Forreston_Journal-02-25-2022 by Shaw Media

VOLUME 155 NO. 43 • SERVING THE FORRESTON AREA SINCE 1865

NEWS

Friday, February 25, 2022 • $1.00

PLANNING FOR A REDESIGN

It’s Back!

The Forreston FFA Alumni Toy and Craft show is coming in March. / 3

SPORTS

Marcos Medal

Two Polo wrestlers finish third and sixth at the state finals. /12

Church Donates An Oregon

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

church makes a sizable donation to the Village of Progress. / 8

Members of the Forreston Village Board’s New Building Committee discuss possibilities for the redesign of 301 N. Walnut St. during the committee’s Feb. 17 meeting. Left to right around the table are Trustee Vickye Norris, Trustee Brittany Busker, Trustee Gary Buss, Trustee Katie Kalina and Village Clerk Michelle Drayton. Village officials purchased the former Green’s Motor Company building Jan. 25.

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 6 Classifieds .........17-20 Colbert Column ....... 9

Oregon Police..........12 Otto’s Column .......... 6 Property Transfers..16

Sheriff Activity........16 Sports...................9-15 Zoning ......................12

DEATHS Published every Friday by Ogle County Newspapers, a division of Shaw Media

Darlene Martin, Paul Louis Smith, Edward A. Cox, Page 9

Forreston Journal / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

FORRESTON BEAT

LOCAL NEWS

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Oregon Republican Reporter, and Polo’s Tri-County Press.

The FORRESTON JOURNAL (USPS No. 205-520) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Forreston, Illinois. POSTMASTER Send address changes to FORRESTON JOURNAL, P.O. Box 237, Forreston, IL 61030. Phone 815-732-6166, ext. 2516. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022.

Chief: Concerns were a misunderstanding Man in vehicle knew child, was checking well-being after fall; Chief reminds citizens to report concerns directly to police By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com FORRESTON – The incident that sparked safety concerns among Forreston residents for schoolchildren was a misunderstanding, according to village police. The incident occurred last week when someone in an unknown vehicle pulled up to talk to a child, Police Chief Chris Thiel said during the Feb. 21 Forreston Village Board meeting. “It ended up being a misunderstanding with an elderly guy in town,” Thiel said. “He tried to roll down his window and it wouldn’t go down because of the frost. He knew the kid that fell on the ice, and so he was asking to make sure she was OK.” Because the window was frosted and wouldn’t go down all the way, his face couldn’t be clearly seen by the child and it

caused “a little bit of fear,” Thiel said. The child is around 6 or 7 years old, he said. Thiel said he got multiple phone calls about the Feb. 17 incident. At least one person posted about witnessing the incident on Facebook. On Feb. 18, the Forreston Police Department posted on their Facebook page explaining that, after an investigation, the situation was found to be a misunderstanding and that, “There is no threat to the public or to our youth.” “I get it and I’m glad that everybody reached out and I’m glad it was just a misunderstanding,” Thiel said. Village President Mark Metzger noted that Facebook is a “great social media platform,” but it’s best to call the police department first if there is a concern of this nature. Thiel agreed and said the best number to call is either 911 or 815-732-2136, which is the direct line to Ogle County dispatchers. “So if I’m not working, but somebody’s working, it’ll go right to that officer that’s working and Ogle County dispatches us,” he said. That recommendation is a change from former Chief Mike Boomgarden, who encouraged people to call his cellphone

directly, Thiel said. “If you guys call the police chief’s cellphone, I have to call Ogle County to tell them what I’m doing, so it’s just going to take longer,” he explained. “If you call direct to Ogle County, they’re going to tell me what’s going on and we have a digital call for service of everything that’s taken place. “It’s kind of like the whole record-keeping,” Thiel said. “It tells them what time we went, what time we did, who called, who didn’t call, when I got there, all that other stuff. So in case something bad happens, we have a digital record of it.” In other business, the board: Swore in Justin Merry as a part-time police officer with a start date effective immediately. Formally rejected Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Water Meter Project bids in order to re-solicit bids with clearer instructions for bidders. Discussed the possibility of increasing video gaming licensing terminal fees from $25 per machine to $250 per machine, as allowed by a recent change in state law. Board members did not act immediately in lieu of first gathering feedback from those who would be impacted.

sizes. We will be collecting these items until March 7. Thank you for your generosity! Community Room Looking for a place to hold an event? Our community room (with kitchenette) is available for meetings, parties, showers, family reunions, and more. Please call the library at 815-938-2624 for additional information. Library Hours The library is open: Monday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2-7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

We are closed on Friday and Sunday. Curbside pickup is available for anyone who wishes to use it. Library Updates Please like our Facebook page to stay up to date with the most current information on our plans and activities and also check out our website at forrestonlibrary.org. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us by phone at 815-938-2624, email at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com, or through Facebook messaging.

Registration requested but not required. Masks will be required. Craft Kits for Adults Our kits have all been claimed for February. Check back next month! Create-a-Card Spring is right around the corner! Join Miss Jessie on March 19 to create that perfect springtime card to send to a friend. Masks Bertolet Memorial Library follows the state guidelines on wearing masks. Curbside service is available at patron’s request.

Plastic Recycling We ask that you make sure plastic is clean with no debris in the donation. Also please remove any ziploc-type seals and paper/sticker labels. Thank you for your cooperation. New Releases Adult Books A Lady In Attendance by Rachel Fordham; Provenance by Carla Laureano; Unthinkable by Jamie Raskin; The Fields by Erin Young Picture Books Thomas and the Leprechaun by Thomas Awdry; Which Nose For Witch? by David Crosby

FORRESTON LIBRARY Preschool Storytime - Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime will begin again on Wednesday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a fun-filled time of stories, activities, and crafts each week! Please call the library for more information or to preregister. 310 House Necessities Drive This month we are helping spread love in the community and beyond as a collection point for the 310 Sibling Home and Foster Parent Resource Center. Please bring any size diapers, as well as new boys or girls underwear and socks of all

BERTOLET LIBRARY Trustee Opening We currently have an opening for a Trustee with a term that expires in 2023. Our Board of Trustees meets at the library on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 p.m. If interested, please contact Director Linda Schreiber at 815-738-2742 during business hours or by email at bertolet705@gmail. com. Paws for Reading Wednesday, April 20 Ryan will return in April to listen to your stories. Story Hour Join Miss Jana for Story Hour and learn about animals and letters on Thursdays at 10 a.m.

SPECIAL EVENT

Forreston FFA Alumni are excited to bring back their toy and craft show, slated for Saturday, March 12, at Forreston High School. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 40 farm toy and craft exhibitors are scheduled to be part of this year’s show. A silent auction will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and participants do not need to be present to win. One of the area’s best lunch stands will be on-site with homemade pies. To add to the fun there will be a Farm Display Competition with student and adult categories, raffles for gift cards to Eickman’s Meat processing and Culver’s, and many door prizes for everyone! General admission is $3 and there is no charge for children under the age of 5. To celebrate this year’s in-person event, two show tractors will be featured. These tractors are the third tractors in the Hometown Series started by the Alumni to highlight local dealerships from the area. The first 2022 show tractor is a

1/16 scale 2270 White Oliver highly detailed priced at $75. The second 2022 show tractor is a 1/64 scale 1955 Oliver with loader priced at $30. This year the Hometown Series features DeVries Implement Company, which was owned by Derald DeVries. DeVries purchased the Ratmeyer dealership, which was located in Forreston on the corner of Route 26 and Cherry Street in 1971. In 1974, White Farm Equipment became the main brand. DeVries handled Oliver, White, New Idea, Gehl, Glencoe, Simplicity and Bush Hog over the years. In 1978, a new dealership was built on Route 72 just east of Forreston. He sold the business to Read Bros. in 1990. Masks are required to be worn indoors and COVID-19 safety guidelines should be followed. Call Rick Garnhart at 815-2383044 for Toy Show and farm display information. Call Cathy Kohlbauer at 815-2756710 for craft show information. For any other information, call FFA Advisor Kelley Parks at 815938-2036.

