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Serving you... with smiles under our masks.

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VOLUME 155 NO. 10 • SERVING THE FORRESTON AREA SINCE 1865

COUNTY NEWS

FRIDAY, July 3, 2020 • $1.00

NEW SCHOOL RULES

Locally Grown An Oregon family is growing produce and flowers for local people. / 10

LOCAL NEWS

Open Again The Polo pool and Oregon’s splash park reopen for Phase 4. / 7

S.M.I.L.E. Masks are being sold to help a 10-year-old girl continue her medical battles. / 4

Metro Graphic

One Section - 24 Pages

INDEX Betty’s Column......... 5 Church News............12 Classifieds..........21-24 COVID-19 Update...... 4

Forreston Library...... 9 Oregon Police...........19 Otto’s Column........... 6 People........................ 3

Property Transfers...16 Sports........................15 Sheriff Activity.........19 State News..............20

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

LaVerne J. Duitsman, Diane A. Gorski, Ronald John Haedt, Patsy ‘Pat’ H. O’Brien, Pages 18-19

Forreston Journal / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| FORRESTON BEAT

FORRESTON

Journal

oglecountynews.com OFFICE 113-115 Peoria Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 732-6166 ext. 2592 Fax: (815) 284-2078 SUBSCRIPTIONS $39 in Ogle County, and $52 outside Ogle County. Single-copy price is $1 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, call 815-732-6166, ext. 2518 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday or send an e-mail to subscriptions@ oglecountynews.com. You also can subscribe online by going to oglecountynews.com and clicking on Subscribe.

EDUCATION

New guidelines for schools in 2020-21 Superintendents hope to get kids back in the classroom this fall BY JEFF HELFRICH

Forrestville Valley

jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com would fill out a form and check on them each day. So far, reactions from parents have been mixed, Mahoney said. “Some have very strong feelings,” Mahoney said. “Some high school students enjoyed last spring. Some kids have high-risk immune systems.” Mahoney said there is guidance in place from the state on providing e-learning for students whose parents aren’t comfortable sending them back to school, but negotiations will have to be done with the teacher’s union on them doing extra work with both in-class and distance learning. Oregon’s district will be prepared with distance learning regardless of the in-person return to school. “I want us to remember there was a spike in COVID-19 cases in the spring, so we had to close,” Mahoney said. “We may have to do it again, so we’ll stay ready.” The biggest cost to Oregon’s district with the changes will be in personnel, Mahoney said, especially if screenings need to be done to each child or if some decide to stay home and request e-learning. Oregon’s planning has always been focused around making the new system “most normal.” Changes talked about so far have included smaller bus sizes and a shift in when attendance starts to accommodate more routes. As far as inside the school, there will be more restrictions on “general behavior.” Mahoney stressed that the state’s guidelines could change, especially after schools were told May 24 that summer

Forrestville Valley Superintendent Sheri Smith sent out a survey to parents with five simple questions about the guidelines for the fall. The biggest concern she’s heard so far? Masks. “Will my child tolerate it? What will the school day look like? To be honest, masks are non-negotiable,” Smith said. “We will have to work through that.” Smith has been working on administrative planning with her board, staff and leadership on issues like how students movement throughout the building can be limited to reduce possible exposure. That could involve teachers moving from room to room at the secondary schools rather than students. Elementary will be easier with kids already staying with one teacher all day. The traditional school day could change with morning screening also in play. “We’re unsure about lunch, recess, school buses and more and we’ll have to do planning,” Smith said. “Are there different bus routes we can use or parents that just want to bring their kids to school instead?” Forrestville Valley got a CARES grant and purchased two 360 Clorox machines and a backpack sprayer for sanitation. Additional time will be added for handwashing. Smith said in-person learning is the preference for her district, but it will be ready, like Oregon, if it has to go back to remote learning. Overall, much of what school will look like in the fall is unclear right now until more planning can be done. “It’s so up in the air,” Smith said. “It’s getting guidance and seeing how it’ll work out. I don’t think it’s impossible.”

ton Library,” said Dan Stralow, club member. The Thursday pick-up dates are July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, between 5-6 p.m. “Please place your order by Tuesday to assure your ham will be available for pick-up on Thursday,” Stralow said. “You can place your order with any Forreston Lions Club Member, or specifically call Lion Alice: 815-938-3552, Lion Ilene: 815-938-3556, Lion Liz: 815-541-3522 or Lion Michelle: 815-821-3270. This year’s smaller hams are a Smithfield John Morrell Black Forest Ham, which is a boneless, fully-cooked round ham. The hams aver-

age 8-12 lbs. and the price will range $30-$45. The annual ham sale is a primary fundraiser for the Forreston Lions Club which allows the Club to serve the local community. Some of the local projects supported by the Forreston Lions Club include: Forreston Youth Baseball/Softball Program, Forreston High School Scholarships, local support for sight and hearing needs, and a variety of community enhancement projects. “The Forreston Lions appreciate your ongoing support, especially through this year of unprecedented challenges,” Stralow said.

Forreston Journal, Ogle County News and oglecountynews.com are a division of Shaw Media. Ogle County Newspapers also prints the Mt. Morris Times,

Tom Mahoney’s biggest concern about the state’s COVID-19 guidelines on returning to schools in the fall is the social and emotional impacts it will have on students. The Oregon School District Superintendent received the guidelines last week that included required use of face coverings, no gatherings of more than 50, social distancing, symptom screenings, temperature checks and increased cleaning and disinfection. In preparing for the upcoming semester, Mahoney wants his students to have a healthy experience, in more ways than just physically. “If they’ll be told to keep their masks on and not to touch each other, we’re asking them to behave in ways that aren’t normal,” Mahoney said. “It’s counterproductive for youth development.” Getting kids back to an in-person learning experience has always been Mahoney’s focus. He believes that’s where they’re best served. A survey was sent to parents on Tuesday looking for their thoughts on the guidelines. A plan to meet the guidelines will be in place by mid-July. “Our hope is to do everything in our power to get students in here,” Mahoney said. Among the plans that need to be made is how screenings will be done prior to the school day. Oregon’s elementary school has 700 kids in it. Mahoney is unsure of how all those kids could be checked by staff each morning. Parents may be asked to verify their children’s lack of symptoms and exposure and

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

SPECIAL SALE

CLASSIFIED SALES 815-284-2222 OBITUARIES 815-732-6166, ext. 2591 ehinton@oglecountynews.com Deadline for obituaries is 2 p.m. Tuesday for Friday’s edition SEND NEWS news@oglecountynews.com General Manager Earleen Hinton 815-732-6166, ext. 2591 ehinton@oglecountynews.com Editor Jeff Helfrich 815-732-6166, ext. 2590 jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com Advertising Sales Lori Walker 815-625-3600, Ext. 2555 lwalker@oglecountynews.com

The FORRESTON JOURNAL (USPS No. 205-520) is published weekly by B.F. Shaw Printing Co., Shaw Media. Periodical postage paid at Forreston, Illinois. POSTMASTER Send address changes to FORRESTON JOURNAL, P.O. Box 237, Forreston, IL 61030. Phone 815-732-6166, ext. 2516. All rights reserved. Copyright 2020

school had to be done remotely before being told it could be in person on June 4. “That shows that a lot of this may change,” Mahoney said. “It’s a fluid situation. We may get guidance in two weeks changing all of it.”

Lions Club annual ham sales returns The annual Forreston Lions Club Ham Sale will return in July. New this year, the Lions will be selling smaller 8-12 lb. hams, however due to the pandemic, they will not be hosting the traditional three days of “walk-in” sales. “This year, you must preorder your ham with any Forreston Lions Club member, and your ham will be available for drive-through pick-up every Thursday in July between 5pm-6pm. The downtown Forreston pick-up location will be in the parking-lot on the south side of the Forres-

CLUB DONATES

Donation honors Sharon Wagner

PEOPLE | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Oregon Woman’s Club donates children’s books Charlie by Karen Lewis and Charlie Santoro, The Whole Sky by Heather Henson, and The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackey. The titles were selected in honor of Wagner’s love of horses. Each book contains a bookplate acknowledging the donation in Wagner’s name. They are all available on request from the Oregon Public Library. Wagner was an accomplished horse woman, doing recreational riding and participating in barrel races on horseback. She was also an elementary school teacher for more than 31 years in the Oregon, Seward and Chana school districts.

The Oregon Woman’s Club has donated a collection of children’s books to the Oregon Public Library. The donation was made in the name of Sharon A. Wagner, long-time past president of the group, who passed away in January of this year. The books, all of which are about horses, selected with the help of Debbie Herman, the youth librarian, are designed for a variety of age and reading skill levels. They include If a Horse Had Words by Kelly Cooper and Missy Eldridge, This Way,

Members of the Oregon Woman’s Club presented a collection of children’s books about horses to the Oregon Public Library. Pictured left to right, are: Hilaree Lombardo, director of the library; Rosemary Underwood, club president; Audrey Taylor, board of directors; and Sandie Brubaker, club treasurer. Photo supplied

Groenhagen celebrates 90 years

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

YOUR HEALTH

Three Ogle residents sickened by bagged salad Walmart, Aldi were two of the stores that sold the bags of salad BY ERIC INGLES eingles@shawmedia.com At least three people in Ogle County have been infected with cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that, in this case, is caused by a parasite found in contaminated bagged salad sold at Walmart and Aldi, the CDC and the county health administrator said. The Centers for Disease Control issued a warning June 26, advising consumers to avoid or discard the Marketside-brand Classic Iceberg Salad, sold at Walmart stores with use-by dates of May 19 through July 4; Little Salad Bar-brand Garden Salad, sold at Aldi with use-by dates of May 1 through June 29; Jewel-Osco Signature Farms-brand Garden Salad with use-by dates of May 16 through July 4; and Hy-Vee-brand Garden Salad with any use-by date. All have been recalled.

Image provided

At least three people in Ogle County have been infected with cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness which, in this case, is caused by a parasite found in contaminated bagged salad sold at Walmart and Aldi. The parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, usually spread through fecal contamination of food or water. Symptoms include nausea, diar-

rhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, fatigue and occasionally fever. It can be treated with an antibiotic, but most people recover on their own.

People showing these symptoms should contact their doctor, Ogle County Health Department Administrator Kyle Auman said. “Typically they should be tested, which would be a stool sample,” Auman said. “They also do blood samples too, but stool sample is the best method.” Ogle had three known cases as of Monday morning, he said. “It can be found in various produce, berries, melon, lettuce, other green leafy vegetables,” he said, adding that people should hand-wash their produce, make sure they are not cross-contaminating with other types of food, and cook everything to the proper temperature. More than 200 people in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin who reported eating the salad mixes have lab-confirmed cases, the CDC said Friday. Multiple clusters of Cyclospora infections that occur each summer. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating the Midwest cluster and others, to see if they are linked. Go to www.cdc.gov for more information.

PANDEMIC UPDATE

COVID-19: Ogle County reports 15 new cases Documented recoveries are up to 231 as of June 30 BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Ogle County Health Department reported 15 new COVID-19

cases on Tuesday, June 30, totaling 267. Recoveries of documented cases stand at 231, with three new ones being reported Tuesday. The OCHD reported its fourth death in the county June 1. It reported its third on May 27. Ages and locations of the individuals are not being released

to protect their privacy. The Illinois Department of Public Health site said Tuesday that there are 153 cases in the 61068 zip code that includes Rochelle, Creston and White

Rock. Stillman Valley’s zip code, 61084, has 11 cases in it according to the

IDPH site. Byron’s zip code, 61010, has 28 cases. Davis Junction (61020) has 17 cases. The zip codes that house Oregon (61061) and Mt. Morris (61054) have 13 and eight cases, respectively. Polo’s zip code, 61064, has 10 cases in it. IDPH has now made available county level COVID-19 risk metrics. Visit www.dph.illinois.gov/countymetrics.

