNC
By RANDY HOLLAND Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Oregon wrestlers notched two dual team wins at a quadrangular Jan. 19 in the Blackhawk Center.
In the feature match of the day, Oregon held Byron scoreless through six matches, pinning four times, winning a major decision and taking a forfeit. The Hawks went on to a 52-22 win and remain undefeated in the Big Northern Conference.
Oregon had no trouble with Rockridge in its second dual, rolling over the Rockets 60-21.
The Hawks were a little sluggish in the opener against Newman Comets and lost their third dual of the year, falling 41-36. The outcome was not decided until the final second of the last match.
“With the injuries and illness, we just did not match up well with Newman,” Oregon coach Justin Lahman said. “We will be ready for them the next time, hopefully in the state dual team sectional.
“We will win there when it counts.”
Wrestling against the Comets started at 106 and Tayshawn Gordy went over in a half nelson at 1:25. After a forfeit to Josiah Perez, Boone Alderks put the Hawks ahead by six with a scrape into a chicken wing at 3:45. From there, Lahman bumped wrestlers up a weight class with mixed results. Isaiah Perez was pinned in a high half nelson at 4:36 by state qualifier Zhyler Hansen in the 126-pound match and Preston LaBay lost a 15-0 technical fall. Nelson Benesh took a forfeit at 138 and Jackson Messenger came from behind with a wing into a half nelson at 2:54.
Back at regular weights, Jayden Berry went outside for a takedown into a half nelson in 55 seconds. That put Oregon ahead 30-17, but Newman started a comeback. Ethan Mowry was on his back three times in a 20-5 technical fall loss at 157 and Leyton Kenney was caught in a cradle at 1:11 in the 165pound match.
See WRESTLING, page 16
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Jackson Messenger battles Erie-Prophetstown’s Aidan Jepson during the 138-pound title match Jan. 11 at the Polo Invitational at Polo High School. Oregon went 2-1 in a quadrangular Jan. 19 at the Blackhawk Center.
Dixon’s pressure defense sinks Oregon early
By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – Lots of energy and aggressiveness on both ends of the court set the tone for Dixon at the Blackhawk Center on Jan. 16.
The Duchesses forced 17 first-half turnovers and bolted to a 22-point halftime lead en route to a 54-28 road win over Big Northern Conference foe Oregon.
“We knew what we had to do from the start. Just get the pressure up,” Dixon forward Ahmyrie McGowan said. “We knew if we could get up early, we could drop back into our [half-court] defense. It played a big role tonight. A lot of steals helped us get more energy on the bench and on the court.”
Dixon (17-3, 4-0 BNC) scored 31 of the game’s first 40 points, doing it mostly with fast-break layups off steals and crisp movement in the half-court offense. Passes were sharp, cuts were precise, and Morgan Hargrave getting hot from the right corner didn’t hurt, either.
The junior guard shot 5 for 6 from 3-point range and was 5 for 5 from the right corner, including 4 for 4 on the east end of the court.
“It’s always been my lucky spot, I know that, and there’s something about this floor, too,” Hargrave said. “I try not to think about that stuff, but if I’m in the corner and I’m open, I’m going to shoot. I don’t know, I just love playing here. It’s always fun.
“We’ve definitely been working on moving the ball faster, making sure we’re finding the open shot and hitting the best shot that we can. I think we did a great job of it tonight.”
Four Duchesses scored at least eight points and seven Dixon players nabbed steals.
McGowan led the way with a double-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and six steals. Hargrave had 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Hallie Williamson finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Reese Dambman added eight points, eight assists and three steals.
All 10 Duchesses had a stat of some kind. Presley Lappin had four points, four rebounds and two steals. Makenzie Toms had three rebounds and four
steals. Kiley Gaither chipped in four rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block.
Dixon assisted on 17 of its 21 baskets – including 13 of 15 in the first half – and committed only nine turnovers.
“It’s a lot easier when we run our offense like that,” McGowan said. “Hitting shots really gets all of us up and we know that we can depend on our teammates. They’re always there for us.
Some people don’t play as much, so them getting in and scoring points and making plays and helping the team is big for us.”
