Forreston_Journal-11-21-2025

Increased need

Ogle County food pantries see increase in clients after disruption of SNAP benefits / 7

Shed fire in rural Polo

Area

SHOTS

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Candy Cane Christmas is theme for Forreston’s Christmas in the Country

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Forreston’s beloved Christmas in the Country celebration begins Friday, Dec. 5.

The festivities kick off with the Methodist church serving rolls and coffee from 9 to 11 a.m.

Guests can enjoy the Christmas Corner and a soup, sandwich and salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all offered for a donation.

At 4 p.m., the Lutheran church will hold its annual cookie sale in the community room of the Forreston Library. Arrive early because supplies are limited. The library also is the location of Kiddo Christmas Crafts from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

The lighted parade makes a return this year, serving as a festive way to greet Santa. Participants can register and line up at 5 p.m. on Ash Street between the fire station and Forreston

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry to distribute Thanksgiving meals

Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry will be distributing boxes for Thanksgiving meals from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, on a first-come, first-served basis or while supplies last.

The boxes include stuffing, gravy mix, vegetables, canned sweet potatoes, dry potatoes, rice, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, hot cocoa and dessert mix. Boxes are made possible in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank and include 6- to 8-pound turkey breasts purchased from a local grocery store. Donations of $15 allowed pantry volunteers to purchase the meal boxes. Any additional donations will be used to purchase food for the pantry. The pantry also will be distributing Christmas gifts during the month of

Car Care. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join the parade, whether on a side-by-side, bicycle, wagon or on foot. The parade route travels west from the fire station to state Route 26. The parade will turn left on Route 26, travel one block and turn left on Cherry Street. The parade will end on South Walnut at Memorial Park.

Upon arrival, Santa will assist in lighting the Community Christmas tree. Children will have the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a dropbox will be available for letters to Santa. Families also can enjoy making s’mores over a fire and sipping hot cocoa in the park.

Back this year is the vendor and craft show, along with a chili cook-off at Forreston Grade School. Both take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Chili and hot dogs will be available for purchase.

Candy Cane Express wagon rides will offer a scenic tour of Forreston’s holiday lights.

Don’t forget to visit the Forreston fire

December. Donations of new hats, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets will be accepted any time until Dec. 1.

Donation bins are located at Mt. Morris churches and the Mt. Morris Senior Center.

The pantry is a partner with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which provides food to food pantries and feeding programs across 13 Illinois counties.

The pantry is open on the first and third Thursdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and the second and fourth Mondays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the food pantry, call Loaves and Fish Food Pantry at 815-613-8776.

Higley Light Extravaganza is Nov. 28 in Mt. Morris

The annual Higley Light Extravaganza will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at 309 W.

CORRECTIONS

Accuracy is important to the Forreston Journal. Please call errors to our attention by email at news@oglecountynews.com.

station, where cookies and cocoa will be served. EMTs will be raising funds by selling Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Downtown businesses will remain open until 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. This extended schedule provides an opportunity for patrons to explore the offerings of downtown stores and complete their gift shopping.

Festivities continue Saturday morning, Dec. 6, when Santa returns to the Forreston Library from 9 a.m. to noon. Children can enjoy snacks, crafts and conversations with Santa.

A holiday light contest will take place from Friday, Dec. 5, to Friday, Dec. 12, with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The deadline to enter is Monday, Dec. 1. Registration forms for the parade, holiday decorating, and the chili cook-off can be picked up at Koeller Forreston Hardware or the Forreston Public Library. Full schedules can be found at the Christmas in the Country Facebook page.

Front St. in Mt. Morris.

Come join the family for its 16th year of starting the holiday season off with lights and music. This year, more lights and music have been added for your enjoyment.

As always there will be hot cocoa and snacks.

The family will be accepting donations to the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District toy drive.

No ‘Those Were The Days’ program

at Oregon Depot this month

The Oregon Depot Museum will not hold a monthly “Those Were The Days” in November.

The historical program highlights area history with speakers.

Keep an eye on local publications for future program dates and details.

– Shaw Local News Network

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Mt. Morris woman follows in mom’s footsteps and officiates at state girls volleyball finals

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Oregon Elementary School paraprofessional Robin Keane took her volleyball officiating to a new level last weekend, following in the footsteps of her mother.

Keane, 45, of Mt. Morris was one of eight floor umpires selected to officiate at the IHSA State Volleyball Finals at Illinois State University from Nov. 14-15.

She is the daughter of Crete LeFevre, a longtime sports official in northwestern Illinois. Keane fulfilled one of her career goals last weekend when she was the R2 (floor umpire) for the Class 1A and 2A semifinal and final matches.

“It was very exciting. The volleyball matches were full of lots of rallies,” Keane said after the two-day tournament. “I got to meet a lot of other officials. You are working with other toplevel officials that you’ve never met. R2 is the floor umpire. You have to do the substitutions and check the score in addition to officiating the match.”

Sixteen officials are assigned to the state finals – eight floor officials and eight line judges. Keane had worked the state finals before as a line judge, but 2025 marked the first time she was one of the officials with a whistle.

Keane was on the floor for the first match of the tournament, a Friday 9 a.m. semifinal match between Stockton and Norris City/N.C.-Omaha -Enfield. Stockton won that match in three close sets 17-25, 25-23 and 25-13.

She also was the R2 umpire for the Class 1A championship where Stockton fell to Cissna Park (co-op), the 2A semifinal between Riverdale and Columbia and the 2A third-place match between Riverdale and Rockford Christian.

Seeing teams she had umpired for during the regular season made the state experience a little less stressful for Keane.

“I was glad I got to see teams I was familiar with – teams from home,” Keane said.

The state gig was extra special for Keane, who was marking a return to the state finals floor 18 years after her mom had officiated there in 2007. LeFevre also officiated at the state finals in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Keane started officiating with her

mom in 2002 after graduating from Rockford College (now Rockford University), where she played volleyball from 1998 to 2002. Her college playing days followed four years at Oregon High School, 1994-98, where she also played basketball.

“My mom and I have partnered together for 22 years. It was nice that she was able to come down with me to this year’s state finals,” Keane said.

LeFevre now concentrates on junior high and JV games, but still had plenty of advice for her daughter.

“Oh, yeah, she gave me lots of advice. Stay calm, take each play at a time, don’t worry about the whole match,” Keane said. “She said I looked fine, but I was nervous. She was very excited that she was able to come down and see me. It was great we were able to go together this year.

“The atmosphere is very exciting with the band and the crowd. It’s a great experience,” Keane said.

The weekend also had a bit of a “trend-setter” feel since the 2025 tournament was the first time officials could choose to wear blue or white shirts and use headsets that allow them to immedi-

ately communicate during the match.

“This was the first year at state for wearing the headsets, which was big for me since I don’t really like technology that much. Someone said we were trend setters – the first to wear blue and use headsets at state,” Keane said.

Working at the state finals isn’t just calling the matches.

“After each match the officials take part in a debriefing session where they review calls and actions. People don’t realize there is a very detailed pro -

cess,” Keane said.

Sitting with the LeFevres is Trish Patterson of Polo, who also is a volleyball official.

To be selected to the state tournament, an official must consistently be rated among the very best officials in the state of Illinois, Oregon School District officials posted on social media.

“Robin’s calm demeanor, unwavering positivity, and team-first attitude as a paraprofessional also contribute to her success as an official. We appreciate your dedication to our students in Oregon and student-athletes everywhere,” the post said.

Oregon mom pleads guilty to suffocating 7-year-old son in 2021

Sarah Safranek sentenced to 35 years in prison

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Sarah Safranek sobbed softly as she pleaded guilty Wednesday, Nov. 12, to suffocating her 7-year-old son, Nathaniel Burton, in their Oregon home in February 2021.

Safranek, 38, admitted to Judge Anthony Peska that she was responsible for the death of Nathaniel, pleading guilty to first-degree murder. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Safranek was charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery after being arrested April 21, 2021, and indicted May 4, 2021. She pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021, and had numerous court hearings as she remained in custody in the Ogle County Jail as her case proceeded through the court system.

On Nov. 12, she pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder, and the other counts were dismissed.

“As to this count today, how do you want to plead?” Peska asked.

“Guilty,” Safranek replied through tears as she sat next to her attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley.

At the start of the hearing Wednesday afternoon, Isley requested a 402 conference – a pretrial meeting between the judge and attorneys to discuss a potential resolution to a criminal case.

“Is it your desire for me to participate in this conference,” Peska asked Safranek,

12, after pleading guilty to murdering her son, Nathaniel Burton, in 2021. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

to which she replied, “Yes.”

When the hearing reconvened, Isley told Peska she believed a proposed plea had been reached in which Safranek would plead guilty to one count and in return be sentenced to 35 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with credit for 1,666 days already served.

Isley asked the court to request mental health treatment be provided to Safranek as she serves her sentence in prison.

“Do you want to accept [those terms]?” Peska asked.

“Yeah,” Safranek replied while choking back tears.

Peska said Safranek would have to serve 100% of the sentence. He said he could ask for – but not guarantee – mental health treatment or services while she is incarcerated.

“I can’t order the IDOC to do that,” Peska told Safranek. “But I have no problem signing that order.”

Peska asked Safranek if she wanted to say anything else before the hearing ended.

“No,” she said softly while shaking her head.

“I think this is an appropriate sentence,” Peska said. “You are very emo-

tional right now. There is no greater gift than having a child and having that taken away is the greatest hurt. Living with this is going to be a very large burden for you to bear.”

Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Nathaniel’s father and grandmother had been informed of the plea agreement before Wednesday’s hearing.

After the hearing, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said Safranek would not be eligible for release until 2056.

“Based on the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and in consideration of prior court rulings we felt this was the best way,” Rock said. “This term of imprisonment shall be served at 100 percent and is followed by three years of mandatory supervised release.”

During a 2024 hearing, former Judge John Redington agreed to allow as evidence an Aug. 5, 2020, online search titled “I’ve had thoughts about killing my kid. Thoughts of killing my children – anyone else have them?”

