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The history of the Ku Klux Klan in Rochelle and Ogle County
Whether you remember George Santayana’s quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” or Winston Churchill’s later misquote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The point remains the same; you do not need to like what happened, but you owe it to the future to remember the good and the bad. This story is about the bad.
In the 1850s, the community of Byron had a secret. The Lucius Reed home was part of the “Underground Railroad” –slaves seeking freedom had friends in Ogle County. Rochelle joined the rest of the county in the early 1860s, sending men to fight in the Civil War against slavery and man’s inhumanity toward man. Cemeteries across the county hold the remains of those who were willing to give their lives so others could enjoy freedom.
In the 1920s, something changed. The end of World War I saw more than 200,000 Black men return from combat overseas. These men had fought for their country and expected to be treated as equals when they returned. Much of Europe had been destroyed during the war, Ireland still had not recovered from the “Potato Famine.” Many felt the United States of America offered more opportunity. The Great Migration, which started in 1910, had flooded the U.S. with foreign people and foreign ideas. Prohibition was the law of the land, which led to a quick rise in illegal bootlegging and organized crime. Fear and confusion opened the door for a new way of thinking. The Klan was eager to help define that change.
“I did not sell the Klan on hatred. I sold it on Americanism. These people knew what they signed up for. That oath could not have been more specific about the absolute superiority of one race and one religion, and the inferiority of all others,” said Grand Dragon David Stephenson.
The first mention of the Ku Klux Klan in Ogle County appears in local newspapers around 1923: “In a field west of Mt. Morris, thousands of members of the Ku Klux Klan met for an induction cere-
Tom McDermott COMMUNITY VIEWS
mony. At dark, fireworks were displayed and an immense fiery cross was ignited and could be seen from miles away. A large number from Mt. Morris and surrounding towns took the pledge of membership.”
Byron, once home to the Underground Railroad, held a monster demonstration at the Burd Pine Grove located north of town. About 10 p.m. the group donned their robes and hoods and came to town. Two robed figures on horseback led a parade of 90 Klansmen on foot and 50 automobiles. The first car had a large cross with white lights and the second car had a large cross with red lights. Those on foot carried lit torches. All wore the robe and hood of the Klan.
“The Ku Klux Klan bears the same relationship to the Protestant churches of America as does the Knights of Columbus to the Roman Catholic church,” asserted Dr. C.C. Crawford in an address before a crowd that packed the tent at the closing session of the three-day Klantauqua held in Rochelle in 1924. “The first Klansmen were patriots, who disguised as Indian, boarded an English ship tied up in Boston harbor and dumped overboard a cargo of tea to secure American liberty.”
“The Klan, he said, “is essentially a law and order organization and opposed to evil in all forms. It fights the battle with ballots and not bullets.” The Klantauqua was a three-day event held at the “Prairie” located at 10th Street and Sixth Avenue.
The Ku Klux Klan sold itself as wholesome, family friendly, faith-based, and supportive of Midwestern values. There were many ready to join in the perceived defense of shared values. The identification of the “enemy” varied depending on locale. Ogle County in the 1920s had very
few people of color so Blacks, Jews and Catholics were chosen. In the southwestern states Blacks, Jews, Hispanics, and Catholics posed the threat. On the West Coast, Blacks, Jews, Asians, and Catholics must be stopped. The enemies to democracy could be varied to suit the prejudices of the specific community.
Frank Carney moved to Rochelle in 1906. Frank was a partner in the firm of Carney & Longenecker Clothing Store. Frank served as a state director of the National Retail Clothiers Association. He was a member of the Rochelle Business Men’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, president of the National Bank of Rochelle, and a charter member of the Rotary Club. Mr. Carney at one time served as Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Frank Carney also had the sad distinction of having the Ku Klux Klan burn a cross in his yard.
When he was 9 years old, Rochelle resident Saul Druker remembered a Ku Klux Klan parade through Rochelle. The parade had 4,000 to 5,000 marchers in full Klan robe and hood. A 15-foot-tall lighted cross filled the intersection in front of the Bain building. As Saul Druker, a local Jewish boy, recalled, “Us kids threw stuff at them and ran.”
By 1928, the Klan in Ogle County was disappearing; the wheel of time moved on. In 1952, Vince Carney (son of Frank), was selected Man of the Year for the community. Elzie Cooper became the first Black man to become Man of the Year in 1964. Had Rochelle completely changed? Such is not the way of the world. There have always been good people and there have always been bad people, and there will always be.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Let us remember what has been, not with shame but with an eye toward making the future better.
•TomMcDermottisaFlaggTownship Museum historian and Rochelle City Council member.
Picture of the original Chapman Farms homestead in Ashton during John R. Chapman’s farming days in the 1800s.
Photo provided by Brenda Chapman ON THE COVER
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Persistence, perseverance, endurance keep Ashton sesquicentennial family farm thriving
From Civil War roots to 7th-gen hands, the Chapman family’s farm carries a legacy of hard work and humility
By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com
Life on a family farm has always been filled with hard work and long hours, but it’s also a life filled with memories made in fields and farmhouses alike, by families forged from a shared dedication and devotion to living off the land – and if they were fortunate enough, turning the land into a livelihood.
In Ashton, the family behind a farm there has been one of the ones fortunate enough to do just that. For more than 150 years, the land has been a way of life for the Chapman Family, who are carrying on a legacy that began with John R. Chapman in the 1860s – but like the industry they’re in, they’ve had to learn to grow to do it. These days, time and toil alone isn’t enough.
“It’s become different,” said Stephen Chapman, who represents the sixth generation of Chapmans on the family farm. “It used to be that you could work hard and then work your way out of most situations, but that’s really not the way it is anymore. You got to be on top with it and sharp with your pencil and your plans.”
Stephen – named after his grandfather, who died in 2015 – does much of the farming these days, having taken over from his father David and uncle Brad. His grandma Brenda continues to live on the farm, as does Brad. The elder Stephen’s father, Phillips, farmed up until the mid-1900s and his father Emmerson operated it around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the family raises grain, cattle and chickens, and some apple trees remain from when the fruit was an important part of the operation many decades ago.
Being more aware and strategic in planning to sustain the multi-generational farm’s success weighs heavy on Stephen’s mind, and he sometimes wonders how his ancestors kept the farm –once called Willow Farm – going more
than a century ago. “You’d love to talk with your ancestors to ask them what drove them and what kept them going,” he said.
Emmerson was the nephew of John, who had two girls who died at an early age. Emmerson’s father, Madison, served in the Civil War and died two years after its conclusion from injuries he sustained in it.
Stephen’s young daughters with his wife Amanda carry on their ancestors’ legacies through their names, Madison and Emmerson, representing the seventh generation and performing small tasks such as filling the farm’s sweet corn and egg stands.
“They love to help,” their father said. “They love riding in the tractors and love checking cows. They’ll be involved, but you just never know.”
The Chapmans attribute much of their success to their commitment to hard work – but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been able to carve out time to
Chapman Farms’ current farmer Stephen Chapman (left) reads through a copy of the original trust deed for the Ashton family farm, while his father David watches.
unwind, like playing sports or games like Cowboys and Indians, which is what Brad and David did a lot when they were young, just a few of the fond memories the family shares.
“It’s work, but it’s fun,” said Brenda, who continues to perform light errands on the farm. “It’s a team effort to make
this place work. The kids had a lot of fun on the farm. Their friends always wanted to come to the farm.”
The free-roaming nature of growing up on a farm sometimes made it challenge to get used to hanging out with
Chapman on page 4
Photos by Cody Cutter
The Chapman Family of Ashton has farmed on the same land for more than 150 years. The family currently consists of (from left): Stephen and Amanda Chapman – the sixth generation to operate the farm – Stephen’s father David Chapman, aunt Teresa Davidson, uncle Brad Chapman and grandma Brenda Kay Chapman. In the back row are Madison and Emmerson Chapman, Stephen and Amanda’s children.
friends in town, Brad said, where businesses and buildings weren’t as much fun as barns in the back forty.
Even with all the joy and freedom the farm gave them, the Chapmans never lost sight of the challenges that came with it, each year a test of their patience and grit.
“There’s a lot of great times and there’s a lot of challenging times,” Brad said. “The perseverance that you have to have year in and year out, whether you’re successful or having a bad year, you just got to persevere. If you raise a cow and see one of its calves die as soon as it’s born, you keep going. You just endure and keep going. You have dry years, you have good years. It’s just a way of life. A lot of people would probably give up, but it’s just not in our blood to give up.”
It’s also not in their blood to dwell on the downsides; farmers can’t afford it, David said.
“As kids, you complain about having to work harder than anybody else, like the town kids, but eventually as an adult, that’s instilled in you,” David said. “Only until you reflect on all of the
and it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. There’s not many lifestyles that are also a career. There’s not many careers where you can start something, finish something, and see the fruits of your labor. Most people have jobs with one specific workflow, or one specific part of an entire process, but when you’re farming, you get to do the whole thing, literally from seed to harvest.”
Brad and David’s sister Teresa Davidson no longer lives on the farm and is a nurse for the University of Wisconsin health care system in the Rockford area, but her time on the farm helped her understand the value of teamwork and looking out for others.
time that’s passed, and how quickly it’s passed, do you realize what it is that you are accomplishing. You don’t think of each individual task, and if you did, you’d go crazy. You’re taught your morals and your ethics to just work hard and push through it.”
