Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com
The Tri-County Press, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times, Forreston Journal and Oregon Republican Reporter.
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 598, Sterling, IL 61081
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2024
Polo City Council considering amended garbage, recycling contract
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
POLO — Residents might see a slight change in their garbage and recycling bills, depending on the size and number of toters they want.
Polo City Council members on Monday, Oct. 7, agreed to consider an amended contract with the city’s sanitation services provider, Midwest Disposal, that would allow a $3 charge per extra toter per customer. There was no vote taken at the meeting.
“We’re looking to cover our costs, not so much make a profit,” Midwest Disposal owner Derek Humphrey said of the charge.
In July, City Council members voted to switch from Republic Services – formerly Moring Disposal – to Midwest Disposal. The city’s contract with Midwest Disposal went into effect Sept. 1.
The company provides waste and recycling toters to residents and businesses in Polo, Humphrey said. Each customer gets one of each, but can request an extra waste and/or recycling toter, he said.
Midwest Disposal’s base bid was for 65 gallon toters, Humphrey said. The con -
tract already includes a provision for charging 50 cents more for those who want 95-gallon toters, he said.
In other business, the City Council:
• Swore Rodney Lucas, of Freeport, in
Cub Scouts helped at Hazelhurst
CORRECTIONS
as police officer.
• Heard a first reading on an ordinance adopting the international building codes and the national electrical code for use in the city.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
to
you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.
Alexa Zoellner
Polo Mayor Doug Knapp swears in Rodney Lucas, of Freeport, as a city police officer during the Monday, Oct. 7, Polo City Council meeting.
Photos provided by Jeff Short
LEFT, ABOVE: The Polo Cub Scout Pack 337 sold popcorn and did a service project by walking around and picking up the garbage during the Hazelhurst Sale on Sept. 7. “They had a great day weather wise and did sell plenty of popcorn,” Lion Jeff Short said. “The leaders are Heather Roop, Lindy Diehl and Courtney Meader. They do a great job with everything while trying to get this Pack going again.” Pictured are Lincoln Bocker, Wesley Diehl, Cadence Bocker, LeRoy Meader and Tinley Roop.
Autumn on Parade draws thousands to Oregon
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Strong winds over the weekend didn’t stop thousands from visiting Oregon’s 53rd annual Autumn on Parade.
The popular fall festival took place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, with events throughout downtown Oregon. It included a craft market, car and tractor show, Olde English Fair at Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center and a parade that, this year, featured more than 100 entries.
“We were very blessed by the weather we were given by the weekend,” said Debbie Dickson, Autumn on
Parade board president. “That was a bonus.”
The craft market had a couple “booth casualties” from the wind on Saturday, but volunteers quickly pitched in to help right the tents, Dickson said.
“Everybody got back on their feet and cleaned up and had a positive attitude and great spirit,” she said.
The market is the keystone of Autumn on Parade, and the reason the festival exists, Dickson said. The first year, there were seven vendors; this year, there were more than 200, she said.
“Without those vendors coming
from far and wide, we wouldn’t have an event at all,” Dickson said.
There was a great turnout for the Entertainment HotSpot, the food court, Family Fun Zone and the Harvest Time Parade, she said.
The Family Fun Zone is a vibrant and creative entertainment option for children for which families are grateful, Dickson said.
Looking at Oregon at 8 a.m. the Friday prior to Autumn on Parade, no one would guess anything special was happening, but come back 12 hours later and that all changes, she said.
“It’s like, ‘What in the world is going on here?’ because it goes from an
absolutely blank canvas to, ‘Oh, these guys are having a festival,’ ” Dickson said. “To me, that’s amazing. Then come back at 8 p.m. Sunday and it’s all cleaned up.”
The ability to make that happen “speaks volumes” of Autumn on Parade’s volunteers and supporters, she said.
“Across the board, this is a teamwork-driven event,” Dickson said. “It’s been all volunteer. We do it for love of community. We know it’s the right thing to do and it’s a feel-good situation at the end when we look around and see the energy that the event brings to our town.”
Earleen Hinton photos
Olde English Fair at Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center on Saturday,
Autumn
festival in Oregon. Leighton Schopp of Oregon pets a little goat at the petting zoo in the Kids Zone during the festival. The Focus House Car Show
at Oregon Park East during the festival. Dancers from Rochelle perform at Autumn on Parade on Sunday, Oct. 6, in Oregon.
White Pines State Park is rich with history
OGLE
COUNTY HISTORY
Otto Dick
Recently during our evening ride in Ogle County we visited the White Pines Park. I stopped and visited with four men sitting outside the gift shop and cafeteria. They questioned me on the history of the Pines. Even though I had visited the Pines many times since my family moved to Oregon in 1947 from Indiana I knew very little about its history.
While researching the history, I learned this 385-acre park contains the southernmost remaining stand of native white pine trees in the state of Illinois. In 1903, the Illinois Legislature passed a bill appropriating $30,000 to purchase the forest for a state park, but the measure was vetoed. “It was not until 1927 that the forest was acquired for a state park at a cost of $63,000 for 385 acres from the 17 people who owned this property.”
From 1932 to 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp in the park and did considerable work to establish and improve the area so it would be an attractive place for people to visit. This group of men built the lodge, cabins, river fords, roads, trails, campgrounds, shelters, picnic tables, playgrounds, parking areas and made other improvements to make the White Pines State Park an attractive and pleasant place.
from 1927 shows cars
Today the park provides the perfect recipe for family getaways. Among the park’s most interesting features are the concrete fords that span the Pine Creek allowing visitors to drive through the flowing stream. There are several campsites with vehicular access. There are two youth group campgrounds and six campsites accessible for the physically challenged camper.
There are 13 one-room cabins and
three cabins with four rooms. Each cabin sleeps four people and is complete with shower, gas log fireplace, one queen bed and one trundle bed. The cabins are air conditioned and heated with telephones and televisions.
The White Pines Lodge restaurant can accommodate up to 223 people. There are several meeting/banquet rooms that seat up to 125. Wedding receptions, retreats, seminars and
family reunions are just some of the events held at the restaurant. This park is located 8 miles west of Oregon, and 6 miles east of Polo. The southern border of the park is Pines Road and it borders the CB and Q Railroad on the north.
• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.
Many helped with local Underground Railroad effort
This past week I spent most of my time typing away on the application and I am almost finished on all the Waterbury brothers that came to help John Waterbury Sr. with the Underground Railroad in this area.
Then there were others who came to help and we read very little about them. But they were listed when the newspaper would list a group of names.
Then come the wives who were very much a part as they fed people in their homes and outfitted them with new clothing. Maybe they did not travel with a wagon load of slaves to the next stop but they were always ready for the next group of fugitives that came to their homes.
So it was nice to have a little break with a garage sale at my house. Most of it came from families elsewhere but I did put in a few things. I had a small little antique chest of drawers that
POLO HISTORY
Betty Obendorf
stood by my sewing machine filled with sewing supplies
One whole drawer was filled with thread and some of it had come from the old garment factory where they made clothes many years ago. Another drawer had zippers, binding tape, snaps, hooks and eyes and elastic. It all needed to be in someone else’s home since I do not sew any more.
So I had placed them out on the table along with all the other pretty stuff. I wondered if anybody would even be interested but along came a Mennonite mother with all her darling children. Of course she sews. All the little girls had on matching dresses. My sewing stuff no longer
used by me went home with her. I was delighted.
I also had an extra recliner that I did not use and I decided it needed to be in someone else’s home. Susan and Tim had carried it out on Friday morning and in 15 minutes it was gone. Someone came by in their golf cart and he had been looking for one so Tim loaded it up on his cart and away it went to his happy home.
I also met all of my neighbors and it was nice to visit on such a beautiful warm day. Some of Kenneth’s cousins came over and we chatted with them. They actually went back home, got their wives and we had a great visit.
Susan and Tim have beautiful beds of zinnias this year so she had bouquets of flowers in lovely milk glass vases for sale and the money went to Natalie to use in her classroom. Several people went home with lovely flowers and Natalie appreciated the
thoughtfulness of people thinking of teachers.
I think a garage sale is an exchange of things. The things you no longer want ends up in somebody else’s house and somebody else’s things come to your house. After the barn sale and garage sale, I have in my house my mother’s trunk, three director’s chairs of my brother’s that have traveled down through the family, some beautiful pictures that will hang in my guest room, baskets, and some darling Halloween decorations. I love my new things.
I also on my kitchen counter have a beautiful bouquet of zinnias in an unusual glass vase that had been part of Tim’s collection of glass containers. Those flowers seem to last forever.
• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.
Photo provided by Otto Dick
This postcard
drivng through Pine Creek at one of the fords at White Pines State Park. Two fords remain open in the park.
Alexa Zoellner photos
Harvest Time Parade marches through Oregon
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Bands, floats, and plenty of fun were all part of Autumn on Parade’s Harvest Time Parade held Sunday, Oct. 6, in downtown Oregon.
And one very special entry also “danced” their way along the parade route.
Milwaukee’s “Dancing Grannies” were a hit with spectators as they twirled their golden pom-poms on the sunny afternoon.
The troupe was formed in 1984 when a senior women’s aerobics class was asked to demonstrate the class in a parade.
According to the “Dancing Gran -
nies” website, other parade invitations followed. “Having so much fun, the group decided to add costumes, pompoms to their routines and the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies were born.”
The Grannies have become a staple in Wisconsin parades and perform in many parades each year.
In November 2021, four members of the Dancing Grannies were killed in the Waukesha, Wisconsin Christmas parade attack, but that has not stopped the troupe from marching on.
“While deeply wounded by the Waukesha parade tragedy, we will not let that define us. And, we will always ‘Keep on Dancing,’ ” according to the website.
Record number of tractors at 2024 Autumn on Parade
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A record 52 antique farm tractors were featured at the 31st annual Antique Tractor Classic and Gas Engine Exhibit held at Oregon Park East as a part of the 2024 Autumn on Parade activities on Sunday, Oct. 6.
“Many tractor exhibitors enjoyed participating in the annual tractor drive-thru in downtown Oregon. Each exhibitor was awarded a dash plaque with the AOP symbol,” organizer Stan Eden said. “Nationally respected agricultural broadcaster Max Armstrong exhibited his 1953 Farmall Super M in the show and participated with his tractor in the Harvest Time Parade on Sunday.”
After his work with WGN radio, Armstrong served as communications director of Farm Progress Publications Co.
Winners were selected from ballots cast by exhibitors. They were:
• First place: Oregon High School FFA with an Allis Chalmers WD
• Second place: Mark Hawkins of Oregon with his John Deere 60
• Third place: Joe Palmer of Oregon with his John Deere 400
“The AOP Antique Tractor Classic Committee wishes to thank the following donors: Steve Benesh and Sons, sponsorship of Max Armstrong with his tractor at the Tractor Clas-
Armstrong stands by his antique Farmall tractor that was part of the Autumn on Parade Tractor Classic on Saturday, Oct. 5. Armstrong, who also rode his tractor in Sunday’s parade, is holding a copy of his newest book, “More Stories from the Heartland.”
sic, and the Grand Parade on Sunday afternoon,” said Eden.