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ABOVE: Forreston FFA members pose with this year’s featured tractors. LEFT: The featured toy tractors are a 1/16 scale 2270 White Oliver highly detailed priced at $75. The second 2022 show tractor is a 1/64 scale 1955 Oliver with loader priced at $30. Photos provided

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Forreston FFA Alumni Toy and Craft Show is back

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

Oregon School Board votes again to close DLR By EARLEEN HINTON and ALEXA ZOELLNER Shaw Media

For the second time in seven months, the Oregon School Board has voted to close the David L. Rahn Junior High School in Mt. Morris at the end of this school year. The board voted 4-2 to close the school – the last one remaining in Mt. Morris – after a 90-minute public hearing on Tuesday during which several attendees asked that the school be kept open. About 100 people, most residents of Mt. Morris, attended the meeting in the Oregon High School library. “What’s the rush?” asked Karen Urish, a Mt. Morris resident. “This deserves more of a comprehensive study than what was done.” Urish said she was “distressed” by board members’ reluctance to have an “open dialogue with the public” during meetings. “The board needs to make this decision, not the superintendent,” she said. In May 2021, Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney proposed closing DLR and moving seventh and eighth grade students to Oregon High School, five miles to the east. At that time, he cited decreasing enrollments throughout the district and increasing maintenance costs at DLR as reasons for the closure. On Aug. 16, school board members voted to close the school. Tuesday night’s vote followed a January decision by the school board to rescind its August vote. That decision was made after Rob Urish – Karen’s husband, a former school board member and member of the advisory board formed last year for input on the closure – said the school board was apparently ignorant of an Illinois law that went into effect July 30, 2021. He said that required three public hearings be held prior to a vote in order to solicit input from communities regarding the closure of a school unless the building was deemed to be unsafe, unsanitary or unfit for occupancy. Bruce Obendorf, a former school board member and also a member of the advisory board, said Mahoney’s financial reasons for closing the school were no longer viable. “I feel this plan has been in the works for years,” Obendorf said, noting that the district finances were in good shape. “I am disappointed in the board and Tom Mahoney for totally disregarding the citizens of Mt. Morris.” Board members voting not to close

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

It was a full house Tuesday night in the Oregon High School library as about 100 people attended the Oregon School Board’s final public hearing regarding closing the David L. Rahn Junior High School at the end of this school year. Below, left to right, are board member Molly Baker, board president Byran Wills, superintendent Tom Mahoney and board members Mindy Nesemeier and Mike Guzman.

the school were Molly Baker and Mindy Nesemeier. Board members Corey Buck, Mary Jo Griffin, Mike Guzman and Becky Duke voted to close the school. Board president Byran Wills did not cast a vote, but said he was in favor of closing the school due to financial concerns. Nesemeier said she wanted to wait to vote in order to hear from the district’s attorneys on whether doing so that night was legal. “Our legal team has looked at this six ways from Sunday and said we’re within our rights,” Wills replied. “People say the building doesn’t matter, but the building matters,” Nesemeier later said. “If the building didn’t matter, we’d all still be e-learning.” The decision whether to close DLR is a huge responsibility, Wills said. “Sometimes those hard decisions aren’t made and people kick the can down the road and suddenly it’s really bad,” he said. “Kicking the can down the road, we’ve done that over and over and over again, and it turned out horribly.”

The two scho ol dis tric ts merged in 1994 after the Mt. Morris School District dissolved due to financial reasons. In addition to saving maintenance costs, Mahoney has said the pros of closing DLR include allowing junior high students to have access to additional elective courses at the high school; aligning the curriculum more closely and providing more frequent opportunities for staff to collaborate; bringing more coaches/sponsors to a building where some sports/activities have no coaches in the building; and allowing for more staff collaboration while also giving younger athletes more immediate exposure to older athletes. In a multi-page presentation made last fall, the advisory board argued that the 1950s DLR building was in “sound shape,” could still serve as a “viable educational facility” and that the district’s finances did not warrant the school’s closing. Rob Urish said Tuesday’s vote was disappointing. “As you might imagine we are

incredibly disappointed,” Urish said after the meeting. “The perception – you know, perception’s reality – the perception was that all of the work, all the effort, all the information, all the data really fell on deaf ears.” He said he takes board members’ comments regarding all the information they had considered as genuine, but still finds it “very difficult to understand what their line of thinking was.” “They evidently still are hanging their hat on finances and what future finances might or might not be, and we don’t believe that that’s really the issue here,” Urish said. “The issue is the proper and thorough education of our children, and there’s a whole series of associated issues about absenteeism, turnover. “I don’t want to see bad things happen. I don’t think anybody does. But at this point, we don’t see the path to the future to the district becoming the educational destination that they aspire to. It just doesn’t seem to be in the cards,” he said.

LIVE MUSIC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Flossie Murray of Forreston will mark her 100th birthday on Thursday, March 3. She loves receiving letters and cards and any kind of mail and she loves chocolate and talking on the phone. Please help Flossie celebrate this milestone by flooding her with at least 100 cards. Cards can be sent to 308 Maple Ave., Forreston, IL 61030.

Photo provided

Singer and harmonica player Randy Holland performed at the last First Friday Open Mic. He was accompanied by Larry Lamb on guitar, John Lindblade on guitar and Tim Laurence on banjo.

First Friday is March 4 March is coming and that means it’s again time for the First Fridays Open Mic at K’s Sports Bar in Oregon. “The monthly musical event attracts many talented performers, but the coffee-style atmosphere is warm and accepting for musicians and singers of all skill levels. Each performer is allowed 15 minutes. Everyone can also join in on a jam session at the end of the show, if they

wish to,” organizer Lowell Harp said. The next show will be on March 4 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, although a jar is available for donations. Sign-up for performers is at 6:45. K’s Sports Bar is located at 408 East Washington (Route 64) in Oregon, Illinois, close to several restaurants. Interested parties who have questions can call Jerry Tice at 815-449-2660.

SPECIAL PROGRAM Serenity Hospice and Home offers free grief support group Serenity Hospice and Home will begin facilitating a free, eight-week grief support group from 1 to 2:30 p.m. starting Monday, March 14, and meeting weekly until May 2 at Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 S. Route 2. The group will work from the book “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. It is designed to help individuals along their grief journeys by connecting them with a

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Flossie Murray will celebrate her 100th birthday on March 3.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Murray to mark 100 March 3

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

LOCAL HISTORY

Photographs prompt many years of very special memories

everal weeks ago when I innocently started on two little books for two of my grandchildren, little did I know that I would travel down many memory lanes with pictures, books, music, a box full of negatives and long forgotten rolls of extra developed film. It is two months later and the house is still not back to normal. On March 2 I have knee replacement surgery finally and I wanted the house all in order when Krista arrives to take care of me. My surgery was to have been in January and then was canceled just a few days before I was to head to Rockford. I needed something to take my mind off my hurting knee. I tackled the little books and not only did I have to look for pictures that were year’s old but in the middle was something called “the family tree.” My sister had very nicely put a book together of the Isley family and Krista had done the Waterbury family, which was Kenneth’s family but

POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf the Scherer family had never been touched. This was my mother’s side and it had many stories to tell. I decided that when I was tired of looking for pictures in big and little albums along with different sized boxes, I would start writing the story of my mom’s life. It was not an easy story to write because when my mother was 7, she lost most of her family in a tragic car-train accident and her life reflected that event. Two weeks ago I finished the little books for Amy and Andrew and this week I finished the history of my mother’s life, but I am still up to my eyebrows with pictures that seem to keep multiplying. Will I ever get them

in order? My father took pictures and he had a little developing room in the basement when they lived in Polo. My sister took pictures in the day of the Polaroid camera. Remember those pictures with the hard surface? At least they kept from curling. My brother Ed took pictures and I took pictures. Whenever we would leave, Kenneth would say, “Did you bring the camera?” Don and Imogene, his sister and brother-in-law, took pictures. I have inherited all of them. I also had a big box with the word, “Negatives” written on the side and all negatives were pitched into the box. The negatives from my honeymoon were in the box and all my dad’s negatives were there as well. They go back to the 1930s. Remember the day when for a few extra pennies you could get an extra set of pictures? I had all those extra set of pictures in the box. Today I pulled out an extra set of pictures and they are from the 125th

anniversary of the Lutheran Church in 1995. There is a picture of Beth Wiegman, Al Wooden and myself singing special music. I recognized the music in the picture and I still had it in the piano. It was Pachelbel’s “Canon of Praise” and I loved the song. I played a few notes of it. There was a picture of Carol Coffman and Marjorie Stuff with flowers on that special day. Also a picture of Lucille Patterson receiving a special gift. Rev. Tetzlaff and Dora Mae are in some of the pictures and Rev. Vaillancourt was our pastor. Other dignitaries are there. The cake for that occasion was absolutely beautiful and I wonder who made it? It looked like a wedding cake. So many memories as I looked at each picture and I have many more to go through. What do you do with all of them? • Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and a volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Great Chicago Fire of 1871 had Ogle County connection

he 1871 Oregon Reporter newspaper reported on the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed the central business district. John Farwell’s business building was destroyed in the Chicago Fire. In 1838, when he was 13, he and his family traveled through Chicago on their way to Ogle County near Oregon. “He stated in their prairie schooner Chicago was a one-horse mud town.” Farwell attended Mt. Morris Seminary and graduated in 1844. He headed to Chicago to seek employment and eventually joined the dry goods house of Hamilton & White as a bookkeeper. He took a position at Wadsworth & Phelps and trained several of Chicago’s future prominent businessmen. Chicago with less than 100 people was incorporated in 1833, three years before Oregon was incorporated in 1836. Historically 1871 was an eventful year for Chicago and Oregon. In Oregon the C & I Railroad arrived providing passenger and rail service. Before this we relied on horses and oxen. It was about 30 years before the first automobiles arrived in Oregon. So the year the train arrived in Oregon was the Great Chicago Fire. The Oregon Reporter headline read “Great Fire In Chicago, Most Valuable Portion of the City Burned, Loss Millions of Dollars, Many Persons Killed.

