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ELECTION 2025: MT. MORRIS
Voters say yes to bond proposition for new fire station
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OGLE COUNTY – Mt. Morris Fire District voters gave their resounding approval April 1 to building a new $4.5 million firehouse.
The measure passed easily with 438 yes votes to 219 no votes.
“Our taxpayers have spoken and the majority of the voters are in favor of a new firehouse. Thank you all for your continued support,” Mt. Morris Fire Chief Robert G. Hough IV said. “We are excited to move forward with the project and finally bring it to fruition. A modern, safe, compliant building is integral to the district’s mission servicing the community. We are hoping the new building will be able to serve Mt. Morris for a century as the old one has. The district is looking forward to starting the next chapter in Mt. Morris Fire’s 136-year history.”
The fire district has never before built a firehouse. The current building, purchased by the district in 1955, was built in 1924 as a car and implement dealership. The structure no longer meets the fire department’s needs.
Issuing bonds for construction of the building and equipping it will add an estimated $187 annually to real estate taxes on a home valued at $130,550.
Hough said construction may begin as early as this fall.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Disciples United Methodist Church
Potato Bar is April 6
The Disciples United Methodist Church will host a potato bar from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 6. Baked potatoes will come with nine assorted toppings of your choosing. You also will get a beverage and a slice of pie for dessert. It’s a freewill donation. The church is at 102 Maple Ave. in Mt. Morris.
Oregon High School Band Night at Alfano’s is April 9
Spaghetti and a serenade by Oregon High School band members is being offered on
Polo mayor
Former Polo Mayor Mark Scholl defeated incumbent mayor Doug Knapp 431 votes to 96 votes.
Scholl served as Polo’s mayor from 2009-13, but did not seek a second term. He was an alderman from 2001-09.
Knapp has served as mayor since 2013 and was seeking his fourth term. He also served as an alderman before becoming mayor.
Forreston Village Board
Two incumbents and one newcomer were successful in their bids for three seats on the Forreston Village Board on Tuesday.
Newcomer Mark Schweertman was the top vote-getter with 110, while incumbents Vickye Norris garnered 104 and
Brittany Busker got 101 votes.
The trio defeated Mahmoud Zayed, Kenneth Toms and Jeff Freeze.
In other contested races, unofficial results were:
Leaf River Fire Protection District proposition to create a new tax rate for emergency and rescue crews and equipment purposes: Failed 192 votes to 168 with 47.8% voter turnout, 382 votes cast out of 799 registered voters.
Oregon City Council: Challenger Josiah Flanagan (314 votes) and incumbent Timothy Krug (216) were elected. Incumbent Kurt Wilson finished third with 209.
Polo Ward 2 alderperson: James Busser’s 115 votes defeated Jeffrey Short’s 59. Byron Township highway commissioner: Mark Rundle with 387 votes defeated Jordan Thibodeau with 228 votes.
Band Night at Alfano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, 801 S. Fourth St., in Oregon. The event is from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 9.
“Come out to Alfano’s for spaghetti and be serenaded with dinner music by members of the OHS Band,” band director Andy Eckardt said. “A portion of the evening’s profit will be donated to the OHS band program. Order the special (spaghetti, roll, drink) for $10 and it will get to you fast. Other items are available for menu price but may take longer.”
Adult Egg Hunt set for April 12
Let Freedom Ring and The Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center will be hosting
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to the Polo Tri-County Press. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.
an Adult Egg Hunt on the Mt. Morris Campus on Saturday, April 12.
Sign in is from 7:30 to 7:55 p.m., with the hunt beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 each and participants must be 18 and older.
Prizes will be awarded for winning eggs and golden eggs. There also will be a door prize. To buy tickets, call The Center at 815-734-6335 or stop by Mt. Morris Village Hall at 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris. All proceeds will benefit the Let Freedom Ring Festival and the programs at The Center.
– Shaw Local News Network
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Earleen Hinton
A lone voter fills out her ballot April 1 at the Rock River Center in Oregon.
Brick by brick: Historic, dilapidated school demolished in Polo
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
POLO – A steady stream of onlookers drove past the Congress School on Tuesday as workers continued to demolish the historic, but dilapidated school building that had stood in Polo for 126 years.
Workers from Fischer Excavating of Freeport began demolishing the north section of Congress School, 208 N. Congress Ave., on March 27, creating small clouds of dust as the 18-inch thick brick walls were collapsed sparking waves of nostalgia from former students.
Most of the school’s newer edition, built in the late 1940s – located on the north side of the building – was removed by Friday, March 28, allowing demolition crews to start on razing the original, larger potion of the once-grand school on Monday.
A portion of the brick wall that faced the alley to the east was caved in by crews late Tuesday afternoon.
“They are digging out the center now, which is wood, not brick,” Public Works Director Kendall Kyker said Tuesday afternoon. “Then they [Fischer] will start caving the walls in rather than out. This is not their first rodeo. They know what they are doing.”
Kyker said it is likely that Congress Street between Locust and Dixon streets will be closed to traffic when the west walls of the 1899 school are taken down.
“That would just be a safety precaution,” Kyker said. “My guess is that entire building will be down by the end of this week.”
Eventually, bricks from the building will be available to the public at no charge. Bricks will be placed outside the fenced demolition area on the northwest and southwest corners.
“We want no one inside the fenced area ever,” Kyker said.
Demolition of the 41,000-square-foot building is estimated to take at least three weeks. When completed, the 1.12-acre lot will be completely free of asphalt and concrete, covered with dirt and seeded.
“Once they have the debris hauled out, they will crush the concrete into gravel and cover with dirt so we can grow grass,” Kyker said. “The whole lot will be completely free of blacktop and concrete. It will kind of look like a park.”
The Polo City Council voted unanimously March 12 to demolish the school, citing potential liability issues and a public safety risk. The building had not been used as a school for many years and has sat vacant.
“The city of Polo is taking action to address a growing safety concern regarding the old Congress School building,” the city announced. “Unfortunately, the structure has become a target for break-ins, creating a serious liability and public safety risk. After careful consideration and a public meeting, we have declared this an emergency and will be moving forward with its demolition.”
The city bought the towering vacant building in August 2023 for $15,000. In October 2024, council members unanimously voted to accept a $66,900 bid from Husar Abatement Ltd. of Franklin Park to abate asbestos in the original portion of the school that was built in 1899.
The building and its two parking lots take up the
Workers from Fischer Excavating of Freeport demolish a portion of the east wall of the Congress School, 208 N. Congress Ave., on April 1 in Polo. Demolition of the 41,000-square-foot school built in 1899 was expected to continue this week.
east side of the 200 block of North Congress Avenue.
According to March 12 meeting minutes, Kyker told the council that when he let Husar Abatement in to remove the asbestos, he had to remove all the boards that had been put on the doors to prevent people from getting in.
After Husar Abatement left, Kyker said the boards were not immediately reinstalled and he later noticed that several windows had been broken and there was evidence that people had been inside the school.
The doors were boarded again, but Kyker told the board that he was concerned people would continue to try to break into the school, creating a potential liability issue for the city.
Attorney Tom Suits agreed that the building posed a safety concern because of its dilapidated condition. The city approved a bid from Fischer Excavating to demolish the building for $230,000.
Congress School history
The complete story of Congress School started with the formation of Polo’s school district in 1857. When the north and south school districts were combined in 1867, a new school was built for the new district at the corner of West Dixon Street and North Congress Avenue.
