Issuu

VOLUME 156 NO. 12 • SERVING THE FORRESTON AREA SINCE 1865

Friday, July 22, 2022 • $1.00

LITTLE ROYALTY

NEWS

Pegasus Fundraiser

A local therapeutic riding center needs funds for repairs. / 3

BUSINESS

A New Purpose

The Ogle County Brewery has purchased the Oregon theater. / 5

Permit Denied The Ogle County

Board votes 12-9 to deny a permit for a quarry west of Polo. / 8

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

Isaiah Wilken, 5, of German Valley, and Addison Metzger, 5, of Leaf River, smile after being crowned the 2022 German Valley Little Miss and Little Mister. The pageant took place July 16 at Ben Miller Park in German Valley during German Valley Days. There were 10 contestants for Little Miss and two for Little Mister. Story on page 2.

One section • 20 pages

INDEX Betty’s Column ........ 6 Business.................... 5 Classifieds .........17-20

Library News ............ 2 Otto’s Column .......... 6 Property Transfers..16

Sheriff Activity........14 Sports.......................13 Zoning ......................16

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

Leona Groenhagen, Duane Hackbarth, Nancy Haan, Larry D. Martin, John Peter Raum, III, Kenneth L. Sharkey, Pages 12, 14

Cathy Krusey chosen as 2022 German Valley MVP

Forreston Journal / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

FORRESTON BEAT

2 oglecountynews.com ShawLocal.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County. Singlecopy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 1-866-979-1053 Monday-Friday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com. You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.

CLASSIFIED SALES 815-220-6942 apicco@shawmedia.com OBITUARIES 815-632-2534 phartman@shawmedia.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-632-2591 ehinton@shawmedia.com News Alexa Zoellner 815-632-2590 azoellner@shawmedia.com Advertising Sales Alexandria Shields 815-632-2502 ashields@shawmedia.com Forreston Journal, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times,

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.

Lifelong German Valley resident Cathy Krusey was named the village’s 2022 Most Valuable Person on July 16 at Ben Miller Park during German Valley Days. “When they came to me the other night, I said, ‘I didn’t do anything,’ and they said, ‘Well you just are,’” Krusey said. “As I did when I got that employee of the year thing, I said, ‘I pray every morning that God shines his light through me and that I can be his girl today.’ And that’s just what I am, I guess.” Krusey and her family are “staunch supporters” of German Valley and all the village’s activities, Colin Rust read of Krusey’s selection. Rust acted as host of the 2022 Little Miss and Mister Pageant. Krusey’s award was announced during a break as scores for the competitors were tallied. “Whether participating in the parade, a husband-calling contest or lip-syncing to songs by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash or Archie and Edith Bunker, she is always willing to give it her all,” Rust read. Krusey attended German Valley Grade School, Forreston High School and Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, he said. She worked at Javon Bea Hospital,

formerly Rockford Memorial Hospital, for more than 43 years in the intensive care and outpatient surgery units. “Since her retirement in January, she continues to serve by volunteering at the hospital in her unit once a week, and also trains other volunteers,” he read. Krusey long has been a supporter of the Ben Miller Park softball program, and watched her husband, son, daughters and grandchildren participate, Rust said. Krusey is a “dedicated member” of the Silver Creek Reformed Church and teaches Sunday School, engages in the womens’ work, presents children’s sermons and promotes a prayer partner program with Forrestville Valley and other area school teachers, he said. “I just read a book by Tim Tebow, and in it he said, ‘God wants you to not be The Best or win everything, but be Your Own Best,’” Krusey said. “And that’s God wanting you to be your best, so I encourage you to do that.” Little Miss and Mister Addison Metzger, 5, of Leaf River, was crowned 2022 Little Miss German Valley. She is the daughter of Steve and Emily Metzger.

Corn boil at Grace Valley Church is Saturday, July 23

served with locally grown sweet corn dripped in butter. There will be a freewill donation with proceeds being used to help those in need. Additional events for kids include a barrel train ride, bounce house, obstacle course and 9-square in the air. For additional information, call 815-362-6601.

Lions pork chop dinner Aug. 6

Thanks for helping our local students begin the year with everything they need! New Materials New adult fiction includes: The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci and The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber. 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.-noon. We may be reached by phone at 815-938-2624, email at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com, or through Facebook messaging. Of course, we always love to see you in person, too!

tank brings live ocean animals to you! Breakdown some of the common misconceptions about sharks and stingrays. The Mississippi River Museum will highlight adaptations these critters have to survive, their importance to the ecosystem and discover how you can help with conservation efforts. Participants will have the opportunity to get their hands wet and touch one of these amazing animals. Create-a-Card Saturday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. Summer is upon us. Stay cool at the library while you create a one-of-a-kind card for that bridal shower or wedding. All supplies are

provided for your use. New Releases Adult Books: The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci; The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley; The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber; Killing the Killers by Bill O’Reilly (NF) Juvenile Books: Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson (NF); Pony Girls: Gracie by Lisa Mullarkey Picture Books: Phonics Collection by Disney/ Pixar Adult DVDs: Death on the Nile Children’s DVDs: The Bad Guys

Grace Valley Church members will host their annual corn boil on Saturday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 8210 E. Edwardsville Road, German Valley. Bratwursts, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

Cathy Krusey, of German Valley, was selected as the village’s 2022 Most Valuable Person.

“She likes to dance and she really likes riding horses,” Rust said while introducing Addison. Isaiah Wilken, 5, of German Valley, was crowned 2022 Little Mister German Valley. He is the son of Joshua and Allyson Wilken. “He likes sports, riding his four-wheeler and farming,” Rust said by way of introduction.

The Forreston Lions will be having a drive-thru pork chop dinner on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park. One chop meal includes butterfly pork chop, applesauce, chips, cookies and cup of sauerkraut along with a bottle water for $12.

FORRESTON LIBRARY SSET 4 School Donations We are once again serving as a donation site for the SSET 4 School program. The most needed school supplies include spiral notebooks, crayons, folders, washable markers, and new or gently used backpacks, but all donations are welcome. We will be collecting items until Tuesday, Aug. 9.

BERTOLET LIBRARY Shark Scavenger Hunt: July 18-31 What is a shark’s favorite kind of book? Stop by the library and complete the scavenger hunt to find out! Movie Matinee: Monday, July 25, 4 p.m. Mei Lee is a 13-year-old girl who is torn between being her mother’s obedient daughter and the chaos of her youth. As if that were not enough, when she gets too excited, she turns into a big red panda. Don’t miss it or you’ll turn red with envy! Ocean Odyssey: Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. The Mississippi River Museum will be visiting Bertolet Memorial Library! Their traveling touch

Therapeutic riding center still reeling from damage done by March windstorm By EARLEEN HINTON

ehinton@shawmedia.com A strong wind ripped through southern Ogle County in March and in a matter of minutes significantly damaged the main arena building at Pegasus Special Riders, a therapeutic riding center. Four months later, the center is still reeling from the storm’s effects. “We are still fighting with the insurance company and now we are waiting again,” said Donna Fellows, Pegasus’ board of directors’ president. She was the first to learn of the March storm damage when she saw what the wind had done to the main building via remote cameras at the facility. Fellows contacted Dave Diveley, property manager, and when he arrived at the center he saw the devastation. “The south end of the building

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Dave Diveley, property manager at Pegasus Special Riders, points to some of the damage to the main building by strong winds in March. No horses were injured. took the brunt of it,” he said in March. “All the horses were OK, but they were jumpy from the storm.” The 11 horses were housed under the wooden hay mow at the south end of the 62’x420’ building when the storm hit. The horses and two cats that resided in the structure were not hurt. The wind pushed the north end of the building in, twisting and bending the large garage door.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Ofﬁcer

See PEGASUS, Page 4

Congratulations David!

Member FDIC

David Mecklenburg

The “hoop” building was constructed in 2002. Its roof and sides consist of a large tarp called a “coverall” that stretches over the steel frame. Sections of the tarp were torn from the frame and deposited nearby while some sections remained on the frame with tears. Those gaps remain today. “It’s been like this since March 5,” Fellows said. “It has rained in on our

hay storage so we had to destroy hay that would normally feed the horses. We just had our first cutting of hay, but when we have our second cutting we don’t know where we will put it.” Fellows, who helped re-established Pegasus in 1996 overseeing the therapeutic horseback riding program and the purchase and development of the land on Carthage Road, southeast of Oregon, said it is likely the insurance settlement will not cover the entire price of rebuilding. “We were informed we had a ‘cap’ on our insurance so we could be responsible for $100,000 or more to just replace what we have now,” she said. “In 2002, it cost us $150,000. Now that has doubled in price.” She said officials have looked into many different types of buildings, rather than the hoop (engineered building). “We’ve looked into everything from pole buildings to metal buildings and our need for storage, but this [hoop] is the type of building we need,” she said. Metal buildings are primarily used for storage and don’t have the ventilation or floor suitable for the riding area.

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3 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Pegasus hopes fundraiser will help with repairs

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Fire foundation seeks donations for new fire station The Mt. Morris Fire Foundation is seeking to raise $2 million toward the cost of a new fire station. The estimated cost of a new building is $4.5 million, and the nonprofit foundation, along with the fire district staff, is asking for the public’s assistance to avoid increasing property taxes. The Mt. Morris firehouse is nearly 100 years old and was originally built as a car dealership and service station when Model T’s filled the streets. The station has been modified over the years to remain functional, however, with low ceilings, narrow overhead doors, porous brick and close proximity to the street, among other issues, the foundation board and fire department staff are pursuing the construction of a new building. “Our firehouse has served its useful life,” Fire Chief Rob Hough said. “Our commitment to lifesaving work has not wavered, and the staff continues to serve the community despite the indisputably difficult and unsafe environment from which they operate. The

new firehouse will allow us to operate in a safe and responsive manner into the foreseeable future.” The cost of the new building reflects fiscal prudence and is in line with stations in similar-sized communities in northwest Illinois. The initial projected cost is $4.5 million, and the district is not seeking to

increase taxes in any way, officials said. Besides charitable donations, the district is pursuing state and federal grants, and local, state and federal low-interest loans. “It will be a modest, sensible structure keeping with the aesthetics of the downtown,” said Scott Diehl, Fire Dis-

trict Board of Trustees president. “It will afford the district much-needed space with a little room to grow. It is designed to address the inefficiencies of the current building and provide a modern safe environment for our staff.” The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District serves a 45-square-mile area surrounding the town, responding to nearly 1,100 emergency calls for service annually. The district employs a fire chief and six EMT/paramedics, and relies on the dedication of 20 volunteers, officials said in a news release. “Since 2000, due to a drastic increase in medical calls, the fire station has been staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with on-site paramedics,” the release said. Donations may be mailed to Mt. Morris Fire Foundation, 15 E. Center St., Mt. Morris, IL 61054. To learn more about the foundation’s mission and to donate online, visit mtmorrisfirefoundation.com.

