Oregon High School cheerleader Brooklynn Sansone reacts as
Blackhawk Center. High school sports roundup on page 15.
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Putnam family donates 2 paintings to Ogle County Historical Society
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Ogle County Historical Society is the proud owner of two paintings donated by John Putnam, an Oregon native, and his family.
One of the paintings is a watercolor by Harry Nurmet of the four-generation Gale home that still is standing at 211 N. Fourth St. The painting was commissioned by John G. Putnam (John’s father) and Martha Betty Putnam Diven (his aunt) as a Christmas gift to their parents, John and Ada Gale Putnam.
The other donated piece is an oil painting titled “Pine Rocks,” a scene along the Rock River in 1876 by Carrie Vaughn. She was a skilled portraitist who was commissioned by many early Oregon families and lived in Oregon from 1866-1878. The 150-year-old painting demonstrates the art culture of Oregon years before the arrival of Lorado Taft and the Eagles Nest Art Colony in 1898.
‘Crimes of the Heart’ auditions set for Feb. 11-12
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
MT. MORRIS – The Performing Arts Guild invites the public to open auditions Feb. 11 and 12 for its spring performance of “Crimes of the Heart.”
Show dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theatre.
“Crimes of the Heart” was written by Beth Henley, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981. The play is set in the South and focuses on the lives of the eccentric McGrath sisters, Lenny, Meg and Babe. The play addresses the emotions of sisterhood and family relationships, both
humorous and thoughtful.
Auditions will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Library, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris.
The cast consists of four women and two men – the McGrath sisters, Lenny, Meg and Babe; their cousin, Chick Boyle; Babe’s lawyer, Barnette Lloyd; and Doc Porter, Meg’s old boyfriend
For more information, call directors Priscilla Osborne at 815-238-6454 or Trudy Whalen at 815-440-5300.
PAG scholarships
Scholarship applications for the Per -
forming Arts Guild are available at the Oregon High School guidance office or can be downloaded from the website at www.performingartsguild.com.
Scholarships are limited to individuals living in Mt. Morris and Oregon or attending Oregon School District 220. Applications are open to anyone interested in studying the arts. This includes, but is not limited to, performing, directing, teaching drama, music, visual arts, technical crafts, set design, etc.
Scholarship application deadline is April 1. Scholarships will be awarded in May during the OHS Honors Night assembly.
Valentine’s Dance: Feb. 7
Join us from 7 to 9 p.m. for a Valentine’s Dance. This is for all ages. Singles, couples and families are welcome to attend. There will be a DJ and finger foods.
Valentine Potluck: Feb. 11
Join us at noon Tuesday, Feb. 11, for our Valentine Potluck. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy some valentine’s activities. There will be prizes.
Valentine Zentangle Class: Feb. 12
All supplies will be provided for this 10 a.m. class that is open to anyone. Cost is $10. Give Melissa a call at 815-734-6335 to sign up.
Photo provided by Michal Burnett
John Putnam (center) donated this Harry Nurmet watercolor to the Ogle County Historical Society. Standing next to Putnam are Arlene Sangmeister (left), president of the historical society, and Beth Simeone, vice president.
SVCC: Polo’s Impact students’ tuition covered
$600,000 has been raised to pay Impact Program tuition costs in perpetuity
By BRANDON CLARK bclark@shawmedia.com
DIXON – The Sauk Valley College Foundation recently reached a milestone that will forever cover the cost of tuition at Sauk Valley Community College for Polo High School students who earn their tuition through the Impact Program.
The Impact Program helps local high school students pay for their tuition when they complete volunteer service hours. SVCC Vice President of Advancement Lori Cortez said that in April 2023, the Sauk Valley College Foundation kicked off the Marcos Endowment Challenge to fund Polo-area students through the Impact Program in perpetuity.
“This was after the Milledgeville-Chadwick school district became fully funded thanks to an estate gift from Hal Weaver,” Cortez said. “I had a few community members ask why we can’t get Polo fully funded. So, we kicked off an endowment challenge of $600,000 to fully fund the Polo Community school district. As of last week, we were able to finalize that campaign thanks to a $100,000 donation from Ann and Dr. Mark Styczynski and the many other donors who invested.”
The Marcos Endowment Challenge is part of the SVCF’s $10 million campaign goal to fully fund the Impact Program. Cortez said the Sauk Valley College Foundation already has raised $7.3 mil-
(25 hours per year)
• Graduating from a high school or homeschool program within the SVCC district
• Applying for at least one other local, state or national scholarship
• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA; if you are not eligible, use the FAFSA forecaster.
Covered costs
Impact Program students have the opportunity to earn three years of tuition and fees at SVCC.
Enrollment begins April 1 of a student’s eighth-grade year and continues until Sept. 1 of their freshman year of high school. The program covers tuition and all fees, with reduced coverage at tiered rates for students who sign up after their freshman year.
• Students who sign up by Sept. 1 of their freshman year of high school are eligible for 100% earned tuition and fees.
• Students who sign up by Sept. 1 of their sophomore year of high school are eligible for 75% earned tuition and fees.
lion toward that goal and is looking to fund Morrison-area students in perpetuity next.
“Donors can choose to give a onetime gift, even something as little as $10,” Cortez said. “We had a donor in Fulton who came forward and gave us $1 million to fund all Fulton, Prophetstown, Lyndon and Tampico school district kids.”
Cortez said the SVCF also is accepting monthly pledge donations. All donations are tax-deductible, she said.
Cortez said the Impact Program has 1,400 students enrolled, with the pro -
gram having collectively completed more than 60,000 volunteer hours since its inception. Last year, it was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Revitalization.
How to qualify
To be part of the Impact Program, a student must register by Sept. 1 of their current high school year and must follow a list of benchmarks. They include:
• Staying on pace with the graduation date of their graduating class
• Completing 100 community service hours before the graduation date
• Students who sign up by Sept. 1 of their junior year of high school are eligible for 50% earned tuition and fees.
• Students who are dismissed from the Impact Program are ineligible to sign up again in a future year.
Other requirements
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester and complete 25 hours of community service each year. They also must be enrolled in a certificate, degree or transfer program. For information, call 815-835-6650 or email impact@svcc.edu.
Scholarships of up to $1,250 each available through Tri-County Opportunities Council
By DEREK BARICHELLO dbarichello@shawmedia.com
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through its Community Services Block Grant has made funds available to TriCounty Opportunities Council for at least 12 scholarships of up to $1,250 each for income-eligible students.
Preference will be given to applicants wishing to pursue high-demand careers, although individuals pursuing other careers should not be discour -
aged from applying. Applicants of racial or ethnic minorities and previous scholarship recipients who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
To be eligible for a scholarship, the following criteria must be met:
• The applicant’s total household income during the previous 30 days must be equal to or less than: one person $2,608; two people $3,525; three people $4,442; four people $5,358; five people $6,275; six people $7,192; seven people $8,108; eight people $9,025.
• The applicant must be planning to attend an accredited Illinois post-secondary educational institution during the fall of 2025. Scholarships will be pro-rated for less than full-time status. Full time is considered at least 12 semester hours or more.
• The applicant must be a resident of Bureau, Carroll, La Salle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark or Whiteside counties.
All applications and required documentation must be postmarked by March 14 for the application to be con-
sidered. Scholarship winners will be announced before May 16. Scholarship checks will be mailed directly to the winner’s institution of higher learning as indicated by the student on the application form.
Send the application and required documentation to Scholarship Committee: Tri-County Opportunities Council, P.O. Box 610, Rock Falls, IL 61071
For more information, call 1-800323-5434, ext. 710, or visit www.tcochelps.org.
Alex T. Paschal file photo
Brittany Whitman (left) works with the Impact Program at Sauk Valley Community College on July 24, 2023, at the Rotary Club’s Corn Boil and BBQ Pork Chop sale.
Zooming with genealogy group from the state of Oregon
Some members of the Polo Historical Society have been Zooming with a genealogy group from the state of Oregon. It all started when an individual emailed us about information on the Bracken family. Linda sent information back to them and they became interested in us.
They decided they would like to have some of us Zoom with them each week. So Linda and Charlie started in and eventually got me involved with the group of genealogists. I am not a genealogist, but I am a historian.
When I am putting family history together, I need to put the family together in some sort of genealogic fashion to understand how the family came down in generations. Betty Rogers always helped me with this and she would head to the library to do her research. Linda is a true genealogist
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
and we are lucky to have her. She does her work on the computer.
Now to get back to Zooming. People have asked me, “What is Zooming?” It is all done on the computer where one clicks into a Zoom number and you join people from all over the U.S. You see everyone and hear everyone and you have an exchange of ideas. It started when we were all shut in during the pandemic. Students now no longer have a snow day. Instead, they have a Zoom day.
On a snow day as a teacher, I loved to snuggle back into my bed after getting the call. Now I would have to get
up, go to my computer and get ready for students to Zoom into me. We would have school over the computer. I was not good with the computer as a teacher, so I would have been in big trouble.
Recently when I was Zooming with the Oregon group, they asked me what was going on with me these days? What programs did I have in the future? I told them I was going to prepare a program about Harriet Fry, who was one of the first stewards for United Airlines, and I was going to give a program on the Underground Railroad to school students.
I also told them I was going to Winchester, Virginia, for the wedding of a grandchild. Tom in Oregon spoke up that he had been to Winchester several times because he has family there and I would love it because it is a very
historical town. We chatted about the town of Winchester.
Three days later, I had an email from Tom. His cousin from Winchester had called him and he told her about me. Right away she wanted me to stop by her home for coffee while I am in Winchester. She is only two blocks from the church where Kenny and Lia will be married.