That eight-room blue limestone building that could accommodate 500 elementary to high school students quickly became overcrowded and by 1899 it was torn down and the new Congress School opened in November 1899.
The 1899 building was designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee, who was a prominent American architect during the 19th and early 20th centuries. He is most known for his works in Chicago as well as Syracuse and Buffalo, New York.
Congress served as Polo’s high school before the high school was moved to a building on East Mason Street – now known as Aplington Middle School –until Polo Community High School was built.
Up until Congress School closed, there were four schools in the district. They were Centennial Elementary School, built in 1957, for kindergarten to fourth grade students; Congress for kindergartners to sixth graders; Aplington, where seventh and eighth graders attended; and the high school.
The main entrance to Congress School faced West Locust Street. It had a grass lawn with a walkway leading up to its front doors, which were framed by a large portico supported by four pillars.
In March 1985, the Polo School Board voted 4-3 to close Congress and later that year, the school formally was closed and put up for sale.
Over the years the building passed through many private owners, each with their own idea of what to do with the building. Some wanted to turn it into apartments or restore it to its historical value, which would cost millions, Kyker said in an earlier interview.
Eventually, high renovation costs and the large size of the building caused it to fall into disrepair, Kyker said.
• Payton Felix contributed to this story.
Earleen Hinton
Family trip to the South included historical stops
I have been on a wonderful trip to the South and I enjoyed every minute of it. My grandson Kenny, son of Steve and Cheri of Naperville, and Lia, who grew up in Winchester, Virginia, were to be married March 22 in Winchester. Many family members were flying or driving and all would end up in Winchester for the wonderful event.
Steve decided to drive me there and we would visit family and historical places along the way. A couple of years ago, Bruce took me south to follow the 15th Regiment of Northern Illinois and Civil War battlegrounds. This time I would be seeing Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown and Manassas, which would be a blend of the American Revolutionary War and Civil War.
We took off from Polo and it was cold. When we arrived that evening in Charleston, West Virginia, 10 hours
Betty Obendorf POLO HISTORY
later, the daffodils were in full bloom and it was spring. The next day, we drove to Pilot Mountain State Park and the view was awesome. We soon arrived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and trees and flowers were all blooming and it was hot. I felt like I was in early summer.
We picked up sandwiches and headed for granddaughter Lori’s first grade classroom. We had lunch amid all the colorful displays of little kids. It had been an early out that day so students were gone. I walked around her room while she explained what they were doing. Then we headed for Lori’s
apartment so I could see where she is living in Winston-Salem.
Soon it was time to join the rest of the family. I had not seen the great-grandchildren since Christmas and while there we had the first birthday party for James. The little girls Anna Fay and Mary were all excited because they would be part of the wedding party and the discussion was walking down the aisle.
We spent the next couple of days visiting with family, eating, reading books to the girls and enjoying spring in Winston-Salem.
Soon it was time for Steve and I to head on east for our historical tour. Jamestown Settlement was the first stop and I remembered talking about Jamestown with my Underground Railroad program. That is where the first slaves came in. The first people arrived in 1607 and they were looking
for gold and silver. They were the Virginia Company of London. This gave England the first foothold in America. They hoped to establish a trade route. The first settlers had no idea how difficult it would be to survive and many did not survive. Instead of finding gold or silver, they found a place that could grow tobacco. That would be the crop they took back to England. Many of the people who came over in the beginning were businessmen and they were not the type of hardy individuals who could survive settling a new world.
One wonders what they thought coming to a new world would be like when they set foot on the soil that would become Jamestown Settlement.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Laura Fessler, Rebecca Kauffman led women’s suffrage movement in Oregon
Some people are not aware of the incredible fight women had to wage for the right to vote.
Women’s suffrage in the U.S. was achieved gradually at state and local levels during the late 19th century and early 20th century, culminating with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote was signed into law.
Women living in Illinois were not allowed to vote in the state’s first 102 years and they were excluded from serving on juries for 113 years. No woman in Illinois has served as governor, mayor of Oregon or U.S. president.
Laura Fessler and Rebecca Kauffman led the movement for suffrage in the Oregon area. Fessler, who was from Oregon, won a prize in 1914 for an essay “What effect will women’s suffrage have on the human condition?” Fessler also was responsible for securing the Iron Mike drinking fountain and Kauffman was a leader in securing the White Pines State Park.
During our early history, women were denied some of the basic rights enjoyed by men. For example, married women couldn’t own property, had no legal claim to any money they might earn and no female had the right to vote. They were expected to do house-
work, raise a family and stay out of politics.
In Illinois, women were not allowed to vote from 1818 to 1920 when the 19th Amendment was passed. The amendment reads “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the States or by any State on account of sex.”
Other events in 1920 were the first commercial radio broadcast aired and the League of Nations was established.
The following information appeared in the Saturday, June 13, 1931, issue of the Chicago-Herald Examiner Newspaper, which cost three cents.
Woman Jury Bill Defeated in House by a Single Vote
“The proposed law permitting women to serve on juries in Illinois was defeated by one vote in the House today. Requiring 77 votes for passage, the measure received 76. There were 47 votes against it. Rep. James J. McVicker of Chicago sponsored the measures, which he said were backed by every woman’s club in the state.
Rep. McVicker opened the discus-
sion saying 21 states permit women to do jury duty. Some opponents of the bill said a women’s place is in the home.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Otto Dick
OGLE COUNTY HISTORY
Photo provided by Otto Dick
Laura Fessler’s home still stands at 204 S. Third St. in Oregon.
Polo P.E.O. Chapter recognizes 50+ year members
POLO – P.E.O., Chapter DW, Polo celebrated its 50+ year members March 23 with a celebration at Heritage Square in Dixon.
Longtime members who were honored during the event were Beverly Coffman, 59 years; Julie McGuire, 57 years; Karen Olsen, 55 years; Betty Hare, 53 years; Vicki Hay, 51 years; and Jean Cunningham, 50 years.
Other members attending the event were Diane Rasmussen, Suzanne Sorenson, Paula Faivre, Terri Wilder, Kathy Scholl, Carol Suits, Nancy Cline, Karen Merlak, Lisa Coffman, Karen Scholl, Christine Hammer, Megan White, Robin Jefford, Sandy Stahler and Betty Ebert.
‘Grandma’s Aprons’ to be topic of April 21 quilt guild program FORRESTON – The Country Crossroads Quilt Guild’s program April 21 will be “Grandma’s Aprons” presented by Kris Winkler and Lynn Lokken from Monroe, Wisconsin. They will tell a story and show
examples of aprons through the ages.
“They have more than 300 aprons in their collection, mostly from the ‘30s and ’50s. This will be a very entertaining presentation,” club member Ruth Whitney said.
Visitors are welcome for a $5 fee at the door. Membership dues are $20 a year.
The Country Crossroads Quilt Guild will present its annual quilt show “Garden of Quilts” on April 11-12 at the Jane Addams Community Center, 430 W. Washington St., Cedarville. Hours for the show are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5.
Guild meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at Forreston Grove Church, 7246 Freeport Road in Forreston. Doors open at 6 p.m. to provide ample time to meet and greet members before the meeting.
For more information, call Program Committee chair Kay Walker at 815-2752904 or Guild president Jennifer Newcomer at 708-774-3279.