“Thank you to E. D. Etnyre Co., Birkey’s Farm Store of Polo, Blount International [Woods Equipment Co.] of Oregon, Prairie State John Deere Implement of Dixon, DeKalb John Deere Implement, Oregon High School, FFA Chapter and the Ogle County Farm Bureau for sponsorship of awards and raffle items at the Tractor Classic.”
on Parade Tractor Classic on Saturday, Oct. 5, during Autumn on Parade in Oregon.
The Dancing Grannies of Milwaukee performed during Autumn on Parade’s Harvest Time Parade on Sunday, Oct. 6, in Oregon.
Members of the Oregon Junior High School marching band perform at the parade.
A man checks out the tractors at the Autumn
Earleen Hinton photos Max
Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13, features 6 farms
By ALEXA ZOELLNER azoellner@shawmedia.com
OREGON – Six Ogle County farms are set to welcome visitors Oct. 13 during the Ogle County Farm Stroll.
The event is a self-guided tour of Ogle County’s diversified family farms hosted by University of Illinois Extension. There is no beginning or end, just choose which farms to see, gather friends and family and enjoy a relaxing, educational and fun afternoon learning about, and shopping at, the farms that grow your food.
This year’s Ogle County Farm Stroll will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. The free event takes place rain or shine.
It is suggested attendees bring cash to buy farm products where they are available.
Attendees have a chance to win prizes by picking up a Farm Stroll Passport at their first stop, filling out which farms they visited and turning it in at their final stop.
Participating farms are Barnhart’s Stone Corner and Happily Homegrown in Oregon; BerryView Orchard, Dietrich Ranch and Hough’s Maple Lane Farm in Mt. Morris; and Orion Organics in Franklin Grove.
to add them to your cooking, baking and juicing. Pick your own berries and apples, or purchase pre-picked ones. Sample jams, jellies and cookies. Walk the orchards and see what’s growing.
Dietrich Ranch, 4575 N. Leaf River Road, Mt. Morris
Animals are 100% grass-fed using intensive rotational grazing and holistic management. They raise 100% grass-fed/grass-finished beef, lamb, free-range pastured chickens and pork. All of the products the farm offers are raised without chemicals, antibiotics or hormones.
Happily Homegrown, 4938 S. Scout Road, Oregon
Franklin Grove
Tim Benedict’s apiary and garlic farm is surrounded by thousands of acres of native prairie and woodlands. He adheres to strict organic farming methods to produce artisanal raw honey from the native prairie wildflowers among the Nachusa Grasslands.
Farm Stroll guidelines
• Do not bring pets for the safety of livestock and other participants.
• Be sure to follow each farmer’s instructions and be respectful of all animals.
Barnhart’s Stone Corner, 2169 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon
Jon and Cindy Barnhart collect and display antique farm equipment and a collection of historical oddities. In addition, they maintain a unique collection of hundreds of tons of stones, many marked with dates and points of origin, all arranged in stone fences and sculptures on their property.
BerryView Orchard, 7504 W. Midtown Road, Mt. Morris
Jeff and Julie Warren grow the super-fruit, aronia berries, using organic practices. Taste aronia berries, learn about the benefits and find ways
The Bruns family lives on a 12-acre homestead, growing and raising most of their food. This includes pigs, cows, rabbits, chickens and various fruits and vegetables.
Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 N. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris
Rob and Lynnette Hough, and their two children, collect maple sap in the spring and boil it down into maple goodness using the family’s sugar house. Each year, 20 to 30 gallons of maple syrup is made and sold. Other maple treats include candy, cookies, granola, pickles and dog treats.
Orion Organics, 885 W. Stone Barn Road,
• Dress for farm visits in all-weather clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Drive carefully on rural roads.
The Ogle County Farm Stroll’s Facebook page has more information, brochures, maps and spotlight features on each farm.
Contact the Ogle County Extension office at 815-732-2191 with any questions or if reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the program. Event brochures can be picked up at the Ogle County Extension Office at 421 W. Pines Road, Suite 10, Oregon, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by visiting extension.illinois.edu/bdo.
Earleen Hinton file photo
Danielle Schaefer of Evanston looks over some of the cattle at Dietrich Ranch, Mt. Morris, during the 2023 Ogle County Farm Stroll.
Inaugural inductees named at Forreston High
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
FORRESTON – The inaugural class of Forreston High School Hall of Fame’s was introduced during halftime of the varsity football game on Oct. 4.
In the first year, 12 honorees were inducted from four categories categories: dedication, extra-curricular, service and teamwork.
The following information was read during the presentation.
Dedication: To meet this qualification individuals must be past staff members and have demonstrated their deep commitment to Forreston students, parents, community or staff.
• Colleen Alvey – Colleen Alvey taught many subjects but her main focus was always mathematics in both Leaf River and Forreston from 19732005. She was the only teacher in Forreston history to win the “Teacher of the Year” award twice. Anyone who had Ms. Alvey knows she was a master at her craft and was a beloved person both inside and outside the classroom contributing to the school’s fine arts department, academic bowl, and local churches.
• Chip Braker – Chip Braker was band director at Forreston for 30 years. During his tenure he was a part of 13 state titles in class C, two second-place finishes, and three thirdplace finishes. He was blessed to work with several chorus directors who shined and helped Forreston get those many state titles. For those who had Mr. Braker, they understood the importance of dedication, work ethic, and more importantly that a person’s character is essential to being a success outside of the classroom.
• Bob Brinkmeier – Better known as “Coach Brinkmeier,” he was head coach for boys basketball for 18 years including 13 of those being 20-win seasons. His dedication to teaching fundamentals of basketball was unmatched but more importantly, his unselfish commitment to school and community was paramount. Coach not only got players to reach their maximum potential but he served the community as an Illinois State Representative for 10 years, including two years while he was still coaching basketball.
Extra-Curricular: To qualify in this category individuals must be graduates with extracurricular participation in non-athletic or athletic activities who were recognized for excellence by their organization or team for at least two years. These nominees must have been out of school for at least five years.
• Robert DeVries (2015 Graduate) – Robert DeVries was a three-sport athlete
at Forreston. He was key to the first football state championship in 2014 and the fourth-place basketball state finish in the 2014-15 season. His many accomplishments include All-State recognitions, All-Conference, MVPs, Leadership awards, and many more. It was Robert’s leadership abilities and drive to be the best that separated him and made all of his teammates better.
• Roger DeVries (1957 Graduate) – Roger played every sport possible in high school and was successful at all. His greatest achievements were in basketball where he still holds the scoring record for Forreston High School with 52 points in a single game. Keep in mind, there was no three-point line in 1957. Roger played center and was a key player on the 56-57 basketball team.
• Marissa (Ludewig) Gurnett (1996 Graduate) – Marissa Ludewig, now Gurnett, was a three-sport athlete at Forreston. Although her successes in volleyball and basketball were tremendous, her 10 state medals in track and field set her apart. From 1993-1996 she medaled in the 4x400 meter relay, long jump, 4x100 meter relay, and the 400 meter run. Marissa went on to run at Western Illinois University where she was first team all conference and WIU Team MVP.
• Jonathan Schneiderman (1999 Graduate) – Jonathan Schneiderman, also known currently as Coach Schneiderman, is well known for his basketball skills. His four years of all-conference recognition and all-state recognition in 1999 was only the beginning of his accomplishments at Forreston. He holds the scoring record with 1,765 points and several other records. Coach went on to play at UIC where he led the Horizon league in shooting per-
centage and played in the NCAA Tournament vs. the No. 2 seed, Oklahoma. Returning to Forreston High School as a coach, he led the basketball team to five regional titles and two sectionals. Service: Individuals must be graduates who have contributed significantly to their community, state or country and been out of school for at least five years.
• Joel Ludwig – Joel Ludwig is a 1987 graduate of Forreston High School where he was manager on the football team and band member for all four years. Joel was passionate about sports and that passion for helping people and specifically “the kids” led him to running the youth summer ball program through the Lions Club for over 15 years. His generosity and willingness to give back to his community through the Lions Club, Foundation board member, and Board of Education member made Joel a truly special person. He died in 2021. Ludwig’s wife Shawnda and his children Allison, Samantha, Jackie and Joel accepted the award on his behalf.
Teamwork: A team or organization that demonstrated outstanding achievement.
• 1956-1957 Boys Basketball Team – The 1957 team finished 29-2 and scored more than 100 points in three games in 1957. This was done without a threepoint line! They averaged almost 20 points more per game than their opponent. One of the most memorable basketball games in Forreston history was when they traveled to Sterling in the IHSA state series to take on Rockford West, defending state champions, and won to advance to the state tournament. This was all done in a oneclass system in 1957.
• 1980-1981 Girls Basketball Team – The
1980-81 girls basketball team was the first girls team to make it to state, playing at Assembly Hall at the University of Illinois where they lost to Quincy-Notre Dame in a close match-up where they fell behind early but cut the lead to two points in the second half. Finishing 21-3 overall for the season and 13-1 in conference for their third consecutive conference championship. To advance to state they beat Polo, Mt. Morris, Mendota, Newman and Morrison.
• 1995 & 1996 Girls Track & Field Teams – The 1995 and 1996 girls track and field teams took first place at sectionals both years and in 1995 second place at state and in 1996 taking third place at state. This was done in a two-class system, not the current four-class system. These teams saw many successes and seven state medalists including Amber Harhen, Jennifer Mennenga, Mandy Scheffner, Marissa Gurnett, Danelle Setterstrom, Erin Moncelle and Jennifer Madden.
• 2014 State Champion Football Team –The 2014 Football Team was the first state championship athletic team in Forreston history. They compiled a regular season record of 8-1. In the first round of the playoffs they defeated Fulton 53-20, second round was Chicago Hope 49-6, quarterfinals was Stark County 33-19, then Galena at home in the semifinals, winning 28-20 scoring on the final drive of the game in the north endzone leaving only 14 seconds left on the clock. The state championship versus Carrollton ended with a 20-15 win and the first state title in Forreston history. More information on the inductees accomplishments can be found online by visiting the school website www. fvdistrict221.org.
Earleen Hinton
Colleen Alvey (center) was indcuted into Forreston High School’s Hall of Fame during a halftime ceremony at halftime of the varsity football game in Oct. 4. Alvey taught many subjects but her main focus was mathematics in both Leaf River and Forreston from 1973-2005.
