OCL_100625_Ogle County Life

ShawLocal.com

Included in every subscription

Activate your digital subscription today. Email: digitalactivation@shawmedia.com

OFFICE

211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Phone: 815-526-4420

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions in our service area are free on a requester basis.

To subscribe or discuss your delivery, contact Subscriber Services.

Rochelle News-Leader (USPS #004-083 / ISSN #1045-3059) is published Monday and delivered to homes by Shaw Media, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068

Periodical postage paid at Rochelle, IL and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to Shaw Media, 211 IL Route 38 East, Rochelle, IL 61068

DEPARTMENTS

To reach all other departments, call 833-584-NEWS.

NEWSROOM news@oglecountynews.com

CLASSIFIED SALES classified@shawlocal.com

HELP WANTED employment@shawlocal.com

RETAIL ADVERTISING info@shawmediamarketing.com

Publisher Jennifer Heintzelman 815-632-2502 jheintzelman@shawmedia.com

Editor Charlene Bielema 815-632-2518 cbielema@shawmedia.com

Subscriber Terms and Conditions may change at any time. The current version will supersede all previous versions. The most current version of subscription terms are posted on the website under Terms and Conditions.

Ogle County Life and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2025

Mt. Morris PAG’s show is Oct. 10-12

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

This fall the Mt. Morris Performing Arts Guild will present Tapestry of Shadows, a theatrical tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. The show will consist of four of Poe’s most haunting works to the stage – “The Raven,” “The Black Cat,” “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

Performances will be held on Friday

through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove Theater, 500 Evergreen Lane, Mt. Morris. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. There will be open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open a half hour before show time. For tickets call 815-734-2103 or order online at www.performingartsguild.com.

Auditions were held in June and the cast includes Maxwell George, Joe Hel-

frich, Sherri Stiles, Larry Ubben, Trudy Whalen and Morgan McConnell. Edgar Allan Poe is known for his tales of mystery and the macabre. Enjoy something truly unique – a theatrical experience that honors one of literature’s darkest voices in the very month of his death. Tapestry of Shadows is reimagined and directed by Morgan McConnell, with Trudy Whalen as co-director. Producers are Jennifer Bakener and Pamela Ballard.

Arellano invites families to honor veterans in capitol

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is inviting families across the district to honor their veterans by submitting photos and stories for the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display.

The exhibit will run in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda from Oct. 28 through Nov. 13.

“Paying tribute to the men and women who defended our nation is one of our most meaningful traditions,” Arellano said.

“Sharing the stories of the veterans in your life is a powerful way to remind us

all that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through their courage and sacrifice.”

How to participate

Families are encouraged to submit a photo and a brief story (up to 250 words) about their veteran.

Vietnam, Korea, World War II, World War I, peacetime or other).

Military photos are especially meaningful but not required.

Deadline and submission

Submissions must be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706 by Nov. 8.

For more information, call (217) 7821154.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Leaf River Soaring Eagles kick off new 4-H year with first meeting

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their first meeting of the new 4-H year on Sept. 8. The club had several new members that came to the meeting.

Officers were chosen. The new president of the club is David Wehler. David Bagwell will be the new vice president. Kolton Motsko will be the new treasurer. Lydia Sherburne will be the reporter. Finn Slattery will be the historian. Hazel Friday will be the sentinel and will be in charge of recreation

Please include the veteran’s name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy), and the conflict served (such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Sept. 11, Gulf War,

“Every story added to this display is a lesson in courage for the next generation,” Arellano said. “Please help us honor your loved one’s service at the heart of our state.”

along with Izabel Cortinez and Theo Slattery.

The 4-H members are starting to plan for the new year and for the upcoming National 4-H week in October.

If you would like more information to join in on the adventures with the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, contact Rene Wehler at 815-973-8132.

Northern Rehab hosting annual coat drive Oct. 6-17

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Special-

MAIN: Lineman John Combs, of Rochelle, died at age 24 on Oct. 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Montgomery, Alabama. RIGHT: John Combs. See story on Page 3. Photos provided by Eliza Petry ON THE COVER

ists is collecting donations for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Coat Ministry. Needed items include new and gently-used coats, boots, mittens, scarves and other winter accessories.

All Northern Rehab locations are serving as collection sites, with clinics at their DeKalb, Genoa, and Rochelle locations.

Please drop off donated items between Oct. 6-17. For additional information about Northern Rehab, call 815-756-8524 or visit www.northernrehabpt.com.

– Shaw Local News Network

HOW ARE WE DOING?

We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.

Scan here to get Kendall County Text Alerts

Rochelle father seeks answers one year after son’s mysterious death in Alabama

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

John Combs, a 24-year-old lineman from Rochelle, died Oct. 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Montgomery, Alabama.

A year later, his family still is searching for answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.

He was in Alabama to assist with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which recently had impacted the region. But the days leading up to his death were marked by unusual behavior and confusion, leaving his family with more questions than answers.

The official autopsy ruled the death a suicide caused by blunt force trauma, with no signs of drugs or alcohol in John’s system. Yet, his father, Chris Combs, disputes that conclusion and says authorities have been uncooperative.

“I never thought I’d get to the point where I really don’t trust anyone involved,” Chris Combs said. “Some of them think they’re rid of me, but I’m not going to give up.”

John Combs’ final days

On Sept. 24, 2024, John flew to Louisville, Kentucky, then drove to Savannah, Georgia, to begin storm recovery work, which he performed for about a week.

On Oct. 2, John was taken to a hospital after exhibiting disorientation, paleness and sweating. He called his father, saying he couldn’t put his thoughts together and didn’t understand what was happening. He later left the hospital against medical advice.

The next day, John traveled to Atlanta International Airport to fly home. His luggage made the trip, but John did not. Witnesses reported that John was removed from the boarding process due to his behavior. Chris Combs said that a witness said John gave a speech at the airport, telling the crowd, “You probably all know me by now, my name is John Combs. I’m from Rochelle, Illinois. My whole life has been a lie. I’m no good at anything I do.”

Later that day, John’s location was pinged in Montgomery, Alabama, by his brother, Patrick. When Chris Combs

called John to ask where he was after realizing he wasn’t on the flight to Chicago, John replied that he was “in the woods.” The family describes their last conversations with John as “short and odd.”

After losing contact, the family filed a missing persons report. On Oct. 8, the Montgomery Police Department informed them that John had been struck by a train and died the previous Friday.

The search for answers

John had no known history of mental health or substance abuse issues, making his behavior in the days before his death difficult for his family to understand. The autopsy found no drugs or alcohol in his system.

Electrocardiogram leads were found on John’s legs after his death, which Chris Combs believes came from his hospital stay 36 hours earlier.

“You’d think after a day and a half of traveling and walking, he would have taken them off,” Chris said. “That was strange.”

John’s phone, wallet and backpack were never recovered. Using phone records and accounts, his family pieced together that his final hours included Uber rides and stops at a CVS Pharmacy, Burger King, Starbucks, a gas station and a hotel where he had a reservation but never checked in.

Chris Combs has reached out to dozens of agencies, including the Montgomery Police Department, Atlanta Interna-

no evidence to suggest John’s death was work-related or that hazardous conditions existed during his deployment. The case was closed.

The family requested the Montgomery Fire Department’s EMT report on John’s death but had not received it as of late September 2025.

Chris Combs said police did not interview Uber drivers who transported John in Montgomery and have not explained how John traveled from Atlanta to Montgomery.

tional Airport, Southwest Airlines, OSHA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, John’s employer Red Rover Electric and Congressman Darin LaHood’s office. He has submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act requests and spoken with media outlets to raise awareness.

Official findings and outstanding questions

The autopsy, provided to local media in August 2025, concluded the cause of death as blunt force trauma and the manner as suicide, with no signs of foul play. John “did not try to avoid a train that struck him,” according to the report.

The Montgomery Police Department allowed Chris Combs to view a video of the train incident, which he described as “low quality” and only viewable in person. Chris was not provided with a copy of the autopsy until August 2025.

OSHA informed Chris that there was

Family’s determination

“I had concerns that someone may have drugged him,” Chris Combs said. “For someone to commit suicide without any drugs or alcohol is strange to me.”

He also has worked with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood’s office to open a congressional investigation into John’s death.

In January 2025, investigative reporting by Savannah’s WTOC 11 found a witness who claimed to see a lone young lineman working in the area where John was in Savannah. The witness reported hearing a loud noise and seeing sparks fall on her car. However, a Red Rover Electric foreman said crews would not have been working alone.

Chris Combs remains determined to uncover the truth.

“Nobody has lifted a finger to find out what actually led up to his death,” he said. “We just want to make sure that whatever happened to him doesn’t happen to somebody else.”

Oregon School District named college champ

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Oregon Community Unit School District 220 has been named a College Changes Everything Champion by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, a statewide recognition of schools that go above and beyond to prepare students for life after high school.

The honor comes as OCUSD launches new efforts to support students and families through college applications and financial aid. Two FAFSA completion workshops are scheduled for Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, with the second event also featuring community colleges and one-on-one scholarship advising. In addition, ISAC will host a college application workshop for students on Oct. 20 during the school day, giving seniors the chance to apply to colleges with direct support. Families already have begun registering for the FAFSA events, and interest continues to grow.

“This recognition is really about what it means for our kids,” Stephanie Haugh, the district’s first college and

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Stillman Valley student selected as a BigFuture Ambassador

Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce that junior Lucas Mendoza has been selected as a BigFuture Ambassador for the fall 2025 program.

The BigFuture Ambassadors program, created by the College Board, brings together a nationwide community of students who are dedicated to helping their peers explore opportunities after high school.

Oregon Community Unit School District 220 has been named a College Changes Everything Champion by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, a statewide recognition of schools that go above and beyond to prepare students for life after high school.

career readiness coordinator, said.

“When families have support to complete the FAFSA, talk through scholarship options, and apply to colleges, it changes the opportunities available to our students. That’s why we’re committed to building these events year

after year.”

The college and career coordinator role, created last year, reflects OCUSD 220’s values of excellence, integrity, and being people-centered. By focusing resources on postsecondary planning, the district is helping every student

graduate with a clear plan for success, whether that’s college, career training, the military, or other opportunities.

Superintendent PJ Caposey praised the work, noting that the CCE Champion designation affirms the district’s investment.

“This recognition highlights the foresight of our Board and leadership team. We believed that creating a dedicated college and career coordinator position would give our students an edge, and we’re already seeing the results. It’s one more way we’re aligning our daily work to our values – preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive.”