Prosecutors argued that Safranek made those searches in addition to another, made Nov. 1, 2020, that asked “What is it called when a parent is obsessed with the thought of killing their child.”

Redington also allowed Feb. 17, 2021, searches of: “How much does cremation of a child cost?” and “How long does an investigation take after a child passes away?”

But he reserved ruling on some of the other motions made by both the prosecution and defense.

During a June 17, 2024, hearing, four prosecution witnesses testified that Nathaniel, before his death, told them that he was being abused by his mother. Defense attorneys countered that the statements were hearsay and should not be allowed as evidence.

Safanek’s jury trial was removed from

the court calendar in July 2024 after prosecutors argued that some rulings made by Redington limited the evidence they wanted to present to jurors. They argued that the court’s decision had “impaired” their ability to proceed with first-degree murder charges.

Rock filed an appeal July 10, 2024, nine days after Redington ruled on several motions in limine filed by the defense and prosecutors.

Motions in limine determine whether certain evidence may be presented to the jury. They are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. Motions in limine in the Safranek case have been sealed and are not viewable to the public.

On Nov. 12, Rock thanked the Oregon Police Department for its work on the case.

“I would like to thank the Oregon Police Department for their hard work on this case. This agreement was reached after consultation with the victim’s family and after taking into consideration the prior court’s evidentiary ruling,” Rock said.

Nathaniel was a first grade student at Oregon Elementary School. He was found unresponsive and not breathing at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon.

According to records obtained by Shaw Local in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services visited the house about a dozen times over two years, following up on five reports of suspected abuse and neglect.

Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing.

Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office launches Thanksgiving enforcement campaign

This Thanksgiving, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is joining the Illinois State Police and local partners to keep holiday travel safe.

The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaigns run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. Officers will be looking for seat-belt violations,

speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis.

“Thanksgiving brings more vehicles, longer trips, and more festivities,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save your life in a crash. We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up, every trip, every time – and to make a plan for a sober ride before the

celebrations begin. If you drink alcohol or use cannabis, don’t drive.”

Plan ahead with these tips:

• Before you go out, choose a sober driver or plan to use a taxi, public transit, or a rideshare service (e.g., Uber, Lyft).

• If you host, offer alcohol-free beverages, and help guests arrange sober transportation.

• If you’ve used cannabis, do not drive. Effects can be delayed and impair reaction

time and judgment.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911.

• Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is supported by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Shaw Local News Network

MATTERED

MEGAN (SWAZIEK) WELLS

PRECIOUS LIFE TAKEN ON 6/24/2016 IN A BOATING CRASH ON THE ROCK RIVER NEAR OREGON, IL.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MEGAN’S VOICE BY “BRINGING INTO THE LIGHT” THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF THE MANY WRONGS COMMITTED DURING THE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL CASES. WE CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT ANY OTHER FAMILY TO EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF NIGHTMARE, SO WE WILL CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY EACH AND EVERY DAY!

• There is no greater crime than taking the precious life of another human being.

• This criminal case is a textbook example of a two-tiered justice system — “Justice for thee, but NOT for me.”

• When lies bring people together, the truth will eventually tear them apart.

• Truth, transparency, and integrity are the antidote to corruption.

• KARMA SAYS: Doing people wrong will eventually catch up with you, and you must pay it back with interest.

THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL, NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES!

LEFT: Veterans John Tuttle (left) and Stan Eden receive flags during the Oregon School District’s Veterans Day Assembly on Nov. 11. The event was held in the Blackhawk Center.

FAR LEFT: Rich Folk of Oregon was among the veterans who spoke about where they served during the Oregon School District’s Veterans Day Assembly.

Oregon School District, VFW pay tribute to veterans

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Oregon School District 220’s Blackhawk Center was packed Nov. 11 as students paid tribute to veterans and thanked them for their military service on Veterans Day.

The Veterans Day assembly included songs by students in each grade level, musical selections by the junior high and high school bands and decorations created in the classrooms.

It also allowed for students to step down from the bleachers to give their special veteran a flag and – of

course – big hugs.

“A special thank you goes out to all of our veterans and their families. We appreciate your dedication and sacrifice to the country that we share,” school officials said in the event program.

Soon after that event, several blocks east of the school, the Oregon VFW presented a short program by the Soldiers Memorial on the north lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse Square.

VFW Commander Bob Coulter told attendees to do what they can to help living veterans.

Held on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, the VFW Veter-

ans Day ceremony paid tribute to the exact moment an armistice was signed to end World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

Nov. 11 now is known as Veterans Day after originally being called Armistice Day.

Coulter said Veterans Day is held for all veterans, whereas Memorial Day is held to honor those who have died.

On Nov. 11, he asked everyone to try to do more for those who served and are serving.

“There are thousands of veterans living in tents across the country who are homeless, let alone all the other homeless,” Coulter said. “There are several

thousands of veterans still in the hospital trying to recuperate from Iraq and Afghanistan and some from even before that.

“Thank somebody for what they’ve done. You talk about freedom, but you can’t buy it. Be thankful for these service members regardless of what branch they are in. ... They continue to provide us with that freedom. Because we have a Constitution that up until this has been unbreakable.”

For more information about the Oregon VFW, call 815-732-6851 or visit https://www.facebook.com/oregonvfwpost8739.

Polo remembers its veterans at historical society program

The snowman always goes out after the first snow, but this year Steve was coming early to help finish with the outside work.

Zinnias, marigolds, rhubarb and the last of the outdoor flowers had to be cut. The rain barrel had to be emptied and the bird bath top put away. We did all the outdoor stuff. It was a beautiful day, and it seemed strange to put out the snowman and Santa Claus. But they were on the top of the refrigerator, and I knew I could not handle them. So I said, “Put them out.”

Obviously the man upstairs saw the snowman was out and sent snow two days later. I really was not ready for snow since I then cannot get out but the ground was white in places and it had turned cold.

We went to the Polo Historical

Society’s Veterans Day program. We are just amazed at what Kevin has done with finding all of Polo’s veterans. More than 600 veterans are buried in our cemeteries and Kevin still is looking.

I remember when I wrote the Civil War book on the 15th Regiment. What spurred me was the fact that the men were so afraid they would be forgotten. I liked one point brought out in the program – to say their names out loud when you visit cemeteries. Remember, when you see a veteran’s grave, say their name out loud.

Having the high school students

involved was very important and they were so interested. I enjoyed having them take part in the program. Thank you to Jeff, our high school teacher. Thank you to all the people who came that evening.

The following Saturday we were busy at the museum getting the place in order. We have the Christmas party coming up, and we need to start thinking along those lines. We still are rearranging things and have many file folders that need to be placed back in the file cabinets. So I got some of that done.

As things come in, they have to be recorded in a book and some of that needed to be done. Some things need to go up to Aplington House, so there is a pile to be taken there. I still have Waterbury things to put away and that will take some time to figure out

what I need for the program on the Waterbury family. That will be in the spring. Some things go directly into our display cases.

Kevin found back in a corner my sister Ruby Isley’s duffle bag when she was in the service. When you are in the service, generally they have the name of the person on the bag somewhere. I am learning how to look for those names.

Some names we research to see where they came from and how they are connected to Polo. We have looked up Ruth Johnson. We have her uniform from the Navy but do not yet know how she is connected to Polo. If someone can fill us in, let us know.

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

County food pantries see increased need after SNAP stoppage

By EARLEEN HINTON ehinton@shawmedia.com

Local food pantries continue to see an increase in clients due to the stoppage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and now are bracing for more potential disruption in their mission to help local families and individuals despite the reopening of the federal government.

Illinois residents who receive benefits expect to see their full benefits restored by the end of this week, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Last week, that agency said it anticipates that the remaining benefit payments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

But one local pantry director is approaching that resumption cautiously.

“Every time they mess with SNAP our numbers go up,” said Kathy Wragg, director of the Polo Lifeline Food Pantry. “We’ve seen 30 or more families in the

past two months. Most are new, younger families. Some haven’t used the pantry before or they haven’t come in for a very long time.”

Wragg lays the uptick in need directly on the shoulders of the Trump administration that declined to fund the SNAP program during the shutdown. She is worried that SNAP beneficiaries won’t get their full allotment when benefits are scheduled to begin again later this week.

The Polo pantry, 113 Green St., is funded entirely by donations, serving close to 400 individuals and 125 families each month. While pantries tend to see an uptick in donations in November and December due to the holidays, donations tend to decrease in January.

“We are entirely self-sufficient and we run on donations. Our community has been fabulous,” Wragg said, adding that additional operating costs are not sustainable.

Barb Diehl, of Loaves & Fish Food Pantry in Mt. Morris, said their all-volunteer pantry also has seen an increase due to the stoppage of SNAP.

See FOOD PANTRIES on page 8

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Firefighters work at 8455 Judson Road in rural Polo on Monday, Nov. 17, tending to a shed fire. Departments from Mount Morris, Polo, Dixon and Sterling were seen working at the site.

Alex T. Paschal

Polo shed catches fire Monday afternoon

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

There were no injuries from a shed fire Monday, Nov. 17, in rural Polo, Polo Fire Protection District Chief Jim Ports said.

Area fire personnel were called for a shed fire at 8455 W. Judson Road at 3:41 p.m. Monday and arrived on scene to flames coming through the roof of the shed. The tin building was 40 feet by 20 feet with bails of straw in it, Ports said.

“We started suppression and got the fire out,” Ports said. “The farmer was there with a skidloader taking bales of straw out. The straw was a total loss. There was minimal damage to the structure. The tin was just scorched.

• FOOD PANTRIES

Continued from page 7

“We’ve seen about a 30% increase with many new households,” Diehl said. “We can definitely use grocery donations, especially cereal, pasta, canned fruit, soup, and noodle or rice side dishes.”

That pantry is located in the former Church of the Brethren, 409 W. Brayton Road.