These days, Brad and David have pulled back somewhat from their farm duties as they’ve gotten older, but they still enjoy watching how the current crop of Chapmans are keeping the farm healthy. David says he’s proud of the
way Stephen is handling the farm’s finances, admitting his son’s doing a lot better than him. When Stephen took over, he reduced the farm’s debt and sought help from other growers to help keep the farm going.
That steady work ethic has carried through each generation, shaping how the Chapmans approach both their labor and their legacy.
“It’s a unique thing that a lot of people don’t have the privilege to experience,” Stephen said. “You have to like it,
“Humanity is the biggest thing, helping each other,” Teresa said. “I think it’s different in the city versus growing up in the country – there’s more of a camaraderie.”
The family and farm’s history are documented not only on paper, but the stories passed down through generations, helping today’s generation learn from those who came before them.
Brad recalls his aunt Hollis’s ability to control horses: “She had a grip, even when she was old, just from holding the reins all of the time,” he said. “When
Cody Cutter Chapman Farms in Ashton raises cattle in addition to grain and chickens.
See CHAPMAN
Continued from page 4
Hollis was working the fields, the reason she said that there was a big tree at the end of the field was because it was there they could take the horses to rest.”
Another of Brad’s memories: his dad’s homemade barbecue sauce. The recipe wasn’t written down, so each time it would taste a little different, he said.
David recalls a story about Phillips having a very young Stephen help him on the International Harvester tractor out on the field.
“Dad would ride on the back of the disc to add weight when the corn was too thick, so the disc could cut into the ground. He was also tied to the seat of an M when he was little because the tractors that had a hand clutch … were more expensive than the ones [with a foot pedal]. If you couldn’t reach the clutch you tie it to the seat and if you had to stop, he said that you could put it at a higher gear and go uphill and it’ll quit.
“With those kinds of stories, I don’t care if you’re 5 or 10, you’re going to get your work done, and just because
you can’t reach the clutch isn’t an excuse.”
Brad and David never got to know great-grandpa Emmerson, but David recalls a story told to him about how he was able to control his horses: “They would tell me stories about how he couldn’t get the horses to stand still long enough to get them haltered up,” David said, so “he’d come out with his stick and would holler and pound the stick on the wood floor, and all of the horses would stand to attention and they could get the halters on.”
Sports have been a big part of the Chapman’s lives growing up, and even then, farming played a role.
The elder Stephen was a star player for the Ashton Aces high school football team, but turned down a scholarship to play football at the University of Colorado in 1960 to tend to the farm.
He also would become Brad and David’s little league baseball coach, and incorporated the farm into keeping them in shape for the game, giving them exercises on the farm, and workouts with rocks, tires and hay bales.
When Brad and David got into football, their time on the farm paid off then, too, giving them an edge over the city kids.
“We had three hours of blood pump-
ing through us by that time,” Brad said. “When two-a-days started in football in the fall, the only ones not throwing their guts up from all of the running and calisthenics were the farm boys who were active. The town boys would be puking and just beat.”
While the farm’s history is a point of pride and priceless memories for the family, it hasn’t always necessarily been a cause for a celebration.
The Chapmans even declined to seek recognition as a state centennial farm in 1975, as the family long held that they weren’t ones for attention.
“We’d all agree that we’re not people who want the notoriety or spotlight,” Brad said. “We just like to lay low and do our work and make it to the next year. We’re just not attention grabbers. We’re very privileged to have kept it in the family for this long.
Even if they had sought that centennial designation, they would have been several years late to the party – not they would have wanted to have one. “Papa was more concerned about not jinxing it,” Brad said.
This year was originally believed to be the farm’s sesquicentennial, with 1875 long thought to be when the farm was established, but a little digging recently revealed there were actually a
few more candles on the farm’s birthday cake.
During research in late August, the Chapmans discovered that the farm was actually purchased nine years previously, in 1866.
The discovery was made due to the property’s tax liens being released much later; it took John five years to pay off the purchase of the property (with 7% interest), but no records were officially filed until 1875.
Today, Stephen doesn’t mind a little recognition – the family worked hard for it, after all – so the family has filed paperwork to seek recognition as a sesquicentennial farm, although, technically, 2025 would mark the farm’s 159th anniversary.
“Papa thought it was bad luck and didn’t want to do it,” he said. “We kind of talked [Grandma] into it. We made it this far, and we’ll sign up for it. Why not?”
For the Chapmans, the legacy of their farm isn’t measured in acres or awards, but in the endurance of a family bound to the land and to one another.
Each generation has faced its share of long days and lean years, yet the farm remains – not only as a livelihood, but as a living record of perseverance, humility and quiet pride.
LOCAL
Longtime
volunteer Dickson retires from Oregon’s Autumn on Parade
Joining festival efforts more than 40 years ago, Debbie Dickson closed her final Autumn on Parade chapter with 2025’s “Carving Creativity” AOP theme.
Parting words from fellow committee members:
“The Autumn on Parade Board and Committee express their profound gratitude for the impactful effort and insight Debbie poured into the AOP festival over 40 years’ time.”
“Debbie, your incredible knowledge of this community and its rich history, your unwavering dedication, and the genuine, humble support you’ve given each committee member have touched our hearts in ways words cannot capture.”
“If you know Oregon, you know of Debbie Dickson. Her influence, impact and radiant spirit have enhanced every detail of Autumn on Parade and leave an indelible mark on our town and those who have had
Online Only Personal Property Auction
3377 W. Loras Dr., Freeport, IL 61032
Thursday, February 5th 8AM to Sunday, February 8th 5PM This is an Online Auction.
Please visit https://aandtauctionservices.hibid.com/ for full sale viewing beginning 2/4/2026. Pictures will be uploaded prior to that date as they are available.
Personal Property: Household items; furniture (antique and modern); jewelry–silver, gold, costume; some coins; local memorabilia, including Mcness & many vintage Freeport items; some collectibles & antiques; glassware, including knick-knacks, depression glass, & more; collectible dolls; Longaberger baskets; washer & dryer set; refrigerator; milk bottles, including Union Dairy bottle; and much more!
Item Viewing: Items will be available for online viewing @ 8am on 2/4/2026. If you wish for more information on an item or an appointment to view an item, please contact A & T Auction Services directly.
Pick-Up: Pick-up for items will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 4:30-7pm at the address listed above.
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the pleasure of working with her.”
“Thank you for decades of commitment
and enthusiasm, Debbie! Your legacy will be forever cherished.”
First
Fridays Open Mic is Feb. 6 at the VFW in Oregon
The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show on Friday at the Oregon VFW.
The indoor event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.
The show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free, although a jar is available for donations.
Performers can sign up for time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive by 6 p.m. or earlier.
For questions, call Jerry Tice at 815449-2660.
The VFW is located at 1310 W. Washington St. in Oregon.
It provides ample parking, along with the availability of a restaurant and bar within the building.
A fish fry runs from 4 to 8 p.m. – Shaw Local News Network
Now Available
Debbie Dickson
Photo provided by Lowell Harp
Talented bluegrass artists Jeff and Liz Wagner, known as Spare Change when performing as a duo, appeared at last month’s open mic.
Rochelle Police: 1 dead, 1 in critical condition after Monday morning shooting
RPD release: No other people were injured or inside the apartment
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A person is dead, and another is in critical condition after a report of shots fired
the morning of Feb. 26 at a Rochelle apartment complex, according to a Rochelle Police Department news release.
At 6:38 a.m., the Rochelle Police Department received a call of shots fired at 111 W. McConaughy Ave. Upon arrival, officers found a 27-year-old female with multiple gunshot wounds, who was unconscious but breathing. Officers also found a 29-year-old male suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the release.
“Rochelle medics arrived on scene and transported the female to Rochelle Community Hospital,” according to the release. “She was flown to Rockford. The male subject was confirmed deceased at the scene. No other people were inside the apartment, and no other parties were injured.”
The female victim is in critical condition at a Rockford hospital, Rochelle Police Department Chief Pete Pavia said.
The names of the individuals are being
withheld until the families can be notified. Pavia said identification could be released publicly late Monday or Tuesday.
The Rochelle Police Department was assisted by the Rochelle Fire Department, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit.
The incident remains under investigation by the Rochelle Police Department. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact RPD at 815-5622131.
Ogle County students among UW-Whitewater scholarship award recipients
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The following local students are among the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scholarship recipients receiving financial
awards for the 2025-26 academic year.
Stillman Valley: Grace Costello, who is studying marketing, won the Robert Eastman Endowed Scholarship. Norah DeRosso, who is studying communication, was named among Chancellor Scholars.
Leaf River: Jacob Fiorello, who is studying marketing, won the AMA/Peltier Marketing Award.
Baileyville: Alex Lancaster, who is studying history, won the Transfer Excellence Scholarship.
Oregon: Emma Schlichtmann, who is studying finance, won the Arthur E. and Lorraine J. Carlson Scholarship.
Polo: Laura Wright, who is studying environmental science, won the Metcalf Family Endowment; Chancellor Scholars.
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Protest held in Ogle County following second fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota
Indivisible of Ogle County organized several rallies in 2025 critical of the Trump administration’s policies and actions and one candlelight vigil for the woman shot and killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis earlier this month.
