MT. MORRIS TIMES
Earleen Hinton
MT. MORRIS TIMES
County Board approves solar development southeast of Polo
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The TRI-COUNTY PRESS (USPS No. 638-530) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Polo, Illinois. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Shaw Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 All rights reserved. Copyright 2025
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A solar facility southeast of Polo was approved by the Ogle County Board on Tuesday with one member speaking out against using “prime” farmland for such a development.
By a voice vote, the board approved a special-use permit by OneEnergy Development LLC of Madison, Wisconsin, in the AG-1 (agricultural zoning district) for the construction and operation of a 2MWac community solar facility (Lupine Solar 2) on 16 acres of the 75-acre site in the 3200 block of South Union Road.
The project was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals by a 5-0 vote Jan. 30 and by an 8-1 vote by the Assessments and
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Therapy dog at the library Feb. 24
Children can read with Holly, a local therapy dog, Monday, Feb. 24, at the Mt. Morris library.
Holly vists the library the fourth Monday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for 15-minute time slots.
Register a child for a time slot using the link on the library’s Facebook Events page. The program is free, but you must register to let Holly know you will be coming to visit.
Mobile food pantry coming Feb. 27
Loaves & Fish Food Pantry and the Northern Illinois Food Bank will host a Mobile Food Pantry from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.
The truck will be located at the Mt. Morris Moose Family Center, 101 Moose Drive in Mt. Morris.
Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Food is free to neighbors in need. No ID, proof of address or income is required. In case of inclement weather, check the Loaves & Fish Facebook page or call the pantry at 815-613-8776 and listen to the message.
Loaves & Fish Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren, 409 W. Brayton Road, and is open on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and second and
Planning and Zoning Committee on Feb. 11.
On Tuesday, board member Susie Corbitt of Polo said adjacent property owners spoke against the project during public meetings in Polo. Those meetings were held because the project is located within 1.5 miles of the city limits.
In December, OneEnergy officials asked for a letter of recommendation from the Polo City Council either approving or declining the project. According to minutes of the council’s Dec. 16 meeting, OneEnergy officials said they would make a contribution to the Polo Economic Development Corp. of $50,000 over 30 years.
The Polo City Council approved the project by a 4-2 vote Jan. 6.
On Tuesday, County Board member Marica Heuer of Oregon questioned the location of the project on what she described as “prime” farmland.
“This is a prime piece of farmland. I am voting no on this on principle,” she said.
After the meeting, Heuer said she disagreed in principle of taking prime farmland out of production, but understood the need for more energy resources.
“That’s a lot of corn or soybeans, but unfortunately we need the energy,” Heuer said.
Last month, the board unanimously approved an ordinance to increase the application fee for commercial solar and wind projects from a maximum of $25,000 to a fixed cost of $100,000.
• Payton Felix contributed to this story.
fourth Mondays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Anyone experiencing food insecurity is eligible to receive food. You do not need to have a referral. No proof of income or residency is required. For questions, call 815-613-8776 and leave a message.
Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center news
Diamond Painting begins at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. No prior skill is needed. Paintings will be for sale.
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
Join us at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, for a Microsoft Word Basics class in the new Computer Lab. Call Melissa at 815-734-6335 to sign up.
Community Game Night is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27. It is for all ages. There are games at the center but feel free to bring your own as well as a snack. This is a free event.
– Shaw Local News Network
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Photo provided by Elizabeth Garncarz
Ellis enjoys reading to Holly, a local therapy dog, during the Mt. Morris Library’s “Reading with Holly” program. Children can read with Holly every fourth Monday of the month.
Firefighters from Oregon and surrounding departments responded to a fire Feb. 18 at a home at 1723 E. Spring Creek Road, north of Oregon. Firefighters battled the early morning blaze in sub-zero temperatures and frigid wind chill readings.
Crews battle fire, ice during house fire north of Oregon
Temps were minus 9 when crews arrived
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Firefighters battled a house fire early Tuesday north of Oregon in sub-zero temperatures that were made worse by a stiff wind.
Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup said his department received the call at 5:30 a.m. and found the home’s attached garage engulfed in flames when crews arrived at the rural residence at 1723 E.
Spring Creek Road, five miles north of town.
“When we first go there, the garage was fully involved and the roof had collapsed,” Knoup said. “At that point, the whole attic space of the house had flames coming out all the roof vents.”
The home’s sole resident was on the second floor of the newer, two-story residence when he heard a noise and went downstairs to investigate, Knoup said.
“He woke up when he heard something crash and when he went downstairs the smoke alarms were activated. He was able to exit the home with his dog,” Knoup said.
Firefighters had to contend with frigid
Icy time on the Rock River at the Oregon dam
temperatures as they battled the blaze.
“The weather was brutal,” Knoup said. “It was minus 9 degrees when we arrived and the wind chill was around 30-below. Our equipment and hoses kept icing up.”
The call was upgraded to a third alarm fire because of the weather.
“We took it to a third alarm due to the extreme could temperatures and conditions,” Knoup said.
Knoup said it appears the fire started in the garage, but the cause still is under investigation.
“The State Fire Marshal is investigating,” he said.
Crews remained on the scene throughout the day, continuing to douse hot spots.
“It was really tough to get to all the areas that were still burning,” Knoup said.
One firefighter was injured when he fell on the ice and was transported to a Rockford hospital where he was evaluated and released.
Knoup thanked all the area fire departments and districts for helping with the blaze.
“We really appreciate all the mutual aid and everyone coming to help us,” he said.
Fire departments providing mutual aid included Mt. Morris, Stillman Valley, Lynn-Scott-Rock, Franklin Grove, Ashton, Polo, Rochelle and Leaf River.
Earleen Hinton
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Should we blame Punxsutawney Phil for this weather?
A couple of weeks ago, the groundhog in the East seemed to have predicted six more weeks of winter and we are getting that at the moment.
Punxsutawney Phil, the critter in charge, really did not spend much time deciding since he and his mate have two new children. They are Sunny and Shadow, which keep the parents busy. Usually Phil is busy with charts and paperwork and takes his job seriously. He is correct only 39% of the time so he has to make the most of that low percentage.
The rest of the year, he usually just sleeps and eats bananas, which happen to be his favorite food. This year, according to the computer information, he has taken on a new job. He will be working for a hardware store and helping people plan their yard work. So if you would like any sugges-
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
tions on how to do your yard work, check in with Ace Hardware and ask for Phil.