So I am making plans to visit Sarah who lives in Winchester, Virginia, who is a cousin to Tom, who lives in Albany, Oregon. It is a small world, but Zooming brings us all together as we sit at our computers and chat. This is the world of technology where we share ideas of histories of long ago.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Kaskaskia was Illinois’ first capital from 1818-1820
Our first state capital was located at Kaskaskia, which now is a very small village in Randolph County.
The site of Kaskaskia, located near the Mississippi River, was inhabited for thousands of years by the tribes of Kaskaskia, who were part of the Illiniwek people. In 1703, the French established Kaskaskia and nearby Fort Kaskaskia.
Kaskaskia became a French/ Native American settlement with an estimated population of 2,200. In 1763, the French ceded the Illinois Country, including Kaskaskia, to Great Britain. Rather than live under British rule after France ceded the territory, many French-speaking people moved west of the Mississippi River to St. Louis and other areas.
In 1778, George Rogers Clark defeated the British at Kaskaskia, securing the Illinois Country for Virginia. In 1787, the Northwest Ordinance placed Illinois in the Northwest Territory. In 1800, Congress created the Indiana Territory that included Illinois. In 1809, Congress organized the Illinois Territory with Kaskaskia as the capital and Ninan Edward as governor.
In 1818, when Illinois finally acheived statehood and became the 21st state in the union, Kaskaskia served as the state’s first capital until 1820, when the capital was moved to
OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
the more centrally located Vandalia. When Oregon was founded in 1836, Vandalia was the capital of Illinois.
Kaskaskia also was prone to flooding.
In 1844, a flood forced residents to move the town to the south.
In 1881, most of Kaskaskia was destroyed by flooding as the Mississippi River shifted eastward to a new channel on the west side of Kaskaskia. Even though the river passes east rather than west of Kaskaskia, the Illinois state boundary line remains in its original location.
Kaskaskia was flooded again in 1973.
In 1993, Kaskaskia was flooded with more than 9 feet of water and the Kaskaskia Bell was damaged.
In the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Kaskaskia was 21, making it the third least-populated incorporated community in Illinois behind Valley City, population 14, and Florence, population 17.
It’s interesting that Illinois’ Capitol located in Springfield is our sixth Capitol and our first Capitol building
Illinois’ first statehouse was in Kaskaskia.
was located at Kaskaskia.
Before Illinois’ statehood, Kaskaskia served for three decades as the capital of the old Illinois Territory.
is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
• Otto Dick
Otto Dick
Photo provided by Otto Dick
Improve skills by increasing time spent reading
Few would argue that time spent reading is one of the best ways to improve reading skills for readers of all ages.
One benefit, for example, is our vocabulary grows the more we read, and the better vocabulary we have, the easier it is to understand what we read. Like any other skill – think about any sport, playing an instrument or singing – the more you do it, the more skilled you become.
At the same time, we are hearing about how little time students and adults are spending reading. For this month, let’s look at some considerations that might help increase time spent reading.
To begin, let’s consider the kinds of texts we read. In today’s world, our definition of texts needs to include books, newspapers, magazines, cookbooks, instructions of all kinds, plus online texts such as websites, social media sites, blogs or online magazines
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Wadsworth to be speaker at Feb. 22 ‘Those Were The Days’ OREGON – The “Those Were The Days” presentation at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Oregon Depot will be given by Tom Wadsworth of Dixon. The history presentation is titled “Has Lee County (Illinois) Always Been Republican?”
Wadsworth’s presentation should be of interest to Democrats, Republicans and anyone who cares about local politics. Since the neighboring counties of Lee and Ogle always have had similar voting patterns, Wadsworth believes both counties have similar data on presidential voting going back to 1856 and the pattern gives clues to the future political map.
Wadsworth’s research will reveal if Lee County is voting more Democratic today than it was 150 years ago. He’ll explain four reasons why Lee County has tended to vote Republican and he’ll talk about the Republican president who received the most Lee County votes. (Hint: It wasn’t Reagan.)
A Dixon native, Wadsworth, 72, is a nationally known speaker, writer and former Dixon pastor and radio personality who holds a Ph.D. in New Testament. He writes a Dixon history column for Sauk
READING MATTERS
Mary Gardner
to name a few. We can broadly define texts as any kind of print that contains words to inform or entertain.
It is important to mention here that research is being presented that spending too much time on screens is detrimental to young people, and adults as well. Maybe a goal is more time spent reading.
Now we know that many kinds of texts can count toward our time spent reading. A big factor to consider next is motivation to read. The purpose for reading matters. If I’m given an assigned reading task, such as our children and grandchildren might get in school, I may not be interested enough in the reading to spend the
effort to read and understand it. Having a conversation about setting a purpose for reading can be helpful. Sometimes the purpose is “because I have to,” but we often can reframe it. We might say, “I need to read this assignment to learn more about the topic.”
This brings up the importance of choice. I am much more motivated to read something that I choose myself over something someone else says I must read. At school, whenever possible, we try to give students choices. Maybe they can choose between two or three articles about a topic. That at least gives them some choice, which may make the assignment more motivating.
Ideally, we seek out readings that have a real-world purpose. For example, research to explain why a new law was passed may have real-world impacts that directly affect me. Reading directions to put something together or directions for a new game would be other examples. Consider
reading about how to care for a new pet or even reading about different kinds of dogs to choose the best one for my family. I am much more motivated to read if there is a real purpose.
Additionally, we can model all the ways we use reading every day. Consider reading food labels, cooking instructions, required reading at our jobs. We can point out to our children and grandchildren that reading is something we do throughout our day. We can also model reading for enjoyment, entertainment or to help teach ourselves something new.
These considerations are some ways we can increase time spent reading and that helps build stronger readers of all ages!
• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.
Valley Media in Dixon and Sterling.
For more information about the program or other Oregon Depot topics, call Roger Cain at 815-757-9715, Chris Martin at 815-742-8471 or Otto Dick at 815-4400639.
Support group to meet Feb. 18
Serenity Hospice and Home will host a new support group from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Admission to the support group is free. Participants will be able to receive support from community members grieving a lost loved one. The group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Registration is required to attend. To
register, call 815-732-4111.
Serenity Hospice and Home is located at 1658 S. Illinois Route 2 in Oregon.
Donations
sought for cemetery maintenance
Officials for Washington Grove Cemetery in Ashton on Flagg Road southeast of Oregon are seeking donations to help with perpetual cemetery care costs including mowing, weed control and tree maintenance.
Marilyn Schwartz, cemetery secretary, said income from burials does not cover maintenance costs.
“Even though all board members volunteer, with only approximately three burials a year, this being the main source of income, it doesn’t keep up with expenses,” she said. “So please consider donating to help keep your loved one’s burial site looking nice.”
Donations can be sent to Cemetery Treasurer, 4317 E. Hogan Road, Chana, IL 61015.
McCombie to host February office hours in German Valley German Valley will be one of the stops for mobile office hours for House Minority
Leader Tony McCombie. McCombie, R-Savanna, is holding mobile office hours in the 89th District this month to increase access to the services her office offers outside of her district office in Savanna.
“It is essential to ensure every constituent across northwest Illinois can reach the services my district office offers,” McCombie said. “Holding routine office hours events is a priority and I look forward to continuing these mobile office hours events throughout the year.”
Mobile office hours will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at the following times and locations:
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Pecatonica Public Library, 400 W. 11th St.
• 1:30 to -3 p.m., German Valley Fire Department, 600 Church St. McCombie has hosted mobile events during her tenure to help accommodate constituents in her district, which includes all of Carroll and Jo Daviess counties, as well as parts of Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and DeKalb counties. For more information regarding office hours, call McCombie’s office at 815-291-8989.
– Shaw Local News Network
Image provided by Michal Burnett Tom Wadsworth will be the speaker at the Oregon Depot’s “Those Were the Days” on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Man pleads not guilty to cutting woman with knife
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A man accused of cutting a woman with a knife and hitting another in the parking lot of a Rochelle business will appear in Ogle County court again Feb. 6.
Daniel Garcia-Aguado, 31, of Cicero, is charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and one count of resisting a police officer after the incident that police say happened on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 19.
According to court records, Garcia-Aguado used a deadly weapon – a knife – when he cut a woman and then struck her during an altercation in the parking lot of Benny’s Corner Market, 601 E. Flagg Road.
Garcia-Aguado also is charged with resisting a Rochelle police officer when he “physically struggled” with the officer while he was trying to take him into custody, causing an injury to the officer’s shoulder.
Garcia-Aguado pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he appeared in court with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow, on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Judge Anthony Peska set Garcia-Aguado’s next hearing for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and remanded him to the Ogle County Jail after continuing Judge Clayton Lindsay’s order to detain him as his case proceeds through the court system.
During Garcia-Aguado’s Jan. 21 detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse said Garcia-Aguado was having an argument with his girlfriend when a clerk came to her aid and was cut with a knife after Garcia-Aguado grabbed and struck her.
Garcia-Aguado is charged with striking both women.
Kruse said Garcia-Aguado currently was on probation in Cook County and had another pending case in DuPage County. She said Garcia-Aguado had just been sentenced Jan. 2 in Cook
County to probation on a domestic battery charge.
“We do believe he is a real threat,” Kruse said. “He is high risk. He has a long history of criminal offenses. He is dangerous.”
Assistant Public Defender
Michael O’Brien argued that Garcia-Aguado could be released with conditions such as wearing an electronic monitoring device.
“There is no evidence of him brandishing a weapon,” O’Brien argued. “There should be a presumption of innocence.”
O’Brien also argued that Garcia-Aguado’s girlfriend had “instigated the confrontation.”