McGowan’s athleticism at the top of Dixon’s full-court press wreaked havoc early for Oregon (9-10, 0-4 BNC). The Hawks committed 11 first-quarter turnovers that Dixon turned into 11 points and Sarah Eckardt’s three-point play provided Oregon’s only points in the opening eight minutes as the Duchesses built a 22-3 lead. They stretched it to 40-18 by halftime.
“Our press was putting pressure on them all game. We hadn’t done it as
half-court offense in the second quarter. Aniyah Sarver scored all six of her points and Alease McLain netted all five of her points in the quarter as the Hawks hit seven of their 13 baskets in the period.
Sarver also had three rebounds and two assists. McLain added four boards.
Eckardt had five points and a teamhigh seven rebounds, Madelyn Wendt (four points) and Noelle Girton (two points) each grabbed five boards and Shaylee Davis had two points and four rebounds for Oregon.
much as we did it tonight and I think we did a great job adjusting to when the coaches wanted us to put pressure on and when not to,” Hargrave said. “We knew we wanted to get a big lead in the beginning and I think we did a great job the whole game of keeping that pressure on them and keeping our lead.”
Oregon found some open looks in its
“When you let an outstanding team like Dixon get a lead on you, it can be tough to come back from that. But I’m super proud of the way the girls played throughout the entire game. They never gave up once,” Oregon coach Angela Reynolds said.
“We talk a lot about stop-score-stop. We’ve got to close that gap somehow and, unfortunately, we couldn’t get that job done tonight, but we kept battling and playing as hard as we possibly could.”
Photos by Alex T. Paschal
Oregon’s Alease McLain pulls down a rebound against Dixon on Jan. 16 at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.
Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt drives to the basket against Dixon on Jan. 16.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Girls basketball
Newman 56, Oregon 29: Lucy Oetting led the way in the Comets’ win. She scored 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Aniyah Sarver led the Hawks with 10 points.
Kewanee 49, Oregon 38: Aniyah Sarver led Oregon with 14 points in the home setback.
Riverdale 54, Polo 44: Camrynn Jones had a game-high 29 points with five assists but the Marcos fell short.
Eastland 49, Polo 34: Olivia Klinefelter and Morgan McCullough each scored 15 points and Sienna Peterson added 11 for Eastland in the win. Camrynn Jones had 15 points and eight assists to lead Polo.
Pearl City 51, Forreston 23: Hannah Vinnedge led the Cardinals with 14 points in the setback.
Fulton 47, Polo 46: The Steamers (5-10, 2-3 NUIC South) outscored the Marcos (10-6, 3-2) 17-10 in the fourth quarter to earn a conference win. Kylie Smither had 12 points, Chloe Wilkin had 11, Wrenn Coffey had 10 and Breleigh Hayton had three 3-pointers for Fulton.
Camrynn Jones was 15 of 17 at the free-throw line and led Polo with 20 points.
Boys basketball
Dakota 70, Forreston 58: Kendall Erdmann led the Cardinals with 22 points in the road setback. Brendan Greenfield (16 points) and Connor Politsch (12) also were in double figures for Forreston.
Oregon 61, Indian Creek 51: The Hawks improved to 13-12 with the road win.
Rockford Christian 55, Oregon 40: Rockford Christian improved to 16-0 and 3-0 in the Big Northern Conference with the win. Benny Olalde led Oregon with 15 points and Kade Girton had 10 in the loss.
Rochelle 83, Oregon 55: The Hawks lost in the road contest to fall to 10-8 overall.
Polo 70, Milledgeville 67: Gus Mumford led Polo with 27 points in the home win. Eli Perez added 14 points and Mercer Mumford had 11 for the Marcos. Micah Toms-Smith had 36 points for Milledgeville.
Polo 68, Ashton-Franklin Center 35: Mercer Mumford led Polo with 17 points, Gus Mumford added 12 and JT Stephenson scored 10 as 10 Marcos scored in the home win. Nolan Reuff led the Raiders with 10 points.
Fulton 57, Forreston 49: The Steamers won a third straight game as Landen Leu had a team-high 19 points, Jacob
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Earleen Hinton
Polo’s Laynie Mandrell chases down a loose ball against Riverdale on Jan. 18.
Voss scored 13 and Braeden Brennan had 10 for Fulton (8-10, 2-0 NUIC South).
