Polo_Tri-County_Press-02-13-2026

Slow start

Oregon comeback bid comes up short against Dixon / 19

Expansion plans

Focus House eyes new residence hall north of Rochelle / 2

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

Aubrey

and Sandwich’s

wrestle at 135 pounds at the Belvidere Regional on Saturday, Feb. 7. Four

competed at the regional, but did not advance to the sectional.

POLO TRI-COUNTY PRESS

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Focus House planning for construction of new residence hall in coming years

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Focus House has tentative plans in place for the construction of a new residence hall at its court-ordered 3279 Illinois Route 251 location in the coming years, Executive Director Brenda Mason said Tuesday.

Located north of Rochelle, Focus House provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming. The facility offers residential treatment for boys ages 12-17 in the justice system who are court-ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Kids in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and public service work at Focus House.

The Ogle County-run facility currently operates its residential services out of the 3279 Illinois Route 251 location and The Miller House, located in Rochelle. Both buildings are of increased age, with staff estimating the Miller House was built in the 1960s and the residential building on the Route 251 property was built in the late 1800s or early 1900s.

Mason said operating at two different locations presents difficulties, including transportation, food service, staffing and room for visits.

“We would spend less on staff if we had all of our staff and kids in one location,”

Mason said. “With visits, the kids we serve get visited on campus by their families and there’s more room out here on Route 251 for that. It would be so much more economical, efficient and easier if we operated all on one campus.”

The Prison Rape Elimination Act will also play into Focus House’s residential buildings in the future. While not a detention facility, Focus House is overseen by the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts and its facilities may have to be PREA certified by Jan. 1, 2027, which would necessitate improvements.

“It’s possible we can become PREA certified in our existing buildings, but it’s probably going to be very difficult, if it’s possible,” Mason said.

Mason said the idea of a new Focus House residence hall has been discussed

Focus House is one of two facilities of its kind in the state. The Ogle County treatment facility just north of Rochelle provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming.

with the Ogle County Board “many times” and the current plan is for it to be the county’s next capital improvement project once the new Ogle County Jail bonds are paid off in two years.

The current projected cost for a new Focus House residence hall is $3.5 million. The timeline Mason provided was starting construction in 2027 and completing it in 2028. The county would issue bonds to finance the construction.

“Foundation for Focus House has already been raising funds for a new building for well over 10 years,” Mason said. “That fund has reached around six figures, and would be used to furnish the building and cover whatever other costs it could.”

The new residence hall has been a hope for Focus House for about 15 years, Mason said. She said she’s excited to see movement on the project. Focus House celebrated its 50-year anniversary in late 2025 and unveiled plans for the new residence hall at an anniversary event.

“It feels more real than it ever has before, and I hope it keeps going,” Mason said. “I think a new building would open up doors to serve more kids. I think it’s going to open up doors to have a few more levels of care programs. I’m always moved by the support of the community. I love the small-town support we get from Rochelle and all of Ogle County.”

Focus House serves the youths of Ogle County, who would likely have to travel

CORRECTIONS

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out of the area for services if the facility didn’t exist locally. Mason said the facility currently has capacity for about nine kids and a new building could serve 10-15. More could be done at the facility for kids from neighboring counties with a new building that was PREA certified. Time and money would be saved with relief from current transportation needs.

The new residence hall would have more space, larger rooms, improved technology and better lines of sight for safety, Mason said. A new residence hall would ensure that Focus House doesn’t have any breaks in care.

“If PREA does come to fruition, that would be horrible if we couldn’t continue to operate out of the old buildings,” Mason said. “We want to make sure our staff and kids are safe, and I think a new building will really be able to provide that as we move into the future.”

Mason said she enjoys seeing former Focus House residents come back to the facility and tell staff how their lives have improved. The facility is helping to support the needs of a future generation in Ogle County, she said.

“Because we’re hopeful that these people are going to become productive members of Ogle County and stay here and raise their families here,” Mason said. “What makes me most excited about the new residence hall is the thought of having all of our kids and staff on one campus and operating in one space all the time.”

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Art show celebrates America’s beauty

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The Coliseum Museum in Oregon recently announced the opening of the America the Beautiful art exhibit featuring 50 works of art by 25 artists from across the northern Illinois area, on display through March 21.

The America the Beautiful art exhibit is intended to show that patriotism runs deep throughout America, from sea to shining sea. The historic milestone of 250 years since the Declaration of Independence is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead

toward the future.

The exhibit will be judged by Stuart Roddy, with awards presented at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, with music by Jim Kanas and Roger Hintzsche.

Participating artists include Cindy Bear, Alice Blue, Richard Born, Bob Cholke, Rick Davis, Connie Fry, Beverly Garcia, Chuck Gregory, Timothy Griffith, Dan Grossmann, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Maggie Isaacs, Bob Kapheim, Julie Kennelly, Linnea Koch, Paula Kuehl, Bob Logsdon, Colleen Logsdon, Henry Matthiessen III, Joy Meyer, Gary Pearson, Joe Popp, Stephonie A. Schmitz and Joseph Virbickis.

Write a letter for Ogle County’s future time capsule

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Imagine it’s Saturday, July 4, 2076. The 300th anniversary of America’s independence. Fifty years before, residents, organizations and schools wrote letters and messages to the “future people” of Ogle County.

Those letters were gathered and placed into time capsules so they could be opened today and read by the current citizens of the county.

Some of the original authors are standing in the audience, waiting to read their letters once again, 50 years later. How much has changed in the world since the time capsules were sealed away in the vaults at Memorial Plaza on the

south side of the old courthouse? Were you a student in school and wrote a letter in 2026, or did your grandparent place a letter in the vault so you could read it and make this day happen in 2076?

The Ogle County Historical Society and the Ogle County Board are in the early stages of making this collection of letters to our future happen. They are reaching out to school communities, civic organizations and the citizens of Ogle County to take a few minutes and write a letter to the future.

Letters containing information about the day-to-day activities taking place, letters about the families in the communities, letters talking to their descendants, and letters about the hopes and dreams of the writer are all possible top-

ics to be preserved for a celebration in 50 years.

Plans are underway for watertight time capsules to be enclosed in secured vaults and placed in the Memorial Plaza being designed south of the old courthouse in the center of the county seat in Oregon.

Final details of size and number of time capsules are under discussion at this point and will be announced in the future. These tamper-proof vaults will be marked for opening on July 4, 2076. Additional invitations to schools and organizations will be forthcoming as soon as more specific details are available.

Watch the newspaper and social media for more information so you can submit your letter to be enclosed in the

time capsule and included in this historic event. Intentions are that the time capsule will be sealed in the vault(s) later this year, around July 4, 2026, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation.

Start working on your letter to the future soon. Instructions on what kind of paper to use, where to drop your letter for collection, etc., will follow soon.

If you are interested in volunteering to help in your community with this county-wide project, write to the Ogle County Historical Society, Box 183, Oregon, IL 61061, email oglecohistory@ gmail.com or call 815-732-7545.

You do not need to be a member of the Ogle County Historical Society to take part in this historical event.

Oregon High School introduces off-campus lunch for seniors

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Oregon High School has introduced an off-campus lunch option for seniors who are eligible. This opportunity is a way to reward responsible behavior, support independence and provide seniors with a flexible time during their day. The off-campus lunch allows approved

seniors to leave the high school campus during their assigned lunch period and return before the next class period begins. Participation is limited to seniors who meet attendance, academic and behavioral requirements as stated by Oregon CUSD 220 policies (cannot be failing a class, cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater, 90% or higher attendance, no major disciplinary infractions). Students

must have also completed the required permission form as well.

Local businesses have also shown gratitude to the program, with increased sales during the lunch hour. Dos Amigos specifically has mentioned to a multitude of seniors that they are thankful that students choose to visit their restaurant during lunch, highlighting the positive relationship between Oregon High

School and the local community.

After the first week, seniors have expressed appreciation for the new program, noting that it provides a higher level of trust between the students and the school. The district looks forward to seeing seniors take advantage of this opportunity while continuing to represent the Hawk community with their pride and responsibility.

Rochelle woman dies from injuries in shooting

Family: ‘She was loved, she mattered and her life had meaning’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

A Rochelle woman died Sunday as a result of injuries suffered in a Jan. 26 shooting, Rochelle Police Chief Pete Pavia said Wednesday.

Pavia identified the victim as Mariah Avila, 27.

Rochelle police were called at 6:38 a.m. Jan. 26 for a report of shots fired in the 100 block of West McConaughy Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered Avila, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was unconscious but breathing.

Officers also located a 29-year-old male, identified Wednesday as Spencer Contreras of Rochelle, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a Jan. 26 news

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Mt. Morris man pleads not guilty to weapons charges

Next court date is Feb. 18A Mt. Morris man has pleaded not guilty to the felony offenses of armed violence and five other firearm-related charges and the unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Kenneth A. Thomson, 20, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, entered not-guilty pleas, and demanded a jury trial during a Feb. 4 court appearance in front of Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska.

Thomson is charged with the Class X felony of armed violence in which prosecutors say he was armed with an “AR rifle, a dangerous Category 1 weapon” when he unlawfully delivered a substance containing clonazepam Jan. 16. Under Illinois law, Category 1 weapons – such as an AR semi-automatic firearm – are associated with armed violence and those offenses carry a stricter sentence. According to court records, Thomson is also charged with the unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber handgun on Jan. 20 and

release from the Rochelle Police Department.