$3,125 • Ashton Mills & Petrie Memorial Library, and Gymnasium $1,215 • Byron Public Library, District $9,986.25 • Chadwick Public Library, District $1,361.25 • Dixon Public Library, $19,666.25 • Forreston Public Library, $1,807.50

• Franklin Grove Public Library, $1,276.25 • Lanark Public Library, $1,821.25 • Leaf River Bertolet Memorial Library, District $2,676.25 • Milledgeville Public Library, $1,707.50 • Morrison Odell Public Library, $5,235 • Mt. Morris Public Library, $3,747.50

• Oregon Public Library, District $7,716.25 • Polo Public Library, District $3,516.25 • Rochelle Flagg- Rochelle Public Library, District $17,196.25 • Stillman Valley Julia Hull District Library, $10,346.25

STATE LIBRARY GRANTS Library grants awarded Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded $15.4 million in Illinois Public Library, Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants to 638 public libraries statewide. Area recepients are: • Amboy Pankhurst Memorial Library,

LOCAL HISTORY

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society

and Alice, and one for her brothers. I just remember as a kid, we were wall-to- wall with cots in our big tent. Also by the time Alice and her family went to Devil’s Lake, there was a slide and I do not remember any slide. We had to settle for a big row boat to fiddle around with for something to do. We did a lot of hiking since the lake water was very cold. Alice said Devil’s Lake was spring fed and I had not realized that as a child.

Probably why we did little swimming. Alice said her family attended the chateau at night for whatever was on the agenda. We did not do that and we were not old enough to go on our own. My father was not a campfire builder and instead, we sat around and read books. We were a family that did much reading together or listening to the radio. When we had the new house trail-

PUBLIC VOICE Chana School sale volunteer thanks all the supporters To the Edtior,

The Chana School Museum garage sale was a huge success! We would like to thank everyone who donated items, and the people who bought those items at the sale. We would also like to thank our many volunteers, without them our sale would not have been possible. This sale has made it possible to keep the museum going through these difficult times. We weren’t able to have children at the school for spring field trips. The prospect of having children come in the fall looks dim. The profits from the sale will help pay the bills for this year. We appreciate and are thankful for all the assistance in making this year’s fundraiser a great success.

First the use of the Oregon Coliseum was so important for our event, so we thank the City of Oregon and the CMAAA for allowing us to use the beautiful building. We would like to also thank Liz Vos and the Oregon Chamber of Commerce for their help in promoting our sale. The Oregon community has been a great supporter of the school museum, and we thank them also. The school museum will be open for private tours by appointment at some point in the future. Social distancing and health department rules will be followed for any tour. Call Connie at 815-732-2447 or Ray at 815-979-2903 for more information. Thank you for your support!

Donna Gruber

Chana School Volunteer Oregon

Let us know what’s happening in your hometown! Email: news@oglecountynews.com

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I have enjoyed all your comments and reflections on camping days with your families. Many had two wheeled trailers “packed to the brim” as Alice Cassens stated. Rich Coffman even built his trailer himself just like my father did so the innovativeness filtered down to different generations. Even if we have new RV equipment as years go by, there is something about making your own that is very satisfying. My father eventually came to the time when he even built his own house trailer. That trailer traveled east when I was in high school and suited our family of five at that time. Boston, New York, and Quebec, Canada. We did not hesitate to go anywhere and that trailer went through all the big cities. I was tired of living out of a suitcase. When I married we were not a traveling family let alone sleep in a tent. If we went anywhere we stayed in a motel. Alice Cassens stated when they went to Devil’s Lake, her family had two tents. One for her parents

er that my father had built, we went east for several weeks. As children, we were older and could go out on our own and explore. In Quebec, Canada, as kids, we ran around on our own. I remember the pastry shops and the Chateau Frontenac which was a very elegant hotel. As my brothers and sister and I aged, we were always going to go back and stay in style but we never did. My sister got dementia and our time together was shortened. By the time I got married, I was tired of traveling and if we went anywhere, we visited family. We also did not camp and instead stayed in motels where someone else made our beds. We did not do our own cooking but relied on fast food places that were popular by that time. We spent the day in a museum or in a duck on the river at Wisconsin Dells rather than deal with a camp site. When my grandchildren started camping at the White Pines State Park with their fathers, it brought back many memories I had as a child.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Camping trips bring back plenty of fond memories

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

LOCAL HISTORY

Erxleben family tombstones reminder of pandemic Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon has researched the people, places and events important in the Oregon area’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is one of a series of the articles he has written.

BY OTTO DICK While driving by the Riverside Cemetery in the front row close to the Burchell Mausoleum is the monument of Herman Erxleben. His daughter Clara who died of the Spanish Flu is buried at this gravesite. Buried at Riverview Cemetery, just north of Riverside Cemetery, are Erxleben’s son Edward, his wife and five children who all died from the Spanish Flu starting Jan. 21, 1920 to Feb. 9, 1921. They lived on a farm located on the German Church Road. Their farmhand and nurse also succumbed to the flu. This monument is a reminder of the flu pandemic lasting almost 36 months. An article entitled “Spanish flu: The deadliest pandemic in history” describes this deadly influenza pandemic lasting from January 1918 to December 1920. This outbreak began during the final months of World War I and some believe the war was partly responsible for spreading the virus. This virus was hardest on young adults between the ages of 20 and 30. Between 30% to 40% of people who worked or lived in confined areas, such as schools, barracks and government buildings, became infected. The symptoms of the flu included a headache, tiredness, dry hacking cough, loss of appetite and stomach problems. Doctors urged people to avoid crowded places or simply other people and to cover their mouths and noses in public. They were also advised not to shake hands with others, to stay indoors, to avoid touching library books and to wear masks. Schools and theaters closed. New York City also made spitting in the streets illegal. Schools and other buildings became makeshift hospitals and medical students had to take the place of doctors in some instances. This article also mentions another pandemic that happened 500 years earlier, when the Black Death traveled around the world. One estimate was 25% of Americans were

TOP LEFT: The Herman Erxleben family monument is located at Riverside Cemetery. Clara, his daughter, died of the flu is also buried also here. TOP RIGHT: Governor Lowden on a horse. Photos supplied by Otto Dick infected with the virus killing over 675,000 people in the U.S. The Spanish Flu reduced the life expectancy by 12 years. Governor Frank Lowden, our 25th Governor, served from Jan. 8, 1915 to Jan. 10, 1921. He served during WW1 and the outbreak of the Spanish Flu. During his term in office on April 6 the U.S. declared war on Germany. On July 25 the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. During this war an estimated eleven million personnel and seven million civilians died.

•••

Another event that occurred during Lowden’s term as Illinois Governor was the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. For the first 144 years of American’s early his-

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tory married women couldn’t own property, had no legal claim to any money they might earn and no female had the right to vote. Women were expected to focus on housework and raising a family, not politics. It’s ironic that the first woman running for President of the United States won the majority vote but not the electoral college. And finally another U. S. event during Gov. Lowden’s term in office was the passage of the 18th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. This act led to a rise in gang violence and other crimes. Prohibition ended with the ratification on Dec. 5 of the 21st Amendment.

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EMMALYN UPDATE

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com S.M.I.L.E. stands for see miracles in life every day. That’s Emmalyn Freeze’s motto. The Mt. Morris 10-year old has gone through 39 brain and spine surgeries in her battle with Chiari Malformation. After being in California for 11 weeks and 4 surgeries, she has returned home, but will be heading back on July 5 to figure out her next steps. “She always smiles,” Emmalyn’s mother, Stephanie Freeze said. “She said she liked it and we’ve done shirts for her with that on them. She said in California, ‘I do smile every day, hopefully my miracle will come someday.” Masks bearing the motto are being sold by Brave Gowns with proceeds going towards Emmalyn’s treatment. They can be purchased at bravegowns.com/products/s-m-i-l-e-for-emmalyn-mask Chiari Malformation is a condition where part

of the brain slides down into the spinal canal and blocks the cerebrospinal fluid from flowing as it needs to cleanse and nourish the spinal cord. Emmalyn often struggles with headaches while upright and has to lie down to reduce the pain. That, along with COVID-19 restrictions in California made for a tough trip. Emmalyn and Stephanie had to drive to California in March with flights being canceled due to the pandemic. “We stayed at the Ronald McDonald house,” Stephanie said. “Everything was shut down. We had to get food delivered. We hung out in the room for 11 weeks. It was really hard for her. She had a lot of pain and had to be stuck in her room.” Returning to California after only a couple weeks home will be difficult, Stephanie said. But Emmalyn’s doctors need to see her and get imaging to decide her next steps. Emmalyn created the mask to bring smiles, while also hoping to make a difference in protecting others from COVID-19.

The proceeds from these masks go to helping Emmalyn Freeze in her ongoing medical battle with Chiari Malformation.

COVID-19 & BUSINESS

Oregon splash pad, Polo pool opened June 26-27 afternoon. Castillo, dressed in her swimwear, bolted from the car with her dad and ran toward the windiing river, but then saw the new playground equipment and changed course to crawl on one of its features. But in a couple munites she was back at the splash park. “She just loves it,” her dad said. Also enjoying the sprays of water were Brianna and Brogan Wilkinson, 9 and 13, of Oregon, and Isacc Freeman, 8, of Freeport. “We like all of this,” said Brianna, “but I like the little river mostly.” In Polo, the city’s commiunity swimming pool opened to the delight of kids and adlults on June 27. Because only 45 people are allowed into the pool during each session, the Polo Fire Department sprayed water into the air at the other end of City Park during the afternoon to make sure any child coming to the pool to cood off would not be disappointed.

BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com In recent weeks, Erin Folk has seen kids sadly walking around Oregon’s parks, unable to use the equipment due to COVID-19 guidelines. The Oregon Park District Executive Director encountered a child on Thursday who said he was excited to get up early and eat breakfast at the park before spending the day there Friday, with it reopening under the state’s phase four plan. OPD has officially opened its playgrounds, dog park, splash pad and shelter. “For the most part, the majority have been positive about it,” Folk said. “They get we’re working with the guidelines. We have those conversations and they know we’re being conscious of people’s needs. I understand the eagerness. It’s been a long road.” Friday is also the first time that residents will be able to use the newly-renovated Park West location, which was completed this month. A grand opening celebration was in the works for months, but is currently on hold due to gathering restrictions being at 50 people or

Wriglee Castillo, 5, of Oregon, runs through a water feature at the Oregon Park District’s splash park on Friday. The popular splash park opened on Friday, June 26. less during phase four. Folk called the lack of a ceremony “unfortunate,” but hopes to do something in the next phase. Signs has been placed at each play site outlining social distancing requirements. “It also says if you see it’s not possible to abide by guidelines, to visit

another park,” Folk said. “We hope people use good judgement.” High-touch areas like restrooms and shelters will be disinfected each day, Folk said. Wriglee Castillo, 5, of Oregon, wasn’t sure what she do first when her dad brought her to the splash pad at Oregon Park Weston Friday

Nash Opens July 8 Oregon’s Nash Recreation Center won’t be opening until July 8 and will have a series of restrictions. The reason for the delayed opening was to get part-time staff like lifeguards trained. The training company OPD uses requires so much training per month and it couldn’t be started until Friday, which will

See OPENINGS, Page 8

• Friday, July 3, 2020

Public eager to cool off at popular sites in Oregon and Polo

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Masks sold to help 11-year-old battle her disease

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

TOP LEFT: Owen Ketter (left) and Cameron Folk, both of Oregon, visited Oregon Park West on Friday to use the park’s new Toro court. The court is divided into four triangles and includes four electronic goals. It can be used for soccer and hockey play. TOP RIGHT: Brianna Wilkinson, 9, of Oregon, Isacc Freeman, 8, of Freeport, and Brogan Wilkinson, 13, of Oregon, play at one of water features at the Oregon Park District’s splash pad.