“There are lot of unknowns,” O’Brien said.
Judge Lindsay disagreed, ruling
there was a risk to both alleged victims if Garcia-Aguado were to be released and adding that there were a number of other domestic violence charges in Garcia-Aguado’s past.
“Not even a month after his sentencing in Cook County and he has already been accused of committing this,” Lindsay said. “Clearly the defendant has no desire to follow court orders. There are no conditions that could be imposed.”
Detention hearings are part of the relatively new pretrial release directive in which judges decide whether a defendant should be held in custody rather than setting a bond for release.
Criteria used by judges to make that decision include the nature of the alleged offenses, whether the defendant’s release would present a “clear and present danger” to the community or individuals, and whether the defendant is considered to be a “flight risk” and likely not appear again for scheduled court cases.
Rochelle teen pleads guilty to aggravated reckless driving
Receives 60-day jail term for fatal 2023 crash
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A 19-year-old Rochelle man apologized Wednesday, Jan. 29, for the death of his 16-year-old passenger and friend who died from injuries suffered during a 2023 crash.
Alexander Burke, who was 17 when the crash occurred, pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless driving and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 30 months of probation when he appeared with his attorney, Ogle County Assistant Public Defender Michael
O’Brien on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Burke was charged in January 2024 in connection with a July 6, 2023, crash in which Troy Komadina, 16, later died from injuries he suffered when the vehicle Burke was driving crashed and overturned about 9:30 p.m. on Steward Road near the intersection with Ritchie Road, southeast of Rochelle.
According to court documents, Burke was driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the road, traveled through a ditch and into a culvert, causing “blunt force trauma” to Komadina that led to his death several days later.
Both teens were transported to area hospitals for their injuries, with Burke later released. Komadina, who was a student at Rochelle High School, died July 11, 2023.
On Jan. 29, Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse and O’Brien said a plea agreement had been reached for the Class 4 felony offense.
Kruse told Judge Anthony Peska that Burke had never been issued a driver’s license and was traveling at 77 mph in a 45-mph zone before his vehicle “hit the culvert, became airborne, and landed on its roof.”
She said Burke had no prior criminal history and that prosecutors had been in contact with Komadina’s parents regarding the plea agreement.
“At the time of the offense he [Burke] was 17 years old,” O’Brien said. “This was his friend.”
O’Brien said the youthful “joy ride” was not an excuse for the offense.
“This was a friend of yours. So you
are suffering, too,” Peska asked.
“Yes, sir,” Burke replied.
Asked by Peska if he had anything he wanted to say before being sentenced, Burke said he deeply regretted the crash.
“I would like to apologize to the family,” Burke said quietly to Peska.
“This was youth and just foolishness,” Peska told Burke. “You have apologized to the family for their loss. And you have to live with this for the rest of your life. I wish you luck.”
Burke was scheduled to report to the Ogle County Jail on Sunday, Feb. 2, to begin serving his jail term. He also was ordered to pay $1,589 in fines and court costs, undergo an assessment and adhere to all conditions required by the probation department.
Daniel Aguado-Garcia
State legislator asks appellate court prosecutor to step up case review into Carroll County teen’s death
By CHARLENE BIELEMA cbielema@shawmedia.com
FREEPORT – An Illinois state senator has formally requested that the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office step up its case review into the death of a Carroll County teen whose body was found on a highway near Mount Carroll last summer.
State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, is making the request concerning the July 2024 death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle in an effort to get an update to the public, determine whether charges will be filed and bring closure to the affected families, Chesney said. He represents the 45th Senate District that includes all of Carroll County.
“I understand the burden of heavy caseloads faced by the ILSAAP but the families involved and the broader community are still waiting for an update,” Chesney said. “The hope is to see progress toward closure in this tragic incident. In that spirit, I’ve respectfully
asked Director Patrick Delfino and the ILSAAP team to review the case evidence, determine whether charges will be filed and provide an update to the public regarding next steps.”
The case details Carroll County Sheriff Ryan Kloepping broke his silence about the case in a Nov. 7, 2024, social media post on the
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, using it to explain how his office handled the case after two sheriff’s office employees found Kradle’s body on the road and reported it via a nonemergency call to the sheriff’s office.
Kloepping said Kradle’s death was reported about 3:30 a.m. July 28. That’s when the Carroll County dispatch center received a nonemergency call from
an off-duty employee reporting a body in the road on Route 78, south of Lowden Road. That location is less than one mile north of Mount Carroll’s city limits.
“At that time, an off-duty deputy sheriff and off-duty dispatcher, who is also a paramedic, were on scene,” Kloepping said. “Dispatch personnel then dispatched the on-duty deputy sheriff as well as a local city officer, as that officer was closer to the reported location.”
At 3:45 a.m., Illinois State Police said, two troopers were responding to the scene. At 3:50 a.m., the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services unit was contacted to respond to the scene, Kloepping said.
“It is common practice for Crime Scene Services to respond to all unattended or suspicious deaths within Carroll County,” he said. “Their staff has proper training, knowledge and equipment to handle these types of cases.”
See KRADLE, page 16
OCEDC executive director Charlene Coulombe announces retirement
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Ogle County Economic Development Corp. Committee is celebrating its first year this month and will have new leadership at the helm.
Charlene Coulombe, who was hired as executive director In January 2024, announced her retirement in a Jan. 29 news release.
When hired, Coulombe signed a 12-month contract to assist the newly formed corporation in “setting the stage for the years ahead,” the news release said.
“I worked 50 to 60 hours a week for as long as I was in this field,” Coulombe said in the release. “I was not sure how long I would last ‘unretired,’ but I knew Ogle County deserved a jump-start. After all, they were surrounded by so
many successful communities, it was time to share the beauty and possibilities of the region.
“Ogle County has indeed been one of the most picturesque counties I have ever had the pleasure to serve. I believe the foundation has been set for the OCEDC and great things are coming. I think it is time for the organization to focus on their future goals as I migrate back into retirement. I will continue to serve the organization as they plan the next phase of their development plan,” she said.
The Ogle County Economic Development Corporation is a not-for-profit that represents the communities, employers and citizens within the county. Its articles of incorporation were filed April 21, 2023, with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
OCEDC Vice President Darin DeHaan, who also serves as Oregon’s city manager, said the OCEDC will continue with its goal of assisting economic development throughout the county.
“The past 12 months we have hit the ground running. Private and govern -
ment officials have partnered together to grow the foundation of the corporation and expand regionalism throughout Ogle County,” DeHaan said.
The village of Creston and Rochelle have been added to the corporation, DeHaan said, noting that Sterling Federal Bank, Manheim Solutions, Harvard Bank, Comcast and Fehr Grahm also have joined the team.
“Great things are achieved when teams are formed by exceptional people and organizations,” the executive board said in the release. “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and are taking steps to implement a comprehensive transition plan. Our priority will be to maintain the continuity of operations and the mission of Ogle County Economic Development Corporation throughout this process. We have already begun discussions to determine the next steps for leadership, including the search for a new executive director, and we will keep the board informed at each stage.”
The executive board thanked Coulombe for her work.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Charlene for her dedication and service to the organization and wish her the very best in her future endeavors. Our board of directors is a great team full of talent, passion and creativity, and we have no doubt that we’ll achieve amazing things together. We look forward to continuing to work closely with everyone to ensure the continued success and bright future of Ogle County and of the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation.”
Members of the Executive Committee are Randy Schoon, president, Polo; Paula Diehl, secretary, Mt. Morris; Darin DeHaan, vice president, Oregon; John Rickard, treasurer, Byron; John Finfrock, Ogle County Board representative; and Patrica Nordman, Ogle County Board vice chairman.
More information about the OCEDC can be found on the Ogle County website by going to the County tab along the top of the homepage and clicking on Economic Development in the drop-down menu or contacting DeHaan at 815-7326321 or ddehaan@cityoregon.org
Charlene Coulombe
Cody Cutter
A memorial for Jackson Kradle sits along state Route 78 on Jan. 16 on the north edge of Mount Carroll.
Sauk Valley-area students named to NIU graduates’ list
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Northern Illinois University recently announced its graduates’ list for the fall 2024 semester.
The university awarded more than 1,150 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in December.
Sauk Valley-area graduating students include:
• Ashton: Austin Bogle, bachelor of science, finance; Bailey Robinett, bachelor of arts, English; Bailey Robinett, bachelor of science, psychology; and Jared Warner, bachelor of science, accountancy
• Baileyville: Audreana Zumdahl, master of science, family nurse practitioner
• Byron: Kyle Baker, bachelor of science, business administration; and Collin Conderman, bachelor of arts, communication – media studies
• Davis Junction: Mollie Momenteller,
master of science in education, instructional technology
• DePue: Adrian Morales, bachelor of science, health sciences: general
• Dixon: Hannah Binkley, master of arts, psychology; Samantha Heaton, bachelor of general studies, general emphasis; and Connor Hummel, bachelor of science, psychology
• Forreston: Katie Erdmann, master of science, data analytics; and Rachel Metzger, bachelor of science, nursing
• Lanark: Nicholas Kane, master of public health, public health – health services management; Emily Randecker, bachelor of music, music – education; and Emily Randecker, bachelor of music, music – performance
• Leaf River: Kristen Lookingland, master of arts, English
• Lee: Joanna Farnsworth, bachelor of science, marketing
• Manlius: Sydney Lebahn-Franks, master of science, family nurse practitioner
OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Jan. 27 to Feb. 2
Warranty Deeds
Trestle Holdings LLC to Hvarre Holdings LLC, 1103 S. Second St., Oregon; 1105 S. 2nd St., Oregon; and 1107 S. Second St., Oregon; $0.