I want to thank the person who came by with his snowblower and cleared off the snow from my driveway and sidewalk. In a matter of a few minutes, it was all done and he went on his way. People even bring in my garbage cans and I appreciate all that help.
So all is covered with snow and it is cold. People are all bundled up as they walk by or head into the store. I stay inside and think maybe it is time to take down Christmas decorations. But
I am busy getting ready the programs for school students on the Underground Railroad. Krista will be coming down to help me with the Carroll County students.
This week in our research Linda was dealing with brick making in the community years ago. Mr. O.F. Sammis and Mr. Perkins in Buffalo Grove were testing the clay in their yard with a brick machine made by E.R. Gaard. It worked perfectly so they were going into the business of making bricks in 1868.
Earlier, Linda received an email from John Hammer about the brick Hammer residence built in 1855-57. The bricks were made on-site for the house. They also burned brick for the old Barber house in Polo. That would have been the Chanceford Barber home built in 1856.
The bricks were burned on the Hammer property and hauled across the fields to Polo. No other houses stood in the way at that time. That house was then moved to the corner a block or two away. Linda is wondering what other brick houses would have been in Polo.
I wondered about Sally Schell Norris and her house on the corner south of Mark Scholl’s home. That is an early brick house in Polo. Sally used to talk about the brick being so soft and one had to take good care of it. What about the Burns house since it is brick? That is not a soft brick and we do not have to keep it painted. Any other early brick houses?
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Springfield became Illinois’ third capital in 1837
Springfield became the state capital in 1837 after Abraham Lincoln and other Sangamon County legislators led an effort to move the capital from Vandalia.
This was one year after the city of Oregon officially was founded in 1836. So the first two Illinois capitals, Kaskaskia and Vandalia, existed before Oregon was founded.
Lincoln arrived in the Springfield area in 1831 when he was a young man. He spent the first six years in New Salem, where he began his legal studies, joined the state militia and was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. In 1837, Lincoln moved to Springfield where he lived and worked for the next six years as a lawyer and politician.
The state capital is home to the three branches of Illinois government.
Illinois government has an executive branch, which is occupied by the governor; a legislative branch that
OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
consists of the state Senate and House of Representatives; and a judicial branch that is headed by the Illinois Supreme Court.
The cornerstone of Illinois’ fifth Capitol building was installed Jan. 4, 1837. After several delays, Springfield’s first Capitol building was completed in 1863. The cost of $260,000 was double the original estimate.
On Feb. 10, 2007, then-Sen. Barack Obama announced his presidential candidacy in Springfield, standing on the grounds of the Old State Capitol.
Gov. Thomas Carlin, Illinois’ seventh governor and the uncle of Oregon’s Mrs. John Phelps, ordered the removal of all state records to Springfield from Vandalia.
Illinois was admitted to the Federal Union as the 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818. Since that time, Illinois has been governed from three cities and six Capitol buildings – one leased and the rest state owned.
When Illinois was founded in 1818 it was visited by trappers and fur traders who came to this area.
Joseph Duncan was the state’s governor from 1834-1838. He was Illinois’ only governor who was a member of the Whig Party.
The next four governors were Democrats. Following Duncan were Carlin and Thomas Ford.
Ford, who was from Oregon, lived on North Third Street.
Ford was elected governor in 1842. He served one term (1842-46) as the state’s eighth governor.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Dick Otto
Photo provided by Otto Dick Illinois’ sixth Capitol building in Springfield.
OHS students take the stage at ILMEA All-State
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OREGON – Seven students from Oregon High School recently participated in the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Festival, joining top musicians from across the state for an unforgettable experience.
The festival, held at the Peoria Civic Center, spanned three days of intensive rehearsals and culminated in a concert that showcased the students’ hard work and dedication.
Freshman David Eckardt described the weekend as “one of the best experiences of my life.”
Senior Alease McLain reflected on the profound impact of her director’s guidance, noting how they were encouraged to “sing the music and not just the notes and text on the page.”
Beyond the student experience, Oregon High School music educators Zach Hall and Andy Eckardt participated in professional development sessions, joining music teachers from across Illinois to explore innovative teaching methods.
Andy Eckardt even attended a specialized clinic on Tai Chi and Conducting, highlighting the intersection of movement and musical leadership.
“The ILMEA All-State Festival is considered one of the most prestigious
musical events for high school students in Illinois, offering an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with top musicians and instructors. The OHS music department takes immense pride in its students’ participation and eagerly anticipates this event each year,” school officials said in a news release.
To view concert photos and videos, visit https://photos.app.goo.gl/ Qo81dyu41SgGreea8.
Photo provided by Oregon High School
Oregon High School’s ILMEA All-State participants are (from left) David Eckardt, Sarah Eckardt, Elliot Peeling, Isaac Ebert, Alease McLain, Sebastian Wright and Alexya Tran.
Byron man accused again of cyberstalking, threatening woman he battered in 2022
Defense argues for release for mental health treatment
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A Byron man who prosecutors said has sent hundreds of emails to a woman despite being ordered by a judge to have no contact with her will remain in custody despite his arguments that he should be released to seek mental health treatment.
Andrew Gornick, 42, appeared in court Feb. 14 on 16 new charges of stalking, cyberstalking and harassment through electronic communication – all felony offenses that prosecutors said happened in January.
Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley also told Judge John “Ben” Roe that her office has a petition to revoke Gornick’s sentence of probation for a domestic battery he pleaded guilty to in 2023.
In that domestic battery case, filed in November 2022, Gornick pleaded guilty and was sentenced in May 2023 to 24 months probation and ordered to pay $1,674 in fines and fees. Part of that sentence ordered him to have no contact with the victim.
Gornick was charged in April 2024 with cyberstalking and electronic harassment in a series of emails in December 2023 that prosecutors said he knew would cause a “reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of a third person.”
The 2024 cyberstalking charge accuses Gornick of typing that he would kill a third person. Prosecutors said that inci-
dent occurred on or about Dec. 13. Gornick also is accused of typing that he would drown the woman and of sending a “suggestion or proposal which is obscene” with an intent to offend.
Eight counts of harassment accuse Gornick of sending to the woman more lewd emails with obscene images with the intent to offend.
On Feb. 14, Gornick faced 16 new charges when he appeared in court with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow. Gornick is charged with stalking, cyberstalking and harassment through electronic communication.
The female victim in the new cases is the same female listed in the previous charges. A male, also listed in some of the charges, is described in court records as a friend of the woman.
At the Feb. 14 hearing, Huntley told Roe that Gornick’s behavior had “escalated” and estimated he had sent 174 emails from Jan. 18-21 to the woman.