•OPENINGS Continued from Page 7

take a week and a half. Since closing in March, Nash has undergone indoor renovations such as the gym floors being redone. The

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amount of people allowed indoors will be limited by a reservation system. Users must schedule a use time for the pool, fitness center and gym. “It’s not going to look real different, but it’s going to be different,” Folk said. “You can’t drop in anymore. We’ve removed seating areas and coffee stations. It won’t be warm and inviting from a comfort level. That’s not the way we’ve run things in the past. But it’s for the best right now.” Reservations can be made by calling 815-732-3101 or at www.oregonpark.org beginning July 1. The reservation system will help OPD know when it can close for increased cleaning procedures as well as who is in the building if

there is a positive test and contact tracing is necessary. Folk said there is a plan in place for that and Nash would close if there was a confirmed case. “We got a temperature reader and there’ll be wellness checks,” Folk said. “It’s going to take some time to get used to.” Folk said there are measures that will remain in place even as the state moves to phase five. Time will tell which, she said. We’ll evaluate everything and adapt,” Folk said. “It’s a positive to see people again and help them get healthy.”

Earleen Hinton contributed to this story

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Benjamin Stout, 12, of Polo, dives into the Polo Swimming Pool on Saturday. The popular outdoor pool opened to thankful crowds looking to beat the heat.

BERTOLET LIBRARY

Summer Reading Program Calling all K-5th grade students! Stop in to the library each week to pick up a bag of take home crafts for our Summer Reading Program. We miss seeing all of you at our Summer Reading Program. New craft bags will be available each week through July 20. New Releases

We’ve got new reading material for you! Stop in to check them out or call us at 815-738-2742 to place a hold. Here are some of the many new titles we have for you: Adult Fiction Juvenile Fiction The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras Juvenile Non-Fiction The Times Machine by Danica McKellar Kids Picture Books The Giant and the Beanstalk by Diane

Stanley Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale

on June 29 so you may also request items from other libraries. Due to quarantine policies, delivery will take longer than usual. Please call, Facebook message, or email us at forrestonpubliclibrary@gmail.com for assistance or if you have any questions.

let us know and we’ll be happy to help you get set up. You may also access the internet outside the library by connecting to our WiFi. No password is required.

Insect: Friend or Foe: On Thursday, July 16, Ag in the Classroom will be providing a virtual summer reading program called, “Insect: Friend or Foe.” Participants will hear “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner. The garden is full of insects and their mouth parts. The program will conclude with participants completing a craft showing the life cycle of an insect. This program will be held virtually on Thurs-

day, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library to register before July 8th and receive a Zoom link. The week prior to the program, stop by the library to pick up your “ag bag” containing the supplies needed for the craft and activities. Romance Books A local resident has offered to give away her collection of 500 Harlequin Romance books to any who are interested. These books are 3-5 years old. Please call the library at 815-738-2742 for her contact information.

FORRESTON LIBRARY Library Closure To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Forreston Public Library will remain closed until further notice. Anyone needing to use a computer for taxes, employment, etc. may call the library and schedule an appointment to come in.

eBooks/WiFi Even though the library is closed, you may still enjoy eBooks through Axis 360 and Biblioboard. If you would like more information on creating an account, please

Library Updates Please continue to check our Facebook page for the most current information on our summer plans. Also, if you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us through email, Facebook messenger, or by phone at 815-938-2624.

OREGON LIBRARY Library Curbside Pick-Up and Limited Services We are offering curbside pickup now! Hours for curbside will be Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. -6 p.m. and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. You can put holds on items in our Library through our catalog or by calling the library at 815-732-2724. Please leave a message if we do not answer and we will get back to you as soon as possible. NO returns will be accepted in person, these items must be placed in the book drop. We look forward to seeing you all soon! We are fine free so anything checked in will not have a fine. Patrons can place their holds on all materials. Interlibrary Delivery will be resuming at the end of June. Please be advised that there may be delays. All notices for holds will come from library staff members. PrairieCat has turned OFF all notifications. We do not have an option to turn them on for only our library. We will call or email all patrons to notify them when to pick up their items. No overdue or bill notices will be sent.

We will call to notiCOVID-19 constraints fy them when their the summer reading items are ready programs at Oregon for pickup. Please Public Library will be update your cona bit different from tact information if previous years, but it needed. will go on. Library staff You may now regis quarantining ister for READsquared returned items for at http://oregonpublia period of time. clibrary.readsquared. Recently returned com/ . Please answer materials may the registration quesremain on your tions and complete account longer the form to be placed Mystery Photo #5: Identify the than usual. When in the appropriate Mystery Photo and post your answer checked in, library group. on your READsquared account or call/ staff will backdate We will be commuemail your answer to the Oregon materials. No overnicating with our parPublic Library. due fines will be ticipants throughout charged. the summer as this is All patron cards that have expired a new online program and we are creatin March, April and May have been ing things as we go. renewed through July 1. Missions and events will also be activated on READsquared for participa2020 Summer Reading Program – tion. If you do not have internet access, Dig Deeper, Read, Investigate, Discover! please call the Library and leave a mesJoin us this summer for our virtusage with contact info and one of the al summer reading program! Due to staff will contact you to register.

Looking forward to a unique summer and thank you for your patience with this new way of summer reading! You can also email us at oregonlibrary.SRP@ gmail.com with questions about all things related to Summer Reading! Registration is ongoing for the Youth and Adult Summer Reading Program. Week of July 6 Monday, July 6 - New Trivia Questions Available Monday, July 6 - Around Town Discovery Walk activated Tuesday, July 7- Absolute Science Mega Levitator, 1:30 p.m. via Readsquared & Library website Tuesday, July 7 - DNA and Genealogy Research: Simplified , 2:00pm via ZOOM Wednesday, July 8 - Up in the Garden /Ag in the Classroom program,1:30 p.m. via Zoom Wednesday, July 8- Trivia Night, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9 - Video Story Time via Facebook, 10 a.m. Friday, July 10 - Mystery Photo # 6 Friday, July 10 - Steve N TV Robot See OREGON LIBRARY, Page 13

• Friday, July 3, 2020

Curbside Delivery We are now offering curbside pickup! Pick up times will be scheduled when you place a request. Interlibrary loans resumed

Summer Reading Program Registration is now open for “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover”! This year’s program is for children from preschool through 5th grade (completed) and will mainly be weekly grab and go activities and challenges. Please call the library at

815-938-2624 for more information or to register.

9 LIBRARY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Closed July 4 Bertolet Memorial Library will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

GARDEN BUSINESS

Libra Farms: local produce for local residents Organic produce and flowers are being grown near Oregon BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com When Liz Hiemstra’s mother, Theresa Kulevich, was diagnosed with breast cancer, the family all started to eat organically. Kulevich lived a healthy lifestyle and was always outdoors. She eventually passed away due to the cancer, and left her five-acre farming property to Heimstra, who has turned it into Libra Farms, an organic produce and flower business near Oregon. “She bought conventional produce and never washed it,” Hiemstra said. “I don’t know if that’s what happened, but I’ve been passionate about it since. I don’t use pesticides or chemicals. I have a four and 14-year-old and I want them to see that you can do right by everyone else, not just what’s cheap for you.” Libra Farms is in its third year of operation. Hiemstra started two years ago with flowers after picking up a magazine at Farm and Fleet and reading about imported flowers. Many are grown in South America with pesticides. Hiemstra thought with five acres, she could try to grow some herself. She later sold some to Hazel’s Cafe. She then found that she lost focus on growing food. Hiemstra’s family eats a lot from their own garden. Currently, Libra Farms grows about half food and half flowers. “With COVID-19 I figured people would want food and I wanted to make sure I had it for them,” Hiemstra said. Hiemstra also bartends at Hairy Cow. Being on unemployment during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order gave her a chance to work more on her plants during the spring. She takes online orders for Libra Farms throughout the week and delivers on Mondays. Reports of food shortages in the country were “alarming” to Hiemstra. She feels a more localized food system would be a benefit to the population, with smaller operations, healthier working conditions and more available food. “I hope it’s my full-time job at some point and I want to grow more interest in it and educate people on where their food comes from,” Hiemstra said. “What the grocery

Alex T. Paschal/Shaw Media

TOP: Sunflowers were planted with many of the farms vegetables. In true organic style, plants are grown together to benefit each other. BOTTOM LEFT: Wesley Hiemstra, 4, picks a fresh snap pea from the vine. BOTTOM RIGHT: Liz Hiemstra runs Libra Farm, an organic vegetable, herb and flower farm.

stores have comes from places like Mexico and it’s not grown in the best way.” Hiemstra uses wood chips and other organic materials in her soil. Those keep the weeds down and make the soil rich. None of Libra Farms packaging is plastic. One of Hiemstra’s goals is to turn her property into a “food forest.” That’s a farm without rows. Her property is sloping and hilly with trees. It would utilize every area with a different food crop to maximize the whole five acres in an integrated ecology.

“I want to expand,” Hiemstra said. “I’d like to get to where people can come and learn and buy stuff.” Libra Farms is a family business. Hiemstra’s children, Skyler and Wesley, spend time with her in the fields and her husband, Brad, helps out after work with the heavy lifting. “I like having the kids in the garden,” Hiemstra said. “It’s important to get them involved whether they do it right, wrong, slow or if they step on plants.” Among the produce Hiemstra grows are lettuce, herbs, cilantro, basil, summer squash, zucchini,

cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, tomatillos, broccoli and kale along with flowers. Some of it, she never sees because her kids eat it all. Hiemstra called her customers “super loyal.” They order every week and ask what she’ll be growing next. She’s happy with not only what she’s grown, but how she’s grown in the past few years. “I built a house and a garden and it led to a business that shares local food with local people,” Hiemstra said. Orders can be made online at librafarms.us/

ENTERTAINMENT & COVID-19

all of the fans who’ve been asking about the program and expressing concern and disappointment for its absence from our summer fun,” said Ubben. “Thanks to all our generous donors as well including local individuals, businesses and free will for feeding the fire. We couldn’t do it without you!” The Phase 4 revitalization phase reduces many previous restrictions. However, outdoor capacity for entertainment venues is limited to 20 percent of overall theater or performance space capacity. “Our Jamboree crowds increase annually and now number from 600 to 900 people or more per concert.

Most attendees are centered closely together in front of the band shell,” he said. “We have no way to effectively and fairly limit crowd size at our outdoor concert site. Nor can we ensure that all spectators will be wearing masks and respecting social distance guidelines to reduce possible viral transmission to perhaps more at risk guests.” Looking ahead, Ubben said Phase 5 opens and adds conventions, festivals and much larger events, among other things. It requires the presence of a vaccine, or a highly effective and available treatment, or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.

“It seems highly unlikely that we will be able to enjoy our Friday Night Jamborees on campus this year and the July shows have been officially cancelled at this point,” Ubben said. “But in case of a miracle, and believing they do happen, we still have the possibility of presenting several concerts in the late summer.