DELINQUENT TAX LIST
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR JUDGMENT AND ORDER FOR SALE PURSUANT TO THE STATUTE IN SUCH CASE MADE AND PROVIDED, PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE UNDERSIGNED AS COUNTY COLLECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF OGLE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WILL ON THE 24TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024 APPLY TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR JUDGMENT AGAINST LANDS, LOTS AND MOBILE HOMES HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, AGAINST WHICH THERE ARE UNPAID AND DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2023, MOBILE HOME TAXES FOR 2024 AND THE YEARS PRIOR DUE SEVERALLY THEREON; ALSO FOR JUDGMENT FIXING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF ANY TAXES PAID UNDER PROTEST AND THE UNDERSIGNED SHALL AT THE TIME AFORESAID REQUEST THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER TO SELL SAID LANDS, LOTS AND MOBILE HOMES AS HEREIN AFTER DESCRIBED, FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THE UNPAID AND DELINQUENT TAXES; TOGETHER WITH ALL INTEREST AND COST DUE THEREON; PUBLIC NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE UNDERSIGNED COUNTY COLLECTOR, PURSUANT TO AN ORDER THAT SAID CIRCUIT COURT MAY ISSUE, WILL SELL SAID LANDS, LOTS AND MOBILE HOMES AT PUBLIC SALE AT THE COURT HOUSE IN OREGON, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE AMOUNT OF UNPAID REAL ESTATE TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2023, MOBILE HOME TAXES FOR 2024 AND THE YEARS PRIOR ON ALL, PLUS INTEREST AND COSTS THEREON, SAID SALE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2024 COMMENCING AT 1:00 P.M. THE DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS, TOGETHER WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF THE LANDS, LOTS AND MOBILE HOMES AND THE AMOUNT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2023, MOBILE HOME TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2024 AND THE YEARS PRIOR SO DUE, BEING AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT:
$72.57 MORRISON, JAMES 21-13-110-001 $1,291.11 FERRIS, JENNIFER 21-13-127-004 $1,374.40 PENN, DONALD D & CARRIE L 21-13-129-006 $550.90 DIEHL, JOHN W & BEVERLY A 21-13-131-001 $315.11 MALLO, GARY L & PENNY S 21-13-152-001 $7,358.56 ROSE, JEFFREY 21-13-157-008 $3,311.96 ROE, PHYLLIS A 21-13-301-005 $2,401.22 SCHOENHOLZ, DAVID 21-13-303-007 $37.68 NICKLAUS, KENNETH M & NIC 21-14-279-005 $3,313.56 SCHEFFLER, JOYCE 21-14-428-003 $112.02 BURRS, PAUL M & DANELLE E 22-06-301-002 $1,281.14 SMITH, EDNA
Lincoln Parcel Count: 10
07-02-100-005 $3,314.66 FAGER, ROBERT P & MARY M 07-14-200-008 $2,054.37 SIERRA ACRES LLC 07-14-200-011 $293.83 SIERRA ACRES LLC 07-15-200-001 $3,614.11 LINK, DAVID R & CYNTHIA J 07-17-400-003 $2,384.15 HARMON, KARL H & MARY ELLE 07-21-252-006 $2,717.18 LAMM, STEVE & TRACY 07-21-280-001 $710.50 BAMBOROUGH, STEVEN 07-22-277-005 $107.02 GRAYUM, BARRY L 07-22-277-010 $69.25 GRAYUM, BARRY L 07-29-300-005 $5,163.94 CARLSON, KRISTEN
$2,531.83
STEWART, TIMMIE
$863.76 DY HOLDINGS LLC 14-16-277-004
14-16-277-005
$2,147.78 MARTINEZ, AMANDA J 14-16-280-010
$2,622.67
14-16-326-020 $488.65
14-16-327-018
BELLOWS, BRADLEY J
HELFRICH, BRYAN S & FLEMIN
$284.33 SPRATT, DOROTHY 14-16-379-021 $702.91 SPRATT, DOROTHY 14-16-426-003 $186.42 MONACO, GEORGE & MARIE 14-16-426-004 $1,289.51 MONACO, GEORGE & MARIE 14-17-429-009 $1,866.30 DUARTE, SHARIE K 14-24-400-002 $1,231.37 STAUFFER, JERROLD
Eagle Point Parcel Count: 3
13-02-200-010
$620.14 DANSDILL, DAVID 13-10-300-016 $2,205.88 HUBBARD, TAMMY 13-22-200-003 $701.83 BERGESON, DAVID
02-05-252-001 $2,422.25 FRANSEN, JOSHUA JOHN 02-05-252-002 $393.38 FRANSEN, JOSHUA 02-05-277-006 $1,670.01 LEHMANN, JOHN 02-18-100-003 $2,310.78 GREEN FIELDS LLC
02-28-100-024 $2,426.18 FOLKERTS, DAVIS
02-28-330-004
02-28-332-001
$1,014.03 SPRING BROOK MHP LLC
$2,296.56 SPRING BROOK MHP LLC
02-28-333-006 $207.20 FOLKERTS, DAVIS
02-28-380-001
$1,881.03 SPRING BROOK MHP LLC 02-28-387-002 $724.88 MCHUGH, RENEA
02-28-402-004
02-28-405-005
02-28-461-005
02-31-200-006
02-33-128-006
02-33-128-011
02-33-131-001
$218.65 FOLKERTS, DAVIS L
$1,681.97 MILLER, JOSEPH R & KRISTEN
$1,007.05 BINKLEY, TODD
$1,564.72 NOURELDIN, ABDEL H & NAHAL
$1,029.90 EVANS, KEENAN & FELICIA
$2,539.16 CHAPMAN PROPERTIES 360 LLC
$1,195.45 WERNER, CARI K & JOENS, DY 02-33-131-010 $2,848.46 MARCEAU, LORAN
02-33-131-011 $237.24 MARCEAU, LORAN M
02-33-133-002
$1,309.31 PIERSON, BARRY
02-33-136-004 $1,657.62 WAILLY, DOMINIC
02-33-137-004 $1,753.17 ANDERSON, STEVEN 02-33-178-002 $2,047.42 BROOKS, THOMAS J & JOAN M
02-33-180-008 $733.37
02-33-183-008
02-33-186-003
$2,149.04
$2,582.06
02-33-252-007 $935.91
Grand Detour Parcel Count: 17
21-03-200-011 $4,308.83
21-03-200-014
21-10-202-006
WOOD, MARCUS A & NICOLE M
ACEVEDO RAMOS, MARTIN
HARO, BRUCE & KIMBERLY
WILKE, MARY ELLEN & JAMES
WEAVER, KOLE & KELSIE
$355.25
$2,103.45
21-12-354-015 $1,952.63
21-12-357-003
$1,339.49
WEAVER, KOLE & KELSIE
MURRAY, THOMAS
KOPEK, JANUARY
MADDING, CURTIS W & THELMA
Maryland Parcel Count: 23
02-12-200-011 $31.85 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-200-012 $40.98 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-200-013 $34.30 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-200-016 $3,936.07 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-200-018 $29.41 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-400-005 $7,793.11 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 02-12-400-006 $4,735.99 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 03-05-100-002 $6,557.18 MULDER, DAVID & VICKI 03-06-300-002 $2,910.90 WILSON, JOHN A & SUE E 03-07-100-009 $243.61 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 03-07-100-010 $2,356.93 BRUSH CREEK FAMILY FARMS L 03-17-400-001 $523.77 ARMBRUSTER, BETTY DEEN 03-19-300-007 $597.12 SHEELY, JANE 03-19-451-001 $949.64 SHEELY, JANE 03-19-477-002 $2,493.71 SHEELY, JANE 03-20-351-002 $8,341.97 ACOSTA, LUIS 03-21-300-004 $176.90 HAMILTON, BLAKE & ASHLEE 03-21-400-007 $4,282.96 HAULOTTE, JOHN 03-29-102-018 $1,453.84 MEDINA PEREZ, MARIA A & SA 03-29-103-004 $130.03 STARK, WILLIAM 03-29-103-005 $1,952.34 STARK, WILLIAM 03-29-103-018 $1,394.50 STARK, WILLIAM 03-29-104-010 $2,888.29 PETERSON, THOMAS
Mt. Morris Parcel Count: 44 08-02-300-007 $1,004.90 BUCHANAN, DANIEL J & JANIC 08-05-100-007 $1,587.77 KURZAC, ANTONI 08-08-100-003 $2,232.78 MILLER, JUDD K & ANGELA K 08-08-100-011 $317.61 MILLER, JUDD K & ANGELA K 08-10-200-003 $12,023.81 NELSON, CARL J & NELSON, 08-26-151-003 $1,692.54 VANDESAND, TIMOTHY E & HIE 08-26-181-025 $694.81 HANSON, NICHOLE 08-26-182-006 $323.83 ANTOINE , NEIL 08-26-303-009 $1,734.59 COIL, WALTER 08-26-305-010 $3,221.72 SMITH, PAUL L & NANCY L 08-26-308-009 $970.56 OMALLEY, COLIN & PALCHIK, 08-26-310-018 $2,208.75 THOKE, SCOTT 08-26-351-005 $4,547.50 SPRINGBOARD CDFI 2023-4 LP 08-26-353-004 $3,291.82 PRATT, KEVIN 08-26-376-004 $1,469.54 SCHWARTZ, GREGORY 08-26-380-008 $267.84 MCINTURFF, MARY 08-26-403-006 $1,063.29 WALLACE, SHARON 08-26-451-010 $2,644.63 ROMANDO, TOMMY RAY 08-27-127-009 $1,837.69 HAAN, RICHARD 08-27-226-004 $1,362.73 KURZAC, TONY 08-27-252-002 $1,214.05 LA RUSH, MICHAEL 08-27-253-003 $2,386.64 PFOUTZ, BRADLEY D & HELEN 08-27-259-001 $1,713.54 BAUMGARTNER, JODI 08-27-402-006 $1,536.00 WRIGHT, KEVIN D & DENISE K 08-27-405-008 $1,671.46 MICLOW, JODI 08-27-406-014 $497.45 ZUNIGA, FELIX & DONNA 08-27-408-011 $1,103.11 LUNA, GILBERTO 08-27-409-001 $1,662.91 FREESE, GARY & KIMIE 08-27-409-005 $884.79 POPE, RICHARD E & ANHALT, 08-27-411-010 $3,831.46 MESSENGER, WILLIAM & NANCY
16-10-228-002
16-14-302-002
08-27-426-014
08-27-429-004
08-27-432-006
08-27-432-013
08-27-433-005
08-27-433-006
08-27-455-019
08-27-480-009
08-27-480-022
08-27-480-023
08-27-480-024
08-32-400-006
08-34-200-008
08-35-103-009
$1,163.23 KURZAC, ANTHONY
$1,415.10 KURZAC, ANTHONY
$1,760.77 WESLEY 1895 PROPERTY LLC