ISAC’s College Changes Everything campaign is Illinois’ flagship effort to expand college access and affordability. Schools recognized as CCE Champions are part of a statewide network promoting FAFSA completion, which opens the door to financial aid and scholarships. ISAC sets benchmarks, such as a 65% FAFSA completion rate, as a minimum for formal recognition, and OCUSD has its sights set on meeting and surpassing those thresholds.

BigFuture.org is a free online guide designed to help students discover careers, colleges, scholarships and more.

As an ambassador, Mendoza will volunteer to support classmates as they prepare for life after graduation, share free career and college planning resources at school and through social media, and connect with fellow ambassadors across the country in an online community.

Arellano invites residents to virtual town hall Oct. 6

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is inviting residents from across the 37th Senate District to join him for a virtual town hall event at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6.

The town hall will be livestreamed on Facebook.

“This event is a great opportunity for constituents to learn more about the work I and the rest of the General Assembly will be focusing on during the upcoming veto session, including major issues such as energy and transit,” Arellano said.

“Most importantly, I want to hear from you. By submitting your questions, you can voice your concerns, and I can stand up for your priorities,” he said.

Arellano will provide updates on a range of issues that could come before the legislature during the coming October veto session.

This will be his first online town hall, designed to augment the in-person town halls his office held over the summer.

How to participate

Submit your questions: Constituents can send questions in advance using the following link: https://il-37-senate-arellano.web.fireside21.app/forms/ form/?ID=11.

Join the event: Watch live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorLi.

Pancake supper at United Methodist is Oct. 8 in Mt. Morris

United Methodist Men is putting on a pancake supper from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The pancake supper will take place at Disciples United Methodist Church at 102 Maple Ave., Mt. Morris. Cost is by donation.

Polo’s CrossRoads Community Church to host trunk-or-treat

CrossRoads Community Church at 205 N. Jefferson Ave. in Polo is once again inviting the community to take part in its trunk-or-treat event from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25.

This event is an opportunity to connect with families in the community while enjoying a fun and festive afternoon.

Since this is a church-sponsored event, organizers are requesting that trunk decorations and themes remain lighthearted, family-friendly and avoid any dark elements.

If you’d like to participate, sign up by emailing Joey Kochsmeier at jdkochsmeier@gmail.com no later than Oct. 19.

Hallway Halloween, chili and hot dog supper is Oct. 25 in Byron

All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron is hosting a fun-filled and safe trick-or-treat environment for kids of all ages on Oct. 25.

The hallways will be filled with friendly Halloween décor and treats. In addition to the fun of trick or treating it will offer a chili and hot dog supper.

This event is open to the community, and it is free to all who join. It welcomes kids of all ages.

Trick or treat hours are 4-6 p.m. Chili supper hours are 5-7 p.m. Contact the church office at 815-234-5277 with any questions. Shaw Local News Network

Rochelle Foods makes $5K donation to RACF

‘We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Rochelle Foods presented a donation of $5,000 to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Rochelle Foods Plant Manager Tracy Brown said Hormel is Rochelle Foods’ parent facility and it gives each plant $10,000 for philanthropic endeavors each year to help with food insecurity. After solely supporting the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry with that money in recent years, half of the funds were donated to RACF this year.

RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said the $5,000 will go into RACF’s Rochelle Foods Hunger Challenge Fund.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Rochelle Foods presented a $5,000 donation to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.

That fund was started by former Rochelle Foods Plant Manager and RACF volunteer Cal Jacobs, who is a current volunteer at the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry.

Anaya said the Rochelle Foods fund to support hunger started with $5,000

many years ago, was built up with employee payroll deductions, has reached more than $200,000 and now grants more than $8,000 a year to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry or school programs that provide meals for kids.

“It always has a food insecurity focus and we’re proud of it and how it’s grown,” Anaya said. “Anyone can donate to it at any time. We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now. RCFP’s need is up 200% this year. We recently provided RCFP with $30,000 for six months of eggs and they knew they’d run out of it after that. We know we can take this money and invest it and grow it and push it back out to the community and make a huge difference.”

Brown said combatting food insecurity is near and dear to his facility’s mission.

“We support financially, but we donate probably 100,000 pounds of food annually to area food pantries,” Brown said. “Rochelle Foods was created in 1993 and is in its 32nd year. It’s a longtime staple of the community and is owned by Hormel Foods with 40 plants like ours around the world. Philanthropy is something we enjoy doing. We’re here to help the community as its larger employer. We feel the impact.”

While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located. If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.

Tips to educate young adults to be smart about credit

Credit is a necessary component of doing business in the modern world. The credit reporting agency Experian defines credit as the ability to borrow money or access goods or services with the understanding that a person will pay later. Various creditors grant credit based on their confidence that a borrower will repay what is owed.

Many adults learn about credit through trial and error. Financial literacy is not taught in many schools, although lots of people feel it merits space alongside literature, math, science, and other subjects. A recent NextGen study found only one in six high school students are required to take a personal finance class in the United States. In addition, a survey conducted in 2018 by Chase bank found only one-third of Americans were taught what a credit score is by their parents.

It is essential that guardians share information about credit with young adults to help them be financially solvent and successful later in life. Here are some ways to help young adults learn about credit.

Start with credit basics

Speak generally about credit and how it is used. Then explain credit scores, credit bureaus and credit reports. A credit history and credit score is important information for young adults to have early on and check frequently, as having good credit improves the

chances they will qualify for loans and earn acceptable terms in the future.

Help them build credit

Having one or more credit accounts can help a person establish and build credit by making payments on time. Credit card companies often advertise student and secured credit card accounts that come with small or managed credit limits. Making purchases on the cards and paying them in full every month is the best way to improve a credit score or maintain a good one, says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Another way teens can build credit is through their student loans. Making small payments on the principal while in school can help establish a strong credit history.

Check their credit reports

The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking a child’s credit score around the age of 16 or 17. This will help families figure

out if there are any anomalies that may indicate identity theft or inaccurate credit issues.

Know the formula for good credit

Forbes says there are five categories that add up to good credit:

1. Payment history (35 percent): Always pay bills on time.

2. Amounts owed (30 percent): Borrow a low amount compared to the total lines of credit. This also is known as credit utilization.

3. Length of credit history (15 percent): Keeping accounts open for a long time is a win.

4. New credit (10 percent): Do not apply for too much new credit too often.

5. Credit mix (10 percent): Having a balance of different types of credit, such as car loans, credit cards and other types of debt, is advantageous.

Share your own experiences

Sometimes the best way to teach about credit is to be honest about what a parent or another adult did wrong with his or her finances, and use that as a “what not to do” scenario.

It is important for young adults to learn about credit so they can make smart choices that will positively affect their future. Although talking finances may be uncomfortable, it is vital for families to have these discussions.

TELLER APPRECIATION

Tips to avoid falling into debt

Avoiding debt is a key to long-term financial stability. However, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates households throughout the United States began 2024 with a record high of $17.3 trillion of debt. Debt also is a problem in Canada, where a recent survey from NerdWallet found that 55 percent of Canadians had credit card debt, which marked a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Perhaps even more telling is that 51 percent of survey respondents indicated they expect it will take them six months or more to pay off their credit card debt.

Debt may seem unavoidable in a time marked by high inflation, when the cost of everything from groceries to entertainment has increased significantly. Thankfully, various strategies can help individuals avoid falling into debt.

• Prioritize an emergency fund. Unforeseen expenses, whether it’s major auto repairs or unexpected medical bills, can quickly land consumers in financial hot water. In fact, a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that more than half of all adults in the United States report going into debt in the previous five years due to medical or dental bills. Roughly one in five respondents indicate they don’t ever anticipate paying off such debts. One way to avoid such a fate is to prioritize building an emergency fund that can be accessed whenever sizable, unforeseen expenses threaten to derail your finances. Resist any temptation to tap into an emergency fund during non-emergencies, and continue to grow the fund with routine contributions each month.

• Utilize automatic transfers via your bank. Banks enable account holders to set up automatic transfers, which make it easier than ever to save money and thus avoid debt. Consumers can examine their finances and determine how much from each paycheck they can automatically transfer into a savings or retirement account. Once that number is determined, set up the transfers so you are not tempted to spend the money come payday.

• Build and maintain a good credit rating. A strong credit rating is advantageous for many reasons, not the least of which is the cost savings associated with such a reputation. When

borrowing money for big-ticket items like homes and vehicles, individuals with high credit scores generally receive better lending terms, including lower interest rates. Over time, the money saved by earning a lower interest rate on a mortgage can equal tens of thousands of dollars, and those cost savings can help consumers avoid utilizing credit cards to pay for unforeseen expenses like home repairs or medical bills.

• Become a disciplined consumer. Online shopping has made it easier than ever to spend beyond one’s means. A new wardrobe and expensive concert tickets are only a few mouse clicks away, and that accessibility can tempt consumers to spend beyond their means and accrue a substantial amount of debt. By resolving to remain a disciplined, savings-first consumer, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of debt.

Debt can have both short- and long-term consequences. A few simple strategies can decrease the chances individuals join the debt-riddled masses even during a time when cost of living is especially high.

TELLER APPRECIATION

What can renters do to secure their financial futures?

the 'pick

the

Renting an apartment or a home is convenient for people just starting out in life who may not have ample savings or a high enough credit score to secure a mortgage. Renting also may be necessary for individuals who have been priced out of a real estate market that has remained high over the last several years.

Though conventional wisdom may suggest renting is a poor long-term investment, there are certain benefits to renting. In addition, renters can look to various strategies to solidify their financial futures.

• Grow your credit score. Renters can ask a landlord to use a resource like Experian’s RentBureau to report their payment timeliness. A positive rental history that is reported can help renters improve their credit scores. A landlord needs to be signed up with a rental payment service that works with Experian for this data to be posted. In addition to this, renters should make sure to pay off credit card balances in full each month and make loan payments on time, which can positively affect their credit rating.

• Build an emergency fund. Establish a fund that contains at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses to provide a safety net in case of unexpected events. This may help renters avoid debt that can take years to pay off.

• Contribute to a retirement account. Put a portion of money toward a 401(k) or an IRA even if you are renting. Find out if your employer will match contributions. Retirement accounts with sizable balances can provide a safety net whether you rent or own your home.

• Stay apprised of local real estate trends. Monitor current market conditions and use that knowledge to negotiate lower lease payments if the market suggests you’re overpaying. If a landlord is unwilling to negotiate, consider moving at the end of your current lease.

Renters can take steps to secure their financial futures even if they never end up buying a home of their own.

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The Stillman Valley High School National Honor Society would like to support those who have been affected by the disease.

Pink out! night is Friday, Oct. 17, when North Boone faces Stillman Valley in football.