Images provided by Otto Dick

FROM LEFT: This map shows the East Oregon Train railroad tracks. The Farwell building was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire. This is a drawing of what the Chicago Fire may have looked like. This fire started on Sunday, Oct. 8, and lasted to early Tuesday. It destroyed four square miles, 13,500 of the 18,000 buildings, and left 92,000 homeless and about 300 dead.” The Oregon Reporter newspaper further explained the tragedies caused by this fire. “All inmates of the jail under the Court House were roasted alive. The streets are literally packed with thousands of wagons loaded with furniture and valuables saved from

the burning buildings. The bridge over Van Burren is burned. “Farwell Hall burned at about four o’clock this morning. The old courthouse was enveloped in flames, the tall steeple falling about 3 o’clock. The firemen worked like heroes but all in vain.” The C & I Railroad ran between Aurora and East Oregon in 1871. Before it crossed Rock River through the business district the route was

changed to where it is now located and Oregon’s first depot was built in 1872 where our present depot stands. So in 1871 the C & I railroad arrives in East Oregon and John Farwell who arrived with his parents in 1838, moved to Chicago and lost his business block in the Chicago Fire.

• Otto Dick is a retired teacher and has researched Ogle County history for several years.

SCHOOL NEWS

As part of their 100 days of school celebration, Ag in the Classroom visited classrooms in German Valley, Kings, Chadwick Milledgeville and Stillman Valley. During the program, students were read the book, “Ms. Bindergarten Celebrates 100 Days of Kindergarten.” In the book each of Ms. Bindergarten’s students bring in a collection of 100 items. For example, Adam brought in a fort made of 100 popsicles sticks. Students worked together to put each of the items in the book into one of the following categories: cot-

ton, trees, pigs, soybeans, sugar, cows and corn. They learned how these agricultural commodities play a role in their everyday life. At the conclusion of the program, students used their imaginations to create something new and agriculturally related using the number 100. Agriculture in the Classroom is a program to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. Students learn that thousands of farm products are in the world

around them – on their plate, in the clothes they wear, in the medicine that makes them well and in earthfriendly fuels and plastics. Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension-Ogle County in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water and Carroll County Soil & Water. For more information about the program, call the Ogle County Extension Office at 815-732-2191 or visit the Extension website at web. illlinois.edu/bdo.

Chadwick/Milledgeville second graders discovered the many different agricultural commodities that are part of their everyday life. Then they turned the number 100 into items you would see at or that would come from a farm.

READING MATTERS

Background knowledge key for reading comprehension

eading comprehension, or understanding what we read, is the goal of all the reading we do whether it’s for enjoyment or for learning information. Our job as a reader is to interpret and understand what the authors have written. Often when a reader struggles, comprehension is named as the problem. While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to reading difficulties, and to comprehension problems specifically, for this column we will look at the important role of background knowledge in the ability to comprehend what we read and how we can help build background knowledge for our children and grandchildren. It may seem too simple, or not related, but we need to do what we can to help our children learn about their world. We can capitalize on their natural curiosity and provide ways to learn whenever we can. This applies to all ages. We should never stop learning!

READING MATTERS Mary Gardner One way to build knowledge, and vocabulary, is to have conversations about every-day events. Starting with very young children, our conversations can help them learn names for objects and actions. For example, a trip to the grocery store, a walk in the park, or even exploring your own yard offer learning opportunities through conversations and experiences. Talking about any activity you do together is an important chance to learn. Reading aloud is another important way to develop vocabulary and to learn about the world. We all learn from stories. We learn about people who might be like us, and just as important, we learn about those who

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are not like us. Of course, we also learn much from nonfiction texts that are filled with facts. There are books, magazines or internet articles about any topic you can imagine. If your child expresses an interest in something, encourage that by finding out more together. That deepens the background knowledge. Let’s consider how building background knowledge about the world links to reading comprehension. Think about a time when you need to read a difficult text such as a technical manual or a textbook. If you have some prior knowledge about the topic, it will be easier for you to understand what you are reading. If you have no previous knowledge, it will be harder to read and comprehend. The same is true for our grandchildren and children. Having previous experience or some understanding of a topic helps them understand what they are reading. They bring that knowledge to the page, and it helps

unlock the meaning of the printed words. Another example would be that children who have always lived in the Midwest might not have seen the ocean. Reading an article about the sounds or life in the ocean or about the tides will likely be a bit harder to understand than for children who live by an ocean. They will at least have to work harder to understand because of less background knowledge. Sometimes we can get caught up in a lot of reading issues and the problems that our children might have. We can always work on developing background knowledge and offering experiences to build our children and grandchildren’s knowledge of the world around them. in other words – learning!

• Mary Gardner is a retired teacher who specialized in reading and is still an instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Ag in the Classroom helps students mark 100th day

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Church makes $4,500 donation to Village of Progress An Oregon church has presented a $4,500 check to the Village of Progress. “The Gospels are very clear: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again,” Rev. Rick Ryland said. “The Church of Jesus Christ Forever believes these words of Jesus. Inspired by His life and unparalleled sacrifice, and their Founder’s life and teaching, the church presented a check of $4,500 to the Village of Progress in Oregon.” “For their wise use of resources to help those persons whom the village serves, the church leaders presented Brion Brooks, executive director, $3,800 plus each leader donating an additional $100 each,” Ryland said. “Our Founder, Rev. Rose M. Aluli, versed in all of Scripture, taught us to give: in prayer and fasting, in service and love, and giving of our time and resource. And we have done it,” he said. “For a church of 54 members – who really love God – we are happy to do this,” Rev. Kale Aluli said.

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From left to right are Rev. Rick Ryland, Rev. Laurie Ryland, Brion Brooks, Rev. Kale Aluli, Rev. Jackie Jacobs, Eric Jacobs, Rev. Robert James, Revs. Roselani and Joshua James were absent when the photo was taken.

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SPORTS COLUMN

hat did we learn from the final weekend of winter sports for our local teams and individuals? For starters, Oregon bowler Ava Wight proved she belonged with the elite in Illinois with a 20th-place finish at the state finals. Wight had performed admirably all season and this verifies the gut-check part of the process. Anyone can have a good season, but it takes the mentally tough to produce under pressure and there is no greater pressure for high school athletes than the IHSA tournament. Interestingly, she bowled the identical score of 1,197 on both days of the event at Don Carter Lanes, for a total of 2,394. That’s consistency. Another factor to consider is that among Saturday’s finalists, Wight came from the smallest school in the state. In bowling circles, the Hawks may be small, but are highly regarded by bowling observers. Ironically, the bowler from the next smallest school (408-404 enrollment) to Oregon won the whole thing. Ma dis on Fergu son of Vand alia whipped the field by 215 pins with a remarkable 236 average over 12 games. For old-time Hawk wrestling fans, the name Vandalia has to bring back pleasant memories, as that was the team Oregon beat in its first trip downstate to earn a berth in the 1997 dual team championship match. Though they lost in the finals to Sandwich, the 27-25 win over defending state champ Vandalia was the coming-out party for Oregon’s wrestling program. From that point forward, they went on a decadelong run as one of the small-school elites in Illinois. They did win a state title the following year, but it did not surpass the Vandalia semifinal win as an emotional high. The last individual state tournament I attended was in 2006 when Cort Lawton won a title at 125 for Polo. Since then, only two Marco grapplers have been on the podium, Jake Hartman (first at 285) in 2010 and Ethan Cain (third at 195) in 2016. Add two more to that list with a fifth place by Daniel Engel at 285 and third by Ethan Doty at 126. Technically, Doty is from Eastland, but Polo gets credit as host school for the coop. As usual, the sectional from our part of the state dominated, with winners in eight of 14 weight classes. Dakota, led the way with three champs. That upped their total to 46

SPORtS Andy Colbert overall, probably the highest of any program in the state, regardless of class. Speaking of mental toughness, those Dakota kids know how to get the job done when in counts the most. Lena-Winslow/Stockton, which beat Dakota at the regional, had a pair of champs and so did Riverdale. Sterling Newman is right up there with 36 champs, but hasn’t been able to keep up with Dakota in maintaining the tradition. Stillman Valley almost had their 23rd champ, but 152-pounder Jack Seacrist lost the title bout. A neat story from Rochelle was freshman Xavier Villalobos advancing to the title bout at 113 in 2A. Until this year, Rochelle had never sent a freshman downstate. Congratulations are also in order to Kip Crandall from Oregon for being named to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame. Before we shut the door on the locals, I just remembered there is a first-ever girls state wrestling tourney this weekend with Oregon repped by Elizabeth Ruter. Not much to say about boys basketball, as Forreston, Oregon and Polo all bowed out in their first game of the regional, with Polo coming the closest to a win. The Polo girls gave Pec a fight in the regional finals, but still remain below the top level of teams in the NUIC. However, the league did not have that one or two strong teams this year, as evidenced by state-ranked Orangeville and River Ridge/SM getting knocked out in the regional. The girls sectional is as wide open as it has been in years. The boys side is a different story with Scales Mound and Fulton headed for a showdown. With how crazy and pressure-packed the IHSA playoffs can be, though, don’t surprised if either team is upset before getting there. One more thing worth noting over the past couple of weeks: Our winter sunsets are on par with the best anywhere, including ones I’ve seen at Key West, the California coast and Arizona.