Avila was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital and later flown to a Rockford hospital, where she was listed in critical condition and placed on life support. The family made the decision to remove her from life support on Sunday, and she succumbed to her injuries, Pavia said.

Contreras was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. No other people were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, and no one else was

injured, according to the release.

RPD was assisted by the Rochelle Fire Department, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit. The incident remains under investigation by Rochelle police. Anyone with information is asked to call RPD at 815-562-2131.

A GoFundMe, has been established for Avila’s family. As of Wednesday, it had raised $20,820 through 280 donations.

Funds raised will be used to cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well

as travel costs for the family. Any remaining balance after funeral costs will be donated to domestic violence and mental health programs, the GoFundMe’s organizer, Meghan O’Rorke, said in an update on the site Tuesday.

“We are mourning the loss of Mariah, whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence and gun violence,” O’Rorke wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Mariah was more than a victim of violence. She was loved, she mattered, and her life had meaning. Her death has left our family heartbroken and forever changed, and we are committed to speaking her truth while honoring her memory.”

Avila’s mother, Jackie, posted an update on the GoFundMe page Feb. 1.

“Sadly, our sweet girl will be passing,” the update said. “While our hearts are broken, we are choosing to honor her incredible strength and kindness. As her final gift as a donor, she will live on by saving multiple lives. That is the kind of person she is, and we are so proud of her.”

“knowingly sold” that gun to a person who did not display to the defendant a current, valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.

Thomson is also charged with carrying a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber handgun, a 9mm handgun on Jan. 20 and carrying a .22 Ruger handgun and an AR rifle on Jan. 30 while he was not on his own land, in his own home, at his own business, while under the age of 21 and not engaged in lawful activities under the Wildlife Code.

Thomson, who has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest, appeared in court Feb. 4 with his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow. Peska continued Thomson’s pretrial detainment and remanded him to the Ogle County Jail following that hearing. Thomson’s next court appearance is 1 p.m. Feb. 18.

Mt. Morris man charged with sexually assaulting teen

The attorney for a Mt. Morris man accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-

old girl in December told an Ogle County judge Wednesday that she needs more time to review discovery evidence.

James Cicchetti Jr., 38, is charged with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of the girl on Dec. 26, 2025.

He was arrested following a Jan. 5 sex-related investigation by Ogle County Sheriff detectives into an incident that allegedly occurred in the Mt Morris Estates Trailer Park.

The sheriff’s department said in a news release that Cicchetti was arrested after search warrants were executed. He has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest.

Investigators were assisted by Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, according to the release.

According to court records, Cicchetti is accused of sexually assaulting the girl while using “force or threat of force.” That charge is a Class 1 felony punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison with 85% of the sentence required to be served. It is nonprobationable, meaning those

convicted of the offense cannot receive a sentence of probation.

The three sexual abuse charges are Class 2 felonies punishable by three to seven years in prison, with sentences of probation possible.

Cicchetti waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to the charges Jan 14.

On Wednesday, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley told Associate Judge Anthony Peska that she needed more time to review Cicchetti’s case. She was assigned the case after Assistant Public Defender Eric Morrow withdrew Jan. 21.

Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse did not object to the continuance.

Peska set Cicchetti’s next court date for 1 p.m. March 4 and continued his pretrial detention, remanding him to the Ogle County Jail.

Peska also granted Kruse’s emergency no-contact civil order against Cicchetti for two years.

– Earleen Hinton, Shaw Local News Network correspondent

When do we start looking for robins?

Recently, someone said the temperature was to get up to the 40s, and someone else said 50s.

Right away, I wondered when we start looking for robins?

Also, I got out to do some shopping and found out in the store that there were seeds and spring planting materials. That is a good sign that robins will soon be hopping around in my yard, and it is time to bring in my snowman.

Before I start thinking about spring, I have to finish up on winter projects such as the application for the Underground Railroad. This past week, Beth and I have been looking again for something the readers of our application have asked for. The application is now at the next level, and somewhere, people are reading it, and they want more material.

It reminds me of placing a historical building on the National Register of Historic Places. When we gathered at Springfield, all the readers of your application were there to ask questions. They have been reading all of your material, and you hope you can answer all of their questions. The readers are from many different places in the state.

POLO HISTORY

Betty Obendorf

The readers of our Underground Railroad application are probably from an entire region of the United States. They wanted to know more about John Brown being in the area. They also suggested that we do a whole new application on Henry Elsey, who is buried in South Elkhorn Cemetery. Also, they would like another application done on Maria Waterbury, who went south to teach in the government’s Freedman Bureau program.

Our heads are spinning because we really want to get our original application accepted by the United States before we start another. Also waiting in the wings is the book on the White Pines State Park that we want to start and get finished by 2027. Beth is working as fast as she can on all of this.

Linda has started collecting all of the information on Henry Elsey, and she came across another article written by

him, but could not find which newspaper the article came from. I looked at it and quickly said it came from his scrapbook.

Linda said, “What scrapbook?” I later went over to the museum and dug out the original scrapbook of all his writings, which is very fragile. All the articles have been copied off, and the scrapbook has been placed in a special container.

Beth told me when she spoke in Dixon on the UGRR recently, a member of Elsey’s family mentioned journals he might have written. They may have been referring to his scrapbook instead of journals. We also have the manuscripts he wrote in special containers. Henry was quite a writer, and we will, at some time, honor him and what he has contributed to the history of our area. It takes time to accomplish all we would like to do.

Right now, I am working on the Waterbury program, which will be given in the spring, and I am watching out my window for the first robin as I type away on my computer.

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

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Carroll, Ogle counties’ rail safety improvements coming

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved nearly $1 million for safety upgrades at three highway-rail crossings of the BNSF Railway Co.’s track in Carroll and Ogle counties.

The stipulated agreement requires the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates at the Oakville Road, Brookeville/Ogle Road and West Oregon Trail Road crossings.

“Illinois’ Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install modernized safety infrastructure at rail crossings in all parts of the state,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said.

The GCPF will cover 95% of the combined estimated cost for the new automatic warning devices at all three crossings, not to exceed $993,328. BNSF Railway will pay remaining signal design and installation costs, and future operating and maintenance costs related to the new warning devices. All work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order.

– Shaw Local News Network

NOTICE OF VOTE BY MAIL AND SECURE DROP BOX LOCATION

Rebecca K. Duke, Ogle County Clerk and Recorder, announces that “Vote by Mail” is now being conducted at the Election Department of her office.

Your “Vote by Mail” ballot can be returned using the following options:

• Secure drop box located outside of the West Side of the Historic Courthouse at 105 S. 5th St in Oregon;

• Drop-off in the County Clerk’s Office in the Historic Courthouse at 105 S. 5th St, Suite 104 in Oregon;

• Mail via USPS (ballot MUST be Postmarked by March 17, 2026)

To obtain a “Vote by Mail” ballot visit www.oglecountyil.gov or Call 815.732.1110

Deadline to mail a Vote by Mail ballot is March 12, 2026.

Rebecca K. Duke

Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Dated this 30th day of January, 2026 www.oglecountyil.gov

MARILYN L. DICK

Born: October 5, 1941 in Oregon, IL

Died: February 7, 2026 in Dixon, IL

Marilyn Lindsay Dick passed away on February 7, 2026. She was a woman of intelligence, compassion, and quiet strength who found her greatest joy in her family, in sharing unhurried drives with her husband exploring the countryside and watching wildlife, and in the creativity of her sewing and handcrafts. Marilyn was born to Donald Eugene Mattison and Vera Irene Mattison, who preceded her in death. Her academic ability was evident early in life—she graduated as valedictorian of her eighth-grade class and later graduated

from high school in 1959 as salutatorian. She continued her studies at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her nursing degree in 1963 as a member of the university’s first graduating nursing class, a distinction she carried with pride. On June 15, 1963, Marilyn married Otto Earl Dick, Jr. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion. Otto survives her, and their many years together were marked by deep companionship, especially cherished in later years during their daily drives together. Marilyn began her nursing career at the Warmolts Clinic in Oregon, Illinois, where her compassion and dedication quickly became evident. While staying at home to raise her children, she remained actively involved in her community through Home Extension and operated a cake decorating business, sharing her creativity with family and friends. She also gave generously of her time by helping to lead Girl Scout and

Boy Scout troops for her children, a role she truly enjoyed. She later returned to nursing, work she loved, serving at the Franklin Grove Nursing Home and later at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Mt. Morris, where her kindness and commitment touched countless lives. Marilyn attended Oregon Church of God for many years, where her faith was an important part of her life. She especially enjoyed helping to teach Sunday school and visiting the elderly on behalf of the church—acts of service that reflected her caring nature and brought her great joy. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna Mattison and Mary Ann Mortellaro. Marilyn is survived by her children: David Dick (wife Vicki Pulling Dick), Lori Dick Shelby Hall (husband Darren Hall), and Lisa Dick. She was a devoted grandmother to Jenny Kee (Mark), Ben Pulling (Megan), Craig Sales, Felicia Dick, Sara Sales, and Ashley Watts. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Annabel

EARLY VOTING NOTICE

FLAGG & DEMENT PRECINCTS ONLY

EARLY VOTING will be conducted at the Flagg Township Office located at 303 W. Route 38 in Rochelle for Flagg & Dement Precincts only.