Travis D. Cook to Timothy L. Cassell, 108 N. School St., Chana $105,000.
Rebecca L. Beach to Thomas M. Benjamin and Kristie L. Benjamin, 197 Autumnwood Lane, Davis Junction, $245,000.
Viking Pork Inc. to Lanes J & Kannex LLC, 20781 E. Quarry Road, Esmond, $367,000.
Advantage Holdings LLC to Bryan Peterson, 303 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $170,500.
Charles Joseph Ostander III and Averi Ostrander to Jeff Seivert and Alyssa Seivert, 308 W. 1st St., Mt. Morris, $163,000.
Byron Legacy Properties LLC to Rockhome Holdings LLC, 935 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron; 923 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron; and 217 S. Franklin St., Byron, $793,400.
Top Crop Farms LLC to Chad D. Myers and Kathleen Myers, 14306 E. Bethel Road, Kings, $130,000.
Derek Horner to Me Ok Construction LLC, 10332 E. Deer Creek Lane, Rochelle; 10370 E. Deer Creek Lane, Rochelle; and 10410 E. Deer Creek Lane, Rochelle, $70,000.
Sheila J. Garland to Joe Hill, 306 Otter Trail Lane, Dixon, $1,500.
Keith Holland and Antonia Holland to Jenz Homes LLC, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-08-301-007, $22,000.
Petersen Health Care X LLC to 900 North 3rd Street Property LLC, 900 N. 3rd St., Rochelle, $4,250.
Quit Claim Deeds
Crystal D. Ashelford to Crystal D. Ashelford and Ronald R. Ashelford, 4696 E. Old State Road, Byron, $0.
James M. Huml; Faith M. Huml, Deceased By Executor; and Estate Of Faith M. Huml, to James M. Huml, 6735 Center Road, Rochelle, $0.
• Oregon: Carson Hegge, bachelor of science, computer science – enterprise software; and Lorena Nava-Moyotl, bachelor of arts, sociology: general sociology
• Princeton: Kasara Evans, bachelor of science, health sciences: degree completion
• Rochelle: Brianna Baker, bachelor of arts, psychology; Allyson Crofton, master of business administration, business administration MBA; Melanie Higueros Lopez, bachelor of arts, sociology – general sociology; Crue Larsen, bachelor of science, health sciences: general; Mark Pearson, bachelor of science, finance; Jocelyn Robles, bachelor of science, nursing; and Emily Tatosian-Cammuca, master of science, nutrition and dietetics
• Rock Falls: Mirrna Barrientos Jimenez, bachelor of arts, psychology; Nathan Brown, bachelor of science, mechanical engineering; and Glen
Wicks, bachelor of arts, communication
– media studies
• Spring Valley: Jacob Kinsella, bachelor of general studies, general emphasis
• Sterling: Jennifer Chattic, bachelor of arts, political science – politics and governance; Olivia Gilkey, bachelor of science, human development and family sciences: child development; Benjamin Larkey, bachelor of science, computer science – software development; Ashley Poore, master of public health, public health – health promotion; and Katelyn Young, bachelor of arts, psychology
• Stillman Valley: Anna Campbell, bachelor of science, business administration; Robert Fritzen, doctor of philosophy, geography; Elizabeth Gay, bachelor of science, public service leadership; Courtney Gunderson, bachelor of science, nursing; and Teagan Sailor, bachelor of arts, sociology - criminology
Joseph Wade to Morgan Murphy, 7495 W. Judson Road, Polo, $0.
Veronica E. Sigales to Veronica E. Sigales and Priscilla M. Cantu, 1080 N. 3rd St., Rochelle, $0.
TJ Wagner, Michelle C. Johnson, Michelle Johnson, T J Wagner, Michelle Johnson-Wagner and Michelle Johnson Wagner to Salems Lots LLC and Salem’s Lots LLC, 5763 E. Mccormick Road, Stillman Valley, and one parcel in Marion Township: 05-21-200-018, $0.
Everett R. Bakener, Deceased By Heirs, and Lenora B, Bakener, Deceased By Heirs; to David E. Bakener, Jennifer D. Bakener and Joyce A. Vanderkloot, two parcels in Eagle Point Township: 13-01-100-007 and 13-12400-002, $0.
William G. Butler to Angela M. Alexander, Erin M. Butler and Justin W. Butler, 410 E. Pine St., Forreston, $0.
Petersen Health Care X LLC to 900 North 3rd Street Property LLC, 900 N. 3rd St., Rochelle, $0.
Deeds
Eureka Homes LLC to Winton D. Bocker and Bethany A. Bocker, 1629 N. Evergreen Road, Polo, $592,800.
Trustees Deeds
Patricia Ann Jensen, trustee, and Patricia Ann Jensen Dec Tr to Zane D. Hilton and Maria Valentina Mae P. Yap, 411 W. Phyllis Ave., Rochelle, $164,000.
Dennis Schumacher, trustee; and Dennis Schumacher Tr3755 to Kristi L. Ansteth, 315 6th Ave., Rochelle, $171,000.
Deeds in Trust
Carl J. Ogren and Nona J. Ogren to Carl J. Ogren, trustee; Nona J, Ogren, trustee; and Carl J. And Nona J. Ogren Family Tr, 7557 N. Kylewood Drive, Stillman Valley, $0.
Phyllis J. Hose to Phyllis J. Hose, trustee; and Phyllis J. Hose Lv Tr; 6486 N. Brookville Road, Shannon, $0.
Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice
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Time for artists to register for Phidian Art Show
DIXON – Artists are encouraged to register for the annual Phidian Art Show presented by the Phidian Art Club at the Loveland Community House art gallery, 513 W. Second St.
Original artwork will be on display April 3 through April 25 at the gallery, with the show’s reception and awards ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 3.
This year’s judge is Leslie Pappas of Berwyn.
OBITUARIES
CAROLE ANN ROBESON
Born: January 3, 1943 in Braidwood, IL
Died: January 22, 2025 in Oregon, IL
Oregon, IL – Carole Ann Robeson, age 82, died peacefully on January 22nd, 2025. The Kennedy and Robeson family, along with scores of friends, lost a keystone of love, support, knowledge, and laughter! She was born Jan. 3, 1943 in Braidwood, IL the daughter of Thomas and Adele (Ginter) Kennedy. Carole graduated from St. Francis High School. She married to Jonathan C. Robeson on Oct. 9, 1965 in Wilmington, IL. While moving around for Jon’s work, they raised their 3 children Cherrie, Yvette, and Jonny landing in Elgin, IL.
GLENN E. STROH, JR.
Born: July 14, 1929 in Oregon, IL
Died: January 26, 2025 in Oregon, IL
Oregon, IL – Glenn E. Stroh, Jr., age 95, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at Shepherd Premier of Oregon. He was born July 14, 1929 at his parents’ home in Oregon, IL. Glenn graduated from Oregon High School in 1947. He married his loving wife of 75 years Patricia A. Nice on June 4, 1949. He hauled milk and worked for the Carnation Company in Oregon, IL for 24 years. He then worked for Wood Brother’s Manufacturing Company in Oregon for 20 years. After his retirement in 1993, he enjoyed meeting his friends every morning at the Sunrise Restaurant in downtown Oregon for coffee. Glenn
The show is open to the public during regular museum hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Local artists will vie for more than $3,500 in cash awards.
“The Phidian Art Show is eagerly anticipated by artists and patrons,” said Robin Canode, art show committee member. “Artists can pick up an entry form at The Next Picture Show art gallery or download the form located on the Art Applications page on The Next Picture Show’s website.”
Artwork will be received at the Loveland Community House from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1. Entry fee is $15 for one artwork and $25 for two artworks with a two artwork limit. Entry forms are available at The Next Picture Show, 113 W. First St., Dixon, or download one from the gallery’s website. Artists must live within 35 miles of Dixon and be 17 or older. Only two-dimensional paintings or drawings in any medium will be accepted. Artwork must be original, not produced
under the direction of an instructor, no more than 5 years old and never have been entered in a previous Phidian show. Photography, crafts, sculptures, digital art and three-dimensional work is not eligible for this show.
All work must be ready for hanging by wire, no larger than 48 inches in width and not exceeding 25 pounds. For more information, guidelines and entry forms, contact Ellen Allen at 815-9940841 or ellen.allen315@gmail.com. – Shaw Local News Network
She volunteered as room mom, organized the bazaar, served on school board, and helped with hot dog lunches at St. Laurence. She acted as a reliable taxi service, driving kids to basketball, track, cross-country, tennis, and baseball practices and games. This was a fulltime job, yet she still found time to host her girlfriends. Carole worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier until the last of their children were through college. As Carole and Jon’s careers came to a close, they packed up their cross-country skis, told their kids where to find them, and set out for a new adventure in Oregon, IL. Carole soon became an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was warmly welcomed. She was an enthusiastic birder that understood the rhythm of the seasons and what they might bring. She was a gifted artisan who was a member (and former President) of the Country Crossroads
Quilt Guild, and a member of the Sew What’s Sewing Club. Carole was a member of the 100 Women Who Care organization, and of course, as an avid reader, her beloved Oregon Library Club. Over the years, legions would come to Carole’s kitchen table for a cup of coffee, to watch the birds, have a good talk and laugh. In fact, the “laugh” criteria seemed an inherent component to everything she did. Carole was kind, so funny, extraordinarily loving, and so very interested in this world that she just left. Most importantly for those of us left behind she taught us how to love well, how to cherish friends and family, and how to be the best mom there is. She was proceeded in death by her dedicated husband of 58 years and parents Thomas and Adele Kennedy. Carole is survived by her 3 children: Cherrie (John) Musial of Elgin, IL; Yvette (Paul) Hubbman of St. Louis, MO; and Jonny (Becky) Robeson, Jr. of Terre
Haute, IN; brothers Tom (Dolores) Kennedy of Arvada, CO, and Ken (Jane) Kennedy of Braidwood, IL; grandsons Clay, Cliff, Nick, Jack, and Ryan (Katherine); granddaughters Louise and Ella; great grandson Owen; and many nieces and nephews that she loved so much. The family would also like to thank her caregivers who allowed her to remain in the comfort of her home at the end of life; Peak, Serenity Hospice, Team Carole, led by Nancy. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oregon, IL with Rev. Bernie Sehr officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial of cremains will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in Carole’s name for St. Vincent DePaul Society and the 100 Women Who Care. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Carole.