Stillman Valley Fall Festival cancelled due to pandemic

has spent many hours the last few months researching and debating the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on our community (health-wise, financially and emotionally) and our options under these uncertain circumstances. Our final decision to cancel comes after recent health and safety discussions with our county partners as well as with our carnival, entertainers, and vendors. “We would like to thank all of our fes-

tival-goers, entertainers, vendors, volunteers and partners for their patience and support as we made this difficult decision and took the time to examine all options available to us.” The release said the ultimate goal of the Fall Festival is to bring the community together in celebration. “As we researched and debated all the ways to continue with our Fall Festival this year, we realized that every

one of them left out a significant part of our festival family. A celebration that leaves out any part of our fall festival family is not a celebration worth having,” the release said. “Thank you for being kind and supporting each other, our community, our businesses and our organizations as we each make difficult decisions on how to best navigate the current challenges of our world. Stay Safe. Stay Positive.”

Another festival will not be held in Ogle County this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, “It is with heavy hearts that the Fall Festival Committee announces the cancellation of this year’s Stillman Valley Fall Festival presented by Stillman Bank set for Sept. 25-27, “ a June 30 press release said. “The Festival Committee

“In the unlikely event that we reach Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan before fall, the remainder of our 2020 schedule is as follows: Aug. 7: Kyle Lacy Band - Rockabilly; Aug. 14: TBA; Aug/ 21: Chicago Tribute Anthology Classic Rock; Aug. 28: TBA; and Sept. 4: Dirty Fishnet Stockings.

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Fans of the Mt. Morris Jamboree, the annual free summer concert series held on the campus in Mt. Morris on Friday nights, know that under normal circumstances musical offerings would well be underway by now. But the coronavirus pandemic has impacted this year’s schedule. “We’ve postponed the opening of our season to July 3 and extended it to Sept. 4. We are pleased that Illinois has remained on track to meet its phase four opening requirements, including a seven-day case positivity rate below 2.5 percent,” said organizer Larry Ubben. “We would like to graciously thank

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Mt. Morris Jamboree “unlikely” to have events in 2020

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

ADELINE ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH 9106 Cedar St. in Adeline Phone 815-541-4863

BAILEYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

303 W. Franklin St., Baileyville Pastor Gary Branam www.baileyvillebaptistchurch.org

BAILEYVILLE REFORMED CHURCH

400 W. Center St., Baileyville Pastor Bruce Otto 815-235-1201

BROOKVILLE & ELKHORN UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES

Brookville: 17725 W. Chamber St. in Brookville Elkorn: Corner of Wilson Mill & Brick Church Roads

CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 606 Main St., Chana Pastor Matt Smith 815-732-7683 chanaumc@gmail.com

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

2035 Ill. Rt. 26, Dixon 815-284-4554 Pastor David Andermann 815-632-6767

OPEN BIBLE

302 S. Franklin St., Polo Luke Schier, Pastor 815-946-2848 PoloOpenBible.org

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH Polo Campus

EAST OREGON CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD

107 N. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor John Guthrie 815-732-2960 or 815-732-6569

EBENEZER REFORMED CHURCH

FORRESTON REFORMED CHURCH

EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

FREEDOM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

2997 N. German Church Rd. Rev. Josiah Youngquist. 815-732-6313 www.ebenezerreformed.com

764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon (Payne’s Point) Pastor Andrew Kayes 815-732-2424

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS 102 S. Seminary St., Mt. Morris Senior Pastor Bruce McKanna Associate Pastor Logan Murphy 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org office@efcmm.org

FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH 801 W. Oregon St., Polo Pastor Jeremy Heller 815-946-3588

501 Third Ave. Pastor Lyle Zumdahl 815-938-2424 lylezumdahl@gmail.com

Pastor Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 www.freedomlutheran.org.

GERMAN VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

402 Second Ave., Forreston Pastor Scott Ralston Church 815-938-3203

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 702 E. Dixon St., Polo Pastor Brian LeBaron 815-946-3212 faithumcpolo

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

505 Hill St., Oregon Pastor David Snow 815-732-2642 www.fbcoregon.org

200 S. Fifth St., Oregon Rev. Karen Gerhard Conner 815-732-2894 www.fpcoregon.com

EAST JORDAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 402 First Ave., Forreston Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-938-2380

860 W. Oregon Trail Rd. Pastor Michael Hoffman 815-732-6847

OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

200 S. Fourth, Oregon Rev. Megan Smick 815-732-2994 oregonumc@outlook.com

PINE CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5076 S. Lowell Park Rd. Pastor Charlotte Hoppe 815-946-3949

POLO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

GRACE VALLEY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

PRAIRIE DELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8210 E. Edwardsville Rd., German Valley Pastor Eric Schlukebir 815-362-6601 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River Pastor Billy Hardy 815-738-2205 leafriverbc@gmail.com

ST. WENDELIN CATHOLIC CHURCH 18 S. Linn St., Shannon Rev. Michael Bolger 815-864-2548

SAUK VALLEY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

SILVER CREEK REFORMED CHURCH

609 S. 10th St., Oregon Craig Arnold, Pastor 812-236-1213

ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

LIGHTHOUSE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

10384 W. Coffman Rd., Forreston Pastor Mark Phillips Church: 815-938-2194 Pastor’s Cell: 760-550-4563

114 S. Fifth St., Oregon 815-732-2367

RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

104 E. Rt. 72, Leaf River Pastor Sung-Eun Kim 815-345-3038

NORTH GROVE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH

16032 W. Coffman Rd., Shannon 815-864-2448

LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

409 W. Brayton Rd, P.O. Box 2055 Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Pastor Ginny Haney Phone: 815-734-4573

213 N. Franklin Ave., Polo Father Joseph P. Naill 815-946-2535

416 Prospect St., Dixon John Lewis, Pastor 815-677-9199

1000 Ill. 64 West Oregon Rev. Eldred George 815-732-7211 www.saintbrides.org saint.bride.church@gmail.com

4938 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon Pastor Matt Smith

ST. MARY CHURCH 301 N. Fourth St., Oregon Father Joseph P. Naill Office Phone 815-732-7383 Office FAX 815-732-4742

Congress Ave. & Webster St. Pastor Leslie Lake PoloCob@risebroadband.net

MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

102 N. Maple St., Mt. Morris Pastor Julie Bunt 815-734-4853 www.disciplesumc.org

OREGON CHURCH OF GOD

Church and Main Streets Pastor Don Plock

LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo Pastor Chris Bradshaw 815-837-5255 polo@crossroadscn.com www.crossroadscn.com

22027 Polo Rd., Sterling Jim Miller, Pastor 815-626-0104

FORRESTON GROVE CHURCH

7246 N. Freeport Rd., Forreston Presbyterian Church in America Pastor Drew Jones 815-938-3605 www.forrestongrovechurch.com

6024 N. Columbine Rd., Forreston Rev. Karyn Kost 815-661-6315 pastorofstjames1850@gmail.com

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

201 N. Division Ave., Polo Pastor Terrie Wilder 815-946-2919

326 S. Bunker Hill Rd. German Valley Pastor Grant Mulder 815-362-2129

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 308 E. Brayton Mt. Morris Pastor Josh Ehrler 815-734-6354 trinitymmil@frontier.com www.trinitymmil.net

VAN BROCKLIN-FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3582 Bolton Rd.., Freeport Pastor Dawn Barr 815-291-0601

WEST BRANCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 4014 West Branch Rd., Forreston 815-938-2586

How to submit church news Changes in church listings and articles about special church services and events can be emailed to news@oglecountynews.com. For more information call 815-732-6166 ext. 2591.

SHANNON • POLO • LAKE CARROLL

708 S. Division St., Polo • 946-2714

Byron • Oregon • Rochelle • Rockford Member Roscoe/Rockton • Stillman Valley FDIC

211 S. Division Ave., Rt. 26 Polo Member 946-2777 FDIC

Storm Damage

SPECIAL EVENT

The Byron Forest Preserve District will be offering the Seventh Annual Archaeology Artifacts Identification day on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the lower shelter of the Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve located at 7993 North River Road in Byron. Talk to professional archaeologists about your own collection of native American points, prehistoric tools, fossils and other items that you have found and are curious about. This event is free. Participants should wear a face mask and social distancing in the outdoor shelter will be enforced for everyone’s safety. Participants can learn more about prehistoric tools and weapons through hands-on demonstrations at this interactive event. “The Rock River valley was home to large numbers of native Americans for over 12,000 years and we are always amazed with the private collections of stone tools, points and pottery shards that people have found and come to this event to have identified,” said Mark Herman, superintendent of recreation. For more information about this event call the Byron Forest preserve district at 815 234-8535, extension 200.

Continued from Page 9 Dance Party (Absolute Science), 1:30 p.m. via Readsquared & Library website Friday, July 10 - The Blackhawk War and Indian Removal in Illinois, 1 p.m. via Zoom Up in the Garden - Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. Via Zoom link (5-12 years old) Join Melinda Charbonneau, University of Illinois Extension, present a virtual program on the different mouth parts of insects. Register by calling the Library no later than July 1, so you can receive the “ag bags” for supplies and the Zoom link for the participation. DNA and Genealogy Research: Simplified – July 7 at 2 p.m. via ZOOM DNA testinghas become a popular topic among professional genealogists and everyday family researchers. This program will discuss the different DNA tests and the reasons to take each type. It will also compare the major testing companies. DNA can be a powerful genealogical tool. Learn to use your genealogy skills to unravel the mysteries of your DNA results.

A scientific degree is not required. Join our Zoom call with Steve Szabados, Genealogist, by going to Zoom.com and entering the following: Meeting ID: 823 3547 8651 and Password: 792650

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY

In Loving Memory

The Black Hawk War and Indian Removal in Illinois - July 10 at 1 p.m. Brought to you by our Friends of the Oregon Public Library Call the library at 815-732-2724 and register for your spot on our ZOOM program. In April 1832, a member of the Sauk nation named Black Hawk led a group of 1,000 Native Americans across the Mississippi into Illinois. Black Hawk claimed his people had not been properly represented at treaty negotiations with the U.S. Government, and thus they retained rights to their ancestral lands. Books on Tap Book Club – Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. We are hopeful that July’s meeting will be in person at Cork N Tap; however, please check Facebook and/or contact the library if you would still like to participate via ZOOM or if circumstances require us to participate via ZOOM. This month’s discussion will be on Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.

Megan (Swaziek) Wells 7/3/1984 – 6/24/2016 REMEMBERING YOU IS EASY – WE DO IT EVERY DAY MISSING YOU IS A HEARTACHE THAT NEVER GOES AWAY

THE TRUTH IS IN THE EVIDENCE THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL SM-ST1793216

• Friday, July 3, 2020

• OREGON LIBRARY

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Trees were uprooted when high winds came through the Oregon area on June 26. This large tree fell across the porch of a home in Brooks Isle, just south of Oregon, along the Rock River.

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Byron Forest Preserve District to offer Archaeology Artifacts ID Day

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

OUTDOOR RECREATION

River rescues, high traffic a concern for officials Oregon fire chief thinks boating laws could be more strict BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com The Oregon Fire Department’s water rescue numbers on the Rock River this year are already double what they were during all of last year. On June 5, two kayakers had their vessels capsize between the Oregon dam and the Illinois 64 bridge. One kayaker was able to swim to land and alert fire officials, who rescued the other kayaker. Two days later, OFD was called out for a boat that had capsized south of Brooks Isle. Four people were rescued. Neither of the kayakers were wearing life jackets. The boaters did have life jackets, but weren’t wearing them at the time of the accident. Those over the age of 13 aren’t required to wear life jackets, but must have them in their vessels. “I do think it should be more strict,” Oregon Fire Chief Michael Knoup said. “Many people can’t swim or are inexperienced. It makes it tough on us.” Both Knoup and Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the river has been crowded in recent weeks due to nice weather and people wanting to get out due to the recent COVID-19 stay-at-home order. “People tell me it hasn’t ever been that busy,” VanVickle said. “That means increased odds of an accident.”