Wednesday, March 11 – Friday, March 13 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Rebecca K. Duke Ogle County Clerk and Recorder

Dated this 30th day of January, 2026 www.oglecountyil.gov

Pulling, Roscoe Pulling, Ava Sales, Embry Sales, Kendal Sales, Braxton Sales, Sophia Sales, Stella Sales, Hayden Watts, and Leah Watts, and was the proud great-great-grandmother of Lorelei Sales. Marilyn’s life was one of service, faith, creativity, and deep devotion to family. Her legacy will live on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched with compassion and care. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. No services are scheduled at this time. A memorial fund is established in Marilyn’s name and may be directed to her family. To leave a condolence or memory of Marilyn visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.

NOTICE

Ogle County – General Primary Election

EARLY

VOTING and GRACE PERIOD

REGISTRATION & VOTING will be conducted at the Ogle County Clerk’s Office located in the courthouse at 105 S. 5th Street, Suite 104, Oregon, IL.

February 5 – March 16, 2026

Monday thru Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 9:00 a.m. – Noon

Grace Period Registration & Voting

February 18 – March 17, 2026

Monday thru Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March 17, 2026 – Election Day 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dated this 30th day of January, 2026

Rebecca K. Duke, Ogle County Clerk www.oglecountyil.gov

Warranty Deeds

• Estate of James C Shrader to Renae M Shrader, 9988 W. Fairmont Road, Polo, $0.00

• Joy R Angelbeck and Robert P Angelbeck to Rachel Hayes, 1849 N. Weller Drive, Mt. Morris, $169,900

• Larry W White and Eden M White to Joshua S Nelson, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township: 08-09-200-004, $3,000

• Kenneth C Macklin to Nathan Allan, 311 E. Brayton Road, Mt. Morris, $164,500

• Paragon Ag LLC to Mark A Vonholten, 101 S. Stone Hill Road, Oregon, $2,900,000

• Malcolm W Milligan to Martha A Ashcraft, four parcels in White Rock Township: 18-07-200-006, 18-08-100-003, 18-09-400002, and 18-15-300-004, $253,450

• Malcolm W Milligan to Jacque K Rowland, four parcels in White Rock Township: 18-09-400-002, 18-15-300-004, 18-17-251001, and 18-17-276-001, $253,450

• Susan J Devore to Alejo Dominguez, Maria Guadalupe Velasco-Medina, and Maria Guadalupe Velasco Medina, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-11-477-004, $122,500

• Zachary Eastman and Maddisyn Knouse to Manuel De Jesus Felix, Manuel Dejesus Felix, and Stephanie Cazares, one parcel in Monroe Township: 12-22-100-008, $248,000

• Lyle E Grobe and Barbara J Grobe to Tyler Z Grobe, 202 N. Cherry Ave., Polo, $68,000

• Eric V Wiedemann Sr. and Laura E Wiedemann to Eliseo Hueramo Jr. and Onessa Hueramo, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-17-180-001, $424,000

• Shawn N Halfman, Elizabeth A Halfman, and Savana E Halfman to Cliffton Davis and Cheyl Davis, one parcel in Forreston Township: 02-33-276-006, $0.00

• Robert C Shenberger and Krystal Shenberger to Connor Sweet, 411 S. Walnut Ave., Forreston, $123,600

• Beverly Auer and Scott Robertson, two parcels in Taylor Township: 22-08-127-007 and 22-08-127-035, $1,000

• Alvin Griffey and Wendy Griffey to Erich Pawelko and Christine Pawelko, 05-33-101012, 1381 E. Kysor Drive, Byron, $84,500

• Kirk Janicke and Angela Janicke to Sarah J Cook and Brian W Cook, 706 E. Hewitt St., Forreston, $246,500

• Timothy A Schoenrock to Jake Manelli and Madeline Manelli, one parcel in Marion Township: 05-26-376-003, $23,000

• Hubble Shuttle Inc. to Jose Pena Andino, 1162 S. Bradley Lane, Oregon, $290,000

• Beverly L Emery to Lukas Blake-Bernard and Lukas Blake Bernard, one parcel in Marion Township: 05-27-300-002, $220,500

Quit Claims

• Mark Edward Rosenwinkel, Gayle Louise Rosenwinkel, Mark E Rosenwinkel, and Gayle L Rosenwinkel to Mark Edward Rosenwinkel, trustee, Gayle Louise Rosenwinkel, trustee, Mark Edward Rosenwinkel Revocable Living

Trust, and Gayle Louise Rosenwinkel Revocable Living Trust, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-23-203-004, $0.00

• Michelle R. Nelson to Joshua S Nelson, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township: 08-09200-006, $0.00

• Barbara Hanna to Barbara Hanna and Bobbi N Hanna, 203 S. Fifth St., Oregon, $0.00

• Sandra Malahy, Matthew Beninato, Heather Beninato, and Heather Benniato to Sandra Malahy, one parcel in Grand Detour Township: 16-31-201-006, $60,000

• Daniel A Scheck and Lori Lynn to Daniel A Scheck, 1903 N. Silverthorn Drive, Byron, $0.00

• Brenda J Knutson to Tami Eccles, one parcel in Maryland Township: 03-29-102-017, $0.00

Trustee’s Deeds

• Donald E Scheffler, trustee, and Donald E Scheffler, trustee, to Eric M Speakes and Jennifer N Speakes, 5215 Mount Morris Road, Mt. Morris, $748,580

• Brian C Lund, trustee, Adam J Lund, trustee, and Gloria J Lund, trustee, to Brian C Lund and Adam J Lund, three parcels in Monroe Township: 12-25-400-002, 12-35-200001, and 12-36-100-001, $0.00

• Malcom W Milligan, trustee, Jacque E Rowland, trustee, Martha A Ashcraft, trustee, and James R Milligan, trustee, to Martha A Ashcraft, four parcels in White Rock Township: 18-07-200-006, 18-08-100003, 18-09-400-002, and 18-15-300-004, $0.00

• Malcom W Milligan, trustee, Jacque K Rowland, trustee, Martha A Ashcraft, trustee, and James R Milligan, trustee, to Jacque K Rowland, four parcels in White Rock Township: 18-09-400-002, 18-15-300004, 18-17-251-001, and 18-17-276-001, $0.00

• Malcom W Milligan, trustee, Jacque K Rowland, trustee, Martha A Ashcraft, trustee, and James R Milligan, trustee, to Malcom W Milligan, six parcels in White Rock Township: 18-10-300-002, 18-15-300002, 18-15-300-003, 18-15-400-002, 18-22-100-001, and 18-22-100-002, $0.00

• Ronald H Stocking, trustee, and Stocking Family Trust to Timothy R Stocking, three parcels in Pine Rock Township: 17-12-300001, 17-12-300-004, and 17-12-400-001, $0.00

• Joyce M Stocking, trustee, and Tocking Family Trust to Mark Stocking, three parcels in Pine Rock Township: 17-11-100-008, 17-11-100-009, and 17-11-200-002, $0.00

• Stillman Bank, trustee, and Alvin D Oltmanns, trustee, to Judy E Hagemann, four parcels in Byron Township, 05-08-400-006, 05-09-300-004, 05-16-100-001, and 05-17-200-002, $4,422,277

• Christine M Lewis, trustee, and Donald L

Horst Restatement Trust to Joshua S Nelson, two parcels in Mt. Morris Township: 08-09-400-008 and 08-09-400-010, $937,000

Deeds in Trust

• Charles E Winterton and Charles Winterton to Charles Winterton, trustee and Charles E Winterton, trustee, seven parcels: 04-05-300-006, 04-25-300-012, 04-25-301002, 04-25-400-022, 04-28-200-002, 04-36-100-012, and 14-06-200-006, $0.00

• David Watkins, David K Watkins, Nancy Watkins, and Nancy A Watkins to David K Watkins, trustee, Nancy A Watkins, and Watkins Family Trust, one parcel in Leaf River Township: 04-18-200-007, $0.00

• David Watkins, David K Watkins, Nancy Watkins, and Nancy A Watkins to David K Watkins, trustee, Nancy A Watkins, trustee, and Watkins Family Trust, one parcel in Leaf River Township: 04-18-200-007, $0.00

• Arnold D Diehl and Marilyn A Diehl to Arnold D Diehl, trustee, Arnold D Diehl Trust, Marilyn A Diehl, trustee, and Marilyn A Diehl Trust, four parcels in Buffalo Township: 14-09-328-011, 14-09-378-017, 14-16-256007, and 14-6-380-001, $0.00

• Brian L Swanstrom and Diane Swanstrom to Brian L Swanstrom, trustee, Diane L Swanstrom, trustee, and Brian & Diane

Swanstrom Family Trust, one parcel in Maryland Township: 02-02-100-003, $0.00

• Brian A Zumdahl and Renna M Zumdahl to Renna M Zumdahl, trustee, and Renna M Zumdahl Trust, 9601 N. IL Route 26, Forreston, $0.00

• Brian A Zumdahl and Renna M Zumdahl to Brian A Zumdahl, trustee, and Brian A Zumdahl Trust, 9601 N. IL Route 26, Forreston, $0.00

• David K Anspach, trustee, and Kenneth L Anspach Trust to Michael J Speer, 512 S. Garden Ave., Forreston, $150,000

• Christine M Lewis, trustee, and Arlene M Horst Restatement Trust to Christine M Lewis, trustee, and Donald L Horst Restatement Trust, one parcel in Mt. Morris Township: 08-09-400-008, $0.00

Executor’s Deeds

• James R Milligan, deceased by executors, and Estate of James R Milligan to Malcom W Milligan, Jacque K Rowland, trustee, Martha A. Ashcraft, trustee, and James R Milligan Trust, 13 parcels: 18-07-200-006, 18-08100-003, 18-09-400-002, 18-10-300-002, 18-15-300-002, 18-15-300-003, 18-15-300004, 18-15-400-002, 18-17-251-001, 18-17-276-001, 18-22-100-001, 18-22-100001, 18-22-100-002 $0.00

Source: Ogle County Recorder’s Office

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, the 17th of March, 2026, the following proposition will be submitted to the voters of Ogle County and State of Illinois.