$291.08 WESLEY 1895 PROPERTY LLC
$3,193.05 120 NORTH UNION STREET LLC
$3,044.23 120 NORTH UNION STREET LLC
$9,563.71 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$3,634.12 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$12,054.52 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$29,963.23 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$83,846.06 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$1,739.55 HAAN, RICHARD JR & LEWIS R
$39,015.23 PINECREST HEALTHCARE PROPE
$1,716.63 CANTU, STACIE J & JESUS R
Oregon-Nashua Parcel Count: 71
16-01-100-005
16-01-252-001
16-01-277-020
16-01-401-004
16-02-151-013
16-02-151-016
16-03-101-021
16-03-106-046
16-03-110-008
$3,951.03 HAWN, MICHAEL STEVEN
$7,731.50 GIRTON, JO ANNA & MARSHALL
$724.27 BUTTS, DARYL
$368.61 BUTTS, DARYL
$13,159.79 BYERS, PERRY W & LUANN M
$3,341.80 T&R PROPERTY MANAGEMENT II
$4,099.19 ZIMMERMAN, ROBBIE R & GWEN
$335.30 BECK, TIMOTHY C & PAMELA R
$3,394.59 GLOWACKI, CHRISTOPHER J & 16-03-110-011
16-03-112-005
16-03-112-011
16-03-114-004
16-03-116-010
16-03-116-011
16-03-117-014
16-03-126-001
16-03-152-013
16-03-159-010
16-03-160-002
$2,057.60 SHORT, ROBERT G & PEGGY
$2,269.31 DEMARTINO, BARBARA
$911.06 ENEOGWE, STANLEY
$1,832.45 OHARA, DENNIS R & DONNA R
$888.10 ELLERBY, MARILYN ANN & MIL
$3,186.15 ELLERBY, WILLIAM ROY JR &
$2,638.00 EVANS, TOMMY
$7,220.20 RYDER, ROBERT H & NANCY J
$1,008.70 HAMMIL, JARID
$2,195.59 HAZZARD, ADAM K & REBECCA
$3,539.40 ZAHARVIEV, LUDMIL
$3,779.95 MARTIN, JESSICA S & MILBUR
Total Mobile Home Count: 5 Continued
16-03-161-003
16-03-167-010
16-03-169-004
16-03-171-001
16-03-172-009
16-03-179-015
16-03-183-001
16-03-276-002
16-03-277-002
16-03-277-007
16-03-277-021
16-03-281-007
16-03-281-008
16-03-281-012
16-03-283-017
16-03-301-007
16-03-303-001
16-03-305-013
$57.53 GOWERS, SUE
$2,908.46 MERSHON, JOHN
$1,457.56 GLOWACKI, CHRISTOPHER J &
$123.00 CLOW, NATHAN
$1,377.22 WINDHAM, BILLY R & JUSTINA
$946.95 WETZEL, KIMBERLY
$3,565.37 HAZZARD, ADAM K & REBECCA
$237.05 GROVER, ERIC M & TERESA M
$335.92 BLACK, DAVID
$1,212.06 MESSENGER, ERIC & ROBYN
$826.21 WHITE, DANIEL R & KRISTEN
$124.11 PEDERSON, DENNIS D &CINDY
$388.74 PEDERSON, DENNIS D & C K
$1,836.28 MCCASLIN, DORIS I TRUST
$3,212.61 HAZZARD , REBECCA S & ADAM
$4,294.75 ALBAUGH, DORENE & JOHN D
$1,495.60 RASMUSSEN, MICHAEL E & MON
$6,375.75 CARTER, WAYNE K & KRISCH, 16-03-308-012
16-03-310-001
16-03-330-006
16-03-330-012
16-03-333-010
16-03-351-011
16-03-356-009
16-03-359-010
16-03-376-012
16-03-376-013
16-04-204-021
16-04-276-011
$1,466.70 SHIRAR, JERRY L & PAMELA
$1,808.99 STROMBERG, MARY
$3,271.65 STAFFORD, JOHN P & JULIE R
$684.63 LEDDY, ROBERT
$1,602.12 THORP, JEFFREY
$1,603.50 GLOWACKI, CHRISTOPHER J
$2,730.33 ROBY, RODERICK
$2,855.06 BARRY, CAROL L
$1,054.54 GILKEY, KURTIS L & LUZ MAR
$640.54 ROCHA, TAVO
$1,038.96 MUCI, ESTREF
$7,147.79 SCHWARZ, TERESA
16-04-276-020 $1,061.98 MURRAY, DAVID
16-04-276-021
16-04-293-010
16-04-296-006
$2,010.71 GROTH, KATHERINE KRISTINE
16-14-302-014 $246.79 STENGER, DAVID M & SHRILEY
16-15-233-005
16-16-353-003
16-16-427-011
$739.23 WALLACE, ROBERT
$977.73 WESSE, DAVID & DEBORAH L
$1,488.14 HUBBARD, JENNIFER & ZITELM
Pine Creek Parcel Count: 22
15-06-100-006
15-07-277-002
15-08-351-018
15-08-351-022
15-11-100-007
15-11-300-001
15-11-300-002
15-16-300-002
15-16-300-018
15-16-300-020
15-19-300-004
15-20-400-010
15-22-100-013
15-23-400-020
15-25-300-009
15-26-200-011
$1,413.30 ALTEMUS, TERRANCE L & KEIT
$2,356.69 BONNELL, MATTHEW
$1,111.65 SCHULER, RICHARD
$574.16 BOEHLE, TIMOTHY W & JENNIF
$30,601.80 C & SONS 1 LLC
$476.35 C & SONS 1 LLC
$2,019.48
$224.89
$149.15
$1,193.62
$2,239.07
$514.52
$5,933.26
$1,410.82
GASTON, VERONICA
PHILLIPS, BRENDA & WIGGIN
SCHULER, RICHARD S & LONNA
SCHULER, RICHARD S & LONNA
STATLER, VALERIE
HUTSON, SHAROL ANN & JEFFR
SCHMIDT, HELMUT
DUSAVAGE, SHAWN
$4,155.77 HAINZINGER, CRAIG
$3,488.45 LOWRY, JAMES 15-27-300-008
$5,219.30 DOMINGUEZ, JAIME & ANNA
15-28-300-001 $5,482.60 YOKOI, JANE
15-29-300-003 $5,830.75 YOKOI, JANE
15-31-400-003 $472.00 FECZKO, GEORGE & MARYLOU
15-32-100-002 $1,303.50 YOKOI, JANE
15-33-400-006 $7,029.33 MAY, TOM & JESSICA
Pine Rock Parcel Count: 13
17-01-200-003 $6,613.65 WENCK, NEIL T & DIANE C 17-03-100-023 $1,539.09
BISHOP EDWIN S JR &, CASSI
17-03-376-003 $460.94 OSBORNE, STEVEN K & CREASO
17-04-300-012 $2,631.38 RIVERA, DAVID
17-06-300-008 $4,423.57 PETERSON, ANTHONY J & SCOT 17-10-300-011 $183.49 BERTAGNI, MARK & JULIE
17-11-300-006 $18,078.38 KM COMMUNICATIONS INC
17-23-100-010 $191.95 JOHNSON, MICHAEL & NANCY
17-23-100-011 $4,189.50 JOHNSON, MICHAEL & NANCY
17-32-300-017 $979.16 GROVER, ERIC M & TERESA M
17-34-400-006 $2,383.43 FROGLIP TRUST NO 1
17-35-300-003 $4,701.86 HART, MARY DIANE
17-35-400-002 $6,967.25 KELLOGG, CASEY & ANDREW
Rockvale Parcel Count: 37
09-02-377-006 $1,184.71 POPE, RODD
09-02-403-008 $2,095.20 ACI CONTRACTORS & BUILDERS 09-02-476-016 $5,388.59 WILEY, SEAN M
09-05-300-004 $778.94 LEAF RIVER RANCH LLC
09-05-300-005 $1,822.19 LEAF RIVER RANCH LLC 09-05-400-001 $975.68 LEAF RIVER RANCH LLC
09-11-126-001 $2,223.47 DARI PROPERTIES LLC
09-11-151-020 $3,701.35 PENDERGRASS, MATTHEW P & J
09-11-152-003 $271.47 MCKISKI, ROBERTA J & DANIE
09-11-157-004 $198.37 LANG, ERIC
09-11-176-003 $3,314.16 MOORE, RANDY 09-11-176-013 $280.93 MOORE, RANDY
09-11-182-001 $146.83 FUNK, DAVID 09-11-182-002 $215.30 FUNK, DAVID
09-34-300-003 $430.39 RYDER, ROBERT H & NANCY J 09-35-100-008 $2,512.88 KINNE, CURTIS
Woosung Parcel Count: 2 20-07-300-004 $170.93 GABALDON, RANDAL & AMY M 20-11-378-009 $1,186.62 DY HOLDINGS LLC
Total Parcel Count: 339
Forreston Township Mobile Home Count: 2 02-40-60-019-0 $184.00 WEEMS, JUDY & GLENN Address: 13315 W MONTAGUE RD BAILEYVILLE, IL 61007
Park: SPRINGBROOK VIN: MY928156OK Model Year: 1992 Sq. Ft.: 1120
Del Years: 2024
02-40-60-022-0 $173.50 HOUSTON, AMY
Address: P.O. BOX 253 FORRESTON, IL 61030
Park: SPRINGBROOK VIN: 16007 Model Year: 1982 Sq. Ft.: 980
Del Years: 2024
Mt. Morris Township Mobile Home Count: 1 08-40-50-055-0 $157.30 DOTTER, TIM & MICHELLE Address: 12410 E MIRABEAU PKWY STE 100 SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99216-9947
Pine Creek Township Mobile Home Count: 1 15-40-12-001-0 $154.00 LITTLE SISTERS INC W.P. RANCH
Address: 3581 PINES RD OREGON, IL 61061
Park: UNKNOWN VIN: Model Year: 1968 Sq. Ft.: 0
Del Years: 2024
STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS
COUNTY OF OGLE )
I, TIFFANY S. O’BRIEN, COLLECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS, DO SOLEMNLY AFFIRM THAT THE FOREGOING IS A TRUE AND CORRECT LIST OF THE DELINQUENT LANDS, LOTS AND MOBILE HOMES FOR WHICH I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO COLLECT THE TAXES (AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, INTEREST, AND PRINTER’S FEES, IF ANY) CHARGED THEREON, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, FOR THE YEAR OR YEARS THEREIN SET FORTH; AND THAT THE TAXES NOW REMAIN DUE AND UNPAID, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF. DATED THIS 2nd DAY OF October A.D. 2024
09-21-351-002 $2,879.18 NOWAK-KUHN, MARY & RINGLEY
09-21-376-004 $3,355.09 NIKOLAOU, CHRIS
09-21-377-014 $551.28 NEHRKORN, MARK & ATHINA
09-21-400-002 $278.74
09-22-200-001
MCCLUSKEY, GRAHAM & COOLAN
$10,794.92 RIVER ROAD RV RESORT AND M
09-22-200-002 $3,352.15 RIVER ROAD RV RESORT AND M
09-22-400-025 $5,750.95 TODD, GEOFFREY G & STACI
09-24-100-009 $6,224.13 BLUME, DUANE L & SANDRA L
09-24-328-001 $1,864.37 LINDELL, JOHN A & LAURIE A 09-25-300-002 $3,902.48 MEEKER, NATHAN
09-28-100-010 $1,503.68 MCCLUSKEY, GRAHAM & COOLAN
09-28-103-004
$4,796.31
TUNINK, MICHAEL J & KARIN
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME THIS 2nd DAY OF October, A.D. 2024
Stillman Valley man sentenced to prison for possessing images of sexual abuse of children
By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON – A Stillman Valley man was sentenced to four years in prison Monday for two counts of possessing images of children being sexually abused.