Fundraiser for Serenity July 21-24

items, collectibles and fun things to own. “After 25 years of having a fundraising sale, we think we have it right!,” organizer Karen Virnoche said. “We started out on our porch and after a few years when the barn was ‘remodeled’ with cement floor and new

windows, we moved into the barn. The last four years we have given the proceeds to Serenity Hospice and Home.” Serenity serves people anywhere they call “home” and provides support in all areas of need from medical to bereavement to

volunteers, Virnoche said. Heirlooms, items for reimagining a room, and possessions that have accumulated over the years are all part of this year’s sale. The sale will be open from at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.

• PEGASUS

through scholarships, so we really don’t have a revenue stream,” Fellows said. “We still have our horses and we have that to be grateful for and we are so fortunate none of them were injured. But this is very daunting.” Fellows hopes supporters will come to Saturday’s Family Picnic Fundraiser to help raise funds for the repairs. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at 6668 S. Carthage Road. The $15 event, which will mark Pegasus’ 25th anniversary, includes a pork chop dinner sponsored by Ralph & LuLu’s of Ashton and live music by Jim Kanas. The price for a family of four is $50 and there is no charge for children 5 years and under. “If it is rainy we want people to know that the event will be held rain or shine,” Fellows said. “We will push all the equipment to the side in our storage building and everyone will be covered.” Tickets will be available at the door or by calling 815-973-3177.

Illustration provided

This drawing shows what a new fire station would look like in Mt. Morris. Fundraising efforts are now underway to raise $4.5 million to construct the building.

SPECIAL EVENT Jack of all Trades … and Jill’s too! Huge Barn Sale will be opening for four days only from July 21-24. The barn at 1194 W. Mud Creek Road, north of Oregon, will be filled with new and vintage

Continued from Page 3 “We need a building that allows us to have a softer ground for our aging horses and some of our volunteers, too,” she said. “At this point we really have to rely on donations.” According to the organization’s website, “Pegasus Special Riders provides a variety of programming to benefit qualified individuals through year round programs and outreach programs. “The Therapeutic Riding Program improves the quality of life of those we serve. Our primary clients are individuals with disabilities who benefit physically, emotionally and cognitively through animal-assisted activities, primarily through interaction with horses. We do not turn anyone away due to their inability to pay.” Fellows said Diveley is the organization’s only full-time employee with dedicated volunteers stepping in to help with daily chores and events. “We’ve lost a whole year of lessons, but a lot of clients are sponsored

About Pegasus Pegasus Special Riders is a nonprofit organization providing thera-

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The garage door to the main building at Pegasus Special Riders was pushed inside by the March storm. peutic horseback riding to northern Illinois residents with physical, mental and emotional challenges. The organization is staffed by 50 volunteers who are involved with all aspects of the program from horse

care, horse handling during lessons and barn chores to fundraising and special events. Visit Pegasus at www.PegasusSpecialRiders.org for additional information.

By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com Ogle County Brewery owners are expanding their operations, and hope to further revive downtown Oregon in the process. Co-owners Joshua Skinner, Brian Wynn and Mike Blasciak purchased the city’s old theater – located at 110 N. Fourth St., Oregon – with plans to renovate the building. It’s just two lots north of the Ogle County Brewery, which is located at the northwest corner of Illinois Routes 2 and 64 in downtown Oregon. The back part of the theater will be used to brew, can and distribute Ogle County Brewery beer, Skinner said. They plan to lease out two storefronts on the front end, each roughly 1,200-square-feet, he said. “[The theater drew us because] it was available and the proximity to the actual restaurant,” Skinner said. “Plus, we wanted to keep our production in Oregon, as opposed to going to a different city.” Skinner said he and his co-owners are all from the area and have family and friends nearby, which motivated them to stay in Oregon.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

The old Oregon theater is in the middle of the block on North Fourth Street (Illinois 2) in downtown Oregon. It closed as a theater in 1981 after operating for 76 years. “The city was very helpful working with us and wanting us to stay there,” he said. Oregon city officials and the economic development team worked for

more than a year to find a theater repair or renovation company to purchase the building, said Liz Vos, Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. One theater company

that was interested ended up backing out, she said. “Small theaters aren’t really growing or expanding their operations right now,” Vos said. “People aren’t buying and renovating theaters anymore. At least this way, the theater is saved and we have new things growing and businesses thriving in Oregon.” The old theater building was sold for $15,000 on July 8, according to MLS. com, a real estate listing service used by many realtors. It originally was listed for sale on Aug. 14, 2019, for $55,000. “[This sale] means that the historical theater building will be saved and restored,” Vos said. “It kind of got a little scary there for a minute. The city of Oregon had some architects look into it, and we had about six months left before we were going to have to start demolition discussions.” A timeline for renovations has not yet been established, Skinner said. At least the roof will be repaired within the next six months, Vos said. “It’ll take some time,” Vos said. “They’re going to do it right and take their time.”

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5 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Ogle County Brewery expanding operations to old theater

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

LOCAL HISTORY

Canada Settlement folks liked what they saw near Polo

t’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring. How many of you rem emb er thos e sing songy little songs we sang as

kids? I do not know what raining had to do with snoring but I remember the little song today as the rain pours down. My yard needs rain and I am certain the crops do, too. I also do not have to water my flowers today. So the rain can come. We had a great meeting last Wednesday night at the museum and we were filled up. We had around 35 people there. Everyone was interested in knowing about the Canadian Rebellion, why people came to this area, and who made all those little boxes? What was the history of the stone house? Lucky for me, earlier in the week Linda suggested putting out the files of Canada Settlement and the Stone

POLO HISTORY Betty Obendorf House. When someone asked about the history of the house, I simply opened the folder and all the information was right there. I could tell the people what they needed to know. When the Canadian Rebellion occurred, it involved simple people who did not like being taken advantage of by the government. As a result, an uprising occurred. Two of the leaders were killed immediately and more than 300 were put in prison. While in prison, the men made little boxes and sent them to their children and wives. The men did not know

whether they would live or die. William Poole was one of those individuals and he made little boxes for his family. The group in prison survived and so did the little boxes, which were taken care of by the families but life in Canada still was not good. When the first small group came from Canada, they quickly liked what they saw in this area and some went back to Canada to inform others. As a result a large group of people settled in this area and they were called the Canada Settlement. They became involved in different causes going on in Buffalo Grove. Schuyler Lunt helped with the Underground Railroad. His son was one of the first signers at the Presbyterian Church to go to the Civil War with the 15th Regiment. As the names came out at our pro-

gram, one could see where they fit in as history was made here in the area. David Poole told the story of his greatgreat-great grandfather, William Poole. David also brought the little boxes that have survived through the years. They have no idea how many of these little boxes were made by the men in prison but numerous ones have become collector’s items. They were important enough to be passed on down through the families and articles have been written about the importance of these boxes. We got to see two of them at our meeting last week. Our next meeting will be a picnic at Henry School on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m.

• Betty Obendorf is a retired teacher and a volunteer for the Polo Historical Society.

Capt. Frederick Marsh laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery By OTTO DICK

aptain Frederick H. Marsh and his brother Charles were born in England and with their mother moved to America and settled in Mt. Morris. When the Civil War commenced with the firing on Fort Sumter, both brothers enlisted. When this war started Frederick was 18 years old and had planned on entering Rock River Seminary at Mt. Morris so he exchanged his books for a musket. His first call to duty was as a private in Co. H, 15th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After being discharged September 1861, he re-enlisted in Co. E. of the 46th Ill. Volunteers. He was promoted to sergeant in December that same year. On Sept. 22, 1862, he became an officer with the rank of 1st Lieutenant for his meritorious conduct at Donaldson and Pittsburg Landing. He was promoted to captain in August 1863. Thus the first part of his remarkable life included being born in England, helping his mother earn a living, getting an education and then serving two terms in the Civil War where he started out as a PFC, then sergeant, 1st Lieutenant and finally captain. One newspaper stated he was one of the first to enlist and one of the last to leave the field. Oregon was the next stage of his

Photos provided by Otto Dick

LEFT: Capt. Frederick March lived at 305 S. Third Street in Oregon. CENTER: The flagpole in Riverside Cemetery is in honor of Civil War veteran Capt. Frederick Marsh. RIGHT: Capt. Frederick Marsh is laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery on North Third Street in Oregon. life. Following the Civil War he was Post Master of Oregon and elected to the Illinois Legislature in 1872 and 1874. For many years he was an agent for the American Can Company. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Ogle County and was later a U. S. Marshall in Chicago. Oh, in his spare time he and his brother opened a bookstore located in Oregon. When he died, he was buried at the Riverside Cemetery. At this time it was called the Lower Cemetery while

Riverview Cemetery was called the Upper Cemetery. His military rites were held at Memorial Hall in Rockford. Because Frederick was commander of the G.A.R., his wife Lucinda wanted a flag to always fly over his grave. She had a pole raised about 1925 and gave the flag to a group called the Mary Morrison Tent (Daughters of Union Veterans). Later, Eugene Myers raised the Marsh flag each Memorial Day. When you drive by the Riverside Cemetery on North Third Street you

can spot the flagpole and sometimes the flag honoring Capt. Marsh. Behind the flag is the Marsh Tombstone. When I drive by I remember he was born in England, served in the Civil War, served as sheriff, U.S. Marshall, served in the Illinois General Assembly and lived at 305 S. Third St. in Oregon.