PROPOSITION

OGLE COUNTY FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT ADVISORY REFERENDUM

Should Illinois opt into a federal program that would provide Public K-12, private school, and homeschool students with privately donated funds for academic needs, such as tutoring and test preparation, educational therapies for students with disabilities, tuition, books, exam fees or for other specified academic needs?

YES NO

The polls at the election will be open at 6:00 o’clock A.M. and will continue to be open until 7:00 o’clock P.M. of that day.

Dated this 1st day of February, 2026.

Rebecca K. Duke County Clerk

The County of Ogle and State of IIlinois

Defense gets more time in Dixon standoff case

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

An attorney for a rural Dixon man who is accused of shooting three police officers during a standoff at his home in June 2024 asked for and received more time Wednesday to review evidence.

Jonathon Gounaris, 33, will appear in court again at 1:30 p.m. March 11 after his attorney, William Wolf of Wolf Criminal Law in Chicago, told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe that he needed more time to review discovery evidence provided by the state’s attorney’s office.

“We still have a good amount of discovery that we are going through,” Wolf told Roe. “I am asking for 30 to 45 days.”

Discovery is the pretrial process in which attorneys share information and evidence that they plan on using in the defense or prosecution of the defendant.

Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse did not object to the continuance.

Gounaris is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possessing a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and demanded a jury trial.

The charges stem from a June 12, 2024, standoff with police at his home in the Lost Lake subdivision near Dixon.

Gounaris was arrested after authorities were dispatched at 9 a.m. June 12, 2024, to his home in the 400 block of Wild Rice Lane with a warning that they could be facing a “suicide by cop” situation.

The sheriff’s office activated the

emergency response team, which is made up of individuals from different agencies that include the sheriff’s office, Oregon and Byron police departments, and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department.

During an exchange of gunfire with Gounaris, tactical medic Tyler Carls of the Rochelle Fire Department was struck twice in his body armor; Sgt. Tad Dominski, then a member of the Oregon Police Department, suffered a gunshot wound to the upper arm; and Lt. Jason Ketter of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office suffered a gunshot wound to the face.

Ketter was flown to OSF Medical Center in Rockford, where he underwent surgery and was released two days later. Dominski and Carls were treated at St. Katharine OSF Hospital in Dixon and released later the same day.

Gounaris also was struck during the exchange and suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

He was treated at St. Katharine’s before being transported and booked into the Winnebago County Jail in Rockford, where he has remained despite efforts by defense attorneys to have him released as his case proceeds through the court system.

Roe remanded Gounaris to the Winnebago County Jail.

Attempted first-degree murder is a Class X felony punishable by a special prison sentence of 20 to 80 years followed by 3 years of mandatory supervised release. Aggravated discharge of a firearm is a Class X felony punishable by a special prison sentence of 10 to 45 years followed by three years of mandatory supervised release.

Aggravated battery is a Class X felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison. Possession of a firearm without a FOID card is a Class 3 felony punishable by a sentence of 2 to 5 years in prison.

Activist seeks to have false report charges dropped

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com and EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

An Ogle County judge will hear arguments in March for motions filed by a Chicago woman’s attorneys seeking to dismiss charges of falsely reporting a shooting near Rochelle in May 2025.

Jodie Wiederkehr, 56, the campaign director of Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, is charged with two counts of falsely reporting an offense, a Class 4 felony, and one count of harassment by telephone, a misdemeanor. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in August 2025.

SHARK has been advocating for the closure of a rodeo held at Rancho La Esperanza, on Ritchie Road south of Rochelle, that has hosted steer-tailing events.

The rodeo has continued to operate under a permanent special-use permit issued by the county, records show. The most recent event was held Oct. 18, 2025.

The charges against Wiederkehr stem from May 25, 2025, when prosecutors allege she repeatedly called 911 and told an Ogle County dispatcher that she

On Wednesday, Wiederkehr appeared before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska for a status hearing.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten asked for more time to respond to motions filed Jan. 20 by Wiederkehr’s attorneys, Brad Thomson of Chicago and Chris Carraway of Colorado. He said the state needed 45 days to respond.

Those three motions ask the court to dismiss all charges, arguing that they violate Wiederkehr’s right to free speech and are a result of vindictive prosecution.

Wiederkehr’s attorneys also filed a motion in October 2025 requesting an extensive list of discovery items from the state, including all documents, reports and dispatch calls from May 1 to June 17 concerning the rodeo, among several other items. At a hearing Dec. 3, 2025, Leiston said he planned to file a written objection to that motion.

saw someone get shot at 16989 Ritchie Road, the location of the rodeo, when she knew what she was telling them was not true, Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said in a previous inter-

view with Shaw Local. Wiederkehr’s attorneys have argued that the context is important, and the intent of those calls was to report animal cruelty.

Peska said all arguments will be heard at Wiederkehr’s next court appearance at 1:30 p.m. March 24.

“I will block off the entire afternoon,” said Peska, striking February dates for Wiederkehr’s final pretrial hearing and trial.

Leaf River Soaring Eagles bowl in 4-H tournament

IT’S YOUR WRITE

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: Beliefs that unite us

Protecting democracy in challenging times: Recent events across our country have underscored how vital it is to defend the principles of democracy. Our nation’s history is filled with examples of resilience, particularly the determination exhibited by American patriots some 250 years ago against the king’s loyalists. This legacy teaches us that freedom is never guaranteed and must be actively protected by each generation. We are continually called upon to protect the democratic principles that define our nation. This individual responsibility is not only a duty but an opportunity to affirm what matters most.

Key questions for reflection: What lies at the heart of democracy? Does it rest upon independence and personal choice, due process, freedom of assembly, the

right to bear arms, freedom of speech and worship?

Should it include access to education, health care, property ownership, job opportunities, and the right to vote for all?

Stand up for democracy.

As we reflect on these essential questions, please join us on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, to celebrate democracy and reaffirm its significance in our everyday lives. The rally will take place at the Ogle County Courthouse from 12:30-2 p.m.

Your presence counts.

When we show up together – peacefully, visibly, and in community – we strengthen the values we care about and remind one another that participation is how democracy stays strong. Please keep messages positive to visually represent democratic ideals we stand for.

Teresa Jacobsen, Ogle County Indivisible Ogle County

Kishwaukee College Foundation names spring

2026 Ogle County-area scholarship recipients

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Kishwaukee College Foundation recently announced the student scholarship recipients for the spring 2026 semester. The foundation awarded 335 scholarships totaling $267,526.

Scholarship funds are made possible through generous gifts from community members, local businesses and industry, and area agencies and associations. Students are selected on a competitive basis according to each scholarship’s specific requirements.

Ogle County-area Kishwaukee College students received the following awards:

Beulah & Roberta Hackett Endowment – Ashley Cadie of Oregon

Doris V. & Suzanne K. Lewis Memorial Endowment – Logan Popp of Lindenwood

Kenneth & Susan Doubler Scholarship Fund – Jack Anderson of Chana LaVerne “Dutch” Johnson Endowment – Lillie Gebel of Davis Junction, Andrew Gibbs of Monroe Center

Mark Brisbin Memorial Scholarship – Andrew Gibbs of Monroe Center

Rowland & Lucile Matteson Endowment – Grace Luxton of Kings, Michelle McCandless of Kings

Ruth Ashelford Pollock Horticulture Fund – Grace Luxton of Kings, Michelle McCandless of Kings

Vernon & Dorothy Smith Memorial Scholarship – Rylee Jackson of Chana

The Kishwaukee College Foundation scholarship application period for the fall 2026 semester is open through Friday, March 13. For more information on foundation scholarships, call the Kishwaukee College Foundation at 815-8259803 or visit kish.edu/kcfscholarships.

Ogle County students named to Iowa State University fall 2025 Dean’s List

More than 11,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2025 fall semester Dean’s List.

Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded

Education, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Students from the Ogle County area who achieved the honor include:

Baileyville: Mya Greenfield, English - B.A., Forreston High School. Sydney Regez, Communicative Disorders, Forreston High School.

Byron: Austin Coyne, Mechanical Eng-Sustainable Eng, Byron High School. Rosalyn Goldstick, ELED-General Elementary Education, Stillman Valley High School. Hailey Groharing, Marketing - B.S. Conner Lee, Mechanical Engineering - B.S. Trevor Miller, Accountancy, Stillman Valley High School. Jaden Palzkill, ELED-General Elementary Education, Byron High School. Maria Robinson, Art Studio, Byron High School.