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

Illinois law does not require adults to wear life jackets when boating. Life jackets do, however, need to be available in the boat. That responsibility falls on Knoup and his department, located on Illinois 64 on the west bank of the Rock River, just south of the Oregon dam. “This time of year, we have to make sure the boats are ready and fueled up,” Knoup said. “There isn’t time to waste.” On Nov. 20 of last year, Kent Dearborn Jr., 33, of Polo and James Swift, 64, of Forreston had their boat capsize while fishing near the Oregon dam. Swift’s body was recovered near Dixon in January. Dearborn has not been found. The Illinois Department of Resources is the chief authority of the waterway. Ogle County’s IDNR Officer, Steven Beltran, said that life jackets must be coast guard-approved, in good condition and acces-

sible. Any vessel over 11 feet also must have a throwable life preserver. Beltran said the laws not requiring life jackets to be worn by adults is a standard of the coast guard or state. Whether it should be that way isn’t up to him, he said. “That’s for the citizens to decide, if it should stay that way,” Beltran said. “Anytime someone wants the laws to change, they should contact their state representatives. We have had laws change.” Castle Rock State Park staff maintains the safety equipment in the area such as signage and buoys. The Oregon Dam and the concrete foundation of the Illinois 64 makes for “turbulent” conditions in the area even when the water isn’t high,

Knoup said. “Safety-wise, I don’t know,” Beltran said. “There’s been a long history with development of dams and a long history of injuries, high water, operator inexperience and people walking into the water near the dam to fish and getting swept away.” Placards with warnings have been put up in the area and are readable in english and spanish. “I don’t know what else could be done down there,” Beltran said. Beltran said the amount of IDNR patrols on the water in the area vary based on water levels and other sites that need attention. He’s been working with VanVickle on increased patrols in the area, which will be done by members of the Sheriff’s Department. Ogle County purchased a boat in recent months which has been used in the search for Dearborn. The plan is to use it for patrols on the river. Training will start in the coming weeks. There won’t be a fixed schedule for patrols and they will be based on weather and water levels. Five deputies have shown interest in doing it and IDNR will be involved in the training. “They have a lot of area to cover and we try to help them out,” VanVickle said. “It will be nice to get out there and train and be able to enforce the laws.” Beltran said he welcomes the help and that during boat patrols, the authority is there to check safety items, such as life jackets. “It just takes a second for something to happen,” VanVickle said. “Even with having one on. Whether that’s in a boat, canoe or kayak. We’d sure like to see everyone make it home.”

BRIEFS 5-year-old girl drowns in Plum River June 27 SAVANNA – A 5-year-old girl died June 27 after being pulled from the Plum River in Savanna, Police Chief Jeffrey Dorn said Monday. The girl was reported missing, along with a 12-yearold and another 5-year-old, about 12:45 p.m. Sunday. When Savanna police and fire, Carroll County deputies and EMS responded, they found one child and learned the other two might be in the river, police said in a news release. Emergency responders found the second child clinging to a tree branch, unharmed. The girl was found at 1:13 p.m. about a half-mile downstream.

She was flown to Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, formerly Rockford Memorial Hospital, where she died about 4:15 p.m. The children were related, but Dorn said he was not sure exactly how.

Markets to begin in Polo POLO — The Polo Farmer’s Market and Dogwood market will be from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday and Friday and run until the end of October. The first farmer’s market will be Thursday, July 2 in the parking lot south of the Shell station on Division Street. The first Dogwood Inn flea market will be Friday, July

3 at the corner of Route 26 and 64. Contact Beth Green at 815-299-1416 if you are a vendor and would like to participate in the Dogwood market. This market is for handmade craft items, home grown produce, and flea-vintage items. No commercial or trademarked food or craft products are permitted.

Grand Detour Garage Sales July 17-18 The Grand Detour Village Wide Garage Sales will be Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 starting at 7:30 a.m. More information will be available as the date approaches.

SPORTS

IHSA OKs workouts of 10, teams canâ€™t gather yet BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com

â€œI wish I knew about the fall,â€? Lawton said. â€œWhatâ€™s frustrating is not knowing and planning for different scenarios. Itâ€™s been an emotional roller coaster. Some days I feel good about it, and some days I donâ€™t. Every scenario is on the table and we donâ€™t get to choose.â€?

Polo Polo Athletic Director Ted Alston doesnâ€™t think a limited summer program will have a large impact on athletes once they finally get to play games again. â€œI donâ€™t think it will affect the teams as much as people think,â€? Alston said. â€œItâ€™s nice to have them over the summer, but I think theyâ€™ll be fine. It could hurt basketball or volleyball, with them not being able to get shots up or build chemistry. Football, it doesnâ€™t need to be played year-round to be good at it. As long as weâ€™re back for July weâ€™ll be good.â€? Alston said he already had a plan in place before the IHSA sent out its approval. Heâ€™s appreciated how the IHSA has kept he and other ADs in the loop throughout the process since schools closed and sports were stopped in March.Â

Polo has had an online program going that gives athletes workouts to do and attendance to keep. That will continue to be apart of Poloâ€™s summer program that will see athletes coming in to work out in small groups like Oregon,.Â â€œThe thing that will separate teams in the fall is what kids did their stuff on their own,â€? Alston said. â€œI worry about who is working.â€? Alstonâ€™s gut feeling for the fall is that there will be games. But he thinks there will be fan limitations. He canâ€™t imagine a full cancellation, but maybe change to the school schedule.Â â€œItâ€™s difficult to think about, kids losing athletics,â€? Alston said. â€œItâ€™s a big thing for a lot of kids. It was hard to think about in the spring. Hopefully it never happens again. Itâ€™s been a rough couple of months.â€?

Forreston Prior to the IHSA announcement allowing summer conditioning, Forreston Athletic Director Kyle Zick got four or five emails each day asking the â€œmillion dollar question.â€?

See SUMMER ATHLETICS, Page 16

LIONS CLUB NEWS

Oregon Lions donate to improve OHS baseball dugouts Oregon Lion Steve Pennock (left) gives a check for $500 to OHS Baseball Coach Nate Girton. Photo by Jean Hoff

Thanks to OHS Baseball Coach Nate Girton, and a few of his close, hard-working friends, several positive improvements have been made to the baseball dugouts and press box at Oregon High School. A second story has been added to

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During a normal summer, thereâ€™s usually 100 kids a day at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon.Â This June, Oregonâ€™s summer athletics program will only be able to allow nine in the building at once with a coach. This is all thatâ€™s allowed under phase one of the IHSAâ€™s plan that was approved last Friday in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.Â â€œItâ€™s very different,â€? Oregon Athletic Director Mike Lawton said. â€œJune is one of the busiest times for us in athletics. Weâ€™ll do nine at a time and thatâ€™ll present challenges, but itâ€™s better than nothing. We plan to do six sessions a day. This plan could have 54 kids a day, but itâ€™s five days a week. We did three days a week in the past.â€? The IHSA isnâ€™t currently allowing teams to gather for workouts. Only

strength and conditioning programs will be conducted. That could change during the second phase of IHSAâ€™s plan, which can only take effect if the state moves to its phase four, possibly at the end of the month.Â Oregon usually does basketball and wrestling camps in July and then football and volleyball in July. In a normal year, the IHSA allows 25 contact days per summer per sport. That could get impacted by the new plan, Lawton said.Â â€œOur coaches are frustrated,â€? Lawton said. â€œWe have new varsity coaches for boys basketball and girls volleyball. They want to meet their new players and implement their systems. With multisport athletes, itâ€™ll get complicated. Itâ€™s going to be less for every sport.â€? Lawton said home workouts have been being sent home by coaches and the strength and conditioning teachers. His main concern is how players take care of themselves during their own time over the summer with less structure.Â The next uncertainty is what fall sports will look like, if theyâ€™re allowed to take place. Lawton said there could be games, fanless games, or nothing at all.Â

OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

High school athletes returning to the weight room

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

STATE NEWS

Grants are awarded to local fire departments The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Governor JB Pritzker have announced the recipients of the Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $3.5 million was awarded to 154 fire departments or districts and EMS providers. The OSFM received 540 applications, requesting around $12 million in funding

• SUMMER ATHLETICS Continued from Page 15 “When can we come back?” Zick said. “They all want to know.” Forreston created a Google Classroom and shared workouts for at home with weight training. Kids text coaches when they’re done. Coaches send their own sport-specific workouts. Forreston usually does baseball, basketball and softball camp in the month of June, that won’t be able to happen, just strength and conditioning with restrictions.

during this grant period. Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire

“We’ll focus on getting them in for lifting first,” Zick said. “We have eight weight room racks. They can’t spot each other. They can’t use the water fountain we have.” Zick will take any semblance of normalcy that he can get. And his kids will be preparing as if their seasons are on for the fall and beyond. “The governor allowing 10 people for summer school was a big step,” Zick said. “It’s not a guarantee we’ll have fall sports. We’re all staying optimistic.”

Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying. Local grant recipients and awards are listed below by county: Carroll, Chadwick Fire Protection District, $24,550 and Savanna Fire Department, $26,000. Lee, Compton Community Fire Protection District, $26,000 and Franklin Grove Fire Protection Dis-

trict, $23,317. Ogle, Forreston Fire Protection District, $22,643.08; Leaf River Fire Protection District, $21,300; Polo Fire Protection District, $14,371; Rochelle Fire Department, $22,000 and Stillman Fire Protection District, $26,000. Whiteside, Prophetstown Fire Protection District, $23,413.48.

POLO POLICE Polo Police Chief Tim Rockwood released the following police activity. June 22 Sherri Goodpaster, 36, of Polo, was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident. She was issued a notice to appear. June 26 Tomasz Mis, 64, of Chicago, was issued a city citation for high weeds.