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

Jonny Lyons and the Pride Jonny Lyons and the Pride will make a debut performance on Friday, July 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Jamboree, the free music series in downtown Mt. Morris. “Jonny knows how to command an audience, whether he’s fronting his band Jonny Lyons & the Pride, taking the stage as The Man In Black or the King of Rock and Roll, standing alone with an acoustic guitar, or even laying

down the drums for Lance Lipinsky in his band The Lovers. Whatever the occasion, you can be sure to expect an electrifying performance,” said Larry Ubben, organizer. Food and drink concessions for the evening will be served by the Mt. Morris Senior Center starting at 6 p.m. Harman Family Bluegrass Band, July 29 The Harman Family Bluegrass Band returns to the Mt. Morris Jamboree on July 29 at 7 p.m. The Harman Family Bluegrass Band presently consists of first- and second-generation musicians with deep musical roots dating to 1975. “Mark, Jeff and John Harman have performed professionally for many years. People have had the privilege watching them since early childhood excel in their musical talents. Their parents, Mike and Stacy, round out the

quintet,” Ubben said. Mike was a Rounder recording artist and a member of the Alison Krauss Union Station Band from 1986 to 1990, during which time he performed on the Grand Ole’ Opry and recorded on the Grammy nominated Two Highways album and on the platinum seller, Now That I’ve Found You-A Collection by Alison Krauss. Mark and Jeff, as well as their

BLOOMS.” Gardeners are invited to “sign up” to display their plantings for their own enjoyment and for any onlookers out for a pleasant afternoon. The categories people may enter include

“cut flowers,” “wildflower arrangements,” “outdoor container plantings”- “not house plants,” “floral bouquets,” “single specimen of flower” and a “horticulture category for vegetables.” There is a special class for children under

Harman Family Bluegrass Band

father Mike, have won and placed in various talent and band contests throughout the country and performed at the renowned Station Inn in Nashville, Tennessee, Ubben said. The Harman’s music style ranges from traditional to contemporary bluegrass, country, gospel and various types of music. Concessions for the evening will be provided by Ralfie’s BBQ serving food and drinks starting at 6 p.m. “Please bring a blanket or chair, or enjoy the new benches and join the fun on our beautiful, historic campus in the center of Mt. Morris, two blocks south of Route 64 on Wesley Avenie and enjoy these free concerts,” Ubben said. In the event of rain, concerts would move to the Pinecrest Grove Community Center, located at 500 Evergreen Lane, seven blocks south of Route 64 on McKendrie Street.

SPECIAL EVENT Flower show coming in August

The Polo Woman’s Garden Club Flower Show will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Polo Area Senior Center, 101 E. Mason Street, in Polo. This year’s theme is “BEE-UTIFUL

12 years of age to enter that include some of the adult categories plus one called “ditch display” which means “any plant growing in a ditch” so probably NOT grown by choice.

See FLOWER SHOW, Page 8

July July 28-31 28-31 Lee County Fairgrounds THURSDAY, JULY 28 Noon................................Gate opens to public Rabbit Judging—Rabbit Barn 2 p.m ................................Goat Judging—Show Barn 2:30 p.m...........................Cat Judging—Auditorium 4 p.m ................................Midway Opens (games & fun!) 4 & 4:30 p.m ...................Learn to Dance w/ Starlight—Entertainment Tent 4:30 p.m...........................Bingo – Vendor Tent 5 p.m ................................Italian Beef Dinner by Lee Co. Farm Bureau Young Farmers—Patio 5:30 p.m...........................Starlight Dance Studio Performance – Tent 6 p.m ................................Garden Tractor/Tractor/Truck Pull—Track 7 p.m ................................Rope Pull – Show Barn FRIDAY, JULY 29 7 a.m.................................Gate Opens to Public 7-10:30 a.m.....................Pancake Breakfast by Teen Turf—Patio 9 a.m.................................Swine Judging—Show Barn 11 a.m ..............................Kids’ Korner—Entertainment Tent 11a.m.-3 p.m...................Hidden in Plain Sight, LSSI 12-8 p.m ..........................Whoop Your Axe Throwing—Midway 1 p.m ................................Midway Open (games & fun!) Poultry Judging—Poultry Barn 2 p.m ................................Kids’ Korner—Entertainment Tent Dairy Judging—Show Barn Petting Zoo & Pony Rides—Midway 4 p.m ................................Magic by Cory—Auditorium 4-7 p.m.............................Pie Sale by Lee Co. HEA—Auditorium 5-7 p.m.............................Pork Chop Dinner by Lee Co. Pork Producers—Patio 5 p.m ................................Awards Ceremony—Auditorium 6 p.m ................................Quality Meats & Baked Goods Auction—Auditorium 6:30 p.m...........................Tractor/Truck Pull—Track 8 p.m ................................Pin Dodge Ball – Show Barn SATURDAY, JULY 30 7 a.m.................................Gate opens to public 7-10:30 a.m.....................Pancake Breakfast by Teen Turf—Patio 8 a.m.................................Sheep Judging—Show Barn Horse Show—Arena SM-ST1985737

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9:30 p.m...........................Beef Show—Show Barn 10 a.m ..............................Farm Scene Contest Open—Com Bldg 11 a.m ..............................Kids’ Korner—Entertainment Tent 12-4 p.m ..........................Whimsy Pixie Paint face painting 12-8 p.m ..........................Whoop Your Axe Throwing—Midway 12 p.m ..............................Petting Zoo & Pony Rides—Midway 1 p.m ................................Midway Opens (games & fun!) 2 p.m ................................Kids’ Korner (making mud pies) —Entertainment Tent 3:30 p.m...........................Ben’s Bubble Show—Auditorium 4:30 p.m...........................Ben’s Bubble Show—Auditorium 5 p.m. ...............................Awards Ceremony—Auditorium 6 p.m. ...............................Master Showmanship Contest—Show Barn 7 p.m. ...............................Broken Horn Rodeo – Track SUNDAY, JULY 31 7 a.m.................................Gate opens 8-11 a.m ..........................Pancake Breakfast by Teen Turf—Patio 8 a.m.................................Horse Novelty & Speed—Arena 8 a.m.-3 p.m....................Shooting Sports w/ NWTF 10 a.m.-2 p.m..................The Marketplace Vendor Fair 10:30 p.m ........................Pedal Pull Registration 11 a.m ..............................Midway Opens (games & fun!) Pedal Pull—Show Barn 11a.m.-3 p.m...................Whimsy Pixie Paint face painting 1 p.m ................................Donkey Races—Grandstand 2 p.m ................................Big Wheel Races—Show Barn

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7 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Jonny Lyons and the Pride to debut at Jamboree July 22

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Rural Polo quarry denied special use permit By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com A stone quarry just outside of Polo won’t be allowed to reopen for limited mining operations. On July 19, Ogle County Board members voted 12-9-2 to deny an application for a special use permit requested by NITRAM Properties for the quarry located at 14584 W. Brick Church Road, west of Polo. The 88.75acre property has been zoned I-1 Industrial by Ogle County since 1965. NITRAM Properties is owned and operated by the same people as Martin & Company Excavating, of Oregon. Gerald Martin is listed as the president of both businesses on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State’s website’s certificate of good standing search. “I understand Mr. Martin’s a businessman, and there’s no problem

there, but you have to take a seat in back, sometimes,” board member John “Skip” Kenney said. He voted to deny the special use permit. Board member Dan Janes countered. “There are multiple quarries around here and we’ve never had a complaint,” said Janes, who voted against denying the permit. “We live, personally, within a couple miles of three quarries and one sandpit, and I’ve been in the same residence for 45 years.” Illinois is losing one person every four minutes every day, he said. It wouldn’t be good to set a precedent that discourages businesses because people are going where the jobs are, Janes said. There might have been a “bad actor” operating the quarry in the past, but he never has seen any issue with Martin & Company, Janes said.

“It’s kind of bad to put everybody in the same box,” he said. “There’s a lot of quarries in Ogle County. A lot. And if they’re run properly, which they seem to be, it’s just doing business as always.” Ogle County Board member Ben Youman was absent from the July 19 meeting, and members Wayne Reising and Rick Frit z did not vote because they said they had conflicts of interest. On May 12, members of the Ogle County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to recommend denying the special use permit after they found the request did not meet three of the six standards needed for approval. The vote differed from the April 21 vote by members of the Ogle County Regional Planning Commission, who voted 6-0-1 to approve the permit. Both recommendations were reviewed by the Supervisor of Assess-

ments and Planning & Zoning Committee on July 12. Committee members voted 5-0-1 to approve the special use permit and forward it to the Ogle County Board. Following the July 19 vote to deny the special use permit, Nolan Yocum – who lives near the quarry – suggested the county consider implementing a waiting period during which those who were denied a zoning permit cannot reapply. “It alleviates a company or individual from continuously applying over and over and over,” he said. “Maybe simply to waste everybody’s time, or because they feel that eventually they’ll get tired of dealing with the issue and hope for a vote in their favor.” Doing so also would give all parties ample time to fix any issues with the application, Yocum said.

Polo. Whitaker has opened for stars such as Charlie Daniels, the Oak Ridge Boys and Willie Nelson, but songwriting is his first passion. Many of his songs have been recorded by some of the top performers in the music business. A devout Christian, he travels throughout the U.S. and overseas sharing his message of Christ and supporting our servicemen and women stationed all over the world. His latest endeavor is the Jimmy Jack Foundation, which helps children reach their musical dreams by providing instruments, scholarships, studio recordings and private lessons for individual children, schools and churches that otherwise would not have

access to these programs. Admission is free but a goodwill offering will be accepted. “Come and enjoy an evening of Christian fellowship, music and praise. Refreshments will be served following the concert,” said Vicki Schryver, church member.

