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Spanish flu and its history in Rochelle

COMMUNITY VOICES

Tom McDermott

“There was a little girl, she had a little bird, And she called it by the pretty name of Enza. But one day it flew away, but it didn’t stay, For when she raised the window, in-flew-Enza.” (1894 by Massachusetts Reformatory)

Laura Fessler was an early leader in Rochelle. She was a fighter. Whether for public parks, women’s rights or humane treatment of animals, Laura was at the front of the line to lend her hand.

During 1918, Laura was in a different type of fight; she was literally fighting for soldiers’ lives at Camp Grant in Rockford.

Camp Grant had been established in 1917 as a training center for World War I soldiers.

By 1918 it was the center of the Spanish flu outbreak in our area. On Oct. 1, 1918 there were eight cases of influenza at the camp; on Oct. 3 there were over 800 cases.

The next week there were over 10,000 cases of flu and the soldiers were dying at the rate of 75 to 100 a day. The death rate was so extreme that the camp commander, Col. Charles Hagadorn, committed suicide. Laura Fessler volunteered as a nurse at Camp Grant and fought to make the ill as comfortable as possible.

The Spanish flu did not originate in Spain; it is believed to have started in the United States. Due to censorship during the war, most countries were hiding information on the flu and its severity.

Spain was a neutral country and the first to honestly report the spread and severity of the flu; thus Spain was widely considered to be the country of origin.

Spanish flu would ultimately be responsible for 45,000 fatalities of American soldiers, almost half of those lost in World War I. Another 630,000 civilians would die in the United States

from the flu. The outbreak of flu became so devastating that the military draft was suspended until the cases could be brought under control.

Otto Wedler was the vice president of the Rochelle Trust and Savings Bank. Following a business trip to Washington, D.C., with W.C. Whitcomb of Whitcomb Locomotive, Otto became ill with the flu. He was one of the first to die of the flu in Rochelle.

His obituary appeared in the Oct. 2, 1918, issue of the Rochelle Herald. The Oct. 16, 1918, edition of the Rochelle Herald demonstrated the speed with which the problem grew. Leo Sherlock, Steward; Walter Haine, Scott Township; Harry Haye, Stillman Valley; Dorothy Conrad, 19; John Lamb, 33; and Fred Horton, 32, all of Rochelle, had obituaries with flu-related pneumonia listed as the cause of death.

Rochelle responded by closing churches, schools and the Majestic Theater along with all other gathering places. The local newspaper featured stories about the most modern methods to fight the flu.

The Rochelle Herald featured articles espousing the use of such powerful medicines as Vick’s VapoRub. “In order to stimulate the lining of the air passages to throw off the grippe germs. To aid in loosening the phlegm and keeping the air passages open, thus making the breathing easier, Vick’s VapoRub will be found effective.”

Another article recommended the three Cs.:“clean mouth, clean skin, and clean bowels.” Whether it was mustard paste foot baths, warm lemonade or any of the other suggestions, nothing seemed to slow the spread of the Spanish flu.

The outbreak of flu was so severe that Rochelle opened a second hospital. The Ettinger house on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Sixth Street was converted into a 20-bed hospital. Charles Berry was the supervisor and Miss Sturdevant was the nurse in charge of patient care.

Over a period of the next two months, Miss Sturdevant and her staff served over 100 patients. This was the only time that Rochelle had two hospi-

Seebach’s Pumpkins at 5498 S. Center Road opened for the season on Sept. 13. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER

tals, and both were filled.

The Spanish flu would resurface for the next few years. Emanuel Hilb was one of Rochelle’s early leaders. In 1919 Emanuel fell victim to the flu. Mrs. James Milligan was nursing her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Gale, when she too fell victim to the flu and passed.

Dr. Etzbach became the community doctor for Steward when Dr. Kimball joined the Army. In October 1918, Dr. Etzbach was notified that his daughter was sick with influenza. He rushed to her side and by the following Saturday, he too was ill and died.

The Erxleben family near Oregon was an example of how devastating the flu could be. In a 10-day period, there were eight deaths from the Spanish flu. Edward Erxleben perished first, leaving the family fatherless. Within days, Vivian passed leaving the children as orphans. Elmer, 14, and Lee, 10, were the first children to pass, followed quickly by 8-year old Vivian.

The children’s Aunt Clara had come to help the family in their time of need. Clara nursed the sick family members until she, too, was stricken by the flu and quickly passed. Miss Mary Bursing was called in to help the family. She and her brother, Joseph, took turns nursing the sick family. Mary soon took ill and died from the flu, Joseph followed soon after. The situation was so bad that a sled was sent to the residence and the survivors were taken to Rockford for hospital care.

The Spanish flu epidemic of 19181919 took the lives of about 23,500 people in the state of Illinois. It has been estimated that one-third of the world population was infected with the virus. Approximately half of those that died in World War I died from the flu.

The Spanish flu was no different than any other flu. Once it infected a host, it changed slightly so that it could be spread again to a new host. It was these changes that made the flu less deadly. We can only hope that a future change does not once again create the deadly flu of 1918.

Tom McDermott is a Flagg Township Museum historian and Rochelle city councilman.

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Seebach’s Pumpkins returns for 44th year

Scott Seebach: ‘It’s fun to see generations of families come out here for pumpkins’

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Seebach family has been growing and selling pumpkins in Flagg Center just outside Rochelle for the past 44 years.

Seebach’s Pumpkins at 5498 S. Center Road opened for the season Sept. 13. The operation was started by the late Jerry Seebach and taken over by his sons, Jeff and Scott, who now do the work with their children and help from other family members and friends. The stand has seen generations of Rochelle-area residents come out to pick pumpkins each October.

“It’s just something we’ve always done,” Jeff Seebach said. “When you’ve done it for 40-plus years, it’s something that you just do.

“The community is ecstatic that we do it every year and keep doing it. I see people who bring their families here, and I remember them as kids.”

The Seebachs grow about 10,000 pumpkins each year. Their operation has grown from just over an acre of planting to six acres. Pumpkins are planted in early June and later on in that month weeding and thinning starts and takes about three weeks. Mother Nature takes it from there, and the sales location and picking crew are readied in early September.

The pumpkin growing season this year was challenged by extremely wet, then extremely dry conditions, the Seebachs said, which resulted in the loss of about a third of their crop, especially the larger pumpkins.

But the community doesn’t have to worry about coming out to a sold-out Seebach’s Pumpkins stand this year. The brothers will purchase pumpkins and resell them if it comes to that.

“We want to make sure we have pumpkins on hand no matter what to keep people coming out and keep people coming back year after year,” Jeff Seebach said. “We don’t want to run out a week before Halloween and have people come out here and not get one. We want to make sure they come back next year. We want to make sure everyone gets a pumpkin.”

ABOVE: Seebach’s Pumpkins was started by the late Jerry Seebach and taken over by his sons, Jeff (left) and Scott (right), who now do the work with their children and help from other family members and friends. BELOW: The Seebach family has been growing and selling pumpkins in Flagg Center just outside Rochelle for the past 44 years.

Growing six acres of pumpkins serves the Rochelle community and customers that come from the towns surrounding it. The Seebach brothers look at yields and sales numbers each year when considering their approach to the next year.

Jeff Seebach enjoys seeing families come out to the pumpkin stand each year as a family tradition and letting their kids run around and pick a pumpkin. Scott enjoys walking his dog in the mornings in his neighborhood and seeing pumpkins on doorsteps and porches.

“Fall seems to be a lot of people’s favorite season,” Scott Seebach said. “I like it. It’s my passion to grow pumpkins for the fall for people to enjoy. The community really supports us. There are a lot of customers that come out and thank us for doing it. They tell us not to give it up.”

The Seebachs look forward to families coming out to the stand this year and in years to come. The tradition that has

lived on for generations of Rochelle-area families – and generations of the Seebach family – will continue to live on.

“It’s fun to see generations of families come out here for pumpkins,” Scott Seebach said. “My son and Jeff’s daughter

have helped out with the pumpkin growing and sales. They’re the third generation. We did it with our dad. It’s fun to keep the family involved. We thank the community for supporting us. We’ll do it as long as we can.”

Rochelle officer honors late mother with annual Pink Patch Fundraiser for breast cancer

Patches, clothing available to support Living Well Cancer Resource Center

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rochelle Police Officer Ryan Kovacs remembers his late mother, Tammy, who died from breast cancer in 2015.

To honor her memory and support others fighting the disease, Kovacs and the Rochelle Police Department run the Pink Patch Project fundraiser.

Since launching the fundraiser in 2021, the campaign has raised about $21,000 for the Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, a place close to Kovacs’ heart. His mother received support there during her treatment.