“The pantry has been serving an increasing number of individuals and families as groceries and the cost of utilities, housing and transportation continue to rise. So far this year, Mt. Morris Loaves and Fish Food Pantry has provided food to an average of over 374 individuals, 149 households, each month, including at least 80 children and 98 seniors monthly,” Diehl said.

In Oregon, at the Lifeline Food and Self Help Project, located in Conover Square, 203 N. Third St., Suite 6, volunteers were busy restocking shelves because of an increase in clients.

“We need basically anything for a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Lora Messenger, one of the volunteers. “We saw an increase of almost half in one week. It was a mix of some people coming

We were on scene for an hour.”

Ports estimated the cost of the loss of straw at $200 and the damage to the building at $3,000 to $4,000.

Responding departments included Polo Fire, Mt. Morris Fire, Sterling Fire, Forreston Fire, Oregon Fire, Dixon Rural Fire, Milledgeville Fire and Advance Ambulance. Chadwick Fire covered Polo’s station during the fire.

“When we’re called for a structure fire, those are the resources that are called out to support us,” Ports said. “We had to haul water due to the closest fire hydrants being four miles away in Polo, which is another reason we needed so much help. Thanks to the area departments that helped us out.”

back in and some new faces. We are very thankful for all our volunteers and our donors.”

Messenger suggested those wishing to help can make a monetary donation to their local pantry of choice.

“With a monetary donation we can go out and buy what we need from the Northern Illinois Food Bank or other grocers,” she said.

Wragg is concerned that other economic factors such as increases in insurance coverage and medication costs also will impact families and individuals in local communities, forcing more of them to seek help at local pantries.

“Everything trickles down. Every time they mess with special programs it has an impact on the pantries,” Wragg said.

She is worried that January could bring another food crisis for those at risk.

“Nobody really knows what’s happening with SNAP,” Wragg said. “I am not confident that SNAP is coming back like it was. It’s just insane.”

For more information on food pantries in Ogle County, visit the Ogle County Health Department website.

SNAP information and food resources are available online at the SNAP Federal Impact Center.

Polo Drama Club’s ‘Moana Jr.’ to take stage Nov. 22 and 23

Polo Schools will present their fall musical “Disney’s Moana Jr.” at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23.

Show dates have changed because of the state football championship scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21.

The musical features all the songs from Moana you’ve come to love, presented in a breezy format that will leave you smiling. Join Moana as she sails off to a showdown with Maui as she tries to save

OBITUARIES

MARCIA J. COLWELL

Born: September 4, 1933

Died: November 10, 2025

Marcia J. Colwell, 92, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, died Monday, November 10, 2025, at MercyOne Waterloo. She was born September 4, 1933, daughter of Harold Emerson and Genevieve (Klontz) Long. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1951 and Bryant & Stratton Business College. Marcia also attended Rockford College and the University of Northern Iowa.

She married William T. “Bill” Colwell on November 2, 1952, in Mt. Morris, IL. He died September 21, 2001.

Marcia was employed by Kable Printing Company, Anacortes Branch Peoples Bank of Washington, and The National Bank of Waterloo, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Trinity Bible Church, Cedar Falls and the Cedar

her island home of Motunui. The show features actors from all three schools in the district.

The Drama Club-sponsored production will be presented at Polo Community High School’s “gymnatorium.”

Tickets prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students, children and senior citizens. All tickets are reserved and tickets will be available at the door. Ticket reservations can be made by calling the high school office at 815-946-3314. – Shaw Local News Network

Falls Chapter National Society Daughter of the American Revolution.

She had a fondness for her cats, and loved a good tea, limericks, puzzles, reading, traditional country music, and treasure hunts at the farm with the grandkids.

Marcia is survived by her three sons, Bill and Nancy Colwell of Hudson, Pat and Marty Colwell of Waterloo, and Mike and Beth Colwell of Fort Collins, CO; five grandchildren, Blake (Erin) Colwell, Shelby (Luke) McNeese, Amy Colwell, Ann (Lance) Marlow, and Rowen Wignall; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joann Willis of Mt. Morris, IL.

She is preceded in death by her husband and brother-in-law, Joe Willis.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Trinity Bible Church, Cedar Falls. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park. Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Bible Church, Western Home Communities or Cedar Valley Hospice.

4-H members leading community service projects

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

This holiday season, Ogle County 4-H is leading a community service initiative and inviting residents to be part of it.

Local 4-H members are collecting donations for three causes: supporting local food pantries, bringing comfort to pediatric patients at Serenity Hospice, and creating warmth for patients at OSF St. Katharine Medical Center.

Polo Women’s Club participates in wreath ceremony at Fairmount Cemetery

Support local food pantries by helping families enjoy a warm holiday meal by donating canned vegetables, boxed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberries, turkeys, hams and other holiday staples. Donation deadline is Dec. 15 for Christmas. For post-holiday needs, donations must be dropped off by Jan. 20.

Ogle County 4-H is assembling care packages for children in hospice care. The following items are needed: stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, markers, pencil boxes, books and cozy blankets. The donation deadline is Jan. 30.

Handmade items bring comfort to patients. Your donations will create warmth for OSF St. Katharine Medical Center. Members are collecting blan -

kets (no larger than 48 inches by 48 inches), quilts, hats and stuffed animals. Templates to make these items and instructions are available from the office. The donation deadline is Jan. 30. Please drop off any items at the Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W. Pines Road, No. 10, Oregon, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to request templates for handmade items, call 815-732-2191.

The Polo Women’s Club participated in the annual wreath ceremony Nov. 6 at Fairmount Cemetery. Member Pat Kuhn crafted a remembrance wreath that was placed at the Cross of the Unknown. The ceremony honors lost servicemen and women whose remains have not yet returned home and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Present at the wreath ceremony were Patrick

Fegan, American Legion Post 83 Commander

Marddi Rahn, Past Commander and Adjutant

Cynthia Reynolds, Finance Officer Becky Davis and PWC members Pat Kuhn, Marianne Cimino and Sheila Dean. The brief ceremony consisted of a befitting prayer read by Commander Rahn honoring all veterans.

The annual ceremony is the initial Polo community event to honor military on Veterans Day. The tribute to veterans took place Nov. 11 at Centennial School.

Shaw Local News Network

Wednesday

Friday Nov 21st 9am-7pm

Saturday Nov 22nd 9am 2pm Mary

Nov. 10-14, 2025

Warranty Deeds

• Chris L. Youssi Trustee, Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, and Roth Yredi 40k to Laurie L. Janes and Patrick A. Janes, 1 Parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-330-005, $25,110

• Chris L. Youssi Trustee, Youssi Real Estate & Development Inc 401k Profit Sharing Tr, and Roth Yredi 40k to Laurie L. Janes and Patrick A. Janes, 1 Parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-330-003, $25,110

• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 195 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00

• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 193 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00

• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 191 Autumnwood Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00

• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 932 White Birch Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00

• Harvest Glenn Llc to Contry Homes Group Llc, 1 Parcel: 930 White Birch Ln, Davis Junction, $0.00

• Nicholas J. Dawtyne and Megan Dawtyne to Raymond A. Herold, 1 Parcel: 3300 N Silver Ridge Dr, Oregon, $395,000

• John Engelkes to Sandra Garcia, 1 Parcel: 1210 W. Lincoln Ave., Rochelle, $165,000

• Betty L. Calvert to Anthony Ware, 1 Parcel: 210 E Front St, Mt. Morris, $115,000

• Joshua A. Nilles to Maxwell Bradfield and Kathlene Bradfield, 1 Parcel: 1126 Old Hunter Run, Byron, $240,000

• Allison S. Toal and Erik A. Guglielmi to Tracy L. Eastman and Jeffery G. Eastman, 1 Parcel: 7148 N. River Road, Byron, $165,000

• Secretary Of Veterans Affairs to Melissa Ann Dyrdahl, 1 Parcel: 153 N Perene Ave,

Byron, $234,500

• William M. Doane to Nikki Doan, 1 Parcel: 1831 N Lynnville Rd, Lindenwood, $400,000

• Brian T. Finch to Thomas Niehaus and Joyce Niehaus, 1 Parcel: 311 E. Front St., Byron, $109,000

• Damon L. Mcclung and Peggy Mcclung to Edward Medina and Kassidy Medina, 1 Parcel: 3775 E Whippoorwill Ln, Byron, $260,000

• Jordan E. Morrison and Anna Morrison to Benjamin Slomian, 1 Parcel: 2048 Southfield Ln, Byron, $280,000

• Kevin K. Coyne, Deborah J. Powless and Donna M. Coyne to Steven E. Pettenger, 1 Parcel: 417 N Mineral St, Byron, $195,000

• Creston Commons Llc to Mascote Properties Llc, 1 Parcel in Dement Township: 25-23-303-001, $26,060

• Sheryl L. Mcgee to Charles C. Becker and Denise A. Becker, 1 Parcel: 13658 Flagg Rd, Rochelle, $220,000

• Contry Homes Group Llc to Anna Morrison and Jordan Morrison, 1 Parcel: 1004 Whitetail Dr, Davis Junction, $322,980

• Ryan Mcroberts to Shannon Marie Bybee, 1 Parcel: 609 N Woolf CT, Rochelle, $120,000

• Susan F. Furman to Michael J. Roberts and Irene Roberts, 1 Parcel: 3825 S Queens Rd, Rochelle, $294,900

• Timothy W. Goodman and Jacqui L. Goodman to Kyle Skaja and Analise Hanson, 1 Parcel: 5054 E. Nordic Woods Drive, Byron, $315,000

• Edward Christopher Baxter to Terrie R. Chance and William H. Carlson, 1 Parcel: 1217 Joanne Ter, Byron, $310,500

• David C. Kne Trustee, Charles J. Knie Tr, Eileen Y Knie Tr to John Carroll and Amanda Carroll, 1 Parcel: 505 S Congress Ave, Polo, $90,000

Quit Claims

• Mildred A. Bartlett to Mildred A. Bartlett and Terry E. Tate, 1 Parcel: 5102 S IL Rte 2, Oregon, $0.00