Mt. Morris Lions Club disbands

The Mt. Morris chapter of the Lions Club, whose service projects have focused on helping address vision problems for those in need, voted to disband as of June 30. “As has been the experience with many longtime service organizations, recruiting new members has been difficult. Fewer than 10 members of the club remained, and

the average age of members was well over 60,” said Kathryn Reynolds, Mt. Morris Lions Treasurer in an email. “Clubs and service organizations that boomed in the era after World War II have faced challenges recruiting new members for years, leaving fewer longtime members to carry out service missions.” Reynolds said the Lions will still have a presence in the community after disbanding. “Several members transferred to the Leaf River Lions Club. That club will serve the Mt. Morris community at functions,” she said. “Club members will continue to collect and refurbish eyeglasses donated by the public at several dropboxes located around town.”

end of the show at 4 p.m. that day. No exhibitors will be allowed in the building during the judging. In addition to the main exhibits, there will be other demonstrations and presentations going on during the afternoon. Master Gardener Leah Patapack from Oregon will be giving a talk called “Buzz on Pollinators” with handouts on the importance of pollinators and how to attract them. Gardener Pat Kuhn from Polo will be showing the “Many things you can do with dried and preserved flowers.” Bri Kuhn, also from Polo, will demonstrate and explain about creating “Fresh Floral Designs.” There will be drawings for door prizes,

donated through the generosity of businesses within the city of Polo and surrounding towns. Those contributing to the flower show from Polo are Country Floral, Fresh Foods Grocery Store, Polo Pharmacy and Knie’s Appliance Store. Door prizes from Dixon are being donated from Flowers, Etc. and Britni Dvorak, owner of the Hallmark Store. Door prizes from Oregon will be donated by Merlin’s Greenhouse and Floral and also from A.M. Floral Co. flower shop in downtown Oregon. There also will be a drawing to win a Garden Club gift basket or a special “Bear, Bee and Butterfly” gift basket (very cute) for children under 12 who participate or attend

the flower show with an adult. To exhibit the day of the flower show, official entry forms must be obtained and returned by mail or in person by July 29 to the contact person listed on the form. Forms are available in Polo at Knie’s Appliance, Country Floral, Polo City Hall, Polo Pharmacy, Polo Library, Polo Senior Center or from Polo Woman’s Garden Club members. Forms are available in Oregon at Merlin’s Green House and A.M. Floral Co., flower shop. Forms available in Dixon can be obtained at the Hallmark Store and at Flowers, Etc. Admission to attend the show is $1 per adult. Children under age 12 are free. The show opens to the public at noon.

BRIEFS Card shower for Doug Shank

Doug Shank is turning 70 on July 28 and his family would love for you to help them honor him with a card shower. His memories as a Mounder are near and dear to him and he still loves to recite the details of basketball games he coached more than 40 years ago. Birthday wishes can be sent to him at 12460 Russet Lane, Huntley, IL 60142. He would love to hear from you!

Jimmy Jack Whitaker to perform at Polo church on July 31

Singer, songwriter, artist and producer Jimmy Jack Whitaker will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Faith Discovery Church in

• FLOWER SHOW

Continued from Page 7 All children entering will receive a participation ribbon and other recognition. There is no entry fee for either adults or children exhibiting items and all may enter as many categories as they would like. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in each adult class plus a “People’s Choice” award will be given. Judging will be done between 10 a.m. and noon by three area judges experienced in gardening and/or working as professionals in the field. Exhibitors need to set up between 8 and 10 a.m. the morning of the show. Entries must remain on display until the

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Kable Band continues its summer season of concerts July 27 at the Warren Reckmeyer Bandshell in downtown Mt. Morris. Travis Cunningham, a member of the brass section of the band, will be performing a instrumental solo. The band is under the direction of Andy Eckardt. The Kable Band has performed on the Campus for 126 years and is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the bandshell this year. The band performs Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m., through Aug. 3. “Come early, enjoy an ice cream social. Benches are provided, or bring your lawn chair,” said Sylvia Saunders, band member.

St. James to host annual ice cream social July 24

St. James Church will host its annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. The menu will include barbecue, hot dogs, apple dumplings, pies, cakes and all ice cream desserts. At 7 p.m., the band concert will be presented under the direction of Sid

Anderson. Proceeds from the event are used for the yearly adoption fee of the church’s child in India and for other local charities. In the event of rain, the social will be held in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The church is located at 6024 N. Columbine Road, four miles southeast of Forreston at the intersection of West Grove Road and Columbine Road.

Auditions for PAG’s ‘A Christmas Story’ are Aug. 9-10

The Performing Arts Guild will hold auditions for its fall performance of “A Christmas Story” on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 9 and 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pinecrest Grove Library, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris. The cast consists of two men, two women, five boys and two girls. Performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 11-13, at the Pinecrest Grove Theatre. This beloved holiday story is humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s. It follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas.

All of the elements from the well-known motion picture will be in this performance. Materials will be provided at the audition, so those interested in auditioning should come early to review the readings. For more information about auditions, call Director Dave Sheely at 719-740-6162.

Plan ahead, save money by buying fair tickets in advance

Planning ahead will reduce the cost of admission for those attending this year’s Ogle County Fair. As in the past several years, advance tickets will cost $2 less than those purchased at the gate. The 168th Ogle County Fair will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 7, at the fairgrounds, 1440 N. Limekiln Road, one mile west of Oregon just north of Illinois 64. Advance admission tickets will be $6 instead of the regular $8 at the gate during the fair. The admission tickets include free unlimited carnival rides, as well as the ground shows, such as the Wild World of Animals. Discounted tickets for the grandstand shows are available in advance at the same locations at a cost of $8 per person, also $2

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less than the $10 regular price. Advance tickets will be for sale at Casey’s General Stores in Oregon, Mt. Morris, Byron, and Stillman Valley. Other locations may be added. Signs will be posted designating where tickets are available. Advance sales will end at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. For more information about the fair, go to the website at www.oglecountyfair.com.

Live music back again at this year’s Ogle County Fair

A variety of music will be just one of the highlights of the 168th Ogle County Fair on Aug. 3-7. The annual five-day event will be held at the fairgrounds, 1440 N. Limekiln Road, one mile west of Oregon just north of Illinois 64. Local country band Burn N’ Bush will perform Thursday, Aug. 4, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Lions Shelter. Bluegrass to country music, compliments of First Friday, will come to the Lions Shelter on Friday, Aug. 5, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Area artist Chip Messiner will bring classic rock to country on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Lions Shelter. For more information about the fair, go to the website at www.oglecountyfair.com.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Cunningham solo to be part of Kable Band concert on July 27

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

OHS alum part of team that won Pulitzer Prize Oregon High School 2012 alum Eli Murray was among the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting, journalism’s most prestigious award. In their series, Poisoned, Murray and colleagues Corey G. Johnson and Rebecca Woolington told the story of a lead smelter in Tampa that endangered its workers and polluted the community. The investigation, published by the Tampa Bay Times, prompted federal and county regulators to probe the smelter and confirm the newspaper’s findings. After attending Oregon High School, Murray received an associate degree from Sauk Valley Community

BRIEF

Davis Junction gets OSLAD grant

Gov. JB Pritzker announced $30.3 million in grants for 87 park projects that he said will help communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities throughout Illinois. The grants announced are through the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, adminis-

College and then his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois. Murray began working at the Tampa Bay Times in 2015 and is an investigative reporter who specializes in working with data, using code to scrape records, crunch numbers and create custom visualizations. Murray credits several of his teachers at OHS as early influences in his career. Cheryl Bunton, the art teacher, taught him how to convey messages visually. His math teacher, Danyel Larsen, taught him to break down formulas into their logical components. “Because of that approach, I came to see math as solving logic puzzles

and enjoyed it,” said Murray. He uses that skill when coding and running data analyses. Murray said the English program at OHS most influenced him to be a writer. Teachers such as John Zuber and Aaron Sitze encouraged students to thoroughly examine and engage with the work. His senior English teacher, John Young, first encouraged Murray to pursue journalism. “He impressed on me the importance of seeking truth and being informed about the world around me, which ultimately led me to pursue journalism when I went to the University of Illinois,” Murray said. Murray expressed gratitude for the

education he received at OHS, noting the recent achievement of Kimberly Radostits, named 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year, as evidence of “the caliber of education Eli Murray students receive at OHS.” More information about Murray and the award-winning investigation can be found at https://www.pulitzer. org/winners/corey-g-johnson-rebecca-woolington-and-eli-murray-tampabay-times

tered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). OSLAD grants can provide up to one-half of a project’s funds and, when combined with the investment of local matching funds, will support more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide. The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has

invested $433.5 million in 1,816 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax. OSLAD grant recipients and project information for area counties are: DeKalb County Sycamore Park District, Reston Ponds Park – $240,300

Ogle County Village of Davis Junction, Community Park expansion acquisition – $100,000 Winnebago County Rockford Park District, Ray Wantz Memorial Playground development – $315,000 Roscoe Township, Founders Park – $337,300

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Polo building inspector: 601 S. Division Ave. has issues with plumbing, electrical, filth By ALEXA ZOELLNER

azoellner@shawmedia.com A house on South Division Avenue in Polo has been declared “unfit for human occupancy.” According to a June 1 letter from Polo Building Inspector Casper Manheim, the house at 601 S. Division Ave. meets the standards of “unfit for human occupancy” and needs to be condemned. The property is owned by Ahmad Farraj. “The first floor is in such disrepair from plumbing, electrical and filth,” Manheim wrote. “No one can live on the first floor until repairs are made and inspected by myself. A building permit will be required. A licensed plumber and electrician will be needed to do the work, along with it being inspected by myself.” The cost of repairs would be more than the house is worth, which

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requires the building be demolished, he wrote. The Polo Board of Health consists of Mayor Doug Knapp, City Clerk Sydney Bartelt and Police Chief Troy Randall. The three met with Farraj and another involved person on July 19. In a July 18 interview, Knapp said they planned to condemn the house at that time. Once that occurs, written notice must be given to the owners, who then have the right to appeal, city attorney M. Thomas Suits said in the same interview. “A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is insanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, … sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public,” Manheim wrote. Manheim wrote that all renters must be moved out of the house by June 30, and the yard and driveway needed to be cleaned.