Joshua Lake, 30, of Stillman Valley, received the sentences through a “joint recommended disposition” as he appeared in court with his attorney, Matthew Schuck, and Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten for a sentencing hearing.
He was found guilty Aug. 21 by an Ogle County jury following a two-day trial.
Under the agreement, Lake was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for each Class 2 felony count of possessing the images. Lake must serve 50% of each sentence in prison.
Lake received 367 days credit for time served, which leaves approximately one year left to serve in prison for one count. After that sentence is fulfilled, he will begin serving another count’s four-year sentence.
Once that sentence is fulfilled at 50%, he will begin serving his probation sentence. The DOC will then determine if he will be released on mandatory supervised release.
His probation includes supplemental orders including any counseling
OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity: Sept. 30
Brenda Rivera Alvarado, 20, of Rockford, was cited for driving while suspended and failing to yield at a stop intersection after deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash at North Mulford Road and Illinois Route 72 around 7:23 a.m. An investigation showed Rivera Alvarado failed to yield to an eastbound semi-tractor trailer driven by Jose Romo, 23, of Stone Park. No injuries were reported. Rivera Alvarado was released from the scene on a notice to appear.
Tristen M. Austin, 22, of Mt. Morris, was arrested for an outstanding Stephenson County warrant after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 2 and Townhall Road around 10:49 p.m. Austin was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.
required by the probation department.
When asked by Judge John Redington if Lake understood the terms of the sentencing, he replied, “Yeah.”
Lake’s fines and fees totaled $44,100, and were considered paid in full due to his posted bond.
As a condition of sentence, Lake agreed not to file an appeal for any issues related to his jury trial.
“Mr. Lake, do you understand this agreement,” Redington asked. “Yeah,” Lake replied.
Lake’s mother asked Redington it she could make a brief statement, which Redington denied.
Last month, Schuck requested a 402 conference, which is an open, informal process where attorneys and a judge discuss relevant information regarding the case and a potential outcome. Defendants are not present during the conference, but must agree to waive their presence before it is held.
Lake was indicted in May 2021 on 10 counts of possessing and disseminating photos and videos of the alleged abuses in November 2018. Before the start of his trial, prosecutors dismissed seven of the counts, including two dis-
Oct. 1
Deputies responded to a motorcycle crash in the 7100 block of North River Road at 10:17 a.m. An investigation showed a 16-year-old boy lost control of his motorcycle while traveling south and had gone into the southbound ditch. The 16-year-old was injured and taken to a Rockford hospital by the Byron Fire Protection District EMS. Charges are pending.
Jennifer Albright, 44, of Leaf River, was arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer (Class 2 felony) after deputies responded to a 911 hang-up in the 100 block of North Main Street in Leaf River about 11:43 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies learned a domestic had occurred and began speaking with all involved parties. While investigating, Albright struck a deputy. Albright was transported to the Ogle County jail and
semination charges that alleged he shared the images.
That left three Class 2 felonies that charged Lake with possessing videos of children – all younger than 13 –engaged in sexual acts with adults and other children.
During the trial, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley told jurors that all of the videos were found through an investigation of Lake’s phone and a review of social media accounts.
She said the phone had “disgusting images on it” and she was sure it was Lake’s phone because “his name is all over it.”
Schuck disagreed, arguing that the phone with the videos on it did not belong to his client. He said anybody could set up a Facebook account and that criteria should not have been used to determine whose phone it was.
Schuck claimed the phone belonged to Lake’s older brother, whom he said left for Russia when charges were filed. He argued that prosecutors had no physical evidence linking Lake to the phone.
Huntley said Lake told Illinois State Police Sgt. Nathan Macklin that the phone belonged to him. She said the state had proven that Lake had downloaded the videos to his phone in three different places.
But Schuck said there was no recording of that conversation pre -
sented as evidence.
Huntley countered that social media and email accounts had Lake’s initials and birth year as identifiers. She said a lack of DNA evidence was irrelevant to the case because the state did not have to prove he viewed the videos.
Lake had been in and out of custody in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest and been represented by several different attorneys.
In March 2022, he was determined to be unfit and ordered to undergo treatment. He was declared fit in August 2022 after Redington reviewed a court-ordered evaluation. Lake then failed to appear for a court hearing in October 2022 and was arrested in July 2023. He was released on a cash bond but again failed to appear for a hearing. He was remanded to the Ogle County Jail in December 2023, where he was held until the trial began.
According to court records, he declined a plea agreement offered by the state on Aug. 14 on four counts, including one for dissemination of child pornography, a Class X felony.
The seven-man, five-woman jury reached the verdict after deliberating 2½ hours, finding Lake guilty on all three counts. Each of the counts was punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with two years mandatory supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000.
released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Oct. 2
Jose W. Hernandez-Sanchez, 36, of Rockford, was arrested for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license after a traffic stop on Interstate 39 mile marker 105 northbound around 12:34 a.m. Hernandez-Sanchez also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle with no rear registration light. Hernandez-Sanchez was released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Michael Essex, 29, of Franklin Grove, was cited for driving while under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to wear a seatbelt after deputies and the Dixon Rural Fire Department responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 7000 block of South
Ridge Road around 2:09 p.m. An investigation showed Essex was traveling south when he drove off the roadway and through the east ditch before crashing into a creek embankment. He was taken to KSB Hospital for injuries. Essex was released on a notice to appear.
Justin Chaney, 50, of DeKalb, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to the 19000 block of East South Malta Road around 4:24 p.m. in reference to a welfare check on a vehicle parked in the roadway with a male that was very lethargic. Chaney also was cited for unlawful parking and operating an uninsured vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies found EMS from the Rochelle Fire Department and the Ogle-Lee Fire
See SHERIFF REPORTS, page 13
Joshua Lake, 30, of Stillman Valley
State OKs Dixon’s KSB Hospital, OSF merger
By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com
DIXON – KSB Hospital is making progress toward finalizing its merger with OSF HealthCare after the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board gave its approval of the change in ownership, according to a joint news release issued Sept. 26 by KSB and OSF.
The review board is responsible for approving applications for construction or expansion of health care facilities in Illinois.
“We are thrilled to receive the state’s approval, solidifying our partnership with OSF HealthCare. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the quality of care that our community has come to expect,” KSB Hospital President and CEO David Schreiner said.
As the transition continues to move forward, KSB Hospital and OSF HealthCare will collaborate to ensure a seamless integration and focus on maintaining the high standards of care that KSB has delivered, according to the release. The community can expect to see enhanced services and continued investments in local health care, reflecting both organizations’ dedication to meeting the needs of the people
they serve, according to the release.
“Our shared commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care will guide us as we work together to serve the Sauk Valley community,” OSF HealthCare Regional CEO August Querciagrossa said.
KSB Hospital, which employs 920 people, is an independent, nonprofit organization. The hospital is an 80-bed facility that offers traditional inpatient and outpatient services in downtown Dixon. KSB also operates an integrated medical group with 70 practitioners providing medical services in primary and select specialty areas at six locations in Lee and southern Ogle counties.
In February, KSB’s board of directors announced that it was formally exploring potential partnerships due to escalating operating and staffing costs, as well as changes to health care financing and how patients use health care.
According to a resolution presented to the Dixon City Council on Aug. 5, KSB’s board analyzed the feasibility of continuing to operate the hospital independently and found that it would likely lead to its closure.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital experienced an increase in
expenses including wages, pharmaceuticals, utilities, facility costs and medical supplies. Those increased expenses were not covered by increased reimbursement rates because KSB, like other rural hospitals, serves a large portion of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse at a lower rate than commercial insurance, according to the resolution.
As a result, KSB operated with negative margins in 2022 and 2023. Those operating margin challenges led to the erosion of the balance sheet and in January 2024, the hospital’s cash on hand dropped to five days, which made it impossible to borrow funds and reinvest in the organization, according to the resolution.
On May 10, KSB announced that it had signed a term sheet with OSF HealthCare marking their official partnership and anticipating a full merger.
OSF HealthCare, headquartered in Peoria, has 16 hospitals with 2,131 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF has about 24,000 employees, known as “mission partners,” across more than 150 locations. It operates OSF OnCall, a digital health operating unit; OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; OSF
HealthCare Foundation; and OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups.
The agreement includes $40 million in funding for facility renovations, to improve access to care locally and to create seamless referrals to subspecialties. With the affiliation, KSB expects the continued employment of its staff, significant investments in building and technology and enhanced access to specialty resources in the local community.
“The great thing is that enhancement really comes from dollars. We have an incredible network of staff right here at KSB,” Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss said at the City Council meeting in August.
Schreiner that day also highlighted the hospital’s continued local repre
sentation through a community advisory council and foundation board. He hopes that KSB’s board of directors will consider continuing to be involved by serving on these boards.
The purpose of the foundation board will be to complete a periodic review of the contract between both organizations to ensure that all of the conditions are being met, Schreiner said.
LINDA L. RASMUSSEN
Born: August 23, 1942
Died: September 29, 2024
Linda L. Rasmussen, 82, of Altoona, formerly of Sheboygan, WI, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Linda Rasmussen-in her own words:
I was born in Oregon, Illinois on August 23, 1942 to John and Nell Thomas – my father a farmer, my mother a teacher. My parents were wonderful people who passed on to me a good work ethic, love of reading, and a tremendous sense of humor which has both delighted and annoyed my family, friends, and acquaintances throughout my life. My glass has always been half full, never half-empty. Laughter came very easily to me. I had one
sister, Ann, who along with my daughter, were my two best friends. I had a superb childhood with Ann, playing in the woods and orchard, making tree houses, dressing up our cats, and playing paper dolls. As we grew older, Ann played the piano and I sang at various functions of our parents. Needless to say, there was a mass exodus to the door when we sat down to perform and the membership of those groups rapidly dwindled. I married John Rasmussen (son of a farmer) on October 20 or 21 of 1962. We met in high school and our first date was a homecoming dance. We moved to Milwaukee and lived in Wisconsin the rest of my life. From the Bears to the Packers was an easy move! During the summer John and I loved working in our huge vegetable garden and flower beds. During the cold Wisconsin winters we would sit in the living room in front of the fireplace with our tea and popcorn. I would read and think up nefarious tricks to play on friends and my grandchildren and John would watch T.V.