Pink police patches are available for $10 at the Rochelle Police Department, 416 N. Sixth St. Fans of the project can also buy shirts, hoodies, and crew necks featuring the Pink Patch designs from 2021 to 2024 at 926 Custom Embroidery, 404 Lincoln Highway, or online at https://926customembroidery.net/rpdhope. All proceeds benefit Living Well.

“It’s always a hard month,” Kovacs said. “It always reminds me of my mom. I’m doing this for her. I miss her every single day. It brings those feelings up. I wish my mom was here so she could see what I’m doing. I hope she’s looking down from above and she’s proud of me and excited about what I’m doing. It’s a hard month, but it’s for a good cause, so that’s why I do it.”

The Living Well Cancer Resource Center offers cooking, art, and therapy classes, and provides rides to medical appointments for cancer patients.

Kovacs and his family will join the Northwestern Medicine Walk & 5K on Oct. 11 at Northwestern Medicine Field to support the center and celebrate survivors. Community members can join the walk or donate through a link on the Rochelle Police Department’s Facebook page. Donations by cash or check, payable to “Rochelle FOP Lodge 127,” can be dropped off at the police department.

Jeff Helfrich

ABOVE: Rochelle Police Officer Tyler Woolbright (from left), Officer Ryan Kovacs and Sgt. Elvis Baneski hold patches and information about their Pink Patch Project fundraiser.

RIGHT: The Rochelle Police Department has launched its annual Pink Patch Project fundraiser in honor of Officer Ryan Kovacs’ late mother, Tammy (pictured).

The support from the department, city, and community means the world. My wife and coworkers help spread the word. I couldn’t do this alone.”

Ryan Kovacs, Rochelle Police Officer

Last year, the fundraiser also established the Tammy Kovacs Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a local Rochelle Township High School student affected by breast cancer.

“It’s definitely a labor of love,” Kovacs said. “It’s a lot to organize. We

try to do something new every year to keep it growing. I’ve loved to be able to support a great organization that supported my mom and now it’s expanding to walks and scholarships. I’d love to

keep growing it and raise as much money as possible to help as many people as possible.”

Sen. Arellano announces $1.5 million in state funding for Ashton streets project

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State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, has announced state funding for local infrastructure projects across counties in the 37th Legislative District.

The Village of Ashton was awarded $1.5 million that will cover its 2026 street project.

“Projects like these are crucial to our communities,” Arellano said. “By investing in local infrastructure, whether it’s sidewalks, bikeways or streets, we’re improving both safety and usability. These improvements will not

only make daily life easier but also help fuel local development and long-term growth.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation is awarding grants to support the maintenance and improvement of well over a dozen major infrastructure projects throughout the district. These include road resurfacing and maintenance, corridor and thoroughfare

upgrades, pedestrian and bicycle path improvements, and more.

One of the largest projects receiving funding is Project ROCK in Dixon. IDOT is contributing more than $4.6 million toward the effort, which will expand recreation and mobility options for residents and visitors with a new pedestrian bridge over the Rock River and more than two and a half miles of recreational paths.

Sterling is receiving multiple investments, including a major award toward improvements on West LeFevre Road, which will receive nearly $5 million in state support.

Rochelle hospital closes 2nd Street entrance to H&W Center amid work

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Rochelle Community Hospital in September began its multi-year facilities improvement initiative, including a significant expansion of its Health & Wellness Building located at the south side of the campus.

One of the first of the many updates was to reroute the Health & Wellness entrance to be adjacent to its emergency exit on Third Street. The change was officially completed Friday, Sept. 26.

Continuing on to the next phase, Schmeling

• PINK PATCH

Continued from page A4

Throughout October, Rochelle officers and dispatchers wear pink patches and ribbons, helping sell merchandise and raise awareness.

Local businesses also support the cause through purchases and social media.

“The support from the department, city, and community means the world,” Kovacs said. “My wife and coworkers help spread the word. I couldn’t do this alone.”

Construction Company started the process of closing the entrance to the Health & Wellness Center from Second Street. As of Wednesday, Oct. 1, that entrance is now closed.

All patients and visitors now will have to use the newest Third Street entrance to access the Health & Wellness Center, Family Healthcare Clinic and Multi-Specialty Clinic.

“This renovation reflects RCH’s commitment to reinvesting in services for our community,” a news release said.

For construction and wayfinding updates, visit www.rochellehospital.com/construction-updates/.

Kovacs finds meaning in presenting the donation to Living Well each year, seeing firsthand the impact on patients and the center’s growth. This year, he hopes to surpass last year’s fundraising total.

“Any little bit of support helps,” Kovacs said. “It all goes to a great cause. I can’t even imagine what she’d think of all this. I’m sure she’d be smiling from ear to ear.

“She always said, ‘Do good for others and good will happen to you.’ That’s what I’m trying to do. I’ve been blessed with my wife and two kids. I’m trying to give back after what I’ve been blessed with.”

West LeFevre Road is a vital thoroughfare that carries two lanes of traffic and connects several key community destinations, including local high schools, medical facilities, parks, and sports complexes.

“These local cities and governments deserve praise for putting together strong projects, which were absolutely critical,” Arellano said.

He thanks IDOT for its support in making these projects possible.

“These investments mark a strong state/local partnership committed to safer travel and greater accessibility across the 37th District,” he said.

The Rochelle Police Department is selling pink patches for $10 this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and Tammy Kovacs, the late mother of Officer Ryan Kovacs. Throughout October, Rochelle officers and dispatcher will be wearing pin patches and ribbons, helping sell merchandise and raise breast cancer awareness.

Farm Stroll provides unique Ogle County exploits

Sunday, Oct. 12, will be a day when farmers show their farms, practices, products and antiques

By CODY CUTTER ccutter@shawmedia.com

OREGON — If you’re one of the thousands of people who drive through Ogle County on any given day, you’ve no doubt passed by the farms that have put down roots there.

But have you ever strolled through one of them?

If not, then you’ll want to set aside a Sunday in October to take part in the Ogle County Farm Stroll. That’s when some farmers in Ogle County will dust the dirt off their welcome mat and throw open their barn doors to greet guests who stop by during the annual event coordinated by the University of Illinois Extension’s Boone-DeKalb-Ogle office in Oregon.

The self-guided tour gives people a chance to visit farms throughout the

the kids.

Visitors can document their visits to each farm through “passports” — stickers are available at each site and turned in at their final stop for a chance to win prizes, some of which are donated from participating farms.

Teresa Schwarz, an office support specialist with the Ogle Extension office, has coordinated the Farm Stroll since 2022. The Extension started the event in 2017, modeling it after similar events Extension offices had operated in other counties, and has held it nearly every year since, aside from a brief period during the coronavirus pandemic when it was run by the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce.

University of Illinois Extension Boone-DeKalb-Ogle staff Jen Saglier (from left), Teresa Schwarz and Amy Miller talk during a meeting with participating farmers in the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll. The event is Oct. 12 at 10 farms within a 10-mile radius from Oregon, each putting on display their farms, practices, products and antiques to help educate visitors on food sources and the life of a hard day’s work. See STROll on page 7

county, learning more about their operations and farming in general. Whether you’re a local who just wants to meet a neighbor who loves a country mile away, or a visitor to the county who enjoys cruising country miles, the tour offers a chance to meet growers on their home, and farm, turf.

This year’s Stroll is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 and features 10 family farms, each within a 10-mile radius from Oregon. There’ll be food for sale, animals to see, interesting sights, and equipment on display. The Extension’s Master Gardeners will also be at some of the farms providing activities for

“It kind of shows the whole farm-totable concept, growing your own produce and seeing what the farms in the area can help you with, with what they do,” Schwarz said. “It’s great getting the word out there to the community that we have all of these different homebased farms, and for people to come out and witness all of the goings-on of everywhere.”

Amy Miller, who works with Schwarz

WHAT TO SEE ON OGLE FARM STROLL

BerryView Orchard

7504 W. Midtown Road, Mount Morris Facebook, berryvieworchard.com

Jeff and Julie Warren grow aronia berries, which are considered a “super fruit” due to its high amount of antioxidants, using organic practices – they also are known as chokeberries. Get a taste of aronias, learn about their benefits and find ways to add them to food and drink recipes. Pick them yourselves or choose from pre-picked selections. Apples of several varieties also are available. Sample jams, jellies and cookies. Walk its orchards and see what’s growing.

Hough’s Maple Lane Farm

3788 N. Mount Morris Road, Mount Morris Facebook

Rob and Lynnette Hough and their two children collect maple sap in the winter and spring from trees throughout the community and boils it down in their sugar house to make maple goodness. Up to 50 gallons of maple syrup are made and sold each year, which also includes smoked syrup and bourbon maple syrup. Maple flavored treats made at Hough’s also will be available; they include candy, pecans, cinnamon rolls, applesauce, cookies and pickles.