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Frigid winter weather didn’t deter a crowd of about 120 people from turning out Jan. 25 for what organizers called an “emergency protest” in response to the second shooting death in Minnesota by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers this month.
The event, held on two sidewalks on the northeast corner of the Ogle County Courthouse Square in downtown Oregon, was organized by Indivisible of Ogle County, the local chapter of the Indivisible Project network.
“We the people of the U.S. must stand up, indivisible, to fight for liberty and justice for all,” said Jan Buttron of Chana, one of the Sunday afternoon event organizers. “Today, we are here because yesterday an ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, was murdered by our federal government while he was helping a woman who had just been sprayed in the face with pepper spray.”
Buttron said that within an hour of the shooting federal officials put out a “false narrative of the account” claiming Pretti was a “domestic terrorist” and were “lying to the American people.”
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Two people, who attended Indivisible of Ogle County’s protest on Jan. 25 in downtown Oregon, hold signs referring to the death of Alex Pretti by ICE agents Saturday in Minneapolis.
About 120 people attended Indivisible of Ogle County’s protest Jan. 25 in downtown Oregon carrying signs criticizing the Trump administration’s deployment of ICE officers in several states and Saturday’s death of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
from page 9
“The United States of America has been taken over by a fascist regime,” said Buttron, calling Congress ineffective in its role as the branch of government that is supposed to be a “check on executive power.”
That ineffectiveness by lawmakers has allowed the Trump administration to “murder its own citizens, violate the Constitution, unlawfully break into people’s homes and businesses with no warrant, and disappear people all in violation of U.S. international law,” Buttron said.
During Sunday’s protest – called “No More Gestapo! Emergency protest in response to the second ICE murder in Minnesota” – many attendees carried signs referring to Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, 37, a Minnesota woman who was fatally shot by ICE officers on Jan. 7 – also in Minneapolis.
One woman carried a sign with a drawing of Pretti that said, “Are you OK: Last words of Alex Pretti.”
Juanita Spahn, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Rochelle, held a sign that read, “I am a Veteran Standing up for the Constitution.” She was motivated to attend the Sunday event because of her pledge to defend the Constitution while serving in the armed forces.
“I’m here today because I took an oath to defend the Constitution and I’m seeing the Constitution be disregarded by this administration in all sorts of ways,” she said. “And no one has relieved me on my duty to defend the Constitution. I will be out here and do whatever I can to defend it until I die.”
Spahn said she was a teacher in Cicero for 21 years before moving to Rochelle.
“It tore me up to see what they put that community through,” she said. “That started my activism.”
Spahn was one of the 120 people who braved temperatures in the single digits and wind chills below zero to attend the event. Portable propane warming stations were placed on the northeast corner of the square, allowing participants to warm themselves during the two-hour event.
Hand warmers were distributed by volunteers.
Some motorists passing through the busy intersection of state Routes 64 and 2 honked their horns in support of the protesters. But at least one motorist showed opposition by yelling “Go home!” out the window, which prompted a “We are home!” reply from one protester.
Sunday’s event followed a Jan. 9 candlelight vigil for Good, who was fatally shot by ICE officers Jan. 7.
That vigil was part of a nationwide weekend of action, “Ice out for Good,” which organizers said was created to take action against ICE violence and “stand in solidarity with all the victims” to show “strength and compassion of our community.”
Abbey Harris, an Indivisible of Ogle County volunteer, said the organized events are meant to showcase citizens’ rights to speak out.
“Using our First Amendment rights to speak out for our neighbors is a fundamental American value,” Harris said. “We refuse to let the government dehumanize marginalized communities or lie about the violence we are seeing on video.”
At the Good vigil, Harris said the Trump administration’s designation of peaceful dissenters as domestic terrorists is a “dangerous weaponization of words” and an attempt “to criminalize First Amendment rights.”
“Ogle County Indivisible is incredibly proud of those who stood up today. It isn’t easy to stand out there when the temperatures drop but your presence spoke volumes,” Harris said.
ROCHELLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Rochelle man sentenced for possessing cocaine with the intent to deliver
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
A Rochelle man was sentenced to 91/2 years in prison Dec. 3, 2025, for possessing and intending to deliver cocaine in January.
identified as 29 grams of cocaine and $450 in cash. We believe there was an intent to deliver.”
Christopher L. Reed, 31, pleaded guilty to the Class X felony when he appeared in Ogle County Circuit Court for a pretrial hearing with his attorney, Brian Erwin, in front of Associate Judge Anthony Peska.
Christopher Reed
Reed initially pleaded not guilty Jan. 22 to possessing between 200 and 600 ecstasy pills, also called MDMA, and 15 to 100 grams of cocaine – charges that followed a Jan. 8 traffic stop in Rochelle.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, ecstasy/MDMA, commonly called “molly,” is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, “producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Known as a party drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form; the pill has a variety of logos and colors.”
At the start of the hearing, Erwin told Peska that a plea agreement had been reached wherein Reed would plead guilty to the cocaine charge, and the MDMA charge would be dismissed.
Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Reed was a passenger in a car that was pulled over at 7:20 p.m. Jan. 8 by Rochelle police for a traffic offense on Lincoln Avenue.
Leisten said a K-9 alerted Rochelle police officer Trevor Owen to a backpack that was on the floor of the car in front of the passenger seat Reed was sitting in.
Leisten said Owen discovered pills and cocaine in the backpack.
“The K-9 alerted the officer to the backpack,” Leisten said. “There was a plastic bag with powder, which was
In exchange for his guilty plea, the charge of possessing the MDMA was dismissed, Leisten said, adding that Reed’s criminal history included battery and DUI charges.
“You have the right to address me,” Peska told Reed. “Is there anything you would like to say?”
“No,” Reed replied.
Reed was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections and credited with 329 days served.
Reed will be subject to 18 months of mandatory supervised release (parole) when he is released from prison.
Reed also was ordered to pay $2,315 in fines and costs.
Reed had been held at the Ogle County Jail since his arrest after requests for pretrial release were denied.
During a January detention hearing, Peska denied Reed’s initial request to be released from custody.
Criteria used by judges to make that decision include the nature of the alleged offenses, whether the defendant’s release would present a “clear and present danger” to the community or individuals, and whether the defendant is considered to be a “flight risk” and likely not to appear again for scheduled court cases.
Leisten argued that Reed should not be released, citing his criminal history and that Reed was on probation for another offense in another county when the Ogle County offense occurred.
Reed’s attorney at the time, Assistant Public Defender Michael O’Brien, argued that Reed could be released with the condition that he be electronically monitored.
Peska denied the request, noting that Reed was on probation when the traffic stop occurred.
On Wednesday, Peska encouraged Reed to take part in any drug abuse program offered by the IDOC.
“That will be helpful. I do believe this [charge] is a result of drug abuse,” Peska said. “Good luck sir.”
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LEAF RIVER, IL– Donna Hagemann, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rockford, IL. She married Leonard “Tobe” Hagemann on April 5, 1953, and they were married for 69 years.They moved to the farm “Sunset Acres Farms” in Leaf River, IL. She helped alongside her husband in all aspects of farming for the rest of their lives. Her greatest joys were her home, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and going to the lake house at Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, flowers,
and taking rides on her John Deere Gator. Donna is going to be missed greatly; her smile and laughter will be remembered forever.
Donna is survived by her children, Julie Edwin of Chana, IL, Christy (Jim) Bachman of Leaf River, IL, and Shari (Randy) Martin of Forreston, IL; grandchildren, Tara (Brad) Johnson of St. Charles, IL, Breann (Tom) Sublewski of Byron, IL, Tobi (Doug) Johnson of Winnebago, IL, Cody (Hannah) Hoting of Freeport, IL, and extended grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Kathleen Walker of Belvidere, IL; and sistersin-law, Gussie Grove of Leaf River, IL and Janie McNames of Byron, IL.
Graveside services will be held at Lightsville Cemetery for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL
EMMA J TURNEY
Born: August 2, 1934 in Ogle County, IL
Died: January 27, 2026 in Freeport, IL
Emma J. Turney, 91, of Polo, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Freeport Memorial Hospital, Freeport, IL.
Emma was born, August 2, 1934, in rural Ogle County, IL, the daughter of Howard and Flossie (Garman) Harmon. On Sept. 16, 1967 in Lanark, IL, she was united in marriage to Lyle Turney. She worked at Tri-County Opportunity retiring after 19 years. Emma was a wonderful seamstress, she enjoyed crocheting and traveling with friends. Emma loved her family and
enjoyed getting together for summer bbq’s. Survivors include: daughter Pamela (Harry) Rogers of Freeport, IL; son Stephen (Janice) Hutchison of Cedarville, IL; 9 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle Turney; son Gary Hutchison; granddaughter Michelle Shugars; sister Donna Troxell; brother Willard Harmon.
Visitation will be Monday, February 2, 2026 at Polo Family Funeral Home, 610 S. Division Ave, Polo from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Service will follow at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo. Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
WANDA MAE (MURPHY) CACCIATORE
Born: October 7, 1933 in Wichita, KS
Died: January 26, 2026 in Byron, IL
Wanda Mae (Murphy) Cacciatore, 92, of Byron, Illinois died peacefully at home surrounded by her children. Her life was lived in service of her faith, family and friends. She was born in Wichita, Kansas to Beulah Marie and Joel Murphy. As a child, Wanda was also wrapped in love by her beloved grandmother Nina. An extremely bright student, Wanda developed an early love of reading she carried throughout her life which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Wanda regularly shared fun memories of her youth including trips to the movie theater, going to dances with her friends and an early career working at the Boeing factory in Wichita.