Stillman Valley students selling shirts for breast cancer awareness

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Stillman Valley High School National Honor Society would like to support those who have been affected by the disease.

They currently are selling tackle cancer T-shirts to support breast cancer awareness and to support the Swedish American Health Foundation Carbone Cancer Center in Rockford.

To date, the NHS has donated $1,500 to the Carbone Cancer Center. The T-shirts are $15 each and available for purchase by filling out the order form by the front office at Stillman Valley High School or

by contacting Michelle Rogers at mrogers@mail.meridian223.org.

Payments should be sent to Michelle Rogers at Stillman Valley High School. Orders are due by Oct. 8 and shirts will be available for pick up at Stillman Valley High School on Oct. 16. Shirts should be worn at the home football game Oct. 17.

In addition to the T-shirts, the NHS will be selling breast cancer ribbons on which people can write the names of loved ones who have or are battling breast cancer. During halftime of the varsity football game a moment will be taken to recognize and remember those who fight by holding up the ribbons. Proceeds from the ribbons will be donated to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Rockford.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Penny Carnival is Oct. 12 in Mt. Morris

Games with prizes for kids will be just part of the fun at the annual Fall Family Festival from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, on the Mt. Morris Village Square.

The first 100 kids will get free tickets to play games at the Penny Carnival, hosted by the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris.

The church is once again partnering with the Let Freedom Ring Committee, which annually sponsors the fall festival.

The Fall Family Festival will also feature a craft show, costume parade, pumpkin carving contest, and trunk or treat.

Entry fees for the pumpkin carving contest are $2 for ages 5 and younger with a painted pumpkin, and $5 for all other ages.

Categories are ages 5 and younger, 6-10, 11-15, and 16 and up.

The rain location is the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center, 9 E. Front St.

The Evangelical Free Church is located at 102 S. Seminary Ave., Mt. Morris.

Worship services are held each Sunday at 10 a.m. preceded by Sunday School for

A pumpkin-carving contest was held in conjunction with the Fall Family Festival in Mt. Morris on Oct. 13, 2024. This year’s festival is Sunday, Oct. 12.

all ages at 8:30 a.m. Nursery care and Children’s Church are available for youngsters up through age 9. – Shaw Local News Network

Art exhibit open Oct. 1- Nov. 16 at Coliseum Museum in Oregon

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Coliseum Museum in Oregon is pleased to announce the opening of the final juried art show of 2025, the Air, Land & Sea Art Exhibit featuring 44 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display from Oct. 1-Nov. 16.

Air, Land & Sea celebrates the natural abundance of our planet. The exhibit is a record-setting display presenting 79 pieces of art including work in acrylic, glass, oil, pastel, pencil, photography and watercolor.

The exhibit will be judged by Jon Wildman of Dixon with awards presented at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, with music by acoustic artist Jeff Kagay.

Participating artists include Ellen Allen, Ellie Bartels, Cindy Bear, Janet

Beiler, Carol Bingham, Alice Blue, Larry Bond, Richard Born, Rick Brant, Beverly Broyles, Valerie Butcher, Bob Cholke, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Carla Donaldson, Laurie Friemuth, Connie Fry, Beverly Garcia, Charles Green, Julie Grendahl, Patricia Greve, Timothy Griffith, Dan Grossmann, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Cora Hutchison, Bob Kapheim, Linnea Koch, Wolf Koch, Paula Kuehl, Greg LaMont, Bob Logsdon, Maggie Magnuson, Henry Matthiessen III, Joy Meyer, Ellen Mumford, Robb Robbins, Stephonie A Schmitz, Tamara Shriver, Steve Toole, Peter Toth, Mary von Tish, Kathe Wilson and Lucinda Winterfield.

The Coliseum Museum’s mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more.

Forreston High School holds 2025 Homecoming

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The 2025 Forreston High School Homecoming celebrated school spirit, creativity, and student leadership with a week of exciting events and impressive class floats.

The freshmen class presented a float with the theme, “King Cardinal Will Sink the Pirates.” Their advisers, Lynnette Frederick and Lorie Parker-Weinrich, guided the team to a second-place finish in the overall judging.

The sophomore class presented a float with the theme, “Pirates Go Under.” With the support of class advisers Carl Setterstrom and Jonathan Stauffer, the float earned third place in the judging.

The junior class presented a float with the theme, “Victory Shore.” Guided by class advisers Joel Tuten and Kyle Getz, the float received firstplace honors.

The senior class presented a float with the theme, “Pirates Walk the Plank.” Under the direction of class advisers Anne Magarity and Keynon Janicke, the float earned fourth place in the judging.

Final class competition scores: Fourth place: Sophomore class – 3,350 points. Third place: Freshmen class –3,500 points. Second place: Junior class – 4,800 points. First place: Senior class – 6,250 points.

Homecoming King and Queen:The student body selected Hunter DeWall and Emma Hundertmark as Homecoming King and Queen. They were officially crowned at the pep rally on Thursday night.

The 2025 Homecoming Court members were:

Seniors: Kailey Encheff, Brady Gill, Braelyn Kloster and Jakob Kobler. Juniors: Nevaeh Scheffner and Zakary Glick.

Sophomores: Hannah Vinnedge and Brennan Byers.

Freshmen: Faith Lemons and Gage Loomis.

Mt. Morris church sending care packages, handwritten notes to service members

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The community is invited to help brighten the holidays for sailors aboard the USS Fitzgerald, a destroyer deployed in the Middle East.

The Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris plans to send care packages that include handwritten notes to all 350 sailors aboard the ship in time for Christmas.

“The church is excited to adopt this project and knows it requires ‘All Hands On Deck’ in order to happen,” said Joyce Long, chairman of the Outreach Team, which is spearheading the project. “We are enlisting the community’s help with both writing letters to the sailors as well as collecting items or donations for the care packages.”

The USS Fitzgerald deployed on June 2 and is expected to return home to San Diego in February.

Lt. Logan Murphy, the ship’s command chaplain, resided in Mt. Morris for five years before joining the U.S. Navy in 2023. During that time, he served as associate pastor of the EFCMM.

Murphy contacted EFCMM about sending care packages to all the men and women aboard the ship.

Anyone, young or old, can write a note to a sailor. In addition to the church’s Sunday School classes, many local groups and civic organizations are on board with this project, including the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, the Mt. Morris Chapter of the American Legion, and classrooms in the Oregon Elementary School.

Some ideas of what to include in the note are:

Address to “Dear Sailor”

Your first name, grade/work/organization, etc.

General family details, armed services history, etc.

“Thank you” for your service

A picture or drawing

Favorite activity, hobby, sports team, etc.

Meaningful quote, thought, Bible verse

All hand-written notes need to be turned in to the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris no later than Sunday, Oct. 12. The church’s address is 102 S. Seminary Ave. in Mt. Morris.

For more information, contact the church office at 815-734-4942.

Ogle County Solid Waste Management releases open burning information

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Fall is here and the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department offers these tips and reminders for open burning.

Instances of open burning increase through the fall. In most areas of Ogle County, it is permissible to burn landscape waste from the property it was generated on, as long as this burning does not lead to nuisance smoke conditions for neighbors and does not interfere with roadways.

It is not permissible in Ogle County to burn garbage, plastic, furniture, bedding materials, textiles, electronics, tires, demolition debris (including lumber, processed wood items, and treated lumber), or other waste materials.

Nothing in the regulations prohibits recreational or cooking fires fueled by clean firewood.

If you will be burning landscape waste, do so on days when contaminants will easily dissipate, burn dry materials that will burn and not smolder, and avoid burning during windy or overly dry conditions.

If you live in a municipality, check local guidelines prior to any open burning.

Fall is also a great time to start a backyard compost bin. The fallen leaves of the season are a great base for your new compost bin, and then fresh green food waste can be mixed in. Composting is a great way to dispose of fruit and vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds, flowers and houseplants, and your backyard landscape waste. Composting food waste recycles this waste into compost, and reduces harmful emissions and odors from

landfilling this waste.

Most landscape waste can also be mulched up with your lawnmower as an alternative to raking and burning leaves.

Let your leaves lie and mulch them with your lawnmower; this reduces smoke from open burning and is a good natural fertilizer for your lawn as it enters the winter season.

If you have questions or concerns about the open burning of waste or wish to file an anonymous complaint regarding open burning, call 815-7324020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil. gov.

Local foundation gives new books to all first graders

Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation lends a hand to help kids read

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Oregon School District‘s first-grade teachers have received checks that will enable every first-grade student in the Oregon public school district to receive a new book every month this school year.

The teachers – Dawn Merrill, Gretchen Nelson, Erica Cann, Kenzie Dusing, and Olivia Phalen – received checks from the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation on Sept. 15.

The teachers were enthusiastic and grateful for the funds, saying how the kids love and look forward to getting their books. Phalen added that one of her students was so excited that he brought in a book that his brother had gotten through the program.

The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation has funded the 9x9x9 Program since the 2018-2019 school year. Originally, for $9 per

child, one book per month was bought for nine months, i.e., nine books during the school year. The cost of books has increased since the 9x9x9 Program began, but the foundation remains committed to providing free books to all first graders.

The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the Mt. Morris Community Library through funding, by matching every memorial gift given to the library, and by supporting the library’s services and programs.

The foundation also gives away books to kids who visit Santa during the Mt Morris Christmas on the Square event. Donations are welcome, and anyone can become an annual member of the Foundation for $25 per year or purchase a lifetime membership for $100. Those funds are invested and used to support the library.

More information is available at the Mt. Morris Community Library, the MMCLF page at www.mtmorris-il.org, or by messaging the library on social media.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Thank you, heroes: A salute to our firefighters during National Fire Prevention Week.