Chana: Sonya Plescia, Pre-Nursing, Oregon High School.

Davis Junction: Cody Blevins, Manufacturing Engineering Tech, Stillman Valley High School. Jacob Blevins, Manufacturing Engineering Tech, Stillman Valley High School. Kylie Hall, Art and Design Education, Stillman Valley High School. Liam O’Sullivan, Mechanical Engineering - B.S. Olivia Paluzzi, Family Social Services, Stillman Valley High School. Madeline Smith, ELED-General Elementary Education, Stillman Valley High School. Emma Underwood, Psychology - B.S., East High School.

coursework.

Ogle County students who made the list include: Byron’s Hunter Faith Bargren, Elementary Education, B.S.; Nick Cassens, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.; Eric Detig, Management, B.S.; Gianna Franchi, Biology, B.S. (LAS) and Shannon McHale, English, B.A.

Leaf River’s Alex Milnes, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Lindenwood’s Jack Richolson, Agricultural Studies, B.S.

Monroe Center’s Tyler Dean Hall, Agricultural Studies, B.S.

Mt. Morris’s Andrew McKanna, Industrial Design, B.I.D.

Oregon’s Matthew J. Kuehn, Mechanical Engineering, B.S. and Valerie Ann Nyderek, Biochemistry, B.S. (AGLS).

Polo’s Joseph Lee Bardell, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.; Isabella Bergstrom, Biology, B.S. (LAS); Molly Marie Blum, Agronomy, B.S.; Nicole Lee Boelens, English, B.A. and Harper Leigh Clark, Microbiology, B.S.

Ogle County-area students named to NIU fall 2025 Dean’s List

Northern Illinois University recently announced its fall 2025 Dean’s List students.

To earn this distinction, students must meet a minimum semester gradepoint average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in the colleges of Business,

Esmond: Aiden Roschi, Biological Sciences - B.S., Eagle River High School. Forreston: Taylor Akins, Health Sciences-General, Forreston High School. Autum Pritchard, Health Sciences-General, Forreston High School. Marisa Vogt, Kinesiology, Forreston High School.

Leaf River: Mary Baier, Early Childhood Education, Byron High School. Trent Lange, Biological Sciences - B.S., Whiteland Community High School.

Mt. Morris: Lillian Garncarz, Biological Sciences - B.S., Oregon High School.

Oregon: Gabriele Hoyle, Kinesiology, Oregon High School. Frances West, Art Studio.

Polo: Emileigh Williams, Communicative Disorders, Polo Community High School.

Chicago man sentenced to 8 years in prison for firearm possession

By EARLEEN HINTON

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

A Chicago man was sentenced to 8 years in prison Wednesday for possessing a firearm as a felon – an offense his attorney said was a result of drug and alcohol abuse.

John D. Carew, 27, pleaded guilty to the 2025 felony offense as he appeared in court with his attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, in front of Ogle County Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Peska.

Isley told Peska that a plea agreement had been reached with the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office wherein Carew would be sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in return for his guilty plea.

“He will receive 316 days credit for time served,” Isley told Peska. “He will serve this sentence at 50 percent with 12 months of mandatory supervised release upon his release.”

Isley asked that Carew be placed in a treatment program for drug and alcohol abuse.

Carew was arrested March 25, 2025, following a 9:40 p.m. traffic stop by the Illinois State Police on I-39 south of Lindenwood.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten said Carew was on mandatory supervised release for a Cook County charge when his vehicle was stopped and subsequently searched.

According to tickets issued by state

John D. Carew

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Ogle County residential electronics recycling event scheduled Feb. 27

The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department will host a residential electronics recycling event Friday, Feb. 27.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 909 Pines Road in Oregon.

police, Carew’s driver’s license expired in October 2022.

Leisten said Carew’s criminal history included felony weapons convictions in Stephenson and Cook counties, as well as a possession of a stolen vehicle charge.

Leisten said Carew had been sentenced to prison on some of those charges.

During the search of his Chrysler sedan, police also found less than 50 grams of oxycodone and a substance containing alprazolam. Those charges –including the driving with a revoked license charge – were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

When asked by Peska if he wanted to make a statement after pleading guilty, Carew asked why the drug charges had been dismissed.

“It’s the state’s right to dismiss them,” Peska replied. “Those charges are not being pursued.”

Peska said that the use of the illicit drugs appeared to be the nexus (link) to Carew’s behavior.

“Hopefully you will get some treatment so you can start with a clean plate when you get out,” Peska told Carew. “Do that, OK?”

Carew had been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest in March 2025.

This event is for Ogle County residents only and a free permit is required in advance of the event. To obtain a free permit call 815-732-4020 or email solidwaste@oglecountyil.gov and provide your name, address, phone number and email address by 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. No permits will be issued the day of the event, as all office staff will be outside working.

Accepted items include all residential televisions and computer monitors, computers, computer hardware and cables, laptops, tablets, cellphones, printers, fax machines, scanners, shredders (no tubs), copiers, video gaming equipment, DVD/VCRs, cable/ satellite boxes, stereo equipment, radios,

digital clocks, cameras, calculators, phone systems, holiday light strands, extension cords, alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, printer ink cartridges, CD/DVDs, and CFL bulbs. Microwave ovens are accepted for $5 per unit. Cash or check will be accepted. Large toner cartridges are no longer accepted at the residential electronic recycling events. They can be taken to office supply stores, or they can be recycled through the department’s business recycling program for a nominal fee.

Limit seven large or bulky items per permit and one permit per county household per month. Business or institutional electronic materials are not accepted at these events. Business or institutional electronics are accepted by the OCSWMD via a separate program. Call the number above for more information and pricing for business electronic recycling, and to make an appointment for drop-off of the materials to be recycled.

– Shaw Local News Network

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Cypress Creek Renewables offering scholarships

Cypress Creek Renewables (Cypress Creek) recently announced the continuation of its Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program.

After awarding $115,000 in scholarships across 25 counties in 2025, the program is being offered to high school seniors in 32 communities this year, including in Ogle County.

Cypress Creek will award $2,500 one-time scholarships to graduating high school seniors across the United States who have an interest in the energy industry or STEM-related careers.

“At Cypress Creek, we take great pride in our support for the communities where we live and work. Our scholarship program is one of the most meaningful ways we uphold our commitment to being a good neighbor, and to date, it has provided more than $200,000 to students across the country pursuing higher education goals,” said Sarah Slusser, chief executive officer of Cypress Creek. “We’re proud to be once again investing in the next generation of leaders who will power our future, both literally and figuratively, as we continue to expand this program to reach even more students in towns and counties nationwide.”

Graduating seniors attending schools in Ogle County will be selected and awarded $2,500 each for tuition, housing or books and materials. Students pursuing a four-year, two-year or certificate program at an accredited university, college or community college located in the United States are eligible.

More information about the Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program,

including application and eligibility requirements, can be found by visiting ccrenew.com/scholarships. The deadline to apply is April 10.

Ogle County opens Partners for Conservation cost-share signup

The Ogle County Soil & Water Conservation District has opened applications for the 2026 Partners for Conservation cost-share program, offering financial assistance to landowners and producers implementing approved conservation practices. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 27.

The PFC program provides state-funded, cost-share assistance of up to 75% for a wide range of conservation measures designed to protect soil health, improve water quality, and support long-term land productivity. Eligible practices include cover crops, no-till and strip-till systems, pollinator habitat plantings, grassed waterways, terraces, filter strips, grade stabilization structures, saturated buffers, denitrifying bioreactors, rain gardens and other resource-conserving projects.

All practices must receive approval from the SWCD prior to installation to qualify for funding.

“Cost-share programs like PFC help reduce financial barriers for landowners who want to invest in conservation,” according to a district news release.

“These practices not only protect natural resources but also strengthen the long-term productivity and resilience of working lands.”

Interested landowners should contact Ogle County SWCD to begin the process. Staff will schedule a site visit to discuss

goals, assess eligibility, and guide applicants through the approval and reimbursement steps.

Contact Ogle County SWCD at 815-7326127, ext. 3, or woodyatt.ogleswcd@ gmail.com.

2 from Polo named new members of American Angus Association

Brayden Daniel Deuth and Brock Thomas Deuth of Polo were recently named new junior members of the American Angus Association, said Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Junior members of the association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members. Visit NJAA.info for more information about the National Junior Angus Association.

University of Alabama names dean’s, president’s list students

A total of 15,388 students enrolled during fall semester 2025 at the University of Alabama were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0 (all As).

Ogle County students named to the list are:

Fynn Remhof of Byron, who was named to the dean’s list.

Gage Zeigler and Rebekah Zeigler of Polo, who were named to the president’s list.

Oregon’s Sadler named to Nebraska dean’s list for fall 2025

More than 7,000 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

Peytyn Alizabeth Sadler of Oregon, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the list. She is majoring in psychology and political science.

– Shaw Local News Network

Byron, Stillman Valley game did not disappoint

SPORTS VIEWS

Andy Colbert

Anytime Byron and Stillman Valley get together for girls basketball, fans are treated to a high level of competitiveness. Last Thursday’s game at Stillman Valley was no exception, and I was glad to be in attendance.

At first, it looked like the state-ranked Tigers were in control. Then, the ferocity shown by Stillman kicked into high gear and they managed to tie things up midway through the third quarter.