Huntley said Gornick’s emails had gone to the woman’s junk email folder because she had blocked him in an attempt to ignore his communications.
“When she saw the emails, she called the Byron police,” Huntley said. “He [Gornick] is an immediate safety risk. He threatened to burn down her home. She is scared in her own home.”
Huntley said some of the emails are obscene in nature and clearly made to threaten the woman and her friend.
Court records accuse Gornick of writing “Your life is in jeopardy,” “You will die today” and “Coming to burn your house down.” One of the charges says Gornick threatened more physical harm to the man and woman, accompanying the threat with a photo of two knives.
Other charges quote Gornick as saying, “I will serve 25 years to make a point”... “I’m killing him [...] This morning!!!!!” “I will go to prison” and “I am killing both of you.”
Huntley told Roe that Gornick was ordered not to have any contact with the woman in the 2022 case and in the case filed in April 2024.
“Now he’s sent her thousands of emails,” Huntley said. “There are no conditions that can be set. The defendant has sent these while he’s on probation and while there is an active petition to revoke his probation.”
Morrow agreed the alleged messages were “alarming in nature” but argued for treatment for Gornick rather than being held in the Ogle County Jail as his cases proceed through the court system.
“These are alarming in nature but he clearly has some serious mental health issues going on,” Morrow said, adding that Gornick had been admitted to a Rockford psychiatric treatment facility for 72 hours from Jan. 22-26 for a “mental health crisis.”
Morrow said several new medications had been administered during his hospitalization.
“I talked to his mother and she says he has stabilized,” Morrow told Roe.
Morrow also told Roe that the alleged victim had agreed to write a letter of support for Gornick asking he be able to undergo mental health treatment.
“I don’t want in any way to deprecate these allegations,” Roe said. “They are shocking. But the question is what conditions could be imposed. This is a mental health case and we need to treat it like that.”
Huntley disagreed, arguing that Gornick should have pursued treatment after being sentenced to probation in 2023.
Roe agreed.
“That plea agreement had a number of conditions, one being to have no contact with the victim and another to cooperate with any psychological assessment. Psychological treatment was part of that order,” Roe said. “I understand mental health issues and crisis that go on with people that come before the court, and this is most likely a mental health issue, but the defendant should have sought treatment one and one half years ago.
“This is disturbing and voluminous threatening. He’s threatening to kill and even talking about the sentence he would get. This is a mass amount of emails over the last few months. Things were escalating and they weren’t being addressed. There was ample opportunity to address the mental health issues before they escalated,” Roe said, adding that the victim of the threats has relied on the judicial system to protect her.
Gornick was remanded to the Ogle County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 for a preliminary hearing.
Class 4 felonies have a sentencing range of one to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by six months of mandatory supervised release; probation of up to 30 months also can be ordered.
Andrew Gornick
Firefighters battle rural Ashton garage fire in frigid temperatures
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Firefighters from eight departments battled a garage fire in frigid temperatures Friday, Feb. 14.
“The call came in for a 50-by-50 (foot) detached garage,” Champlain said while at the scene. “We have about seven to eight departments responding.”
Oregon Deputy Chief Dustin Champlain said his department received a call for mutual aid at 11:30 a.m. to a rural home located 7 miles north of Ashton and 11 miles southeast of Oregon.
The rural location and close proximity of the garage to the home prompted the call for additional aid.
Firefighters extinguished a vehicle inside the shed about 1 p.m. Most of the structure succumbed to the fire.
A stiff, frigid wind blew across the site and temperatures were about 20
degrees as crews remained at the scene for almost two hours.
Champlain said no one was injured in the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal because of the extent of the damage, Champlain said.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
RIGHT: Firefighters from several area departments extinguish a garage fire at 7483 E. Husking Peg Road on Feb. 14. The detached garage was a total loss. No injuries were reported. ABOVE: Firefighters hose down a vehicle that was inside the charred remains of the detached garage.
Recycle old electronics on Feb. 28 in Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will host a residential electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at 909 Pines Road in Oregon.
The event is for Ogle County residents only and a free permit is required in advance of the event. To obtain a free permit, call 815-732-4020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil. gov and provide your name, address, phone number and email address by 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.
Accepted items include all TVs and computer monitors, computers, computer hardware and cables, laptops, tablets, cellphones, printers, FAX
machines, scanners, shredders (no tubs), copiers, video gaming equipment, DVD/VCRs, cable/satellite boxes, stereo equipment, radios, digital clocks, cameras, calculators, phone systems, holiday light strands, extension cords, rechargeable batteries, printer ink cartridges, CD/DVDs and CFL bulbs. Microwave ovens are accepted for $5 per unit. Cash or check will be accepted.
There is a limit of seven large or bulky items per permit and one permit per county household per month. Business or institutional electronic materials are not accepted at these events, but can be accepted by the OCSWMD via a separate program.
For more information about the recycling event, call the OCSWMD at 815-732-4020 or visit oglecountyil.gov.
GARY DONALDSON
Gary Donaldson, 76, passed away early Sunday, February 9th at the VA Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in Dixon, Illinois to the late Max and Alice Donaldson. Gary was the middle child of 5 children. Gary attended Polo High School. He was later drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam. Gary graduated college on 10/6/67 from Allied Institute of Technology with instruction in Engineering Drafting Technology. He later moved to Sellersburg, Indiana and was a construction manager for many large projects around the US.
Gary had three children, Jennifer Grobe (Hank) and Caleb Donaldson (Michele Hartwig) and Levi Donaldson (Ashleigh). Gary grew
fond of horticulture in his retirement and was very proud of his greenhouse. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many trips with Caleb and family. He enjoyed camping and building activities with his cousins Eric (Carla) and Scott Donaldson (Sheila). Gary was quick witted, loved a good joke and loved storytelling, though they may have been embellished. Gary was a cherished friend, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Gary is survived by his children, Jennifer Grobe (Hank), Caleb Donaldson (Michelle), and Levi Donaldson (Ashleigh). Gary shined as a grandfather to Morgan Donaldson, Katelyn Grobe, Brooks Grobe (Katie), Brody Grobe, Kieran Donaldson, Ryder Donaldson, and Carter Donaldson; and his great-grandsons, Beaux Howard and Rowan Stewart. He is also survived by his beloved siblings, Randy Donaldson (Mickie) and Barb Donaldson; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Gary Donaldson will be held at the VFW in Oregon Illinois on March 8th from 1 to 4pm. We encourage you to attend and tell us some of your best Gary stories.