I graduated from Lakeland College in 1976 and began working at Vollrath Company that December. I worked in Marketing and enjoyed my job and the many people that I met. I worked there for 23 years, retiring in 1999 to a joyous life. I did puppet ministry at St. Peter Lutheran Church and also did other various and Sunday things there (even sneaking into the choir and bellowing out a few songs now and then). Being a St. Peter Nun – Sister Mary Amnesia was a great experience. Also the Red Hat Ladies Society added to the fun and enjoyment of my life. I loved my church and the people in it. I derived great comfort and enjoyment from it. My many friends have also given me great happiness and satisfaction, along with lots of laughter, pranks, and fun. John and I were fortunate to have two wonderful children – Melyssa and Jack. Melyssa married the world’s greatest son-in-law (Bob) and Jack the world’s best daughter-inlaw (Jillian). I have four grandsons, Robert (Christina), Ryan (Natalie), Eric (Abi); and
John (Robyn) from Melyssa; and twins – Ivan and Gabrielle, and a third – little Pink from Jack and one great-granddaughter Maggie. SUCH BLESSINGS. My family is the jewels and wealth of my life – they all are the spice, the stars, and the sun.
They give me laughter, love, delight and everything else that is good in life. I have been truly loved and blessed through them. I thank them for everything they have given me and done for me.
My life has been good – sometimes better than others, sometimes worse. All in all, it has been wonderful. I have few regrets. I thank each and every one of you for what you gave to me. I look forward to seeing Big John, Mom, Dad, Aunt Mary and many friends, when I am with the Lord.
We will be having a Celebration of Life later this fall and will put information about this on her Facebook page and funeral website www. zimmerfuneralhome.com.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR OGLE COUNTY
Warranty deeds
Emily Gauthier to Jenelle Jones, 731 N. North Eighth St., Rochelle, $220,000.
Michael Patrick Casey Jr. and Garry Lafever to Alma R. Hernandez Ramos, one parcel, $180,000.
Judith L. Jolly and William B. Jolly, deceased, to Hunter King, 319 S. Maple St., Stillman Valley, $200,000.
Steven F. Moring and Amy J. Moring to Jered Ludwig, 10069 W. Illinois Route 72, Forreston, $210,000.
Natasha Bradford to Arlene Davis, 239 Avenue C, Rochelle, $80,000.
Deanna L. McCahill to Ted Gesin, 103 N. McKendrie Ave., Mt. Morris, $95,000.
Hart Distributing LLC to Lightning Bear Investments LLC, 7058 E. Illinois Route 72, Stillman Valley, and 7058 E. Tre 72, Stillman Valley, $511,900.
Cheryl Bonte to Bradley A. Miller and Carla Lou Bennett Miller, one parcel in Rockvale Township, $100,000.
Jonathan and Anna Van Dyck to Timothy M. Sanders and Sandra M. Sanders, 708 N. Kaskaskia Dr., Dixon, $352,500.
Stephen R. Janssen to Robert T. Wilson, 703 N. Second St., Oregon, $94,000.
Lynnette J. Dick and Lynnette Cash to Kaylee Wolfe and Zachary Luke, 210 N. Prairie Ave., Polo, $80,000.
Jered M. Ludwig to Lisa Smith, 408 N. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $158,000.
Lisa K. Smith to Lisa Espig, 12200 W.
Clark St., Forreston, $180,000.
Carist Koehl to Chris Siegfried, 9807 N. Leaf River Road, Leaf River, $225,000.
Julius Jackson, Alexandria Jackson and Alexandria Anderson to Dejuante Wade, 737 Golden Prairie Dr., Davis Junction, $249,000.
Shane M. Pope and Kayla Pope to John Krezol, 510 W. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, $215,000.
Mark Childers and Kimberly K. Childers to Jamin R. Cano and Glen A. Johnson, 15638 E. Timerlane Dr., Davis Junction, $250,000.
Quit claim deeds
Ashtin Bjorklund and Ashtin Wells to Ashtin Wells and John B. Wells, 420 E. Hill St., Mt. Morris, $0.
Armando Vazquez Salinas, deceased by heirs, to Minerva Aviles, 610 Dennis Ave., Rochelle, $0.
Robert G. Snow and Sarah E. Snow to Robert G. Snow, 715 N. Sixth St., Rochelle, $40,000.
Trustee deeds
Shahla Werner, trustee, and Andrea C. Werner Living Trust, to Richard W. Acerkson, Wyiatt D. Acerkson and Shianne J. Ackerson, 5478 N. River Road, Byron, $0.
Shahla Werner, trustee, and Andrea C. Werner Living Trust to Richard W. Acerkson, Wyiatt D. Acerkson and Shianne J. Ackerson, 5545 N. River Road, Byron, $0.
Tini Montavon, trustee, and Donald V. Swope Trust to Tini Montavon, trustee, and
Swope Timi Supplemental Needs Trust, 1004 S. Second St., Oregon, $0.
Richard E. Micker Living Trust and Beverly J. Mocker, trustee, and Beverly J. Mocker, trustee, Richard E. Mocker Living Trust and Richard E. Mocker Family Trust, 11651 W. Coffman Road, Forreston, $0.
Michael Stukenberg, trustee, Colleen M. Stukenberg, trustee, Michael A. Stukenberg Revocable Trust and Colleen M. Stukenberg Revocable Trust to Aaron and Jessica Hagemann, 11123 W. Illinois Route 72, Forreston, $250,000.
John F. Kruse, trustee, J&J Trust 317 and Jennifer B. Kruse, trustee, to Douglas L. Considine, two parcels in Marion Township, $528,157.
Jeffrey S. Bain, trustee, Sandra L. Bain, trustee, and Jeffrey S. & Sandra L. Bain Irrevocable Trust to William E. Carlson and Kathleen L. Carlson, 1161 W. Second St., Byron, $258,000.
Daniel JP Herriot, trustee, Valli A. Herriot, trustee, and Daniel JP & Valli A. Herriot Family Trust to Jonathan Patrick Van Dyck and Anna Louise Van Dyck, 587 N. Daysville Road, Oregon, $330,000.
Connie S. Glowacki, trustee, Robbie R. Zimmerman, trustee, Irrevocable 972 Marsh Road Trust and Irrevocable 972 South Marsh Road Trust to Troy Vandenbroek, 972 S. Marsh Road, Oregon, and 972 Marsh Road, Oregon, $365,000.
Lisa A. Clayton, trustee, and Harold J.
Garber Living Trust to Lisa A. Clayton, trustee, and Lisa A. Clayton Living Trust, three parcels in Lincoln Township, 11316 W. Illinois Route 64, Polo, 2508 N. Maryland Road, Polo, 1419 N. Maple Grove Road, Mt. Morris, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township, and 11394 W. Judson Road, Polo, $0. Sheriff’s deeds
Ogle County sheriff, Sterling Federal Bank FSB, Richard D. Krug, Richard D. Krug Jr., Kristen Krug and Ultralight 2 Residential Solar LLC to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 109 N. Seminary St., Mt. Morris, $233,050.
Deeds in trust
Douglas E. Reber and Penny A. Reber to Douglas E. Reber, trustee, and Douglas E. Reber Revocable Trust, 204 E. Fifth St., Byron, $0.
Douglas E. Reber and Penny A. Reber to Penny A Reber, trustee, and Penny A. Reber Revocable Trust, 206 S. Washington St., Byron, $0.
Elsie M. Hackbarth to Michael G. Hackbarth, trustee, and Elsie Mae Hackbarth Irrevocable Trust, 15132 W. Illinois Route 64, Polo, $0.
Transfer on death instrument
David Charles Minnick and Vicki Lynn Minnick to Kelli Renee Benner and Danielle Cristin Honea, 448 W. Grant St., Stillman Valley, $0.
Source:OgleCountyRecorder’sOffice
SEPTEMBER 2024 ZONING CERTIFICATES
The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued for September 2024:
Michael and Susan Cullen; Pine Rock Township; section 15; temporary amusement.
Mary Criscione; Byron Township; section 30; above-ground pool.
Jeff Harnish; Rockvale Township; section 11; residential accessory building.
Kyle Page; Pine Rock Township; section 25; single-family dwelling.
Shelley Sartwell; Monroe Township; section 19; home occupation.
• SHERIFF REPORTS
Continued from page 10
Protection District had responded to the scene. Rochelle EMS took Chaney to Rochelle Community Hospital for a mental evaluation. Chaney was released at the hospital on a notice to appear with a future court date. Oct. 3
Brandon Scott Miller, 30, of Oregon, was arrested for unlawful production of cannabis sativa plants (Class 4 felony) after the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and Illinois Conservation Police conducted a search warrant around 10 a.m. at 308 N. Mix St., Oregon, following a lengthy investigation. Miller was transported to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.
Shelly R. Mummert, 73, of Polo, was arrested for domestic battery after deputies responded to the 3000 block of South Freeport Road about 9:08 p.m.
James Dewey; Pine Creek Township; section 29; residential accessory building.
Mike Gampetro; Marion Township; section 34; residential accessory building.
Jennifer Drew; Taylor Township; section 8; deck.
Fred Bantrup; Grand Detour Township; section 12; residential accessory building.
Mummert was taken to the Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
Gabrielle Sandell, 18, of Oregon, was arrested for two counts of domestic battery after deputies responded to the 2000 block of Rogene Drive in rural Oregon about 9:27 p.m. Sandell was transported to Ogle County jail and held pending a court appearance.
Oct. 4
Tabatha L. McLaughlin, 49, of Dixon, was arrested for driving while license revoked and an outstanding Lee County warrant for failure to appear after a traffic stop in the 1000 block of West Flagg Road about 7:08 p.m. McLaughlin was transported to the Ogle County jail, posted bond on the Lee County warrant and was released with a future court date for the Ogle County charge.
Dominic O. Holman, 19, of Rockford, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of West Pines Road about 10:02 p.m. Holman also was cited for improper lane usage. Holman was
Victoria Hinkle; Pine Creek Township; section 2; maintenance building.
Phil and Beth Futrell; Byron Township; section 9; above-ground pool.
Leaf River Solar LLC; Leaf River Township; section 25; commercial solar energy facility; $10,069,000.
released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Oct. 5
Nathan K. Wright, 42, of Monroe Center, was arrested for driving while license revoked and unlawful possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop in the 15000 block of east Illinois Route 72 at 3:54 p.m. Wright was transported to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
Blaze L. A. Simmons, 33, of Ashton, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 300 block of South Third Street in Oregon about 6:10 p.m. Simmons also was cited for operating a vehicle with suspended registration. Simmons was released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Guadalupe Reyes, 53, of Aurora, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop at Steward and Ritchie roads at 7:08 p.m. Reyes also was cited for expired registration and operating a motor
Dan and Anita Weaver; Woosung Township; section 4; residential accessory building.