loved to bowl. He started bowling at age 12 and continued doing so until the age of 90. Glenn and Patricia enjoyed wintering in Destin, Florida for 9 years. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Michael Stroh, great grandson Blane Powell, brother Robert (Ruth) Pelsma, and sister-in-law Claudia Robertson. Glenn is survived by his wife Patricia of Oregon; daughter Glenna “Diane” (Jim) Shuman of Oregon; grandchildren Kristine (Kenny) Hires of Hawthorne, Florida; Jill (Neil) Shaw of Oregon, IL; great grandchildren: Morgan (Gage) Thomas, Laura (Brandon) Estep, Alexandria Withers, Brady and Benjamin Powell; great-great grandchildren Savannah, Gabriele, Austin, Astrid, and Ivy. Private graveside service was held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon, Illinois. A memorial fund is established for the Rock River Center, 810 South 10th Street in Oregon, Illinois. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Glenn.
TY ‘TYROD’ RADVILLE
Born: October 3, 1962
Died: January 31, 2025
FORRESTON, IL – Ty
“Tyrod” Radville, age 62, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home, with his family by his side.
Ty was born October 3, 1962 in Rockford, IL, the son of Robert A. & Lynne C. (Payette) Radville.
Ty married Wendy Pepper on June 18, 1983 in Mt. Morris, IL.
Ty’s beautiful wife, kids and grandkids were the love of his life. He enjoyed his many trucking adventures, and always said every truck
needs more power, and when he was able to take his wife, kids and grand kids. Ty loved telling many jokes.
Ty is survived by his wife, Wendy (Pepper) Radville; children, Amanda (Chris) Swedlund and Annette Radville; grandkids, Briliey, Mason, Allycen Swedlund; mother, Lynne Radville; brother,Troy Radville; sisters, Traci Martin and Dawn (Sadafumi) Uchiyama; and his fur children:,Angus and Diesel.
Ty is preceded in death by his father; and father-in-law, Marvin Pepper.
Memorial service will be held on February 8, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Serenity Hospice & Home.
‘There
was never a dull moment’
Polo senior Cheyenna Wilkins enjoys experience with U.S. team in Netherlands
By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com
Polo senior Cheyenna Wilkins had an unforgettable and successful trip playing for Team USA in The Netherlands at The Cup, an international fastpitch softball tournament featuring some of the top players from America and Europe.
Wilkins, who is committed to continue her softball career at Judson University, said the trip went well for her and the team.
“There was never a dull moment with the girls, and we meshed so well together,” she said. “Overall, everyone had fun.”
Wilkins played for Team Avengers, which featured a number of other players from Illinois and the Midwest. The team played in the same pool as the Czech U18 team, which is qualified for this year’s World Cup Finals and won the final matchup against Team Avengers 6-0.
Team Avengers is coached by Jason and Joann Yakey, who also coach Wilkins on the Midwest Aftershock 18u ES team.
Other players from Illinois on the team of nine are Adrianne Baker (Stockton High School), Jenna and Josie Yakey (Belvidere North), Jalyn Yakey (Auburn High School grad), Janae Burke (Boylan Catholic) and Rylie Adams (Harlem).
In the tournament’s first game Jan. 17 against USA’s Team Impact, Wilkins was her team’s winning pitcher and had a double and two RBIs in a 3-2 victory. She received The Cup Star Award as MVP for the game.
She also pitched in a 1-1 tie with Czech U18 the following day. She also pitched a shutout in a 0-0 tie against the Netherlands Red Lions, striking out six with three hits allowed.
On Sunday, Jan. 19, Wilkins was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored in a 4-0 win over USA’s Team Glory. The team’s run concluded with the 6-0 loss to Czech U18, which did not allow a hit.
Wilkins got to talk to older players and also experience the game from a new perspective. She said the competition was tough.
“The women over there play a com-
pletely different game than we do over here in so many different aspects,” she said. “The pitchers over there are tough to hit, as most of them do crow hop, and it’s very hard to time up.”
Off the diamond where games were
played in Schiedam, Wilkins said she and the team got to walk around Amsterdam, visit Anne Frank’s house and travel to the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre in Paris.
“It was overall an amazing opportu-
nity to be able to represent the USA while playing softball,” she said, “as well as an amazing learning experience for me and the girls I played with. I am very happy to have played with this very talented group of girls.”
Photo provided by Elizabeth Edwards
USA’s Team Avengers competed at The Cup, a fastpitch softball tournament in The Netherlands that took place from Jan. 17-19. The team featured players from Illinois and the Midwest. Pictured are (front row, from left) Adrianne Baker, Cheyenna Wilkins, Josie Yakey and Jenna Yakey. Also pictured are (back row, from left) coach Jason Yakey, Natalie Aurit, Jalyn Yakey, Erica Burnham, Janae Burke, Rylie Adams and coach Joann Yakey.
Basketball, bowling, wrestling fill out busy week
Wednesday nights normally are men’s group at church for me. However, last Wednesday I felt a hankering for fried chicken and some good high school basketball.
Thus, it was off to Fritz’s Wooden Nickel for the $14.99 Wednesday chicken buffet, complete with soups, salad bar, pasta, ribs, garlic bread, potatoes, gravy, vegetables and, of course, deep-fried chicken. With rising restaurant prices everywhere, what a bargain for such a wide array of homecooked food.
With a full stomach of guilty pleasures, it was a short 5-mile drive from Stillman Valley to Byron to watch the Tigers take on the No. 1 team in Class 1A, Pecatonica. Going from an elbow-toelbow crowd at Fritz’s, it wasn’t quite as jam-packed in Byron, but almost a full house for these two rivals.
Finding a seat next to Russ and John Zick, the basketball game was the perfect nightcap to my meal. Not only did I get the chance to see quality roundball, but John and Russ had plenty of lively banter for me.
As I shared before, why would I ever want to move somewhere else when I can have such an enjoyable evening with such simple pleasures as found in Ogle County.
Yes, I missed my biblical teachings, but I sense God is OK with me stepping out in a different venue occasionally, provided my faith is always with Him. Arriving home later that evening, there was a feeling of spirituality brought about by food, fellowship and fun.
After seeing Byron take Pecatonica to the limit, I had to reassess my opinion of the Tigers. To be quite frank, I assumed they would be in a rebuilding mode after losing the bulk of last year’s Class 2A state third-place team.
Colbert GUEST VIEW
story Saturday, with Byron losing at home to Oregon 46-44.
Andy
Not so. With a young cast of budding stars and a heady coach in Matt Huels, they appear on their way to future success.
The main reason Pecatonica beat Byron is because of the poise and maturity of its seniors. Far from being tentative, the Tigers attacked from the opening tipoff until the final seconds when the game was out of reach.
In athletics, fear can keep individuals from reaching their greatest potential, and I didn’t see fear. Another factor that may have been in play in this game is pressure. Byron had no pressure on it. Undefeated and ranked No. 1, Pecatonica had to be feeling some pressure.
For Pecatonica, pressure only will ratchet up as the season progresses, especially in the postseason, when anything other than a much-elusive trip downstate will be considered a failure.
Harsh words, but Pecatonica coach
Bobby Heisler had harsh words after the game, saying his team was outplayed. For a school that has never been downstate in any boys or girls sports other than bass fishing, so much is at stake with its most talented team ever.
A big plus for Pecatonica is most of these kids had the experience of competing at the highest level in football. Generally speaking, basketball-only guys don’t have the same mental tenacity as multi-sport athletes.
A drawback for a young team such as Byron is maintaining consistency. Compared with how well it played against Pecatonica, it was a different
Hawks coach Jarrett Reynolds thought it was the first time in about 10 years that Oregon beat Byron. The third-year head coach also called it the most impactful victory of his career.
Keys for Oregon were a tough defense and being able to exert its force down low. In December, Byron won 54-42.
I saw a bunch of Oregon players at the Pecatonica-Byron game and maybe that prepared them for returning to the same gym and taking it to the Tigers.
It was a big weekend all around for Oregon athletics.
Its wrestlers held a cancer fundraiser at their last regular-season meet on Friday. The fundraiser was for Jim Sklavanitis, whose son Brandon was a state champion for the Hawks, and former state-placing wrestler Andrew Herbst.
Also on Friday, the Oregon bowling team made school history by advancing to Saturday’s final round of the state tournament. In 2012, when Oregon made its only other trip downstate, it
bowed out after Friday’s round. Only 12 of the 24 teams make the cut from Friday’s round.
To give you an idea of how tough the Oregon Sectional was, all four qualifying teams advanced to Saturday’s state finals, with Harlem taking second place. The Hawks ended up 12th.
Sandwiched around Harlem were small schools Harrisburg (553 enrollment) in first place and Breese Central (620 enrollment) in third place.