EDWARD A. ‘MR. ED’ COX Born: July 31, 1942 Died: December 15, 2021

A Celebration of Life service for Edward A. “Mr. Ed” Cox will be held Saturday, Febru-

DARLENE MARTIN

Born: August 5, 1933 in Leaf River, IL Died: February 11, 2022 in Polo, IL Darlene Martin, age 88, died Friday, February 11, 2022 at Polo Rehabilitation Center, with her family by her side. Darlene was born August 5, 1933 in Leaf River, the daughter of Clinton N. and Vernie V. (Snyder) Motter. She married Harold “Andy” Martin on August 19, 1951 in Adeline, IL. Darlene was a lifelong Leaf River resident. She was employed by Watt Publishing Co. in Mt. Morris and as a bookkeeper for the Leaf River School District. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved travelling, camping, cooking, and baking. Darlene is survived by her children:, Vickie

PAUL LOUIS SMITH

Born: October 18, 1945 in Ashland, WI Died: February 16, 2022 in Princeton, IL MT. MORRIS, IL – Paul Louis Smith, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, IL. Paul was born on October 18, 1945, in Ashland, WI, the son of William & Margaret (Adriansen) Smith. Paul graduated from Belvidere High School class of 1963, and he received a BS degree from Northern Illinois University class of 1967. Paul married Nancy Kinton on July 19, 1969 in Aurora, IL. She preceded him in death on December 18, 2011. Paul owned and operated Smitty’s Ice Cream and Paul Smith Accounting from 1983 until his death. He cherished his clients for 40-plus years. He was a member of the Let

ary 26, 2022, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Polo Senior Center, Polo, Illinois. A short service will be held at 1:30 pm with Randy Hayes officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded.

(Jim) Myers of Forreston, Andy (Kim) Martin of Mount Carroll, and Randy (Sheri) Martin of Forreston; six grandchildren, Kyle (Susie) Wolfley, Drew (Karla) Martin, Jenna (Aaron) Dietrich, Brooke (Mason) Huckabay, Luke (Tiffany McCartney) Myers, and Nick (Faith Stoner) Myers; six great-grandchildren, Sierra and Bryan Wolfley, Lincoln and Lilyanna Dietrich, Brynlee Huckabay and Tayden Myers, and step-great-grandson, Joey Pina; and niece, Darla (Dave) Miller and nephew Steve (Nicki) Shelton, and their children Paul Miller, Jeff Miller, Samantha (Nick) Boyden and AaronShelton. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Bev Remrey and son-inlaw Mike Remrey; brother, Clinton; and sister Donna Jones. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt Street, Mt. Morris, IL. Burial was at Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to be determined at a later date. Freedom Ring Committee, Mt. Morris School Board, Goodfellows, Knights of Columbus 4th degree member, and the Mt. Morris Lions, and he belonged to St. Mary Catholic Church in Oregon, IL, and St. Edward Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. Paul loved his traveling and his time with his children, grandchildren, and family. Paul is survived by his children, Peter (Julie) Smith of Rockford, IL, Brian (Paula) Smith of Belvidere, IL, Kevin (Lynn) Smith of Louisville, KY, and Robert (Erin) Smith of Schaumburg, IL; 7 grandchildren, Jessica, Stephen, Maria, Sarah, Ezra, Helena, and Kyla; brother, Richard Smith of Portland, OR; sisters, Margaret Scholl of Reno, NV and Irene Sarkisian of Rockford, IL; and several nieces and nephews. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; and brother, Peter Smith. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th Street, Rockford, IL. Burial was at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Oregon, IL. In lieu of flowers. memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Lessons learned from final weekend of winter sports

OBITUARIES

ALEX T . PASC HAL /AP ASC HA L@ SH AW M E

Amboy high-schooler Dana Merriman says she learned an important lesson as a student-teacher: “It’s taught me that I can make a difference in someone else’s life.”

INA

M .CO IA D

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

OFHEROWN By Cody Cutter | Sauk Valley Media

When an Amboy student took on the task of teaching an ag class, she discovered that her students weren’t the only ones learning to grow

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The bell rang to dismiss class in the middle of the day, and Dana Merriman joined her fellow students as they spilled into the halls at Amboy’s newly enlarged junior/senior high school building. While the rest of the students went about their hallway hustle and bustle, dodging and darting on the way to their next destination, Dana was on her way to begin her temporary promotion in the junior high wing. That’s when she became Miss Merriman to the eighth-graders in her Discovery Ag class. During the fall semester, Dana jumped at the chance that Amboy High senior agriculture students have every year: the opportunity to put their ag know-how to work and teach it to future high school students for half of the year. Opportunities like this don’t come along all that often, and Dana was eager to take a turn as a student-teacher. “It’s taught me that I can make a difference in someone else’s life,” Merriman said. “That’s what my whole idea of this was, I really wanted to connect with students and let them know that there are so many opportunities with agriculture.” The school’s Discovery Ag class is the earliest entry-level class catered specifically to agriculture. The 9-week course is required for each student to have before moving on to high school-level ag classes, where there’s a more advanced introductory class as well as specialized ag classes. Being a student, and having been in that same class just a few years prior, helped Dana to relate to the students, and vice-versa. But as she would find out, that didn’t mean there still weren’t a few students who just weren’t that interested, or tough to convince of the benefits of learning about agriculture. But even the challenges were a chance to learn for Dana, who drew on her own experiences to spark an interest in students. She taught a variety of ag topics, which gave her a chance to be creative while sharing her love of agriculture with others, she said, adding that the students’ enthusiasm and interest made the whole experience fun. “They were so interactive, they were always joking around, and they were really into the lessons,” Merriman said. “That’s what made it fun and a great experience. The fact that the students • See MERRIMAN on next page

ipates in Student Council, Leo’s Club, her studies in an ag science class, Outdoors Club, softball, being the where students are learning the school band’s drum major and singing concepts behind constructing farm in choir; and she’s gearing up to play buildings, and some of those concepts the title character in the school’s have made their way from the farm to spring musical, “Moana Jr.” from the stage, where students can apply March 11-13 at the high school audiwhat they’ve learned to the building torium. She also won the 2021 Miss of sets for “Moana,” including the boat Amboy pageant, which she considers used in the play. one of her proudest achievements. After high school, Dana plans to While going to high school opened continue with her agriculture studthe door for all of those opportunities, ies in college. She hasn’t chosen yet learning more about agriculture made where to attend, but by mid-January the biggest impact on her. Growing up she had been accepted to Illinois in town, she didn’t know a whole lot State, Southern Illinois and Iowa State about agriculture, and even less about universities. As far as what field she’ll FFA. When some older friends got to go into, she’s still thinking about it. talking about the their involvement in Who knows. She may even become a FFA, it eventually caught Merriman’s teacher again. attention and pulled her in. “I really enjoyed it,” she said of her “I didn’t really know that much time as a student-teacher. “It was a about it, but being in FFA for 4 years good experience. It was really fun. I’d has really opened my eyes to everydefinitely do it again.” thing that ag has to offer,” Dana said. CONTROL YOUR INTERCEPT THOSE “I started falling COMMUNICATION COSTS IMPORTANT PHONE CALLS in love with it. I started taking Two Way Radio Systems Business Telephone Systems [more] ag classes W E S E R V I C E W H A T W E S E L L ! and trying to soak up everything that I Don’t take a Chance...Call Radio Ranch! could and constantly learning new Since things.” 1954 This semester, Whiteside County Airport • 10924 Hoover Rd, Rock Falls 815-622-9000 • www.radioranchinc.com Dana is continuing