Barnhart’s Stone Corner

2169 Honey Creek Road, Oregon

John and Cindy Barnhart collect and display antique farm equipment and a wide collection of historical agriculture oddities. As its name suggests, it also has thousands – and tons – of unique stones, many of which are marked with dates and points of origin. The stones are arranged in a wall-like setup or as sculptures on their property, which is how the property’s original settler, Civil War veteran Virgil Reed, arranged them. The house on the Barnhart’s property, which sits on the corner of Honey Creek and Watertown roads, was built around the time the corners once was the site of the small community of

• STROLL

Continued from page 6

and also is an office support specialist, enjoys the Farm Stroll’s diversity – some places raise crops, some livestock, some both, and all with their own story to tell.

“We wanted to have an opportunity for people to be able to visit different types of local agriculture,” Miller said. “There are different types of farms, and some that people wouldn’t think of as a farm. We wanted to have a nice variety.”

The Farm Stroll attracts both farmers and non-farmers, and those who come from a more urban setting are bound to learn something new at each stop, and that’s what Extension program coordinator Jan Saglier likes about the event.

Watertown: once a thriving stagecoach crossroads with a sawmill and blacksmith shop along the Kyte River, a mile east of Daysville.

Dietrich Ranch

4575 N. Leaf River Road, Mount Morris Facebook, Instagram, dietrichranch.com

Animals at Dietrich Ranch are 100 percent grassfed in a process that involves intensive rotational grazing and holistic management. The ranch raises grass finished beef, lamb, free-range pastured chicken and pork. All of the products it offers are raised without use of chemicals, antibiotics and hormones. Its meat will be available for sale.

Jen’s Sunshine Farm

1774 S. Columbian Road, Oregon Facebook, jensfarm.com

Jen and Scott Immel and their children, Wesley and Bryan, care for the soil at their farm with cover crops like hairy vetch and tillage radishes. They grow seasonal favorites such as sweet corn, birdhouse gourds and pumpkins. Homemade cookies, coiled fabric baskets and memory bears are Jen’s specialties and are made in a workshop on site.

Triple Creek Bison

1236 N. Blind Road, Chana

Jim Rogers operates a eco-agriculture facility that gives off zero emissions. It’s a holistic approach to farming that aims to minimize environmental impact. Regenerative and sustainable practices are rooted in a native habitat. The farm plans to sell a variety of bison products, as well as fruit and honey.

Hinrichs Farm

1675 S. Columbian Road, Oregon AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree on Facebook

The farm is locally known in the area for being the

“I’m excited about the idea of people getting to know that these places are here, and the educational aspect of going to these different sites,” she said. “You can learn about them if you don’t live on a farm, and get a feel and a taste for what it’s like.”

This year’s Farm Stroll participants are BerryView Orchard, Hough’s Maple Lane Farm and Dietrich Ranch in Mount Morris; Barnhart’s Stone Corner, Jen’s Sunshine Farm, Happily Homegrown and the Hinrichs Farm in Oregon; Ponto Ranch and Triple Creek Bison in Chana; and Orion Organics in Franklin Grove, which is located along the Ogle-Lee county line. Both Chana sites and Jen’s are new to the event.

Along with Hinrichs, Barnhart’s and BerryView, Dietrich Ranch was one of the

site of the annual AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree each May. The Hinrichses offer interactive events such as corn shelling, corn grinding and rope making. Hit-andmiss engines, John Deere two-cylinder tractors and vintage garden tractors also are among the machines on display, as well as tools and iron collectibles from a large collection. Free popcorn will be offered.

Happily Homegrown

4938 S. Scout Road, Oregon Facebook (Happily.home.grown), tiktok.com/@happily.home. grown

Going to the grocery store isn’t a trip that the Bruns Family takes very often. Instead, they live on a 12-acre homestead where they grow and raise most of their food. They raise cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits and all kinds of fruits and vegetables, with the aid of a greenhouse during the winter months.

Ponto Ranch

1188 N. Blind Road, Chana Facebook

Tim and Dede Ponto have lived on a 15-acre homestead since 2002 where they raise registered Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. The goats are raised for pets, milk production and breed improvement with an emphasis on competitive showing. That’s not all: The farm also is in the process of growing Christmas trees that will be part of a choose-and-cut tree farm in the future.

Orion Organics

885 W. Stone Barn Road, Franklin Grove Facebook, orion.farm

Located along the Lee-Ogle county line, Tim Benedict’s apiary and garlic farm is surrounded by thousands of acres of native prairie and woodlands. He adheres to strict organic farming methods to produce artisan raw honey from the native prairie wildflowers among the Nachusa Grasslands, where there are plenty of bison roaming around.

Farm Stroll’s original six stops when it began, and owner Dan Dietrich has been on both sides of the farm fence – as a visitor to other farms and host at his own. He and his children have attended similar events in surrounding counties, and he’s brought some of those experiences to what he and his family down when welcome visitors during the Stroll. They try to do something different each year, he said. The ranch raises grass finished beef, lamb, free-range pastured chickens and pork in an all-natural process.

“Us and our kids have gone to the other counties, and we’ve enjoyed it as farmers,” Dietrich said. “We’ve got to see what other farms are doing. For us, we get a lot of requests from people wanting farm tours throughout the year, and one thing that I like about this is that we can open

up and get a lot of people on a single day. This is a good way to systematize and streamline that process.”

Elizabeth Bruns, owner of Happily Homegrown, raises cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits and all kinds of fruits and vegetables, with her young children involved with it each step of the way. She has been part of the Farm Stroll for three years, and enjoys seeing Stroll visitors come back each year, some to get inspiration and ideas for their own farm.

“For my family, it’s nice to show people the diversity that you can have in a little community,” Bruns said. “For us, it’s about raising our kids and showing them how to do everything more on their own, like raising their own meat and

See STROLL, page 9

Meridian Schools to address facility needs with projects, no referendum

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Meridian Community Unit School District will move forward with state-mandated Health/Life Safety projects to improve existing facilities after a recent communitywide survey indicated a lack of support for a bond referendum at this time, according to a news release.

The survey, conducted by the independent research firm School Perceptions, was designed to gather resident feedback on the district’s facility challenges and potential solutions.

The survey was completed by 822 residents, providing the Board of Education with guidance on facility plan-

ning. When asked for advice, a weighted analysis of residents showed 27.2% supported exploring a bond referendum to complete projects beyond the required HLS updates.

A specific proposal to build a new PK-5 elementary school through a $47.8 million bond referendum received weighted support from just 25.6% of residents.

Support for smaller bond amounts was also below passing levels.

“We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of community members who took the time to provide thoughtful feedback,” said Michael Plourde, superintendent of schools. “The message from the survey is clear: Residents value the high-quality education

Meridian provides, but there is not an appetite for a tax increase to fund major new construction at this moment. The board is listening, and we will respect the community’s decision.”

Based on this feedback, the district will focus its capital improvement efforts on the legally required HLS projects. These facility updates, which the district will fund without a referendum, are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. The scope of work across the district includes HVAC improvements, roofing system replacements, interior renovations, and site work, according to the release.

The survey also affirmed the community’s confidence in the district’s

educational programs, the release said. A strong majority of respondents (84%) rated the district as “Great” or “Good” at delivering a high-quality education, placing Meridian in the 70th percentile when compared to other districts.

“Our priority is to be responsible stewards of both our financial resources and our school buildings,” Plourde said. “Proceeding with these necessary health and life safety projects allows us to address our most pressing facility needs while honoring the feedback we received from our taxpayers.”

Meridian Community Unit School District serves approximately 1,465 students in Stillman Valley, Davis Junction and Monroe Center.

Stillman Valley High School to host blood drive Oct. 21

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The Stillman Valley National Honor Society is playing host to a community blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Stillman Valley High School.

Anyone in good health, at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with parental consent, and at least 110 pounds may donate blood.

For every pint of blood donated, up to three lives can be saved.

Not only will you help to save lives but also help the senior members of the National Honor Society to earn a college scholarship.

To make an appointment, contact Michelle Rogers at mrogers@mail. meridian223.org.

Stillman Valley High School’s National Honor Society is holding a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the school.

Mt. Morris PAG’s Tapestry of Shadows show is Oct. 10-12

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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 Helfrich, 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.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEF

Ashton’s Walter Knight named winner of Ogle County Fair raffle

The Ogle County Fair held its first 50/50 raffle this year. Walker Knight of Ashton was the winner of $319. The mural behind

• STROLL

Continued from page 7

raising their own vegetables. I think it’s cool to have people come out and watch our kids show them around and give the tours. I think it’s great for people to see that kids can do these things, too.”