Harrisburg, with three sophomores, crushed everyone by 689 pins, including a Saturday morning state record of 3,531 pins for a three-game series.
In another ode to small schools, the individual bowling champion was from Carterville. Interestingly, Carterville, Harrisburg and Breese Central are located in the deep south of Illinois and close to the state finals site in O’Fallon. There has to be something about the popularity of bowling in that part of the state.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Oregon falls short, Dixon earns BNC championship
By RANDY HOLLAND Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The Oregon wrestling team traveled to Dixon on Jan. 30 with hopes of notching two wins and bringing home the Big Northern Conference championship.
Oregon had a little trouble with Rock Falls. Starting at 190 pounds, head coach Justin Lahman used some JV wrestlers to rest his starters and didn’t get good results. The first three and one other were pinned. The Hawks also lost a major decision and a technical fall.
Only three Oregon wrestlers won on the mat, two by falls, but the Hawks won five matches by forfeits and prevailed 45-33. Pinning for Oregon were Nelson Benesh with a wing and a half at 2:38 and Levi Benton with half nelson also at 2:38. Jordan Lowe with two takedowns avoided backpoints on a roll in the third to win 7-3. Josiah Perez, Isaiah Perez, Charles Collins, Hunter Skoli and Leyton Kenney took the forfeits.
Jack Tinsman had an early lead but got thrown and pinned at 5:21. Yovanni
Carreno went over in an arm bar at 2:30, Kaimana Barcai lost a takedown to his back at 2:53, and Avery Lewis was turned in a cradle at 2:43. Jackson Messenger lost a four-point tilt in the third to drop a 10-1 major decision, and Boone Alderks lost six takedowns in a 19-3 technical fall loss at 4:33.
With the conference championship on the line, the Dixon match started out exciting. At 215, Landon Elder put the Hawks on top with a come-from-behind Granby roll for a pin at 1:45. At 285, Briggs Sellers was in trouble early on a takedown to the back but he esccaped in the seccond and spent the third on his feet to preserve a 10-3 loss and hold Dixon to three points.
Lowe had a tough match at 106 and looked to be hanging on for a major decision loss, but lost a neck wrench for four points late in the third to drop an 18-3 technical fall. Also in a tough match at 113, Josiah Perez avoided a reverse late in the second and countered for a takedown as time expired to win 7-2 and put Oregon up by one point.
Isaiah Perez broke a tie with a rolling reversal in the third period to win 6-4 and give the Hawks a 12-8 lead. A forfeit to Preston LaBay at 126 extended the lead to 10. Benesh scored takedowns in every period to take a 14-3 major decision and add four more points.
Benton lost a takedown and a fourpoint half nelson in the first period before he was reversed to his back and pinned at 3:32 in the 138-pound match. Up at 144, Messenger got the points back, reversing to the back out of a throw and headlock and pinning at 1:02.
That made the score 28-14 in favor of Oregon, but that was the end of the scoring for the Hawks. To keep their championship hopes alive, the Hawks needed one win and for the rest of the wrestlers to not give up any bonus points. That didn’t happen.
There wasn’t another win and Oregon lost four pins and a major decision down the stretch. Skoli lost a four-point cradle and another cradle for a pin at 1:02. Jayden Berry went up to 157 and was saved by the buzzer in a half nelson
at the end of the first period and was pinned in a cradle at 3:10. Still up by two points, Oregon had a chance.
Kenney had an early lead but was turned with a chicken wing with 15 seconds left in the match. Wrestling at 175, Jakob Moser lost takedowns in the first and second periods and dropped a 7-0 decision despite fighting off a chicken wing in the third period.
Oregon was down by seven and no longer had a chance. In the final match at 190, Seth Rote lost a cradle at the end of the first period and a late takedown to drop a 13-3 major decision to give four more points to the Dukes and a 39-28 win.
There were some JV matches. Against Rock Falls, Ian Tajiboy Kilcan was turned in a cradle at 2:36. Against Dixon, Kilcan was pinned again, this time in a half nelson at 1:47. Also pinned were Tayshawn Gordy in a half nelson at 1:40, Sonny Wesselman in a half nelson out front in 45 seconds, and Tinsman in a cradle at 2:44. Collins won his match. He got a single leg takedown and worked into a half nelson at 1:11.
Oregon’s Jackson Messenger (top) holds his Sandwich opponent to the mat during the 138-pound match at a triangular that also included Morrison on Jan. 31 in the Blackhawk Center at Oregon High School.
Earleen Hinton
Oregon finishes regular season with 2 wins
By RANDY HOLLAND
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Oregon’s wrestling team capped the 2024-25 regular season with two wins at the Blackhawk Center on Jan. 31.
Oregon rolled to a 30-0 lead against Sandwich before Sandwich made it interesting with four pins and two technical falls, but Oregon got a technical fall and a forfeit in the last four matches to come away with a 41-31 win.
The Hawks started off with a 30-6 lead against Morrison, pinning three times, taking two forfeits and giving up a forfeit at 144.
Losses by falls at 157 and 165 made it interesting again, but Oregon had numbers and power and rolled through the final matches with three pins and three forfeits to close out the regular season with a 64-34 win.
Oregon ended the dual meet season with a 26-4 record and second place in the Big Northern Conference. Oregon took fifth place at the Abe’s Rumble
Team Tournament, second at the Stillman Valley and Richmond/Burton tournaments and first at the Polo and LeRoy tournaments.
The Hawks are back in action Saturday, Feb. 8, at the IHSA regional in Byron starting at 9 a.m. The sectional round in the Blackhawk Center starts at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and continues Saturday morning, Feb. 15.
The IHSA team sectional also is at the Blackhawk Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Against Sandwich, Oregon got a 3-0 decision from Jordan Lowe at 106, a cradle by Josiah Perez at 1:54, a chicken wing by Isaiah Perez at 2:32, a 16-1 technical fall at 3:59 by Preston LaBay and a takedown in a cradle at 2:55 by Nelson Benesh. At 138, Jackson Messenger had to fight out of a half nelson to preserve a 19-6 major decision.
Levi Benton took the first loss, reversed to his back at 2:47.
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•
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Seth Rote (right) battles Sandwich’s Kaden Clevenger in the 190-pound match Jan. 31.
• WRESTLING
Continued from page 13
Hunter Skoli got pinned in a chicken wing in 46 seconds and Charles Collins went over in a half nelson in 15 seconds.
Leyton Kenney was in a half nelson at the end of a 15-0 technical fall loss at 3:49.
Suddenly, the lead was cut to 30-23. With backpoints in every period, Andrew Young stopped the skid with a 22-6 technical fall at 4:46. At 190, Seth Rote was scoreless in the third period of a 9-3 loss. Landon Elder got roughed up in a 16-0 technical fall loss at 3:22 in the 215-pound match.
Sandwich was within four points but had to forfeit the 285-pound match to Briggs Sellers and gave Oregon the 10-point margin.
Against Morrison, Isaiah Perez got things started with a forfeit at 120, fol -
lowed by a scrape at 1:55 by LaBay. Benesh took a forfeit and Messenger got a takedown in a cradle in 48 seconds. The Hawks forfeited 144. Berry pinned with a half nelson at 1:39, but Skoli was pinned in a stack in 36 seconds and Kenney went over in a butcher in 55 seconds to cut the lead to 12.
Young came through with a lateral drop at the first-period buzzer and Rote pulled an arm into a half nelson at 1:43. Elder caught a half nelson at 1:13 as the Hawks pulled away and Sellers and Josiah Perez took forfeits to end the meet.
In JV action against Sandwich, Boone Alderks, Cole Suter and Jack Tinsman won by falls. Sonny Wesselman won by default. Ian Tajiboy Kilkan lost 9-3. Against Morrison, Kilkan, Jakob Moser and Yovanni Carreno won by falls. Wesselman lost a 21-5 technical fall. Brody Stradinger, Avery Lewis and Suter lost by falls.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Preston LeBay looks at the scoreboard as he wrestles a Sandwich opponent during the 126-pound match at a triangular meet that also included Morrison on Jan. 31 in the Blackhawk Center at Oregon High School.
Oregon’s Jordan Lowe holds the foot of Sandwich’s Hunter Whitecotten during the 106-pound match.
Oregon’s Josiah Perez (top) wrestles a Sandwich opponent during the 113-pound match at a triangular that also included Morrison on Jan. 31 in the Blackhawk Center at Oregon High School.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Boys bowling
Oregon finishes 12th in state: Oregon wrapped up its best season ever at the state finals Feb. 1 at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights. The Hawks (11,414 pins) took 12th for their best finish in program history.
Senior Gavvin Surmo (2,513) took 31st to lead the Hawks. Oregon also received stellar performances from seniors Ethan Smice (2,318), Matthew Stahl (1,664), Caleb Brooks (647) and Nolan Page (183) and juniors RJ Keene (2,347), Aiden Currier (1,422) and Caleb Ehrler (320).
Dixon took seventh with a 12,023 twoday total, led by a seventh-place finish from senior Wyatt Miller (2,659). Also scoring for the Dukes were sophomores Daniel Sotelo (2,373) and Aaron Fitzanko (2,323), seniors Cody Geil (2,339) and David Laird (1,960) and junior Sam Gingras (369).
Harrisburg (13,177) was the team champion. Harlem (12,488) was runner-up, followed by Breese Central (12,258).
Girls basketball
Jones reaches 1,000 points: Camrynn Jones scored her 1,000th career point and was the player of the game against Lena-Winslow on Jan. 25. Jones, a junior, scored 14 points, snagged 11 rebounds, dished out eight assists and had eight steals.