• Martha Smith Declaration Tr and Jamie R. Smith Trustee to Dg Investments Llc, 1 Parcel: 08-28-100-025, $0.00

• Wayne K. Carter and Aimee K. Krisch to Wayne K. Carter, Aimee K.. Krisch and Gail P. Carter, 1 Parcel: 501 S 7th St, Oregon, $0.00

Trustees Deeds

• Edward C. Vock Trustee and Judson Road Tr to Betsy A. Johnson and Thomas M. Johnson, 1 Parcel: 7561 W. Judson Rd, Polo, $208,740

• Curtis R. Freeberg Trustee, Curtis R. Freeberg Tr, and Norma L. Freeberg to Scott L. Hilliard, 4 Parcels: 05-33-200-021, 05-34-376-001, 10-03-126-001, and 10-03-126-002, $321,717

• Robert L. Burke Trustee, Roberta L. Burke Trustee and Robert and Robert L. Burk Joint Tenancy Tr, to Theresa P. Ryan, Michael P. Leduc and Justin Thomas Dolan Ryan, 1 Parcel: 1050 Lincoln Hwy, Rochelle, $154,900

• Kevin D. Rudy Trustee, Lisa L. Rudy Trustee, and Kenlin Family Tr418 to

Timothy O’Keefe and Kellie Cannon, 1 Parcel: 5178 E Ashelford Dr, Byron, $568,000

Deeds in Trust

• Antonino Alfano and Marianna Alfano to Antonino Alfano Trustee and Marianna Alfano Trustee, 13 Parcels: 16-03-151-011, 16-03-160-015, 16-03-165-001, 16-03-303007, 16-03-327-007, 16-04-105-006, 16-04105-007, 16-04-131-002, 16-04-131-003, 16-04-131-005, 16-04-281-005, 16-04290-005, and 16-04-451-001 $0.00

• Fred J. Horner, Barbara J. Horner, Fred Horner, Barbara Horner to Fred J. Horner Trustee, and Fred J. & Barbara J. Horner Tr1, 5 Parcels: 24-13-384-030, 24-24-153-002, 24-24-356-010, 24-24-357-002, 24-24-357003, $0.00

• Ronald L. Schulte and Debra D. Schulte to Ronald L. Schulte Trustee, Debra D. Schulte Trustee, and R&D Schulte Family Tr1, 3 Parcels: 20-09-400-003, 20-10-300002, and 20-10-300-003 $0.00

• Elizabeth Muro and Uriel Muro to Elizabeth Muro Trustee, Uriel Muro Trustee Muro Family Tr, 1 Parcel: 2623 S Snyder Rd, Oregon, $0.00

– Shaw Local News Network

When you’re not ready

Marlatt, Bailey make summer 2025 SNHU Dean’s List

Southern New Hampshire University recently congratulated Brian Marlatt of Oregon and Casondra Bailey of Mt. Morris on being named to its summer 2025 Dean’s List. Full-time undergraduate students who earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.

Polo’s Clark named to president’s and graduation lists at DMACC

Des Moines Area Community College

President Rob Denson recently released the names of students eligible for the summer semester President’s List. To be eligible, a student must have completed a minimum of six credits and earned a 4.0 grade-point average. Among them was Harper Clark, an emergency medical technician student from Polo. Clark also was among the more than 1,000 students who graduated from the summer semester.

Shaw Local News Network

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ABOVE The Chapman Family of Ashton has farmed on the same land for more than 150 years. From left: Stephen and Amanda Chapman — the sixth generation to operate the farm — Stephen’s father Brad Chapman, aunt Teresa Davidson, uncle David Chapman and grandma Brenda Kay Chapman. In the back row are Madison and Emmerson Chapman, Stephen and Amanda's children.

CODY CUTTER/ CCUTTER@SHAWMEDIA.COM

ASHTON — Life on a family farm has always been filled with hard work and long hours, but it’s also a life filled with memories made in fields and farmhouses alike, by families forged from a shared dedication and devotion to living off the land — and if they were fortunate enough, turning the land into a livelihood.

In Ashton, the family behind a farm there has been one of the ones fortunate enough to do just that. For more than 150 years, the land has been a way of life for the Chapman Family, who are carrying on a legacy that began with John

• See CHAPMAN on next page

success

R. Chapman in the 1860s — but like the industry they’re in, they’ve had to learn to grow to do it. These days, time and toil alone isn’t enough.

“It’s become different,” said Stephen Chapman, who represents the sixth generation of Chapmans on the family farm. “It used to be that you could work hard and then work your way out of most situations, but that’s really not the way it is anymore. You got to be on top with it and sharp with your pencil and your plans.”

Stephen — named after his grandfather, who died in 2015 — does much of the farming these days, having taken over from his father Brad and uncle David. His grandma Brenda continues to live on the farm, as does David. The elder Stephen’s father, Phillips, farmed up until the mid-1900s and his father Emmerson operated it around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the family raises grain, cattle and chickens, and some apple trees remain from when the fruit was an important part of the operation many decades ago.

Being more aware and strategic in planning to sustain the multi-generational farm’s success weighs heavy on Stephen’s mind, and he sometimes wonders how his ancestors kept the farm — once called Willow Farm — going more than a century ago. “You’d love to talk with your ancestors to ask them what drove them and what kept them going,” he said.

Emmerson was the nephew of John, who had two girls who died at an early age. Emmerson’s father, Madison, served in the Civil War and died two years after its conclusion from injuries he sustained in it.

Stephen’s young daughters with his wife Amanda carry on their ancestors’ legacies through their names, Madison and Emmerson, representing the seventh generation and performing small tasks such as filling the farm’s sweet corn and egg stands.

“They love to help,” their father said. “They love riding in the tractors and love checking cows. They’ll be involved, but you just never know.”

The Chapmans attribute much of their

or

Protection For Your Farm & Home Insurance Needs

the

“It’s

• CHAPMAN from previous page light errands on the farm. “It’s a team effort to make this place work. The kids had a lot of fun on the farm. Their friends always wanted to come to the farm.”

The free-roaming nature of growing up on a farm sometimes made it challenge to get used to hanging out with friends in town, David said, where businesses and buildings weren’t as much fun as barns in the back forty.

Even with all the joy and freedom that came from growing up on the farm, the Chapmans never lost sight of the challenges that came with it, each year a test of their patience and grit.

“There’s a lot of great times and there’s a lot of challenging times,” David said.

“The perseverance that you have to have year in and year out, whether you’re successful or having a bad year, you just got to persevere. If you raise a cow and see one of its calves die as soon as it’s born, you keep going. You just endure and keep going. You have dry years, you have good years. It’s just a way of life. A lot of people would probably give up, but it’s just not in our blood to give up.”

It’s also not in their blood to dwell on the downsides; farmers can’t afford it, Brad said.

“As kids, you complain about having to work harder than anybody else, like the town kids, but eventually as an adult, that’s instilled in you,” Brad said. “Only until you reflect on all of the time that’s passed, and how quickly it’s passed, do you realize what it is that you are accomplishing. You don’t think of each individual task, and if you did, you’d go crazy. You’re taught your morals and your ethics to just work hard and push through it.”

These days, Brad and David have pulled back somewhat from their farm duties as they’ve gotten older, but they still enjoy watching how the current crop of Chapmans are keeping the farm healthy. Brad says he’s proud of the way Stephen is handling the farm’s finances, admitting his son’s doing a lot better than him. When Stephen took over, he reduced the farm’s debt and sought help from other growers to help keep the farm going.

• CHAPMAN from previous page

That steady work ethic has carried through each generation, shaping how the Chapmans approach both their labor and their legacy.

“It’s a unique thing that a lot of people don’t have the privilege to experience,” Stephen said. “You have to like it, and it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. There’s not many lifestyles that are also a career. There’s not many careers where you can start something, finish something, and see the fruits of your labor. Most people have jobs with one specific workflow, or one specific part of an entire process, but when you’re farming, you get to do the whole thing, literally from seed to harvest.”

Brad and David’s sister Teresa Davidson no longer lives on the farm and is a nurse for the University of Wisconsin healthcare system in the Rockford area, but her time on the farm helped her understand the value of teamwork and looking out for others.

“Humanity is the biggest thing, helping each other,” Teresa said. “I think it’s different in the city versus growing up in the country — there’s more of a camaraderie.”

The family and farm’s history are documented not only on paper, but the stories passed down through generations, helping today’s generation learn from those who came before them.

David recalls his aunt Hollis’s ability to control horses: “She had a grip, even when she was old, just from holding the reins all of the time,” David said. “When Hollis was working the fields, the reason she said that there was a big tree at the end of the field was because it was there they could take the horses to rest.”

Another of David’s memories: his dad’s homemade barbecue sauce. The recipe wasn’t written down, so each time it would taste a little different, he said.

Brad recalls a story about Phillips having a very young Stephen help him on the International Harvester tractor out on the field.

“Dad would ride on the back of the disc to add weight when the corn was too thick, so the disc could cut into the ground. He was also tied to the seat of an M when he was little because the tractors that had a hand clutch … were more expensive than the ones [with a foot pedal]. If you couldn’t reach the clutch you tie it to the seat and if you had to stop, he said that you could put it at a higher gear and go uphill and it’ll quit.

“With those kinds of stories, I don’t care if

you’re 5 or 10, you’re going to get your work done, and just because you can’t reach the clutch isn’t an excuse.”

Brad and David never got to know great-grandpa Emmerson, but Brad recalls a story told to him about how he was able to control his horses: “They would tell me stories about how he couldn’t get the horses to stand still long enough to get them haltered up,” Brad said, so “he’d come out with his stick and would holler and pound the stick on the wood floor, and all of the horses would stand to attention and they could get the halters on.”

Sports have been a big part of the Chapman’s lives growing up, and even then, farming played a role.

The elder Stephen was a star player for the Ashton Aces high school football team, but turned down a scholarship to play football at the University of Colorado in 1960 to tend to the farm. He would also become Brad and David’s little league baseball coach, and incorporated the farm into keeping them in shape for the game, giving them exercises on the farm, and workouts with rocks, tires and hay bales.