Feb. 10-16
Warranty Deeds
Christopher Glowacki and Connie Glowacki to Dari Properties LLC, 326 E. 2nd St., Byron; one parcel in Byron Township: 05-32-177-014; 326 E. 2nd St., Byron; 501 N. 5th St., Oregon; 205 S. 5th St., Oregon; 602 S. 1st St., Oregon; 807 S. 2nd St., Oregon; and one other parcel, $0.
Michael H. Pedersen, Matisyn N. Pedersen and Matisyn Snodgrass to Jacob W. Coleman, 3001 N. Stillman Road, Oregon, $257,000.
Christine J. Peppers to Elivia Christine Ahrens and Cody Ryan Ahrens, no parcel information provided, $208,500.
Franke L. Armstrong and Jeanne Armstrong to Robert Stolberg and Sandralee Stolberg, 5267 S. Mill Pond Road, Rochelle, $333,000.
Gary J. Ferb and Doris A. Ferb to Connor Olalde and Diana Olalde, 1204 Amber Drive, Oregon, $257,000.
Terry R. Thomas and Earleen A. Hinton to Michael V. Welker and Sharon K. Welker, 7913 S. Oak St., Dixon, $93,000.
Pablo Castanon and Maria D. Castanon to Elkhorn Construction Pllc, 16797 W. Barclay Road, Polo, $28,000.
David R. Cartwright and Elizabeth B.
Cartwright to Rene Ramirez and Llacelina Ramirez, 208 Drake Ave., Rochelle, $293,000.
Charles W. Atten II to Atten Acres LLC, one parcel in Byron Township, $785,000.
Hillwood LLC to Atten Acres LLC and Charles W. Atten II, one parcel in Byron Township, $0.
Enrique Sotelo and Andrea M. Sotelo to Manuel Sotelo-Covell and Manuel Sotelo Covell, 311 E. South Park Drive, Byron, $138,000.
Rachel Grove and Rachel Bejester to Andra Collins, 406 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, $119,000.
Quit Claim Deeds
Jonathan Ludewig and Rachel Boelk to Jonathan Ludewig, 810 S. 1st Ave., Forreston, $0.
Daniel S. Fleeger, Mary E. Fleeger and Mary Ellen Fleeger to Mary Ellen Fleeger, no parcel information available, $0.
Ronald E. Ware to Ronald E. Ware and Christine L. Ware, 5911 Oregon Trail Road, Mt. Morris, $0.
Darlene M. Brooks, Joel A. Brooks, Thomas J. Brooks and Timothy W. Brooks to Darlene M. Brooks, trustee, and Lester M. Brooks Tr, no parcel information provided, $0.
Deeds in Trust
Nathan T. Drew and Kathryn J. Drew to Nathan T. Drew, trustee, Kathryn J. Drew, trustee, and Drew Family Tr, 5325 E. Scarlet Oak Lane, Byron; 305 S. Daysville Road, Oregon; and one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township, $0.
Timothy G. Bishop to Timothy G. Bishop, trustee, and Timothy G. Bishop Tr1, 3130 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $0.
Darlene M. Brooks, Darlene M. Brooks, trustee, Darlene M. Brooks Tr to Darlene M. Brooks, trustee, and Darlene M. Brooks Tr, 15975 W. Springdale Road, Forreston; 14951 W. Springdale Road, Forreston; one parcel on Springdale Road: 07-19-100-002 and one parcel in Lincoln Township: 07-19-200002, $0.
Deeds
Elivia Christine Ahrens and Cody Ryan Ahrens to Illinois Housing & Development Authority, no parcel information provided, $0.
Trustees Deeds
Paul W. Nicholson, trustee, Martha L. Nicholson, trustee, and Pmn Tr2017 to Eric P. Nicholson and Tonya Scott Nicholson, 9993 N. Homestead Road, Stillman
Valley, $129,000.
Leigh E. Woolbright, trustee, and Woolbright Tr1113 to Joanne Ramey, 436 Sunbeam Court, Stillman Valley, $177,000. David S. Dixon, trustee, and David S. Dixon Tr to Linda A. Giesen, trustee, and Sherwoods Forest Land Tr, 2010 W. Hay Road, Oregon, and one parcel in Taylor Township, $0.
Robert E. Groenhagen, trustee, and Gray Farm Tr1117 to Larry E. Groenhage and Gary R. Groenhagen, two parcels in Pine Rock Township: 17-01-300-003 and 17-01-400-002; 644 N. Skare Road, Chana; and one parcel in White Rock Township: 18-30-100-001, $0.
Darlene M. Brooks and Lester E. Brooks Tr to Darlene M. Brooks, trustee, Lester E. Brooks Spousal Tr and Lester E. Brooks Tr, three parcels on Mount Vernon Road; 06-23-400-001, 06-24-100-007 and 06-25-100-005; 14951 W. Springdale Road, Forreston; one parcel on Springdale Road: 07-19-100-002; one parcel on Lincoln Road: 07-19-200-002; one parcel on Lincoln Road: 07-32-200-003, $0.
Lee County family planning medical director steps down due to employer OSF HealthCare’s reproductive care policy
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
DIXON – The Lee County Health Department has selected a new family planning medical director after its former director was told by their new employer, OSF HealthCare, to step down because of the Catholic health system’s restrictive policies for reproductive care, LCHD’s administrator said.
The health department’s new family planning medical director Dr. Christine Doyle, an OB/GYN at UW Health Swedish American Hospital in Rockford and a former KSB OB/GYN, has replaced Dr. John Plescia, former KSB – now OSF –family medicine physician in Oregon.
OSF took over operations at KSB, an independent hospital based in Dixon, on Jan. 1 and all KSB employees that decided to stay, including Plescia, became OSF employees.
Shortly after the takeover, OSF “informed Dr. Plescia that because of their policy on women’s health care, he would no longer be able to serve in the position of our family planning medical director,” LCHD Administrator Cathy Ferguson said in an interview with Shaw Local.
Like other Catholic health systems, OSF follows the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which guides provider practices based on the teachings of the Catholic church. The directives outline several limitations to reproductive care specifically for medical birth control and contraceptive practices, terminating a pregnancy, infertility treatments and alternatives.
“I’m trying to play nice. I’m trying to be collaborative, but I was a little upset
telling people their options,” Doyle said. “It may just be that it’s easier just to say no because there’s certainly things that the health department provides information on, evidence-based practice, that they (OSF) disagree with.”
OSF HealthCare and Plescia declined Shaw Local’s request for an interview.