Patrick O’Hare; Byron Township; section 36; dwelling addition.
Eagle Point Solar; Marion Township; section 32; private ground-mounted solar array.
Eagle Point Solar; Marion Township; section 31; private ground-mounted solar array.
Charles and Martha Speakes; Mt. Morris Township; section 10; agricultural building.
Tom Snodgrass; Rockvale Township; section 20; grain bin. – Shaw Local
vehicle without insurance. Reyes was transported to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
Lance D. Ferguson, 28, of Freeport, was arrested for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 26 and Coffman Road around 11 p.m. Ferguson also was cited for expired registration. Ferguson was released on a notice to appear with a future court date.
Oct. 6
Michael A. Criscione, 25, of Byron, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop at Illinois Route 2 and Townhall Road about 1:12 a.m. Criscione also was cited for unsafe equipment, no registration, operating a vehicle without insurance and no headlights. Criscione was transported to the Ogle County jail and released on a notice to appear.
These charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
News
Bartel’s big run sparks Oregon in BNC win
Short-handed Hawks rally past Cardinals after trailing by 7
By ANDY COLBERT
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
OREGON – Early in the second quarter, Oregon’s football season was in serious jeopardy. Playing without its best player, Josh Crandall, because a knee injury, and giving up two long scoring drives to Stillman Valley, the Hawks needed some kind of a spark to overcome a seven-point deficit.
They got it in the form of a 67-yard touchdown run by Hunter Bartel on the next play from scrimmage.
Logan Weems ran in the 2-point conversion, and Oregon took a onepoint lead. Bartel’s score was one of many big plays the Hawks had the rest of the way in a 21-13 Big Northern Conference win.
“We had a hard time stopping them, but we were more opportunistic. Hunter’s play was an example of that. He’s a game breaker,” said Oregon coach Broc Kundert, who looked like he was jumping into a mosh pit as he joined the post-game huddle. “Not having Josh or Jack [Washburn] might take the cake when it comes down to the best win we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Coming in at 2-3, Oregon desperately needed to win this game, but initially had no answer for Stillman’s no-huddle offense. It wasn’t until Seth Rote made a stop on Jaxon Barrett for no gain, forcing a fumble that Ethan Reed recovered, that the high-powered Cardinals machine finally was stopped.
Oregon failed to score on a short field, but the turnover gave the Hawks a boost of confidence. On Stillman’s next possession, it was Lucas Cole stopping top rusher Brock Needs (two touchdown runs) for a loss. That combined with a penalty stopped another Cardinal scoring threat before halftime.
“Even though we were up 14-13 at half, it didn’t feel like we were winning,” Kundert said.
Considering Stillman had 230 yards on 39 carries compared with 183 on 19 for Oregon at halftime, that statement had validity. For the game, Stillman had 24 first downs to only eight for Oregon.
“Coach [Colby] Dace made some adjustments on defense that made a
big difference for us in the second half,” Kundert said.
Besides Bartel’s long score, it was Cooper Johnson breaking free for a 45 yard touchdown on fourth down for an early 6-0 Hawks lead. Later in the fourth quarter, he had an interception to stop a potential game-tying drive by Stillman.
“Cooper does everything right. It really helps having him back from an injury,” Kundert said.
In the second half, Stillman continued to move the ball, but were hampered by penalties. Their passing game was also anemic, failing to make a single completion.
“We stopped ourselves on penalties and miscues,” SV coach Mike Lalor said. “Credit to Oregon. They overcame adversity and hung in there.”
The Oregon defense, led by Briggs Sellers, Kyson Morris and Lucas Cole (all with double-digit tackles) began to make stops when they needed to.
“I knew where to be on some of those plays because of the way our coaches repped us in practice,” said Morris, who had eight unassisted stops.
After stopping Stillman on downs for the second time in the third quarter, Oregon began what would be the game-clinching drive.
Taking over at its own 35-yard line, it was Weems breaking free for 20 yards. The key play of the drive, though, was a shoestring catch by Keaton Salsbury on a fourth-and-8. Salsbury caught Benny Olade’s throw for 12 yards
“Coming over from soccer, Keaton’s been a godsend,” Kundert said.
Three straight runs by Weems set up a fourth-and-1. Disaster loomed, however, with the play clock running out and Olade dropping the ball.
Weems alertly picked it up before the Stillman could pounce on it and ran for a first down. Three plays later, it was Bartel bouncing in for a 1-yard touchdown.
“Stillman Valley really brings out the best in us,” Weems said. “We had a great game with them last year. When I saw the ball on the ground, I just tried to make a play.”
Gavin Morrow kicked the extra point and the Cardinals needed eight points to tie the game and only had 4:46 left to do it. They had two cracks at it, but a 10-yard tackle for loss by Avery Lewis and interceptions by Johnson and Ethan Mowry stymied those opportunities.
“We didn’t give up and kept pounding the rock,” Rote said.
Earleen Hinton
Oregon’s Hunter Bartel (5) heads to the end zone against Stillman Valley on Friday, Oct. 4, at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon.
Battles on the football field heat up as season continues
In a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in 8-man football, it was Polo over Milledgeville in a great atmosphere at Floyd Daub Field.
Before getting into game specifics, let’s go back several years when both schools were considering a co-op in football. At the time, it made sense, especially the close proximity to each other.
With declining enrollments, schools all over Illinois were co-oping for football to keep programs afloat. So, why not Milledgeville and Polo?
Without getting into all the details, there was a resistance to it and it never came to fruition. This past Friday was proof positive that the right decision was made.
We also have to give an assist to the formation of 8-man football. That has made it much easier for stand-alone programs like Milledgeville and Polo to thrive.
Had both remained in the brutally tough NUIC, it would be a different story. Let’s say Milledgeville and Polo would have co-oped to stay competitive in the NUIC and play 11-man, the community interest would not have the same intensity as it did Friday at Milledgeville.
The story of the game was the performance of Brock Soltow, I mean Gus Mumford. Bearing likeness to the for-
Andy Colbert GUEST VIEW
mer 8-man MVP, Mumford accounted for 290 of the 314 total yards Polo had in the 30-14 win.
And, how about the Marco defense holding Milledgeville to 50 points under its season average of 65? In the high-scoring theater of 8-man, Polo has only allowed 28 points all year, a mark that some teams put up in one quarter.
One final thought. After tearing up 8-man from the get-go, Polo has managed to keep its prominence afloat for each of the past six seasons. Credit to head coaches Jeff Bumstead, Ted Alston and all the assistants for maintaining a proud heritage.
Earlier in the season, I questioned whether Oregon had the mental fortitude to be truly competitive. With Stillman Valley running all over the Hawks in the first half, I still had my doubts.
But, they didn’t quit. As SV coach Mike Lalor aptly put afterwards, Oregon “hung in here.” Yes, Oregon caught more breaks than the Cardinals did in the 21-13 victory.
However, they capitalized on the breaks and seemed to get stronger as
the game went on. That’s difficult to do with SV’s no-huddle offense allowing hardly any time between plays.
With the way Oregon stood up in the face of adversity, it was the most gratifying Hawk win for me to witness in recent memory.
Credit also to my Rochelle Hubs for their somewhat stunning demolition of highly ranked Morris. If Rochelle drops down from 5A to 4A, they have to be considered one of the favorites to win state.
When talking to coach Broc Kundert after he first came to Oregon, he said one of the drawing cards for him was that Oregon had a history of good track & field and wrestling and those sports lend themselves to good football players.
That is so true and quite evident at Rochelle where several of their best football players are elite wrestlers. Rochelle has never been overly talented, but it would be hard to find a team more physical than them.
Lena-Winslow surprised people with a running clock over Pec-Durand. Make no mistake. Le-Win is still the kingpin of the best small conference school in the state.
Last year in the state finals, they did get their comeuppance at the hands of Camp Point Central. An even bigger
challenger looms downstate with Belleville Althoff.
The private school of 288 with D-I talent has been destroying schools several times larger than them. Althoff is an independent and peppers its schedule tougher than what is seen in the NUIC.
Additionally, the area 1A playoff picture has gotten stronger with privates Sterling Newman and Rockford Lutheran on board. That is one of the effects of 30 schools playing 8-man. It has driven larger schools to 1A, subsequently toughing things up.
At halftime of the Forreston football game, the inaugural Hall of Fame class was announced. Reviewing the selections, this had to be a complicated affair for the committee.
Rather than focusing on a sports HOF, Forreston’s encompasses all aspects at the school. Categories included dedication, extra-curriculars, service and teamwork.
Credit to Forreston for attempting to honor all graduates. For example, the criteria for service is contribution to community, state or country.
Speaking of Forreston, congratulations to junior Kaden Brown for qualifying for the 1A state golf tourney, by shooting a 78 at the sectional.
See COLBERT, page 16
PREP FOOTBALL: POLO 30, MILLEDGEVILLE 14
Marcos smother Missiles, reclaim rivalry trophy
Polo wins 2nd straight on Milledgeville’s field in battle of 8-man unbeatens
By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent
MILLEDGEVILLE – In a bruising Battle for the Blacktop, Polo picked up the momentum early in the second half and rode it to a 30-14 victory over Milledgeville on Friday night at Floyd Daub Field.
The Marcos scored two touchdowns within three minutes of each other to take a 24-8 lead midway through the third quarter of the Illinois 8-Man Football Association North game, then held the Missiles to two first downs over the final two periods to reclaim the Battle for the Blacktop Trophy.
“We wanted to come out and play hard, try to get something going. It was 8-8 at halftime, a new game, the first half didn’t matter,” senior Noah Dewey said. “We just played Polo defense. We played hard, filled the gaps, flowed to the ball.”
“This win means a lot for us,” senior Gus Mumford said. “We haven’t beaten them in the regular season for three years – we beat them here last year in the playoffs – but we really wanted the trophy back, and we’ve got it now, so we’re pretty proud.”
Mumford did a little bit of everything for Polo (6-0, 6-0 I8FA North) from his quarterback spot, rushing 30 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns, and completing 5 of 8 passes for 141 yards and two more scores.
His 63-yard touchdown run capped a 99-yard scoring drive in the first half, then his 67-yard TD pass to Billy Lowry gave the Marcos the lead for good a little more than two minutes into the second half.
“We went to a new formation, a lot of quarterback runs, and I think that’s what helped us the most. We played with a lot of energy,” Mumford said. “We have a huge line this year, and I love it. A lot of good guys who are strong and move quick, and they played well tonight.”
Both teams scored on 90-plus-yard
• COLBERT
Continued from page 15
Jake Guse, son of Lutheran coach Tom Guse, was individual medalist for the third year in a row. Equally impressive was the 299 carded by Riverdale to win the team title, an average of under 75 for its four top players.
drives in the first half. Polo’s first drive started at its own 12-yard line following a Milledgeville three-and-out to open the game, and ended up in a thirdand-21 situation just outside its own goal line after a penalty and two negative plays.