From then on, it was a dog fight, with the Cardinals’ physical presence leading to a 47-40 advantage, as shouts of “overrated” came from the SV student section.

That’s a misnomer. Byron isn’t overrated. It’s just that Stillman was playing top-notch ball, as Byron coach Eric Yerly acknowledged when he said games like this get his team ready for the postseason.

With a more experienced unit, Byron clawed back and won 54-49, with a Malia Morton lay-up off a steal and four straight free throws by all-time leading scorer Macy Groharing sealing the win.

Could these two teams meet again in the playoffs?

If so, it will be another fun one. With the 2A seedings announced earlier that

OGLE COUNTY SPORTS ROUNDUP

By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Girls basketball

Polo 59, Morrison 24: Cam Jones posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the win. Else Monaco added 14 points for Polo.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Girls basketball

Byron clinches BNC title: With Stillman Valley holding the lead for much of the fourth quarter, it was Byron (24-2, 9-0) coming back in the final minute to clinch its fourth straight Big Northern Conference girls basketball title with a 54-49 win. Last year, Byron, Dixon and Stillman tied for the crown, all at 8-1.

Malia Morton had a steal and lay-up to tie the game at 49-49 with less than 2 minutes to play. Then, all-time leading scorer Macy Groharing made four straight free throws to seal the win.

afternoon, Byron is No. 1 in the sub-sectional and Stillman is No. 3. Since both teams will be in different regionals, it would not be until a sectional final that they could meet.

For now, Byron is savoring its fourth straight title in such a tough league.

“I’m extremely pleased to get four in a row,” Byron coach Eric Yerly said. “To go 35-1 the last four years in a conference as competitive as the Big Northern is quite an accomplishment.”

I happened to be sitting next to Byron boys coach Matt Huels, who was there to support the girls team. It’s very handy to sit next to a knowledgeable person like that, who can answer my questions and explain what is going on.

Matt appreciated how well the girls share the ball and everyone knows how to get to their spot on the floor. That way, he explained, it’s hard for opponents to focus on just Macy and Malia.

Leber honored

Another pleasure of the evening was seeing Scott Leber of WTVO/WQRF television honored at halftime for his distinguished career covering high-school sports. Since 1989, Leber has been a vibrant part of the northern Illinois sports scene with endless hours devoted to his craft.

When he came to Rockford from his home state of Ohio at age 26, Leber’s intention was to stay for a year or two

and try for a position in a bigger market like Cleveland or Columbus.

“I sent videos out of my work, but a problem I had was looking too young. Even though I was 26, people told me I looked like I was 15,” Leber said. “After a few years here, some family stuff came up and I eventually decided to stay, so I could be here with my special-needs son.”

Upon being notified by the IHSA that he was an award winner, Leber was given the choice of where he would like to receive it.

“Even though I live in Rockford, I grew up in a small town like Stillman Valley and other ones around here,” he said. “I love the way these towns support their teams. I’ve covered NIU in the Orange Bowl, the Bears in the Super Bowl and the Cubs when they beat Cleveland in the World Series, but I still prefer high school sports.”

Athletic Directors Henry Robison of Stillman Valley and Jeff Milburn of Byron nominated Scott for the award. Each year, the IHSA honors three or four media members statewide for longevity in the field and perspective in reporting.

“We are so blessed to have Scott stay here his entire career,” Milburn said. “It’s incredible the time he puts in and the dedication he shows toward showcasing area sports.”

Investigation

Before leaving Stillman Valley that

evening, there was also a curiosity that needed investigation.

It was my mom from Rochelle who casually mentioned the name Groharing to me upon seeing an article I wrote on Byron basketball when Macy Groharing was a freshman. She had also heard the Groharing name from her good friends in Byron, the Stoddards.

Mom told of going away for the summer of 1946 from her home in Iowa City as an 11-year-old to Hanover to babysit her younger cousins. It may sound odd now, but back then, that’s what children sometimes had to do.

Anyway, one of those cousins she babysat eventually married a Groharing and had a son, David, who worked at the nuclear plant in Byron, though he is now deceased. Could there be a connection to Macy, she wondered. It seemed a bit trivial to me, so I never bothered to find out, until now. After the Stillman game was over, I asked Macy if she ever heard of a David Groharing. Sure enough, it was a cousin of her dad, and I was finally able to report back to my mom that her question had an answer.

A more complicated question would be – does that make us Colberts and Groharings distant relatives?

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

Oregon 51, North Boone 25: Aniyah Sarver led the Hawks with 16 points. Avery Kitzmiller added 13 in the BNC win.

Boys basketball

Eastland 65, Morrison 35: Parker Krogman scored 16 points, Zy Haverland had 14, and Perry Stoner added 10 in the road win. Brayden Rubright led Morrison with 11 points.

Polo 42, Milledgeville 34: Mercer Mumford led the Marcos with 21 points in the home win. Bryson Wiersema led the Missiles with 10 points.

Friday, Feb. 6

Girls basketball

Dakota 41, Forreston 29: At Dakota, Hailee Vogt scored 13 points and Alice Kobler added nine for Forreston.

Boys basketball

Oregon 63, Rockford Lutheran 50: At Rockford, Cooper Johnson scored 16 points and Benny Olalde added 14 as the Hawks won in the Big Northern. Nole Campos scored 11 and Keaton Salsbury

10 for Oregon.

Girls bowling

IHSA LaSalle-Peru Regional: At the Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru, Dixon finished second and advanced as a team to the Harlem sectional next Saturday. Sterling finished third and advanced as a team. Sarah Doughty rolled a 1,214 to lead the way and take second. Carli Bailey of Oregon advanced as an individual.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Girls wrestling

Four area girls win regional titles: At the Belvidere Regional, Newman’s Blair Grennan (110 pounds), Fulton’s Tessa Fosdick (115) and Kerby Germann (130), and Rock Falls’ Ryleigh Eriks (125) won their weight class.

The top 4 finishers advanced to the DeKalb Individual Sectional on Friday, Feb. 13.

Finishing second were Oregon’s Kendra Ige (100), Erie-Prophetstown’s Rozlyn Mosher (110), E-P’s Michelle Naf -

tzger (135), and Byron’s Rylie Dach (115). Finishing third were Newman’s Kaylee Benyo (120), E-P’s Ryleigh Stephens (130), Dixon’s Alana Lorenzen (140), Stillman Valley’s Kae Costello (155), and Sterling’s Vivianna Torres (145).

Rochelle’s Cammyla Macias (125) and Arianna Tamayo (235) took fourth.

Polo’s Aubrey Herndon (135), Aleah Pennington (145), Ella Gonzalez (110), and Lucy Bawinkel (105) competed but did not finish in the top four places in their weight divisions to advance.

Girls basketball

Polo 62, Hinckley Big Rock 54: Cam Jones led Polo with 29 points and Carlee Grobe had 15 in the road win.

Forreston 42, Lena-Winslow 23: Hailee Vogt led the Cardinals with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Oregon 48, Rock Falls 27: Aniyah Sarver led the Hawks with 22 points in the home win. Julia Renner led the Rockets with 14 points.

CLASSIFIED

E-filing mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service pr ovider Visit https://efi le.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders to learn more and to select a service provid er If you need additional help or hav e trouble e-filing, visit https://illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.

Kimbe rl y Stahl Circuit Clerk

Nicole M. Bauer, #6236680

CIRCUIT COUNTY OF OGLE

In re the E state of: ROGER H. BARNARD, Deceased 2026 PR 6 CL AIM NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

U.S BANK , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN

2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff,

-vs-

JUAN M BELMONTE; MANUELA HERRERA, AKA MANUELA HERRERA BEL MONTE; Defendan t(s).

CASE NO 2025FC22 Prope rty Address: 1115 Lakeview Dr Rochelle, IL 61068

NOTICE OF SHE RIFF 'S SALE

Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on October 6, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickl e of Ogle County, Illinois, wi ll hold a sale on March 6, 2026, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bidd ers the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit:

Commonly known as: 1115 Lakeview Dr, Roche lle, IL 61068 P.I.N.: 24-26-232-007

First Lien Posi tion; Single-Family Residence ; Judgment Amount $144,734.18 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.

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

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

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

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 453-6960 midwestpleadings@dallegal.com 8190-961452 Forreston Journal Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 2026 961452

STATE OF IL LINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RUTH L. STAUFFER, Deceased IN PROBATE NO. 2026PR11 CL AIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of Ruth L. Stauffer. Letters of office were issued on February 3, 2026, to Karen M. Dickinson of 9069 North Main St, Leaf River, IL 61047, and Ronald N. Stauffer of 8529 IL RT 64 W, Polo IL 61064, as Independent Co-Executors, wh ose attorney is Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodde n, Ltd., 10 N Galena Ave nue, P.O Box 839, Freeport, IL 61032. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of the court, or with the representative, or both, on or before August 13, 2026, or wi thin 3 months from date of mailing or delivery of notice to cred itors, if required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, as amended, wh ichever date is later Any claim not filed on or before that date is barr ed. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten days after i t has been filed.

sued on February 3, 2026, to Karen M. Dickinson of 9069 North Main St, Leaf River, IL 61047, and Ronald N. Stauffer of 8529 IL RT 64 W, Polo IL 61064, as Independent Co-Executors, wh ose attorney is Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodde n, Ltd., 10 N Galena Ave nue, P.O Box 839, Freeport, IL 61032. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of the court, or with the representative, or both, on or before August 13, 2026, or wi thin 3 months from date of mailing or delivery of notice to cred itors, if required by Section 18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act of 1975, as amended, wh ichever date is later Any claim not filed on or before that date is barr ed. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney wi thin ten days after i t has been filed.

Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd.

Attorneys for Petitioner

Lincoln-Douglas Center 10 North Galena Avenue Post Office Box 839 Freeport, IL 61032-0839 (815) 235-1212

E-mail: nbauer@ plager-law.com

February 13, 20, 27, 2026

Notice is given of the death of ROGER H. BARNARD Letters of Office were issued on January 27, 2026, to TORY J WILLARD, as Independent Executor Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later

Public notice

hereby given to

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service pr ovider Visit https://efi le.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders to learn more and to select a service provid er If you need additional help or hav e trouble e-filing, visit https://illinois courts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp

Kimbe rl y Stahl Circuit Clerk Nicole M. Bauer, #6236680

Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd. Attorneys for Petitioner

Lincoln-Douglas Center 10 North Galena Avenue Post Office Box 839 Freeport, IL 61032-0839 (815) 235-1212

E-mail: nbauer@ plager-law.com

February 13, 20, 27, 2026

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

In re the E state of: ROGER H. BARNARD, Deceased 2026 PR 6 CL AIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of ROGER H. BARNARD Letters of Office were issued on January 27, 2026, to TORY J WILLARD, as Independent Executor

Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

By: TORY J. WILLARD Independent Executor Law Office s of M. THOMAS SUITS, P.C. 114 W. Mason St. Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2276 tom@suitslegal com

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 2026

persons in the City of Polo that a Public Hearing will be held in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals at 6:00p.m on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in the Polo City Council room, 118 South Franklin Avenue, Polo, Illinois to hear a request filed by John and Amanda Carroll for a change in zoning of TwoFamily Residence District (R-2) to One-Family Residence District (R-1) of 505 S. Congress Ave. This zoning change would be for Parcel ID 1416-182-018, otherwi se known as 505 S. Congress Ave., Polo, IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sy dney Bartel t, CMC City Clerk Feb. 13, 20, 2026

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E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account wi th an e- filing service pr ovider Visit https://efi le.illinois courts.gov/serviceproviders to learn

Claims against the estate may be filed within six (6) months from the date of first publication, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing ordelivery is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Illinois Probate Act, 197 5, as amended, whichever date is later Any claim not filed by the requisite date stated above shall be barred. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Ogle County JudicialCenter, 106 South 5th Street, Or egon, IL 61061 or with the esta te legal representative, or both. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING

blic notice is hereby given to all rsons in the City Polo that a blic Hearing will held in front of Zoning Board Appeals at 6:00p.m on TuesFebruary 24, 6 in the Polo Council room, South Franklin enue, Polo, Illito hear a reest filed by John Amanda Caror a change in ning of Twomily Residence District (R-2) to e-Family Resice District (R-1) 505 S. Congress This zoning ange would be Parcel ID 1416-182-018, otherknown as 505 Congress Ave., , IL, Ogle County Illinois. Sy dney Bartelt, CMC City Clerk 13, 20, 2026 Don't

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ¬OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

U.S BANK , NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, -vs-

JUAN M BELMONTE; MANUELA HERRERA, AKA MANUELA HERRERA

BEL MONTE; Defendan t(s).

CASE NO 2025FC22 Prope rty Address: 1115 Lakeview Dr Rochelle, IL 61068

NOTICE OF SHE RIFF 'S SALE

Pub lic notice is hereby given that in pursuance of a judgment of said Court entered in the above-entitled cause on October 6, 2025, I, Sheriff Brian VanVickl e of Ogle County, Illinois, wi ll hold a sale on March 6, 2026, commencing at 10:00AM, Ogle County Sheriff's Office, 202 S. 1st Street, Oregon, IL 61061, to sell to the highest bidder or bidd ers the following desc ribed real estate, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy said decree, to wit: LOT 8 IN BLOCK 2 IN LAKEVIEW SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF ROCHELLE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK I OF PLATS, PAGE 7, IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE IN OGLE COUNTY,ILLINOIS

Commonly known as: 1115 Lakeview Dr, Roche lle, IL 61068 P.I.N.: 24-26-232-007

First Lien Posi tion; Single-Family Residence ; Judgment Amount $144,734.18 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 735 ILCS 5/15- 1507(c) (1)(H- 1) AND (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9 (G)(5) , AND 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN A MORTGAGEE, SHALL PAY THE A SSESSME NTS AND LEGAL FEES REQUIRE D BY SUBSECTIONS (g)(1) AND (g)(4) OF SECTION 9 AND THE ASSESSMENTS AND COURT COSTS REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (g-1) OF SECTION 18.5 OF THE ILLINOIS CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT.

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

The person to contact for information regarding this property is:

Sales Department at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 453-6960. For bidding instructions, visit www.dallegal.com 24 hours prior to sa le

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

Diaz Anselmo & Associates, LLC 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 45 3-6960 midwestpleadings@da llegal.com 8190-961452 Forreston Journal Jan . 30, Feb. 6, 13, 2026 961452

The Classifieds: Your Ticket to Local Finds

Girls wrestling

Area girl wrestlers competed Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Belvidere Regional. They all hoped to take the next step in the journey to state.

Byron’s Caden Considine signs with Illinois on full-ride scholarship:

2-time state champion, son of former NFL safety Sean Considine rushed for 5,104 yards, 78 TDs for Byron

By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com

A record-setting state championship performance created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Byron senior star Caden Considine.

One of Byron’s all-time great players, Considine shouldered the load as the Tigers held off Tolono Unity 56-50 in a shootout for the IHSA Class 3A state title.

Considine, a two-way starter, erupted for 367 rushing yards, shattering the previous 3A state title game record of 270 set by IC Catholic Prep’s Jordan Rowell in 2016.

Considine, who added 13 tackles at linebacker, also clinched the game on the defensive end. With 16 seconds remaining and Byron facing a fourth-and-goal situation, Considine broke up a pass to the end zone and secured the team’s second title in three years. The Tigers went 49-3 during Considine’s four-year varsity career.

“To do it with the guys you’ve grown up with your whole life... it’s a surreal feeling,” Considine said. “I was more of a leader on that team, being a senior, so I had a bit more of an important role. It wasn’t just what I was doing on the field. It was also what I was doing in the locker room or at practice making sure everyone was working hard and I kept morale up... It was a dream come true.”

Considine’s outstanding individual effort garnered the attention of Pat Ryan, director of Illinois high school relations at the University of Illinois. Already with offers from North Dakota State, Western Illinois and Iowa as a walk-on, Considine visited Illinois, where he learned that coach Bret Bielema had a full-ride scholarship for him.

“Pat Ryan was at our state championship game and he really liked what he saw,” Considine said. “Coach [Bielema] offered me a full-ride scholarship, so it was a done deal from that point... We knew coach [Bielema] was one of the best

‘It’s a dream

come true’

Considine ran for 2,119 yards and 36 scores while adding 84 tackles and three interceptions as Byron went 14-0.

“I’ve always been a competitor,” said Considine, a three-sport athlete who plays basketball and baseball at Byron. “When I step on the field, I’m working harder than the guy across from me or I’m making the hustle play. I feel like that’s my best attribute and the thing that makes me stand out when I’m playing sports.”

An immediate contributor as a freshman, Considine went for 1,630 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns with 76 tackles and 11 TFLs as a sophomore. Considine, who earned 3A All-State honors, guided the Tigers to a 14-0 record and a 69-7 thrashing of Mt. Carmel in the 3A state championship game. It was one of the best seasons in school history, as Byron scored 823 points and allowed just 94.

“He’s made a big jump with his speed,” Boyer said. “His numbers at camps this summer really stood out. He was like another coach on the field and he was able to recognize formations and get us lined up correctly. ... For him on offense, it was basically just getting him the ball, getting him into space and letting him do his thing.”

of the best, but we wanted to see the staff around him. ... They did nothing but impress on the visit. The character and integrity they showed really stood out.”

Almost immediately after receiving the offer, Considine committed and has since signed to continue his career with the Fighting Illini. Considine’s relationship with Bielema extends to his father, former Iowa safety and Super Bowl XLVII champion Sean Considine. Sean, who played for five teams across eight NFL seasons, was recruited to Iowa by Bielema, who at the time was Iowa’s linebackers coach.

“When coach [Bielema] offered me that scholarship at the Big Ten level, the level my dad played at, it was a dream come true,” Caden said. “There was no reason for me to turn that opportunity down. Coach [Bielema] is giving me a shot and he believes in me... I may not have the height, but I have the speed and I have the strength.”

Considine, who wears the No. 37 after his father, finished his time at Byron as a

two-time state champion, a two-time Class 3A All-State honoree and a fourtime All-Big Northern Conference player. Considine churned for 5,104 rushing yards and 78 touchdowns at running back while posting 284 tackles, six interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two touchdowns at linebacker.

“It was unreal to see what he put together in the playoffs,” Byron coach Jeff Boyer said. “He’s a great player and his four years were incredible. What he’s done in terms of his leadership in our program on and off the field. ... There are a lot of young guys who look up to Caden Considine and want to be No. 37 now because of the impact he’s had and his support for those kids. Caden is a great leader.”