Tim Benedict, owner of Orion Organics, has an aviary along the Ogle-Lee county line where he raises bees for honey and grows garlic. He enjoys the educational aspect of being a part of the Farm Stroll, which he’s participated in for two years.

Benedict is taking part again, despite it being a tough year for beekeepers throughout the nation, with various diseases causing a decline in colonies, which will lead to a later and smaller honey harvest this year.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of other farmers in the area that I didn’t know about,” Benedict said. “Especially after COVID , people really started wanting to have a connection to their food, and I’ve always opened up my place for people to come and see the bees. I grow garlic and teach them how to grow it, when to plant and how to harvest. Farming is

Walker was painted this year by Beth Hall of Oregon.

She donated her time and materials to spruce up the fair office.

– Shaw Local News Network

IF YOU GO

• Bring cash

– Some farms on the Stroll will have products for sale, but not everyone takes plastic.

• Don’t bring your pets – They could spook the livestock or not be welcome by other participants

• Dress for a farm visit – Take a jacket in case it gets chilly or rains, and it’s best to wear closed-toe shoes (high-heels, sandals or flip-flops aren’t advised).

• A map and details about each stop are available at the Ogle County Extension’s website (extension.illinois.edu/bdo) or at its office in Oregon.

a pretty isolating and hard working experience, and it’s great for us to have that personal connection instead of getting it to a grocery store, and you actually get to see a smile on someone’s face when they get something fresh and local.”

“There’s something for everybody,” Dietrich said. “If someone goes on this, you can see the diversity and the creativity of each place and what they have to offer.”.

Antiques & Collectibles

First fundraiser held for Together for Taft

By PAYTON FELIX pfelix@shawmedia.com

A group seeking to resurrect the now-shuttered Lorado Taft Field Campus held its first of two fundraisers on Saturday to raise money in support of their efforts.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Together for Taft, hosted a live music festival called Fest by the Nest from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lowden State Park, 1411 N. River Road. The group also hosted a 5K and 1-mile run/walk on Oct. 5, starting at 7 a.m. for registration at Oregon High School, 1101 Jefferson St.

All proceeds from the events, along with the Together for Taft logo T-shirts being sold online, will be used for the “behind the scenes work” needed for the group to “get to the next step” of its mission to reopen the historic Taft campus as an open environmental education center for all ages, Together for Taft founder Julie Bassett told Shaw Local.

“It is a very complex, layered endeavor. The fundraising isn’t necessarily what’s going to save Taft. It’s going to be the big donors that do that,” Bassett said. “There’s big help and little help and it doesn’t matter. It’s not about metrics in terms of how much or how little. It’s the point that people

are doing all they can, where they can.”

The Lorado Taft Field Campus is a 141acre property featuring a dining hall that overlooks the Rock River, outdoor trails and several other buildings and dorms. It is adjacent to Lowden State Park, which is home to Lorado Taft’s Eternal Indian statue, commonly referred to as the Black Hawk Statue.

The campus was originally part of the Wallace Heckman estate and run by Taft as the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony, a summer home for a group of Chicago artists and writers.

Northern Illinois University acquired a

portion of the Heckman estate in 1951, named the campus after Lorado Taft, and ran it as a field campus, offering outdoor education classes and camps for schoolchildren across northern Illinois. NIU discontinued the program in 1999 and officials announced in September 2024 that the university would close the campus due to aging infrastructure and increasing operational costs. It permanently closed in December 2024.

That’s when Bassett, along with several others, began organizing an effort to save the campus.

“Some people see Taft as being a liability or an old program past its prime, but I see a promise, a living classroom” where “nature isn’t something we extract from, but something we learn from,” Bassett said.

The group held an interest meeting Feb. 19 in Oregon, where they spoke about how they envision the campus as “a global hub of intergenerational learning,” a place where people can get certifications related to environmental studies and have it open for everyone in the community to enjoy, Bassett said.

When the campus was run by NIU, “it’s always been a closed campus,” meaning that unless you were a student in the pro-

gram “you really had no reason being on campus,” Bassett said.

“One of the things that I envisioned with Taft is having a relationship with the surrounding communities, but primarily Oregon,” Bassett said. “I want people out there. I want them on the trails. I want them to be a part of nature. We need to get back to nature.”

Some ideas, Bassett said, are to turn one of the buildings “into a cozy coffee corner” and “do farm-to-table meals” in the dining hall, “so the public can come out there and enjoy a nice meal in a beautiful vista looking out over the Rock River.”

Bassett said they’d also like to have an art show and art program, which she thinks “Lorado Taft would be very honored” by.

Since that February meeting, Bassett said, Together for Taft continues to gain momentum and has received a lot of support from the community and the city of Oregon.

“It’s going to take everybody together,” Bassett said. “People want to see it happen, and it will happen. It’s just trusting the journey.”

For information, visit togetherfortaft. org or join the Together for Taft Facebook group.

Oregon’s Autumn on Parade

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

It didn’t really feel like fall, but the thousands who filled Oregon’s downtown streets on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Autumn on Parade festival didn’t seem to care.

A steady stream of visitors came to the town of 3,800 residents to shop for unique, handmade items, bounce around in the kids’ Fun Zone, check out classic cars and trucks, listen to live music and watch a 125-unit parade, all for free.

“It was an amazing weekend. The beautiful weather brought out lots of friendly faces to our downtown area both days, making the whole event so lively and enjoyable,”Autumn on Parade president Destini Benesh said.

Temperatures climbed into the mid80s and sunny skies made the October event feel more like July, but that didn’t deter visitors from coming out to the 2-day festival.

The heart of the festival is its 190-plus vendor booths in the “Market,” located around the Ogle County Courthouse square and nearby streets.

Saturday events also included a car and tractor show at Oregon Park East and live music and beer garden at the Hot Spot, on Jefferson Street.

On both days, kids could bounce to their delight in the Kids Zone or visit the petting zoo and sample a variety of

treats in the festival’s food court.

The Olde English Faire was held at the Stronghold Retreat, and Conference Center, both days for an admission fee.

But the big draw on Sunday was again, the Harvest Time Parade with 125 units threading their way along downtown streets with thousands lined along the way waiting to see marching bands, acrobats, and more.

This year’s parade theme was “Carving Creativity” and included hired entertainment as well as local Scout and youth groups and local businesses.

This year’s Unit of Honor was the Rock River Center and the Guests of Honor were Mark Gale and Kevin Wiegmann.

E.D. Etnyre was Autumn on Parade’s 2025 Presenting Sponsor.

Autumn on Parade was founded in 1970 and is organized and operated by an all-volunteer committee. Festival weekend is aided with support from the City of Oregon, Ogle County, the Oregon School District and Oregon Park District.

“A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors and hardworking volunteers who make this festival a fantastic success,” Benesh said.

To volunteer to help with the 2026 festival, visit autumnonparade.org or Facebook.

Sunny skies and hot temperatures greeted visitors to the Harvest Time Parade held during Autumn on Parade on Sunday, Oct. 5, in Oregon. Here, the Oregon Fire Department raises an American flag for the national anthem in front of the parade-viewing stand on South Fourth Street. TOP RIGHT: The “Dancing Grannies” of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were a crowd favorite at the Harvest Time Parade on Sunday. ABOVE: This vendor booth sold homemade cookies in the Market at Autumn on Parade Saturday, and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, in Oregon.

Ogle County judge hears defense arguments

By EARLEEN HINTON

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

An Ogle County judge will decide in October if an Oregon woman accused of suffocating her 7-year-old son in 2021 will get a new judge to preside over her case as it continues to move through the court system.

Ogle County Chief Judge John “Ben” Roe reserved ruling on a motion made by Sarah Safranek, 38, and her attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, asking to replace Associate Judge Anthony Peska.

Safranek is accused of killing her son, Nathaniel Burton, in the family’s Oregon home in February 2021. She is charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. She was arrested April 21, 2021, was indicted May 4, 2021, and pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021.

She has been held in the Ogle County Jail since her arrest.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, Isley reiterated her argument made in a Sept. 12 motion that Peska is “so prejudiced

against her [Safranek] that she cannot receive a fair trial.”

Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten argued the state’s position that Isley’s motion was “untimely” and had missed the 10-day window to ask for a substitute judge.

Judge John Redington was the judge for Safranek’s case, presiding over many hearings and delivering pre-trial rulings before he retired in 2024.

Roe entered an order in July 2024 assigning the case to Peska upon Redington’s retirement.

Thursday’s hearing was just the second time in more than a year that Safranek has appeared in court, as some pre-trial rulings made by Redington were under appeal. Peska has only presided over one hearing for Safranek, on Sept. 17, 2025, when the motion for a substitute judge was made.

On Thursday, Isley argued that Safranek’s case should be assigned to another judge and that the motion asking for the substitution was timely due to the months-long delay, as the appeal was pending.