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11 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

were still interacting and being engaged in the topics showed me that I was doing a good job, and that they’re liking what I’m doing.” The experience was a familiar one for Dana, whose class had its own student-teacher, Justin Yocum, when she was in eighth grade. That experience inspired her to want to follow in Justin’s footsteps when she became a senior. Her ag teacher, Jim Heavner, was all for it, and helped her with lesson plans and other tools she needed to make her experience a success. She also got plenty of help from her principal, Janet Crownhart, and her music teacher, Travis Kemmerer. While Dana enjoyed having more of a say in the classroom, she was under a teacher’s supervision. Jacqueline Owensby, an eighth-grade math teacher, observed each class session, helped Dana learn the ropes when it came to running a classroom, and offered guidance on getting students’ attention. “They gave me a lot of good insight on how to keep everything on time, and time management with creating lesson plans and stuff like that,” Merriman said. Having trusted friends also helped. One of them, Ashley Althaus, taught the same class 2 years ago and provided Dana with some of the lesson plans she used. She edited them to fit her own goals and style, which included a more interactive classroom where students worked in groups and moved about the room to learn different things. One of them was a lesson in hunting and gathering … candy. Dana hid candy throughout the classroom; one type represented water and the other represented food, but the trick was that there wasn’t enough for everyone. “It was a hunting and gathering game that taught the kids how hunting and gathering worked within the very beginning stages of agriculture,” Dana said. “Once all of the animals were gone from their area, they had to move from place to place. It taught them to keep looking for food, and it was just kind of a cool way to see who survived, and who didn’t.” Another friend, Emma Ding-

es, raises goats and brought them to class to show the students, who learned how to show them as if they were at a fair. Another memorable day involved touring the high school ag wing and seeing those classes in action. Students also got to see the big picture, learning how agriculture was all around them: Students read a list of everyday items and learned how they wouldn’t be possible without farms. “I had a list of all of the things that you get from swine,” Dana said. “They use everything on the animal, and they learned a lot of things that they didn’t know, like lipstick, the dye comes from different parts of it; and there’s other things, like the bristles on a hair brush. “They looked at the list, and they would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is something that comes from a ...’ They were real surprised.” Despite her current agriculture interests, Merriman doesn’t live on a farm. She, her parents Dave and Brenda Merriman and brother Dillon live in Amboy. She also is the school’s FFA secretary, and was elected vice president of Section 2 of Illinois’ FFA chapter, which includes several high schools in the north central part of the state. There’s more on top of that outside of the agriculture realm: In addition to her studies, Merriman also partic-

SM-ST1956668

• MERRIMAN from previous page

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12 STATE WRESTLING

Polo grapplers bring back two medals from state finals By EDDIE CARIFIO

ecarifio@shawmedia.com CHAMPAIGN – Polo had a pair of medalists at the Class 1A IHSA State Wrestling Tournament on Saturday. Wyatt Doty took third at 126 and Daniel Engel was sixth at 285. Erie-Prophetstown’s Jase Grunder was fourth at 145, and Fulton’s Zane Pannell was fifth at 170. “We brought two and they were both top six. I’m so happy,” Polo coach Jesse Culbertson said. “A lot of people see these kids out here and think it’s so individual. But with their practice partners pushing them and the kids in the room, it’s a team sport. A lot of people don’t realize that.” Doty, an Eastland junior, won his third-place match with a late takedown against Carson Bissey of Richland County, holding on for the 4-2 win. “I knew I got to go, keep pushing him,” Doty said. “He was pushing me, we were going at it. I secured

my sweep, got the two. Then I knew I had to hold him down, just 10 more seconds.” Engel was pinned late in his fifthplace match, taking sixth. “Earlier in the season I was out for a month and a half with COVID,” Engel said. “I felt like I could have had my cardio up a little better.” Pauses due to COVID-19 mitigations were common for many schools. Erie-Prophetstown coach Tod McCullough said he was impressed with how his team pushed through multiple coronavirus pauses this year. Erie qualified three wrestlers, with Grunder taking fourth at 145 after a 6-2 loss to Harvard’s Ivan Rosas. “It’s not the performance he wanted,” McCullough said. “He had a good performance last round. We thought his emotions would be up. But the kid controlled the pace a little bit. We weren’t able to get a good shot on him. “I know his dream would have been higher. He lost a heartbreaker

last night, 1-0. Hopefully he remembers this next year; it’s a feeling he doesn’t want to have.” Pannell picked up a pin in his fifth-place match in the third period against LeRoy’s Tyson Brent. In the consolation semifinal, he lost a 17-15 shootout to Canton’s Joseph Norton. Riverdale had two state champions: Brock Smith won the 132pound state title with a 2-1 win in a tiebreaker (double OT) over Dakota’s TJ Silva and Collin Altensey won the 152-pound state title with a 6-1 win over Stillman Valley’s Jack Seacrist. “I’m really stoked,” Altensey said. “I came in knowing I could do it but I wanted to take each match one at a time. It worked out. I knew he was going to come hard to the head and pound my head. I just wanted to go underneath and it worked.” The win made for a perfect season for Altensey. “I went 47-0, that’s

See WRESTLING, Page 13

Alex T. Pascal/Shaw Media

Polo’s Wyatt Doty flips Benton’s Mason Tieffel in the Class 1A 126-pound state semifinal.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity. Feb. 8 Carole C. Bolin, 88, of Byron, was issued a citation at 12:04 p.m. for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. This violation occurred in the 500 block of N. 4th Street. Feb. 9 At 5:28 p.m., police investigated a three-car traffic crash in the 300 block of S. 5th Street involving a 2017 Ford driven by Judith A. McNett, 82, of Oregon, and a parked 2020 Chevrolet belonging to Leroy R. Smice, 49, of Mt. Morris, and a parked 2017 Nissan belonging to Jason J. Donegan, of 34, Stillman Valley. No citations were issued. Feb. 10 Kristopher M. Mockovak, 20, of Oregon, was arrested at

12:02 a.m. on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for failure to appear. Mockovak was transported to the Ogle County Jail. Feb. 11 Jourdan M. McBride, 21, of Crestwood, was arrested at 8:30 p.m., for driving while license suspended and issued a citation for improper cannabis container as a driver. A passenger in McBride’s vehicle, Collin P. Brown, 22, of Midlothian, was also arrested for improper container of cannabis as a passenger. Both McBride and Brown were transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 1300 block of W. Washington Street. Feb. 13 Chet L. Harrolle, 39, of Oregon, was arrested at 12:23 a.m.

for improper container as a driver, felony driving while license revoked, and also issued a citation for speeding, 46 mph in a 40 mph zone. A passenger in Harrolle’s vehicle, Randi M. Suter, 33, of Oregon, was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. Suter was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Harrolle and Suter were transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 100 block of W. Washington Street. Nine verbal warnings issued Feb. 7-13. Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

OGLE COUNTY ZONING The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued for January 2022. Jeff Cox; Section 26; Marion Township; remove hog building, construct agricultural building; $150,000. Mary Gulbrantson; Section 35; Scott Township; dwelling addition. Susan Furman; Section 2; Flagg Township; three-season room; Tom Rapp; Section 15; Byron Township; remove dwelling. Bright Planets Solar/Zaiser; Section 15; Leaf River Town-

ship; private ground-mounted solar array. John Hogenson/Parker; Section 21; Pine Creek Township; dwelling addition(s). John Hogenson/Oldham; Section 33; Pine Creek Township; gazebo. Doug Wilken; Section 13; Byron Township; maintenance building. Denton Yocum; Section 5; Marion Township; private ground-mounted solar array. American Tower/Nordman; Section 2; Oregon-Nashua Township; addition to existing telecommunications towner;

$20,000. Kandu, LLC; Section 26; Mt. Morris Township; addition to existing storage building. Andrew Leverentz; Section 15; Byron Township; maintenance building. Brian Barrett; Section 8; residential accessory building. Youssi Custom Homes; Section 26; Marion Township; single-family dwelling; $175,000. Donald Ryba; Section 8; Taylor Township; residential accessory building.

BASKETBALL

Sterling Newman came out aggressive and reaped the rewards of its pressure defense, turning nine forced turnovers into a 22-point halftime advantage before defeating Forreston 58-44 in the 1A Eastland Regional quarterfinal in Sterling on Feb. 19. Forced turnovers and fast-break points got the Comets rolling early, as

they jumped out to an 18-4 lead in the first quarter. With five points and back-to-back steals from Nolan Britt – and 10 points from Marcus Williams in the first quarter – the Comets (22-9) hopped in the driver’s seat right away. The swarming 1-3-1 defense and the fast-break opportunities it yielded helped the Comets dominate the first

half. Tommy Appel gave Forreston a spark with seven points during the third quarter, but the Comets’ defense undermined any offensive production the Cardinals had. “Newman’s really disciplined, really well-coached. All their guys play hard. That 1-3-1, they’ve been running it forever,” Forreston coach Jake Groom said. “Pressure’s our Achilles’ heel. I knew if we could get past the top pressure and get the ball inside a little bit, we’d be OK. We had a really hard time doing that.”