Byron Fire Protection District

Andrew Politsch Fire Chief

Tony Dinges Deputy Chief

Tim Free Battalion Chief

Nate Landin Battalion Chief

Paul Brantner Lieutenant

Ryan Bruce Lieutenant

Cole Stegall Lieutenant

Branden Adamson Career Firefighter

Charles Clothier Career Firefighter

Daniel Dwyer Career Firefighter

Jacob Kass Career Firefighter

Jeremy Mote Career Firefighter

William Nash Career Firefighter

Joseph Reece Career Firefighter

Tyler Schlaf Career Firefighter

Adrian Trujillo Career Firefighter

Terry Reeverts Paramedic/Adminstrative

Assistant

Mike Traum Account Manager

Michele Trzcinski-Ramos Administrative

Assistant

Jody Rawson Account Manager

Forreston

Fire Protection District

Chief Robert Meyers EMR/Firefighter

Deputy Chief Bob Schramm

Assistant Chief Jeff Burton Firefighter

EMS Captain James Manson Paramedic

Captain Stuart Meyers EMT/Firefighter

Captain Tyler Vogt Firefighter

Gary Ahrens Firefighter

James Altherr Probationary Firefighter

Bobbie Bahr EMT

Holly Bawinkel EMT

Ed Booth EMT/Firefighter

Codey Brattrud Probationary Firefighter

Dane Busker Firefighter

Alberto Botello Firefighter

David Callahan Firefighter

Airrin Coy Firefighter

Andrew Grant Firefighter

Dave DeCicco Photographer

Miguel DeLeon Firefighter

Jayson DiModica Firefighter

Lane Dinges Firefighter

Jace Flynn Firefighter

Patrick Frisk Firefighter

Alexander Gourley Firefighter

Brad Grillo Firefighter

Luis Herrera Firefighter

Angela Judges Firefighter

Hunter King Firefighter

Tim King Firefighter

Luke Kohn Firefighter

Bob LaFurge Firefighter

Kurt Larson Firefighter

Nicholas Luebke Firefighter

Nicole Manering Firefighter

Riley Mead Firefighter

Ashton Palmgren Firefighter

Kaleb Rucker Firefighter

Nathan Stepp Firefighter

Whitney Trosper Anderson Firefighter

Cullen Duncan Recruit

Jack Lancaste Recruit

Nolan Brass Recruit

Ethan Erbe Recruit

Desmond Milligan Recruit

Hannah Nitz Recruit

Jacob Pfab Recruit

Carson Groharing Jr. Cadet

Kade Politsch Jr. Cadet

Gary Cortese Chaplain

Jody Grantinetti-Svihlik EMT

Nathan Groth Probationary Firefighter

Gary Koeller Firefighter

Daniel Livolsi Paramedic

Christine Manson EMT

Bill Meyers Firefighter

Nina Moring EMT

Jennifer Nelson EMT

Dallas Pendergrass EMT/Firefighter

Cameron Reuter EMT/Firefighter

Jennifer Sharron EMT

Christina Tillery EMT

Mike Zayed Firefighter

Rafeek Zayed Firefighter

Lyle Zumdahl Chaplain/EMR. Trustee President

Ritch Runte

Trustee Treasurer Lee Black

Trustee Secretary Jean Burton

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Leaf River Fire Protection District

Chief Steve Shelton

Firefighter David Brenz

FF/EMT Cullen Duncan

Deputy Chief/EMT Jeremy Glick

Cadet Zakary Glick

Chaplain Billy Hardy

EMS Lieutenant/EMT Zach Harvell

EMT Natasha Hughes

Safety Officer Denny Kuntzelman

FF/EMT Shawn LaFleur

Firefighter Josh Lamping

Firefighter Ean Larson

Firefighter Jeremy Lower

Lieutenant/EMT Ian Lundstrom

EMT Nina Moring

Firefighter Mike Musso

Reserve Brad Plock

Trustee Dawn Plock

Firefighter Dave Sheely

Cadet Hannah Sheely

FF/EMT Katie Sheely

Captain/1st Responder Aaron Shelton

1st Responder Nicki Shelton

Firefighter Greg Shuman

Firefighter Zac Shuman

Senior Engineer Frank Smice

Lieutenant Sean Smith

EMT Olivia Stranberg

Paramedic Eyan Zubler

Mt. Morris

Fire Protection District

Fire Chief Rob Hough

Assistant Chief Jeff Warren

Deputy Chief Mark Lewis

Captain Ryan Fletcher

Captain Nick Hoffman

Lieutenant David Hoffman

Chaplain Josh Ehrler

Staff

Cody Ahrens

Craig Bevan

Andy Bostic

Cassie Bostic

Chase Clark

John Cortese

Mike Daleiden

Ray Darsidan

Caleb Ehrler

Drew Fletcher

Tyler Gorsegner

Monroe Township Fire Protection District

Frank Harenza

Amber Hoffman

Gerry Hough

R.G. Hough

Rick Hough

Ahren Howey

Bill Howey

Jordan Inglima

Dave Nelson

Ryan Rush

Sophia Schwartzrock

Chad Stauffer

Brent Wolber

Board of Trustees

President Scott Diehl

Vice President Bill Horst

Secretary Marjie Lundquist

Trustee Jackie Yount

Trustee Mike Ward

Chief Scott Jaeger

Deputy Chief/Training Officer Richard Wilson

Captain/EMS Coordinator Michaelle Jaeger

Lieutenant/IT Jason Rippentrop

Firefighter Kenny Shearer

Firefighter/EMT-B Andrew Schlaf

Firefighter Efrain Rojas

Firefighter Brayden Schlaf

Firefighter Josh Way

Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Crown

Firefighter/EMT-B Brittney Myers

Firefighter/EMT-B Niki Ritacco

Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Gorsegner

Firefighter/EMT-B Tyler Kilcullen

Firefighter/EMT-B Tiffany Zielinski

Firefighter/EMT-B Jeff Chapin

Firefighter/EMT-B Sheli Chapin

Firefighter/EMT-B Amber Bryant

Firefighter/EMT-B Trista Thompson

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire Protection District

Chief Steve Shelton

Firefighter David Brenz

FF/EMT Cullen Duncan

Deputy Chief/EMT Jeremy Glick

Cadet Zakary Glick

Chaplain Billy Hardy

EMS Lieutenant/EMT Zach Harvell

EMT Natasha Hughes

Safety Officer Denny Kuntzelman

FF/EMT Shawn LaFleur

Firefighter Josh Lamping

Firefighter Ean Larson

Firefighter Jeremy Lower

Lieutenant/EMT Ian Lundstrom

EMT Nina Moring

Firefighter Mike Musso

Reserve Brad Plock

Trustee Dawn Plock

Firefighter Dave Sheely

Cadet Hannah Sheely

FF/EMT Katie Sheely

Captain/1st Responder Aaron Shelton

1st Responder Nicki Shelton

Firefighter Greg Shuman

Firefighter Zac Shuman

Senior Engineer Frank Smice

Lieutenant Sean Smith

EMT Olivia Stranberg

Paramedic Eyan Zubler

Oregon Fire Protection District

Chief Michael L. Knoup

Deputy Chief Dustin L. Champlain

Firefighter Anthony Breeden Jr.

Firefighter/EMT Michelle Cicchetti

Firefighter/Paramedic Lane Dinges

Firefighter Codey Dunbar

Paramedic Toni L. Giuffre

Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel G. Groenhagen

Firefighter Timothy Grote

Firefighter Marshal J. Hackerson

Firefighter/Paramedic Luis Herrera

Chaplain Michael L. Hoffman

Firefighter Gregory Hunter

Firefighter Leyton Kenney

Firefighter/EMT Joshua A. Lehrke

Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Marchetti

FT Firefighter/EMT Riley Mead

Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Mowry

Firefighter/EMT Spencer Ruit

Firefighter Matthew T. Schnorr

Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Spandet

Firefighter/EMT Dallas Stalkfleet

Firefighter/Paramedic Damien Vant

Firefighter/EMT Benjamin Welle

Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Welle

Firefighter Madelyn Wendt

Trustee Steve R. Carr

Trustee Richard G. Rhoads, Trustee

Trustee Lora Stevens McKee

Admin Stephanie L. Wendt

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Polo Fire Protection District

Jim Ports, fire chief

Brent Shipman, assistant fire chief

Chad Karrow, lieutenant

Jordan Smith, lieutenant

Chuck Clothier, lieutenant, paramedic

DJ Sanders, lieutenant, paramedic

David Shuman, firefighter, EMT

Brian Carr, firefighter

Denise Clothier, firefighter, EMT

Adam Carlson, firefighter

Dana Sellers, firefighter, EMT

Chad Zeman, firefighter

Aaron Schupbach-Roe, firefighter

Jeffrey Donaldson, firefighter

Scott Schmidt, paramedic

Tom Perrin, paramedic

Riley Lofgreen, EMT

Sabrina Stock, paramedic

David Hill, EMT

Fire Board Members

Dustin Finkle, Steve Sheaffer, Charles Clothier, John Hopkins, Ken and Yingling.

Chaplain: Suzanne Stout

Stillman Fire Protection District

Fire Chief Chad Hoefle Deputy Chief Cory Tveit

Officers

Captain Cody Blankenship

Captain Dan Cox

Lieutenant Jacob Kunce

Lieutenant Gary Hoffstead

Lieutenant Lane Person

Lieutenant Darren Files

Lieutenant Aaron Colburn

Firefighters

FF/Paramedic Brandon Adamson

FF/Paramedic Jacob Johnson

FF Cody Ahrens

FF/Paramedic Jacob Kass

FF Sejah Bergeron

FF/EMT Hunter King

Paramedic Amanda Brigl

FF/Paramedic Nicole Manering

FF Matt Burtch

EMT Nicole Mayer

FF/EMT Matt DeVries

FF Logan McKee

FF/Paramedic Timm DeVries

FF/EMT Joe Millan

FF/Paramedic Dan Dwyer

FF Doug Moser

FF/EMT Jacob Frost

FF Nathan Summers

FF Richard Tarara

Paramedic Elizabeth Gay

FF Kevin Gors

EMT Jessica Walker

FF Rich Hanna

FF/Paramedic Darek Warzocha

FF/EMT Jennifer Henderson

EMT Michael Williams

FF Alexander Hinkle

FF/EMT Chase Wood

Ogle County farmers harvest amid dry conditions

Ogle County Farm Bureau’s Kern: Corn yields could be above average, beans could be below

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Harvest began for Ogle County farmers in mid-September, Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said on Sept. 25.

“There hasn’t been as much activity as I anticipated,” Kern said. “Crops may still be drying down. Part of the problem with beans is the heavy humidity each morning lately that makes the stems hard to cut and farmers have to wait until later in the day to harvest them. We started harvesting around a normal time.

“My neighbor planted the first field of beans in the county in the spring and picked them on Sept. 18. That was the first field of beans I’ve seen harvested. That makes sense.”

After dry conditions to start the year, Ogle County farmers saw a big rainfall in mid-June and rain continued to fall often until mid-to-late August. Since then, spotty rains and dry conditions have been seen, which Kern said has dried down crops well but doesn’t help with growing conditions for next year.

Unless a rainy week is seen, Kern said Ogle County farmers hope to have harvest wrapped up by Thanksgiving. He urged drivers in the county to exercise caution when they encounter farm equipment on roads when they’re moving from field to field.

“None of the farmers want to be on the roads,” Kern said. “They want to be in the fields. They’re trying to do their best to get where they’re going safely. It’s slow-moving equipment and sometimes folks are in a hurry. If everyone just slows down and takes their time, and understands that everyone wants to get home safe, we should be OK.