A 62 year long love affair had its beginning when Wanda met and married Pete Cacciatore when he was serving in the Air Force at McConnell AFB in Kansas. Together, Wanda and Pete welcomed four beautiful children in quick succession, establishing a family foundation rich in tradition and love.
Following Pete’s service in Korea, the family settled in Byron where Pete joined his father
and his uncles in the grocery business and opened the first Cacciatore’s grocery store. Pete and Wanda bought out their partners before building Cacciatore Byron Food Mart on Highway 2. It was Wanda’s creative vision that saw Cacciatore’s growth and innovation over the years including, the Video Booth P&W’s Wash House and Murphy’s Deli. Together, Pete and Wanda ensured that Cacciatore’s embodied a commitment to hard work, their employees and the community. Wanda worked as a secretary at Lorado Taft Field Campus located in Lowden State Park Oregon IL. She also founded the Lorado Taft Outdoor Education Library from which she retired in 1975. From sewing countless dresses and outfitsfor field trips to weddings, baptisms and first communions, Wanda was an excellent seamstress and literally stitched every piece for these special life moments in love. Wanda was a gifted quilter who passed along the tradition and loved sharing the experience with her family and friends near and far.
Wanda was an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Church community. Wanda got her start in community volunteerism as a Den Mother for Pete Jr’s Boy Scout troop and it took off from there! For decades, Wanda was an ever present, active member of the Byron Women’s Club (past President), ByronFest (co-founder), Village of Progress Foundation Board of Directors for many years, Hospice Serenity House Ambassador, Rockford Symphony, New America Theatre, Rockford
Arts Council, Catholic Women’s League and Byron American Legion Auxiliary. Wanda was recognized in numerous ways for her community service, including being named Catholic Woman of the Year by the Rockford Diocese in 2005. Her many joys and accomplishments included founding and sponsoring the ByronFest Quilt Show, now named in her honor.
Wanda was a major presence and leader for many years with the Angel Ball and Pink Ball events, raising funds for essential community services.
While Wanda helped set the stage for some of the most glamorous community events and gatherings, she truly enjoyed long summer days spent alongside the family pool - overflowing with her grandchildren, laughter and stories - and something delicious on the grill. She and Pete had many travels throughout the world and loved spending time at Seaplace on LBK.
She is survived by her son, Peter Stephen Cacciatore, Byron; daughters, Cynthia (late John) Kennay, Ashton, Illinois; Sharon (Terry) Tamanauskas, Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Kathryn (Jeff) Feste, Byron; grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Wombacher, Byron; Robert (Brittany Weber) Haye III, Madison, Wisconsin; Shary Hahn, Solon, Iowa; Katy (Shelly) Hunter, Fredricksburg, Virginia; Beth (Adam) McCostlin, Evanston, Illinois; Peter A. Cacciatore, Byron; Jeffrey H. (Taylor) Feste, Nashville, Tennessee; Isaac Lowden, Neenah, Wisconsin; Jordan (Elizabeth) Feste, Geneva, Illinois. Great
grandchildren Matthew Hunter, Ryann and Kathryn Wombacher; Robert James (R.J.) and Audrianna Haye; Lyla, Hunter and Landry Peter Hahn; Vincent, William and Thomas Hunter; William Ignatius and Merideth McCostlin; Theo Ignatius and Shepherd Feste; Olivia and Eloise Mae Feste.
Wanda was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Peter Ignatius, and their beloved Cairn Terriers, most recently “TJ”.
Wanda’s family would like to send their love and thanks to her Caregivers who became dear friends - Janet, Tina, Kris, Amanda, Jen, Dawn; and Sheila and Amber and the Serenity Hospice Care team.
Christian funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, 226 East 2nd St., Byron with Father Romeo Pavino celebrating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 3 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm also at St. Mary’s with the rosary recited at 6:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made in her name to Serenity Hospice & Home, Village of Progress and Byron Women’s Club. www.farrellhollandgale.com
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026
12PM - 3PM
Magazine ranks Centennial School in Polo among best
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Centennial Elementary School in Polo has been ranked among the 2026 Best Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
The rankings include about 47,000 public elementary schools. Schools are ranked at the state and district level.
“We are honored that Centennial School has been recognized among the 2026 Best Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report,” Dr. Melydi
HOLLY L. STUKENBERG
Born: December 27, 1949 in Rockford, IL
Died: January 17, 2026 in Byron, IL
Holly L. Stukenberg, age 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 17, 2026 after a battle with Lung Cancer. She was born December 27, 1949, the daughter of LaVerne R. and Dorothy J. (Wright) Stukenberg. Holly attended Byron schools and graduated from Byron High School in 1967. She then obtained her cosmetology certification from Alberto’s Beauty School in Rockford. Holly and
her sister Patsy Dach co-owned and operated Classic Look Salon in Byron and were beauticians for over 40 years. Holly was a member of Assembly of God and a previous member of the Byron Chamber of Commerce. Her faith was a foundation for how she lived her life, always willing to lend an ear and counsel others where she could. While devoted to reading her Bible, watching faith-based TV shows, listening to sermons, she was also a lover of music and detective shows. She enjoyed many hours playing cards with the ‘Jokers’. She was an active participant in bible study group and was in many prayer chains through the years for those in need. Along with her sisters Patsy and Faith she became very involved with Rockford Stateline Stroke group and also attended many stroke camps. She was predeceased by
Huyett said. “This distinction reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families who work together each day to create a supportive and high-achieving learning environment. We are proud of our school community and grateful for this recognition of our shared commitment to excellence.
her parents LaVerne and Dorothy Stukenberg, Aunt Harriett, her brother-in-law Bill Dach, and nephew Joel Dach:special friends Annie, Sheila, Ernie. She is survived by her sisters Faith J. Long and Patsy I. Dach; nieces and nephews Chris Dach(Jaime), Adam (Aimee) Dach, Tammy Byington, Nathan Long, and Anna Friedrich (Paul); great nieces and nephews Michael Blades, Amber Ross (Jake), Megan Freethy (Bob), Mariah Dach (Tyler), Kyle Dach (Grace), Autumn Dach (Brandon), Rylan Long, Taylor Mundt (Dayshon), Brynn Mundt (Alex), Callen Friedrich, Paige Byington (Carson), and Brittney Byington (Luis); and all of her loved great great nieces, nephews and also her cousins. And way too many close friends to mention. A memorial service will be held February 28th 2026 at Beacon Hill Church, 6467 N. German
Centennial School has been named to the list for the third year in a row. The methodology focuses on state
See CENTENNIAL on page 15
Church Rd, Byron, IL 61010 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Paul and Beth LaVino and Pastor Gary Cortese co-officiating. Luncheon open house from 1-4 at Byron Prarieview Pavillion. Private burial will take place at the Byron Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in Holly’s name and may be directed to her family. Special Thank you to UW Madison Hospital for all the amazing care for Holly and special assistance to her sister Faith. Also, to Steve for the many rides to Madison. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Holly.
ROBERT “BOB” L. CARROLL
Born: January 23, 1954 in Peoria, IL
Died: January 24, 2026 in Monroe Center, IL
MONROE CENTER,
IL ~ Robert “Bob” L. Carroll, age 72, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Monroe Center, IL, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was born January 23, 1954, in Peoria, IL, the son of James W. & Edna I. (Davis) Carroll. He graduated from Pekin schools in 1973 before he went on to spend 3
Continued from page 14
assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects,
years in the United States Army and 12 years in the National Guard. He married the love of his life, Jutta “Judy” Weyermann, in Bamberg, Germany, on April 18, 1975. They spent the next 50 years building a life together. He worked and eventually retired from Kent Feeds after working there for many years. Unable to sit still he went on to work at Kegel’s Harley Davison where he was able to work with his passion, Motorcycles. Finally, he worked as a bus driver for the Stillman Valley Schools. He loved working at the school with the children; they often called him “Mr. Bob”. Bob was considered a dad and grandpa by many. Bob also had a deep love for his Motorcycles, he was a part of several different organizations like A.B.A.T.E of Illinois, which he was a passionate part ofsince 1993, Iron Skulls Motorcycle Association, M.R.F. and H.O.G. In his younger years
he enjoyed being a sportsman, doing things like hunting, fishing, and even spent some time as a horse jockey.
He is preceded in death by his parents James & Edna and 2 brothers James “Jimmy” (Marge” Carroll and Thurston “Gene” (Carol) Carroll. He is survived by and missed dearly by his loving wife Jutta “Judy” Carroll of Monroe Center, IL; children Manuel “Manny” (Joani Cook Bradford) Weyermann of Davis, IL; Tracy I. Spires of Davis Junction, IL; Timothy P. Carroll of Centerville OH; sister Peggy (Edward) Swisher of Pekin, IL; grandchildren Allison M. Spires; Jackson K. Carroll; Alexander J. Carroll; several nieces & nephews; and many, many dear friends.
A special “thank you” to Serenity Hospice, especially Mariah.