“Our position is that this [the motion] is timely,” argued Isley. “It’s not realistic that the trial would have been done before Judge Redington retired. The appellate court had jurisdiction. We could not have had matters heard.”

She argued that Peska had never ruled on any matters in relation to the case, making the state’s argument that case law supports a 10-day filing limit inapplicable.

Leisten disagreed. “The reassignment was July 25, 2024. ”It [the motion] should have been filed then.”

Roe said he would consider all arguments and review case law, reserving his decision until 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8.

Safanek’s jury trial was removed from the court calendar in July 2024 following a motion by prosecutors who argued that some rulings made by Redington limited the evidence they wanted to present to jurors. They argued Redington’s decision had “impaired” their ability to proceed with first-degree murder charges.

Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock filed an appeal July 10, 2024, nine days after Redington ruled on several

motions in limine filed by the defense and prosecutors.

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

In June 2024, Redington listened to testimony and arguments regarding the motions and, after reviewing case law, limited the state’s ability to enter all internet searches and journal entries they said Safranek made.

He also limited hearsay statements prosecutors said others made regarding domestic violence directed toward Nathaniel.

Redington removed Safranek’s scheduled jury trial date over the objection of Isley, and no court dates were set, pending the appeal process.

The appellate court issued its opinion July 25 and its mandate Sept. 4. Nathaniel was a first-grade student at Oregon Elementary School.

Olde English Faire in Oregon

By ALEX T. PASCHAL apaschal@shawmedia.com

Brewing up a mix of fantasy and history, the Olde English was poured out at the Stronghold castle in Oregon for the annual faire Sunday, Oct. 5. Visitors could tour the castle, learn sword play, peruse vendors, listen to music and be educated on Middle Ages history during the weekend festival. The fair runs in conjunction with Oregon’s Autumn on Parade celebration.

Students learn at Ag Awareness Days in Oregon

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

On Sept. 4 and 5, 446 Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth graders gathered for the 23rd annual Ag Awareness Days at the Ogle County Fairgrounds to learn about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living.

Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag Awareness Day took youths on a fast-paced, interactive, guided tour of the science, engineering and technology that drives today’s farm operations.

The award-winning program offered students to engage in 30-minute workshops led by a variety of agricultural professionals from the area.

Students were able to mingle with livestock, explore different ag careers, chat with a traveling veterinarian, discuss basic biotechnology concepts, learn about different crops, navigate way points and discuss how much soil it takes to grow crops.

It is intended that participants will think twice the next time they fry an egg, pass a cornfield turned subdivision, put on their leather boots, wrap up in a wool blanket, drink a glass of milk or eat a bowl of cereal. The Midwest has long been heralded as a top agricultural production site. It is logical that tomorrow’s leaders understand how they fit into it.

Many students reported that they most enjoyed hearing firsthand the daily events of a livestock vet, harvesting honey, and using a GPS unit to find hidden coordinates in a scavenger hunt. Students also had fun collecting cool fact cards at each of the workshop stations.

Participating schools included Chadwick-Milledgeville Schools, Kings School Elementary, Eswood Community Consolidated School, Monroe Center Grade School, Oregon Elementary School and West Carroll Primary School.

Community Matters

Forreston man pleads guilty to sexually abusing girl, 16, sentenced to 21/2 years of probation

By EARLEEN HINTON

Shaw Local News Network Correspondent

A Forreston man has pleaded guilty in Ogle County court to sexually abusing a teenage girl in January 2023.

Andrew Marshall, 24, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident with a 16-year-old on Jan. 7, 2023.

Marshall pleaded guilty to one of the charges – aggravated criminal sexual abuse – and was sentenced to 30 months of probation when he appeared in Ogle County court Thursday, Sept. 25, with his attorney, Eric Arnquist of Rochelle.

The other two felony charges were dismissed through a plea agreement, Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Voss told Judge John “Ben” Roe.

Voss said evidence would show that the 16-year-old girl awoke with Mar -

Andrew Marshall

shall on top of her after he sexually abused her during a Jan. 7, 2023, incident.

When asked by Roe how he wanted to plead, Marshall replied “guilty.”

Marshall had been placed on electronic monitoring after being released from jail and had appeared for numerous hearings as his case proceeded through the court system.

As part of the plea agreement, Marshall was ordered to register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim, and cooperate and complete any psychological, sex offender treatments and therapy as ordered by the probation department. He is also responsible for all costs related to evaluation, treatment and counseling for himself and/or those of the victim.

In addition, Marshall was sentenced to 424 days in jail, but was given credit for time served (212 days), satisfying that aspect of the sentence. He also was ordered to pay $1,624 in fines and costs over the course of his probation sentence.

Another condition orders him to have no contact, directly or indirectly, with children younger than 18 without a previous order of the court or prior written approval from his probation officer. He can have supervised visitations with minors related to him.

Other supplemental conditions include giving the probation department discretion to prohibit him from frequenting locations and businesses that they believe cater or attract minors and prohibiting him from possessing any sexually explicit materials, including books, magazines, videos, computer transmissions and “any such information stored on electronic devices.”

He is ordered to allow probation offi-

cers to examine his phone, cable, electronic devices, including computer and on-line services, and refrain from purchasing services by which pornographic images are transmitted.

He is also ordered to provide the probation department with any passwords for email accounts and computer access; not frequent any establishment that has for sale or rent pornographic books, videos or live presentations of nudity or sexual activity; and “not frequent, use, or maintain any accounts or sites on any social networking websites (including but not limited to Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook) or any virtual reality websites for the propose of contacting or communicating with minors.”

And he cannot be employed or volunteer for any work that gives him access to or authority or control over children younger than 18 without approval by the probation department.

Marshall has 45 days to complete HIV and STD testing and DNA indexing.

Rockford man pleads guilty to possessing stolen gun after running from police during traffic stop

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network Correspondent

A Rockford man was sentenced to 30 months of probation Wednesday, Sept. 17, after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen handgun after he ran from police during a traffic stop near Byron.

Alexander Kurtz, 19, entered his guilty plea when he appeared before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska for a pretrial hearing with his attorney, Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Eric Morrow.

Kurtz was charged with the felony offenses of unlawful use of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, resisting a peace officer and ille-

Alexander Kurtz

gal possession of ammunition without a firearm owner identification card –all stemming from an Aug. 19 traffic stop in Byron. Kurtz was arrested by Ogle County sheriff’s deputies when the vehicle he was a passenger in was stopped at 6:39 p.m. near the intersection of West Blackhawk Drive and South Fox Run Lane in Byron.

According to court documents, Kurtz ran away from a deputy while carrying an AREX Delta X 9-mm handgun despite

being told to halt by police. Documents also show that Kurtz knew the gun was stolen.

During Kurtz’s Aug. 20 detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley said Kurtz ignored commands to halt and ran through a residential area in Byron with the gun that was loaded with 17 rounds but had no bullet in the chamber.

Police said the gun was stolen out of Rockford and that Kurtz did not have a FOID card.

On Wednesday, Kurtz, who had been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest, pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of weapon, a Class 4

felony. The other charges filed against him were dismissed.

He was sentenced to concurrent sentences of 30 months of probation on each count.

As part of those sentences, he was ordered to submit to DNA testing; cooperate and successfully complete any psychological or substance abuse assessments or treatments ordered by the probation department; not possess firearms, ammunition or other “dangerous products;” and pay $1,000 in fines and costs.

Kurtz also was ordered to serve 58 days in jail, but he received credit for 29 days already served, satisfying that condition of the sentence through the day-for-day requirement.

Flagg Township Museum camera exhibit reception is Oct. 12

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

“Connecting Through a Lens” is the current exhibit at the Flagg Township Museum, with the collection of cameras of the late Truman Kester on display through October.

Diane Kester will be at the museum for the exhibit reception from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, to discuss the collection of more than 50 cameras collected by Kester. The exhibit also explores the evolution of the camera and the ways photography connects people – from capturing personal milestones to world-changing events.

Cameras have transformed how we see the world and how we share it from the earliest pinhole box camera to the smartphones in our pockets. Enter the drawing for a chance to win a pinhole

camera kit. The winner will be announced and contacted at the end of the month.

Truman Kester was a photography enthusiast who used his cameras professionally – taking real-estate photos – and for personal use – documenting family and friends. He also collected cameras. The Kester collection includes Ansco, Agfa, Argus, Kodak, Polaroid, Minolta, Detrola, and many other cameras. A Luftwaffen-Eigentum camera that was the property of the Luftwaffe and used during World War II by the German Air Force is also part of his collection.

The mission of the Flagg Township Historical Society and Museum in Rochelle is to stimulate interest in Flagg Township history through education, research, collection and preservation of information for the benefit of the public of today and in the future.