“We worked really well with Dr. Plescia and were sorry to see him go, but we’re very fortunate to have found somebody else to take his place,” Ferguson said.
“in my last months at KSB, we were referring a lot of patients here (the health department) knowing that we wouldn’t be able to continue prescriptions or whatever it was through OSF.”
The health department also has been planning for a change in health care services in the county.
about the whole thing,” Ferguson said.
Plescia served as the department’s family planning medical director for about nine years while employed by KSB, Ferguson said.
The director is a volunteer position acting as an oversight role and does not directly treat patients. The director signs standing orders from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allow the department to operate on a dayto-day basis and is the collaborating physician to LCHD physician assistant Courtney Teller, Doyle said in an interview with Shaw Local.
By law, in Illinois, physician assistants are required to have a written agreement with a collaborating physician.
To assume the role, Doyle notified her employer – UW Health – which had “no problem” partly because it’s a volunteer position and “I’m kind of behind the scenes, but they didn’t really question it,” she said.
“In our profession, family planning is sometimes equated to abortion, and part of the policies of the department is with counseling patients, not providing abortion care or anything like that, but rather
Doyle said that Plescia leaving “happened a little suddenly” and Ferguson “was frantically looking for someone to fill the role.”
Ferguson asked Doyle, who joined the Lee County Board of Health in fall 2024, to fill the role and she was excited to step up for the position, but, Doyle said, “I had to backtrack a little bit” thinking “I better talk with my lawyer.”
Although it’s a volunteer position, certain no-compete clauses prohibited her from assuming the role and the department had to wait to “get the OK from OSF that I (Doyle) could proceed without getting sued,” Doyle said.
During that waiting period, the health department had to pause any operations that fell under the family planning medical director for about a day and a half. That pause included canceling some patients’ appointments.
“I was grateful they (OSF) were willing to work with me,” Doyle said.
Without a family planning medical director, the health department would not be able to offer family planning services which “has been the answer” to OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center’s –formerly KSB’s – new restrictive policies. Doyle, a former KSB employee, said
When Doyle filled the open spot on the Lee County Board of Health, Ferguson “was specifically looking for someone with a commitment to women’s health to be a voice on the board as we knew that the landscape in the community was changing in terms of access or contraception,” Doyle said.
Doyle had been an OB/GYN at KSB for about four years when the hospital announced in May 2024 that it would be merging with OSF.
“My initial reaction was like, ‘OK, well, I need to leave,’” Doyle said.
She spent some time debating the decision and tried to find out what OSF’s policies would be for women’s and reproductive care, specifically for contraception.
OSF does “not promote or condone contraceptive practices,” according to ERD directive No. 52.
That includes birth control methods such as taking prescribed medication or getting an implantation, and procedures including a tubal ligation or a vasectomy, according to directives 52 and 53.
OSF physicians can purchase what’s called a “limited private practice,” which allows them to act independently of OSF, but even with that license physicians still have some restrictions. One example is they can’t implant copper intrauterine devices, Doyle said.
In the end, Doyle, one of only two OB/ GYNs at KSB, turned in her resignation Nov. 1, she said.
Alex T. Paschal
Dr. Christine Doyle is the new family planning medical director at the Lee County Health Department.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Girls basketball regionals
Oregon 34, Hall 28: Aniyah Sarver had 11 points and Sarah Eckhardt had nine as the fifth-seeded Hawks beat thirdseeded Hall on Monday. Oregon advanced to the Class 2A Erie-Prophetstown Regional final at 6:30 p.m. Thursday against second-seeded Riverdale. The Rams beat E-P 48-37.
Oregon outscored Hall 12-0 in the fourth quarter to come back and hold on for the win.
Stillman Valley 58, Marengo 31: Stillman Valley defeated Marengo at the Class 2A Stillman Valley Regional on Monday. Stillman Valley’s Taylor Davidson led all scorers with 22 points. The Cardinals will play Winnebago in a regional final Thursday.
Byron 71, Johnsburg 38: The Tigers defeated Johnsburg at the Class 2A regional at Aurora Central Catholic. Byron will play Aurora Central Catholic for the regional title Friday.
Oregon 46, Rock Falls 36: Aniyah Sarver’s 22-point outburst led the Hawks over the Rockets in Class 2A action Feb. 15.
Newman 63, Forreston 27: The Comets cruised to a win over the Cardinals in
Class 1A regional play Feb. 15. Alice Kobler led Forreston with 15 points. Newman defeated Eastland 57-38 on Tuesday to advance to the regional final.
Pearl City 43, Polo 41: The Marcos fell short in Class 1A regional action Feb. 13.
Camrynn Jones became the team’s alltime leading scorer in the setback. Jones finished with 24 points. Pearl City fell to Hanover 53-16 on Tuesday.
Girls basketball regular season
Polo 73, Morrison 56: The Marcos held the Fillies to 30 points through three quarters as they built a 22-point lead.
Camrynn Jones had 30 points, eight assists and eight steals and Carlee Grobe scored 20 in the win. Laynie Mandrell (13 points) also was in double figures for Polo.
Oregon 43, Milledgeville 11: Sarah Eckardt led Oregon with nine points, Aniyah Sarver had eight and Avery Kitzmiller scored seven in the home win.
Eastland 43, Polo 32: Olivia Klinefelter led Eastland (16-15, 11-1 NUIC South) with 16 points to help the team overcome a 13-4 deficit after the first quarter. Camrynn Jones led Polo with 11 points and
nine rebounds and Leah Tobin scored nine in the setback. Eastland finished as co-conference champion with Amboy.
Rockford Lutheran 54, Oregon 25: Aniyah Sarver scored nine points for the Hawks in the setback.
Oregon 58, Durand 31: Aniyah Sarver led Oregon with 18 points in three quarters of scoring in the win. Sarver scored eight of the Hawks’ 16 points in the first quarter.
Boys basketball
Forreston 60, Amboy 34: Brendan Greenfield scored 15 points, Mickey Probst had 14 and Kendall Erdmann had 13 in the Cardinals’ win. Eddie Jones led Amboy with 13 points.
Rock Falls 90, Rochelle 85: Austin Castaneda scored 22 points, Kuitim Heald had 27 and Ryken Howard had 19 in the high-scoring win.
Forreston 73, Durand 36: Kendall Erdmann scored 19 points and had eight assists and Brendan Greenfield had 17 points and nine rebounds in the win.
Oregon 48, Stillman Valley 41: Benny Olalde led the Hawks with 19 points after hitting five 3-pointers in the home win. Oregon came back to win after
trailing 33-32 after three quarters.