But after Mumford barely escaped a safety on second down, he connected with Dewey on a 28-yard pass for a first down. Three plays later, he broke through the Milledgeville line and outran the defense for a 63-yard touchdown and an 8-0 lead with 7:13 left in the first quarter.
After both defenses got stops on downs, the Missiles (5-1, 5-1) answered with a 93-yard scoring march, taking nearly 5½ minutes off the clock and converting on an Evan Schenck 4-yard run on fourth-and-goal.
The Marcos then lost a fumble on the first play of the second half, which Milledgeville recovered – then the Missiles gave it back on the very next play on an interception by Mumford.
“We lost momentum with that turnover, then we got it right back the next play,” Dewey said. “That’s probably what helped us keep going, the momentum from the interception there.”
“Coming out of halftime is always big, and we caused a turnover and got the ball right away – but then we gave it right back, and you can’t do that against good teams,” Milledgeville coach Jason
Also headed downstate from the 2A boys sectional is senior Davis Baker of Byron.
For the girls, both Alayne Brandt (79) of Byron and Amelia Dunseth (82) went top 5 at the Byron sectional to qualify.
three-and-out, and the punt was shanked; Mumford had runs of 11 and 21 yards on consecutive plays to cover the 32 yards and give Polo a 24-8 lead with 7:15 left in the third.
The Missiles cut the deficit to 24-14 with a 64-yard touchdown on a halfback pass from Micah Toms-Smith to Konner Johnson with 9:44 left in the fourth quarter, but the Marcos sealed it eight minutes later. After recovering a fumble on a third-down sack, Polo finished a four-minute drive with a Mumford-to-Dewey TD pass from 11 yards out on fourth-and-goal to make it 30-14 with 1:19 to play.
Toms-Smith led the Missiles in rushing (46 yards) and passing (64 yards), while freshman quarterback Kyson Francis completed three passes for 63 yards.
Wroble said. “I think the bottom line is we hurt ourselves a lot with untimely penalties and turnovers and missed assignments on defense. They’re a good team, and we knew it, and you can’t make mistakes against good teams.”
Polo cashed in the interception with Mumford’s scoring strike to Lowry, then the Marcos’ defense then forced a
“I thought maybe we could’ve gotten momentum with a safety there early on – it was close – and then they respond with a 99-yard drive, and that’s tough. Hats off to them for that drive there, and it sort of set the tone,” Wroble said. “I felt they had the momentum most of the game; we had a couple of opportunities to get back in it and we just didn’t make enough plays.”
Alex T. Paschal
Polo’s Gus Mumford breaks through the line on a 63-yard TD run against Milledgeville on Friday at Floyd Daub Field at Milledgeville High School.
Boys Golf
Rockford 1A Sectional: The Fulton boys golf team advanced to state as a team for the second year in a row after shooting a 315 at the Class 1A Rockford Lutheran Sectional on Monday, finishing behind only last year’s state runner-up Riverdale (299) and Rockford Lutheran (312), which placed fourth at state last year.
The Rams had all four scoring golfers in the top six in Aidan Dorathy (74), Mason Smyser (74), Braden Janicki (75), and Blake Sutton (76).
Area individuals also advancing included Forreston’s Kaden Brown (78). Oregon’s Nole Campos shot an 86 and did not advance.
Class 1A Galena Regional: Forreston advanced three golfers into the Rockford Lutheran Sectional. Junior Kaden Brown led the way, shooting a 79 for the Cardinals. Darin Greenfield (86) and Daylen Rahn (89) also advanced.
Class 1A Eastland Regional: Nole Campos of Oregon advanced to the sectional with an 86.
Girls Golf
Class 1A Sectional: Byron’sAlayna Brandt and Stillman Valley’s Amelia Dunseth qualified for the state meet as individuals at the 1A Byron Sectional at PrairieView Golf Club. Brandt shot a 79 and Dunseth an 82 to advance. Oregon did not have a state qualifier, but was led by Sarah Eckardt (94) who tied for 27th, and classmate Aniyah Sarver (95) who tied for 31st. Hailey-Jane Becker shot a 103, and Toni Withers had a 111 for the Hawks. Forreston’s Aspen McGlynn shot a 101.
Amelia Tan of Chicago University was the medalist with a 71. Qualifying teams were Chicago University with
349, Nazareth Academy with 351, and Rockford Lutheran with 370. Byron’s team finished fourth with a 392 and Oregon finished eighth with a 403. Scores for the Byron team were Sophia Cross (96), Gina Baker (108), Jaden Palkill (109), Morgan Nelson (112), and Lillian Nogai (115).
Football
Big Northern Conference
Byron 52, Genoa Kingston 0: The Tigers are now 6-0. Genoa-Kingston dropped to 3-3.
Dixon 71, Winnebago 7: The thirdranked Dukes set a school record for scoring in the win to improve to 6-0 overall and in conference. The Dukes
Northwest Upstate Illini
Stockton 44, Forreston 20: The Cardinals (1-5, 1-5) dropped a fourth straight game after the NUIC loss to the Blackhawks (3-3, 2-3). It was a costly blow to Forreston’s playoff chances with Durand-Pecatonica and Lena-Winslow left on the schedule.
Boys Soccer
Indian Creek 4, Oregon 1: The Hawks fell in the nonconference road contest. Oregon 5, Rockford Christian 2: At Rockford, Steven Guardado scored twice to lead the Hawks in the Big Northern Conference match. Eduardo Garcia, David Eckhardt and Danny Chismaore added goals for the Hawks.
Volleyball
Lena-Winslow 2, Oregon 0: At Lena, the host Panthers defeated the Hawks 25-12, 25-23 in a nonconference match. Grace Tremble had five kills and 10 digs to lead Oregon.
Boys Cross Country
led 64-0 at halftime. The previous scoring high was a 70-0 win over Polo in 1925. Winnebago fell to 1-5, 1-5.
North Boone 28, Rock Falls 14: The Rockets fell to 1-5 overall, 1-5, though it was their closest contest of the year so far. North Boone evened its record at 3-3 overall, 3-3.
Freeport invite: Oregon’s Daniel Gonzalez (16:48.95) took 17th.
Girls Cross Country
Freeport invite: Oregon’s Jillian Hammer (21:03.8) was 17th and Ella Dannhorn (21:18.33) was 20th for the Hawks, which placed fifth as a team. Eastland’s Adelle Wilkinson (23:39.43) was 42nd.
Earleen Hinton
Byron’s Alayna Brandt watches a drive at the 1A Byron Sectional at PrairieVIew Golf Club in Byron on Oct. 7.
Earleen Hinton
Stillman Valley’s Amelia Dunseth hits a shot at the 1A Byron Sectional at PrairieVIew Golf Club in Byron on Oct. 7.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
CLASSIFIED
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE
DIXON GARAGE SALES STE RLING GARAGE SALES
Found Photo Album on the corner of East Everette and Ottawa To claim call 815-973-6363
Found Young, Gray Tabby Cat. Very friendly. Near Thomas Park. Call 815-626-5316
DIXON GARAGE SALES
423 Spruce St Friday & Saturday 7a-2p Blankets, Throws, Comforters, Linen, Household, Games and Lots of Misc.
301 Fieldstone Ln. Dixon
Friday 10/11 8a-3p Saturday 10/12 8a-11a Department 56 snow village, blow mold Easter bunnies, large outdoor nativity set, elliptical, NordicTrack, turntables & record players, vintage & digital cameras, Kodak slide projector, books & office supplies, men's XL & 2XL clothes, small fridge, workbench, trash compactor, glassware, tools, sport collectibles, Xbox, luggage, 1995 Cutlass Supreme convertible with only 21,600 miles, 1992 Olds Custom Cruiser Wagon, lots of misc, lots of free stuff on Saturday!
In re the E state of: Perry W. LaGee, Deceased 2024 PR 50 CLAIM NOTICE
2809 6th Ave.
Saturday 8a- 1p Multi Family Sale Backyard Gazebo, 13'x10', Halloween Decor, Karaoke Machine + tap es, Candles $.25, Craft Supplies, 40" flat screen TV, Vintage Glassware, Dinnerware sets, Luggage, Toys & games, Winter Coat s, Clothing JR Sml-XL, Womens L-Xxl, Mens L-XL, Boys, Shoes/ boots, Ice skates and Much More!
ROCK FALLS
EFFICIENCY
-Furni shedUtili ti es incl. $175/wk. 815-626-8790 MOVING SALE PART 2
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
COUNTY OF OGLE
In re the E state of: Perry W. LaGee, Deceased 2024 PR 50 CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of PERRY W. LAGEE. Letters of Office were issued on October 3, 2024, to DANIEL LAGEE, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Office s of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064.
PUBLIC AUCTION LIVE & ONLINE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024 10:00 AM
8284 Ridge Road, Rock Falls, IL 61071
Hamm 's Beer signs, Budweiser Clydesdale Parade Hanging Carousel lights, many vintage beer signs, over 100 early 1900 trains engines & cars, advertisement signs, over 40 animal mounts buffalo, elk white tail, fox & many more, silver coins, & currency, there are 275 lots all lots with pictures can be viewed at youngsauctionil.com scroll down and click on Proxibid enter auction and view each lot. You can bid on these items live or online up to and during our auction! Please call auctioneers if you need assistance with our online bidding
TERMS: CASH OR GOOD CHECK HAVE POSITIVE ID
AUCTIONEERS: Rob Young, IL441000593, 815-632-8000 Kevin Conklen 815-590- 8027
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 or delivery 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, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE
Independent Administrator
Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C.
Notice is given of the death of PERRY W. LAGEE. Letters of Office were issued on October 3, 2024, to DANIEL LAGEE, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Office s of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064. 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 or delivery 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, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE
Independent Administrator Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com Oct. 11, 18, 25, 2024
In re the E state of: Perry W. LaGee, Deceased 2024 PR 50 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of PERRY W. LAGEE. Letters of Office were issued on October 3, 2024, to DANIEL LAGEE, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Office s of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064. 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 or delivery 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, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE Independent Administrator Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com
Oct. 11, 18, 25, 2024
ters of Office were issued on October 3, 2024, to DANIEL LAGEE, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney is M Thomas Suits, of the Law Office s of M THOMAS SUITS, P.C., 114 West Mason Street, Polo, Illinois 61064. 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 or delivery 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.
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 or delivery 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.
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, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061- or with the estate legal representative, or both
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE
Independent Administrator Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com
Oct. 11, 18, 25, 2024
Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
By: DANIEL LAGEE
Independent Administrator Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com
Oct. 11, 18, 25, 2024
Independent Administrator Law Office s of M.THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815)946-2276 tom@suitslegal. com
Oct. 11, 18, 25, 2024 Ogle County Classifieds 833-584-NEWS