When Brad and David got into football, their time on the farm paid off then, too, giving them an edge over the city kids.

“We had three hours of blood pumping through us by that time,” David said. “When two-a-days started in football in the fall, the only ones not throwing their guts up from all of the running and calisthenics were the farm boys who were active. The town boys would be puking and just beat.”

While the farm’s history is a point of pride and priceless memories for the family, it hasn’t always necessarily been a cause for a celebration. The Chapmans even declined to seek recognition as a state centennial farm in 1975, as the family long held that they weren’t ones for attention.

“We’d all agree that we’re not people who want the notoriety or the spotlight,” David said. “We just like to lay low and do our work and make it to the next year. We’re just not attention grabbers. We’re very privileged to have kept it in the family for this long.

Even if they had sought that centennial designation, they would have been several years late to the party — not they would have wanted to have one. “Papa was more concerned about jinxing it,” added David.

This year was originally believed to be the

farm’s sesquicentennial, with 1875 long thought to be when the farm was established, but a little digging recently revealed there were actually a few more candles on the farm’s birthday cake. During research in late August, the Chapmans discovered that the farm was actually purchased nine years previously, in 1866. The discovery was made due to the property’s tax liens being released much later; it took John five years to pay off the purchase of the property (with 7 percent interest), but no records were officially filed until 1875.

Today, Stephen doesn’t mind a little recognition — the family worked hard for it, after all — so the family has filed paperwork to seek recognition as a sesquicentennial farm, even though, technically, 2025 would mark the farm’s 159th anniversary.

“Papa thought it was bad luck and didn’t want to do it,” he said. “We kind of talked [Grandma] into it. We made it this far, and we’ll sign up for it. Why not?”

For the Chapmans, the legacy of their farm isn’t measured in acres or awards, but in the endurance of a family bound to the land and to one another. Each generation has faced its share of long days and lean years, yet the farm remains — not only as a livelihood, but as a living record of perseverance, humility and quiet pride. n

Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.

Kimball Spinet piano with bench in good condition Pecan color Call 815-738-2739

Don't need it? Sel l it!

County Classified 833-584-NEWS

TELLER

Part-Time Position at Blackhawk Area Credit Union Po lo Office

Availability Monday - Saturday Hours Will Vary

Must be willing to travel between branches & work on call.

For de tails, contact Samantha at: 8 15-946-3660 - or - email: samantha.harazin@bacu.org

Advertise your job openings here! Em ail: classified@ shawlo cal.com or call: 815-526-4645

SERVBANK PLAINTIFF, -vsDANIEL GARCIA; JOSEFA GARCIA A/ K/ A JOSEFA C. GARCIA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C LAIMANTS; UNKN OWN OCCUPAN TS DEFENDANTS

NO. 22 FC 4 NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on March 15, 2024; Bri an R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Stree t, Oregon, IL 61061, will on December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten perce nt (10%) at the time of sale and the balance wit hin twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Said sal e shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or rec ourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purc haser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court. Commonly known as 100 Windover Park Drive, Rochelle , IL 61068 Permanent Index No.: 24-12-154-008 Improvements: Single Family Residential The property will NOT be open for inspe ction prior to the sale and Plaint iff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property.

The judgment amount was $233,075.64. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLI NOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 ALLIED FIRST BANK, SB DBA SERVBANK

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randa l S Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Thomas Belcz ak (6193705) Debra Miller (6205477) Amy Aronson (6206512)

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSO NAL OBLIGA TION. 8190-959488 Forreston Journal Nov. 14, 21, 28, 2025 959488

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC , Plaintiff, vs. RYAN PROUGH AKA RYAN DOUGLAS PROUGH; ABIGA IL ELIZABETH ROSE GOMEZ; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant(s).

CASE NO 2024FC28

Property Address: 404 S Walnut Avenue Forreston, IL 61030

NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE

Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on September 12, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickle of Ogle County, Illinois, will hold a sale on December 19, 2025, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheri ff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bi dders the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit: Commonly known as: 404 S Walnut Avenue, For reston, IL 61030 P.I .N.: 02-33-252-003

First Lien Posi tion; Single Famil y Res idence; Judgment Amount $217,163.89 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLI NOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.

Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance du e wit hin 24 hours of the sale. All pay ments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payabl e to the Sheriff of Ogle County.

The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sale s Department at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960. For bidding instructions, visit www.dallegal.com 24 hours prior to sale.

This communicat ion is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960

midwestpleadings@da ll egal.com 8190-958325

Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959236

STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the E state of: Matthew J. Adams, Deceased 2025 PR 000054 CL AIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of Matthew J. Adams. Letters of Office were issued on 9/17/2025, to James D Adams and Stepha nie L Adams, as Representatives, whose addess is 1384 Cunat Court, Unit 2B, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156.

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

nat Court, Unit 2B, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mai led or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

By: James D Adams & Stephanie L. Adams Independent Executors

Jeffrey A. Peters Attorney for Estate

Jeffrey A. Peters Attorney at Law ARDC No 6183878 25 S. Salem Avenue

Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-409-4835 jpeterslaw@yahoo. com

Nov 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2025

FIFTEENTH

CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the E state of: CHERYL L. GOEKING, Deceased 2025 PR 59 CL AIM NOTICE

of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mai led or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

By: James D. Adams & Stephanie L. Adams Independent Executors

Jeffrey A. Peters

Attorney for Estate

Jeffrey A. Peters

Attorney at Law

ARDC No 6183878

25 S. Salem Avenue

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

847-409-4835 jpeterslaw@yahoo. com

Nov 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2025

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mai led or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

By: James D. Adams & Stephanie L. Adams Independent Executors

Jeffrey A. Peters Attorney for Estate

I n re the E state of: CHERYL L. GOEKING, Deceased 2025 PR 59 CL AIM NOTICE

By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com

Nov 7, 14, 21, 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC , Plaintiff, vs. RYAN PROUGH AKA RYAN DOUGLAS PROUGH; ABIGA IL ELIZABETH ROSE GOMEZ; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant(s). CASE NO 2024FC28

Property Address: 404 S Walnut Avenue Forreston, IL 61030 NOTICE OF SHERIFF SALE

Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on September 12, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickle of Ogle County, Illinois, will hold a sale on December 19, 2025, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheri ff's Office, 202 S 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bi dders the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit: LOT TWO (2) IN BLOCK TWO (2) IN THE TOWN OF FORRESTON, ACCORDING TO THE RECENT PLAT ACKNOWLEDGED BY DAVID A NEAL AND NOW GENERALLY KNOWN AS NEAL'S ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF FORRESTON; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FORRE STON, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS

Commonly known as: 404 S Walnut Avenue, For reston, IL 61030

P.I .N.: 02-33-252-003

First Lien Posi tion; Single Famil y Res idence; Judgment Amount $217,163.89 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLI NOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.

Terms of Sale: CASH - 10% down at the time of sale and the balance du e wit hin 24 hours of the sale. All pay ments for the amount bid shall be in certified funds payabl e to the Sheriff of Ogle County.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, OREGON, I LL INOIS ALLIED FIRST BANK, SB DB A SERVBANK PLAINTIFF, -vsDANIEL GARCIA; JOSEFA GARCIA A/K/A JOSEFA C. GARCIA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD C LAIMANTS; UNKN OWN OCCUPAN TS DEFENDANTS

Jeffrey A. Peters Attorney at Law ARDC No 6183878 25 S. Salem Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-409-4835 jpeterslaw@yahoo. com

Nov 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2025

Notice is given of the death of CHERYL L GOEKING. Letters of Office were issued on October 27, 2025, to ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING, as Independent Co-Executors.

Notice is given of the death of CHERYL L GOEKING. Letters of Office were issued on October 27, 2025, to ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING, as Independent Co-Executors. Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both

The person to contact for information regarding this property is: Sale s Department at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960. For bidding instructions, visit www.dallegal.com 24 hours prior to sale. This communicat ion is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

NO. 22 FC 4 NOTICE OF SHE RIFF'S SALE

Public Notice is hereby given that pur suant to a Judgment entered in the above entitled matter on March 15, 2024; Bri an R VanVickle, Sheriff, Ogle County Public Safety Complex, 202 South 1st Stree t, Oregon, IL 61061, will on December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Sheriff's Office, 202 South First Street, Oregon IL 61061, sell to the highest bidder for ten perce nt (10%) at the time of sale and the balance wit hin twenty-four (24) hours, the following described premises situated in Ogle County, Illinois.

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 midwestpleadings@da ll egal.com 8190-958325

Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959236

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

Said sal e shall be subject to general taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and any prior liens or 1st Mortgages The subject property is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title or rec ourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.

Upon the sale being held and the purc haser tendering s aid bid in certified funds, a receipt of Sale will be issued and/or a Certificate of Sale as required, which will entitle the purchaser to a deed upon confirmation of said sale by the Court.

Said property is legally des cribed as follows: LOT ONE (1) IN WINDO VER PARK IN THE VILL AGE OF HILLCREST, A CCORDING TO THE PLAT THE REOF RECORDED IN PLAT FILE C, PAGE 34, IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE IN OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FLAGG, COU NTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 100 Windover Park Drive, Rochelle, IL 61068 Permanent Index No.: 24-12-154 -008 Improvements: Single Family Residential

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or wit hin three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com

The property will NOT be open for inspe ction prior to the sale and Plaintiff makes no repres entation as to the condition of the property.

Nov 7, 14, 21, 2025

The judgment amount was $233,075.64. Prospective purchasers are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify this information. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLI NOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For Bid Amount contact: Sale Clerk LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 ILNOTICES@logs.com (847) 291-1717 ALLIED FIRST BANK, SB DBA SERVBANK

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both

One of Plaintiff's Attorneys LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291 -1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com Randa l S Berg (6277119) Michael N. Burke (6291435) Christopher A. Cieniawa (6187452) Laura J. Anderson (6224385) Thomas Belcz ak (6193705) Debra Miller (6205477) Amy Aronson (6206512) THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURP OSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSO NAL OBLIGA TION. 8190-959488 Forreston Journal Nov. 14, 21, 28, 2025 959488

Copies of a claim filed wit h the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin 10 days after i t has been filed.