“If you get behind farm equipment, try to put yourself in their position and see what’s in front of the driver. There could be a guardrail or sign coming up that they’ll have to swing around. If you start to pass and they swing out, now that’s a problem. Sometimes they’ll wave you around when it’s safe. Just try to look at everything and pay attention.”

In 2024, Ogle County saw dry and

windy conditions in the fall that set the stage for multiple field fires in the area, with one in Lindenwood burning nearly 100 acres. That could be a concern in 2025 if conditions remain dry in coming weeks.

“It only takes a little spark and enough wind and the next thing you know, it’s a full-fledged fire storm,” Kern said. “That’s always a concern. A lot of farmers will do their best to take precautions and keep engines clear of buildup. But things like a bad bearing can happen and spark a fire and the next thing you know a whole combine is gone and everything around it is going with it.”

Kern hopes the export market improves in the next two months for farmers in Ogle County and across the United States. South America has overtaken the U.S. as the top global exporter of soybeans and Kern is unsure where U.S. beans will end up. Corn exports remain strong, he said.

Tariffs could impact prices farmers see for their crops. Kern said during tariff wars, agricultural commodities are among the first impacts, which may play into why South America is taking the main stage with soybeans.

Farmers are also waiting on a new federal Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill, passed in 2018, has been extended for a year twice, most recently in December. The federal Farm Bill allocates funding for crop insurance, disaster

assistance and conservation programs for farmers.

“The Farm Bill is always a big concern,” Kern said. “A lot of what farmers use today for risk management is predicated on what’s in the Farm Bill. I think the key to profitability is finding new domestic uses for our commodities, and not having to rely on the export market like we do. I preach that to everyone who will listen.

“It is the hope of everyone in the farming community that at some point this fall we get a new Farm Bill. If not, we’re just going to be operating on the same Farm Bill we have for years. It needs to be modernized and updated.”

With how the weather has been, Kern believes corn and bean yields in Ogle County will be a mixed bag when har -

vest is said and done. He believes bean yields will be average to below average due to dry weather early and late in the growing season, and that corn yields will be average to above average.

Ogle County farmers are in for long days of work in the next two months, Kern said.

“You will see tractors and combines in the fields at night,” Kern said. “Some farmers will put in 14- to 18-hour days and others will work 10-12 hours depending on their operations. It depends where and how grain is hauled and stored. We have a little bit of everything in Ogle County in terms of different farm operations.

“I hope everyone stays safe and keeps their chin up. There’s a silver lining in every cloud, and I hope we find ours in agriculture.”

OBITUARIES

WILLIAM MARK SNOW

Born: June 8, 1955 in Dixon, IL

Died: September 30, 2025 in Oregon, IL

William Mark Snow passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1955 in Dixon, IL, the son of John and Helen Snow.

Bill was a graduate of Dixon High School and served 6 years as a Naval Reactor Operator on the Dwight D Eisenhour from 1975 – 1981.

DIANNA L. RUNDLE

Born: February 25, 1945

Died: September 28, 2025

DiAnna L. Rundle, age 80, passed away suddenly in her home in Byron, IL, on Sunday, September 28, 2025. She was born February 25, 1945, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of William & Ruby (Fetters) Millard. DiAnna attended and graduated from Auburn High School. A year later on June 19, 1964, she married the love of her life, Keith Rundle, at Messiah Lutheran Church of Rockford, IL. She was a proud mail carrier of the United States Post Office in both Rockford and Loves Park, IL for more than 20 years. During this time, she made so many wonderful friends, she

Bill started working at Byron Nuclear Plant in 1981 where he met and married the love of his life, Marseyne Richter Snow on July 30, 1983. He has a passion for refuel outage management and transferred to Corporate Management in 1998. At Corporate he directed Refueling, Steam Generators, Turbines, and NDE Services for 6 Exelon Midwest Nuclear facilities. In 2001, he left Exelon and contracted to Areva to support nuclear outage work worldwide.

Bill, also known as Snowman, never met a stranger. He had a story for everyone. One of his favorite expressions was “He was the nicest guy you will ever want to meet!” Bill loved his dogs and was particularly proud of

enjoyed getting together with them through the years and staying connected. After she retired, she enjoyed going to Yuma, AZ with Keith. They would drive their ‘39 Chevy across the country. In Yuma, they participated in the car show there seeing family and friends while spending the winters in the sun. Her yearly Mother’s Day trip to South Padre Island was also a favorite. She would spend time with her daughter, granddaughter and her two great-granddaughters. She loved the island life of enjoying her frappuccinos every morning, eating Mexican food, along with her pina colada in the afternoon. You could find her soaking in the hot tub, even when it was 110 degrees. She loved to be physically active; she went to Nash with friends to swim and exercise. She was also involved with Silver Sneakers. She and Keith loved going to the casinos a. winning big money on scratch off tickets. But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

David E. Koeppen was born on December 10, 1956, to Richard and Donna Koeppen and grew up in Rochelle, Illinois. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as his stepfather, Willis Cline. He graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1975, where he participated in sports, Scouts, and the

marching band.

Shortly after graduation, David enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as an 11B sniper infantry soldier. His duty stations included the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY; the DMZ in Seoul, Korea; and Fort Lewis, WA. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he spent a short time as a civilian before realizing he missed the camaraderie of service life. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman and Medical Lab Technician at Ocean Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, VA. David later worked as a janitor for 17 years at Oregon High School, where he especially enjoyed taking care of the books and savoring the peace and quiet that settled

his Bernese Mountain dogs. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and the most loyal Trump supporter. Bill loved spending time with family and friends and especially enjoyed entertaining in his man cave which he decorated with Chicago Bears pictures, couch and rug. His hobbies included boating on the Rock River, classic cars, playing pool with the guys, and trying to have the straightest lines in the neighborhood when he mowed the yard. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marseyne; daughters, Angela (Angelo) Powell of Morris and Alycia Snow of Naperville; grandchildren, AJ and Alaina Powell and several

She is preceded in death by her parents, William & Ruby Millard; brothers, Marvin Millard and Jack Millard; infant brother, William; and sisters, Mildred Phillips, Virgina O’Dell, Carolyn Richardson, and Linda Perez. She is survived and missed dearly by her loving husband, Keith Rundle of Byron; children, Marie (Alan) McNames, and Mark (Barbara) Rundle of Byron, IL; her grandchildren, ReAnna (Sergio) Gonzalez, Brandon (Paige) McNames, Tyler Rundle, August Rundle, and Hutton Rundle; her great-grandchildren, Roisin Gonzalez and Wren Gonzalez; her brother, Rich (Rose) Millard of Rockford, IL; best friend for over 55 years, Karen Lay and her fur-baby Festus and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation was Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Byron, IL between the hours of 10 AM and 11AM. A funeral service honoring DiAnna’s life was immediately following the visitation at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Randy

in after the students had gone home. A man of quiet faith, he was a devoted Catholic who found peace in life’s simple pleasures – fishing, golf, reading, playing pool, and collecting coins. He had a lifelong love of sports and competition, playing on local softball and baseball teams and participating in dart, pool, and bowling leagues. He was extremely active at the Oregon Country Club, where he spent countless hours enjoying the game of golf and the camaraderie it brought. He was a proud member of the Free Masons, and a dedicated Chicago Bears fan – loyal through every high and low. David was known for his sharp sense of humor, a healthy dose of stubbornness, and an endless supply of random facts he’d pull out at just the right (or

nieces and nephews. Bill was so proud of both of his daughters. He could not have loved them more.

Bill will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Oregon Church of God. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Oregon Church of God with Pastor Michael Hoffman officiating. Memorials are established for Serenity Hospice and A Tail of 4 Paws Animal Rescue in Romeoville. To leave an online condolence please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com

Snider. DiAnna was then laid to rest at Byron Township Cemetery of Byron, IL. Memorial donations are established in her name and may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission, Serenity Hospice, Village of Progress, Noah’s Ark, or WCAS where she adopted Festus. It is donor’s choice. We cannot put into words the compassion, empathy and care that was given to our wife/mom during this tragic time. A heartfelt THANK YOU to the Byron Fire Department/Ambulance crew, Ogle County Sherrif, Deputy Coroner Varela, Chaplin Snyder, Chaplin Cortese, Tyler Mowry-Farrell Holland FH, Josiah Henson Byron Township Cemetery and Heather Green for doing Dee’s hair one last time. We appreciate you all so very much as we navigate this tremendous loss. Our Mom was a woman of faith. We find comfort in knowing she earned her angel wings on Sunday. She was welcomed into heaven by God our Father and many others that left this world before her.

completely unexpected) moment. He found joy in everyday moments – spending time with his children, grilling out, and enjoying a quiet evening with a Stephen King novel. Though naturally quiet and reserved, he came alive in social settings – quick with a joke, a story, or a challenge to a game of darts or pool.

He is survived by his three children, Justin (Kelly) Mercer, Garetty Koeppen, and Seth Koeppen, who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life; his sister Doreen (David) Ribinson, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of life was at Franklin Street Pub on July 12th. Interment of ashes will take place during a private family ceremony in the fall.

Warranty deeds

• Dylan Schoon to Terry D Southard and Terri L Southhard-Durham, 503 W Dixon St., Polo, $122,000.

• Steven B Conner and Sandra M Connor to Mark Miller and Megan Miller, 314 E. 5th St., Byron, $243,000.

• Steven M Wennmaker to Christie J Gesin, 817 Fairground Circle Drive, Oregon, $399,900.

• Mark Steven Lyons to Muhamet Ajvaz, 208 N Daysville Rd, Oregon, $57,000.

• Carlos Flores to Aloe Investments Llc, 115 Main St, Leaf River, $60,000.

• First Choice Rentals Llc and Tony Berg to Kelly M Franchino, 321 N Market St, Byron, $205,000.

• Amy R Puseman and Andre A Puseman to Jenna Homburg and Frederick Vansteenderen, 4349 E IL Rte 72, Byron, $350,000.

• Joel Deurmier, trustee, and Joel Deurmier Tr2019 to German Fonseca, 8 1/2 E Main St.,

Mt. Morris, $105,000.

• US Bank Trust National Association Trustee and US Bank Trust National Association Rcf 2 Acquisition Tr to Austin Millan, Makaya Corral-Millan and Makaya Corral Millan, 6130 N Jeffrey Ln, Oregon, $340,000.

• Toni Buys Homes Llc to Gregory Frisbie, 206 W Green St, Forreston, $105,000.

• Tammy Lafferty and Tammy Tosi to Dylan Schoon, 3948 W Cedar St., Dixon, $191,250.