General calls for service for the weeks of June 1-28 Citizen Complaints/Assist...........62 Juvenile.............................................. 2 Animal Complaint...........................13 Disturbance/Domestic................... 5 City Ordinance..................................1 Fire/Medical Assist......................... 9 Alarm/Open Door............................8 Lock out............................................. 2 911 Hang Up.......................................1 Traffic Stops................................... 14 County Assists................................11

PROPERTY TRANSFERS These Ogle County property transfers were recorded for the week of June 19-25. Warranty Deeds • Cleo J. Straley to Chad D. Timmer and Cleo J. Straley, one parcel in Byron Township, $0. • Thomas J. and Cynthia J. Engelbrecht to Dorothy L. and Robert D. Joyce Sr., 109 Mississippi Drive, Dixon, $0. • JP Morgan Chase Bank to Sergio Vazquez, 5778 E. Hales Corner Road, Byron, $47,000. • Kevin M. and Jennifer L. Corcoran, also Herbst to Kristin M. Folk, 875 E. Etnyre Terrace, Oregon, $182,000. • Dale L. Merriman to Donald J. and Maureen Witte, three parcels in Leaf River, $9,500. • Tony and Roxanne Speed to Jacob and Kelsey Warren, 4189 N. Stillman Road, Stillman Valley, $238,000. • Kirsten Crawford and Jolene Moroney to Scott and Jeffery Ragan, 7161 S. Riverside Drive, Grand Detour, $105,000. • Lisa Jacobs to Marcelino Millan, 7245 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon, $190,000. • Dallas and Nona Van Slyke to Mark

and Margery Lukas, 604 W. Jennie Lane, Oregon, $248,000. • G&W Land Co. Inc to Robert C. and Andrea L. Baumann, one parcel in Timber Hill subdivision, Oregon, $26,000. • Daniel C. Miller to Brian W. and Caroline M. Ballard, 8060 W. Town Line Road, Leaf River, $162,000. • Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to Kaitlyn Rippentrop, Scott Township third party, 8358 Canary Drive, Davis Junction, $135,000. • Steven R. and Kristi L. Coates to Allen M. and Sarah E. Neumann, 1551 Brentwood Drive, Byron, $330,000. • Joseph T. Edom and Virginia A. Spiegel to Nathan D and Amy L. Lewis, 9686 N. Blaine Drive, Byron, $324,900. • New Leaf Homes LLC to Christopher L. Lewis, 925 White Birch Lane, Davis Junction, $178,900. • Joshua A. Blumenthal to Jordan L. Gilmour, 871 Main St., Oregon, $142,400. • Gary R. and Christine M. Fowler to Aegis Construction Inc., one parcel on Blackhawk Vista, Oregon, $30,000. • Nathan D. and Amy L. Lewis to Adam C. and Amy K. Dach, one parcel in Byron Township, $75,000. • Teresa L. Peet to Paul L. Gabucci

Jr., 1279 S. Blackhawk Road, Oregon, $160,000. • Rachel E. Fiorenza to Brett Leigh and Rachel Runyard, 6526 N. Marrill Road, Stillman Valley, $307,500. • Brett Leigh and Rachel Runyard to Jacob M. Hobby, 122 Parkview Drive, Davis Junction, $240,000. • Gregory N. and Kari L. Ebens to Garrett William Henderson, 431 N. Mineral St., Stillman Valley, $114,000. • Amy E. Johnson to Antonina M. Costa and Sean A. Croke, 201 W. Log Cabin Drive, Oregon, $129,900. • John W. and Lisa M. Tallman to Christopher G. Menken, 8403 N. Pheasant Trail, Byron, $460,000. • Dirk W. and Kimberly D. Miller to Curtis B. and Amber L. Roberts, 8617 N. Yosemite Drive and 8634 N. Olympia Drive, Byron, $172,500. • Larry G. McCormick to Jose M. Aguilera, 11084 E. Lincoln Lane, Rochelle, $4,200. Quit Claim Deeds • James T. O’Connor to East End LLC, 107 E. Mason St., Polo, $0. • Richard M. Edlund to Fare Enough Farm LLC, 3626 S. Prairie Road, Chana,

$0. • Timothy D.K. Ngo to Kieu T. Nguyen, 407 W. Phyllis Ave., Rochelle, $0. Trustee’s Deeds • McAnarney Family Trust, Linda M. and Larry F. McAnarney, trustees, to Kali M. Lamb, 15701 E. Eddy Road, Davis Junction, $0. • Joseph J. and Barbara A. Cozzone Achino, Joint Tenancy, Joseph J. and Barbara A. Cozzone Achino, trustees, to Le Ann Brandenburg and Lisa Hudson, 203 Woods Drive, Oregon, $257,000. • Mark E. Hochleutner and Cindy K. Bussey Trust, Jeff Hochleutner, trustee, to Barbara A. Netter and Sandra M. Anetsberger, 8673 N. River Road, Byron, $95,000. • Cindy Anne Holloway Revocable Trust, Cindy Anne Holloway, trustee, to Tyler Bargman, 310 W. Merchant St., Byron, $77,000. Executor’s Deed • The late Helen M. Boyden by executor to Steven J. and Bradley L. Boyden and Marilyn J. Gieken, two parcels in Oregon-Nashua Township, $0. Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Bangs and booms can disturb nesting birds, other wildlife STAFF REPORT

THOMSON – Those heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip should be aware that while most of the Refuge land and water is open for public enjoyment, offices and visitor centers will remain closed until further notice. Fireworks are not allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Ref-

uge due to their disturbance to wildlife and the litter they leave behind. The abrupt lights and sounds are often seen as a threat by nesting bald eagles and easily startle great blue herons and other colony nesting birds. The shock of fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, flying into buildings and other obstacles, and even abandoning nests, leaving young vulnerable to predators. Also, litter from firecrackers, bottle rockets and other explosives can be choking hazards for wildlife and may be toxic if ingested. The Refuge includes most islands and beaches on the Mis-

sissippi River from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois. Check the maps located at www.fws.gov/refuge/Upper_Mississippi_River/map.to see where boundaries are. Federal law enforcement officers will be patrolling the Refuge looking for fireworks as well as glass bottles, which are banned on Refuge beaches. The fine for glass bottles is $175; $225 for fireworks possession and use. Officers also want to remind people of the importance of wearing their personal floatation devices (PFDs) while on the water. Go to www.fws.gov/midwest/ news/IndependenceDay.html for more information.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

A great egret walks in the water near Lock & Dam 13 near Thomson.

POLO LIBRARY PrairieCat/Encore online ordering. We ask that you continue to return items, as you are done with them, through the book drop that will continue to be open 24/7. After items are returned, they will still appear on your account while they are quarantined, then they will be checked back in and backdated to when they were returned. 2020 Outdoor Concert Series - July 11 - 6 p.m. Polo Library Pavillion We will be kicking off our 2020 Outdoor Concert Series with The Beaux, a classic rock (1960s-1990s) cover band. The concert starts at 6 p.m. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. You’re wel-

come to bring a picnic to eat while you enjoy the music! There is plenty of room to practice safe social distancing. Story Time with Ms. Phyllis At 10:30 a.m. every Saturday through June and July, Ms. Phyllis will be reading a picture book on Polo Library’s Facebook page - facebook.com/pololibrary Online Resources Download Axis 360, OMNI/Overdrive, Libby, and Biblioboard for books and audiobooks. Links to these resources are available at pololibrary.org. 2020 Summer Reading Program June 1 - July 31 - “Dig Deeper: Read,

Investigate, Discover!” Our 2020 Summer Reading Program has gone digital! We have programs for all ages. Visit our website, pololibrary.org, to register. Wi-Fi Access Wi-Fi is still available outside of the library building by joining the Polo Public Library Guest Access network, you do not need a password. Questions? If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by calling 815946-2713 or emailing library@pololibrary. org.

MT. MORRIS LIBRARY Curbside Pickup, Inner Library Loans Curbside Pickup will remain an option for patrons wishing to remain outside. Curbside Pickup will happen during the hours of 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday. Please note that hours are subject to change based on demand and public health. Mt. Morris Patrons can place holds through the catalog or by calling or emailing. We will call to notify them when their items are ready for pickup. Please update your contact information if needed. Library staff is quarantining all returned items for a period of time. Recently returned materials may remain on your account longer than usual. When checked in, library staff will back-

date materials. No overdue fines will be charged. All patron cards that have expired in March, April, and May have been renewed through July 1. Please contact us for further renewal. Summer Reading Program! Summer Reading Program is upon us! Unlike years past we will have no in person programs. Instead we will be using an online resource to track books, provide missions to complete at home, and track rewards. We will have fun rewards for those who reach goals at the end of the summer. This will include Mary Cheatwood dressing up as either a Princess, a Clown, or a Dinosaur if we collectively

can read 1700 books! New Missions - Every Monday Log onto READsquared for new missions every week. These Missions are activities you can do at home and may include take home materials you can pick up from the library with your books. Completing Missions earns you badges! Take Home Materials The following Kits will be available to pick up from the library while supplies last. These can be picked up curbside along with books. Starting June 22- PreK: Dinosaurs in playdough, Kids: Dinosaur Dig kits Starting July 6- All: Family Tree activity/craft, All: This is how I do it book

End of Summer Virtual Talent Show All summer long you can email pictures or videos of your or your child’s talent to cindy@mtmorris-il.org. Submissions will be accepted until July 25. A video compilation will be edited and added online on Aug. 1! Position Available: Program Coordinator Responsible for children and adult programming, handling press releases and media- online and print, performing general library duties, and maintaining bulletin boards and displays. This is a part time position. All interested applicants please send resume and letter of interest to Mary Cheatwood at mmlib@mtmorris-il.org.

• Friday, July 3, 2020

Library Building Reopening - July 1 Starting Wednesday, July 1, the Polo Library building will be open for patrons to come in, browse, and check out items. Our hours for the month of July will be Mondays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Thursdays 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. We request that you wear a mask when entering the building. For those unable to wear a mask or who prefer not to enter the building, we will continue to offer curbside delivery. You can place an order by calling 815-946-2713, emailing library@pololibrary.org, or through

REGIONAL NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Don’t shoot off fireworks at fish and wildlife refuge

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

OBITUARIES LAVERNE J. DUITSMAN LaVerne J. Duitsman, 77, of Forreston passed away June 25, 2020 at Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport. LaVerne, nicknamed Vern by most, was born May 19, 1943 and grew up on a farm in Florence, Illinois with his parents, Emmert and Margaret (Pontnack) Duitsman, along with his younger sisters Diane and Rita. Vern attended Forreston High School. After serving in the United States Army, Vern began working at Honeywell,

DIANE A. GORSKI Diane A. Gorski, 86, of Oregon, formerly of Geneva, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020. She was the daughter of Peter and Agnes (Grenda) Vainowski, sister of the late Robert (Marie), and the late Gregory (Helga). She was the devoted wife of the late Gerald “Jerry.” proud Mom of Donna of DeKalb, Geri of Aurora, and John

RONALD JOHN HAEDT Ronald John Haedt of Fountain Hills, Arizona, formerly of Oregon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 with his wife Shirley by his side. Ron was born Sept. 29, 1934 in Carrington, North Dakota. He grew up on farms in Cathay and New Rockford, North Dakota. He graduated from New Rockford High School in 1952 and was a state champion in track and hurdles. He received his undergraduate degree at Jamestown College, North Dakota. He taught for two years at Bowbells and Portland Elementary schools before he left for Guam where he taught for four years. After teaching in Guam, Ron completed his Master’s Degree at Northern

where he would stay for 40 years until he retired. Vern was an avid sports fan, and loved watching the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and sometimes even the Cubs. He was the voice of the Forreston Cardinals football team for many years and loved the excitement of announcing the ball games. Vern was a regular at local auctions, flea markets, and anywhere else where he could look for antiques and collect-

ables. You would often see him driving around in his cargo van, looking for another treasure. Surviving LaVerne are his wife, Marcia of Forreston; three daughters, Lori Smith-Stuckenberg of German Valley, Angela “Angie” Walker of Rockford, and Lisa (James) Curran of Warren; sister, Dianne (Bruce) Freier of Freeport; brother-in-law, Chuck Pool; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and

five nieces and nephews. Preceding LaVerne in death are his parents; son, Billy Duitsman; and sister, Rita Pool. Funeral services were Thursday, July 2 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Burial was at Florence Station United Methodist Church Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please sign LaVerne’s guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs. com.

(Martha) of St. Johns, Florida, and loving Grandma of Jack (Kelsey) Gorski of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lauren (Steven) Mencia, of Jacksonville, Florida. Diane grew up in Chicago’s south side, attended St. Casimir-Maria High School. In 1954, as soon as Jerry completed his duty in the Navy and Diane received her

teaching degree from Mundelein-Loyola, they got married in St. Adrian’s Church and she began her career teaching first grade on the north side. After taking a 10-year hiatus to raise her children, the family moved to Geneva and she taught at Lincoln Elementary School in St. Charles for 22 years. In 2001 she and Jerry moved to Oregon

where they enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, and volunteering in the local community. Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, P.O. Box 462, Oregon, IL 61061. As per her request, cremation rites will be accorded. The family was assisted by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Visit www.farrellhollandgale. com to leave a memory or condolence.