By: ANGELA N. GOEKING and ERIN N. GOEKING

Independent Co-Executors Law Office s of M. THOMAS

AL

ZABETH ROSE ENT; Court entered n VanVickle of ommencing at 61061, to sell te, or so much ACCORDING AL AND NOW FORRESTON; E AND STATE

$217,163.89

765 ILCS 605/9 NOTIFIED THAT THE , SHALL PAY

NS (g)(1) AND COSTS REQUIRED ONDOMINIUM

lance du e wit hin certified funds

Sale s Department 120, Naperville, allegal.com 24

ation obtained

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT F OR THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OGLE COUNTY - OREGON, I LLINOIS

Nationstar Mortgage L LC PLAINTIFF Vs Dian e Tetrault; Jani ce Adams ; Foundatio n Finance

Compan y, L LC; Unknown Heirs an d Legatees of Marcia J. Bradl ee; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claim ants; Kipp Meyers , as Spe cial Representative for Marcia J. Bradlee ( deceased)

DEFE NDANTS No. 2025FC43

NOTICE BY PUBL ICATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU:

Janice Adams

Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Marcia J. Bradlee

Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants

That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit:

COMMONLY KNOWN AS:

2 South Hannah Avenue Mount Morris, IL 61054 and which said Mortgage was made by: Marcia J. Bradlee the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage El ectronic Registr ation Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, as Document No. 0404354; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provi ded by law and th at the said suit is now pe nding.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Kimberly A. Stahl Clerk of the Circuit Court 106 S. 5th Street, #300 Oregon, IL 61061-1634 on or before December 22, 2025, A DEFAU LT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAY ER OF SAI D COMP LAIN T. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES , P.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300

DuPage # 15170

Winnebago # 531 Our File No. 14-25-05825

NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector I3276670 Forreston Journal Nov. 21, 28, December. 51 2025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OG LE COUNTY - OREGON, I LL INOIS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC PLAINTIFF, -vs. Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Edwin D Fr ansen a/k/a Edwin D Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Delano Fransen III, Deceased; Derek Fransen a/k/a Derek R. Fransen; Edwin D. Fransen, IV a/k/a Del Fransen; Byron Bank; Rosemary Schnepf, as Special Representative of Edwin D. Fransen a/k/a Edwin D. Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Delano Fransen III, Deceased; Unknown Owners And Non-Record Claimants DEFENDANTS

NO. 25 FC 47

PUBLI CATION NOTICE

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereb y given you Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Edwin D. Fransen a/k/a Edwin D. Fransen III a/k/a Edwin Del ano Fransen III, Deceased; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants. Defenda nts in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has commenced in the Circuit Court of Ogle C ounty, by the said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, prayi ng for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit:

PART OF THE N ORTH HALF (1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTIO N 32, TOWNSHIP 25 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOI S DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID NORTH HALF (1/2) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4); THENCE SOUTH 0 DEGREES 00 MINUTES ON THE EAST LINE OF THE SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER (1/4), 153.4 FEET TO THE TANGENT CENTERLINE OF STATE ROUTE 72; THENCE NORTH 67 DEGREES 38 MINUTES WEST ON THE SAID TANGENT CENTERLINE, 325.0 FEET; THENCE NORTH 51 DEGREES 12 MINUTES WEST ON THE SAID TANGENT CENTERLINE, 1056.05 FEET; THEN CE NORTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES E AST 222.0 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY EDGE OF ROCK RIVER BEING THE POIN T OF BEGINNI NG OF THE TRACT OF LAND BEING DESC RIBED; THENCE SOUTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES WEST 182.0 FEET TO THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SAID STATE ROUTE 72; THENCE SOUTH 51 DEGREES 12 MINUTES EAST, 376.75 FEET; THENCE S OUTH 56 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 38 SECONDS EAST 104.88 FEET; THENCE NORTH 38 DEGREES 42 MINUTES E AST, 331.0 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY EDGE OF ROCK RIVER; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ON THE SAID SOUTH EDGE OF ROCK RIVER, TO THE SAID POINT OF BEGINNING; EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE PREMISES CONVEYED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS BY WARRANTY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 1993 ON PAGE 6503 FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAY PURPOSES; SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MARION, COUNTY OF OGLE AND STATE OF ILLINOIS

Commonly known as 4842 East IL Route 72, Byron, IL 61010

Permanent Index No.: 05-32-426-001 and which said Mortgage was made by Edwin D Fransen and Roxanna S Fransen., as joint tenants with rights of survivorship Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for USAA Federal Savings Bank as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Ogle County, Illinois, Document No 202001354. And for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the suit is now pending.

Now therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, e-file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, on or before the 30th day after the first publication of this notice which is DECEMBER 8, 2025. Default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment ente red in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To efile, you mus t fi rs t create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service- providers.htm to learn more a nd to select a service provider If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.il linoiscourt s.gov/FAQ/gethelp.a sp

Clerk

LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717

ILNOTICES@logs.com

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BE EN EXTINGUIS HE D BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSO NAL OBLIGA TION 8190-959356

Forreston Journal Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2025 959356

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS SUMMARY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025

The summary must be published in the local newspaper.

Copies of the detailed Annual Statement of Affairs for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025 will be available for public inspection in the school district/joint agreement administrative office by November 30 annually. Individuals wanting to review this form should contact: Forrestville Valley CUSD 221 601 E Main St. Forreston, IL 61030-0665

815-938-2036

7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Also by January 15 annually the detailed Annual Statement of Affairs for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025 will be posted on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website at www.isbe.net. SUMMARY: The following is the Annual Statement of Affairs Summary that is required to be published by the school district/joint agreement for the past fiscal year.

SIZE OF DISTRICT IN SQUARE MILES 178

NUMBER OF ATTENDANCE

Data previously included in the Annual Statement of Affairs can be found at:

Payments to certified personnel Posted on district website per 105 ILCS 5/10-20.47

Student Counts Included in district’s report card Illinois Report Card

Financial Data Included in district’s Annual Financial Report posted on ISBE’s Cerberus Server

SALARY SCHEDULE OF GROSS PAYMENTS FOR CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL AND NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL

Salary Range: Less than $39,999: Alexander, Ericka; Bawinkel, Caroline; Bawinkel, Holly; Becker, Joanne; Beckmeier, Heather; Beets, Jacob; Behrends, Julie; Bergin, Eric; Blake, Connie; Bickford, Kathleen; Birkholz, Marsha; Bocker, Emilee; Brace, Braden; Bronkema, Allison; Brown, Brandi; Chamberlin, Emma; Christensen, Angela; Curry, Maggie; DeVries, Robert; DeWall, Hunter; Fox, Carter; Fry, Alex; Frye, Amber; Fyock, Braedon; Fyock, Jason; Gill, Kristy; Greenfield, Erin; Greenfield, Pamela; Green, Sherry; Hagemann, Lindsey; Hake, Hunter; Havey, Angela; Hay, Kim; Healy, Tommie: Heim, Katelyn; Heitter, Lucia; Hillman, Laura; Holaday, Ethan; Hough,

Richart; Hughes, Jodi; Keisel, Misty; Koeller, Brenda; Kortemeier, Michael; Kuelling, Mark; Lamm, Kimberly; Lamm, Kyla; Leddy, Peter; Leibow, Erin; Lindstrom, Misty; Loomis, Kayden; Ludwig, Elizabeth; Luther, Rebecca; Mathieu, Arynn; McCoy, Becky; Menke, Zoe; Mershon, John Jr; Metzger, Steven; Meyer, Lynne; Miller, Daniel; Milnes, Alexander; Milnes, Jonathan; Milnes, Melvin; Moore, Jillian; Morgan, Wendy; Myers, Janice; Nadig-Mehdipour, Lisa; Nelson, Lucas; Olson, Patrick; Owens, Kristi; Pals, Josie; Peters, Bonita; Pratt, Mariena; Probst, Tiffany; Rahn, Amanda; Reemtsma, Chad; Rozanas, Jody; Runkle, Kimberly; Ryia, Christian; Schoonhoven,

Thomas; Sieber, Brandon; Slick, Jillian; Smith, Brock; Smith, Lisa; Spradlin, Megan; Stocker, Wanda; Strautz, Donna; Strehlow, Chester; Temes, Elisa; Thibodeau, Raquel; Timm, Cameron; Timm, Scott; Vogt, Tyler; Wagner, Kelda; Welch, Jodi; Wichman, Glenn; Wilken, Beverly; Wintemute, Alexandra; Woodall, Parker; Salary Range: $40,000-$54,999; Engalbarts, Barb; Nelson, Jennifer; Smith, Brent; Weaver, Heather; Salary Range: $55,000-$74,999: Sager, Wendy; Salary Range: $75,000 and Over: Hartman, Tom; Janicke, Kirk

PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OVER $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES

Aero Electric & Communications $3,090.15; Aero Group Inc

$3,119.40; Aflac $8,832.36; Alber & Son Earth Works $30,270.40; Alpha Controls & Services LLC $25,197.14; Amalgamated Bank of Chicago $1,034,511.50; Amazon Capital Services $28,309.07; Ameritrust $33,860.00; Apple Inc Education $18,381.80; Apptegy $4,850.00; Arbiter Sports LLC $27,134.00; Audio Engineering Inc $14,049.00; BAPCC LLC $41,680.00; Barkau CDJR $44,361.19; Blue Cross Blue Shield IL $839,094.76; Bonnell Industries Inc $3,457.16; Brady Industries $5,077.18; Breedlove’s Sporting Goods Inc $32,673.25; BW Team Gear $2,532.60; Cardmember Service $42,317.56; CDW Government Inc $13,109.67; Cengage Learning $4,643.19; Central States Bus Sales Inc $8,396.64; Clark & Diffenderfer $3,500; CNE Gas Division LLC $36,690.75; College Board $3,480.00; Complete Mechanical Solutions $167,382.28; Contract Paper Group Inc $2,568.00; D & C Concrete Inc $9,675.00; Dach Fence Co $22,945.00; Dearborn National $8,752.35; DELL Financial Services LLC $13,846.78; DELL Marketing L.P. $23,591.12; Direct Engergy Business LLC $152,726.73; Dubuque Fire Equipment Inc $3,289.72; Envision Insurance Group $3,921.00; FES (SOCS) $4,350.00; Forreston Junior-Senior High School $9,999.09; Forreston Care Care $12,493.66; Freeport Industrial Roofing Inc $520,900.00; Geostar Mechanical $57,608.89;Gordon Food Service $110,320.05;