City officials have said this home, located at 601 S. Division St. on the corner of Illinois 26 and Oregon Street in Polo, should be condemned. Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

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11 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

House declared uninhabitable ‘needs to be condemned’

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

12 OBITUARIES

NANCY HAAN

She was enjoying her retired life in Colorado with her special friend Gary Wagner. Survivors include her brother Wayne (Ginger) Haan, Special Friend, Gary Wagner Nephews Robert (Barb) Hartman, Thomas Nancy Haan (Betty) Hartman, Norman (Tim Barnes) Nancy was born on December 31, 1955 and Wiemken, Dan (Hope) Wiemken, step son Jeremy (Rea Ann Higley ) Mackey and his passed away on June 24, 2022 She was the daughter Amanda. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter of Thomas son, Eric Bornemeier, sister Betty Hartman Haan and Ester (Van Zuiden) Haan. She had and Carol Haan, Celebration of Life is being scheduled for been living in Trinidad, Colorado the last few July 30, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm , at the Polo years where she passed away. She was a graduate of Polo Community High Senior Center, 101 W. Masson St., Polo. Nancy will be laid to rest next to her son Eric School, Sauk Valley College and University of St. Francis. She worked as CGH Hospital until in Fulton, IL. she retired. Then worked at Walmart in Dixon. To send condolences please visit www. polofamilyfuneralhome.com Born: December 31, 1955 Died: June 24, 2022 in Trinidad, CO

More obituaries continued on Page 14

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Marcos get prolific rushing duo back as they strive for three-peat in 2022 By DAN WUSSOW

dwussow@shawmedia.com

The two-time defending Illinois 8-man football state champion Polo Marcos hit the field behind Polo High School on a breezy Thursday evening for summer camp earlier this month. As the Marcos count down the final month before the 2022 season begins, they know they have a lot of work to do, and a lot of spots to fill. With only five returning starters from last year – two on offense and three on defense – Polo’s lineups will look considerably different on both sides of the ball. Despite all the changes this year – and the loss of some key players – expectations remain similar for the 8-man football powerhouse heading into this season. “We’re still striving for the same thing,” Polo senior running back/line-

Polo players run through drills during football camp. backer Avery Grenoble said. “We’re still going to be happy to work hard; we think we’re gonna go [to the state championship] again. We got a big target on our backs, and I think we’re ready for it.” “We expect to make the playoffs. We expect to have a good record. We expect to have a fun season,” Polo senior guard/defensive tackle Waylon

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Harris said. “We’ve got a lot of new guys that came out. We expect to improve as a team and just have a good season overall.” In 2019, the Marcos had a 10-0 season, culminating in a 50-26 state title win over Milford/Cissna Park. Last year, they went 13-0, downing former fellow NUIC team Orangeville 12-7 in the championship game.

Back this year to lead the state title offense are Grenoble and junior running back Brock Soltow. Both players rushed for more than 1,500 yards to lead Polo last season. At this early stage in the offseason, coach Ted Alston is still getting a feel for his team. Without padded practices, he can’t get a complete evaluation just yet, but thus far, he’s been impressed in two main areas. “Kind of feeling that out right now. We’ve actually got a couple of kids that have come out that have never been out before that are really impressing us, and luckily they’re linemen, so we’re excited about that,” Alston said. “I really like our team speed. I think we’ve got really good team speed right now. We’re not going to be huge, we’re not going to be real big, but I think we’re going to be quick. So I think that and our depth [will be strengths]. We may be able to play a few kids just one way, which makes a huge difference. So hopefully, with our depth and our team speed, we’ll be able to do some good things.” This year, there could be some

See MARCOS, Page 15

SM-ST1997595

OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Polo embracing ‘target on chest’ as 8-man champs

Man sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexual assault

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

14 Recycle electronics

on Friday, July 29, in Oregon The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department (OCSWMD) will hold a residential electronic recycling event on Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the County Annex Building at 909 Pines Road in Oregon. A free permit is required in advance to attend this recycling event. Permits are limited and must be requested by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27. To obtain a permit call the OCSWMD at 815-732-4020 or email the department at solidwaste@oglecounty.org and provide your name, address and phone number. Permits are limited to one per household per month, and allow up to seven large items to be brought in for recycling. A full list of accepted items a nd othe r e ven t inform a t i on is included with the permit. This event is for Ogle County residential electronics. Accepted items include all types of TVs and computer monitors, computers and all computer hardware and cables, laptops, tablets, cellphones, video game equipment, printers, FAX machines, copiers, scanners, VCR/ DVD players, cable and satellite boxes, all remote controls (please remove batteries), radios, stereo equipment, phones, digital clocks, calculators, holiday light strands, computer power backups, rechargeable batteries, and printer

Workers unload electronics during the April residential electronic recycling event in Oregon. The next event is July 29. ink cartridges. Microwave ovens are accepted for a $5 fee per unit. Remove items from packaging prior to arrival at the event. Materials such as boxes, Styrofoam and plastic packaging are not accepted. Other items commonly brought to these events but not accepted include smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, toasters, medical devices, dismantled and harvested electronics, lamps, power tools, fans, heaters, dehumidifiers, crockpots, small appliances, flashlights, alkaline batteries, large fluorescent bulbs, motors and sump pumps. Call the number above for possible recycling options for these items. A full list of accepted items and further instructions will be included with issuance of the permit. Call the OCSWMD at the number above, visit www.oglecounty.org, or go to Facebook at Ogle County Solid Waste Management for more information.

• OBITUARIES Continued from Page 12

DUANE HACKBARTH

Born: May 20, 1963 in Dixon, IL Died: July 16, 2022 in Sycamore, IL Duane Hackbarth, 59, of Roscoe, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Kindred Hospital Sycamore. He was born on May 20, 1963 in Dixon, IL, the son of Richard and Carolyn (Diehl) Hackbarth. Duane was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School and Sauk Valley College. He married Heidi Sigman on November 7, 1992 in St. Peter Catholic Church, South Beloit, IL. Duane was employed as a Detective and Bomb Technician for the Rockford Police Department for 28 years, retiring in 2019. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in South Beloit, IL and a member and former faithful navigator of the St. Bridget Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #13113,

Loves Park, IL. Duane was an accomplished carpenter his entire life. He enjoyed building custom homes and doing other projects for family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Heidi Hackbarth of Roscoe, IL; children, Paige (Nate) Hanley, Kenneth Hackbarth, and Lauren Hackbarth; grandchildren, Brayden, Charlotte, Catherine, and Caroline Hanley; mother, Carolyn Hackbarth of Mt. Morris, IL; sister, Diane (Bill) Palmer of Oregon, IL. He was predeceased by his father; in-laws, Loren and Dorothy Sigman; brothers-in-law, Dr. Loren G. Sigman II and Howard Sigman. A Visitation of Remembrance for Duane will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, with a rosary to be recited at 4:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 in the St. Peter Catholic Church, 620 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL. Burial will be in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

A Rochelle man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Vincent R. Swope, 52, was sentenced by Ogle County Judge John B. Roe on July 14 after pleading guilty to the felony offense. “In 2018 the Rochelle Police Department investigated a sexual assault complaint made by a minor female victim during 2011 through 2012,” Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in a news release. “The case was reviewed by the state’s attorney office and charges were authorized.” Swope was charged in March 2019 with six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, Class X felonies.

According to court records, Swope pleaded guilty to one count and charges 2-6 were dismissed. He was in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections when he Vincent Swope was sentenced. Predatory criminal sexual assault has a sentencing range of six to 60 years in prison, Rock said. “The sentence is served at 85%,” Rock said.

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF ACTIVITY Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity.

lane use. Saskowski was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

July 13 Sheridan Saskowski, 46, of Geneseo, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol after a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Daysville Road. Deputies had responded to the area of Daysville and Flagg roads for a driving complaint about 3:30 p.m. A short time later, deputies located the vehicle and stopped Saskowski. She also was cited for following too closely and improper

July 17 Morgan Lopez-Daniels, 22, of Rockford, was arrested for no valid driver’s license after a traffic stop in the 13500 block of Illinois Route 72 about 8:04 p.m. Lopez-Daniels was released on an I-Bond and given a future court date. These charges are accusations and all subjects are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.

• MARCOS

Continued from Page 13

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Carter Merdian (right) rolls out for a pass during football drills in Polo earlier this month.

“We’ve got a lot of kids we need to replace from last year,” Alston said. “We don’t have a ton of kids returning, but the ones we do have coming back played pretty important roles. And I think we’ve got some younger kids that are going to be fine stepping into their shoes.” With a smaller senior class this year, Polo will be counting heavily on juniors and sophomores to keep its streak of success going. The Marcos hope a big incoming class of fresh-

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tough competition in the 8-Man North 2 Conference. Last year’s state runner-up, Orangeville, awaits in Week 2 of the season. Alston, Harris and Grenoble are all excited for the challenge. “It’s a tough schedule. Obviously, we’re playing the teams up here who are always good. Milledgeville and Orangeville, Amboy’s gonna be outstanding, and Aquin’s always good and River Ridge is always good, so those teams from the old NUIC are still gonna be on our schedule,” Alston said. And then the ones we’re playing from down south are really good. St. Thomas More is down there – they’re really tough – and Flanagan’s on our schedule. So it’ll be a good, challenging schedule for us.” “I’m happy with how it turned out. A lot of good rivalry games, a lot of good competition,” Harris said. “It’s going to be a harder schedule, but that’s what we want. We want a challenge.” Grenoble knows other teams will be gunning for Polo as the two-time defending state champs, but he believes the Marcos will be up to the challenge. “It’s just expected how it should be. It’s going to be a harder schedule since we’ve won back-to-back, but I like it,” Grenoble said. “It’s good competition for us, and it’s probably just going to be the same schedule, hard schedule for the next upcoming years.” Two of the position groups most affected by this spring’s graduations were the offensive and defensive lines. Only one defensive linemen from last season is coming back, as well as one part-time offensive line starter.