Polo 60, Earlville 55: Gus Mumford hit five 3-pointers en route to 25 points, Mercer Mumford scored 14 points and Noah Dewey scored 12 in the win. Polo trailed 16-15 after the first quarter before coming back.
Wrestling
Class 2A Washington Sectional: Polo’s Lucas Nelson (41-8) won his first match at 132 pounds on Feb. 14 with a technical fall over Kaneland’s John Havron (1719) and in the quarterfinals he won a major decision over Rockford East’s Cameron Terronez (25-8) to advance to Saturday’s rounds. In the semifinals, Nelson fell to Geneseo’s Devan Hornback (38-8) and Burlington Central’s Austin Lee (40-11) to end his season.
Girls bowling
Oregon Sectional: Oregon’s Carli Bailey competed at the sectional at Plum Hollow Family Center in Dixon on Feb. 15, but failed to advance to the state finals with a 950 series. Sterling’s Sarah Doughty was the individual champion with a 1,342 series.
Oregon’s Ella Dannhorn shoots against Rock Falls during Class 2A regional action Feb. 15.
Photos by Earleen Hinton Rock Falls’ Miley Bickett dribbles up the court as Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt gives chase during Class 2A regional action Feb. 15 at Oregon High School.
Oregon’s Noelle Girton protects the ball from Rock Falls’ Ari Reyna during Class 2A regional action Feb. 15 at Oregon High School.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Madison Shaffer and Rock Falls’ Abbygayle Schofield fight for a loose ball Feb. 15.
Oregon qualifies 3 wrestlers for state finals
By RANDY HOLLAND
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – Oregon will send three wrestlers to the IHSA State Individual Finals this week.
All three wrestlers were fourth-place finishers at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional on Feb. 15.
Regional champions Isaiah Perez at 120 pounds and Nelson Benesh at 132 and 113-pound regional runner-up Josiah Perez all reached the sectional semifinals for Oregon but then lost their matches Saturday.
All three dropped to the consolation semifinals and won their matches to qualify for the state finals.
Unfortunately, all three lost in their third-place matches and will have to face a sectional champion in the first round of the state finals Thursday in Champaign.
Ethan Mowry at 157 and Andrew Young at 175 both lost to third-place finishers in wrestleback semifinals and will be alternates.
Joining Oregon with three state qualifiers was Sterling Newman, Oregon’s dual team sectional opponent. Sterling Newman had an individual sectional champion and a second- and third-place finisher.
Johnsburg also sent three to state, all runners-up.
With two champions and two second-place finishers, Lena-Winslow/ Stockton advanced five wrestlers. Princeton, with three thirds and two fourths, also qualified five wrestlers. Richmond-Burton had two champions and a runner-up among its six qualifiers.
Woodstock Marian led all schools with eight qualifiers, winning all four of its first-place matches.
Four schools advanced two wrestlers each, including Big Northern Conference rival Byron with a champion in Brody Stein at 165 pounds and a thirdplace finisher in Jaren Claunch at 285 pounds.
Twelve schools sent one wrestler each, including Morrison, Rockridge and Wheaton St. Francis, who each had a champion. Stillman Valley had a second-place finisher, Henry Hildreth at 150 pounds.
Twelve schools had no place winners.
The first night of the Oregon Sectional was not kind to the Oregon
Hawks. With a tournament-leading 12 qualifiers from regionals, Oregon advanced only three to the semifinals.
In the first round of the championship bracket, Oregon won four of nine matches. Among those losing in the quarterfinals were regional champions Preston Labay at 126 and Levi Benton at 138.
First-round losers were Jackson Messenger at 144, Jayden Berry at 150, Ethan Mowry at 157 and Briggs Sellers at 285.
Berry was pinned at 1:04 and the others lost by major decisions.
Winning their first matches were Jordon Lowe at 106 with a chicken wing over the front at 2:31, Josiah Perez at 113 with a half nelson at 2:27, Andrew Young at 175 with a takedown in a cradle at 4:52 and Seth Rote at 190 with a 7-0 decision.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Nelson Benesh tries to escape from Wheaton Academy’s Lincoln Hoger as they battle at 132 pounds Feb. 15 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
Oregon’s Josiah Perez battles Johnsburg’s Chase Vogel during a 113-pound match Feb. 15 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
Wrestling takes center stage at the Blackhawk Center
After a whirlwind basketball road trip the week before, it was a one-block walk from my house to the Blackhawk Center for the Class 1A boys wrestling sectional. This event is one of the highlights of the school sports year for me, with so much intensity emanating from the wrestlers, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans.
I’m not alone in that assessment. Curt Herron, who hails from the Chicago suburbs and has been on the wrestling beat for 30 years, told me this particular sectional is the best in the state (regardless of class) in terms of crowd size, atmosphere and quality (in a relative sense). I haven’t been to as many 2A and 3A sectionals as Curt, but the ones I’ve been to pale in comparison to the energy found here.
How tough was it? There were seven wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of 1A who had to survive the wrestleback round to even reach the third-place match. One of those was a former state placer who didn’t make it out.
In the past 30 years, there has been a shift in the power base. Byron, Oregon and Stillman Valley all were powers in the 1990s and 2000s. Dakota (51 state champions) and Sterling Newman (37 state champions) have been spectacularly steady for a long time. Their IHSA individual state championships rank Nos. 2 and 3 among schools all time.
Lena-Winslow/Stockton exerted its prowess through much of the past decade.
Lately, though, it’s been all about Woodstock Marian. Led by nationally ranked 190-pound sophomore Jimmy Mastny, Marian qualified nine individuals for the state meet.
Richmond-Burton was next with six qualifiers, followed by Princeton and Lena-Winslow/Stockton with five each.
An up-and-coming Oregon program had three qualifiers, tied with sectional dual-meet opponent Newman.
Speaking of that dual, Hawks coach Justin Lahman said if Oregon does what it is capable of, it should beat Newman and make the much-coveted trip to the state dual team finals, a place it hasn’t been since 2008. From 1997 to 2008, Oregon made eight trips downstate and finished no worse than fourth place.
Byron also made eight trips downstate, all from 1990-2002.
Stillman Valley’s glory years as a dual team were from 2008-11. The four straight trips to state resulted in two second-place and two third-place trophies.
Bear in mind that Stillman Valley and Byron had all kinds of high placers individually throughout those years with 37 combined state champions.