Rochelle police respond to shots fired call Saturday, seeking information from public

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle Police Department responded to a shots fired call on the evening of Saturday, according to a Monday news release.

About 11:10 p.m. Oct. 4, police were dispatched to the 100 block of Willis Avenue for a report of suspicious activity. The caller reported a large group of individuals, dressed in black, causing a disturbance in the roadway, according to the release.

A short time later, police received additional reports near Southview Drive and Randall Road of a vehicle being shot at by a large group of people matching the same description.

Upon arrival, officers located a

vehicle that had been struck by gunfire an estimated eight times. The driver reported that while traveling down the street, a large group attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver did not stop and instead drove around the group.

“The driver and several passengers stated that as they passed, they heard gunshots striking the vehicle, the release said. “Fortunately, no one in the vehicle was injured. The group was last seen running west from the area. RPD recovered two firearms in close proximity to the scene. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit is assisting in the ongoing investigation.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage is urged to contact RPD at 815-562-6763.

Dogs pant, sniff their way through rescue rally

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

There was a lot of panting and sniffing going on at Bonafied Rescue Rally on Saturday – all for a very good reason.

The Ogle County all-breed dog rescue brought rescues and adoptable dogs together to raise awareness and educate the public about the overpopulation and need for homes for animals that would otherwise be euthanized.

The fifth annual event was held the Oregon dog park, next to Carnation Park, 1 Webster St., on a hot and sunny Saturday.

Hawkeye, a mild-mannered German Shepherd, is currently seeking a home through Bonafied (Bring Out Natural Abilities Found in Every Dog).

Bonafied was founded in 2017 by Melodee Hoffman, with the goal to match orphaned dogs with loving fami-

then spayed or neutered, given the appropriate veterinary care, and placed in foster homes before adoption. The rescue has a comprehensive adoption and education process, Hoffman said.

On Saturday, Hawkeye obediently stepped over some of the agility jumps set up for the event, but found the shade of the tunnel more to his liking as temperatures climbed into the mid-80s.

“Hawkeye came from a kill shelter in Georgia,” said Sandra Moore, a volunteer for Bonafied. “He needs a person he can attach to. He’s very easygoing...very chill.”

That “chill” was evident Saturday as Hawkeye took a turn in the “Kissing Booth” ready to hand out free licks to anybody.

Travis, a doodle-mix, was rescued through Bonafied by June Danekas of Oregon, and Najee, a spirited young lab, showed up with her owners, Deb and Mark Herman, also of Oregon, to spend some pup time at the park.

A couple of dogs from the Happy Tails Humane Society, 1408 McNeil Road, Rock Falls, also took part in the meet and greet event.

Happy Tails is a limited-intake, no-kill facility shelter and cares for stray and abandoned dogs and cats until they can be adopted into loving, permanent homes.

For more information about Happy Tails, call or text 815-626-2994.

lies.

The rescue takes in dogs of any age, breed or physical condition. All dogs are

Meanwhile other canine participants panted their way through the day, with some like Travis - a rescue from Bonafied - romping with a new-found friend, Najee.

All funds raised from Saturday’s event will go toward the care of dogs at Bonafied.

For information about Bonafied, contact Hoffman at bonafied@yahoo.com or 815-973-9162.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Ogle County Fair Association meeting is Nov. 15

The annual meeting of the Ogle County Fair Association will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Farm Bureau Auditorium, Pines Road, Oregon.

All fair association members are invited to attend.

Everyone who contributes to the fair or volunteers their time is considered a member of the association.

All members have a voice and voting rights at this meeting.

A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the board providing meat dishes, coffee, lemonade and water.

Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service.

The meeting will begin after the dinner and will include a review of the year’s activities; approval of the 2024 annual meeting minutes, treasurer’s report, audit report; presentation of awards; vote on new by-laws, and election of directors.

Call 815-732-6962 for more information.

Rochelle Lions Club Candy Day fundraising is Oct. 10-11

The Rochelle Lions Club will be conducting their 2025 Candy Day fund raising event on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11. Lions will be located at Walmart, Ace Hardware, and in downtown Rochelle, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day, collecting donations in return for a Tootsie Roll Pop.

All funds collected are utilized to provide vision and hearing services to those in need within the greater Rochelle area.

RTHS FFA Sales Ag Team places 1st

Rochelle Township High School FFA Sales Ag Team recently placed first at the Section 2 Sales Career Development Event. The team advances to District competition later this month.

Shaw Local News Network

The Lions thank you in advance for supporting their efforts to provide these vision and hearing services.

Donations may also be sent to Rochelle Lions Club, PO Box 283, Rochelle, IL 61068.

Warranty deeds

• Kenneth William Lapp and Timothy Wayne Lapp to Kassandra M Rosecke, 712 N Hampton Dr, Byron, $270,000.

• Michael Munns and Kimberley Munns to Keith Munns and Georgia Munns, 2995 N Silver Ridge Dr, Oregon, $306,500.

• Thomas W Johnson and Debra J Johnson to Alan Warneke and Susan Schafer, 906a Carlisle, Rochelle, $217,500.

• David N Hueramo and Jessica Hueramo to Brittany Guillotte and Guillotte Deven, 1442 Rock Island, Davis Junction, $320,000.

• William A Freeman and Tanya S Freeman to James Harvey Brusky and Barbra Brusky, 109 Amber Dr, Oregon, $238,000.

• Nancy D Alderks and Becky J Borchers to Straight Roes Farm Llc, 18427 E Mcneal Rd, Monroe Center, $0.

• Joseph R Casurella to Amber L Klouse and Kyle K Putzstuck, one parcel in Flagg Township: 24-07-300-010, $40,000.

• Valerie J Bunting to Aiden B Ahmer and Ann M Hendrickson, 213 Main St, Leaf River, $77,500.

• Bonnie J Moore to Rosa P Umana, 1133 N 7th St, Unit 704, Rochelle, $125,000.

• Charles D Vardman and Rhonda L Vardman to Steven D Katzman and Deborah

OBITUARIES

RENEE M. MASON

Born: June 18, 1940

Died: October 2, 2025

Renee M. Mason, 85, of Creston, Illinois, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 2, 2025, at home surrounded by her children. She was born June 18, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William and Eleanor (Wayman) Kopp.

Renee was employed at Turner in Sycamore for 35 years and then later at Polar Tech in Genoa where she retired in 2022. She was a member of the Sycamore Moose. Renee liked to bowl in leagues with friends. She enjoyed

PATRICIA MCGEE

Born: June 28, 1935 in Dekalb, IL

Died: September 30, 2025 in Rochelle, IL

Patricia Ann McGee, 90 of Rochelle IL, passed away Monday, September 30, 2025, at Liberty Village of Rochelle.

Born June 28, 1935, the daughter of George Everett and Edith Louise (White) Foster. Patricia married Marvin C. McGee on June 12, 1954, at Creston Methodist Church in Creston, IL.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Jack) Halverson. Four grandchildren, Christopher (Trisha) McGee, Scott (Kristi) McGee, Daniel (Tricia) Halverson, and Sarah Halverson; 6 great-grandchildren; two nieces and a

K Katzman, 124 E Depot St, Creston, $287,000.

• Pineapple Development Llc to Headon & Sons Inc, 114 W. North St., Creston; 110 W. North St., Creston; 103 S Main St., Creston; and 103 S Main St, Creston, $300,000.

• Janet R Kramer, Deceased By Heirs, and the estate of Janet R Kramer to Maria Lopez and Alfredo Lopez, 332 N Woolf CT, Rochelle, $110,000.

• Brian Cunningham and Janet Cunningham to Michael David Lefevre, 205 S Botanic Ave, Mt. Morris, $68,000.

• Patrick K Olson to Justin Holder and Angela Holder, 625 N. 12th St., Rochelle, $160,000.

• Christie A Brenz and Christie A Armstrong to Jackson Britnell, 211 E 5th St, Byron, $200,900.

• Rdsd Llc to Guiseppe Alfano, 204 E Washington St, Oregon, $30,000.

• David C Knie, trustee, Charles J Knie Tr and Eileen Y Knie Tr to Christine Y Shenefelt, 606 E Wayne St, Polo, $0.

• David C Knie, trustee, Charles J Knie Tr and Eileen Y Knie Tr to Dms Investment Group Llc, 708 S Division Ave, Polo, and 702 S Division Ave, Polo, $0.

• Nicholas P Yianibas and Carlen M Yianibas

to Jordan K Kilmer, 1196 W 2nd St, Byron, $290,000.

• Janet A Stukenberg to Brayden A Schlaf, Kristen A Schlaf, and Tonya Poppen, 1134 W 2nd St, Byron, $207,900.