Following a cremation, a visitation has been
scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of 136 W. Roosevelt St, Stillman Valley, IL, 61084. Immediately following the visitation, a memorial service honoring Bob’s life will take place beginning at 11:00 AM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of 136 W. Roosevelt St, Stillman Valley, IL, 61084 with pastor Molly Bowen presiding. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name and may be directed to the family. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in his memory, please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
and how well schools are educating their students.
Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score.
“Recognizing schools that consistently deliver high-quality education, U.S. News’ 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings showcase institutions that empower students
from a variety of backgrounds,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News.
“This data-rich resource helps parents choose schools that are truly making a difference in children’s academic journeys,” Jones said.
Parents, educators and students can see how Centennial School com -
pares with other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on the best elementary schools on USNews.com.
“Centennial School celebrates this recognition as a reflection of our community’s dedication to student success and excellence,” according to a Polo Schools news release. “It’s a great day to be a Polo Marco!”
BYRON
ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH
624 Luther Drive, Byron, IL 61010 815-234-5277
Pastor: Vicar Michelle Wandersee
All are welcome to weekly Sunday Worship
services at 9:00am
Holy Communion is served every Sunday.
A Contemporary Style Worship with our Praise Team is on every 3rd Sunday of the month.
A recording of each Sunday’s service is available on our Facebook page: All Saints Lutheran Church and on our website: http://www.allsaintsbyron.org
Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade students are held at 10:15am each Sunday.
Middle School Confirmation class for 6th grade - 8th grade students are held at 10:15 am each Sunday.
Both classes begin in September and end in May.
Adult Bible Studies are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm and on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
Visit our website for more information or email us at allsaints624@hotmail.com.
CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHURCH
205 N. Peru St., Byron 815-234-8737
www.cornerstonefamily.church
Sr. Pastor: Erik Ness, NextGen/ Family Pastor: Collin Nicholls
Children’s Ministry Director: Katie Dodd
Worship Service on Sundays at 10am with Children ‘s Worship Service and Nursery Available Revive Jr High and Sr High Youth Ministries Meet Sundays at 6:30pm
Numerous Small Groups Available for All Ages throughout the week. Please call our Church Office or visit our website for more details .
Office Hours: 8:00am -4:30pm Mondays-Thursdays
BYRON ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
226 E. 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010 - Phone 815-234-7431 –
Fr. Romeo “Mio” Pavino
Weekday Masses: Tuesday – Friday 7:30am, Weekend
Masses: Sat. 5:00 pm, Sun. 8:00 am and 9:30 am,
Reconciliation: Fri. 8:00 am – 8:30 am; Sat. 3:30 pm –4:30 pm or by app. Eucharist Adoration Fri. 8-9am www.saintmaryinbyron.org secretary@saintmaryinbyron.org
UNITED CHURCH OF BYRON
A Member of the United Church of Christ 701 W. Second Street; PO Box 927, Byron IL 61010, 815-234-8777
Email: ucb@comcast.net
Website: unitedchurchofbyron.org
Pastor: Rev. Tyler Spellious
Youth Ministry Coordinator: Richard Simpson
Sunday Schedule & Worship opportunities: Service of Meditation & Prayer: 8:15am- 8:45am Adult Sunday School Hour: 9am
Kids Sunday School: (for ages 3 thru 5th grade) during the 10:30 worship
Coffee & fellowship time: 10:00am - 10:30am Main Worship: 10:30am
For complete ministry schedule and other activities, please check our website or Facebook page or contact the church office.
Whoever you are or wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
BEACON HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD
“Building Faith for Life”
6467 N. German Church Rd., Byron, IL - Ph. (815) 2462685 - beaconhillbyron.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 448, Byron, IL 61010
Pastor: Gary Cortese
Service Times: Sundays at 10AM; Wednesday night
Faith-Lift at 6:30PM
Find us on Facebook/Beacon Hill Assembly of God
CHANA
CHANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
606 Main St., Chana, IL 61015 Worship and Children’s
Education: 10:30 a.m.
Email: ChanaUMC@gmail.com
Phone: 815-732-7683
Pastor: Bill Hollowell
Facebook: Chana United Methodist Church
Free Clothes Closet: call for hoursNA
AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY
FORRESTON
FAITH
LUTHERAN CHURCH
402 2nd Avenue, Forreston, IL 61030, Phone
815-938-3203Pastor Scott Ralston
Sunday Worship 9:00 am; Sunday School 10:00 am
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
402 First Ave., Forreston, IL Phone: 815-938-2380
Worship at 9:00 a.m. (childcare provided) with coffee and fellowship immediately following. Sunday School
Age 3-Adult, 10:15 am.
God is Good, All the Time, All the Time, God is Good!
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH
Celebrating 175 Years!
West Grove Rd. At Columbine Rd.
Worship Service 10:30 am. Communion is served every Sunday. “Singing the Song of Christian Faith in Worship, Service, Learning, Outreach and Welcome” in a beautiful rural setting.
Everyone is cordially invited to be with us.
Follow Us on Facebook “St. James Lutheran Church”
LEAF RIVER
LEAF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Billy Hardy
Sunday Morning: 9:30am Bible Classes for all ages 10:30am Worship Service with nursery available. Live stream available at leafriver.church/live-now 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd., Leaf River, IL 61047
815-738-2205
office@leafriverbaptist.org leafriver.church
LEAF RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
104 E. 3rd St., Leaf River, IL 61047Phone: 815-345-3038; Pastor Cherie Quillman
immanuel-lindenwood.org (for sermons, events, etc.) 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049 815-393-4500 • office@immanuel-lindenwood.org
Sunday Mornings: Divine Service @ 9am; Food & Fellowship @ 10am; Sunday School and Adult Bible Study @ 10:30am
Food Bank: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-11am Pastor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock pastor@immanuel-lindenwood.org
LINDENWOOD UNION CHURCH
101 N. Galena St. & Walnut, PO Box 67, Lindenwood, IL Regular worship service Sundays at 10:00AM with fellowship following. Tuesdays 10:00AM Sr Exercise! Lunch afterwards. Library open on Sunday Everyone is welcome!
ELIM REFORMED CHURCH
140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068 • Pastor Marv
Jacobs Phone 815-562-6811
E-mail: goelimchurch@gmail.com
Website: www.goelimchurch.org
Sunday morning worship 10:00 am
MOUNT MORRIS
DISCIPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“By God’s grace in Christ, we LIVE, LOVE, and SERVE” All are welcome here!
9:30 a.m. – Sunday Worship with Communion open to all, followed by fellowship hour
10:45 a.m. Sunday School (Sep. – May)
102 N. Maple Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4853 secretary@disciplesumc.org www.disciplesumc.org
Pastor Marcia Peddicord
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF MT. MORRIS
102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 815-734-4942 www.efcmm.org
Senior Pastor: Bruce McKanna.
Associate Pastor: John Foss Sunday Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.
9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship. 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship with Childcare and Children’s Church. MT. MORRIS CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Allure of Pinecrest Grove Community Building (S. McKendrie Ave. and Evergreen Lane) Mt. Morris, IL. 61054 Phone 815-734-4573 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. followed by fellowship time and Christian education. Worship service available online, call or email for details. Email: mtmorriscob@gmail.com
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH MT. MORRIS
308 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris IL | Phone: 815-734-6354
Pastor Dave Rogula 4962 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon, IL 61061 lighthouseUMC@yahoo.com
Worship at 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of each of month. Lighthouse will lite up your life!
LITTLE PRAIRIE MENNONITE CHURCH
1831 S Harmony Rd. Oregon, IL 61061
Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Morning, 7:00 PM 1st & 3rd Sunday Evening, 7:30 PM 2nd & 4th Wednesday Evenings of the Month.
Pastor: Norman Reinford 779-861-3700
OREGON CHURCH OF GOD
860 W. Oregon Trail Road, Oregon, IL. 61061 Phone: 815-732-6847
www.oregoncog.com Pastor Michael Hoffman; Associate Pastor Nathan Massie Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am; Worship - 10:30 am Tuesday - Prayer Group - 9:30 am; Women’s Bible Study1:00 pm Thursday Men’s Group - 7:00 pm
OREGON FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
505 Hill St. Oregon, IL 61061 Phone: 732-2642
Pastor: David Snow “A Christ-centered, Bible-believing, family-oriented ministry.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Morning Service 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Afternoon Service 1:15 p.m.; Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
OREGON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 S. 4th Street, Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-2994
www.oregonumc.org
Pastor Rev Megan Smick
9:00 am Adult & Youth Bible Study
10 am Worship & Children’s Sunday School
In-person or live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OregonUMC 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Meal All are welcome!
RIVERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
609 S. 10th Street , Oregon, IL 61061
Pastor Craig Arnold ~ 812-236-1213
Sunday Service @ 10:45 AM ~ contemporary style worship with coffee and doughnuts in our cafe! Online worship is also available via Facebook. We believe in sharing Communion every Sunday as an act of worship.