About midway through the third, the Comets built their lead to 48-18. After a rough stretch on both ends of the floor, the Cardinals responded with eight straight points to close out the quarter, trailing 48-26. In the fourth quarter, Forreston continued its momentum with an 18-10 run, but the 30-point deficit it accumulated in the third quarter was too great to overcome. “Shots from the outside just weren’t falling. We’ve kind of struggled with

• WRESTLING

blessed,” Smith said. “Everybody has helped me get this far and believed in me and I pulled it off. Gritty match, man, it was the longest match this year. And I haven’t practiced at all this week. I was sick, had strep. It’s all just built me up made me stronger.” He said the key to avoiding takedown in the final overtime was to keep his focus. “Just keep wrestling,” Smith said. “All the last couple weeks have been is a lot of effort. I put a lot of effort in and I got it.”

Continued from Page 12

Myles Newberry/For Shaw Media

Newman’s Tyler Garman shoots as Forreston’s Payton Encheff and Tommy Appel defend during a Class 1A Eastland Regional quarterfinal Feb. 19 in Sterling.

alwa y s goo d,” Al tensey said. “I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. I came into this tournament not thinking about my record. If you’re worried about that, you’re going to take people for granted.” Smith was also thrilled with his finish. “I’m on top of the world. I’m

See BASKETBALL, Page 14

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Forreston falls to Sterling Newman at 1A regional

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

• BASKETBALL

Continued from Page 13 shooting all year,” Groom said. “Defense has kind of been our M.O. But it’s really hard to keep playing defense, too, when you can’t score.” Leading Forreston were Appel with 10 points and four rebounds and Brock Smith with 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cole Becker added eight points, three rebounds and a steal for the Cardinals. “It’s been an up-and-down season. Definitely much better second half than first half. Played with some really good teams this year, just could never get over the hump,” Groom said. “Really, like I said, shooting has been kind of our Achilles’ heel, and pressure. Defensively, we’re actually seventh all-time in school history in points allowed defensively. We kept ourselves in games that way, but it’s hard to win big games when the ball won’t go in the

basket. I’m really proud of this group of seniors. I’ve had a lot of fun with them the last four years. A really, really good group of guys.” Polo and Oregon both lost at their respective regionals. Boys basketball Dakota 53, Polo 45: The Marcos fell in a 1A Alden-Hebron Regional quarterfinal in Dakota. Byron 56, Oregon 29: The Hawks’ season came to an end with a 2A Oregon Regional quarterfinal loss to the rival Tigers in Byron. The Polo girls also fell in their regional final. The Marcos suffered their third loss of the season against the Indians, this time in a regional title game in Shabbona, 50-40. Nicole Boelens and Lindee Poper scored 12 points each to lead Polo. Elaina Rager poured in 20 points for Pec, and Lauren Mellentine scored 14.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Polo’s Brock Soltow (4) and Cayden Webster (23) reach for a rebound with Dakota’s Kaidyn Niedermeier during the 1A Dakota Regional on Saturday.

WRESTLING

Hawk grapplers fall in early rounds at state finals By RANDY HOLLAND There was not a lot to cheer for in the first round of the IHSA Individual Finals for the Oregon Hawks. Lane Halverson at 132 and Seth Stevens at 138 pounds both lost their first-round matches Feb. 17 and had to wait until Friday morning to try to advance through the consolation bracket. In his first match, Halverson sat out for an escape in the first period after losing a spinning takedown. That turned out to be his only score. Reff Pacot of Oakwood countered for another takedown in the first period, scored a reverse and added two points pulling back a chicken wing in the second and finished it off with a reverse and two point tilt to knock Halverson into the wrestlebacks with a 12-1 major decision win. Pacot went on to take fifth place. Stevens could not complete a takedown in a cradle on Marco Spinazzola of Peotone in the first period of his opener. Stevens scored first with a stand for an escape halfway through the second but he lost a double leg takedown seconds later and was down 2-1 going into the third. Sinnazzola stepped over for a reverse at the start of the period and Stevens escaped with 15 seconds left

but could not score again, dropping a 4-2 decision. Spinazzola made it to the consolation semifinals and finshed sixth. Things got better for Halverson on Friday morning. Facing Omar Ramerez of Phoenix Military, Lane lost the first takedown but stood for an escape and drove Ramirez down with 20 seconds left in the first and then hooked up a cradle to finish the period with three backpoints and a 6-2 lead. He added a penalty point in the second. Starting neutral in the third, Halverson went single to double for a takedown and added three backpoints with a chicken wing and advanced with a 12-4 major decision win. It was not so good for Stevens. He started with a strong outside single against Blake Mays of Anna and lost escapes later in the first and midway through the second. Tied at two,Stevens escaped to start the third and had a strong shot but he was countered into a spladle and pinned at 4:32 to end his medal quest. Mays was knocked out of the tournament in the next round by Evan Reilly of Sandwich. Halverson met Dresden Grimm of Auburn in the wrestleback quarterfinal and it as another major decision, this time Halverson on the wrong end, losing 12-3.

He never really got rolling in the match, losing an early single leg takedown and another takedown later in the first period. After giving up another takedown at the start of the second, Halverson sandwiched a couple of escapes around a lost low single leg takedown. In the third, Grimm countered for another takedown and switched for a reverse. Halverson was unable to score again and the Hawks were out of tournament. Grimm went on to take third place. Prior to the semifinals on Friday evening, former Oregon Head Coach Kip Crandall was recognized on the floor of the State Farm Center as being a 2022 inductee to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame. Coach Crandall with be officially inducted at the IWCOA annual meeting in April. Led by wrestlers advancing from the Dixon Regional, wrestlers from the Princeton Sectional made their mark in Champaign. Dixon accounted for 12 place winners including seven of the 28 finalists and five first places. Add in the rest of the field from Princeton and there were 18 more medalists, including three champions. Dakota led all local teams with five

medalists. Phoenix Blakely, 126, Maddux Blakely, 138, and Noah Wenzel, 195, all reached the championship mat and finished first. TJ Silva at 132 lost the title match in sudden victory. At 145 pounds, Tyler Simmer took fifth place. Regional team champion Le-Win-Stockton sent three to the first place mat with Garrett Luke at 145 and Marey Roby at 160 taking the title. Griffin Luke was second at 170 and Drew Mensendike took fifth place at 195. Riverdale crowned 152 pound champion Collin Altensey and Brock Smith defeated Silva in the 132-pound championship match. Alex Watson took fifth at 160 for the Rams. Jack Seacrist from Stillman Valley was defeated by Altensey in the 152 pound title match. From Rock Island Alleman, heavyweight Charles Jagusah took first. Sterling Newman had three reach the podium. Brady Grennan at 120 and Will Rude at 138 both took third place. Carter Rude was sixth at 126. For Polo, Wyatt Doty took third place at 126 and Daniel Engel was sixth at 285. Sandwich also took two medals. Aiden Liden was third at 152 and Alex Alfaro was fifth at 182. Mannix Faworski of Winnebago was third at 182.

STATE BOWLING FINALS

OHS junior sets program record with two-day total pinfall of 2,394 and 20th-place finish

FAR LEFT: Oregon’s Ava Wight reacts after just missing a strike during the IHSA state finals at the Cherry Bowl on Saturday. LEFT: Wight lines up a shot.

By JEFF DEGRAW For Shaw Media

Oregon’s Ava Wight finished in 20th place Feb. 19 at the IHSA State Bowling Finals held at The Cherry Bowl in Cherry Valley. The junior rolled a two-day, 12-game total of 2,394 – a 199.5 average – and she accomplished some of the goals she set for herself before the finals began. “My first goal was to make it to the second day, and then if the opportunity was there, finish in the top 12 and make All-State,” Wight said. “But just being here is awesome, but it was also different from my freshman year.” Wight was part of the Oregon team that placed 10th her freshman year in 2020. “The big difference this year is that I’m by myself,” Wight said. “I’m so used to being with our team. When

Earleen Hinton/ Shaw Media

you’re with the team, everyone is picking each other up; now, I just have to pick myself up. I miss my team being here. “Like any sport, it’s such a mental game, and I’ve really learned a lot about the mental aspect since I was here as a freshman. I have learned how to control that part of the sport. Before, I would really get down and let things bother me as a freshman, but now I know I can come back from a bad game. You learn from everything

you do.” Wight entered Day 2 in 22nd place after a 1,197 on Friday, the highest Day 1 position of any Oregon bowler in history, boy or girl. On Saturday, she opened the morning with a 201 and closed with a 203, then started the afternoon session with games of 216 and 225. She sat in 11th place through 11 games, but ended up 20th after drawing a tough lane in her final game. Her total pinfall and her final place-

ment are both Oregon girls bowling records in a program that began in 2003. Next year as a senior, Wight wants to be back with a team – and wants to recruit bowlers so they have that opportunity again. “I want to help get more bowlers on our team, so they can experience what this is like and get the coaching and experiences that I have had,” she said. “It’s so much better when you are here with your team.”