Kendall Erdmann led Forreston (11-8, 1-3) with 19 points and Connor Politsch had 13. Fulton outscored Forreston 19-8 in the first quarter.
Boys wrestling
Polo wins twice: Polo beat St. Bede 43-36 and Alden Hebron 42-23 in dual action. Earning two pins for Polo were Zandra Vock and Micah Stringini.
Polo splits two: Polo beat Boylan 52-18 and fell to Byron 70-10 in dual action. Lucas Nelson got a pin against Byron and won by forfeit against Boylan at 138 pounds. Jaidyn McKinney (144) earned an 11-0 major decision against Byron and won by pin against Boylan.
Polo at Kewanee Invitational: Lucas Nelson (138) recorded three pins, followed by Micah Stringini (165) with two, Ethan Dewey (175) with two and Jaidyn McKinney (144) with one.
Boys bowling
Dakota 3,644, Oregon 3,643: The Hawks fell by one pin on the last shot of the regular season. Ethan Smice’s 632 series led Oregon, with Matthew Stahl (628) and RJ Keene (627) right behind. Gavvin Surmo added a 617 for Oregon.
Girls bowling
Dakota 2,122, Oregon 2,055: Katlyn Miller’s 521 was the high series for Oregon. Carli Bailey’s 458 was second best for the Hawks.
NIU was the blemish on Notre Dame’s season
For Northern Illinois University football fans and alums such as myself, 135 days was a long time ago. That was when the Huskies shocked the world of college football by upsetting Notre Dame 16-14.
At the time, little did any of us realize the correlation between Sept. 7, 2024, and Jan. 20, 2025, and how much more national glory NIU would receive. As the final seconds ticked off and the stadium scoreboard in South Bend read NIU 16, Notre Dame 14, the only thing on our minds was immense pride for our school.
Flash-forward to this week’s College Football Playoff championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. Besides a jam-packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, another 20 million TV viewers were expected for the battle between these two traditional powers.
Like ND and OSU, the Huskies are Division I in football. That is where the comparison ends and rarely would NIU ever be mentioned in the same breath as ND and OSU.
But in a scenario no one expected Sept. 7, the NIU program indeed now was mentioned in the same breath with the very best in the country. By making the CFP championship, Notre Dame’s 14-1 record was magnified by the media in print, TV and on the internet.
• WRESTLING
Continued from page 13
Andrew Young got those points back with two turns in the third period, the second a hip toss for a fall at 5:13, and Oregon led 36-28 with three matches to go.
Seth Rote lost three takedowns in a 13-4 major decision loss to put Newman within two. Landon Elder just missed a pin in a first-period cradle but ended up getting pinned in a half nelson at 5:12. Down two points, the Hawks needed a win. Briggs Sellers gave it all he could but lost a late takedown to trail by three with 10 seconds left in the match. Sell-
GUEST VIEW
Andy Colbert
That blemish on Notre Dame’s record to an obscure school from DeKalb piqued everyone’s interest. Who are these Huskies and how did they beat mighty Notre Dame?
Giving credit where credit is due, Irish coach Marcus Freeman said the NIU loss was the catalyst to reaching the championship game.
It was a far different story 135 days ago.
That is when I walked into his news conference in the bowels of Notre Dame stadium after the NIU loss. A despondent Freeman looked like a man whose family pet died.
A week before, his team went on the road and knocked off nationally ranked Texas A&M. Coming back home to face NIU, there was a genuine buzz in South Bend for the Irish.
Grilled by reporters after the demoralizing loss to NIU, Freeman spoke about going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Besides seeing his team’s chance for making the College Football Playoffs suffer a severe blow, he also had a lot of explaining to do about how a 28-point
ers escaped and hit a double leg takedown as time expired, but the takedown was ruled too late and he lost 4-2, giving the team win to Newman.
Against Rockridge, Oregon got a half nelson at 1:11 by Josiah Perez, a crook by Alderks at 1:24 and a throw to the back by Isaiah Perez at 3:32. Also pinning for the Hawks were LaBay with a scrape at 1:26, Berry with a half nelson in 58 seconds and Young with a hip toss at 2:29. Rote added six points with a double leg takedown into a half nelson in 27 seconds. Elder got a takedown into a butcher at 58 seconds and Sellers came from behind with a double leg takedown and a chicken wing at 3:19. Gordy took a forfeit at 106.
favorite could lose to a team from the lowly Mid-American Conference.