– Shaw Local News Network
P.E.O., Chapter DW, Polo celebrated its 50+ year members with a celebration March 23 at Heritage Square in Dixon. Those honored were (back row) Vicki Hay, 51 years, and Beverly Coffman, 59 years. In the front row are Julie McGuire, 57 years, Betty Hare, 53 years, and Jean Cunningham, 50 years. Karen Olsen, a 55-year member, was unable to attend.
Photo provided by Paula Faivre
Mt. Morris man sentenced to 4 years of probation for possessing images of sexual abuse of children
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A Mt. Morris man pleaded guilty March 26 to three counts of possessing images of child sexual abuse on his cellphone.
Christopher J. Kaepplinger, 54, was sentenced to four years probation with a long list of special conditions through a plea agreement approved by Ogle County Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska.
Kaepplinger was taken into custody Oct. 31, 2024, after Ogle County sheriff’s detectives and officers with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations searched his apartment in Mt. Morris and found images of children younger than 13 in sexual poses on his cellphone.
Kaepplinger was charged Nov. 1, 2024, with six counts of possessing images of child sexual abuse, all Class 2 felonies that carry a maximum jail term of three to seven years. On March 26, he pleaded guilty to three of those charges – two photos of nude girls ages 5-6 and one video of a 5-year-old engaged in a sex act. Three counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
“The defendant did admit that those images on his phone were his,” Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse told Peska.
She said police were led to Kaepplinger after receiving “cyber tips” from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A phone registered to Kaepplinger had been used to upload images of children being sexually abused. And, she said, Kaepplinger had used an internet search to find images of children being sexually exploited.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Fatal crash south of Polo claims life of Byron man
POLO – A Byron man died Saturday morning, March 29, in a single-vehicle crash on a rural road south of Polo.
Logan Linker, 21, of Byron was pro -
Kruse said Kaepplinger had little criminal history: a battery charge in 1991 and an alcohol violation.
Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien agreed that the charges levied against Kaepplinger were “very serious,” but argued his client was a good candidate for rehabilitation.
“These are very serious offenses, but the evaluator thought he [Kaepplinger] is a good candidate for restorative character,” O’Brien said. “He [Kaepplinger] has been addressing difficult issues and that needs to be part of his rehabilitation.”
In December, O’Brien requested Kaepplinger undergo a sex offender evaluation.
During a November hearing, Kruse said Kaepplinger had been battling his addiction “since he was little” and told police “he knew the day would come” when they searched his home and arrested him.
On March 26, Peska said he had reviewed Kaepplinger’s psychological/ sexual assessment and noted recommendations from that evaluation were incorporated into the plea agreement. Peska said the evaluator had indicated Kaepplinger had a low risk of recidivism –offending again.
“There are a lot of specific recommendations that I think you should do because they will help you as a human being ... and I am ordering you to do that,” Peska told Kaepplinger, referring to the conditions of his probation.
Peska told Kaepplinger that if he violated any conditions of his probation he could be sentenced to at least three years in prison for each offense.
“I read your evaluation and it seems like you had a pretty rough upbringing. And quite a few things that you really wouldn’t wish on anybody to have to go through,” Peska told Kaepplinger. “You have been very forthcoming about everything ... admitting that you did something and have a problem. That is a
first step to recovery.”
Peska said he believed Kaepplinger’s abstinence from consuming alcohol would benefit his recovery efforts.
“After the lessons I’ve learned about my past, I will not be drinking alcohol by my choice,” Kaepplinger replied.
Peska said Kaepplinger told the evaluator that viewing “proper” adult pornography led to viewing and possessing child pornography.
“There seems to be a slippery slope of that, too. You even talk to the evaluator about how it started at one thing and just kept getting worse and worse,” Peska said. “You are not the first person to say that. You are not the first person to feel that way. You start walking down a path and then all of the sudden things get more degrading, more violent, more risky, more taboo and then finally it’s just plain out illegal. And then it becomes more and more dangerous.
“In situations like this when it involves children, if there is not a demand I really like to think the supply dries up. Kids are getting hurt in situations like this. And even though you may not be the person posing these children, or hurting them directly, because of the demand is why there is still a supply,” Peska said, urging Kaepplinger to avoid any pornography “at all costs.”
Kaepplinger was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but was given credit of time served (147 days), satisfying that aspect of the sentence. Kaepplinger also was ordered to pay $1,200 in fines and costs over the course of his probation sentence.
Supplemental conditions of Kaepplinger’s probation include completing treatment for sex offenders approved by the Sex Offender Management Board through the Sex Offender Management Board Act and not residing at the same address, condominium or apartment complex with any person known to be a convicted sex offender or who has been
placed on supervision for a sex offense. That condition does not apply to a person who is placed in a Department of Corrections-licensed transitional facility for sex offenders.
Kaepplinger was ordered to have no contact, directly or indirectly, with children younger than 18 without a previous order of the court or prior written approval from his probation officer. He also must be available for all evaluations and treatment programs required by the court or probation office.
Another condition forbids Kaepplinger from accessing a computer or any other device with internet capability without prior written approval of his probation officer, except in connection with his employment or search for employment, again with prior approval.
Kaepplinger also must submit to periodic, unannounced examinations of his computer or any other device with internet capability by his probation officer, a law enforcement officer or an assigned computer or information technology specialist, including retrieval and copying of all data from the computer or device and any internal or external peripherals and removal of such information, equipment or device to conduct a more thorough investigation.
Kaepplinger also must pay for the installation of any hardware or software systems on any device with internet capability in order to monitor his internet use. Kaepplinger cannot knowingly use any “computer scrub software” on any computer he uses.
In addition, he cannot participate in a holiday event involving children younger than 18 “such as distributing candy or other items on Halloween, wearing a Santa Claus costume ... or wearing an Easter Bunny costume.”
He cannot be employed or volunteer for any work that gives him access to or authority or control over children younger than 18.
nounced dead at the scene after the 6:53 a.m. accident, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday, March 30.
“Deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident near the intersection of Judson Road and Union Road in rural Polo. An
initial investigation revealed a vehicle traveling southbound on Union Road disobeyed the stop sign at Judson Road. The vehicle then continued southbound where it lost control and entered the east ditch, overturning multiple times,”
according to the report.
The incident remains under investigation. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Polo Police Department and Polo Fire/EMS.
– Earleen Hinton
Christopher Kaepplinger
Garage destroyed by fire in rural Polo
Vehicle, camper lost in early evening blaze
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
POLO – Firefighters from several departments responded to a garage fire at 6727 W. Henry Road, southeast of Polo, about 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26.
At least one vehicle and a camper along with several items were lost in the garage fire. No injuries were reported.
“We received the call at about 4:50 p.m.,” Polo Fire Chief Jim Ports said. “A Jeep and a camper as well as all the other contents in the garage were lost.”
Ports said a building located alongside the garage sustained some fire damage.
Fire crews also were able to prevent the flames from spreading into the grass and field located to the east of the garage within several yards of a stand of trees.
“We were lucky,” Ports said. “Mt. Morris was right outside our district on another call and were cleaning up so they were able to get to the scene quickly to help.”
Ports thanked all the area crews that helped, including Mt. Morris, Sterling, Forreston, Oregon, Dixon Rural, EMS Advance, Milledgeville, Chadwick, Dixon City and Franklin Grove.