• Ryan N Grover and Cassandra A Grover to Stephen C Mead, 104 N Terrace Park Dr, Byron, $205,000.

• William S Hoyle to William S Hoyle and Sarah L Hoyle, 4855 S Ridge Rd, Oregon, $0.

• Kory A McKnight to Kory A McKnight and Mary Elaine McKnight, 9640 N Blaine Dr, Byron, $0.

• Joshua J Williams and Jessica Williams to Lkbl Properties Llc, 208 W Front St, Mt. Morris, $75,000.

• Randall A Roberts to Tyler Bo Kim, 202 W

Division, Holcomb, $366,000.

Deed

• Norman Peters and Christine Peters to Word Of God Fellowship Inc and Daystar Television Network, 300 Flambeau Ln, Dixon, $0.

Warranty deeds in trust

• Renae A Stevens and Mark Heslop to Justin D Jones, trustee, and Justin D Jones Tr, 9207 N Lemke Dr, Byron, $389,000.

• John R Carroll to Barry J Rittenhouse, trustee, Donna M Rittenhouse, trustee, and Rittenhouse Family Tr308, 206 S Hannah Ave, Mt. Morris, $216,500.

Quit claim deeds

• Benjamin K Meiter to Benjamin K Meiter and Brittany D Meiter, 217 E Hill Crest Dr, Byron, $0.

• Rigoberto Cervantes to Leticia A Guerrero,

210 E McConaughy Ave, Rochelle, $0.

• Ashley Nordman to William J Nordman, trustee, William J Nordman Tr, Patricia J Nordman, trustee, and Patricia J Nordman Tr, three parcels in Rockvale Township: 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and 09-35-100-007, $100,000.

• Coleman Beckerle and Ashley Nordman to William J Nordman, trustee, William J Nordman Tr, Patricia Nordman, trustee, Patricia J Nordman Tr and Ashley Nordman, three parcels in Rockvale Township: 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and 09-35-100-007, $100,000.

• Randall A Roberts to White Rock Township, 202 W Division, Holcomb, $0.

Trustees deeds

• Peter A Petrizzo, trustee, D Richard Petrizzo Tr697, Peter A Petrizzo and Leah Hanson to Michael Clausen and Nina Clausen, 15212 E IL Rte 72, Monroe Center, $390,000.

Possible early warning signs for breast cancer

Women are often their own strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer. While a strong support network can be vital when receiving treatment for breast cancer, women who have not been diagnosed with the disease still have an important role to play in combatting it and potentially reducing its impact on their lives.

The World Cancer Research Fund reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the number one cancer in women across the globe. But women are not helpless against breast cancer. In fact, various organizations encourage women to take a proactive approach in relation to the disease and begin conducting routine self-examinations in young adulthood. Self-exams can uncover signs of the disease and propel treatment when it’s in its earliest stages, a point in time when breast cancer is most treatable. Though the disease does not always produce symptoms in its early stages, women can keep an eye out for these signs each day, including when conducting self-exams.

■ New lump or mass: This is perhaps the

most widely known symptom of breast cancer, but it’s important that women avoid jumping to conclusions should they uncover a new lump or mass during a self-exam. That’s because most breast lumps are not cancer according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS notes a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer but also acknowledges cancer-related lumps or masses can be soft, round, tender, or painful.

■ Swelling of all or part of a breast: Swelling may be a sign of breast cancer even if no lump is felt.

■ Skin dimpling: The dimpling that may be symptomatic of breast cancer can look like the exterior of an orange peel.

■ Pain: Some women experience pain in the breast or nipple before a breast cancer diagnosis.

■ Nipple retraction: This symptom is marked by the nipple turning inward.

■ Skin issues on the nipple or breast: Skin on the nipple or breast may redden, dry, flake, or thicken when a woman has breast cancer.

■ Nipple discharge: The discharge will be something other than breast milk.

■ Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone: This swelling may indicate the breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast reached a size large enough to be felt.

The ACS urges women who discover any of these symptoms to report them to a health care professional immediately. Though each symptom is not necessarily indicative of the presence of breast cancer, it’s still important to seek treatment. TF25A211

RCH offers walk-in Mammogram Screenings every Thursday.

Receive a FREE RCH “Lemons” t-shirt after your mammogram. Make the time!

Autumn on Parade returns to downtown Oregon on Oct. 4-5 with ‘Carving Creativity’ theme

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The annual Autumn on Parade festival will fill downtown Oregon with artisans, food vendors, classic cars, and family fun on Oct. 4 and 5.

The 2025 theme, “Carving Creativity,” invites parade participants to decorate their entries in imaginative ways that reflect this year’s spirit.

New to the festival? Visit autumnonparade.com for details, follow the event on social media and invite friends to join the largest parade and festival in northern Illinois.

Festival highlights include:

• A unique artisan market

• A Fun Zone featuring a live petting zoo

• A food court offering a variety of tastes

• Stronghold’s Olde English Faire

• Car and tractor shows

University Of Illinois Extension

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center

Serenity Hospice and Home

Hope Cancer Wellness Center

• Live music at the HotSpot

• The Harvest Time parade

Support the festival by purchasing tickets for the 60/40 raffle and official Autumn on Parade merchandise.

Honoring community champions

• This year’s Unit of Honor is the Rock River Center, celebrating 50 years of service.

• Since 1975, the Center has provided vital outreach and support services to older adults, including assistance with government programs, Medicare, prescription benefits, tax preparation, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and volunteer opportunities.

• Guests of Honor Mark Gale and Kevin Wiegmann are recognized for their unwavering dedication and energy in supporting Autumn on Parade and the broader community.

The streets were lined in Oregon for the parade during the Autumn on Parade festival Oct. 6, 2024, in Oregon.

Wellness Coaching by Rachel, PLLC

Value Lab LLC

OnCall Imaging

Heritage Square

Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, Inc.

Rosecrance Behavioral Health

Northwestern IL Center for Independent Living

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois

Crimson Bodywork and Wellness

Aetna Medicare

Comfort Keepers

Healthcare Plus

Allure of Pinecrest

Sanctuary Hospice

Grand Regency of Rockford

Northern Illinois Hospice

Sinnissippi Centers

Northern Illinois CPR and First Aid

Tri-County Opportunities Council

Oregon Living and Rehabilitation

Mt. Morris Senior & Comm. Center

Catholic Charities Ombudsman

Rochelle Community Hospital

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.

Reagan Mass Transit District

Lifescape Community Services

Liberty Village of Rochelle

Lions of IL Foundation

Transitions Hospice

Rock River Center

Meridian YouthCare

Liberty Court Assisted Living and Memory Care

In Home Personal Services, Inc.

OSF OnCall Connect

Alzheimer’s Association

Hearing and Re�na Evalua�on by Lions Club

Blood Pressure Readings by Volunteers

Chair Yoga @ 10AM & 11AM w/Jennifer Pierce, EdD

Ogle County Housing Authority

Ogle County Health Department

Flu Shot Clinic by Ogle County Health Department Become a “Demen�a

Strike up the band

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

The Oregon High School marching band performed at halftime of the Hawks’ homecoming game against Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19, at OHS Landers-Loomis Field. Oregon won the football game, 49-0. The band also appeared on Friday, Sept 26, at home during Oregon’s lost to Dixon (56-0). On Saturday, Sept. 27, they took part in NIU’s Band Day in DeKalb, marching in the halftime show with the other active schools.

LEFT: Oregon High School marching band member Madeline Rogers plays the flute during halftime of the football game with Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Oregon band perform before the start of the Homecoming game with Rock Falls on Sept. 19 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon.

ABOVE: Oregon band members David Eckardt and Ethan Rowe drum during the Sept. 19 halftime show.

LEFT: Oregon High School flag corps member Gwen Vos performs a routine on Sept. 19. The theme of the band’s show is blue this season and songs included ELO’s classic rock hit “Mr. Blue Sky,” the old standard “Blue Moon” and the theme song to the show “Bluey.”

Are you a dynamic, engaging personality with a passion for radio and a deep connection to your community?

Shaw Local Radio in Dixon, IL is looki ng for a full-time Morning Show H ost to lead the day on WIXN AM/FM.

What You'll Do :

Host a compelling, local-focused morning show that informs, entertains, and connects with listeners across the Sauk Valley

Deliver news, weather, interviews & community updates with energy & authenticity. Engage with listeners on-air, online, and in person - become a trusted local voice

Collaborate with our production team to create high-quality audio content & promos. Represent WIXN at community events, remotes, and station promotions.

What We're Loo king For:

Strong on- air presence and excellent communication skills

Experience in radio broadcasting, audio production, and Adobe Audition preferred. Ability to write, voice, and produce engaging segments and commercials Passion for local news, events, and building community relationships. Comfortable with social media and digital platforms to extend your reach

Why Join Us:

At Shaw Local Radio, we believe in the power of local voices You'll be part of a team that values creativity, community, and connection. If you're ready to wake up the Sauk Valley with energy and purpose, we want to hear from you!

Ap ply tod ay with your resume , d emo reel & short note ab out why you lov e local radio to: Online: www.shawmedia.com/careers or mail it to us at: Shaw Media - Human Resources; c/o WIXN Morning Host; PO

Shaw Media is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug-free employer A pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record, and

Ranch Home with Finished Basement. Newer Mechanicals & Roof. Attached Two-Car Garage. Rec Room. Brick Fireplace. Fenced Yard Pecatonica Schools Appliances Included. Move Right In and Enjoy Well- Maintained Home! Call Swan for Details or Private Showing Pecatonia,

NOTICE OF PUBLI C HEARING

PUBLI C NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections A11303.B, A11-601.D, 38-36 and 38-80(5) and (7) of the Davis Junction Village Code , that the Village of Davis Junction Planning and Zoning Commission will be conducting a public hearing at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Davis Juncti on Village Hall, 106 North Elm Str eet, Davis Junction, IL, to consider the reques t of DJ Liquors for a special permit, variance, and for such other and further zoning approvals as may be required to enable it to have outdoor seating for patrons on the walkway in front of its business located at 5657 N Junction Way, Davis Junction, IL.

The propert y is zoned C-3 and outdoor seat ing requires a special permit. In addition, the applicant is seeking a variance from the Village Code requirement that outdoor seating ar eas with alcohol service only be accessible from the interior of the business premises.

The contempla ted perimete r barrier around the outdoor seating area would include an opening allowing direct ingress and egress, since there is only a single entrance and exit doorway servicing the business as opposed to a separate direct entrance linking the outdoor seating area and DJ Liquors.