Grainger $4,477.65; Great Minds $43,970.30; Annika Groom $3,250; Guardian Life Ins Co $9,881.32; H-O-H Water Technology Inc $5,824.00; HD Supply formerly Home Depot Pro $20,829.32; Heart East Peoria $4,416.19; Helm Materials $40,449.58; Helm Truck and Equipment $16,988.49; Heslop Excavating $25,687.50; HUDL $5,350; IASB $9,397.00; Illinois Education Assoc $37,294.00; Illinois Dept of Revenue $265,432.67; Illinois Municipal Retirement $96,380.05; Illinois Principals Assoc $2,710.61; Imprest $30,390.09; Integrated Systems Corporation $6,150.36; IXL Learning $13,983.00; JAMF Software $4,770.00; JMI 2 Corp Masonry Contractors $71,250.00; Journey Ed $10,264.50; Koeller Forreston Hardware $5,626.24; Kriha Boucek $6,184.50; Lakeside International Trucks $6,797.09; Larson Equipment and Furniture Co $8,400.00; Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning $13,026.60; Marco Technologies LLC $7,529.01; Marco Technologies LLC $26,420.94; Marco $5,991.38; Menards $4,642.00; Meridian $5,410.05; Mid Atlantic Trust Company $61,840.00; Mobile Electronics Inc $11,948.25; Nasco $5,235.68; Navitas Credit Corp $31,036.80; NEFF Company $3,802.92; Nelson Fire Protection $2,900.00; Nicor Gas $24,850.63; NITE Equipment Inc $9,498.00; Northern Illinois Diesel $9,431.99; Ogle County Educ Coop $1,197,636.24; Pan-O-Gold Baking Co $5,527.96; Pepsi Cola Company $16,226.96; Physicians Immediate Care $3,210.00;

Purchase Power $3,180.65; Polo High School $5,280.67; Prairie Farms Rockford $24,831.68; Project Lead the Way $5,834.50; RAMZA Insurance Group Inc $152,391.00; Renaissance Learning Inc $8,126.28; Republic Services #721 $12,848.09; Richard L Johnson Associates Inc $76,383.16; Ridell/All American $16,729.42; Robers Professional Sealcoating LLC $41,492.00; Santander Leasing LLC $106,330.00; Seesaw $2,625.00; Skyward Accounting Dept $26,190.50; Sloan Implement $15,502.88; Solutions Bank $800,292.06; Specialty Floors Inc $5,700.00; SSM Health Medical Group $5,830.00; Staples Contract & Commercial LLC $9,700.41; Stephenson Service Company $26,793.30; Sterling Community Unit School District $45,065.00; Sysco Baraboo LLC $105,811.07; Teachers Retirement $471,972.36; Teachers’ Health $75,675.99; TEM Environmental Inc $2,562.00; Raquel Thibodeau $4,180.00; Trebron Company Inc $3,685.90; Turf Tank $7,317.01; Turftime Equipment $2,750.00; Tyler Technologies Inc $11,371.75; Verizon Wireless $8,660.76; Village of Forreston $28,690.48; VOYA Institutional Trust Company $13,172.13; Wagner’s $17,202.25; Wells Fargo Vendor Financial Services $12,027.25; WEX Bank $75,288.47; Wilson Language Training Corp $3,917.20; WIPFLI LLP $24,450.00; Zacs Seal Coat $7,405.00; Kyle J ZIck $7,741.02

PAYMENTS TO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION OF $1,000 TO $2,500 EXCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES

Aluminum Athletic Equipment Co $1,893.00; Amalgamated Bank of Chicago $1,003.50; American Commercial Furniture $2,157.66; BSN Sports $1,418.56; Bulk Bookstore $1,668.10; Calhoun Rentals & Services LLC $1,450.00; Cappel’s Complete Car Care $1,898.00; CEV Multi-Media LTD $1,650.00; Cherry Valley Landscape Center Inc $2,228.00; Cincinnati Life Insurance Company $1,043.20; Clinton Printing $1,035.00; Concord Theatricals $2,458.88; Conserv FS Rockford $1,055.77; Travis J Cunningham $1,000.00; Embrace Education: Brecht’s Database $1,021.63; Engler, Callaway, Baasten, & Sraga $2,141.50; Firm Systems Inc $1,374.00; Forrestville Valley FVEA $1,470.00; Forrestville Valley CUSD #221 $1,500.00; Gaggle.

net Inc $2,450.00; Gallagher Student Health & Special $1,352.00; Gopher $1,943.65; Govconnection Inc $2,173.50; Greenhouse Megastore $2,332.06; Ralph Grimm $1,499.20; Hannah E Gutierrez $1,000.00; Travis J Heinz $1,652.60; Alana M Hill $1,000.00; Hogan Environmental Cleaning LLC $1,200.00; HPS $1,640.00; IASA $2,477.10; JEM Tech Group $1,913.40; Johnstone Supply $1,114.92; Jostens $1,518.95; Learning Without Tears $1,001.33; Legacy Prints $1,218.00; Marissa M McShane $1,840.00; Medco Supply Company $1,402.41; Merlin’s Greenhouse & FLowers $2,039.83; Midwest Truckers Association Inc $1,615.00; Midwest Transit Equipment Inc $2,007.88; Ogle County Health Department $1,100.00; Ogle

County Collector $1,317.32; Oregon High School $1,690.00; Kelley E Parks $1,300.00; Pest Control Consultants $2,222.20; Petty Cash $2,303.47; Philadelphia Security Products $1,029.54; Pitney Bowes $1,638.62; Heather J Politsch $1,637.25; Prairie Fire Golf & Grill $1,721.60; River Ridge High School $1,218.00; Garrett D Roberts $1,500.00; Savvas Learning Company $1,073.04; School Bus Safety Co $2,125.00; School Speciality Inc $1,744.25; Sportdecals $1,593.19; Summit Financial Resources LP $2,168.32; Team Leader $1,837.71; Titan Fitness $1,359.87; Maria Tuten $1,089.24; ULine $1,071.67; Vernier Technology $1,097.74; Village of German Valley $2,296.00; X Grain $1,080.00

REPORT ON CONTRACTS EXCEEDING $25,000 AWARDED DURING FY2025

In conformity with sub-section (c) of Section 10-20.44 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-20.44], the following information is required to be submitted in conjunction with publication of the Annual Statement of Affairs [105 ILCS 5/10-17].

1. Total number of all contracts awarded by the school district: 8

2. Total value of all contracts awarded: $1,790,346.00

3. Total number of contracts awarded to minority owned businesses, female owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, and locally owned businesses: *If there are no contracts of this nature, please enter “0” in box to the right. 0

4. Total value of contracts awarded

are

Byron’s quarterfinal win is testament to ‘smart football’

As I was surveying the scene on the football field after Byron defeated Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep in the Class 3A quarterfinals, it was more reminiscent of a state title celebration.

Players, coaches, parents, fans and students shared in the joy of the monumental win over the Chicago Catholic League nemesis.

For others, like myself, the final result answered what had been a mystery. Just who was the better team –Byron or IC?

The scoreboard read 28-6, a result only the most optimistic of optimistic Tiger fans would have predicted. That is a wider margin of victory than what three football semifinalists had against IC in the regular season.

Still alive in 5A, Wheaton St. Francis lost to IC 35-28. Nazareth Academy in 6A beat IC 24-21, while 7A semifinalist Chicago St. Rita beat IC 38-21.

Let that sink in for a while. Small rural 3A Byron with a larger point differential than those larger Chicago area powerhouses. Is that a mystery in itself?

The lowest point total in a game that IC had all year was 21. And that was against schools two, three and four times larger than it. How was it that IC could only muster a single TD against Byron?

Not just IC but the rest of the Catholic League may be wondering that themselves. This wasn’t a fluke either as the Tigers previously have demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion against private schools.

I’ve always been a connoisseur of smart football, with little patience for dumb penalties, missed assignments and mental errors. The Chicago Bears are one of the most egregious offenders over the decades.

In watching Byron, it was readily apparent that it avoided these pitfalls while IC fell prey to them. I especially was impressed with the pass defense employed by Sean Considine, whom head coach Jeff Boyer calls the best defensive coordinator in the state.

Andy Colbert VIEWS

Considine had his players in the right spot to either prevent receivers from being open or limit QB scrambling. Compared with other defensive schemes against IC in regular-season games I watched online, Byron’s was a masterpiece.

The Knights were able to pick up yards on the ground, but their strength lies in an aerial attack and that is where they were stymied. As Considine told me, they had been preparing for IC since this summer.

I love that attitude more than standard “coachspeak” of taking opponents one week at a time. If Byron would have waited until the week of the game to concentrate on IC, its chances of winning would have been drastically hindered.

Besides, the Tigers were assured of blowing every team out other than Dixon or maybe Du-Pec. Wise thinking focuses on the bigger picture, and for Byron that is taking every step possible to win a state title.

After the game, former coach Kevin O’Neil told me that Byron may have established itself over Rochester as the premier public school team in the state. I can’t argue that, though Wilmington might.

When you are an elite program, your goals are different than nearly everyone else who is content to win conference or make the playoffs. For Byron, the master plan for winning state is months in the making.

Mission accomplished. Byron, you deserve to party like it was a state title victory, because it sure felt like it.