Colorado University. He continued his teaching career in Massachusetts and in the Chicago suburbs. He culminated his more than 35 year of teaching in St Charles, Illinois as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Anderson Elementary and Wild Rose Elementary schools. While teaching at Anderson Elementary, Ron met his wife Shirley who was employed by the district as a nurse. They married in 1981. Ron enjoyed teaching (especially math), connecting with his former students, and spending time with his church communities in Fountain Hills, Arizona and Oregon, Illinois. He was an active member and tuba

player in various bands in both towns. He loved spending time with his three grandchildren, and was very close to his late brother’s children. He enjoyed playing his tuba, woodworking, and trips to his cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Socializing with his coffee buddies in Oregon was also one of his favorite pastimes. Ron was a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and the North Dakota State University Bisons football team. Ron is survived by Shirley - his wife of 39 years, daughter Susan Wassel (Craig) of Batavia, his sister Karen Dompier (Del) of Nobelsville, Indiana, three

grandchildren (Chase, Caitlin, McKenna), nephew Tim (Khris) of Wathena, Kansas, niece Jody (Bryan) also of Wathena, niece Diane of Kansas City, Missouri, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron was proceeded in death by his parents John and Louise Haedt and his brother Milton. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of life service will be announced at a future date. Donations may be made in memory of Ron Haedt to: The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc., 3006 Bee Caves Road, Suite D206, Austin, TX 78746 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 17444, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 114 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 Obituaries continue on page 19

• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times •Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal Only $39 a year for subscribers living in Ogle County.

Call Diana at 815- 632-2518 to subscribe today!

Patsy “Pat” H. O’Brien, 69, of German Valley, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 11, 1950 in Freeport, to Leonard C. and Alice M. (Heckman) Hagemann. On Sept. 2, 1972 she married Dave O’Brien at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Rockford. Pat was employed at MetLife in Freeport, Economy Insurance and Andersons Insurance in Rockford. Pat was always recognized for her infectious smile and laugh. She loved unconditionally and always

placed the well-being of others first. Her greatest joy was her love for her “grand-babies” and making endless memories with them. Her love for her children was unwavering. She had a deep love for Disney where her son, Chris, both lived and worked for many years. Pat’s favorite time of the day was meditating with her daughter, Tonya, and cracking jokes about her son Kelly’s daily workload. She would often spend time crocheting blankets for her family while watch-

ing Hallmark and Lifetime shows. Pat enjoyed her weekly night-out shopping and going to Culver’s with her best friend, Pam, for their “flavor of the day” and sharing stories together along with countless laughs. She was a devoted wife who deeply loved her husband, Dave, of 48 years, where they enjoyed time together doing things like eating out or taking an afternoon trip to the casino. Pat is survived by her husband, Dave of German Valley; son, Kelly O’Brien of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter, Tonya

(Jon) Johann of Rockton; brothers, Larry (Lynnie) Hagemann of German Valley, and John (Karen) Hagemann of Pahrump, NV; and four grandchildren. Mikaya Reuber-Johann, Irelyn O’Brien, Rylee O’Brien and Destiny Johann. Preceding Pat in death are her parents; son, Christopher O’Brien; fatherin-law, Richard O’Brien; and son-in-law Tory Reuber. A Funeral Mass was Tuesday, June 30, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Rockford. A memorial has been established in Pat’s memory. Please sign her guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.

section of 4th and Washington Streets involving a 2007 Chevrolet driven by Jessica A. Rogers, 37, of Dixon, and a 2003 Mazda driven by Chris Draege, 54, of Sublette. No citations were issued.

accident.

S. 9th Street resulting in the arrest of Charles R. Gallagher, 42, of Oregon, for domestic battery, disorderly conduct, and residential arson. Gallagher was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

OREGON POLICE Oregon Police Chief Shawn Melville reports the following police activity.

June 13 At 12:06 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of N. 4th and Monroe Streets involving a 2015 Jeep driven by Sasha N. Phillips, 24, of Rochelle, and a 1990 Mercedes-Benz driven by Robert G. Short, 75, of Oregon. Phillips was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic control device. June 12 At 5:04 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the inter-

June 16 At 11:24 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of N. Daysville Road for a possible domestic battery due to an open land line, resulting in the arrest of Dylan L. Rowe, 23, of Oregon, for domestic battery and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Rowe was transported to the Ogle County Jail. June 19 At 11:52 a.m., police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Washington and Monroe Streets involving a 2007 Toyota driven by Nadia G. Vander Kolk, 18, of Oregon, and a 2003 Chevrolet driven by Dameon W. McDannell, 38, of Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. Vander Kolk was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an

June 21 Matthew K. Swanson, 43, of Roselle, was issued a citation at 8:19 a.m. for speeding, 54 mph in a 35 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 1300 block of Pines Road. June 22 David P. Fane, 50, of Oregon, was issued a city citation at 11:15 a.m. for a park district ordinance violation of failure to keep to drives. This violation occurred at Carnation Park, located at 1 Webster Street. June 28 At 10:35 p.m., police responded to a disturbance call in the 500 block of

Seven parking citations and 4 verbal warning issued from June 8-28.

Please note: Any arrests listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. General calls for service through dispatch June 8-28 Checking a Subject / Vehicle........ 23 Citizen Complaints.......................... 33 Citizen Assist / Civil Problem.........16 Assist EMS / Other Dept.................16 Disturbance / Dom Battery............. 8 911 Hang-up / Open Line.................15 Lockout Vehicle / Building................7 Alarm Response..................................5 Ordinance Violations........................21 Traffic Stops......................................12

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle reports the following activity June 23 Kyle Katchem, 24, of Amboy was arrested at 2:44 p.m. for driving while license suspended following a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at mile marker 104 southbound. Katchem was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. Kala Tabor, 24, of Roscoe was cited at 1:40 p.m. for driving while license sus-

pended after deputies initiated a traffic stop in the 7,000 block of North Kishwaukee Road.Tabor was released on an I-Bond with a future court appearance. Josuel Valle, 24, of Mercedes, Texas was arrested at 4:20 p.m. for no valid driver’s license following a traffic stop on Interstate 39 at mile marker 104 southbound. Valle was released on an I-Bond with a court date of July 31 at 9 a.m. June 24

Michael D. Ramsey, 56, of Rochelle was arrested for a driving while under the influence of alcohol warrant. Ramsey was scheduled to appear in court on June 2. June 25 At approximately 11 a.m. deputies along with New Milford Fire and EMS responded to a single vehicle crash in the 7,800 block of North Illinois 251. An investigation concluded that Michael Baker of Rochelle was traveling southbound when he drifted off of the road-

way striking a culvert. Baker was assisted from the vehicle by Fire and EMS and transported to Swedish American Hospital for further medical treatment. June 27 Michael Hewitt, 26, of Hewitt was arrested at 9:35 p.m. for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia after deputies initiated a traffic stop near Illinois 2 and Town Hall Road. Hewitt was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond. See OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF, Page 20

• Friday, July 3, 2020

June 10 Dustin W. Warner, 32, of Oregon, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. for possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while license suspended. Warner was transported to the Ogle County Jail. These violations occurred in the 100 block of Depot Street.

June 20 Karli A. Holakovsky, 19, of St. Charles, was issued a citation at 2:59 p.m. for speeding, 54 mph in a 35 mph zone. This violation occurred in the 1300 block of Pines Road.

19 OGLE COUNTY NEWS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

OBITUARY PATSY ‘PAT’ H. O’BRIEN

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| OGLE COUNTY NEWS

STATE NEWS

Motor vehicle fatality rates jump 36.6% in April Increased speeds on emptier roads may be the reason Preliminary estimates based on April data from all 50 states indicate that for the second straight month, Americans did not reap any safety benefit from having less roadway traffic. In fact, the roads became even more lethal as miles driven plummeted. Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council show a year-over-year 36.6% jump in fatality rates per miles driven in April, in spite of an 18% drop in the total number of roadway deaths compared to April 2019. The actual number of miles driven dropped 40% compared to the same time period last year. The mileage death rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven was 1.47 in April compared to 1.08 in 2019. Through the first four months of 2020, the following states have experienced notable increases in the number of roadway deaths: Arkansas (24%), Connecticut (45%), Illinois (6%), Louisiana (17%), Minnesota (6%), Nevada (7%), North Carolina (7%) and Oklahoma (6%). States with notable decreases include Arizona (-12%), Colorado (-5%), Hawaii (-34%), Idaho (-36%), Indiana (-16%), Iowa (-16%), Maryland (-14%), Michigan (-17%), New Jersey (-9%), Oregon (-28%), South Carolina (-12%) and Washington (-16%). For the three-day Independence Day holiday period starting at 6 p.m. ET Thursday, July 2, NSC estimates 405 potential fatalities, with alcohol as

• OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF Continued from Page 19 Matthew S. Steder, 29, of Mt. Morris was arrested at 2:52 a.m. for driving under the influence of alcohol after deputies responded to a single vehicle accident and the intersection of Apple Road and Maple Grove. Steder was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he is held in lieu of bond. The passenger of the vehicle, Christopher Baker, 29, of Monroe Center, was arrested on an outstanding Ogle County warrant. Baker was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he is held in lieu of bond. Willie Carter, 52, of Chicago was arrested at 8:40 p.m. for aggravated driving while license revoked after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 4,000 block of North Illinois 2. Carter was also issued a citation for a registration violation. Carter was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he

an expected primary factor in nearly 40% of the deaths. “Even without traffic, our roads were no safer,” said Lorraine M. Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “It is heartbreaking to see the carnage on our roadways continue, especially when our medical professionals should be able to focus intently on treating a pandemic rather than preventable car crashes. These numbers underscore our urgent need to change the culture of safety on our roads.” As was the case in March, quarantines and shelter in place directives across the country account for a significant portion of the drop in the number of deaths. However, reports of increased speeding in several states may account for the rising death rates. To help ensure safer roads, particularly now that many states have reopened and traffic is increasing again, NSC urges motorists to: • Obey speed limits, even if roads are clear and traffic is light • Practice defensive driving. Buckle up, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation, get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue, and drive

was released to correctional staff and held in lieu of bond. June 28 Joseph A. Bail, 45, of Stillman Valley was arrested at 12:23 a.m. for driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and unlawful possession of cannabis (improper container) after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 9,000 block of North Kishwaukee Road. Bail was also cited for improper traffic lane usage and no registration. Bail was transported to the Rochelle Hospital where he was released on an I-Bond. At 6:51 p.m. deputies responded to Beck Road and Illinois 38 for a one vehicle crash. Deputies determined that a 1998 Hyundai driven by Betty Newton, 84 of Orland Park, was traveling west on Illinois 38, crossed into the south ditch through a bean field and then struck the ditch on Beck Road before coming to rest in the field on the west side of Beck Road. Newton received citations for expired

attentively, avoiding distractions. • Stay engaged with teen drivers’ habits and practice with them frequently – tips are available at DriveitHOME.org • Follow state and local directives and stay off the roads if officials have directed you do to so. During shelter in place and stay at home periods, many states asked drivers to stay off the roads except in emergency situations or for essential errands. • Be aware of increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic, particularly in urban areas. Conversely, pedestrians and bicyclists should remember that streets are getting congested again, and vulnerable roadway users need to be careful. Organizations and employers are encouraged to join the Road to Zero Coalition, a 1,500-member group committed to eliminating roadway deaths by 2050 The National Safety Council has tracked fatality trends and issued estimates for nearly 100 years. All estimates are subject to slight increases and decreases as the data mature. NSC collects fatality data every month from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics, so that deaths occurring within one year of the crash and on both public and private roadways – such as parking lots and driveways – are included in the estimates. About the National Safety Council The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment.