• Bruce A Mueller and Sophia A Mueller to Catherine Clarke and Margaret Regnier, 318 Slippery Rock Dr, Dixon, $2,750.

• David W Mincemoyer, David Mincemoyer, Jodi L Mincemoyer and Jodi Mincemoyer, to Maynard L Stivers and Lorene K Stivers, 553 Countryside Dr, Stillman Valley, and 543 Countryside Dr, Stillman Valley, $350,000.

• Robert De La Rosa to Ritz Rentals Llc, 801 Adams, Oregon, $248,000.

• Matthew G Mcgrail to Jeromy Jacobs, one parcel in Taylor Township: 22-07-201-004, $60,000.

• Erik Peterson to Tyler Davis and Sarah Davis, 6913 W Wagner Rd, German Valley, $119,900.

Quit claim deeds

• Ralph Beckham to Ralph Beckham and Sandra Beckman, 1035 Turkington Ter, Rochelle, $0.

Trustees deeds

• Edith M Davis, trustee, James C Davis Tr

and Edith M Davis Tr to Benjamin Miller and Rebecca Miller, two parcels in Leaf River Township and 4256 W Egan Rd, Leaf River, $700,000.

• Jeffrey L Frazier, trustee, Michele M Frazier, trustee, Frazier Jam Tr and Jam Frazier Tr to Kevin W Connors, trustee, Kathleen M Connors, trustee, and Connors Family Tr, 712 N Kari CT, Byron, $340,000.

• Joshua W Franks, trustee, and Joshua W Franks Rev Tr to Daniel Collins, 2030 Southfield Ln, Byron $279,900.

Deeds of trust

• Steven R Meiners, trustee, John L Meiners, trustee, and Meiners Family Tr to Austin D Schriner and Marti K Schriner, one parcel in Eagle Point Township: 13-12-200-003, $1,482,000.

Trustees deeds

• Edward J Wedell, trustee, and James L & Janet H Wedell Dec Tr to Seger Randal Larson and Samantha Christine Larson, 309 Saddlewood Cir, Dixon, $327,500.

• Baruch M Schur, trustee, and Baruch Schur Rev Tr to Jeffrey Sondgeroth and Korie Sondgeroth, 714 Kaskaskia Dr, Dixon, and 712 N Kaskaskia Dr, Dixon, $475,000.

spending time with her children, friends and staying home. She worked hard but lived simple.

PATRICIA MCGEE

Born: June 28, 1935 in Dekalb, IL

Died: September 30, 2025 in Rochelle, IL

She is survived by her son Dan L. Davis of DeKalb; her daughters Debra Davis of Naples, Florida and Denise Thumser of Creston; her grandson Dane Thumser and Owen Thumser of Dubuque, Iowa; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Dennis Kopp and her sister Diane Wirth.

Patricia Ann McGee, 90 of Rochelle IL, passed away Monday, September 30, 2025, at Liberty Village of Rochelle.

Renee will be missed by family and friends.

Per her request, no services will be held.

GARY BAKER

Born: September 27, 1951

Died: October 4, 2025

of his future wife. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Judy Finnestead, and brother, Rick Baker.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.

Born June 28, 1935, the daughter of George Everett and Edith Louise (White) Foster. Patricia married Marvin C. McGee on June 12, 1954, at Creston Methodist Church in Creston, IL.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Jack) Halverson. Four grandchildren, Christopher (Trisha) McGee, Scott (Kristi) McGee, Daniel (Tricia) Halverson, and Sarah Halverson; 6 great-grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her son James, sisters Shirley Scidmore, Beverly Grace Pinkston; brothers Lonnie L. Foster, and George Foster, Jr.

Family burial to be held at Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb, Illinois.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com

Gary Michael Baker, age 74, died on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at his home with his family at his side. He was born on September 27, 1951 in Rochelle, IL, the son of Wayne and Mary Ann (Hufford) Baker. He married Lori Anne Snell on September 8, 1995, in Rochelle. Gary worked as a Tool and Die Machinist working his entire career at DelMonte, retired from Siligan . He loved the Lord, his family, friends and especially his grandchildren. He was an avid deer hunter, and enjoyed golfing, bowling and singing, which is how he caught the attention

Survived by his wife, Lori, 4 sons: Mike (Marie) Baker, John (Susan ) Baker, Christopher (Heather) Baker, and Jacob Baker; 7 grandchildren: Marissa (Bryce) Cook, Mariah (Dominick) Strangman, Morgan Baker, Leo Baker, Macklin Baker, Cooper Baker, Emily Baker and another baby in 2026; his brother, Dave (Maggie) Baker; and special friend, Ed Catron. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:50 A.M. on Monday October 13, 2025 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home,400 N 6th St., Rochelle. Funeral service will follow on Monday at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Pam Harding officiating. Cremation rites will follow services.

A light reception will immediately follow the services at Unger Horner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com

CHARLES JONES

Born: July 6, 1957

Died: October 4, 2025

Charles Robert Jones

Jr. “Chuck,” son of Charles R. Senior and Marcellene Jones was born on July 6th, 1957 in Oregon IL. Chuck passed away unexpectedly on October 4th, 2025.

Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Ann Walk, on April 26th, 1975. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this past April. Chuck and Ann resided at their home in Monroe

STEVEN STRANG

Born: November 7, 1950 in Rochelle, IL

Died: October 2, 2025 in Rockford, IL

ROCHELLE – Steven Conrad Strang, 74, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. Steve was born on November 7, 1950 to Calvin E. and Lorraine (Baker) Strang in Rochelle, IL. During the Vietnam era, he proudly served with the United States Navy as a Seabee. On June 5, 2004, he married Sally

BESSIE HOLT

Born: October 24, 1930

Died: October 5, 2025

Bessie Louida Holt, age 94, died on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at her home with her family at her side. She was born on October 24, 1930 in Cross County, Arkansas, the daughter of Johnny and Clara (Walker) Patterson. She married Rayburn C. Holt on June 7, 1947 in Vandale, Arkansas, he preceded her on February 5, 2012. She worked at Caron International in Rochelle before retiring. Bessie was a fantastic southern cook, and was known to keep a nice neat home. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings, Kathryne Rhodes, Dorothy Lambert, Edward Patterson, Reno Patterson, Robert Patterson, and Clyde Patterson.

Center since 1985. Together, they had two children, Stacy and Brandon; along with their five grandsons, Drake, Logan, Lane, Braxton, and Mack; plus their great-grandkids, Walker and Scotland.

Chuck had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed watching movies/shows, reading books, and listening to music. He enjoyed listening to or watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Chuck liked to go fishing, lift weights, play his guitars, and ride his motorcycle. His favorite pastime was Golf; Chuck was passionate about golf, and encouraged his son and grandsons to play. He preached about the etiquette of “Gentleman’s game.” When the weather was nice you would often find him out in his

Sawicki in Lindenwood, IL.

Steve had an incredible sense of humor. Holiday decorations were a favorite and went along with his famous role as the area’s best Santa Claus. He enjoyed gardening and was a gifted handyman. Steve’s strong faith and deep love for his family and friends enabled him to continue living everyday to the fullest despite ALS stripping him of the use of his arms. He and Sally were blessed by so much help from his children, the VA and many friends who were there for him during this difficult 6-plus year period dealing with ALS.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sally of Rochelle; five children, Wendy (Michael) Schmitt of Rochelle, Jennifer (David) Edwards of

She is survived by her three children, Pat Smith of Rochelle, Shirley Terry of Rochelle, and James (Debbie) Holt of Pledger, TX; six grandchildren, Teresa (Andy) Schabacker, DeeAnn (Robert) Lechner, Clint (Brenda) Garner, Jason (Amy) Smith, Stephanie (Shawn) McCarthy, and Christopher Holt; eight great-grandchildren, Jake Rod, Jasmine, Jesse and Nicki Schabacker, Austin (Monica) Lechner, Hannah (Michael) Saxton, Lauren Garner, and Ainsley McCarthy; and four great-great-grandchildren, Hunter Schabacker, Orianna Lechner, Abigail and Sadie Saxton. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice for their love and care they provided.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 9 to 10:50 a,m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle, IL.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Unger Horner Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Lechner officiating. Burial at the Trinity Memory Gardens.

A memorial has been established to Heartland Hospice. Guestbook at www.UngerHorner.com

chair on the back deck enjoying a keystone light.