men can help their depth as well. Defensively, Alston expects to run a similar scheme to what he has in years past. Offensively, he’s taking more of a wait-and-see approach. “We always like to run the ball. Kind of just line up double tight and run it, and we were very successful doing that last year. I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that this year,” Alston said. “We might spread ’em out a little bit at times. We’re kind of playing around with some different things this summer and seeing how they look. I really don’t know at this point what we’re going to be doing. “Defensively, we’ll stick with what we’ve been doing. We’ll run that four-man front, and kids are comfortable in that and personnel fits it pretty well, so I don’t see a lot of changes defensively.” Alston said his players are highly motivated to defend their back-to-back state championships. One of his messages to the team this offseason has been to embrace the bull’s-eye on its back. “The kids understand it. They want to do well and kind of follow in the footsteps of the teams that were ahead of them. I haven’t really had to motivate them too much this year,” Alston said. “They’ve been really good about getting out here and knowing what they need to do, and understanding that they’ve got a big target on their chest now. So they’re going to have to embrace that or not. “I’m really trying to get them to embrace that, understand that it’s OK to be the team that people don’t like right now, because that means you’re doing something right. That’s kind of what we’ve been preaching, is to just embrace that target and deal with it.” Polo will open its 2022 season at home against Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

16 PROPERTY TRANSFERS July 8-14 Warranty Deeds William and Joan Allen to Greg S. and Cathleen S. Miller, 111 Amber Drive, Oregon, $188,000. Julie A. Skarda, Ellen R. Byrne and Jacquelyn L. McKay to Todd T. Boufford and Anna L. Ciccone, 3192 N. Silver Ridge Drive, Oregon, $232,000. Jeffrey D. and Jodee Vanoosten to Jacob Bohm, 211 S. Barber Ave., Polo, $127,000. Charlotte Ann and Joseph R. Hodder Jr. to Orval and Margaret J. Saunders, 1105 S. Fourth St., Oregon, $55,000. Hugo Moreno and Sarai A. Meza Moreno to Albert Joseph Caruso, 105 Prairie Moon Drive, Davis Junction, $199,000. Gregory A. and Barbara J. Majeski to GNB LLC, 1010 S. Highway 251, Rochelle, $0. Arlene J. Smith to Scott and Michaelle Jaeger, one parcel in Lynville Township, $5,000. David E. Archer to Joseph and Nicole Siebrasse, 1111 Burlington Way, Davis Junction, $240,000.

Lawrence P. Zitkus to Kayla M. Richolson and Richard L. McQuality Jr., one parcel in Monroe Township, $150,000. Gary, Erich L. and Craig Kaney to Labudde Family Farm Trust, Crystal L. Southerland, trustee, one parcel in Maryland Township, $40,000. Tom J. and Carol A. Atchison to Victoria L. Devoe, 103 N. Chestnut St., Byron, $220,000. Brock D. and Amanda K. Johnson to Justina K. Merritt, 853 N. Seven Hickory Road, Byron, $210,000.

Joseph Paul & Frances J. Toth Declaration Trust, Catherine Olsen and Carla Byerly, trustees, to Michael J. Toth, two parcels on Marrill Road, Byron $0. Joseph Paul & Frances J. Toth Declaration Trust, Catherine Olsen and Carla Byerly, trustees, to Carla J. Byerly, two parcels on Marrill Road, Byron $0.

Trustee Deeds Baker Trust 84, Edward K. Baker, trustee, to Gregory A. and Cynthia S. Warner, one parcel in Pine Creek Township, $0. Rodney A. and Karen S. Alfano Trust, Rodney A. and Karen S. Alfano, trustees, to

Joshua A. Williams and Zajay Rojas Rodriguez, 512 N. Sixth St., Rochelle, $120,000. Ronald L. Rockwood Trust, Ronald L. Rockwood, trustee, to Dagan R. Vanoosten and Aaron D. Chandler, one parcel in Grand Detour Township, $60,000. Joseph Paul & Frances J. Toth Declaration Trust, Catherine Olsen and Carla Byerly, trustees, to Joan M. Toth, $0. Joseph Paul & Frances J. Toth Declaration Trust, Catherine Olsen and Carla Byerly, trustees, to Catherine A. Olsen, two parcels on Marrill Road, Byron $0. Joseph Paul & Frances J. Toth Declaration Trust, Catherine Olsen and Carla Byerly, trustees, to Joseph P. Toth Jr., two parcels on Marrill Road, Byron $0.

Eric Wiedemann; Flagg Township; Section 17; above-ground pool. Kenneth Stice; Pine Rock Township; Section 21; residential accessory building. American Tower/James; Grand Detour Township; Section 11; co-location on existing telecommunications tower; $35,000. Kevin Kerner; Marion Township; Section 4; above-ground pool. John Wiggs; White Rock Township; Section 4; open, unenclosed carport. Kip Norup; Byron Township; Section 25; dwelling addition. Sean Considine; Byron Township; Section 19; pavilion. SBA Communications/Verizon Wireless; Flagg Township; Section 12; equipment upgrade on existing telecommunications tower; $25,000. Brad and Merrilee Batten; Taylor Township; Section 8; residential accessory building. Byron Sportsmens Club; Rockvale Township; Section 2; addition to existing

accessory building. Lenny Grobe; Lincoln Township; Section 25; addition to existing accessory building. Crown Castle; White Rock Township; Section 23; equipment upgrade on existing telecommunications tower; $15,000. Todd Benesh; Oregon-Nashua Township; Section 3; remove single-family dwelling. Bright Planet Solar/Johnstone; Pine Creek Township; Section 7; private ground-mounted solar array. Crown Castle; Byron Township; Section 2; equipment upgrade one existing telecommunications tower; $15,000. Rockford Pool & Spa/Passmore; Byron Township; Section 20; in-ground pool. Doug Wilken; Byron Township; Section 13; maintenance building. Shawn and Angela Ortgiesen; Taylor Township; Section 8; above-ground pool. Titan Solar/Hubbard; Maryland Township; Section 13; private ground-mounted solar array. USCOC of Illinois RSA No. 1; Lincoln Township; Section 2; equipment upgrade on

Quit Claim Deeds John Ausick to John Ausick and Audra A. Curtin, 300 N. Woodland Drive, Dixon, $0. Ronald A. Lowder to Ronald A. Lowder and Amber Swick, 203 West St., Davis Junction, $0.

Executor Deeds Estate of the late Mary B. Van Velzer by executor to William L. and Joan S. Allen, 101 N. 13th St., Oregon, $198,000. Estate of the late Philip Frances Wiegman by executor to Sheila A. Wiegman, one parcel in Byron Township, $0. Estate of the late Mariel J. Holm by executors to Bradley J. Nordman, one parcel on Daysville Road, Byron, $933,000. Estate of the late Mariel J. Holm by executors to William, Patricia and Ashley Nordman and Coleman Beckerle, one parcel on Pleasant Grove Road and 1413 and 1771 N. Daysville Road, Byron, $1,867,000.

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

ZONING CERTIFICATES The following Ogle County zoning certificates were issued for June.

Kyle Bothe; Brookville Township; Section 35; grain bin. Steve Greenfield; Forreston Township; Section 26; remove barn, construct machine building. Haywell, LLC Westwood; Flagg Township; Section 20; single-family dwelling; $240,000. Haywell, LLC Westwood; Flagg Township; Section 20; single-family dwelling; $250,000. Sean Adams Custom Carpentry/Ogren; Marion Township; Section 35; single-family dwelling; $480,000. Crestview Construction/Tallman; Rockvale Township; Section 21; residential accessory building. Jeff Dawdy; Scott Township; Section 6; addition to existing residential accessory building. Poolside Pros/Cunningham; Byron Township; Section 7; in-ground pool.

existing telecommunications tower; $125,000. Legacy Solar/Shumway; Lincoln Township; Section 29; private ground-mounted solar array. Legacy Solar/Brooks; Leaf River Township; Section 21; private ground-mounted solar array. ADT Solar/Remer; Scott Township; Section 24; private ground-mounted solar array. Mastec Network Solutions; Flagg Township; Section 32; equipment upgrade on existing telecommunications tower; $10,000. Vicki Rippentrop; Lynnville Township; Section 5; enclose existing front porch. Larry Palmer; Byron Township; Section 12; enclose existing storage building. Rockford Pool & Spa/Gerdes; Byron Township; Section 20; in-ground pool. Bethney DuFoe; Byron Township; Section 20; above-ground pool. Greg Remmers; White Rock Township; Section 21; remove and replace.

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Addison Precision Products is hiring!! Amboy location is looking for experienced CNC Machinist / Setup. Both Day / Night shift available. Dixon location is looking for experienced Welder / Fabricators. Please contact Steve at steve@addisonprecision.com or call to setup an interview today 779-861-1122

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Ogle County Animal Control is taking applications for part time Warden. Will need to work 1-2 weekends a month plus some days during the week when Warden may need help or when on vacation. Please pick up an application at the Animal Control Office at 105 W. 5th Street, Suite 112, Oregon, IL. You may call the office at 815-732-1185 for questions. Applications will be closed July 29.

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Sterling Friday 3pm to 6pm & Saturday 8am to 12pm

Ogle County Classified

Harley jackets and misc, Collectible Figurines, Tools, Kitchen, Décor, Clothing, Bikes and more.

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HOUSEKEEPING WANTED

F.T. & P.T.

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AUCTIONS

423 N Main St (Maps here) Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 to 4 Furniture, 6 pc Sectional, Chairs, Hutch and Buffet, Antiques, Parlor Stove, Ladies Bike, Clothing, Wall Hangings, Mirrors and Much More. Cash & Carry!!

Call 833-584-NEWS to announce weddings or engagements in Celebrations!