RiverKids Service @ 10:45 AM for nursery-6th grade ~ provides a safe and fun environment where kids can learn about who God is and who they are because of Him.Encounter Youth Ministry for kids in 7th-12th grade meets on Sunday afternoons. Please see our Facebook page for scheduled dates and times. For complete ministry info and events, visit us online at Riverstonecc.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/ RiverStoneChristianChurch
ST. BRIDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
902 Mongan Drive (at the top of Liberty Hill), Oregon, IL 732-7211 -Office Rev. Eldred George
Worship Services: Sunday 10 am Holy Communion with Hymns
Christian Education Available
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
301 N 4th St, Oregon, IL 61061 - Phone 815-732-7383Fr. Bernard Sehr; Mailing/Office Address: 8 81 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061
Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm, Sun. 8:30 am and 6:00 pm Weekday Masses: Mon. 12:05 pm, Wed. and Fri. 8:30 am Communion Service: Tues. 8:30 am; Reconciliation: Sat 3:30-4:00 pm or by appt. Eucharistic Adoration: Wed. 9-10 am www.stmaryop.org stmary-oregon@rockforddiocese.org
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NALC
114 S. 5th St. Oregon, IL Phone: (815) 732-2367 Website: stpaulnalcoregonil.weebly.com 10:15 a.m. Fellowship/Education hours 11:30 a.m. Worship
POLO
ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
211 N Franklin Ave, Polo IL 61064-Phone 815-732-7383 -Fr. Bernard Sehr Mailing/Office Address: 881 Mongan Dr, Oregon IL 61061
Weekend Masses: Sun. 10:15 am
Daily Masses: Tues. and Sat. 8:30 am
Reconciliation: Sat. 9:00-9:30 am or by appt. www.stmaryop.org stmary-oregon@roclcforddiocese.org
Sunday: Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 am. Sunday School at 9:00 am.
Wednesday: AWANA (Sept – April) from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Men, women, youth Bible Studies throughout the year. See website for all activities or contact the church office.
KISHWAUKEE COMMUNITY
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
8195 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 / 815-965-1940 Rev. Nick Garner, Pastor www.kishchurch.org
Sunday Schedule: Discipleship Hour 8:45 AM, Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM, Gathered Worship 10:00 AM For complete ministry schedule check out our website or call the church office.
VALLEY EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
Lead Pastor Barry Norris
103 S Maple St, Stillman Valley, IL 815-645-8872 | www.valleycov.org
Sunday Morning 9am ‘Gather’ for learning & conversation, 10:15am Worship both onsite and online at facebook.com/VECCfSV Home of Valley Covenant Preschool 815-645-8882
Director Jill Huber
Bible Studies, Youth Group, Bread of Life Food Pantry Please visit website for more information or contact the church office M-F 9am-2pm
WINNEBAGO
MIDDLE CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
12473 Montague Road, Winnebago, IL 61088 Located West of Tower Road on Montague Rd. Sunday: Worship Service at 10:30 am. Sunday School: 9am
Pastor Phil Thompson Phone: 815-335-2609. Email: middlecreekchurch@gmail.com Coffee & Chat (Everyone is welcome!): Tuesdays 8-10am Visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel for online worship
HOW TO PLAY
Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Pickles
Wizard of Id
Alley Oop
Garfield
Hagar the Horrible
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Daddy Daze
JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have com pleted the puzzle, there will be 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
Fitness fanatic
Solution: 18 Letters
Abseil Active Agile Arms Axes Back Baton Bikes Blade Caber Canoe Club Core Crossbar Cycle Dart Diet Exhale Fast Floor Fruit Goal Golf Hard Help Hips Improve Iron Join Juice Keen Lean Legs Mind Netball Obese Orienteering Push Reduce Relax Rhythm Rods Size Skills Sled Step Stick Swim Tights Time Vegetables Winner Yoga
Solution: New Year’s resolution Date: 1/31/26 Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com
Speed Bump
CLASSIFIED
HAY & STRAW FOR SALE 3x3x8 bale Call 815-441- 1256
Ph: 815-946-4120 Michelle R. Goetz Trust, Kevin R. Rothermel Special Needs Trust Attorney, Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodd en, Ltd.
compliance with the National Environmenta l Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), CPKC invites the public to notify CPKC of any effect s the placement of this tower may have on properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or any concerns the public may have with regard to the potential impact the tower may have on natural and cultural resources subject to NEPA or NHPA review and consideration. Please direct your comments to Ian Waters at HDR, 10450 Holmes Rd, Suite 600, Kansas City, MO 64131 or ian.waters@hdrinc .com. Comments must be received within 10 days of this notice.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
STS Hydrop ower, LLC Project No. 2446-052 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
(January 27, 2026)
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission) regulations, 18 C.F.R. Part 380, the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for a new license to continue to operate and maintain the Dixon Hydroelectric Project No. 2446 (project). The project is located on the Rock River in Lee and Ogle Counties, Illinois. Commission staff has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project.*
The EA contains the staff's analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the project and concludes that licensing the project, with appropriate environmental protective measures, would not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
The Commission provides all interested persons with an opportunity to view and/or print the EA via the Internet through the Commission's Home Page (http://www.ferc.gov/), using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number, excluding the last three digits in the docket number field, to access the document For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or at (866) 208-3676 (tollfree), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY)
February 2, 2026
The Asselborn real estate is located 3 miles northwest of Rochelle, IL. It is further described as being located in Sections 4 & 5, T40N-R1E, Flagg Township, Ogle County, IL. Farmers & Investors, don't miss
PUBLI C NOTICE: CPKC railroad proposes to install a 40-ft-tall communications pole in their railroad rightof-way in Ogle County, IL at (latitude, longitude) 42.129763, -89.237609, which will be licensed through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) As part of its responsibilities assigned by FCC for compliance with the National Environmenta l Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), CPKC invites the public to notify CPKC of any effect s the placement of this tower may have on properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or any concerns the public may have with regard to the potential impact the tower may have on natural and cultural resources subject to NEPA or NHPA review and consideration. Please direct your comments to Ian Waters at HDR, 10450 Holmes Rd, Suite 600, Kansas City, MO 64131 or ian.waters@hdrinc .com. Comments must be received within 10 days of this notice.
February 2, 2026
You may also register online at https://ferconline ferc.gov/FERCOnline.aspx to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support.
Any comments should be filed on or before 5:00 pm Eastern Time on February 26, 2026.
The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing Please file comments using the Commission's eFiling system at https://ferconline.ferc.gov/FERCOnline.aspx. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at https://ferconline.f erc.gov/QuickComment.aspx For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support. In lieu of electronic filing, you may submit a paper copy. Submissions sent via the U.S Postal Service must be addressed to: DebbieAnne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The first page of any filing should include docket number P-2446-052
For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, contact the Office of Public Participation at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov
For further information, contact Laura Washington at (202) 502-6072 or by email at laura.washington@ferc.gov (Authority: 18 CFR 2.1)
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
*For tracking purposes under the National Environmental Policy Act, the unique identi fication number for documents relating to this environmenta l review is EAXX-019-20-0001740141467.
February 2, 2026
PUBL IC NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS COUNTY OF OGLE)
Pub lic Notice is hereby given to all persons in Marion Township that a Public Hearing will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00 P.M at the Old Ogle County Courthouse, Third FloorCounty Board Room #317, 105 S. Fifth St., Oregon, IL, to consider the request filed January 12, 2026 of Jeffery G & Tracy L Eastman, 7160 N River Rd., Byron, IL for a Special Use Permit in the R-2 Single-Family Residential District to allow a Short-Term Rental Cl ass 1 facility. The proposed site is described as follows and owned by the petitioner s:
Lot 22 Riverside Home Sites, part of West Half (W1/2) of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of Section 31 in Marion Township 25 North, Range 11 East of the 4th P.M.,Ogle County, IL
Property Identification Number: 05-31-351-003
Common Location: 7148 N. River Rd.
All persons in attendance at the hearing shall have an opport unity to be heard. Any person who also wishes to appear as an interested party with the right to cross-examine others at thehearing must complet e a nd file an appearance form with the Ogle County Pla nning & Zoning Department no later tha n five (5) business days before the date of the hearing. The application for this speci al use is on file with detailed description and available for examination at the Planning & Zoning Department, 911 Pines Rd., Oregon, Illinois or at the following URL: http://www.ogle county.org/departments/planning_and _zoning/zoning_board_of_appeals.php
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
RANDY O CKEN, Chairman
Dated at Oregon, Illinois this 12th day of January 2026 #01-26SU
Feb ruary 2, 2026
PUBL IC NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS
COUNTY OF OGLE)
Pub lic Notice is hereby given to all persons in Pine Rock Township that a Pub lic Hearing will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00 P.M at the original Ogle County Courthouse, Third Floor County Board Room #317, 105 S. Fifth St., Oregon, IL, to consider the request filed December 23, 2025 of Sheri K. Semon, 4076 E Pine Rock Rd , Oregon, IL for an Amendment to the Zoning District to rezone from AG1 Agriculture District to R-1 Rural Residence District on the property described as follows and owned by the petitioner :
Part of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section 08 Pine Rock Township 23 North, Range 11 E ast of the 4th P.M., Ogle County, IL, 5.88 acres Property Identification Number: 17-08-100-013
Common Location: 4000 block of E. Pine Rock Rd
All persons in attendance at the hearing shall have an opport unity to be heard. Any person who also wishes to appear as an interested party with the right to cross-examine others at thehearing must complet e a nd file an appearance form with the Ogle County Pla nning & Zoning Department no later tha n five (5) business days before the date of the hearing. The application for this map amendment is on file with detail ed description and available for examination at the Planning & Zoning Department, 911 Pines Rd., Oregon, Illinois or at the following URL: http://www.oglecounty.org/depart ments/planning_and_zoning/zoning board_of_appeals.php
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
RANDY O CKEN, Chairman
Dated at Oregon, Illinois this 27th day of January 2025 #05-25AM Feb ruary 2, 2026
‘He impacted so many people’
Hall of Fame basketball coach Russ Zick,
who led Paxton-
Buckley-Loda to
By CHRIS WALKER contact@shawmedia.com
There was only one Russ Zick.