The only Ogle County Class 1A sectional champion this past weekend was Byron’s Brody Stien, who had quite the gauntlet to reach the finals. In a statistical anomaly, the sophomore with a 42-5 record survived three straight twopoint matches to win the 165-pound weight class.
Teammate Jared Claunch qualified for the second straight year in the 285pound weight class.
Another two-time state qualifier is Oregon sophomore Nelson Benesh, who was fourth at 132 pounds.
Brothers Josiah and Isaiah Perez of Oregon also will be going downstate as fourth-place finishers. Interestingly,
Josiah qualified two years ago as a 106-pounder for Polo.
Stillman Valley senior Henry Hildreth made it to the championship bout, settling for second and grabbing the Cardinals’ lone state berth. Teammate Michael Pannarele almost joined Hildreth but lost a heartbreaker in the “blood round.”
In a 106-pound wrestleback that would decide who would qualify for state, Pannarele took a 7-1 lead against Woodstock Marian’s Camden Spiniolas. In a dramatic late rally, Spiniolas came back to tie things up 9-9 in the final period.
Pannarele was a second or two from escaping his opponent’s grasp, which could have won the match.
Instead, Spiniolas ended up with a 12-9 decision. You hate to see a senior such as Pannarele come so close to making the elusive trip downstate only to lose by the narrowest of margins.
Another heartbreak was in Class 2A, where Lucas Nelson of Polo/Forreston reached the 132-pound semifinals. One
win from qualifying for state, the onearmed wrestler lost his next two matches and was eliminated.
Also in the 2A sectional, Xavier Villalobos made school history by becoming Rochelle’s first four-time state qualifier. The Hubs will be sending four grapplers to Champaign.
After a heavy dose of watching wrestling Friday and Saturday, I left before all the finals were completed. The workforce at Oregon was able to tear everything down from the wrestling sectional in time for a 7:30 p.m. girls basketball regional between Oregon and Rock Falls.
In his last year as Oregon athletic director, Mike Lawton had an extra busy day on Saturday. Besides the major undertaking of a wrestling sectional and regional basketball game, Oregon also hosted a girls bowling sectional in Dixon that same day.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
Andy Colbert GUEST VIEW
Oregon’s Josiah Perez and Dakota’s Brandon White wrestle at 113 pounds in the thirdplace match Feb. 15 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
Earleen Hinton
Princeton’s Augustus Swanson (top) and Oregon’s Isaiah Perez wrestle in the third-place match at 120 pounds Feb. 15 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
• WRESTLING
Continued from page 12
In the second round, Lowe and Rote were pinned in half nelsons. Young dropped a 19-4 technical fall at 5:12.
After a first-round bye, Labay had his chances in the quarterfinals, but couldn’t break through in a 10-7 loss. Also having a bye, Benton looked a little off as he went over in a half nelson at 3:45.
All nine of these wrestlers dropped to the second round of the consolation bracket.
Josiah Perez was the only first-round winner to clear the second round, racking up a 23-6 technical fall as time expired in the match.
Regional champions Isaiah Perez at 120 and Nelson Benesh at 132 both won in the round of eight. Perez caught a chicken wing at 3:23. In a hard-fought and tense match, Benesh came from behind with two takedowns in the third period, the second to the back for two points to advance with an 11-5 win.
The wrestlebacks and semifinals also were tough for the Hawks. All three wrestlers in the semifinals lost and only two made it through to the consolation semifinals.
On the front mat, Josiah Perez met second-place medalist Chase Vogel of Johnsburg and was in a 7-0 hole by the end of the second period. He came back with a reverse and two takedowns to tie the score before Vogel scored a reverse to the back for six points and Perez went to consolation with a 14-8 loss.
Isaiah Perez never got rolling against eventual champion Brayden Teunissen of Woodstock Marian and was down 7-0 when he lost a takedown into a half nelson and was pinned at 3:51.
Benesh had his chances in a hardfought 7-5 loss. He took a 4-3 lead with an escape and takedown in the second but lost an escape and takedown in the third to drop to the wrestleback semifinals.
On the consolation mats, Labay won 17-5, Benton pinned with a half nelson at 4:30, Messenger reversed to the back at 4:58, Mowry tossed with a hip at 1:04 and
Young found a half nelson at 2:51 to advance to the third round.
Losing in the first round of consolation were Lowe, sucked back in a half nelson at 5:44, and Berry, rolled in a granby and pinned at 3:53. Rote was roughed up in a 19-3 technical fall at the first-period buzzer, and Sellers could not get off the bottom in the third period of an 11-3 major decision loss.
In the second round of wrestlebacks, LaBay went over in a half nelson at 3:51, Benton was turned with a chicken wing at 3:19, and Messenger went over in a half nelson in 42 seconds.
After a scoreless first period, Mowry withstood a late reversal to hang on for a 9-5 win. Young lost two takedowns and a chicken wing and was down 6-0 when he hit a spinning reversal to the back and pinned at 1:38. Both advanced to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Josiah Perez hit a high crotch into a half nelson for seven points as he rolled to a 12-2 major decision. Isaiah Perez had two takedowns and a reverse before losing a late reverse in an 8-2 win. Benesh split his opponent’s legs and put in a half nelson at 1:01.
Mowry trailed 5-4 when he was turned over to the front in a half nelson at 3:49 by third-place finisher Wyatt Goossens of Erie-Prophetstown.
Third-place medalist Blake Livdahl of Richmond-Burton started with a takedown in a cradle and finished a 15-0 technical fall with a chicken wing at the 56-second mark to drop Young from the competition.
On the third-place mat, Josiah Perez met Brandon White of Dakota, who had beaten him by one point in the regional final. This time, Perez never got going, losing four takedowns in a 26-9 technical fall loss as time expired.
Isaiah Perez was scoreless in the first but lost a reverse and four-point cradle at the start of the second and went on to drop a 13-5 major decision, ending the match on his back in a scoreless turk.
Benesh was down 15-4 in the third when he lost a heel pick and went over in a chicken wing at 4:45 to end it for the Hawks.
EARLY VOTING
February 20th thru March 31st
MONDAY – FRIDAY – 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
COURTHOUSE
LAURA J. COOK
Photos by Earleen Hinton Byron’s Brody Stein flips Woodstock Marian’s Nic Astacio during their 165-pound match Feb. 14 at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional.
‘The Tin Woman’ to be presented in Polo
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK
contact@shawmedia.com
Polo Area Community Theatre is in rehearsal for its production of “The Tin Woman.” The poignant show explores Joy’s life after a heart transplant along with the family of her heart donor Jack.