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Hacksauction.hibid.com Huge Estate Antique Collection Auction BIDDING OPENS: FRIDAY, JULY 22nd @ 8:00 A.M. PREVIEW: FRIDAY, JULY 22nd – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 6000 W. West Grove Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Quality Antiques & Primitives; Loads of Nice Antique Furniture-Cabinets-Secretaries-Bookcases-Cupboards-ChestsStands-Tables-Chairs; Artwork & Victorian Litho’s; Old Lighting; Wicker Furniture & Related; Fine China & Glassware; Art Pottery; Stoneware; Brass-Copper-Cast Iron; Advertising; Sewing Notion Collection & Textiles; Baskets; Toys & Dolls; Jewelry & Silver; Nice Household Furnishings; Sports Memorabilia; Tools & Equipment; Lawn & Garden; Outdoor Furniture; Farm Primitives; Electronics; Xmas; Many More Desirable Items. Large Selection 7,000 sq.ft. Home Full! Please log-on for Complete Listing & Color Photos! Greg & Swan Hachmeister, Auctioneers Pecatonica, IL

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dixon

Sauk Valley Media, part of Shaw Media, a respected and dominant media company located in Dixon, IL, has a full-time opening in the Advertising Department.

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About This Opportunity: This position is responsible for connecting businesses with their audiences in a variety of print and online products, including but not limited to newspapers, magazines, websites, web-based products, and much more within an established territory in Whiteside and Lee Counties. Some sales experience is desired, but we are seeking a person with personality, drive, and ambition. We are always willing to train a person who shows the desire to grow and learn. Best of all, we are a fun bunch of people to work with! We work hard, but we like to have fun along the way. This position is Monday - Friday and offers base pay along with a generous commission program. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, dependable transportation, and proof of insurance. Enjoy the Rewards of Working Among the Best: In return for your contributions to our success, Shaw Media offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and 401(k) with company match.

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SAVANNA 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 $125,000. We are also accepting rental offers. Call 815-590-6474

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OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF POLO, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROPOSED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 The City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, an Illinois Municipal Corporation, hereby gives Notice of a Public Hearing to be held at 6:30 pm, Central Time, on August 1, 2022, at the Polo City Hall, 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois, to consider the proposed approval of the Polo Business Development District No.1 Plan and the designation of the proposed Business District Redevelopment Area. Any interested person may file a written objection with the City Clerk and may be heard orally at the Public Hearing with respect to any matters embodied in this Notice. Those attending electronically or by phone will be required to provide their name and address and the hearing will be recorded. The City shall hear and determine all alternate proposals or bids for any proposed conveyance, lease, mortgage or other disposition by the City of land or rights in land owned by the City and located within the proposed Business District Redevelopment Area, including all protests and objections at the Public Hearing. Prior to the Public Hearing, you can submit written comments, alternate proposals or bids by sending an email to Ms. Sydney Bartelt, City Clerk at cityclerk@poloil.org and inserting “Public Comment for BDD Public Hearing” into the subject line or by regular mail at the following address: City Clerk, City Polo, 115 S. Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois 61064. A summary of the proposed Business Development District Redevelopment Plan and Area and a Boundary Map and Legal Description of the proposed Redevelopment Area are presented below. The proposed Redevelopment Plan and Area comply with the provisions of the “Business District Development and Redevelopment Act” (65 ILCS 5/11-74.3 et. seq.). For further information, please feel free to contact Mayor Doug Knapp at (815) 946-3514. POLO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Proposed Business District Development and Redevelopment District: Pursuant to the Business District Development and Redevelopment Act [65 ILCS 5/11-74.3 et. seq.] (the “Act”), municipalities may exercise certain powers to enhance the local tax base and promote the development and redevelopment of business districts which are declared to be a public use and essential to the public interest. The City of Polo (the “City”) proposes to establish a Business Development and Redevelopment District (the “BDD” or the “District”) which shall be formally known as the “Polo Business Development District No. 1”. A BDD is a special taxing district, authorized to undertake certain public improvements to be financed through the issuance of notes or bonds that are, in turn, retired by the levy of sales tax within the geographic boundaries of the District. Upon approval of the BDD Redevelopment Plan and designation of the BDD Area, the City may by ordinance impose a tax, at a rate not to exceed 1.0% of the gross receipts from the sales in the BDD Area, to be imposed in 0.25% increments, until such time that all business district project costs and all municipal obligations financing the business district project costs have been paid, but in no event more than 23 years after the date of adoption of the ordinance imposing such taxes. Proposed BDD Redevelopment Area: Pursuant to the Act, the proposed BDD Redevelopment Area (the “Area”) is a contiguous boundary which includes only the parcels of real property which will directly and substantially benefit from the BDD Redevelopment Plan. As required by Section 11-74.3-5 of the Act, the Area is a blighted area, as defined in the Illinois Municipal Code, which authorizes the City to impose taxes pursuant to the Act. The overall Area qualifies as a blighted area by reason of the predominance of a combination of the following factors: Defective, nonexistent, or inadequate street layout; Unsanitary or unsafe conditions; Deterioration of site improvements; and the Existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire or other causes. The combination of the qualification factors listed above retard the provision of housing accommodations, constitute an economic or social liability, cause an economic underutilization of properties within the Area, and, on the whole, exhibit characteristics which create a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the citizens of Polo. Description of the BDD Redevelopment Plan Goals and Objectives: The overall purpose of the BDD is to arrest further decline and underutilization of the proposed BDD Area, which is the subject of the proposed BDD Redevelopment Plan (the “Plan”). The City finds that such further decline and underutilization is likely to occur and will further impair the value of private investments as well as the sound growth and tax base of affected taxing districts and will further threaten the health, safety and welfare of the City. In addition, the City finds that the BDD Area on-the-whole has not been subject to growth and development through investment by private enterprises and would not reasonably be anticipated to be developed or redeveloped without the adoption of the BDD Plan. The City proposes to use the funds it receives from the development, redevelopment, improvement, maintenance and revitalization of properties in the BDD Area to achieve the following objectives: (1) Attract new commercial businesses, including retail, professional, hotel space and related amenities; (2) Encourage the retention and expansion of existing commercial retail businesses located in the BDD Area; and (3) Facilitate the construction, improvement and maintenance of public infrastructure and other capital projects which the City finds is in furtherance of the Plan or necessary to attract and support new commercial, commercial-retail and light industrial businesses, encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and improve the provision of housing accommodations in the City. By improving public infrastructure and encouraging new private investment throughout the BDD Area, the City expects to achieve the following goals: (1) Eliminate or reduce those conditions which qualify the BDD Area as a blighted area and encourage high-quality building design, landscaping and site improvements which conform to City land use and zoning requirements; (2) Create new employment opportunities; (3) Help reverse recent population decline by increasing the availability of commercial goods and services that will make Polo more attractive for residential growth; (4) Reduce the number of underutilized properties by further encouraging commercial and residential development that will stimulate the local economy; (5) Enhance the tax base for the City and other taxing districts through coordinated, comprehensive planning efforts by either the public or private sectors; (6) Revitalize and preserve historically signifi-

cant structures, increase local tourism and further increase retail trade activity, thereby generating new retailer’s occupation tax and service occupation tax revenues as may be applicable to the City, other taxing districts and the State of Illinois; (7) Encourage public and private projects that will contribute to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare the City; and (8) Increase the aesthetic value of the community, improve the overall quality of life for Polo’s residents and promote the type of development and redevelopment that is in furtherance of the City’s goals and objectives cited in the most recently updated Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2019. Anticipated Sources of Funds to Pay BDD Project Costs: Upon designation of the BDD, the City intends to impose a Business District Retailers’ Occupation Tax, a Business District Service Occupation Tax and a Business District Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax for a term of twenty-three (23) years commencing on the date the BDD is established by the City. The Retailers’ Occupation Tax shall be imposed upon all persons engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property within the BDD Area, other than an item of tangible personal property titled or registered with an agency of the State of Illinois, at retail in the business district at a rate of 1.0% of the gross receipts from the sales made in the course of such business. The Service Occupation Tax shall be imposed upon all persons in the BDD Area engaged in the business of making sales of service, who, as an incident to making those sales of service, transfer tangible personal property within the business district, either in the form of tangible personal property or in the form of real estate as an incident to a sale of service at a rate of 1.0% of the selling price of tangible personal property so transferred within the business district. The Retailers’ Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax may not be imposed on food for human consumption that is to be consumed off the premises where it is sold (other than alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food that has been prepared for immediate consumption), prescription and nonprescription medicines, drugs, medical appliances, modiﬁcations to a motor vehicle for the purpose of rendering it usable by a person with a disability, and insulin, urine testing materials, syringes, and needles used by diabetics, for human use. The Retailers’ Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax imposed and all civil penalties that may be assessed as an incident thereof shall be collected and enforced by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The City shall impose an occupation tax upon all persons engaged in the BDD in the business of renting, leasing, or letting rooms in a hotel, as deﬁned in the Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax Act. Such Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax shall be imposed at a rate of 1.0% of the gross rental receipts from the renting, leasing, or letting of hotel rooms with the BDD. The Hotel Operators’ Tax imposed by the City and all civil penalties that may be assessed as an incident to that tax shall be collected and enforced by the City. The City may issue obligations secured by BDD Funds to provide for the payment or reimbursement of BDD Project Costs as further described in the BDD Redevelopment Plan. POLO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 PROPOSED BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION Beginning at the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-09-328-014; then east along the south line of the Burlington, Northern & Santa Fe railroad right-of-way to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-09-402001; then South along the east line of Parcel #14-09-402-001 and the East right-of-way line of N. Franklin Avenue to the Southeast right-of-way corner of N. Franklin Avenue and W. Elkhorn Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of W. Elkhorn Street to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-09-451-006; then South along the West property lines of Parcel #14-09-451-006, #14-09-451007, #14-09-451-008, #14-09-451-009, #14-09-454-005, #14-09-454-006, 14-09-454-007, and #1409-454-008 to the North right-of-way line of E. Fulton Street; then East along the North right-of-way line of E. Fulton Street to the East right-of-way line of N. Franklin Street; then South along the East right-of-way line of N. Franklin Street to the North right-of-way line of E. North Street; then East along the North right-of-way line of E. North Street to the East right-of-way of N. Green Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of N. Green Avenue to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-09-459009; then East along the North right-of-way line of Parcel #14-09-459-009 to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-09-459-009; then South along the East property line of Parcel #14-09-454-009 to the North right-of-way line of E. Dixon Street; then East along the North right-of-way line of E. Dixon Street to the West right-of-way line of N. Jefferson Avenue; then North along the West right-of-way line of N. Jefferson Street approximately 300 feet to a point on the Westerly extension of the North property line of Parcel #14-09-462-008; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-069-462-008 to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-09-462-008; then South along the East property line of Parcel #1409-462-008 to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-09-462-013; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-09-462-013 to the West right-of-way line of N. Prairie Avenue; then North along the West right-of-way line of approximately 380 feet to the Westerly extension of the North property line of Parcel #14-09-477-002; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-09-477-002 to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-09-477-002; then North along the East property line of Parcel #14-09477-001 to the Northwest corner of 14-09-477-007; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-09-477-007 and Parcel #14-09-478-032 to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-09-478-032; then South along the East property line of Parcel #14-09-478-032 and Parcel #14-09-478-033 to the South right-of-way line of E. Dixon Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of E. Dixon Street to the East right-of-way line of N. Jackson Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of N. Jackson Street to the Northwest Corner of Parcel #14-16-208-007; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-16-208-007 to the East right-of-way line of N. Prairie Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way of N. Prairie Avenue to the South right-of-way line of E. King Street; then West along the South right-of-way line E. King Street to East right-of-way line of N. Jackson Street; then South along the East line of N. Jackson Street and S. Jackson Street to the South right-of-way line of E. Colden Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of E. Colden Street to the East right-of-way line of S. Jefferson Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of S. Jefferson Avenue to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-16-254-005; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-16254-005 to the East right-of-way line of S. Jackson Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of S. Jackson Avenue to the South right-of-way line of E. Buffalo Continued on next page