The reques ted zoning relief is more particularly described in the materials on file and available for inspection at Village Hall durin g normal business hours (MondayFriday, 9 a.m - 4 p.m.) All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and public meeting and be heard. All inquiries regarding this public heari ng can be directed to Village Clerk Lisa Lewis at (815) 645-8000.

outdoor seating for patrons on the walkway in front of its business located at 5657 N. Junction Way, Davis Junction, IL.

The propert y is zoned C-3 and outdoor seat ing requires a special permit. In addition, the applicant is seeking a variance from the Village Code requirement that outdoor seating ar eas with alcohol service only be accessible from the interior of the business premises.

The contempla ted perimete r barrier around the outdoor seating area would include an opening allowing direct ingress and egress, since there is only a single entrance and exit doorway servicing the business as opposed to a separate direct entrance linking the outdoor seating area and DJ Liquors.

The reques ted zoning relief is more particularly described in the materials on file and available for inspection at Village Hall durin g normal business hours (MondayFriday, 9 a.m - 4 p.m.) All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and public meeting and be heard. All inquiries regarding this public heari ng can be directed to Village Clerk Lisa Lewis at (815) 645-8000.

Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Lewis Village Clerk Oct. 6, 2025

zoning relief is more particularly described in the materials on file and available for inspection at Village Hall durin g normal business hours (MondayFriday, 9 a.m - 4 p.m.) All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and public meeting and be heard. All inquiries regarding this public heari ng can be directed to Village Clerk Lisa Lewis at (815) 645-8000.

Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Lewis Village Clerk Oct. 6, 2025

Bail eyville Storage LLC

300 N. Commercial Street

Bail eyville, IL 61007

262-679-1850 (Offi ce)

262-271-8344 (Cell)

Will hold a public sale to enforce a lien(s). Date of Sale

Monday, October 20, 2025

Deli nquent

Tenants: Units 10, 11 and 12

Jeffrey Phen Oct. 6, 13, 2025

Consev FS

Elan Financial Services

Ferellgas LP

IRS

$6,378.75

$5,465.65

$5,658.03

$5,402.44

$2,643.94

Miller Bradfor d & Riseb erg, Inc

$2,590.44

Montavon Tree Ser vi ce

Northern Contracting, I nc

$19,950.00

Ogle County Hwy. Depar tment

TOIRMA

$7,916.12

$52,270.05

$6,830.00

Vendors under $2,500 $17,969.11

Total Expenditures

$145,702.96

Su mmary Statement of Condition of Monroe Township Road District

Beginning Balan ce 4/1/2024

$588,708.50

Revenue $202,870.82

Expenditures $145,702.96

Ending Balance 3/31/ 2025

October 6, 2025

39.489 Surveyed Acres

Section 26 of Byron Township, Ogle County, IL

Tract 5) 19.33 Platted Acres

Section 35/36 Byron Eas t Township, Ogle County, IL

Tract 6) 29.53 Platted Acres

Tract 7) 102.98 Platted Acres

Section 28 Winnebago Township, Winnebago County, IL

Tract 8) 43.87 Platted Acres For complete listing of sur vey, sale bill, maps, tax info, and ter ms & conditions, etc visit www.lenn yb ryson au ctioneer .com

For I nformation Contact: Ow ner, Alvin Oltmanns Trus t Lenny Brys on - Auctioneer Joe McCoy, Stillm an Bank Trust Dept Ph: 815-946-4120 Attorney, Dave Smith Ph: 815-732-6124

Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Lewis Village Clerk Oct. 6, 2025

$645,876.36

US POSTAL SE RVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGE ME NT AND CIRCULATION

(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

1. Title of Publicati on, Ogle County Life

2. Publication No. 004083

3. Date of Fil ing October 6, 2025.

4. Frequency of issue, Weekly

5. No. of Issues Published Annually, 52

6. Annual Subscription

7. Compl ete mailing address of known office of publication, 211 IL 38, Roche lle, IL 61068, Ogle County

8. Compl ete mailing address of headquarters of General Busi ness Offices of the Publisher, 211 IL 38, Rochelle, IL 61068

9. Full names and complete mailing addre ss of pub lisher, editor and managing editor. Jennifer Heint zelman, Publisher, 113 S Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Ste rling, IL 61081

Managing Editor, Charle ne Bielema, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Ste rling, IL 61081

10. Owner: B.F. Shaw Pr inting Company, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61 021

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagee s, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mor tgages or other securities, None

15. Extent and nature of circulation

A. Total No. Copies Printed (Net Pr ess Run), Average No. Copies Each Issue

During Preceding 12 months, 8,663; Single issu e Pub lished Nearest to Filling Date, 7,993

B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation:

1. Paid/Requ ested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541:

Average No. Copies, 44; Single Issue, 56

2. Paid In-County Subscriptions: Average No. Copies, 5,947; Single Issue, 5,919

3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales , and Other Non USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies, 0; Single Issue, 0

4. Other C lasses Mailed Through the USPS: Average No Copi es, 0; Single Issue, 0

C. Total Paid and/o r Requested

Circulation, Average No. Copies 5,991; Single issu e 5,975

D. Free Distribution by Mail, Carrier or Other Means: Average No. Copies, 0, Single Issue, 0

D. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Ca rriers or other means) Average No. Copies, 1,615; Single Issue, 1,280

E. Total Free Distribution, Average No. Copies, 1,786; Single Issue, 1,441

F. Total D istribution, Av erage No Copies 7,777; Single issue 7,416

G. Copies Not Dist ributed: Av erage No. Copies 886; Single issue 577

H. Total, Average No. Copies 8,663; Single issu e 7,993

I. Percent Paid and/o r Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies, 77.03%; Single Issue, 80.57%

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Abbie

Clark

Circulation Manager

October 6, 2025

Annu al Treas ure r's Report for Monroe To wnship for

Alan Alderks, Brian Baxter, Larry Baxter, Scott Bearrows, William Hunt, Thomas Lichty, Joan Morphey,Verlen Morphey Sr., Paul Peterson, Lynn Warner Compensat ion over $10,000: Justin Thibodeau

ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT SCOT T TOWNSHIP & ROAD DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2025 TOWNSHIP - REVENUE SUMMARY: Property Taxes - 85,600; Replace ment Tax - 11,8 00; Interest - 19,500; Renta l Income - $100; Miscellaneous - 800

TOTAL REVENUES: $117,800

TOWNSHIP - EXPENDITURE

SUMMARY:

Adams Construction - 5,000; Commonweath Edison - 15,150; IRS2,510; Historical Society -3,290; IL DOR - 5,400; Lynn-Scott Rock - 6,200; Thompson Gas 4,400; US Postal Serive - 2,000; Disbursements less tha n ($2,500) - 10,300

TOTAL VENDORS: $54,250

TOWNSHIP - COMPE NSATION

SUMMARY:

Range: Under $25,000.00: Robert Horn, Kevin Sullivan, Terry Glendenning, Scott Miller, Patrick Hickey, Douglas Glendenning, Charles Tague Range: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99: Tamara Glendenning

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $54,280

ROAD DIST RICT – R EVENUE

SUMMARY

Property Taxes - 77,400; Replacement Tax - 15,5 00; Interest Income - 10,600; Miscellaneous - 800

TOTAL REVENUES: $104,300

ROAD DIST RICT - EXPENDITURE

SUMMARY

Bushman's Services - 2,700; Consery FS - 5,300; Cross Roads Repair3,300; S Doyle Asphalt -22,500; TOIRMA - 3,900; Wagner Aggregate55,100 All other disbursements less tha n ($2,500) - 13,800

TOTAL VENDORS: $106,600

ROAD DIST RICT - COMPENSATION SUMMARY

Range: Under $25,000.00: Jamie Bee, Tyler Duschen, C arter Lee Range: $25,000.00 - $49,999.99: NA TOTAL COMPENSATION: $4,300 October 6, 2025

OJHS Cross Country places 5th at invitational

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Oregon Junior High School cross country teams continue to impress this season, delivering strong performances at the Schmidt Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Fuller Forest Preserve.

Running a shortened 1.25-mile course under sunny skies, both the girls’ and boys’ teams proved their grit, teamwork, and determination.

The girls’ team placed an impressive fifth out of 12 teams, led by Kollins Anaya, who captured first place overall with a winning time of 7:29.72.

Close behind were Marie Ramirez (22nd, 8:28.62) and McKenna Mosely (29th, 8:36.6), who ran nearly stride for stride.

Rounding out the top five scorers were Mara Bell (46th, 9:14.1) and Presley Contreras (61st, 9:59.5), with strong support from Caroline Kaskavage (65th, 10:07.2) and Oakleigh Kiesling (93rd, 11:45.5).

On the boys’ side, the Hawks soared to a third place team finish out of 11 schools. Sixth grader Graham Kaska-

vage medaled with a sixth-place finish in 7:06.6, while fellow sixth grader Nicanor Anaya finished 17th in 7:25.6.

Not far behind were Callum Groenhagen (19th, 7:34.2) and Luca Wesley (24th, 7:40.9), with Wesley Rogers (37th, 8:15.6) rounding out the scoring.

Solid efforts by Weston Dillon (63rd, 9:31.0) and Hayden Roos (87th, 11:07.3) added depth to the boys’ lineup.

Coaches Nic and Emily Anaya expressed pride not just in the results, but in the heart these young athletes bring to the course.

“What inspires me most about this group is the way they push each other to be better,” Nic Anaya said. “Every practice and every race, they show up not just for themselves but for their teammates. That’s the kind of spirit that builds lifelong character – not just fast times.”

“These kids are learning that cross country is more than running – it’s about resilience, teamwork, and giving your best no matter the challenge,”

Emily Anaya said. “Watching them rely on one another and rise to the occasion week after week has been nothing short of incredible.”

Pickleball tournament held at Stillman Valley Fall Festival

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Stillman Valley Fall Festival held its third pickleball event sponsored by Kishwaukee Community Church. This year the event was held in the Meridian Junior High west parking lot. There were 15 teams entered in the double elimination tournament, and eight individuals in the round robin event.

The men’s round robin event winners were, first place Cecilio Marquez, second place Steve Carbaugh and third place Russ Cordell. The women’s round robin event winners were, first place Holly McCann, second place Barb Light and third place Bethani Larson.

The double elimination team tournament winners were: First place prize of $100 went to It’s a Nguyen Nguyen Situation team made up of Michael Nguyen and Eric Nguyen, second place prize of $80 went to the Judah Mass team made up of Cecilio Marquez and Judah Mas-

The Pickle Jar award was won by the team of Hannah Rehfeldt and Zac Bargman.

bruch and third place prize of $60 went to the Local Couple team made up of Randy and Rachel Cordell.