“I want to thank all the neighboring departments who responded with us,” Ports said.
“We appreciate it.”
The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
“The shed right next to it had the insulation on fire, but we were able to knock that down,” he said.
Firefighters look for hot spots near a burned out Jeep after responding to a garage fire at 6727
southeast of Polo, on March 26. Several departments responded to the fire at the rural residence. In addition to the Jeep, a camper and other items located inside and around the garage were destroyed.
Earleen Hinton
W. Henry Road,
Living Last Supper presentation April 17 at Mt. Morris church
MT. MORRIS – The public is invited to a special worship service at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 E. Brayton Road.
The special Maundy Thursday service will include a dramatic presentation called The Living Last Supper. Members of Trinity will present the program set in the pose of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper.”
The 12 ordinary men Jesus chose to be his disciples will “come alive” to share their feelings and wonder aloud about their loyalty and love for Jesus. The congregation will be invited to share in the Holy Communion, after the presentation.
The Living Last Supper and Maundy Thursday service are open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry in Mt. Morris.
Trinity Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Their global and local ministries range from creating health kits and quilts for world relief to a program for local preteen
of April,” club member Beth Green said. “Each wooden crate holds various gardening related items as well as a $100 gift certificate from a local greenhouse. Tickets will be sold at the pharmacy, a PWGC member or at the plant sale ($1 each or six for $5). You do not need to be present to win and your ticket may win either one of the filled wooden crates offered.”
girls that teaches self-respect and empowerment called Strong Girls 2 Women.
Worship services are in-person Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings and also available on their website, YouTube channel and Meta page.
Weekly podcasts from Pastor Josh Ehrler are on buzzsprout.com and iTunes.
For more information about Trinity’s mission, ministries and programs, visit trinitymmil.net or email trinitymmoffice@ gmail.com.
Woman’s Garden Club plant sale is May 3 in Polo
POLO – The Polo Woman’s Garden Club will hold its annual perennial plant sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, at the Polo Community High School AG Department located behind the school at 100 S. Union Ave.
The sale will be on the same day as the opening of Polo FFA’s greenhouse.
“We have two raffle items available for viewing at the Polo Pharmacy the month
Proceeds from the sale will be used for the advancement of gardening, city beautification, programs to stimulate an interest in co-operative gardening among amateurs, to introduce children to gardening and to aid in the protection of forest, wildflowers, birds and all pollinators, Green said.
Anyone with perennials, houseplants or a garden related item that they wish to donate for the sale can call Green at 815-299-1416 or drop them off at the Polo Community High School AG Room between 1 and 3 p.m. Friday, May 2.
“We look forward to seeing you at the plant sale on May 3,” Green said.
– Shaw Local News Network
Photo provided by Sandra Stengel
Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris will host a live presentation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at 7 p.m. April 17.
March 24-30
Warranty deeds
Robert Wagner and Barbara Wagner to Jacob R. Swegle and Victoria E. Swegle, 7823 W. Renee Rue, Dixon, $299,000.
Austine Xiong and Precious Xiong to Corey Deandre Wirrick, 109 Sunnyhill Drive, Davis Junction, $229,900.
Dakota W. Meyer and Mackensie R. Richardson to Kalvin Zuniga, 408 S. Division Ave., Polo, and one parcel in Buffalo Township: 14-16-262-015, $113,900.
Thomas E. Felker to State Of Il Dept Transportation, 100 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron, $300.
Stillman Banccorp Na, Stillman Valley National Bank, to State Of Il Dept Transportation, 608 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron, $1,469.
Darcie L. Omiotek to Steven R. Peavy, 13 N. Prospect Court, Stillman Valley, $215,000.
Jacob Davis and Nathaniel S. Davis to Corey T. Harness, 207 Sunset Lane, Mt. Morris, $170,000.
Anthony Bedgood and Melanie Bedgood to Tyler Christiansen, 721 Oaks Lane, Byron, $287,500.
Jean Sterenberg, Jean Goza, Bobby Goza and Carolyn Sterenberg to Deborah R. Steitz, 409 S. Franklin Ave., Polo, $97,500.
David J. Myers and Gail E. Myers to Molly J. Genandt, 403 S. 2nd Ave., Forreston, $92,500.
Lena Dresler to Ar-Raheem Properties LLC, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-25-302010, $250,000.
900 North 3rd Street Property LLC to Rochelle Community Hospital Association, 900 N. 3rd St., Rochelle, $190,000.
Dc Rochelle LLC to Rochelle Hub LLC, 1663 S Main St., Rochelle, $600,000.
Marco Sawires to Jaime A. Jimenez and Hugo D. Garcia, 224 E. Depot St., Creston,
$50,000.
Karen B. Fincel to 3bmj LLC, one parcel in Dement Township, $47,000.
Daniel S. Gray to Jacob Frederic Lockwood and Sonja Lockwood, 1508 W. Washington St., Oregon, $180,000.
Robbie R. Zimmerman and Gwendolyn J. Zimmerman to Walter Kunce and Sandra Kunce, 801 Fairground Circle Drive, Oregon, $275,000.
Lane E. Albrecht to Lynnette E. Burch, trustee, and Lynnette Burch E Tr101, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-31-400-003, $850,000.
Norman L. Jenkins Sr., Deceased By Heirs, to Zechariah E. Vanvickle and Zechariah E. Van Vickle, 924 N. 6th St., Rochelle, $195,900.
Anthony S. Benesh and Carla K. Benesh to Daniel Hitchcock Jr., 505 Mix Lane, Oregon, and one parcel in Oregon-Nashua Township: 16-03-278-023, $30,000.
Kabbage Patch LLC to Emaar Real Estates Elgin LLC, 14742 E. IL Rt 64, Rochelle, 14836 E. Rt 64, Rochelle, and 14874 Hwy 64, Rochelle, $1,640,000.
Amber M. Denotto, Amber M. Govero, Amber May Denotto and Justin D. Govero to Melissa Urena, 1047 N. 3rd St., Rochelle, $233,200.
Gsn Rental Properties LLC to Sauk Valley Capital LLC, 116 Hillside Drive, Polo, and 118 Hillside Drive, Polo, $150,000.
Quit Claim deeds
Tamela S. Merdian and Scholl Insurance Agency Inc. to Tamela S. Merdian and Robin J. Duncan, 112 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, $0.
Laurie King to Laurie King, trustee, and Laurie King Lv Tr, one parcel in White Rock Township: 18-27-101-004, $0.
Rosemary A. Bushland to Thomas T. Hall III, 8863 N. Mill St., Leaf River, $0.
Diane L. Beesing, Dale L. Beesing and Janell
M. Diehl to Diane L. Beesing and Dale L. Beesing, no parcel information provided, $0.
Andrea Young, Andrea L. Young to Andrea Young and Jeanette Lee Larson, 201 E. 2nd St., Byron, $0.
Akens Auto Body Inc. to Richard Haan Jr., no parcel information: 08-26-378-003, $0.
Richard Haan Jr. to Akens Auto Body Inc., no parcel information: 08-26-378-002, $0.
Tina Zellers to Tina Zellers, trustee, and Tina Louise Zellers Rev Lv Tr, 313 N. Walnut St., Byron, $0.
Trustees deeds
Laurie King, trustee, and Laurie King Lv Tr to Jeffrey D. Hayenga and Carol L. Hayenga, one parcel in White Rock Township: 18-27-101-004, $906,500.