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Ava Wight finishes record run at IHSA state meet

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

21-year-old dead after fiery crash on Illinois 2 north of Byron A 21-year-old Rockford man died after a Feb. 18 crash that caused his vehicle to catch on fire.

Deivontae Partee crashed about 12:25 p.m. in the 11000 block of Illinois Route 2, roughly halfway between Rockford and Byron, according to an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office report. He was traveling north when he traveled off the west edge of the roadway, at which point the vehicle struck a tree and caught on fire, the report stated.

Partee was transported by Byron EMS to SwedishAmerican Hospital where he later was pronounced dead, according to the report. The crash remains under investigation. The Byron Fire Protection District and Byron Police Department assisted at the scene.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity. Feb. 15 Isaac Martinez, 24, of Combined Locks, Wisconsin, was arrested at approximately 10:04 p.m. for no valid driver’s license following a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at mile marker 106. Martinez also was cited for an inoperable registration light and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Martinez was released on an I-Bond at the scene and given a court date. Cale Sandell, 35, of Oregon, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash with an injury at approximately 10:34 p.m. in the 1000 block of Illinois Route 64. An investigation showed Sandell was driving a Dodge Durango and traveling east on Route 64 just east of Daysville Road. Sandell struck the elevated median before traveling into the westbound lane and off

into the north ditch. Sandell then struck a ditch embankment before overturning his vehicle at least once and coming to rest in the north ditch. Sandell was transported by Oregon EMS to Javon Bea Hospital for serious injuries, and the vehicle sustained heavy damage. Sandell later was arrested and also cited for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and illegal transportation of alcohol. Sandell was released on an I-Bond at the hospital and given a court date. Stafanie Page, 51, of Mt. Morris was arrested at approximately 11:31 p.m. for disorderly conduct after deputies responded to a disturbance in the 7000 block of West Lowell Park Road. Page was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Feb. 18 Celina Michelle Kirkham, 25, of Davis Junction, was arrested at approximately 2:46 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 8400 block of

Illinois Route 251. Kirkham also was cited for speeding and was released on scene with a return court date. Christopher Maccammond, 26, of Rockford, was cited at approximately 3:30 p.m. for driving while license suspended and obstructed front side windows after a traffic stop at Fox Run and Blackhawk Drive in Byron. Maccommond was given an I-Bond and a return court date. Jasmine Campbell, 30, of Rockford, was arrested at approximately 5:58 p.m. for driving while license suspended after a traffic stop in the 20000 block of Illinois Route 64. Campbell also was cited for expired registration and suspended registration. Campbell was given an I-Bond and a return court date and released on scene. Feb. 20 Dillon Hawn, 24, of Grand Detour, was arrested at approximately 3:30 a.m. for domestic battery, possession of a firearm

with no FOID card and reckless discharge of a firearm after deputies responded to the 8000 block of Clinton Street in Grand Detour for a report of a domestic disturbance. Dixon Rural Fire Department also responded to the address for a report of a natural gas leak. Hawn was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Keith Sanders, 58, of Freeport, was arrested at approximately 8:13 p.m. for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop on Interstate 39 mile marker 111. Sanders was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Halley Smith, 56, of Oregon, was arrested at approximately 10:04 p.m. for driving while license revoked after a traffic stop in the 700 block of South 5th Street in Oregon. Smith also was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and an equipment violation. Smith was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Feb. 11-17 Warranty Deeds Tec Rochelle LLC to LGD Enterprises LLC, 447 W. Willis Ave., Rochelle, $91,250. Dale M. and Krystyna Winemiller to Watheq Shakir Hano Bannosha, 8882 N. Mt Morris Road, Leaf River, $345,000. Lauryn M. Mc Culloch to Gregg C. Souza, 9838 E. Flagg Road, Rochelle, $89,000. Gary Lee and Mary Ann Tarvestad to Jeremy and Erica Hicks, 315 Cherry Ave., Rochelle, $30,000. City of Rochelle to T&R Rentals LLC, 860 S. Seventh St., Rochelle, $260,000. Davidson of Creston LLC to Kerns Property Management LLC, 401 W. North St., Creston, $125,000. T&R Rentals to Duane W. and Nancy L. Capes, 933 Lakeview Drive, Rochelle, $96,000. His Corner LLC to Caitlin Noel Bruns, 713 Franklin St., Oregon, $132,000. The late Barbara Hamilton by heirs to Alvin L. and Kimberly K. Winstead, 10327 N. Girl Scout Road, Byron, $185,000. Edward R. and Susan L. Worley to James F. and Ann I. Anderson, 108 Ramona Ave.,

Rochelle, $171,000. Joshua and Allyson Crofton, also Johnson to Kelsey M. Kuhnle, 108 Ramona Ave., Rochelle, $127,250. The late R. James Landis by heir to Joshua G. and Allyson P. Crofton, 122 W. Shirley Ave., Rochelle, $170,000. Alexandra Loveless to Jose Lopez Jr. and Stephanie P. Arevalo, 150 S. Washington St., Rochelle, $45,000. Dale A. and Debra M. Boomgarden to James G. and Jennifer K. Grygiel, 498 N. Rocky Hollow Road, Oregon, $143,750. Todd M. Capes to Jessica N. Keys, 9758 E. Flagg Road, Rochelle, $90,000. Brian Colbert to Huberto Hernandez Pineda, 11461 N. Pecatonica Road, Byron, $109,000. Dawn R. and Philip L. Winters Jr. to Nathan E. Fahs, 3006 E. Holcomb Road, Stillman Valley, $112,000. Kristen L. Hamilton, also Nichols, to Morris Butler, 136 W. Main St., Stillman Valley, $53,000. Howard Ragg to 124 East Mason St. LLC, 120 E. Mason St., Polo, $15,000. Janet Riley to Jacqueline Cornelius, 502 E. Third St., Byron, $107,060.

Timothy A. Dayton to Jordan Sands and Alexandra Loveless, 10749 Flagg Road, Rochelle, $205,000. John A. Boswell to Andrew Beach, 112 W. Cederholm St., Creston, $187,500. Quit Claim Deeds Peggy Cox, Paula Brevig, Brittany Brown and Jennifer, Erin, Eric and Ronald Corbett to Jenny Sue Gann, 302 N. Seminary St., Mt. Morris, $0. Morris Butler to Richard L. McQuality Jr., 136 W. Main St., Stillman Valley, $0. Trustees Deeds Adale E. Buck Trust, Roger C. Buck, trustee, to David A. and Angela M. Montgomery, 10001 N. Hoisington Road, Byron, $507,000. Kevin J. Seydel Trust, Kevin J. Seydel, trustee, to Matthew J. Wrage, 135 S. Fox Run

Lane, Byron, $155,000. Lois A. Jaeger Trust, Leah A. Anderson, trustee, to Dawn R. and Philip L., also Phil, Winters, 301 W. Second St., Stillman Valley, $152,000. Land Trust 44190460, First Mid Wealth Management Co., trustee, to Troy A. Vandenbroek, 5965 N. Esther Drive, Byron, $191,750. Chicago Title Land Trust Co. Trust 1998, Chicago Title Land Trust Co., trustee, to Glendenning Farm Service LLC, 504 N. Walnut St. and two other parcels in Byron, $0. Katherine M. and Howard E. Wragg Trust, Katherine M. and Howard E. Wragg, trustees, to 124 East Mason Street LLC, 122-124 E. Mason St., Polo, $105,000. Sheriff’s Deeds Sheriff of Ogle County and Estate of Eileen L. Johns to William and Nancy Messenger, 403 S. Fifth St., Oregon, $60,000. Sheriff of Ogle County and Michael D. Judkins to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 6895 S. Sarah Ave., Rochelle, $0.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

Don't need it? Sell it! Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS

EMPLOYMENT

CASA 15th Judicial Circuit (Lee/ Carroll/Ogle Counties) is seeking volunteers in the Ogle County area to advocate for children in the Ogle County court system involved in abuse and neglect cases. Your involvement can impact a child’s future. Contact Trisha Morrow, Executive Director (815) 288-1901 www.casaleecar roll.com

EMPLOYMENT

CUSTODIAN / MAINTENANCE

Pay $25k to $42k per year, hours varied. East Coloma-Nelson School District Email to: clensing@ecolomanelson.net

EMPLOYMENT

SAVANNA

Local Buyer Pays Cash 4 Gold, Silver, Coins, Estate Gold, Single Earrings, etc. 24/7 779-245-2950

Residential and Commercial property for sale 2 story, 2,091 Sq. Ft. on 1.5 lots,4 bedrooms, 2 garages (1st is 24 x18 the nd 2 is 36x 24), 1.5 bath, fence and basement. Asking $134,000. Call 815-590-6474

RECORDS - 33s, 45s & 78s (Rock, Blues & Jazz) Scott 815-847-0382

BUSINESS PROPERTY Rock Falls 55 x 32 ft. Storage Building. $395/mo. Call 815-535-3282 Ogle County Classified It works. 833-584-NEWS

EMPLOYMENT

ROCK FALLS EFFICIENCY -Furnished$688/mo. 815-626-8790

EMPLOYMENT

Not anymore! We’ve got tons of reliable vehicles at prices you can afford. Come in today and get back behind the wheel.