Polo 44, Ashton-Franklin Center 17: Laynie Mandrell led Polo with 14 points to go with eight rebounds in the win. Camrynn Jones had seven points and eight assists for the Marcos. Audree Dorn led the Raiders with six points.
Morrison 49, Forreston 27: Camryn Veltrop scored 25 points as the Fillies (3-22) won their third straight game since Veltrop’s return from injury.
Stillman Valley 66, Oregon 49: The Hawks fell to the undefeated Cardinals (24-0, 6-0) in the Big Northern Conference matchup. Oregon (10-13, 0-5) was led by Ella Dannhorn’s 14 points. Taylor Davidson had 27 points for Stillman Valley.
Polo 48, Milledgeville 19: Camrynn Jones had 16 points, eight steals and nine assists for Polo in the win. Carlee Grobe and Leah Tobim added nine points each for the Marcos. Kendra Hutchison led the Missiles with seven points.
Forreston 38, Kirkland-Hiawatha 23: Hannah Vinnedge led the Cardinals with 11 points.
Genoa-Kingston 49, Oregon 41: Ella Dannhorn led the Hawks with 14 points in the road setback. Aniyah Sarver added eight points for Oregon.
Polo 51, Forreston 40: Camrynn Jones led the Marcos with 29 points, draining four treys in the second half. Leah Tobin scored 12 points and Laynie Mandrell had eight rebounds for Polo. Hannah Vinnedge led Forreston with 12 points, followed by Alice Kobler with nine and Hailee Voight with eight.
Boys basketball
Oregon 46, Byron 44: Keaton Salsbury’s late go-ahead 3-pointer helped give the Hawks the big road win in Big Northern Conference play. Byron had a 3-point attempt hit off the iron and Oregon rebounded to secure the victory.
See ROUNDUP, page 16
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Photo provided by Jennifer Grobe
Polo’s Camrynn Jones is congratulated by coach Jason Grobe after Jones reached 1,000 career points in a game against Lena-Winslow on Jan. 25.
Photo provided Oregon placed 12th at the boys bowling state finals Feb. 1. In the front row from left are Gavvin Surmo, Matthew Stahl, Aiden Currier and Caleb Ehrler. In the back row are Coach Al Nordman, Nolan Page, Ethan Smice, RJ Keene, Caleb Brooks and Coach AJ Nordman.
• ROUNDUP
Continued from page 15
Forreston 67, Orangeville 34 : Forreston rolled to a road win as Kendall Erdmann scored 20 points and Brendan Greenfield added 16. Greenfield also had 11 rebounds and five assists.
Polo 50, Morrison 40: Gus Mumford scored a game-high 22 points for Polo, JT Stephenson scored 11 and Mercer Mumford added 10 in the win. Colton Bielema scored 11 points for the Mustangs in the home setback.
• KRADLE
Continued from page 7
The sheriff said that when the on-duty deputy arrived, they were told that the reporting party already had been released from the scene.
“Our department command staff was also contacted to respond to the scene,” Kloepping said. That team includes the sheriff, chief deputy and detective. The Carroll County coroner was contacted at 5:14 a.m. to respond to the scene. At that time, Crime Scene Services was still processing the scene, which is a lengthy process, to ensure the scene is properly documented and any possible evidence can be recovered, Kloepping said.
He said there was no identification on the body and that staff members at the scene were not aware of the teen’s identity. On-scene personnel suggested a possible identity, Kloepping said, adding that the sheriff’s office followed up on the possible lead and determined it was inaccurate. At that time, the victim was removed from the scene by the coroner’s office, and Crime Scene Services completed its duties.
Forreston 53, Pearl City 51: Kendall Erdmann led the way for Forreston with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Brendan Greenfield added 10 points.
Fulton 50, Polo 20: The Steamers improved to 11-12 and 4-1 in the NUIC South as Landen Leu scored a gamehigh 22 points. Braedon Meyers added nine points in a game that Fulton led 18-6 after one quarter. Gus Mumford led Polo with nine points.
Oregon 59, Amboy 45: The Hawks were led by Cooper Johnson, Keaton Salsburg and Kade Girton, who each scored 13 points. Nole Campos added 11 points for
Oregon. Eddie Jones and Quinn Leffelman had 11 points each for Amboy (8-12).
Boys wrestling
Polo goes 2-0: The Marcos beat Streator 42-34 and Mendota 48-36 in dual action. Kaenyn McCarren picked up two wins for Polo by pin. Lucas Nelson had a pin in 48 seconds against Mendota and Polo had five wins by forfeit. Zandra Vock won by pin against Streator. Polo takes two: Lucas Nelson, Jaidyn McKinney, Dylan Reimer, Kaenyn McCarren, Shawn Patton and Ethan Dewey had pins agains Durand. Against
West Carroll, Nelson and McKinney had pins in a 42-24 win.
Girls wrestling
Rock Falls Regional: Polo’s Zandra Vock finished third at 120 pounds to advance to the sectional.
Girls bowling
Oregon 1,632, Rockford Lutheran 1,579: In a matchup of two teams with only four bowlers, Oregon pulled out the win as Carli Bailey’s 479 led the Hawks. Katlyn Miller rolled a 440 and Savannah Nagy had a 437 series.
Additional law enforcement resources responded from Rockford with equipment that could assist with identifying the victim. While at the funeral home, a call was received reporting a motor vehicle accident, Kloepping said. He said sheriff’s office staff members responded to the incident to determine whether it had any possible connection to the Kradle investigation. It eventually was determined that the new incident was not related, Kloepping said.
“Shortly thereafter, our office was able to make a positive identification of Jackson,” Kloepping said. “At that time, | personally went to the residence of his father and the residence of his mother and made notification. My staff did ask questions of others present to hopefully assist with the investigation. After departing the families’ residences, our command staff met back at the initial scene on Illinois Route 78 to discuss how we would pro-
Kloepping said he contacted the Mount Carroll fire chief, who responded to the scene to wash down the road. At that time, the road was opened to traffic. Sheriff’s office staff members went to the funeral home to meet with the coroner. The main focus at that time was to determine who the victim was so proper notification could be made to the family, Kloepping said.
ceed with this investigation.
“Due to the possible conflict of interest, I then made a call to the Illinois State Police and requested that their investigation unit handle this case,” Kloepping said. “Within one hour, they had multiple investigators at our office. We provided them with the details of the case and asked for them to handle this incident throughout the remainder of the investigation.”
On July 29, sheriff’s office command staff met with the two sheriff’s office employees who had reported finding the body. They were placed on administrative leave and given their notice of an internal investigation, Kloepping said, further explaining that as members of the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, they “are afforded certain rights” and were given a meeting time in 48 hours for an interrogation.
On July 31, just before the interrogation, both employees resigned from their positions with the agency.
Chesney said that on the morning of the death, upon learning of potential involvement by Carroll County Sheriff’s Office employees, Kloepping recused himself. The investigation was then passed on to the Carroll County state’s attorney, who also recused himself.
“Sheriff Kloepping turned the investigation over to the Illinois State Police, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney also correctly recused themselves and forwarded the case to the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor,” Chesney wrote to Delfino. “A coroner’s inquest was held, and on January 14, 2025, Kradle’s death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt trauma to the head from a motor vehicle-pedestrian crash.
“We have been informed that the Illinois State Police have concluded their investigation and that you and/ or your team possess the evidence and findings related to the case. I understand and respect that this office faces a heavy workload. However, on behalf of the families affected by this tragic incident in Carroll County, I respectfully request that the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor expedite the review of the evidence and findings.”
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Kloepping said he also is awaiting word from the appellate prosecutor.
“Our office is working closely with our local state officials in hopes of receiving a response from the Appellate Prosecutor regarding the status of this case,” he wrote.
, Deceased
2025 PR 3
CL AIM NOTICE
CLASSIFIED
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS In the Matter of LORRETTA A.J. SIGLER, Deceased No. 2025-PR-4 CL AIM NOTICE
HOME CARE WORKER with available hours
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Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult)
In The State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County
2025 MR 1 Request of:
Samantha Rose Johnson
My current name is: Samantha Rose Johnson
"THIS IS AN ATTE MPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE US ED FOR THAT PURPO SE" IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
I wis h my n ame to be changed to: Samantha Rose Hilliard
Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veteran s United Home Loans, a Missouri Limited Liability Corporation; Plaintiff, vs.
Eric Burke a/ k/a E. Burke; Nat alie Burke a/k/a N. Burke; Defendants
The court date for the Request is scheduled on:
March 19, 2025 at 9:00 A.M at 106
Case No. 23 FC 35 Judge Presiding Court room TBA NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SAL E OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FO RE CL OSURE
S. 5th St., Oregon, IL
Courtroom: 304
/s/ Samantha Johnson
Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult) In The State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2025 MR 1 Request of: Samantha Rose Johnson
My current name is: Samantha Rose Johnson
I wis h my n ame to be changed to: Samantha Rose Hilliard
The court date for the Request is scheduled on:
March 19, 2025 at 9:00 A.M at 106
S. 5th St., Oregon, IL
Courtroom: 304 /s/ Samantha Johnson
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 08-27-435-001
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Sheriff of Ogle, Illinois, will on March 7, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM at Sheriff of Olge County, 103 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, or so much thereo f as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit:
C/K/A: 153 Perene Avenue, Byron, IL 61010
PIN: 05-31-326-005
The person to contact regarding information regardi ng this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St , Suite 1540, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W23-0157. The terms of the sale are Cash 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours.
The property is improved by: single family home. The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale.