Zick, who coached boys high school basketball for 40 years with lengthy stints at Rochelle and Paxton-Buckley-Loda, died at 72 on Jan. 13.
Zick’s Hubs won 238 games and six regional titles between 1997 and 2011. His journey also included an additional 14 years at Paxton-Buckley-Loda, seven years at Ashton-Franklin Center (AFC), four years at Scales Mound and a final season at Kaneland in 2018-2019.
He took his Paxton-Buckley-Loda squad to the Class A Final Four in 1996. Ultimately, he was at the helm for 613 victories.
“The record books show the wins and losses through his Hall of Fame career, but looking back that is just a part of it all,” said Dr. Jason Harper, superintendent for Rochelle CCSD 231. “I would guess the first stories his former players tell when they get together is about who he was as a person and coach. We all carry our own individual memories of him. The fun stories, and the tough times he led us through, come together and form his legacy.”
Zick not only won games, he changed lives.
“Two years after I graduated, I had a chance encounter with Coach Zick in the office of Rochelle Township High School while interviewing for a youth coaching position,” said Scott Stevens, who played for Zick at Rochelle. “Russ was in the main office, spinning around in a chair with his eyes to the ceiling, waiting for his next Drivers Ed student.”
After Zick overcame his self-induced dizzy spell he asked Stevens what he was doing there.
“As a result of that serendipitous meeting, he ended up inviting me to join the Ashton-Franklin Center High School basketball staff under him as his assistant coach,” Stevens said. “Little did I know at the time, but that chance meeting would change the course of both my character and career. I spent three seasons working for Russ at AFC
state, remembered by former players, colleagues
but of respect.”
Current Rochelle boys head basketball coach Tim Thompson called Zick a tremendous coach and a great friend and mentor.
Thompson served as assistant for Zick for 12 years at Rochelle. When Zick retired from his teaching position at Rochelle and departed to coach at Ashton-Franklin Center, Thompson took his former job.
“He was always prepared and had a passion for coaching.” Thompson said. “He was a great motivator of young men.”
And he promoted the game.
“I think one of his greater strengths was his passion for basketball at the youth level,” Thompson said. “He would not just run camps and manage local travel leagues, but always make a great effort to get to kids games whether it was travel games, middle school games, or grade school games. The kids would love to see him there. He played in open gyms into his 60s. He has impacted so many people in all the areas he taught and coached. He will be missed by many.”
and I love Russ Zick and his whole family.”
That included Zick’s brother John, who gave Goff his first coaching job at Ashton-Franklin Center.
“John and I just talked the other day that it’s been 31 years ago that he hired me,” Goff said. “And then the Rochelle job opened up and they hired Russ. That’s when I met Russ and we became good friends and then when I became head coach at Sterling there were some great battles between us in the old NCIC [North Central Illinois Conference]. And we went everywhere scouting together when we had off days.”
Former Rock Falls and Rock Island coach Thom Sigel also had some battles against Zick.
before he retired. I was fortunate enough to step into my first head coaching role equipped with the lessons and spirit he played a large part in instilling within me. I am forever grateful for those lessons.”
Stevens played during Zick’s 14th season at Rochelle in 2010-2011.
“That was the season that Russ retired from Rochelle, and the season was full of hope, lessons and passion,” Stevens said. “While this was true, I don’t think that those sentiments were exclusive to that season when it came to Russ. As I came up through the school system, Russ always stuck out to me as someone that I wanted to make proud.
“This was not due to his status as head coach, rather it was because of the draw that he exuded to anyone he came in contact with. Coach Zick was firm in his beliefs but open to hearing others perspectives. He was dedicated to his craft and elevated his players to be the same. This reality was not out of fear
Peter Goff, athletic director at DeKalb, went head-to-head with Zick on the hardwood when he was coaching.
“He loved basketball and he’s a Hall of Famer.” Goff said. “He’s done everything. And he loved the kids, and later in life when we talked we talked about our grandkids and basketball. And he was crazy. They said one time he had his trampoline in his living room. That was some of the quirky stuff he did.”
Goff called his high school coach Cal Hubbard recently simply to thank him, a gesture undoubtedly inspired by Zick.
“I’m really sad that I didn’t reach out to [Zick],” Goff said. “We talked about it at Christmas about getting together. You never forget your coaches. I called my high school coach today because I just wanted to say I love you and everything you did for me. I remember the last time I talked to [Rich] Herrin [former Benton and SIUC coach] and told him the things you have done for me are unbelievable. And I loved him for that,
“We had some heated battles, some great games,” Sigel said. “Obviously, playing at Rochelle was very tough and playing at Rock Falls was pretty tough at that time. In the midst of battle it might look like there was a problem with the relationship or look like he was fuming, but my recollection is he would go through the handshake line win or lose and I could call the next day and ask ‘do you got something on so-so (team) and he was always willing to help out. Great coaching friends go against each other and don’t want to lose to each other, they want to battle until it’s over and I think he epitomized that as much as anybody.”
Sigel, a Hall of Fame member himself, guided Rock Island to the 2011 Class 3A state title during Zick’s final season at Rochelle.
“I think one of the things I would say is he was innovative,” Sigel said. “He was willing to play a different style and even game strategies. He studied the game and implemented those things.”
Throughout his time with Zick, Stevens said unexpected awe seemed to be a common occurrence in his company.
“In retrospect, I don’t think it was chance happenings that created the ‘awe’ I felt, rather it was the environment that Russ willed into existence,”
See COACH ZICK on page 22
Photo provided
Russ Zick, who coached high school boys basketball for 40 years with stops at Rochelle and Paxton-Buckley-Loda, died at the age of 72 on Jan. 13.
Byron girls basketball grabs win from Dixon
Andy Colbert SPORTS VIEWS
In a closely contested girls basketball game between Byron and Dixon, it was the Tigers emerging on top in overtime. From the opening tipoff until the final score of 46-43, it was tight all the way between the stateranked teams.
Similar to the first game between the two at the KSB tourney where Byron came back in the final minute to win, Dixon rallied from five points down to force overtime. Hard-nosed defense and big plays on offense certainly were on display at the Byron gym in the Saturday afternoon tilt.
A few days before, Byron (20-2) avenged a KSB title game loss to Sterling with a 52-40 win over the Golden Warriors, this time with a healthy roster.
Byron continues to be the odds-on favorite to advance out of the Wilmington Supersectional to the Class 2A state finals. The toughest 2A super looks to be at Benton with five of the top 10 ranked teams.
If you happen to be at Stillman Valley on Thursday, Feb. 5, for the girls game with Byron, there will be a special presentation to Scott Leber of WTVO/WQRF TV. Leber, who has been covering local high school sports for 36 years, was named a Distinguished Media Service Award winner by the IHSA.
There are a few area radio guys with more longevity, but no one in TV approaches Scott’s work ethic. The man is everywhere and his dedication is off the charts.
With so many area sports cancellations last weekend, it was nice to see Oregon did not let cold weather get in the way of the boys basketball game with Winnebago on Friday. As Superintendent PJ Caposey explained to me, there’s a big difference between closing school when you have grade
Continued from page 21
he said. “For example, I walked into AFC High School for practice at six in the morning one day as I thought to
schoolers waiting for a bus in frigid temps versus teenagers with cars to travel to a game.
Yes, I realize some schools have policies against having sporting events when classes are called off for weather. But as this column has rallied against over the years, a societal fear of weather, be it hot or cold, leads public-sector entities (not just schools) to complete shutdowns.
It was nice to visit with Winnebago coach Joe Murphy before the Hawk game. At 73 years of age and closing in on 800 wins, Murphy shows no sign of slowing down.
Even after 38 years as head coach at ‘Bago, he’d love to continue many more years. The all-time IHSA leader is Gene Pingatore, Westchester (St. Joseph), 1969-2019, with 1,035 wins.
Murphy may not reach that high, but has a decent shot of catching up to Boylan’s Steve Goers (881) to take over third place.
Speaking of coaching victories, a slight correction from a couple of weeks ago, when Mike Lalor was listed below Everett Stine in total football wins. Actually, Mike is one spot ahead with 223 wins, as the IHSA site wasn’t updated to include this past year.
However, the way Jeff Boyer is racking up wins, with 139 in only 14 years, he could eventually become the county’s all-time leader. Already, he has the highest win percentage at .832.
According to IHSA records, other coaches over 100 wins at one school are Rochelle’s Kevin Crandall (160-96 in 24 years), Oregon’s Pat Holland (136-53 in 25 years), Polo’s Dwight Sellers (118-60 in 21 years) and Oregon’s John Bothe (112-85 in 19 years).
No one at Forreston has had the longevity to even come close to that mark.
The public-private debate in football continues to make news. This time it’s in Alabama, where its high school association voted to split from everyone together to separate state championships.
One reason given was that recent
myself that I would be the early one this time. Instead, I found an empty rack of balls because Russ had perfectly placed every available ball in the most impossible places in the gym.”