Hills Bank And Trust Co., trustee, and James E. King Tr to Laurie King, no parcel information available: 18-27-200-003, three parcels in White Rock Township: 18-27-400001, 18-27-400-002 and 18-27-400-003, $0.
Chicago Title Land Trust Company, trustee, and Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr8144 to Michael A. Stukenberg, trustee, Colleen M. Stukenberg, trustee, Michael A. Stukenberg Rev Tr and Colleen M. Stukenberg Rev Tr, two parcels in Pine Rock
Township: 17-34-100-007 and 17-34-200007, $2,356,325.
Faith F. Pauling, trustee, and Faith F. Pauling Tr2003 to Brogan Seiler, 449 N. Mill Ridge Drive, Byron, $152,000.
Jose Monarrez, trustee, Jose D. Monarrez, trustee, and Monarrez Tr2013 to Rosa A. Monarrez and Jose D. Monarrez, 14816 E. IL Rte 72, Davis Junction, and 14848 E. IL Rte 72, Davis Junction, $0.
Gary Skaar, trustee, and Arlene L. Skaar Rev Tr to Alexander Smith and Sarah Smith, 11837 E. Lindenwood Road, Rochelle, $292,500.
Gary Skaar, trustee, and Arlene L. Skaar Rev Tr to Bryan W. Hayenga and Andrew Hayenga, 11837 E. Lindenwood Road, Rochelle, $816,918.
Allan L. Strong, trustee, Charlotte R. Strong, trustee, and Allan and Charlotte Strong Tr to Allan L. Strong and Charlotte Strong, 104 S. Commercial St., Baileyville, $0.
Deed
Sixto P. Hernandez Jr. to Jeremy Hernandez, 833 N. 11th St., Rochelle, $0.
Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office
WILFRED A. MURRAY
Born: February 6, 1944 in Powers, Michigan
Died: March 24, 2025 in DeLand, Florida
Oregon, IL ~ Wilfred “Bill” A Murray age 81, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025 at AdventHealth Deland Hospital, Deland FL. Bill was born on February 6th, 1944 to Ernest and Luella Murray in Powers-Spalding, MI. He graduated from Powers-Spalding High School class of 1962. He attended Green Bay Badger Business College. He then married his high school sweetheart Barbara (née Bellefeuil) and returned back to Powers MI. He worked locally until he was accepted by Northern Michigan University for a special manpower data processing training program. Upon completion, he and Barb moved to Rockford, IL where Bill
was employed as a programmer with National Lock Corporation. In May of 1967, they moved back to Powers to operate a truckstop restaurant originally founded by Barb’s father. In August of 1971, Bill returned to his first love (computers) and took a position as a data processing system analyst with Kable News Company, Mt. Morris, IL and worked his way through the corporate ranks.
In October of 1985 Bill resigned his position as Director of Business Operations to seek his personal entrepreneur interest. In 1986, Bill and Barb, along with the help of their son Dean, founded Spectrum Printing in the neighboring community of Oregon, IL. In November of 1989, Bill and Barb, along with their daughter Julie and son-in-law Kevin, began Spectrum Data which provides mainframe data processing and direct mail services. Spectrum Data was sold to Bill’s son Dean who in turn sold it to its current owner, Bill’s youngest son David. In 1993 Bill, Barb, Kevin, and Julie purchased Rude’s Custom Butchering and
Bill helped with its expansion into Spectrum Preferred Meats until his retirement. Bill and Barb enjoyed 46 years of marriage up until her passing in 2009. Bill loved spending time with his family, wood working, computers, playing cards, ping pong, and also playing the piano/ organ. Bill’s oldest son Keith would like it noted that Bill was one of the luckiest cribbage players he’s ever played. Bill is survived by his wife Sharon Murray of Deland, FL (married 2015); his brothers Don Murray of Carney, MI; Roger (friend Jan) Murray of Two Rivers, WI; and Ken (Connie) Murray of Tulsa, OK; and a sister-in-law Barb Murray of Powers-Spalding, MI. Bill leaves behind his four children, Keith (Alana) Murray of Boise, ID; Dean (Kimberly) Murray of Oregon, IL; Julie (Kevin) Rude of Mt. Morris, IL; and David Murray of Oregon, IL. Three stepchildren, Breann Eubanks of Maquakota IA; Ben Berger of Minneapolis MN; and Mark Berger of Long Creek SC. Bill was a wonderful grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, including Abigail Mur-
ray, Jared (Julia) Murray, Nathan (Lisa) Murray, Eli (Eleanor) Murray, Matthew Murray, Sarah (Daniel) Ross, Ashley (Rob) Dalphonse, Morgan (Austin) Blassage, Garrett (Olivia) Rude, Stephen Dalphonse, Bennett Dalphonse, Sophie Dalphonse, Cambry Eubanks, Cashton Eubanks, Bradley Cowan, Natalie Cowan, Juliet Ross, Natalie Murray, Eliza Murray, and Bodhi Rude, and another grandson due in June of 2025. Bill was preceded in death by his father Ernest Murray, his mother Luella Murray, his first wife Barbara Murray, his brother Terry Murray, and his brother Joe Murray. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday April 5th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon IL with Father Bernard Sehr officiating. Burial will be held at St. Mary Cemetery, Oregon, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Bill.
IHSA issues statement on ‘leveling the playing field’
Lest you think the IHSA is ignoring the carnage inflicted on public schools in boys and girls athletic competitions by the privates this school year, think again. Recently, the IHSA issued a statement on how it will legislate what it refers to as “leveling the playing field.”
The combination of a 1.65 enrollment multiplier, waiver application and success factor for the private schools will be enforced much stricter than it had in the past. Since 2005, they’ve had measures like this in place, but there had been a fluctuation in the enforcement.
The hope is that loopholes in the previous system will be reduced and teams will not have an unfair competitive advantage. Obtaining waivers to avoid the 1.65 multiplier has become more stringent.
A sport or activity program at a particular nonboundaried school is not eligible to apply for a waiver if over the course of the previous three school terms, the program (as a team) has achieved any of the following:
In football: Wins at least one playoff game.
In girls volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys soccer, girls soccer, baseball or softball: Wins a sectional semifinal.
In wrestling or Scholastic Bowl: Wins a regional.
In boys track and field, girls track and field, boys tennis, girls tennis, competitive cheerleading or competitive dance: Wins a sectional or finishes in the top 10 as a team at the IHSA state finals.
In boys cross country, girls cross country, boys golf and girls golf: Wins a regional or qualifies for the IHSA state finals.
Besides the multiplier, the IHSA made an adjustment to the Success Adjustment Policy.
The policy initially was implemented in 2014 and seeks to provide greater competitive equity for private schools that achieve certain levels of state final success by moving them up in classification.
The policy initially looked at the amount of state final success that occurred over four years, but was adjusted to two years when the IHSA moved to a two-year classification cycle.
Beginning in 2025-26, the Success Adjustment Policy will encompass a rolling three-year period. Entering each school year, if a team has won two state final trophies in the past three years in a sport, the team will be subject to the adjustment and moved up one class in that sport.
For example, a school that has won two state final trophies in a sport/ activity over the course of 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 will be subject to the adjustment in 2025-26. In 2026-27, they only will be subject to the adjustment if they have two state final trophies over the course of 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26.