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Email us at: HR@frantz-mfg.com or

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED We are growing at Sloan Implement in Lanark, IL & have the following positions open immediately!

We are a John Deere farm and Lawn & garden equipment dealer.

EQUIPMENT DETAILER BULK OIL DRIVER need CDL license in good standing

Go to Sloans.com/career to apply on line OR stop by the store to pick up an application

Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Benefits include health insurance and 401K plan.

26208 US HWY 52, LANARK, IL 800-344-8023 or 815-493-2191

EMPLOYMENT

FRANTZ Manufacturing Company is growing, and we have an URGENT NEED for PRESS OPERATORS to setup and run our Steel Stamping Press machines. Positions in Assembly, Heat Treat, Maintenance and Tool & Die are available, too.

ROCK FALLS

EMPLOYMENT

ATTENTION N PR PRESS RESS OPERATORS and other Skilled Folks!

SM-ST1956162

Earnest Afghan refugee needs automobile to get to work to support his family. Donation requested. Please contact his hosting group of Ogle County residents: 815-732-0311.

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VOLUNTEERS

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

PERSONALS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2007-HE2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-HE2 PLAINTIFF, -vsSheila J. Tracy; DEFENDANTS NO. 20 CH 50 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on April 16, 2021; Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on March 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois. Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court. Commonly known as 206 East Chicago Avenue, Davis Junction, IL 61020 Permanent Index No.: 11-23-156-004 Improvements: Single Family Residential The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. The judgment amount was $78,696.90. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 U.S. Bank National Association, as Successor in Interest to Bank of America National Association, Successor by Merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for GSAMP Trust 2007-HE2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-HE2 One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Joseph M. Herbas (6277645) Michael Kalkowski (6185654) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Mallory Snyderman (6306039) Thomas Belczak (6193705) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. 8190-920759 February 11, 18, 25, 2022 920759

REAL ESTATE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF vs. JONATHAN H. STONE; MARICELA M. STONE; STILLMAN BANCCORP N.A.; U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2018-SL1; CITY OF OREGON; DEFENDANTS 2021CH9 Address: 607 S. 2nd Street Oregon, Illinois 61061 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2021, I, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will on April 8, 2022 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: COMMON ADDRESS: 607 S. 2nd Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061 P.I.N.: 16-03-334-004 The real estate is improved with a single-family residence. THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $68,733.50 Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representations as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held by the sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeited to the State without further notice. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, 230 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606, telephone 312-541-9710. Please refer to file number IL 21 8913. Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Email: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph. 312-541-9710 / Fax 312-541-9711 JB&A # IL 21 8913 I3187840 February 25, 2022 March 4, 11, 2022

LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISION In the Matter of ANJELIQUE NIKOLE GRANA , A Person With A Disability. Case No.: 2021-P-48 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION You, EDMUNDO BAMACA, are hereby notified that this case has been commenced and is pending against you and other respondents, wherein DEANDRA GRANA has petitioned for guardianship of ANJELIQUE NIKOLE GRANA and other relief. Unless you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the Clerk of this Court, courtroom 304 in the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, on or before March 2, 2022, A BY JUDGMENT DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THIS COMPLAINT. Daniel A. Huntley (ARDC 6309290) Williams McCarthy LLP Attorneys for Petitioners 120 West State Street Suite 400 P. O. Box 219 Rockford, IL 61105 815/987-8900 dhuntley@wilmac. com February 18, 25, March 4, 2022

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STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISION In the Matter of ARIANNA MARIE GRANA, A Person With A Disability. Case No.: 2021-P-49 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION You, EDMUNDO BAMACA, are hereby notified that

LEGAL NOTICES

February 18, 25, March 4, 2022 STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISION In the Matter of the Estate of ROSEMARY WALKER-BUTLER, Deceased. No. 2022-PR-5 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of ROSEMARY WALKER-BUTLER. Letters of Office were issued on February 1, 2022 to MATTHEW BORDEN, as Independent Executor whose attorneys are WILLIAMS McCARTHY LLP, 120 W. State St., P.O. Box 219, Rockford, IL 61105. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under Section 28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time

y by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court, Ogle County Courthouse, 105 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 or with the representative, or both, on or before August 11, 2022, or within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery of notice creditors, if to mailing or delivery required by is Section 18-3 of the Probate Act, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES above is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. MATTHEW BORDEN Independent Executor February 11, 18, 25, 2022 ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on February 7, 2022, a certificate was filed in the Ogle County Clerk's Office set-

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES ting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Gateway Big Box Resale LLC 104 W Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 Dated: February 7, 2022 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk February 11, 18, 25, 2022 ASSUMED NAME PUBLICATION NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on February 7, 2022, a certificate was filed in the

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES Ogle County Clerk's Office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as: Kim's Gateway Antique LLC 108 W Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 Dated: February 7, 2022 Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk February 11, 18, 25, 2022 Don't need it? Sell it! Ogle County Classified 833-584-NEWS

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, ILLINOIS NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, PLAINTIFF vs. JONATHAN H. STONE; MARICELA M. STONE; STILLMAN BANCCORP N.A.; U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2018-SL1; CITY OF OREGON; DEFENDANTS 2021CH9 Address: 607 S. 2nd Street Oregon, Illinois 61061 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2021, I, Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois, will on April 8, 2022 at the hour of 10:00 AM at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Ogle, State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT FOUR IN BLOCK SIX IN HILL'S FIRST ADDITION, TO TOWN, NOW CITY, OF OREGON; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. COMMON ADDRESS: 607 S. 2nd Street, Oregon, Illinois 61061 P.I.N.: 16-03-334-004 The real estate is improved with a single-family residence. THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT WAS: $68,733.50 Sale terms: 25% down by certified funds; the balance, by certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "as is" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after Confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representations as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information. Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512, the amounts of any surplus bid will be held by the sheriff until a party obtains a Court Order for its distribution, or for 60 days following the date of the entry of the order confirming sale, at which time, in the absence of an order directing payment of the surplus, it may be automatically forfeited to the State without further notice. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff's attorney: Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, 230 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606, telephone 312-541-9710. Please refer to file number IL 21 8913. Sheriff of Ogle County, Illinois Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Email: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph. 312-541-9710 / Fax 312-541-9711 JB&A # IL 21 8913 I3187840 February 25, 2022 March 4, 11, 2022

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2007-HE2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-HE2 PLAINTIFF, -vsSheila J. Tracy; DEFENDANTS NO. 20 CH 50 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE Public Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on April 16, 2021; Brian R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, will on March 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois. Said sale shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages. The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. Upon the sale being held and the purchaser tendering said bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court. Said property is legally described as follows: LOT 2 IN BLOCK 7 IN THE TOWN OF DAVIS JUNCTION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK A OF PLATS, PAGE 170 AS DOCUMENT NO. 65505, IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF OGLE AND THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 206 East Chicago Avenue, Davis Junction, IL 61020 Permanent Index No.: 11-23-156-004 Improvements: Single Family Residential The property will NOT be open for inspection prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. The judgment amount was $78,696.90. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 U.S. Bank National Association, as Successor in Interest to Bank of America National Association, Successor by Merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for GSAMP Trust 2007-HE2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-HE2 One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randal S. Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Joseph M. Herbas (6277645) Michael Kalkowski (6185654) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Mallory Snyderman (6306039) Thomas Belczak (6193705) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. 8190-920759 February 11, 18, 25, 2022 920759

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19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

yn this case has been commenced and is pending against you and other respondents, wherein DEANDRA GRANA has petitioned for guardianship of ARIANNA MARIE GRANA and other relief. Unless you file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the Clerk of this Court, courtroom 304 in the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, on or before March 2, 2022, A BY JUDGMENT DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THIS COMPLAINT. Daniel A. Huntley (ARDC 6309290) Williams McCarthy LLP Attorneys for Petitioners 120 West State Street Suite 400 P. O. Box 219 Rockford, IL 61105 815/987-8900 dhuntley@wilmac. com

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, Feb 25, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

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