Balls were wedged between each
Byron’s Brynn Green handles the ball in front of
won over the Dixon Duchesses, 46-43, in overtime. The girls
game took place on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Byron.
state legislation allowed for up to $7,000 in tax credits for private tuition. Maryland, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia also have separate football playoffs for public and private. Will Illinois soon be joining those ranks?
At this point, no. That is something
hoop and balanced on the back of the rim. Others rested on the top edge of the backboard. Another was at least 20 feet high on a fire alarm cage. Not a single ladder was in sight.
“He stood firm on his claim that each placement could be credited to ‘a
the IHSA wishes to avoid at all costs. But it is not out of the realm, either.
• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.
perfectly placed shot,’” Stevens said. “To this day I have no idea what time he showed up to the gym to pull off this incredible feat. This was all done to squeeze every ounce of joy out of me, his players, and life. That is Russ Zick to me.”
Brian Hurley
Dixon defender Presley Lappin. The Byron Tigers
basketball
• COACH ZICK
Polo edges Fulton in varsity girls basketball action
Monday, Jan. 19
Girls basketball
Polo 52, Fulton 50: Cam Jones led Polo with 23 points and five assists in the road win. Wrenn Coffey had 15 points and Breleigh Hayton had 13 for Fulton.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Boys basketball
Oregon 67, Indian Creek 59: Tucker O’Brien scored 25 points and Benny Olalde added 20 more in the Hawks’ win. Oregon improved to 17-4.
Amboy 43, Polo 20: Ezra Parker led Amboy with 17 points, while Colt McCoy and Tanner Welch each added 12. JT Stephenson scored seven points for Polo.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Girls basketball
Oregon 52, South Beloit 20: Lola Schwarz led the Hawks with 20 points in the win. Aniyah Sarver added 11.
Amboy 58, Polo 53: Amboy’s Alexa McKendry had 26 points, including 14 free throws. Bella Yanos added 14 points in the win. Cam Jones led Polo with 22 points.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Boys wrestling
Oregon 60, North Boone 24: Scoring pins for the Hawks were Isaiah Perez, Carson Benesh, Jackson Messenger and Jayden Berry.
Oregon 59, Winnebago 24: Carson Benesh, Boone Alderks, Nelson Benesh and Jackson Messenger had pins for Oregon. Isaiah Perez added a technical fall.
Friday, Jan. 21
Boys basketball
Winnebago 71, Oregon 47: Keaton Salsbury led Oregon with 11 points and Cooper Johnson had nine in the setback.
Saturday, Jan 24
Boys bowling
Oregon’s Rylann Delehanty advances to state: Delehanty, a freshman, was the lone area bowler to advance to state after he rolled a 1,328 series at the Rockford East Sectional, placing seventh overall.
The Hawks (5,908) were seventh as a team. The top four advancing teams
scored 6,012 or better at The Cherry Bowl. RJ Keene was 14th with a 1,276 for Oregon. Ivan Hernandez rolled a 1,120 and Caleb Ehrler had a 1,054.
Dixon’s Aaron Fitzanko (1,207) was 29th, and Sam Gingras (1,204) was 31st.
Bryce Kooy took 65th with a 1,078 series for Sterling.
Boys basketball
Scales Mound 66, Polo 54: JT Stephenson
scored 17 points, while Mercer Mumford and Eli Perez each added 15 for the
cos.
Girls basketball
Rockford Lutheran 58, Oregon 43: Avery Kitzmiller scored 12 points, and Aniyah Sarver added 10 in the setback.
Polo 60, Milledgeville 35: Carlee Grobe led Polo with 21 points, and Cam Jones (six assists) had 19 in the win.
Byron’s Gentz named to UW-Whitewater men’s track and field team
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s track and field team started its 2026 indoor season on Jan. 17. The outdoor season starts March 27. Byron’s Sam Gentz, whose major at
UW-Whitewater is cybersecurity, is on the roster.
The Warhawks finished third in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference at the indoor championship meet and fourth at the outdoor championship meet in 2025. The team tied for 13th at the NCAA Indoor Champion -
ships and tied for 50th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Head coach Mike Johnson enters his 19th season leading the men’s program.
The Warhawk men have finished among the top 10 at 19 national meets (11 indoor, eight outdoor) during Johnson’s tenure.
The Warhawks began the 2026 season Jan. 17 at Carthage’s Firebird First Invitational. The team competes in its first regular season home meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 24 - the Karl Schlender Invitational at Kachel Fieldhouse. For the full 2026 schedule, visit uwwsports.com.
Mar-
Photos by Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Polo’s Camrynn Jones drives to the basket against Milledgeville on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Polo High School.
SPORTS
OREGON GIRLS FALL ON SENIOR NIGHT
SAT., JAN. 24: The Oregon Hawks girls basketball team lost to visiting Rockford Lutheran, 58-43, at the Blackhawk Center.
Oregon’s Aniyah Sarver (23) and Airael Schutz (20) defend a player.
BOYS WRESTLING
Oregon falls to Dixon for conference title, wins triangular in North Boone
By RANDY HOLLAND Shaw Local News Network correspondent
With the Big Northern Conference championship on the line against Dixon on Jan. 21 in Rock Falls, Oregon got off to a slow start but took the lead after the second match and extended it in the third match. But that was the end of the scoring for Oregon until the third from the last match, and the Dukes crushed the Hawks 61-17, taking the conference title for the second year in a row.
Against the host Rockets, Oregon started with a major decision and aided by a couple of forfeits pulled out a 42-33 win.
Things were much better in North Boone on Jan. 22, with Oregon outwrestling the host Vikings and the Winnebago Indians. Oregon defeated North Boone 60-24 and Winnebago 59-24.
Against Dixon, Isaiah Perez started the match at 126 pounds and had an early 4-0 lead but got taken down to his back late to drop an 8-4 decision. At 132, Jack Benesh had three sets of backpoints in a 15-0 technical fall at 3:35. At 138, Landon Ege pulled a chicken wing at 4:48 and things looked good for Oregon with an 11-3 lead.
Nelson Benesh then lost a takedown in a cradle and was pinned at 5:47. Oregon forfeited 150, Jackson Messenger was pinned in a double chicken wing at 1:46, and Jayden Berry was driven down in a half nelson at 1:52.
Cole Suter wrestled tough in a 10-0 major decision loss and Charles Collins was taken down to his back in a half nelson in 38 seconds. Jacksyn Windham was thrown in a hip toss and pinned at 3:49. At 285, Yovanni Carreno was taken to his back at 1:44. Kayden Cover broke the losing streak, running a chicken wing at 3:48, but the Hawks forfeited the last two matches and had to again settle for second in the BNC.
Against Rock Falls, Perez rebounded with a 15-6 major decision and Oregon forfeited 126. Ege dropped a 17-2 technical fall at 2:16 and Nelson Benesh came from behind to take an 8-5 win. At 150, Messenger scored a takedown in a half nelson at 1:32. Berry hit his second takedown in a half nelson at 1:11. Suter was turned three times in half nelsons to drop a 15-0 technical fall at 1:49. Collins was pinned in a half nelson at 1:21, narrowing the Hawks lead to three points. At 190, Jasper Messenger took a forfeit, and Windham fought through a throw to a fall at 1:33. Carreno was thrown to his back at 2:32. Cover won an 18-2 technical fall at 2:40, and Tyshawn Gordy was turned in a chicken wing at 3:56. Josiah Perez took a forfeit at 120 and Oregon forfeited 126
to finish the scoring.
In JV action, Jaxson Oltman was pinned in a half nelson at 5:27, Gordy was pinned in a chicken wing at 3:09, and Finn Ruane went over in a half nelson at 1:12. Sonny Wesselman pinned with a half nelson at 1:30, and Newt Wright pinned with half nelsons at 1:15 and in 12 seconds.
Against North Boone, Gordy was pinned in a double chicken wing at 121, Windham lost by injury default, and Wright was turned in a butcher at 1:34. Oregon took forfeits at 106, 138, 144, 165, 175 and 190 with Cover, Boone Alderks, Nelson Benesh, Suter, Collins, and Jasper Messenger getting the passes. Isaiah Perez took a half nelson out front at 1:42, Carson Benesh stopped a stand with a move to the back at 1:31, Jackson Mes-
senger pulled a chicken wing back in 56 seconds, and Berry hit a butcher at 1:19 to win for Oregon.
The Hawks got forfeits from Josiah Perez, Berry, Wright and Cover in the meet with Winnebago. Pinning for Oregon were Carson Benesh with a chicken wing at 3:33, Alderks with a half nelson in 46 seconds, Nelson Benesh with a cradle at 3:04, Jackson Messenger with a scrape at 1:05, and Suter with a half nelson at 1:04. Isaiah Perez started the third period with a takedown to finish an 18-1 technical fall. Gordy, Jasper Messenger and Charles Collins lost by falls. Oregon forfeited 215. In exhibition, Jaxson Oltman had two sets of backpoints in a 15-0 technical fall at 1:36, and Ian Tajiboy-Kilkan hit a hip toss for a fall in 50 seconds.
RIGHT:
Brian Hurley
Isaiah Perez of Oregon and Doolan Long of Dixon mix it up Jan. 21. Rock Falls, Dixon and Oregon wrestled in a meet at Rock Falls.