The real estate, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms
Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310)
Christopher J. Irk (6300084)
Cory J. Harris (6319221)
Tracey M. Coons (6311050)
The Wirbicki Law Group LLC
Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W Monroe St., Suite 1540 Chicago, IL 60603
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE I n re the E state of: MICHAEL A. THOMAS, Deceased
2025 PR 3 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MICHAEL A THOMAS. Letters of Office were issued on January 27, 2025, to BRENT M THOMAS, as Independent Executor Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever dateis later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative or
Notice is given of the death of MICHAEL A THOMAS. Letters of Office were issued on January 27, 2025, to BRENT M THOMAS, as Independent Executor Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975, as amended, whichever dateis later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both 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: MICHAEL A THOMAS Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS
In the Matter of L ORRETTA A.J SIGLER, Deceased No. 2025-PR-4 CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LORRETTA A.J SIGLER of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on January 21, 2025 to GWENDOLYN ZIMMERMAN, as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any
Notice is given of the death of LORRETTA A.J. SIGLER of Oregon, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on January 21, 2025 to GWENDOLYN ZIMMERMAN, as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. 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 terminate s 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, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S 5th Street # 300, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before Augu st 7, 2025, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above 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.
GWENDOLYN ZIMMERMAN Independent Executor
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
presentative, or both, on or before Augu st 7, 2025, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above 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.
GWENDOLYN ZIMMERMAN Independent Executor
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
TAX DEED NO.: 2025TX4
FILED: 1/13/2025 TAKE NOTICE
County of Ogle
Date Premises Sold: November 2, 2022
Certificate No.: 2021-00060
Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021
Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number : N/A Warrant No.: N/A
Installmen t No.: N/A
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: 107 West Center Street, Unit 3, Mount Morris, IL 61054
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 08-27-435-001
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on July 9, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on July 9, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025. This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom, on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM. You may be presen t at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIAT ELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY Redemption can be made at any time on or before July 9, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois at the Office of the Count y Clerk in Oregon, Illinois FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Myriad Capital LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
J. Christian T. Grogan
J. Christian T. Grogan
Occupant
Ivan N. Grogan
Elizabeth Gonzales
Occupant
Occupant
Occupant
James P.
in Oregon, Illinois FOR
CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK
105 South 5th
Street Suite 104
Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Myriad Capital LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
J. Christian T. Grogan
J. Christian T. Grogan
Occupant
Ivan N. Grogan
Elizabeth Gonzales
Occupant
Occupant
Occupant
James P. O'Connor
James P. O'Connor
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois
Claimants, Judgment
Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners"
"Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots" 10686-949587
January 31, 2025
February 7, 14, 2025 949587
TAX DEED NO.: 2025TX5 FILED: 1/13/2025 TAKE NOTICE
County of Ogle
Date Premises Sold:
November 2, 2022 Certificate No.: 2021-00068
Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021
Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment
Number : N/A
Warrant No.: N/A
Installmen t No.: N/A
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: 404 East North Park Drive, Byron, IL 61010
Legal Description or Property Index No.:
09-11-176-019
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on July 9, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchas er at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any
the sale will expire on July 9, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchas er at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025. This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom, on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM. You may be presen t at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMME DIAT ELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY Redemption can be made at any time on or before July 9, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois at the Office of the Count y Clerk in Oregon, Illinois FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Myriad Capital LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
Raymond Beardin Raymond Beardin Occupant
Mandi L. Arbuckle Central Bank Illinois Central Bank Illinois
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois
Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “Unknown Owners”
“Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots” 10716-949591
Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above
described as “Unknown Owners”
“Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots” 10716-949591
January 31, 2025
February 7, 14, 2025
949591
TAX DEED NO.: 2025TX7 FILED: 1/13/2025
TAKE NOTICE
County of Ogle Date Premises Sold:
November 2, 2022
Certificate No.: 2021-00014
Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number : N/A
Warrant No.: N/A
Installmen t No.: N/A
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: 6913 West Wagner Road, German Valley, IL 61039
Legal Description or Property Index No.:
03-09-100-001
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on July 9, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchas er at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025. This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom on July 24,
title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025. This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom, on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
You may be presen t at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIAT ELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY
Redemption can be made at any time on or before July 9, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois at the Office of the Count y Clerk in Oregon, Illinois FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Private Equity Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
Erik Pet erson a/k/a Erik E. Peterson
Erik Pet erson a/k/a Erik E. Peterson Occupant
Ashley L. Lower Jamie Marie Armstrong First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A. as Successor to Blackhawk Bank First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A. as Successor to Blackhawk Bank
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners"
"Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots" 10716-949590
January 31, 2025
February 7, 14, 2025 949590
County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners"
"Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots" 10716-949590
January 31, 2025
February 7, 14, 2025 949590
TAX DEED NO.: 2025TX8 FILED: 1/13/2025 TAKE NOTICE
County of Ogle Date Premises Sold:
November 2, 2022
Certificate No.: 2021-00105
Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021
Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number : N/A
Warrant No.: N/A
Installmen t No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: 501 South Green Avenue, Polo, IL 61064
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 14-16-265-005
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on July 9, 2025.
The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.
Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106
S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom, on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
You may be presen t at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIAT ELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY Redemption can be made at any time on or before July 9, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois at the Office of the Count y Clerk in Oregon, Illinois FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Private Equity Group, LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
Charles William Jones
Occupant
(815) 732-1110
Private Equity Group, LLC
Purchaser or Assignee
January 16, 2025
Charles William Jones
Occupant
Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capita l Management, LLC AHP Capital Management, LLC as Administ rator of American Homeowner
Preservation Trust Series 2015A + and American Homeowner
Preservation Trust Series AHP
Servicing
Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capital Management, LLC AHP Capita l Management, LLC as Administrator o f American Homeowner
Preservation Trust Series 2015A + and American Homeowner
Preservation Trust Series AHP
Servicing
Miller Berger, LLC as Attorneys in 24-CV-276
and American Homeowner Preservation Trust
Series AHP
Servicing
Miller Berger, LLC as Attorneys in 24-CV-276
Oak Harbor Capita l LLC
Erostylis, LLC
Land Home
Financial Services, Inc. Magerick, LLC
Illinois Corporation Service Company as R/A for Magerick, LLC Magerick, LLC
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners"
"Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots" 10716-949588
January 31, 2025
February 7, 14, 2025 949588
This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025.
This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106
redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this prope rty if redemption is not made on or before July 9, 2025. This matter is set for hear ing in the Circuit Court of Ogle County in 106 S. 5th St., Oregon, IL 61061, Via Zoom, on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM. You may be presen t at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIAT ELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY
Oak Harbor Capita l LLC
Erostylis, LLC
Land Home Financial Services, Inc.
"THIS IS AN ATTE MPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE US ED FOR THAT PURPO SE" IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
Magerick, LLC Illinois Corporation Service Company as R/A for Magerick, LLC Magerick, LLC
Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veteran s United Home Loans, a Missouri Limited Liability Corporation; Plaintiff, vs. Eric Burke a/ k/a E. Burke; Nat alie Burke a/k/a N. Burke; Defendants
Redemption can be made at any time on or before July 9, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois at the Office of the Count y Clerk in Oregon, Illinois FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK 105 South 5th Street Suite 104 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-1110
Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capita l Management, LLC AHP Capital Management, LLC as Administ rator of American Homeowner Preservation Trust Series 2015A + and American Homeowner Preservation Trust Series AHP
Case No. 23 FC 35 Judge Presiding Court room TBA
Servicing Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capital Management, LLC AHP Capita l Management, LLC as Administrator o f American Homeowner
NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SAL E OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FO RE CL OSURE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Sheriff of Ogle, Illinois, will on March 7, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM at Sheriff of Olge County, 103 Jefferson Street, Oregon, IL 61061, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Ogle, State of Illinois, or so much thereo f as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit:
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners" "Unknown own ers or parties interested in said land or lots" 10716-949588
LOT TWENTY-NINE (29) IN THE PLAT OF EDGE-A-TOWN SUBDI VISION NO. 5, LOCATED IN THE NORTH HALF (1/2) OF SECTIO N 31 IN TOWNSHIP 25 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN THE CITY OF BYRON ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN FILE A OF PLATS, PAGE 1 AS DOCUMENT NO. 431583; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BYRON , COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS
Private Equity Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee
Preservation Trust Series 2015A + and American Homeowner Preservation Trust Series AHP
January 31, 2025
C/K/A: 153 Perene Avenue, Byron, IL 61010
Servicing
PIN: 05-31-326-005
January 16, 2025
Charles William Jones Occupant
Miller Berger, LLC as Attorneys in 24-CV-276
February 7, 14, 2025 949588
The person to contact regarding information regardi ng this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St , Suite 1540, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W23-0157. The terms of the sale are Cash 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours. The property is improved by: single family home. The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale.
Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capita l Management, LLC
Oak Harbor Capita l LLC
Erostylis, LLC
The real estate, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenan ces thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms
Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310)
Christopher J. Irk (6300084)
Cory J. Harris (6319221)
AHP Capital Management, LLC as Administ rator of American Homeowner
Tracey M. Coons (6311050)
The Wirbicki Law Group LLC
Land Home Financial Services, Inc. Magerick, LLC Illinois Corporation Service Company as R/A for Magerick, LLC Magerick, LLC
Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W Monroe St., Suite 1540 Chicago, IL 60603
Preservation Trust Series 2015A + and American Homeowner Preservation Trust Series AHP
Servicing
Phone: 312-360-9455 W23-0157
Jorge Percival Newberry as R/A for AHP Capital Management, LLC
AHP Capita l Management, LLC as Administrator o f American
Ho
Laura J. Cook, County Clerk of Ogle County, Illinois Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as "Unknown Owners" "Unknown own ers ties
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