This wasn’t a fluke either. NIU physically dominated the more talented opponent and won the statistical battle. Any weaknesses Notre Dame had were completely exposed.
Mired in traffic trying to get out of town afterward, I found plenty of entertainment value on local radio from irate ND fans. Complaint after complaint was registered about such an embarrassing performance to of all opponents Northern Illinois University.
Those very same doomsayers who likely thought the Irish’s season was over after the loss have done a 180 and reveled in the playoff run to Atlanta for the championship game. I can guarantee that playing for a national title was not on their minds back in September.
In a postscript to that glorious day for lovers of NIU Huskies football, the team made an appearance in the following week’s national polls at No. 23. Coach Thomas Hammock was interviewed by major media outlets all over the country and one of the largest crowds in years came to DeKalb to cheer on the Huskies against the University of Buffalo.
Unfortunately, favored NIU lost that game and the one after that, finishing the year 8-5. The luster was gone, but Notre Dame slowly was climbing up
Messenger lost a hard-fought 3-0 decision to state qualifier Thomas Soward. Benesh was taken down in a heel pick and pinned in a half nelson by defending state champion Jude Finch. Mowry was driven to his back at 1:50. Kenney was flipped to his back in a reverse half at 1:48.
Oregon got off to a strong start against Byron. Alderks had four takedowns in a 15-5 major decision over Damien Palacios. Isaiah Perez took a forfeit at 126, LaBay worked into a half nelson at 2:56 and Benesh got a takedown to the back in 54 seconds. Messenger also had a takedown to the back, his pin coming at 1:15. Berry got his third pin of the day with a half nelson in 54
from the scrap heap.
As the season progressed, more and more mention was made of Notre Dame’s winning streak and the caveat of Northern Illinois University being the team that beat them. Fleeting fame lost after the Buffalo loss was returning to NIU with each ND win.
For it to continue, it was critical that no one else earned the dubious distinction of defeating Notre Dame. The Irish did their part by running roughshod on the rest of the regular-season schedule.
Earning a highly coveted CFP spot gave Irish faithful relief, and as long as the Irish kept winning, residual accolades would be directed toward NIU.
That’s what happened. In every Irish playoff game, NIU got numerous mentions in front of millions of college football viewers, reaching its apex Monday night against Ohio State.
A school like NIU will never reach the lofty status of Notre Dame. But no one can ever deny the truth of what happened 135 days ago and how it got a new life this winter.
Or, in simpler terms, this from a Notre Dame fan: “It’s rare for an opponent to talk crap to us, but NIU has earned that right.”
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
seconds. Mowry took the first loss; he was on his back twice in the third period of a 17-5 major decision. Kenney was turned in a chicken wing and a half nelson in 53 seconds by state qualifier Brody Stien.
Young lost the first takedown but came back with a headlock at 3:40. Rote got an escape and hit a takedown in a half nelson at 3:35. Elder had a chance with a cradle early but lost a 10-8 decision. Sellers lost an escape and a takedown to state qualifier Jared Claunch and those were the only points scored in the 285-pound match. At 106, Gordy got taken over the front in a half nelson. Josiah Perez was rolling in the 113pound match when he won by default.
Play now by going to ShawLocal.com/games or by scanning the code at the right. eNewspaper readers, click the link above to play now.
Riverdale, Polo battle on the court
Photos by Earleen Hinton
TOP LEFT: Polo’s Leah Tobin looks to pass against Riverdale during a Jan. 18 game at Polo High School.
TOP RIGHT: Riverdale’s Cayleigh Hungate drives to the basket as Polo’s Katelyn Rockwood defends.
ABOVE: Polo’s Carlee Grobe leads the break against Riverdale. LEFT: Polo’s Camrynn Jones handles the ball against Riverdale during the Jan. 18 game at Polo High School.
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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERIC J. NORTEN, Deceased 2024 PR 58 CLAIM NOTICE
TELLER
Part-Time Position at Blackhawk Area Credit Union Po lo Office
Availability Monday - Saturday Hours Will Vary
Must be willing to travel between branches & work on call.