As you can see, the IHSA put a tremendous amount of time and effort to enact said policies, which needed to be approved by the IHSA Board of Directors, a group of 12 school administrators from across the state.
The whole thing is very complicated to understand and if I interpreted the information wrong, my apologies.
As I scanned through other business the IHSA discussed at its March 15 meeting, I couldn’t help but notice this tidbit:
The board approved a recommendation to make two adjustments to the game rules of Madden in the IHSA esports state series. The changes included shortening quarters from five minutes to four minutes and turning on the accelerated gameplay.
No, I’m not making this up. The IHSA offers a state series in esports.
• Andy Colbert, an avid runner, is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Baseball
Stillman Valley 21, Polo 2 (5 inn.): The Marcos gave up 13 runs in the fifth inning in the home setback. Gage Zeigler had an RBI and one of Polo’s two hits.
Forreston 9, Genoa-Kingston 3: Daniel Koehl had three hits and three RBIs as Forreston scored eight runs in the second inning to take control. Alec Schoonhoven, Darin Greenfield and Mickey Probst each had two hits. Probst and Koehl each had a double. Schoonhoven was the winning pitcher.
Amboy 10, Oregon 0: Carson Barlow pitched a two-hit shutout with seven strikeouts and one walk in the home win. Seven Clippers had RBIs in the victory.
Oregon 9, Ashton-Franklin Center 1 : Logan Weems had two RBIs for Oregon in the home win. Jack Washburn got the win on the mound after striking out five with one walk and four hits allowed.
Bureau Valley 9, Polo 0: Gus Mumford had the lone hit for the Marcos.
Forreston 13, Warren/Stockton 3 (6 inn.): Alec Schoonhoven homered and drove in four runs and Connor Politsch was 3 for 4 with two stolen bases in the home win. Kendall Erdmann had a triple and was the winning pitcher.
Oregon 9, Hinckley-Big Rock 4: Oregon scored four runs in the top of the sixth to help pull away en route to the road win. Kade Girton was 3 for 4 with three
the
Oregon goalkeeper Mili Zavala falls on a shot on goal during a match against Freeport on March 31.
RBIs in the victory.
Forreston 3, Braddock 0: Brendan Greenfield pitched a complete game shutout with four strikeouts and three walks in the home victory. He also had a double and two RBIs in the win.
Softball
Oregon 16, Milledgeville 8: The Hawks had 21 hits as Ella Dannhorn had two home runs and was on base five
March 31
times. Isabelle Berg, Olivia Ortega, Hayleigh Heuerman and Brooke Halverson all collected three hits for the Hawks. Halverson got the win for Oregon in the pitchers’ circle. Schwarz and Heuerman each had doubles.
Sterling 8, Oregon 4: The Golden Warriors pulled away with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning after tying the game 4-4 in the third inning. Abree Barker, Lola Schwarz and Hayleigh Halverson had two hits each for Oregon. Isabella Berg, Olivia Ortega and Emma Schlichtmann each had one hit for Oregon.
Prairie Central 16, Forreston 1 (4 inn.): An Isabella Thiel triple was Forreston’s only hit in the road loss.
Forreston 18, Routt 9 (4 inn.): Isabella Thiel had a double and five RBIs in the road win. Forreston scored 10 runs in the second inning to take control. Aubrey Sanders was the winning pitcher.
Pearl City 13, Polo 0 (4 inn.): Polo had only three hits and a multitude of errors led to Pearl City scoring 12 unearned runs. Cheyenna Wilkins had two hits and was saddled with the loss.
Bureau Valley 15, Polo 1: Bella Witkowski had two hits for Polo and Cheyenna Wilkins, Brylee Laskowski and Serinity Carlson had one hit each for the Marcos.
Girls soccer
Freeport 3, Oregon 1: Freeport scored two goals in the second half after the game was knotted at 1-1 after the first period of play. Anna Stender scored Oregon’s lone goal in the loss. Goalkeeper Mili Zavala had seven saves for the Hawks.
Photos by Earleen Hinton
ABOVE: Oregon’s Anna Stender focuses on
ball during a
match at Freeport High School. LEFT: Forreston’s Kendall Erdmann pitches against Warren/Stockton on March 28.
CLASSIFIED
Gaffey Health Service is in need of RN's and LPN's for Home Care patients in the Walnut and Dixon, IL areas.
Both are Pediatric cases with overnight & day shifts needed M-F.
Please call 815-625-5575 for more information or simply apply at GaffeyHealthService.com an d click on the jobs link.
Sauk Valley Co mmunity Colleg e Job Openings:
Director of Human Resources - Full-time
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in human resources or related field Five to six years of experience in human resources or related experience required ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/2110
Marketing Coordinator - Full-time
Bachelor's degree requir ed Master's degree preferred, with em phasis in communications, marketing, or public relations ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/2114
Athletic Trainer - Full-time
Develop, coordinate and administer a comprehensive sports medical program for SVCC's intercol legiate sports programs.
Board Certified (BOC) as an Athletic Trainer, eligible for State of Illino is athletic training licensure, current CPR/AED, valid driver's license, and two (2) years of prior experience as an athletic traine r or graduate assistant is required. Master's degree in Athletic training or related field is preferred. ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/1953
Adjunct - CNA - Part-time
Current license as a Registered Nurse (or eligibility for license) in Illino is, two (2) years of experience, Train the Trainer, and an approved evaluator certification or MSN and approved evaluator certification are required. ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/2048
Adjunct Faculty - Welding - Part-time
Extensive experience in one or all of the following: TIG, MIG , Industrial MIG, Shielded Metal Arc (Stick), and/or robotic welding. Welding certificate Five years welding ex perience in lieu of certificate. ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/2028
Peer Mentor Lead Facilitator
High School Diplom a or equivalent. Prior experience working with peer mentors/ mentees is prefer red. ht tps:// jobs.sv cc.edu/ postings/2081
Sauk Valley Community College Attn: Human Resources 173 Illinois Route 2 Dixon, I L 61021 EOE e-mail: employment@svcc.edu
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
I n re the E state of:
WILLIAM R. SAMUEL, Deceased 2025 PR 14 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of WILLIAM R SAMUEL. L etters of Office were issued on February 20, 2025, to TRISHA BOLEN, as Independent Administrator.
Claims against the estate may be filed wi thin six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mail ing or delivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever dateis l ater.
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 wit h 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: TRISHA BOLEN
Independent Administrator
Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276
tom@suitslegal com
March 28, April 4, 11, 2025
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
I n re the E state of:
KATHRYN L. COX, Deceased
2025 PR 22 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
In re the E state of:
KATHRYN L. COX, Deceased 2025 PR 22 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of KATHRYN L. COX
Letters of Office were issued on March 21, 2025, to SUE E. COX, 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 cred itors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, 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 JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed wit h 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: K ATHRYN L. COX Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
March 28, April 4, 11, 2025
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, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed wit h 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: K ATHRYN L. COX Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com
March 28, April 4, 11, 2025
NOTICE
The City of Oregon, Illinois, is s eeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide weekly flower watering, care, and maintenance services Packets can be picked up at City Hall 115 N 3rd Street, Oregon, Illinois or can be found on the city website at www cityoforegon.org/bi ds/.