“The Tin Woman” uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family and what it means to be given new life.
“The Tin Woman” will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 22 and 28 and 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1 at the Polo Town Hall, 117 N. Franklin Ave., Polo.
There will be talks with the cast after performances along with a special Q&A session with an organ recipient after the Feb. 22 performance.
Tickets are available at polotheatre.org or at the door.
Photos provided by Polo Area Community Theatre
In a “The Tin Woman” flashback scene, Hank, played by Hart DuBois, recalls his last heated argument with his son Jack, played by Joel Megill.
Hank, played by Hart DuBois, and Alice, played by Mary Jo Frederick, grapple with the loss of their son Jack in “The Tin Woman.”
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
THOMAS. Letters of Office were issued on January 27, 2025, to BRENT M THOMAS, as Independent Executor
, Deceased No. 2025-PR-4
CL AIM NOTICE
Publication Notice of Court Date for Request for Name Change (Adult)
In The State of Illinois, Circuit Court, Ogle County 2025 MR 1
In re the E state of: MICHAEL A. THOMAS, Deceased 2025 PR 3 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.
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF O GLE
CLASSIFIED
In re the E state of: E LLE N J. MASON, Deceased 2025 PR 8 CL AIM NOTICE
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:
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
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
Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS
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
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 esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
By: MICHAEL
A THOMAS
"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
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
Notice is given of the death of ELLEN J. MASON. Letters of Office were issued on February 10, 2025, to MARY F NELSON, as Independent Administrator.
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF O GLE
In re the E state of: HERS CHEL M. NEWCOMER, Deceased
NOTICE
2025 PR 9 CL AIM NOTICE
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.
Notice is given of the death of HERSCHEL M NEWCOMER. Letters of Office were issued on February 10, 2025, to GLORIA NEWCOMER, as Independent Executor
Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veteran s United Home Loans, a Missouri Limi ted Liability Corporation; Pla intiff,
vs. Eric Burke a/ k/a E. Burke; Nat alie Burke a/k/a N. Burke; Defendants Case No. 23 FC 35 Judge Presiding Court room TBA NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SAL E OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FO RE CL OSURE
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 esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore ente red 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 followi ng desc ribed 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
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 esta te legal representative, or both
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
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 num ber 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.
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
The estate will be administered without cour t supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested pers on 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 wi thin 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice to creditors, if mail ing 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 wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
GWENDOLYN ZIMMERMAN Independent Executor
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te 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 i t has been filed.
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 date is 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 Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
Curran Contra cting Company seeks IDOT-approved DBE/MBE/WBE/ VOSB/SDVOSB subcontractors, suppliers, and trucking companies for the IDOT letting on 3/7/2025. We are accepting quotes for items 011-61L17, 01461L26, 021-62R96, 025-62T83, 04164U25, 051-66P49, 125-85775, 17966M57, and 18587866. Plans and specifications are available at www dot.state.il.us or by calling 815-4555100. For assistance, questions, or to submit quotes with applicable SBE Forms, email estimating@ currancontracting. com Curran Contracting is an Equal Opportunity Employer Feb. 21, 2025
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
Phone: 312-360-9455
W23-0157
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.
pleadi ngs.il@wi rbickilaw.co#@wi rbickilaw.co
I3259945
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
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
The real estate, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms
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 cour t supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested pers on terminate s independent administration at any time by mailing or deliv-
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF O GLE
I n re the E state of: E LLE N J. MASON, Deceased 2025 PR 8 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of ELLEN J. MASON. Letters of Office were issued on February 10, 2025, to MARY F NELSON, as Independent Administrator.
Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within
By: MARY F. NELSON Independent Administrator Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
February 21, 28, March 7, 2025
STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF O GLE
In re the E state of: HERS CHEL M. NEWCOMER, Deceased 2025 PR 9 CL AIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of HERSCHEL M NEWCOMER. Letters of Office were issued on February 10, 2025, to GLORIA NEW-
By: GLORIA NEWCOMER 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 21, 28, March 7, 2025
NOTICE
Curran Contra cting Company seeks IDOT-approved DBE/MBE/WBE/ VOSB/SDVOSB subcontractors, suppliers, and trucking companies for the IDOT letting on 3/7/2025. We are accepting quotes for items 011-61L17 014-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE, STATE OF ILLINOIS
OLD NATIONAL BANK, successor by merger with FIRST MID WEST BAN K, successor by mer ger with THE NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY, Pla intiff, v. JEFFREY A. BRUE; UNITED LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants
No.2025FC4 PROPERTY ADDRE SS: 706 Woodland Drive Dix on, Illinois 61021 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
The requisite Affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to JEFFREY A. BRUE; UNITED LOST LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; "UNKNOWN OWNERS" and "NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS," Defendants in the above-entitled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, by Plaintiff, OLD NATIONAL BANK, successor by merger with FIRST MIDWEST BANK, successor by merger with THE NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY, against you and other defendants praying for foreclosure of a Mortgage cov ering the premises described as follows to wit: LOT ONE (1) IN LOST NATION WOODLAN D HOMESTEADS NO. 6, LOCATED IN PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 9, AND THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 5, BEING TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF TAYLOR, THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Common Address: 706 Woodland Drive Dixon, Illinois 61021
Permanent Index No: 22-09-126-002 which Mortgage was made by Jeffrey A. Brue, as Mortgagor, in favor of The National Bank & Trust Company, pred ecessor in interest to Old National Bank, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, on June 21, 2010, as Document No. 202101004621. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, the above-named Defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit, or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ogle County, Illinois, on or before March 17, 2025, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment ente red in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint
Tina M. Jacobs, Esq. - ARDC 6190255 Joy Pinta, Esq. - ARDC 6278250 JACOBS & PINTA 77 West Washington S treet, Suite 1005 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 263-1005 officeadmin@jacobs andpinta.com I3260703
February 14, 21, 28, 2025
"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
Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veteran s United Home Loans, a Missouri Limi ted Liability Corporation; Pla intiff, vs. Eric Burke a/ k/a E. Burke; Nat alie Burke a/k/a N. Burke; Defendants Case No. 23 FC 35 Judge Presiding Court room TBA NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SAL E OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FO RE CL OSURE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore ente red 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 followi ng desc ribed 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:
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 PRINC IPAL 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
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 num ber 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 appurtenan ces 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
Phone: 312-360-9455
W23-0157
pleadi ngs.il@wi rbickilaw.co#@wi rbickilaw.co I3259945
February 7, 14, 21, 2025
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