Following the footsteps of his father, a former Byron star who led the Tigers to a state championship in 1999, Caden Considine will move to safety at Illinois. Considine, who aims to compete for time on special teams early in his career, had a monster senior season for the Tigers.

Considine’s family roots are rich with athletic prowess. In addition to his father, Considine’s grandfather, Rick, played football at NIU. His uncle, Casey Cline, played football at Illinois State and two of his relatives were athletes at Iowa. His uncle, Ryan Considine, was a baseball player and his aunt, Megan Cline, played basketball.

But Caden’s biggest role model has been his father, Sean, whose NFL career concluded after helping the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII. Caden, who’s played football for almost his whole life, still recalls the earliest memories he formed during the latter stages of his father’s playing days.

“The day before the Super Bowl, there was a daycare that all of the kids were sent to,” Caden said. “Ed Reed’s son and I were playing football with all of the other kids and his son lit me up. I broke my leg the day before the Super Bowl and no one knew. I was crying and everything, but they thought I was being a baby. We found out that I broke three bones in my leg. That’s kind of a funny story.”

Hot start sends Dixon past BNC-rival Oregon

Dixon Dukes pick up wire-to-wire win over Hawks at Lancaster Gym

By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent

A hot start led to a wire-to-wire win for Dixon on Tuesday over Big Northern Conference rival Oregon.

The Dukes led by double digits less than three minutes into the game and never trailed in a 60-53 victory at Lancaster Gym.

“I think it was all confidence from Saturday, coming off a big win over Lutheran,” Brody Nicklaus said. “I told the boys [before the game], ‘Let’s just come out with that same energy.’ We started off hot against Lutheran, and we just wanted to start out the same way tonight. We came out hot, got the lead and held them to eight points in a great first quarter.”

Nicklaus opened the game with a steal and layup, then Dixon (9-14, 4-2 BNC) scored the next 10 points – from three different players – to take a 12-0 lead just 2:49 in.

The last basket came on an all-out hustle play by Jimi Gosinski. He tipped a pass, then dove to the court and tapped the ball into the backcourt to keep Oregon from recovering – then dove to the court again to recover the loose ball. He managed to pass it to a streaking Xavion Jones for a layup.

“That steal by Jimi at half-court, that really set the tone and brought up our energy a lot,” Jakob Nicklaus said. “I feel like we just really pressured the ball really well. We knew we needed to do that to catch them off guard at the start.”

Trailing 18-6 late in the first, Oregon (19-7, 4-3 BNC) got seven straight points from Cooper Johnson and a 3-pointer from Brian Wallace to cut the deficit to 18-16. But two Beckham Rock jumpers sandwiched a 3 by Jakob Nicklaus as Dixon stretched the lead back to 27-19.

The Hawks got baskets from Wallace, Johnson and Ethan Peeling to make it 27-25, but Jakob and Brody Nicklaus both hit 3s to give Dixon a 34-27 lead at halftime.

The Dukes then got two 3s from each of the Nicklaus cousins in the third quarter, and Jones and Armahn McGowan

both scored inside for a 50-34 lead.

“We know we can’t slow down or let up, because that happened a couple times early in the season where we got up early and then we let off the gas and teams came back, and we ended up losing,” Jakob Nicklaus said. “It’s been kind of a tough season for us, and I feel like we’re really starting to get over a hump that we’ve been trying to get over. I think we’re seeing that we can be a good team that teams are going to have to compete with.”

The Hawks had one more run in them. Wallace hit a 3, then Keaton Salsbury, Tucker O’Brien and Benny Olalde all scored inside before another Wallace 3 and Olalde layup cut the deficit to 54-51 with 2:15 to play.

But Brody Nicklaus zipped a pass to Jones for a layup for the second time in the quarter, then hit four free throws in the final two minutes to seal the deal.

“We’ve done that the last couple games. We dig ourselves a hole, and then we’ve got to dig ourselves out of it,” Oregon coach Jarrett Reynolds said. “We just couldn’t get over the hump. If we could just not start a basketball game like that, that’s the key.”

Brody Nicklaus hit three 3s and went 6-for-6 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter to finish with 19 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and a

block for the Dukes.

Jakob Nicklaus hit four 3s and had 16 points and four rebounds, while Jones added 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

McGowan was a beast on the boards, grabbing 18 rebounds to go with six points, four steals and two assists, and Rock chipped in five points and two assists.

“We shouted out everybody in the locker room because all the hard work we’ve been putting in has been showing out. A lot of guys stepped up tonight,” Brody Nicklaus said. “When our offense was slacking, we picked it up on defense, and when our defense was slacking, we got it back on offense. It was just all-

around tonight, just kept getting confidence from different areas.”

Johnson’s 16 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists led the Hawks, and Wallace added 11 points and three steals. Olalde had nine points, four rebounds, three steals and a block. Salsbury scored six points, Peeling added five points, three rebounds and two steals, and O’Brien chipped in four points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block.

“I don’t think at this point in the season you can flush games away anymore. You want to play your best ball in the postseason,” Reynolds said. “It’s just everything from here on out is a huge learning moment, so it’s when are we going to learn? We’ll see; I hope we do.”

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1937: Maribel Vinson wins her ninth and final U.S. figure skating singles championship.

1976: American Dorothy Hamill, 19, wins the free skate to clinch the women’s figure-skating gold medal at the Innsbruck Winter Olympics.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: DIXON 45, STILLMAN VALLEY 43

Dixon pulls out defensive battle over Stillman Valley

Duchesses get just enough offense to notch BNC win at home over Cardinals

By TY REYNOLDS

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

In a defensive slog, it was a perfectly timed offensive rebound that helped Dixon pull out a 45-43 win over Stillman Valley on Saturday night at Lancaster Gym.

Addy Lohse’s three-point play on a putback with 1:12 remaining proved to be the winning basket in a low-scoring scrap between Big Northern Conference rivals.

“We definitely knew going into the game that we had to work hard for all of our rebounds,” Lohse said. “We knew that Stillman was going to fight for the boards, and we knew that was a big key that we had to take care of.”

Ahmyrie McGowan’s driving layup came off the right side of the rim, but Lohse was there to clean it up, scoring through contact before knocking down the free throw for a 44-40 Dixon lead.

Lillian Green’s driving layup got the Cardinals within 44-43 with 46 seconds to play, but they turned the ball over on their last two possessions with a chance to tie or win in the final 15 seconds.

“We know against them it’s going to be a grind-it-out game, and for us it was just keep fighting, keep fighting, give ourselves an opportunity,” Stillman coach Bobby Mellon said. “We had a couple opportunities down the stretch and did not execute. But it’s one of those games where you learn from it and get better, so we don’t make those mistakes next time.”

The Duchesses (26-3, 7-1 BNC) led 31-23 with 1:42 left in the third quarter after Morgan Hargrave’s 3-pointer. Stillman Valley (17-10, 5-4 BNC) cut the deficit to three with a 3 by Lillian Green and a post bucket by Dailene Wade, but Presley Lappin’s 3 at the third-quarter buzzer made it 34-28 Dixon.

Green put back her own miss, and Alyvia Bragg hit a jumper with 5:37 to go to get the Cardinals within 38-36, but Reese Dambman responded with a floater and then split a pair of free throws to stretch it back to 41-36 with 4:00 left.

Wade hit two free throws, then Green hit a pull-up jumper to get within 41-40 with 2:11 left, but Lohse’s key play pushed the Dixon lead back to four.

“I think for us, we kind of came out slow and played a little bit slow today,” Dambman said. “But at the end, that’s really when we needed to come together and play a little bit quicker, and I think that’s when we really took over.”

The Duchesses shot just 31.9% from the field (15 of 47) and 30.4% from 3-point range (7 of 23), but they nabbed 11 steals and forced 19 turnovers to notch their sixth straight win, 15th in the last 16 games, and 18th in the last 20.

“Our shots weren’t falling, so that was obviously a struggle, but our defense was big tonight,” Dambman said. “I think that us just knowing when to rotate and getting those quick stops that can convert into transition, that’s what really helped us. It’s not even the throw-aheads for layups; it’s really just us getting the stop, then taking time and resetting our offense. That’s what really kept us in it, too.”

Dambman had 15 points and three assists, and Hargrave added 10 points, four rebounds and four steals. McGowan stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds, four blocks, three steals and two assists, and Kiley Gaither chipped in six points and three steals as Dixon honored its 2026 Hall of Fame class and also celebrated its youth basketball program.

“That’s definitely a difficult situation when the offense struggles, kind of getting in your head, but we know that we can get it back with stops on defense,

and we know that our shots will fall eventually,” Lohse said. “Tonight was a big night, lots going on, and maybe we weren’t in our right mind. But in the end, it all worked out.”

Green had a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double to lead Stillman, and Wade had 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Emma Withers added six points, nine rebounds and two assists, and Bagg chipped in five points and two assists. The Cardinals kept it close thanks to a 37-24 rebounding edge and winning 50-50 balls throughout.

“We were definitely getting more confident as the game went on, especially coming off a strong game against Byron [on Thursday],” Green said.

“We had energy, and we’re a really big ‘hustle’ team, I would say.

“I’m just glad that we were in the game and got into that position and had that opportunity at the end. We’re a young team, but we’ve just got to learn from it and work on getting better.”