However, unlike the past two years when Byron-Montini was the de facto championship, there is another roadblock in the way. Richmond-Burton has an outstanding team, having destroyed everything in its path, other than Coal City, whom they beat 24-20. It may have

been by a narrow margin, but it was a quality win.

Interestingly, this is Richmond-Burton’s first time in the 3A playoffs. Before 2000, it had been in 2A and after 2000, it always was 4A, winning state titles in each classification.

Don’t expect Richmond-Burton to make the same mistakes as IC did against Byron, which included six penalties for 55 yards, three dropped passes, one interception, a missed fieldgoal attempt and a shanked punt.

In a testament to smart ball, the Tigers were not flagged once. Although IC had several critical penalties, credit to coach Bill Krefft for complimenting the officials in a postgame interview.

Though private schools often get criticized for alleged advantages over the publics, I have found their head coaches to be super good guys over the

decades of my dealings with them. Byron and Richmond-Burton isn’t the only big game in our area. The atmosphere at the Lena-Winslow and Stockton 1A semifinal promises to be as electric as anything in the state.

My favorite football fields usually are at 1A schools, unlike the larger more sanitized stadium venues. Give me a place in a small rural town with a cornfield next to it and an unfenced area to stand alongside the sideline or end zone.

After having seen Lena-Winslow play in person this year, I don’t know how anyone in 1A can beat it. Yes, I know Stockton took it to them already, but doing it again is a different story.

• Andy Colbert is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.

Mt. Morris’ Sellers a member of UW-Whitewater football team playing in national tournament

Briggs Sellers, a physical education major from Mt. Morris, is a member of

– Shaw Local News Network LOCAL SPORTS BRIEF

the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team that is competing in the NCAA Division III national tournament for the 20th time in program history. The Warhawks (8-2), who earned an

at-large bid to the 40-team tournament, will host DePauw (Indiana) in a second-round game at noon Saturday, Nov. 29. UW-Whitewater last appeared in the NCAA playoffs in 2023, reaching the

quarterfinals. The program has won six national championships and has made 10 appearances in the Stagg Bowl (national title game), all since 2005.

FOOTBALL – I8FA STATE SEMIFINAL: POLO 38, SOUTH FORK 0

Polo advances to I8FA championship game

Marcos to face Amboy on Friday in Monmouth

By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com

Facing one of the top offenses in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association, the Polo defense put together a dominant performance in a 38-0 win at South Fork on Nov. 15.

The Marcos (11-1) constantly were in the Ponies’ backfield and had three interceptions en route to their first shutout of the season.

Polo advanced to face Amboy (11-1) in the I8FA state championship at 7 p.m. Friday at Monmouth College. The Clippers beat Milledgeville 18-8 in the other semifinal Nov. 15.

Polo set the tone right out of the gate, going 50 yards on its opening drive, which was capped by a Mercer Mumford touchdown. Mumford finished with 197 yards and two scores before dealing with some cramping.

Defensively, Polo held South Fork (111) to less than 80 yards rushing. George Bailey came into the game with more than 2,200 yards and 41 TDs. Brody Lush

Mercer Mumford JT Stephenson

was the league’s leading receiver and was held to 49 yards.

“We knew George Bailey was the leading rusher this year, so we knew we had to focus on him,” Mumford said. “I think we just zoned in on that all week for our defense, and we got it done today.”

Polo held South Fork to only three first downs in the first half and led 22-0 at the break. Damon Rowe and Eli Perez each caught scores from JT Stephenson in the second quarter. Perez’s score came off play action on fourth-and-1 with 10 seconds until halftime.

Stephenson said the defensive performance was huge.

“We came out and we punched them in the throat in the beginning,” he said. “I think that motivation just got us going. We work on it a lot, so it shows.”

Perez’s TD catch in the second quarter

and Mumford’s 33-yard TD run in the third both capped 99-yard scoring drives for the Marcos in the win.

Mumord and Stephenson both had interceptions in the win and Polo got a turnover on downs at the 1-yard line.

Mumford and Stephenson both had to sit out at times after some cramping and getting shaken up, but Polo continued to get it done without two of its playmakers. Temperatures were in the 70s during the game.

“Our second strings came out there and did what they needed to do,” Mumford said. “So that’s good that we can put our faith in them to get it done when we go out of the game.”

Jordan Reed followed Stephenson’s interception with the longest play of the game, finding paydirt from about 90 yards out on the ground.

Polo’s defense was relentless in the win, finishing with at least nine tackles for a loss. Ethan Dewey had a big sack in the fourth quarter.

“Shutting out a team 38-0, that is a really good team offensively,” Rowe said. “I think it’s amazing that we shut them out the way we did. We had new defensive schemes, practiced really hard on defense and just did it to the best of our ability.”

Polo coach Ted Alston said the Marcos’ defense played tremendously.

“To hold that team to no points, I mean, we didn’t think we’d play that well,” he said. “But the kids executed the game plan perfectly. Very proud, especially of how we played up front.”

Alston said reading the Ponies’ offensive line movement was key to getting in the backfield.

“Our kids did a great job of chasing pulls, taking on traps and they just did everything we asked of them today,” he said.

Polo still had to overcome some adversity to get the shutout, dealing with three fumbles, the cramping and a high snap.

“We recovered from that,” Alston said. “I think the biggest series was at the end of the first half, when we were able to take the ball out of there and then end up scoring with 10 seconds left. That was a lot of momentum for us going into halftime.”

After a sixth straight appearance in the state semifinals, Polo now will play for its first state title since winning it all in 2019 and 2021.

“I think this is a spot we deserve to be in,” Rowe said. “We worked so hard for this. We’ve worked all season, every practice.”

Byron handles ICCP, advance to 3A state semifinals

Richmond-Burton is up next at 2 p.m. Saturday

By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent

In a 28-6 win over IC Catholic Prep in the Class 3A state quarterfinals, undefeated Byron did something teams all season failed to do – shut down the vaunted Knights’ passing attack.

Byron defensive coordinator Sean Considine said it was months in the making.

“We knew we’d be playing IC as far back as the summer. That’s when we started planning our pass defense against them,” the former NFL player said. “We used a zone pattern match, and the kids really executed. And when the quarterback scrambled, we were still in position.”

IC quarterback Nate Lang, with more than 2,000 yards passing this year, never got into a rhythm and was plagued by dropped passes. The Knights (8-4) did not score until four minutes were left in the game.

“We didn’t execute and made too many mistakes,” Lang said. “The difference in the game was they didn’t make mistakes.”

Another difference was someone other than all-state running back Caden Considine making big plays on offense for Byron. In the second half, Dawson Criddle had a 66-yard touchdown run, and Kole Aken had a 60-yarder to set up a 4-yard Considine score.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” Sean Considine said. “I’m fine with small gains (16 rushes for 72 yards), especially with the way Dawson and Kole ran.”

Both teams were effective in moving the ball in the first half, but the only score was a 1-yard TD by Caden Considine in the second quarter to end a 16-play drive. It was made possible by a roughing the punter penalty.

“That was huge,” Byron coach Jeff Boyer said. “This game was closer than the final score.”

The Knights had plenty of chances in the first half, but were decimated by mistakes, starting with a dropped potential TD pass on the first drive. The next possession (14 plays) saw running back KC Kekstadt gaining the bulk of the yardage and Grant Bowen keeping things alive

with a sideline grab on fourth-and-14, but a 28-yard field-goal attempt was no good.

A 26-yard pass from Lang to Bowen in the final minute of the half put IC in the red zone again. A holding penalty and three incompletions stalled the drive.

“We should have been up 17-0,” IC coach Bill Krefft said.

Byron’s only error of the first half was a fumbled pitch attempt by quarterback Andrew Talbert that stopped a drive at IC’s 20. That didn’t faze the shifty signal-caller, who baffled the Knights’ defense with his running ability.

Talbert intercepted Lang late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

“I was in deep coverage and read the guy’s slant,” Talbert said. “We are so prepared because we have the best coaches in the state.”

On Byron’s opening possession of the second half, it was Talbert getting outside for a 30-yard run to key a 13-play, 78-yard scoring drive. Aken scored from 5 yards out to make it 14-0, with David Cunningham making his second of four straight PAT kicks in the windy conditions.

Gracious in defeat, Krefft did not use the wind as an excuse for his team’s struggle to pass.

“All the credit goes to Byron,” Krefft said. “They executed better than we did. We’ll learn from this and get better.”

With 7:40 left and the wind at his back, Lang scrambled and passed his way to a 80-yard scoring drive for the Knights. It was Bowen catching an 11-yard pass for

the TD. Byron lineman Kade Politsch blocked the extra-point attempt to keep the score at 14-6.

After losing the bulk of a big and powerful line, it was the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Politsch leading the Tigers newcomers.

“We knew coming in they were bigger than us, but we’ve made a big jump this year,” Politsch said. “Small town 3A football isn’t a joke. The Catholic League has to respect us. An advantage for us is having the best community and coaches in the state. That creates a built-in bond.”

With the overflow crowd at Everett Stine Stadium on edge after IC’s score, it was Criddle calming everyone’s nerves on the very first play after the kickoff by breaking loose for his long touchdown

and a 21-6 Tigers lead.

“That was a great team we beat,” Criddle said.

Criddle led all players with 120 yards on 13 carries. Kekstadt hit 100 yards on 15 attempts.

After Talbert’s interception, Aken ripped off his long gainer, almost identical to the outside counter of Criddle’s.

“Coming in, I felt we could run the ball,” Boyer said. “I really like the physicality we showed and am proud of the team as a whole.”

Byron will hit the road Saturday for a 2 p.m. game with former Big Northern Conference foe Richmond-Burton in the state semifinals. R-B owns a 2-0 edge in the playoff series.

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1925: Red Grange plays final University of Illinois game, signs with Chicago Bears. 1949: Bill Veeck sells Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians for $22 million to fund his divorce settlement.

HUGE VICTORY

Byron rolls past ICCP, reaches state semifinals / 23