For de tails, contact Samantha at: 8 15-946-3660 - or - email: samantha.harazin@bacu.org
EFFICIENCY -Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk 815-626-8790
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERIC J. NORTEN, Deceased
2024 PR 58 CLAIM NOTICE
Morris Police Department
Morris, IL POLICE OFFICER
The Mt. Morri s Board of Police Commissioners will be conducting an examination to establish an eligibility list for the position of Police Of fice r
Current Starting salary: $49,161.00 per Union con tr act
The current contract is subject to change as of May 01, 2025.
The Mt Morris Police Department offers many benefits including: Insurance- Dental/Vision and Health
IMRF Pension benefits
Uniforms and equipment supplied by department
Paid-Time Off including Vacation, Holiday, Sick, Personal Leave Accruals, and Earned Compensatory Time.
Possible take home patrol vehicle
Applicants must be 21 but less than 35 years of age (except as provided by Illinois State Statute.)
Applicants must be a U.S Citizen.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Applicants shall possess a valid Illinois Driver's License
Applicants must possess a valid Illinois Firearms Owner's Identification Card (FOID)
Applicants must not have been convicted of a domestic battery, felony, or any crime of moral turpitude
Applicants must possess a valid NIPSTA card and to be issued within 6 months of the written exam date.
P.O.W.E.R. Test Cards issued by NIPSTA, Triton Community College or Joliet Junior College will be accepted.
Applicants must present a valid POWER Test card NO LATER than the written exam date (March 08, 2025, at 9:00 am)
Applications can be obtained at the Police Department, 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, Illinois, Monday - Friday 8:00 am till 4:00 pm. Applications will be accepted until February 10, 2025 at 4:00 pm
The Village of Mt. Morris is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Notice is given to creditors of the death of Eric J Norten of 403 S Griswold St., #4, Woosung, Ogle County, Illinois. Letters of office were issued to Kelly Wagner, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is Darla A. Foulker, Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300, Dixon, Illinois 61021. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755,ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at 106 S 5th Street, Suite #300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, on or before the date which is six (6) months after the date of the first publication of this Claim Notice, or, if mailing or delivering of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or COUNTY,
eq y tion 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
Notice is given to creditors of the death of Eric J Norten of 403 S Griswold St., #4, Woosung, Ogle County, Illinois. Letters of office were issued to Kelly Wagner, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is Darla A. Foulker, Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300, Dixon, Illinois 61021.
The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755,ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at 106 S 5th Street, Suite #300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, on or before the date which is six (6) months after the date of the first publication of this Claim Notice, or, if mailing or delivering of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: Kelly Wagner, Independent Administrator
Darla A. Foulker
Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 foulker@egbclaw. com
January 17, 24, 31, 2025
son terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at 106 S 5th Street, Suite #300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, on or before the date which is six (6) months after the date of the first publication of this Claim Notice, or, if mailing or delivering of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: Kelly Wagner, Independent Administrator Darla A. Foulker Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 foulker@egbclaw. com
January 17, 24, 31, 2025
NOTICE
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
By: Kelly Wagner, Independent Administrator
Darla A. Foulker
Ehrmann Gehlbach
Badger & Considine, LLC 114 E. Everett St., Suite 300 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4949 foulker@egbclaw. com
January 17, 24, 31, 2025
The Ogle County Community Mental Health (708) Board is now accepting applications for Funding Deadline for filing these applications is April 3, 2025. For information please contact: Justine Messenger, 5067 W Pines Road, Ore gon,IL61061/OCC MH708BD@gmail. com/ 815.238.1829
January 24, 2025
POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
HEARING
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:30p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Keith and Lorrie Budden of 209 North Campbe ll Avenue, Polo, IL for a variance to the front setback regulation of 20ft. at 209 North Campbell Avenue, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-227-004, otherwise known as 209 North Campbell Avenue., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
Sydney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk
January 17, 24, 2025
Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:30p m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in the Polo City Council room, 118 North Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a reques t filed by Keith and Lorrie Budden of 209 North Campbe ll Avenue, Polo, IL for a variance to the front setback regulation of 20ft. at 209 North Campbell Avenue, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-16-227-004, otherwise known as 209 North Campbell Avenue., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois.
Sydney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk
January 17, 24, 2025
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