driver’s license as well as a citation for no insurance. Newton was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Deputies were assisted on scene by Rochelle and Creston Fire. Dawn Stiff, 51, of Mt. Morris was arrested at 10:31 p.m. for no valid driver’s license after deputies stopped a 2004 Chevy Impala at 3rd Street and Walnut Street in Byron. Stiff was released at the scene on an I-Bond with a return court date of July 31 at 9 a.m. June 29 Pamela Knapik, 44, of Woodstock was arrested on a failure to appear warrant. Knapik has a bond of $2,057. Knapik was scheduled to appear in court on June 30 at 1 p.m. At approximately 7:52 a.m., deputies responded to a three vehicle accident in the 4,300 block of South Illinois 26. After an investigation it was determined that a 2006 Ford F350 construction truck, owned by Kostner Brothers

Construction of Dixon, failed to reduce speed and come to a stop for the roadway construction at this location. The vehicle was being driven by Kaleb Foster, 21, of West Brooklyn. Foster was issued citations for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for disobeying a lane control device in a construction zone. The vehicle being driven by Foster struck a maroon 2016 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Andrew Faivre, 43, of Polo, from behind. Faivre was extricated from the vehicle by Polo Fire and EMS and transported to KSB Hospital in Dixon for injuries sustained. The juvenile passenger in Faivre’s vehicle did not appear to have any injuries and was released to a parent at the scene. The third vehicle involved in this incident was a maroon 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Amy Wegmeyer, 31, of Dixon. Wegmeyer refused medical attention at the scene and her vehicle was able to be driven from the scene.

-- Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the Estate legal representative and to the attorney for the Estate within ten days after it has been filed.

Claims against the Estate may be filed on or before December 28, 2020, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 18 of the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred.

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE DIVISIONIN RE THE ESTATE OF: 2020 P 32CYNTHIA S. BOOK, Deceased. CLAIM NOTICE NOTICE is given of the death of CYNTHIA S. BOOK. Letters of Office were issued on June 4, 2020 to REBECCA S. RUTER, who is the legal representative of the estate. The attorney for the estate is Tyler M. Crosby, Crosby Law Firm, P.C., 475 Executive Parkway, Rockford, Illinois 61107. Claims against the estate may be filed on or before December 19, 2020 that date being at least six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by 755 ILCS 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 1975 as amended, whichever date is later. Any claim not filed by the requisite date as stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk-Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois, or with the estate legal representative, or both.Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's OfficeProbate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to his/her attorney within ten days after it has been filed. Tyler M. Crosby Attorney for Executor Crosby Law Firm,

nois, or with the estate legal representative, or both.Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's OfficeProbate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the estate legal representative and to his/her attorney within ten days after it has been LEGAL NOTICES 101 filed. Tyler M. Crosby Attorney for Executor Crosby Law Firm, P.C. Tyler M. Crosby475 Executive ParkwayRockford, Illinois 61107815/3972006 815/394-1955 Fax June 19, 26 & July 3, 2020

Classified advertising STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY MARIA VILLALPANDO Plaintiff, CATHOLIC DIOCESE ET. AL., Defendants. 2018 L 9 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Irais Ortiz, Ana Herrera, Bertha Roberto Infante Villalpando, Elizabeth Infante Villalpando, Ramon Infante Villalpando and ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and unknown heirs.

July 3, 10, 17, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to Article 10, Section 10120, of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Property Tax Code, as amended, the Stephenson County Farmland Assessment Review Committee shall hold a Public Hearing on July 10, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. in the Ogle County 105 Courthouse, South 5th Street, Oregon, Illinois, 3rd County Floor Board Room. The purpose of the meeting will be the 2021 method of assessing farmland and review and adoption of the “Proposed AverEqualization age Assessed Value per acre for Cropland and Farmland for Ogle County”, $481 and $398, respectively. Public Input is invited at this meeting.

Notice is given of death of the MARIA VILLALPANDO of the City of Rochelle, County of Ogle and State of Illinois, and a motion to appoint a special adminstrator was with the filed Court. MANUEL INFANTE VILLALJuly 3, 2020 PANDO was apSTATE OF pointed as special ILLINOIS administrator on IN THE CIRCUIT February 21, 2020, COURT OF THE whose address is FIFTEENTH 800 Treatment Road, JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Plant Rochelle Illinois COUNTY OF OGLE PROBATE 61068 whose attorDIVISION ney is ANDREW VELLA, 401 West State Street, Suite In the Matter 300, Rockford, Illi- of the Estate of Case No. nois 61101. 2020 P 43 You may contact BARBARA R. ANDREW VELLA LUDEWIG, or file an appropri- deceased ate motion or petiCLAIM NOTICE tion with the Court if you so choose. Notice is given of MANUEL INFANTE the death of BarVILLALPANDO, bara R. Ludewig. Special Letters of Office Administrator were issued on BY: June 16, 2020 to Charles ANDREW VELLA , Kenneth his Attorney Ludewig, 12604 W. Road, Haldane Polo, IL 61064 and PREPARED BY: Louis Wendy ANDREW VELLA Stabenow, 7964 E. VELLA & LUND, Kelly Road, Ridott, P.C. 401 West IL 61067, the legal State Street, representatives of Suite 300 Rockford, IL 61101 the Estate. The attorney for the Es(815) 965-7979 tate is Dan G. FishVella_andrew@yaburn, Fishburn hoo.com Whiton Thruman, 8 Stephenson July 3, 10, 17, 2020 E. Street, P.O. Box

Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Ogle County Circuit Clerk -- Probate Division at the Ogle County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the Estate legal representatives, or both. “E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/serviceproviders.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/ge thelp.asp or talk with your local circuit clerk's office.” Copies of claims filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office -- Probate Division, must be mailed or delivered to the Estate legal representative and to the attorney for the Estate within ten days after it has been filed. Kenneth Charles Ludewig and Wendy Louise Stabenow, Independent CoExecutors of the Estate of Barbara R. Ludewig, Deceased

POLO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING Public notice is hereby given to all persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of at Appeals 7:00p.m. on Monday, July 13th, 2020 in the Polo City Council room, 115 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a refiled by quest Steve & Michelle Gunder of 705 N. Ave, Congress Polo, IL for a variance to place a six foot fence within five feet of the property line at 705 N. Congress Ave, Polo, IL. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 14-09-327-022, otherwise known as 705 N. Ave, Congress Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sydney Bartelt City Clerk July 3 & 10, 2020

VOLUNTEERS

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

BUSINESS PROPERTY

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Lee County Custodian Application are being accepted for a permanent, full-time maintenance/ custodial position for Lee County. Applicants must have general knowledge of cleaning and routine light maintenance. A high school Diploma/ GED and a valid driver's license are required. A background check will be performed. Competitive salary and full benefits. Application and full job description are available online at www. leecountyil. com or at the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Dixon. Completed applicants must be received by Monday, July 6th 2020.

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NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service.* A childcare facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is lispecifically censed or issued a permit. Sauk Valley Media strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in it's care. *Family homes that care for no more than three (3) children under the age of twelve or which receive only children from a single household, for less than 24 hours per day, are exempt from licensure as day care homes. The three children to whom this exemption applies includes the family's natural or adopted children and any other persons under the age of 12 whether related or unrelated to the operator of the day care home. (DCFS Rule, Part 377.3 (c))

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Kenneth Charles Ludewig and Wendy Louise Stabenow, LEGAL NOTICES 101 Independent CoExecutors of the Estate of Barbara R. Ludewig, Deceased June 26, July 3 & 10, 2020

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• Friday, July 3, 2020

Letters of Office were issued on June 16, 2020 to Kenneth Charles Ludewig, 12604 W. Haldane Road, Polo, IL 61064 and Wendy Louis Stabenow, 7964 E. Kelly Road, Ridott, IL 61067, the legal representatives of the Estate. The attorney for the EsOTICES 101 LEGALis NDan tate G. Fishburn, Fishburn Whiton Thruman, 8 E. Stephenson Street, P.O. Box 877, Freeport, Illinois 61032.

CLASSIFIEDS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

MANUEL INFANTE VILLALPANDO, Special Administrator BY: ANDREW VELLA , his Attorney

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

| CLASSIFIEDS

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Sterling and Rock Falls Several routes available! Call for more details.

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CALL 815-625-3600 EXT. 5301 Telegraph • 113 S. Peoria Dixon, IL 61021

County Farm Bureau Administrative Assistant The Ogle County Farm Bureau is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Assistant, located in Oregon, IL. Responsibilities include providing support for the County Farm Bureau office, assisting members over the phone and in person, assisting staff with correspondence, research and file maintenance and bookkeeping and payroll tax preparation responsibilities. Qualified candidates will possess good verbal and written communication skills, strong PC skills with all Microsoft Office applications, good multitasking and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Experience in a related role required and knowledge of agriculture preferred. Competitive salary and benefits apply. Please submit cover letter and resume by July 6, 2020 to Ogle County Farm Bureau, 421 W Pines Rd, Ste8, Oregon, IL 61061

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OGLE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS 815-625-3600 815-284-2222

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

BEWARE OF INTERNET PUPPY SCAMS!

Visit the American Kennel Club website (www.akc.org) for tips on how to avoid getting scammed and to find a responsible dog breeder. If you have been the victim of a scam, report it to your local authorities and your local BBB (www.bbb.org)

Go about your business, and be careful whom you pick a fight with this year. Put more effort into improving your relationships with the people who count in your life and building a secure home base to support your efforts.

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Do the best job possible. It’s what you accomplish that will count, so don’t waste your time on petty disagreements. Don’t miss out on an opportunity because it entails change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- The more you do to help others, the more you will get in return. Develop new skills and pay more attention to changing economic trends. Stand by the people you love.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Make the physical and mental changes required to build confidence and raise your self-esteem. Don’t waste time arguing. Success will result if you stay focused and work alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Caution will be necessary when dealing with manipulative people. Believe verified facts instead of paying attention to hearsay. Avoid joint money deals and outside interference. Put your health and integrity first.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Avoid outside influences or controlling individuals. Obtain facts and figures before making a decision. Don’t rely on others when you can invest in yourself. Avoid situations and people who could be harmful to your health. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- You have the right idea, and if you are patient, you will see excellent results. Your charm and intelligence will ensure that you receive the help you need.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- A logical approach to a situation that involves how you earn your living and your health and safety will give you greater leverage when dealing with your superiors. Share your point of view. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be understanding and offer positive solutions. Reach out to someone you are worried about, but don’t take on responsibilities that may jeopardize your

reputation or position. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- A situation isn’t likely to go the way you expect. You’ll do best if you stick to the truth, especially where emotional issues are concerned. Make adjustments to your lifestyle.

Advertise Your Rentals in Ogle County Classifieds

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- If you take on a creative project, it will enhance the way you live. Don’t trust someone to give you valid information. Verify all data you receive to avoid mistakes. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Use your imagination and find a way to get things done on time without subjecting yourself to an unhealthy environment. Choose to be practical, not stubborn or illogical. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Inconsistency and fickleness will cost you. Incorporate discipline into whatever you do, and you’ll avoid jeopardizing your reputation or position. Make fitness and health priorities. ©2020 UFS

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625-3600 or 284-2222

• Friday, July 3, 2020

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23 CLASSIFIEDS | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

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24 Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, July 3, 2020

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