There was also the Pickle Jar award of two jars of pickles awarded to the team of The pickleballerz who ended up in the Pickle Jar by losing their first two games and then winning their last two games. The pickleballerz team is made up of Hannah Rehfeldt and Zac Bargman.

A good time was had by all and good sportsmanship was shown throughout the event. We look forward to seeing a fourth pickleball event next year.

ABOVE: The double elimination team tournament winners were: First place prize of $100 went to It’s a Nguyen Nguyen Situation team made up of Michael Nguyen and Eric Nguyen, second place prize of $80 went to the Judah Mass team made up of Cecilio Marquez and Judah Masbruch and third place prize of $60 went to the Local Couple team made up of Randy and Rachel Cordell. BELOW: The men’s round robin event winners were, first place Cecilio Marquez, second place Steve Carbaugh and third place Russ Cordell. The women’s round robin event winners were, first place Holly McCann, second place Barb Light and third place Bethani Larson.

Forreston football, golf and homeschooling

Last year, Forreston’s football team was 2-7 because of losses to teams they could have beaten. This year, they are 4-1 because they are winning those same types of games.

The thrilling 22-20 win over Galena was an example of this. The Cardinals appeared to have the game under control with a two-score margin in the second half before the Pirates came up with some fourth-quarter heroics to nearly win with no time left on the clock.

In a similar situation last year, Forreston lost to Galena 19-18. In the NUIC with wins at a premium, it is essential to extract every advantage you can.

Other than a blowout over Dakota, it’s been a playoff atmosphere each week for Forreston and the upcoming game with EPC is a prime example of this. Galena beat EPC, so there’s no reason to think Forreston can’t win, though the opposite is possible too.

While on the topic of Forreston athletics, a very good boys golf team faces some equally intense competition in the regional. At the 1A regional that was held this past Wednesday, the Cardinals battled NUIC champ Dakota and the top three teams from the BNC in Rockford Christian, Rockford Luhteran and Byron for team advancement to the sectional.

Unfortunately, only three squads advance on. Last year, Forreston was

VIEWS

Andy Colbert

fourth, but sent Kaden Brown, Darin Greenfield and Daylen Rahn to the sectional as individuals.

Brown, who is wrapping up his career as one of the best golfers in school history, also qualified for the state meet. With the scores posted by the team this season, it is not out of the realm to make state.

Since the regional was after the press deadline, I don’t have the luxury of knowing the results to comment on them.

Oregon, led by Jackson Messenger, faces a couple heavyweights in Fulton and Riverdale, but have a solid chance to be the third qualifier. This year has been exceptionally good for 1A golf in the northwest part of the state.

Rochelle golf coach Glen Mehrings is wrapping up a 31-year career and has his best team ever, with at least five players capable of shooting in the 70s. He has never sent a team downstate, and it sure would be a neat send off gift if the Hubs could pull it off.

As a long-time observer of high school sports, I’ve always contended that golf is most mentally taxing of all

prep sports, especially come post season.

Oregon’s school board is considering allowing home-schooled kids to compete in sports. Some schools allow this and some don’t.

Let them play. Just because parents choose to offer a different form of education for their children, it shouldn’t take away the opportunity to play IHSA sports.

With declining enrollments and participation levels, it is even more cause for the home schoolers to have a role in interscholastic competition at Oregon.

Another off-the-field news item came from nearby Mendota. Did you know that 1984 grad Larry Gies donated $100 million to the University of Illinois athletic department, the largest ever received by the Illini and one that guarantees the football stadium will be named Gies Memorial Stadium, in honor of his father Larry, a U.S. Army veteran.

“This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country,” Gies said in a news release. “With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten – and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future.”

Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, a private equity firm. Gies is one of many financial giants all over the country that have changed the face of college sports.

Anymore, someone with big pockets can legally buy a football or basketball team for their alma mater. Remember the old days, when the NCAA would investigate schools with boosters bribing recruits.

Wow, times have changed. One thing that hasn’t is the popularity of college football. Attendance and TV ratings are as high as ever.

It wasn’t too many years ago that some folks predicted the demise of football at all levels because of concussions (CTE). As the governing bodies toned the game down, the diehards complained that it was becoming more like flag football.

In a testament to the resilience of the game, which I contend is the finest team sport ever invented, all the changes to make it safer did not detract from its beauty to watch. That brutal hitting has been replaced by a more artful form of physicality and one that appeals to football fans everywhere.

• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

What are realistic expectations for this NIU team?

His team minutes removed from a 6-3 loss to San Diego State on Saturday, NIU coach Thomas Hammock posed a rhetorical question toward the end of his news conference.

“We have 18 new starters and seven new coaches,” Hammock said. “What are the realistic expectations?”

The glib answer, of course, is to have scored more than three offensive touchdowns in four games this year.

But it’s an interesting question that deserves more than a glib answer. Plus, it would be a repetitive topic at this point.

With a defense as good as the Huskies have been, a conference title should be a realistic expectation. With an offense as bad as the Huskies have been, a three or four-win season would hypothetically seem reasonable.

What are realistic expectations for the

VIEWS

Eddie Carifio

Huskies? There’s really no simple answer to the question. But it’s worth trying to answer.

At the start of the season, it seemed that another seven or eight wins and a bowl berth wasn’t an absurd expectation. If things broke right, with the Huskies facing all the projected top teams in their Mid-American Conference farewell tour, being in the picture for a conference title seemed like a legitimate expectation.

And if things broke poorly, a four-win season would have been on the table.

Fast forward four games into the sea-

son. The Huskies are 1-3. The offense entered Saturday ranked 133rd out of 134 teams in scoring offense at 12.7 points per game. They are pretty much guaranteed to be 134th next week.

They came out of the gate Saturday with a 62-yard scoring drive to take a 3-0 lead. They managed 117 the rest of the game. They made one more trip into SDSU territory, reaching the 44 but turning it over on downs.

Hammock pulled starting quarterback Josh Holst at one point for true freshman Brady Davidson. After he was intercepted on his second pass attempt, Holst returned to the game.

A reasonable expectation with this offense? Three or four wins.

But the defense gave up two field goals Saturday to a San Diego State team fresh off a 34-0 win against Cal. One on the

Aztecs’ first drive of the game, one as time expired in the fourth. And they really stepped it up situationally in the second half.

So many new starters. So many new coaches. A 1-3 start against two Power 4 schools and three Top 20 defenses doesn’t seem unreasonable, even if it is disappointing because the defense played well enough to win at least two of those games.

But even Hammock said earlier in his news conference, the schedule shifts to conference play, in which the Huskies will face teams on equal ground from a resource standpoint. It starts next week against a 1-3 Miami team that shut out Lindenwood this week, but also has allowed 34.33 points per game against FBS schools, the 123rd best in the country.

Hubs get back on track, rout La Salle-Peru

Defense picks off Cavs’ offense three times

By ANDY COLBERT Shaw Local News Network correspondent

After disappointing losses the past two weeks and upcoming road trips to Morris and Kaneland, Rochelle’s football team desperately needed a win.

Taking down La Salle-Peru 40-7 on Friday, Sept. 26, the Hubs salvaged their season and put themselves in a good position for playoff qualifying.

“Playing quality opponents in one of the toughest 5A conferences in the state, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Rochelle coach Kyle Kissack said. “I was happy with our kids being resilient and fighting through adversity with more injuries and a tough loss to Sycamore last week.”

At first, it didn’t come easy against L-P (1-4, 0-2). The Cavaliers stopped an opening 10-play Hub drive and then put together a couple first downs of their own behind the arm of Marion Persich.

In what would become many big plays on defense for Rochelle (3-2, 1-1), linebacker Reece Harris intercepted Persich at the Hub 30-yard line. Dylan Manning and Keegan Albers also would have interceptions.

On the next play, sophomore QB Cohen Haedt connected with a wide-open Dylan Manning for a 70-yard touchdown pass. It is extremely rare for Rochelle to pass on first down and the Cavaliers were caught with their entire defense set up to stop the run.

“It’s important for us to be able to throw on double-tight [end],” Kissack said. “We’ve struggled to do that the last couple weeks. Moving forward, we’re going to have to do that to keep teams off guard.”

It was the first of four consecutive TDs for Manning.

“It was a good time to call pass,” Manning said.

On its next drive, L-P had a chance to do the same to Rochelle, but a 40-yard flea-flicker from Persich to an open Landon Zellers fell past his reach. Still, Persich rambled 16 yards for a first down and then found Zellers for another first down to move into Hub territory.

“Their quarterback is a great player

who can make things happen,” Kissack said.

But the Hub defense came up with three straight gems to force a fourthand-18 punt. First, it was Tyler Gensler sacking Persich for an 8-yard loss. Then Brode Metzger, who sacked Persich for 10 yards earlier, batted down a pass. On third down, Harris almost had his second interception after the Persich was besieged by the defense.

“Our defense executed the game plan as well as they could and were able to get off the field in the first half,” Kissack said.

The Cavalier defense had a respectable outing in the first half by stopping three Hub drives. It appeared both teams would go to half with Rochelle up 7-0, but Manning scored on a fourth-down jet sweep with 16 seconds left.

“We did OK in the first half with our defense,” L-P coach JJ Raffelson said. “But, when it comes down to it, we need to execute better on both sides of the ball.”

Manning had a 63-yard touchdown called back for holding early in the third quarter, leading to a fourth-and-32. A punt gave the Cavaliers the ball on

side of the field, but they could not muster a first down.

“We need to come out ready to play. We didn’t do that,” Raffelson said.

Manning put the game away on the next play with a 58-yard touchdown run. He looked to be stopped at midfield, but like he has done so many times in his career, he found a way to break free and

outrun defenders to the goal line.

After the Albers’ interception, Manning made it 28-0 on a 10-yard score in the fourth quarter. With 156 yards, Manning wasn’t even the leading ground gainer for the Hubs.

That honor went to Roman Villalobos with 207 yards and the final two touchdowns. On a 77-yard score, the 195-pound fullback bulled over a defender with a crushing blow and ran untouched the rest of the way. He added a 47-yard ramble to close out the scoring.

“The longer the game goes on, the better we play,” Villalobos said. “We came out in the second half and wanted it more than they did. After losing to Sycamore, we were hungry. It was the first time that I’ve ever had two straight losses in high school.”

Rafe Helmig caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Persich for L-P’s lone score. That cut the lead to 28-7 in the fourth quarter. Overall, Persich completed 14 of 28 passes for 134 yards. Rylynd Rynkewicz led the way with 4 catches.

Rochelle had 397 yards rushing compared to 65 for L-P. Gensler led the Hubs with 7 tackles and 2 sacks.

SPORTS

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Rochelle High School football team bounces back from two tough losses to streamroll rival La Salle-Peru / 23