March 28, April 4, 2025
NOTICE
The City of Oregon, Illinois, is s eeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide weekly flower watering, care, and maintenance services Packets can be picked up at City Hall 115 N 3rd Street, Oregon, Illinois or can be found on the city website at www cityoforegon.org/bi ds/
March 28, April 4, 2025
As sumed Name
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on M arch 20, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post-office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:
Bleu Cedar Coffee Co loca ted at 203 1st Ave Forreston, IL 61030
Dated March 20, 2025.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook
Ogle County Clerk
March 28, April 4, 11, 2025
Bleu Cedar Coffee Co loca ted at 203 1st Ave Forreston, IL 61030
Dated March 20, 2025.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
March 28, April 4, 11, 2025
As sumed Name
Publication Notice
Public Notice is hereby given that on M arch 11, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post-office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:
GE LA de Anda LLC loca ted at 2793 E Mil l Rd Byron, IL 61010 Dated March 11, 2025.
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
March 21, 28, April 4, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS OGLE COUNTY - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC Plaintiff, vs. BRENT WAG NER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR PENNY S MON, CYNTHIA SUTHERIN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BRANDY MEYER, ATTORNEY PAUL E. CHADWICK, AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM, FOR TH E MINOR HEIR, N.O, ROGER W. MEYER, JR., UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PENNY S MON, UNKN OWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BRANDY MEYER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant(s). Case Num ber: 2023FC3 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Brandy Meyer Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants that this case has been commenced in this Court, against you and other Defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows , to wit: PART OF LOT 1 IN BLOCK 1, OF CHATFIELD`S SECOND ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF POLO, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RE CORDED FEBRU ARY 28, 1861 IN BOOK A OF PLATS, PAGE 33, AS DOCUMENT NO. 25061, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 41.5 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE WESTERL Y TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 WHICH IS 33 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE SOUTH ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE EAST ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 1 TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE NORTH ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 TO THE POIN T OF BEGINNING; ALSO THE NORTH HALF OF LOT 2 IN BLOCK 1 OF CHATFIELD`S SECOND ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF POLO, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S; ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED FEBRU ARY 28, 1861 IN BOOK A OF PLATS, PAGE 33, AS DOCUMENT NO. 25061. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 207 S. CONGRESS AVENUE, POLO, IL 61064 And which said Mortgage was made by: Gary L. Mon, Estate of Penny S. Mon, the Mortgagor, to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ("MERS"), AS MORTGAG EE, AS NOMINEE FOR FREEDOM BANK ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorde r of Deeds of Ogle County, Illin ois as Document No 201306328; and for other relief, that summons was duly issued out of said Court agai nst you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Ogle County Circuit Clerk 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061
On or b efore May 5, 2025, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT M AY BE E NTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAY ER OF SAI D COMP LAIN T. Marinosci Law Group, P.C. 2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1512 Westchester, IL 60154 Telep hone: (312) 940-8580
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that this law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3263731 Apr. 4, 11, 18, 2025
As sumed Name Publication Notice Public Notice is hereby given that on M arch 10, 2025, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post-office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:
Storming the Beach Nutrition loca ted at 130 W 2nd Stree t Byron, IL 61010
County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post-office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:
Storming the Beach Nutrition loca ted at 130 W 2nd Stree t Byron, IL 61010
Dated March 10, 2025
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
March 21, 28, April 4, 2025
NOTICE OF DEF AULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE
Dated March 10, 2025
Laura J. Cook
Laura J. Cook Ogle County Clerk
March 21, 28, April 4, 2025
WHEREAS, on 10/15/2007, a certa in Mortgage was execute d by JAN C ZIMMERMAN as Mortgagor, in fav or of JAMES B NUTTER & COMPANY as Mortgagee, and was recorded on 11/2/2007, as Document Numbe r 0711272, in the Offi ce of the Recorder of Deeds, Ogle County, Illinois and WHEREAS, the Mortgage was insured by the UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (the SECRETARY) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the SECRETARY, pursuant to an Assignment of Mortgage dated 9/19/2023, and recorded on 9/26/2023, as Document Numbe r 202304250, in the Office of the Ogle County Recorder of Deeds , Illinois and a default exists, and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage in that the payment due on 10/18/2024 was not made and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this notice, and no payment has been made sufficient to restore the loan to currency; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the SECRETARY has declared the entire amount of this indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payabl e;
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 27, subpart B, and by the SECRETARY'S designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, dated September 15, 2016, notice is hereby given that on 05/01/2025 at 10:30 AM loca l time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following desc ribed premises loca ted at ("Property"), will be sold at pub lic auction to the highest bi dder. P.I .N.: 05-31-285-002
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 211 S LAFAYETTE ST., BYRON, I L 61010
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: A PART OF THE WEST HALF OF BLOCK FIFTY-TWO (52) IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN NOW CITY OF BYRON, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID BLOCK, 80.0 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK MEASURED ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID BLOCK; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID BLOC K, 92.0 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE EAST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK, 145.75 FEET TO A POINT IN THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST HALF OF SAID BLOCK; THENCE NORTH PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SAID BLOCK, 92.0 FEET TO A POINT THENCE WEST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOC K TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
The sale will be conducted online on Zoom at: Meeting ID: 648 483 3997; Password: 743 891. There is a Zoom call-in option at 312-626-6799. THE SECRETARY OF H OUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT will bid $157,099.01 plus per diem interest, advances, fees and costs. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before sale, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secret ary to the date of the for eclosure sale. The Special Commissioner shall accept advance, sealed written bids at Plea dings@Nevellaw.com
The successful bidder, except the SECRETARY, must submit a deposit total ing at least 10% of the bid in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the SECRETARY OF HUD at the close of bidding sent to the Special Commissioner at the address below by express mail next- day delivery . The deposit is nonrefundable The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered wi thin thirty (30) days of the Sale or at such other time as the SECRETARY may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the for m of a certified check or cashier's check made payable to the SECRETARY OF HUD. If the SECRETARY is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyancing fees, all real estate taxes and other taxes that are due on or afte r the date of sale and all other transfer taxes and State, County and Municipal costs associat ed with the tra nsfer of title.
There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redempti on, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefor e, the Foreclosure Commis sioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herei n. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant.