Continued from previous page

POLO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 PROPOSED BOUNDARY MAP

BDD BOUNDARY

July 19 & 21, 2022

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of E. Buffalo Street to the East right-of-way line for S. Jefferson Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of S. Jefferson Avenue to the North right-of-way line of E. Webster Street; then East along the North right-of-way line of E. Webster Street to the East right-of-way line of S. Prairie Avenue; then South along the East right-of-way line of S. Prairie Avenue to the South right-of-way line of E. Oregon Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of E. Oregon Street to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-16-402-006; then South along the East property line of Parcel #14-16-402-006, #14-16-451-006, and #14-16-451-007 to the South right-of-way line of W. Wilson Road; then West along the South right-of-way line of W. Wilson Road to a point approximately 366 feet West of the centerline of S. Division Avenue at the Southerly extension of the West property line of Parcel #14-16-380-007; then North along the West property line of Parcel #14-16-380-007 to the South right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue; then West along the South right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue to the West right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue; then North along the West right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue to the Northeast corner of Parcel #14-16-377-004 which is also on the South property line of Parcel #14-16-377-006; then West along the South property line of Parcel #14-16-377-006 to the Southwest corner of Parcel #14-16-377-006; then North along the West property line of Parcel #14-16-377-006 to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-16-377-006; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-16-377-006 to the Southwest corner of Parcel #14-16-327-018; then North along the West property line of Parcel #14-16-327-018 to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-16-327-018; then East along the North property line of Parcel #1416-327-018 to the West right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue; then North along the West right-of-

way line of S. Congress Avenue approximately 30 feet to the Westerly extension of the North property line of Parcel #14-16-379-021; then East along the North property line of Parcel #14-16-379-021 to the West right-of-way line of an Alley between S. Congress Avenue and S. Division Avenue; then North along the West right-of-way line of said Alley to the North right-of-way line of W. Oregon Street; then East along the North right-of-way line W. Oregon Street to the Southwest corner of Parcel #14-16185-009; then North along the West property line of Parcel #14-16-185-009, 14-16-185-008, 14-16185-007, 14-16-184-015, 14-16-184-013, 14-16-184-014, 14-16-184-008, 14-16-181-011, 14-16-181010, 14-6-181-009, 14-16-181-008, 14-16-181-007, and 14-16-181-006 to the South right-of-way line of W. Buffalo Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of W. Buffalo Street to the West rightof-way line of S. Congress Avenue; then North along the West right-of-way line S. Congress Avenue and N. Congress Avenue to the South right-of-way line for W. North Street; then East along the South right-of-way of W. North Street to the West right-of-way of N. Congress Avenue; then East to the intersection of the North right-of-way line of W. North Street and the East right-of-way line of S. Congress Avenue; then East along the North right-of-way line of W. North Street to the West right-of-way line of an Alley between N. Congress Avenue and N. Division Avenue; then North along the West rightof-way line of said Alley to the South right-of-way line of W. Fulton Street; then West along the South right-of-way line of W. Fulton Street to the East right of way line of N. Congress Avenue; then North to the intersection of the West right-of-way line of N. Congress Avenue and the North right-of-way line of W. Fulton Street; then North along the West right-of-way line of N. Congress Avenue to the North rightof-way line of N. Congress Avenue; then East along the North right-of-way line of N. Congress Avenue to the Southwest Corner of Parcel 14-09-328-014; then North along the West property line of Parcel #14-09-328-014 to the Northwest corner of Parcel #14-09-328-014 to the Point of Beginning.

Ogle County Newspapers / ShawLocal.com • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

OGLE COUNTY NEWS

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE MATTER OF: CAMRYN ELIZABETH SARVER, a disabled adult. No. 2022 GR 16 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN YOU, Jeffrey Glenn Ammons and Rachelle Cole, defendants in the above-title action, that a Petition for Guardian of a Disabled Adult has been commenced in the circuit court of Ogle County by the petitioner therein, against you, praying for a plenary Order of Guardian of a Disabled Adult and

Estate and other relief; that proper acprocedures cording to law have been taken and said suit is still pending. NOW THEREFORE, unless you, Jeffrey Glenn Ammons and Rachelle Cole, file your answer to the Petition for Guardian of a Disabled Adult in said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein in the said court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Ogle County, Illinois held in the courthouse in the City of Oregon, County of Ogle, State of Illinois on or before the 22nd day of August, 2022, default may be entered against you after that date and a decree entered in accordance with of the prayer said Petition for Guardian of a Disabled Adult. DEBORAH S. MAAS DEBORAH S. MAAS

LEGAL NOTICES Deborah S. Maas MAAS LEGAL, LLC P.O. Box 277 Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 815-751-1809 efile@debmaas legal.com July 8, 15, 22, 2022 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: CHERRY HOPE LEWIS, Deceased. Case No. 2022 PR 52 CLAIM NOTICE NOTICE: Cherry H. Lewis died on May 8, 2022, a resident of Stillman Valley, Ogle County, Illinois. On June 29, 2022. Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck were appointed Co-Administrators of her estate. Co-Administrator Ronald J. Lewis's address is

LEGAL NOTICES 3669 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. Co-Administrator Candy Beck's address is 7205 E. Holcomb Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. The attorney for Co-Administrators, Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck is Maas Legal LLC, P.O. Box 277, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. Claims against the estate must be filed on or before January 15, 2023. Any claim not filed by that date will be barred. Claims may be filed with the Probate Division of the Circuit Clerk Office, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Oregon, Illinois 61061; or with either of the Co-Administrators, Maas Legal LLC, or with all of them. Copies of claims filed with the Probate Clerk's Office must be mailed or delivered to the Co-Administrators

LEGAL NOTICES and their Attorneys, within ten (10) days after the Claim is filed. Dated: July 5, 2022. Deborah S. Mass Deborah S. Mass Attorney for CoAdminnistrators: Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck MAAS LEGAL, LLC P.O. Box 277 Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 815.751.1809 efile@debmaasle gal.com July 15, 22, 29, 2022 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RONALD AUGUST LEWIS, Deceased. Case No. 2022 PR 53 CLAIM NOTICE NOTICE: Ronald August Lewis died

LEGAL NOTICES

g on May 24, 2022, a resident of Byron, Ogle County, Illinois. On June 29, 2022. Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck were appointed Co-Administrators of his estate. Co-Administrator Ronald J. Lewis's address is 3669 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. Co-Administrator Candy Beck's address is 7205 E. Holcomb Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. The attorney for Co-Administrators, Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck is Maas Legal LLC, P.O. Box 277, Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084. Claims against the estate must be filed on or before January 15, 2023. Any claim not filed by that date will be barred. Claims may be filed with the Probate Division of the Circuit Clerk Office, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 S. 5th Street,

, Suite 300, Oregon, Illinois 61061; or with either of the Co-Administrators, Maas Legal LLC, or with all of them. Copies of claims filed with the Probate Clerk's Office must be mailed or delivered to the Co-Administrators and their Attorneys, within ten (10) days after the Claim is filed. Dated: July 5, 2022. Deborah S. Mass Deborah S. Mass Attorney for CoAdminnistrators: Ronald J. Lewis and Candy Beck MAAS LEGAL, LLC P.O. Box 277 Stillman Valley, Illinois 61084 815.751.1809 efile@debmaasle gal.com July 15, 22, 29, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE OF ORDINANCE NO. 22-01 AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY AND ASSESS A TAX FOR POLO

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT OF THE COUNTY OF OGLE, STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 BE IT ORDAINED, that the Polo Public Library District of the County of Ogle, State of Illinoisshall levy a tax of .02% of the value of all taxable property within said District, for building and maintenance purposes, subject to the right of the electors in said District to petition and requirean election concerning the imposition of such tax, pursuant to 75 ILCS 16/35-5. BE IT FURTHER that ORDAINED, within fifteen (15) days from the date of adoption of theordinance, it shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Polo Public Library District and

LEGAL NOTICES

rary it is effective immediately upon adoption. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands in Polo, Illinois this 12th day of July, 2022. 1. The specific number of voters required to sign a petition requesting that the question ofadoption of the ordinance be submitted to the electors of the District is 165. 2. The petition must be filed on or before August 22, 2022. 3. The referendum would be held April 4, 2023. Donna Baumann Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Polo Public Library District %Polo Public Library District 302 W. Mason Street Polo, IL 61064 July 22, 2022

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