IRA T NEVEL Foreclosure Commissioner for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 175 North Franklin, Suite 201 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 357-1125 8190-951599
Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 2025 951599
"THIS IS AN ATTE MPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPO SE" 42463 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
OG LE COUNT Y, ILLINOIS
HSBC Bank USA, N ational Associat ion, as Indentu re Trustee for People`s Choice Home Loan Securities Trust Series 2005- 3; Plaintiff, vs. Josephine Ponce; Illinois Housing Development Authority; Springcas tle Credit Funding Trust, Through its Trustee Wilmington Trust, National Association; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimant s; Defendants. Cas e No. 25 FC 1 Judge Pres idin g Courtroom TBA NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: -Josephine Ponce -Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants that Plaintiff has commenced t his case in the Circuit Court of Ogle County agai nst you and other defendants, for foreclosure of a certain Mortgage lien recorded against the premises described as follows: PART OF THE SOUTH HALF (S 1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) OF SECTION THIRTY-TWO (32), TOWNSHIP TWENTY-FOUR (24) NORTH, RANG E TEN (10) EAST OF THE FOURTH (4TH)
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: COMM ENCING AT THE INTERSECTIO N OF THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF (S 1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) OF SAID SECTION THIRTY-TWO (32) AND THE CENTERLINE OF LIMEKILN ROAD, SAID POINT BEING 1492.59 FEET WEST OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THE REOF; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, ALONG SAID CENTERLINE, AT AN ANGLE OF 78 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 31 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM SAID SOUTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF 84.24 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PARCEL; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, ALONG SAID CENTERLINE, A DISTANCE OF 37.52 FEET; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY , ALONG SAID CENTERL INE, AT AN ANGLE OF 179 DEGREES 11 MINUTES 02 SECONDS AS MEASURED CLOCKWISE FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 317.42 FEET; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY, AT AN ANGLE OF 92 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 49 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCLOCKWIS E FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 349.92 FEET; THENCE SOUTHERLY, AT AN ANGLE OF 101 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 03 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 100.33 FEET; THENCE SOUTHERLY, AT AN ANGLE OF 171 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 53 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM THE L AST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 53.56 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, AT AN ANGLE OF 151 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 26 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCL OCKWISE FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 175.06 FEET; THENCE WESTERLY, PARALLEL WITH THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) OF SAID SECTIO N THIRTY-TWO (32), AT AN ANGLE OF 123 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 20 SECONDS AS MEASURED COUNTERCL OCKWISE FROM THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTAN CE OF 317.79 FEET TO THE POI NT OF BEGINNING.
C/K/A: 1011 North Limekiln Road, Oregon, IL 61061 PIN: 09-32-400-010 said Mortgage was given by Josephine Ponce, Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Regis tration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nomi nee for People`s Choice Home Loan, Inc., Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 0505224.
E-Filing is now mandatory for docu ments in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e- file, you must first creat e an account with an e-filing service provider Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-provid ers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.il linoiscourt s.gov/FAQ/get help.asp, or talk wi th your local circuit clerk's office
UNLESS YOU file your appearance or otherwise file your answer in this case in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Ogle County, Ogle County Courthouse, 106 South Fifth Street, Ste 300, Oregon IL 61061 on or before April 28, 2025, A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED FOR IN THE PLAINTIFF'S COMP LAINT. 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 Phon e: 312-360-9455 W25- 0003 pleadings.il@wirb icki law.com
I3262943 Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUITOGLE COUNTY, I LLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE PEOP LE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Pla intiff, vs. M&B TRUCK STOP REAL E STATE, INC., an Illinois corporation ; STERLING FEDERAL BANK, FSB.; CAT SCALE COMPANY; PETRO FRANCHISE SYSTEMS, LLC; TAQUERIA LOS 3 MOLCAJETES, LLC; HUB CITY PLAZA, L.L.C.; ROCHELLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION; and UNKNOWN OWN ERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants
Case No.: 2025 E D 1
Condemnation
Parcel Nos. 20220002TE 20220003TE
Job No. R-92-002-20 JURY DEM AND
PUBLI CATION NOTICE
NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU , Uknown Owners and Non-Rec ord Claimants, defendants, that this case has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Will County against you and other defendants, asking for Judgment as to the determination of just compensati on for certain real prope rty legally described inExhibit A and for other relief
UNLESS YOU file your appearanc e in this cas e in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk, in the courthouse at 106 S 5th St, Oregon, IL 6106 1, on or before April 25, 2025, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKE N AGAINST YOU FOR THERELIEF ASKE D IN THE COMPLAINT
Witne ss: 3/10/2025
Kimberly A. Stahl (Clerk of the Circuit Court) By: MK (Deputy )
Patrick Grim (ARDC: 6326978), Special Assistant Attorneys General CONKLIN & CONKLIN, LLC
125 S Wacker Dr., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606Tel.: (312) 341-9500 Pgrim@conklinlawyers.com
Owner M&B Tr uck Stop Real Estate, Inc., an Illinois corporation Route FAI 39 (1-39) & FAP 567 (IL 38) County Ogle
Job No. R-92-002-20 Parc el No. 20220002TE P.I.N. No. 25-17-300-008
Secti on 141-IHBR-3 & (9,10) R-3 Station 638+04 Station 648+80
EASEMENT
That part of the Southea st Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 17, Township 40 North, Range 2 East of the Third Principal Meridian, Ogle County, State of Illinois, with bearing and distances referenced to the Illinois State Plane Coordinate System, West Zone NAD 83 (2011 ADJ), with a combined factor of 0.999982000, described as fol lows:
Commencing at a mag nail at the southwe st corne r of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 17; thence North 88 degrees 17 minutes 41 seconds East on the south line of said Southwest Quarter, 1,407.61 feet; thence North 01 degree 42 minutes 19 secon ds West, 119.92 feet to the existing north right of way line of a pub lic road designated FAP Route 567 (IL 38) and the Point of Begi nning.
From said Point of Beginning; thence North 29 degrees 45 minutes 11 seconds West on the eas t right of way line of public road designated N. Dement Road, 8.11 feet ; thence North 88 degrees 19 minutes 37 seconds East, 1,08-0.25 feet to the west l ine of a tract of land described in Warran ty Deed, Exhibit B, Parcel 3 to Rochelle Truck Stop, Inc., as recorded on September 28, 2022 as Document No 202205570 in the Ogle County Recorder's Office; thence South 01 degree 21 minutes 33 seconds East on said west line, 6.55 feet to said existing north r ight of way line; thence South 88 degrees 17 minutes 40 seconds West on said north right of way lin e, 1,076.40 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.170 acre (7,387 square fee t), more or les s (area based on ground distances).
Owner M&B Tr uck Stop Real Estate, Inc., an Illinois corporation Route FAI 39 (1-39) & FAP 667 (IL 38) County Ogle
Job No. R-92- 002-20 Parcel No. 20220003TE PIN No. 25.17400.005 Secti on 141-IHBR-3 & (9,10) R-3 Station 648+80 Station 651+74
EASEMENT
That part of the Southeas t Quarter of the Southwe st Quarter and the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarte r of Section 17, Township 40 North, Range 2 East of the Third Principal Meridian, Ogle County, State of Illinois, with bearing and distances referenced to the Illinois State Plane Coordinate System, West Zone NAD 83 (2011 ADJ), with a combined factor of 0.999982000, described as follows: Commencing at a mag nail at the southwe st corne r of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 17; thence North 88 degrees 17 minutes 41 seconds East on the south line of said Southwest Quarter, 1,407.61 feet; thence North 01 degree 42 minutes 19 secon ds West, 119.92 feet to the existing north right of way line of a pub lic road designated FAP Route 567 (IL 38); thence North 88 degrees 17 minutes 40 seconds East on said existing north right of way line, 1,076.40 feet to the west l ine of a tract of land desc ribed in Warran ty Deed, Exhibit B, Parcel 3 to Rochelle Truck Stop, Inc., as recor ded on September 28, 2022 as Document No. 202205570 in the Ogle County Recorder's Office and the Point of Beginning. From said Point of Beginning; thenc e North 01 degree 21 minutes 33 seconds West on said west line, 6.55 feet; thence North 88 degr ees 19 minutes 37 seconds East, 293.69 feet to said existing north right of way line; thence South 77 degrees 02 minutes 11 seconds West on said existing north right of way line, 32.67 feet; thence South 88 degrees 17 minutes 40 seconds West on said existing north right of way line, 261.69 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.041 acre (1,796 square fee t), more or les s (area based on ground distances).