Above all else, Chuck was a family man. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and papa. Chuck was very proud of his wife, kids, and grandkids. He loved spending time with his family. Chuck was known for his words of wisdom, strong opinions, and great humor.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Ann; father-inlaw Gilbert Walk of Monroe Center; daughter, Stacy Jones of Monroe Center; son, Brandon (Catie) Jones of Monroe Center; grandsons, Drake (Sierra) Jennings of Byron, and Logan Jennings, Lane Jones, Braxton Jennings, and Mack Jones, all of Monroe Center; great-grandson, Walker and great-granddaughter,

Mocksville, NC, Master Sgt. Brandon (Danelle) Strang of Jacksonville, NC, Crystal McRoberts of Waterman, IL and Natalie (Joe) Wolf of Sycamore, IL; four sisters, Sue (Denny) Golden, Karen (Roger) Pearson, Christy (Al) Hawkins and Lisa (Charlie) Woodworth; sister-in-law, Sue Sawicki; 16 grandchildren, Sydney (Ben) Webster, Tyler (Amber) Isham-Schmitt, Dylan Isham, Kristen Schmitt, Eryn Vesta, James (Lily) Vesta, Jr., Jacobi Peterson and Zoe McCauley, Andrea (Tom) Carlson, Cody McRoberts, Adin Strang, Elizabeth and Ava Clark, Gavin, Caden and Owen Wolf; and four great-grandchildren, Ezra and Eliana Webster, Jordan Carlson and Camilla Ramirez. In addition to his parents, Steve was pre-

BERNIECE RICHARDSON

Born: April 19, 1932

Died: October 3, 2025

Berniece B. Richardson, age 93, passed away gently on Friday October 3,2025 at her home with her family at her side. Berniece was born on April 19 th, 1932 in Rochelle, IL, the daughter of Edward and Ellie(Schlie) Eckhart. Bernice married Darroll Richardson on May 21, 1968 in Rochelle. Together they owned and operated the Pour House in Rochelle. Preceded in death by her parents, triplet siblings: Bernita Freeman and Bob Eckhardt, five sisters: Phyllis Hoffman, Betty Baker, Ruth, Ellis, Eleanor Kinn and Esther Wetzel and her son Tom Winebaugh. Bernice is survived by her husband,

Scotland, both of Byron; brother, Mike Jones; special sister-in-law, Kimberley Jones; nephews, Shea (Kerry) and Tayt Jones; brother-inlaw, Gayle (Teri) Walk; aunts, many nieces and nephews; and dear family friends, Mike and Joan Adamson, Barb Sandvik and their family. He was preceded by his parents, brother, and grandparents.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the North Church in Monroe Center with the Rev. Brad Pittman officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. on Friday prior to the funeral. Burial at the Monroe Center Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Monroe Center Fire Department. Guest book at www.UngerHorner. com.

ceded in death by his granddaughter, Hailey Hershberger.

The visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 7 at Lindenwood Union Church, 101 Galena Street, Lindenwood, IL with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. Burial followed the service at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle, with military honors provided by the US Navy Honor Guard. Memorials may be made in Steve’s memory to ALS United of Greater Chicago, 5315 N. Clark #650, Chicago, IL 60640 or to the Flagg Township Museum. Visit www.ungerhorner. com to sign the online guest book.

Darroll, son, Bill (Nathalie) of Dixon, Illinois and three daughters: Tracy Richardson of Rochelle, Kelly (Gene) Kempson of Rochelle and Micki Dettman of Sterling, daughter-in-law Barb Winebaugh and many grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her special friends: Heather Simo and Krissy Cooper. Berniece loved her family and she was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones. Bernice enjoyed reading, eating out, going to the casino and caring for her family.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Unger Horner funeral home, 400 N. 6th St. ROCHELLE , Illinois. A celebration of life will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Glenn Stewart officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the serenity hospice and Home. Guess book at www. UngerHorner.com. A luncheon will be served following the celebration of life at Rochelle United Methodist Church located at 709 4th Avenue in Rochelle.

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Connor Lewis advances to state tourney, Rochelle takes eighth at IHSA 2A sectional

Junior shoots 77 to tie for 17th during sectional tournament in Rockford

By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com

Back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes allowed Rochelle’s Connor Lewis to remain in contention for a state-qualifying spot throughout the IHSA 2A Boys Golf Sectional at the Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club on Monday.

Even through his first six holes, Lewis overcame a triple bogey on the 16th hole with a birdie on the par-4 second hole. It was the first and only birdie on the front nine for Lewis, who parred three straight holes and overcame four consecutive bogeys down the stretch to tie for 17th with a 6-over-par 77.

“I hit my driver really well today and that’s what helped me stay low and not blow up,” Lewis said. “My irons were rough, but my chipping and putting made up for that. There were a lot of blind shots where I couldn’t see the hole and the greens were fast from the back to the front. To go from not being very good last year to being a state qualifier means a lot to me.”

Lewis clinched one of the 10 avail -

• ROUNDUP

Continued from page 30

individually. Riverdale’s Braden Janicki (70) was runner-up and BV’s Wyatt Novotny (71) was third.

Also scoring for Fulton were Jacob Voss (73), Dawson Price (74) and Chase Dykstra (92).

Eastland’s Braden Anderson and Camron Huber each shot 77s to tie for seventh; Brixen Dale (85) and Harper Keim (85) also scored for the Cougars.

Other locals advancing to the Class 1A Cambridge Sectional at Valley View Club are Oregon’s Nole Campos (77) and Jackson Messenger (82); E-P’s Grayson Johnston (80); Rock Falls’ Lucas Porter (83); and Amboy’s Chase Montavon.

Forreston’s Kaden Brown takes third at Wolf Hollow: Brown shot a 75 to advance

able at-large qualifying bids for the IHSA 2A state tournament, which will begin this Friday at Weibring Golf Club in Normal. A state qualifier for the first time, Lewis led Rochelle to eighth place during Monday’s sectional tournament. The Hubs, who took third in the 2A regional at RedTail, totaled 324 to take eighth out of 12 teams on Monday.

“I’ve been practicing on my short game a lot since last season,” said Lewis, who didn’t start playing golf at Rochelle until his sophomore year. “My short game was really rough to start the season, but I’ve worked on it a lot

from the Class 1A Pearl City Regional. Dakota (309), Rockford Christian (310) and Byron (319) were the advancing teams as Forreston shot a 324 to take fifth.

Also advancing was Forreston’s Daylen Rahn (80). Kendall Erdmann shot an 83 but did not advance; Darin Greenfield shot an 86.

Thursday, Oct. 2

Volleyball

Polo d. Oregon 25-19, 25-12: Reese Mekeel led Polo with 10 kills and two blocks in the win. Grace Miatke had 13 digs while Cam Jones had seven kills, 10 digs and 11 assists. Emma Eckerd led Oregon with seven digs, eight assists and one ace.

Boys soccer

Somonauk 4, Oregon 2: Ivan Hernandez

and it’s been a lot better. I made a lot of putts today and my driver has been good.”

Alex Dyer posted a 1-over-par 36 on the back nine and finished with an 81.

Johnny Chadwick made one birdie and scored an 82, while Ian Metzger, who won the regional championship last week, posted an 84 at the sectional. Trenton Cunningham (85) and Owen Carmichael (95) rounded out the lineup for the Hubs, who played their final sectional under coach Glen Mehrings.

“They came ready to play,” said Mehrings, who’s retiring after the 2025-

scored both goals for Oregon in the loss. The Hawks fell to 10-9.

Friday, Oct. 3

Football

Eastland-Pearl City 54, Forreston 24: The Wildcats (4-2, 3-2) snapped Forreston’s four-game win streak with the home win. Draven Zier had 182 yards rushing and four TDs for E-PC in the win. Zier also went over 1,000 yards rushing for the season. E-PC led 30-8 heading into the fourth quarter. Forreston (4-2, 4-2) had 275 yards rushing in the setback.

Oregon 45, North Boone 13: Jakobi Donagen led the Hawks (4-2, 4-2) with 173 yards rushing and four TDs in the road win.

Oregon held the Vikings scoreless until the fourth quarter and led 28-0 at halftime.

Polo 54, Orangeville 8: Polo (5-1) built a

26 school year. “It was a good all-around effort. The greens were cut real tight and close and when putts slid by, it carried mental scar tissue into the next hole. We had some of that today, but every team deals with that and you just have to get through the first six holes without too many battle scars.”

Dixon and Sterling each had players competing in Monday’s sectional meet. Max Kitzman and Brody Nicklaus each carded 81 for the Dukes, while Kye Dieterle recorded a 97. Noah Stephenson and Carson Leigh shot 95 and 97, respectively, for the Golden Warriors.

46-0 halftime lead in the home win. JT Stephenson threw two TDs to Mercer Mumford, who also scored four TDs on the ground with 174 yards rushing.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Boys soccer

Oregon 4, Kewanee 1: Steven Guardado, Owen Wynn, Aiden Hammer and Noah Near all had goals in the win for the Hawks (11-9).

Deryk Withers had six saves in goal for Oregon.

Girls cross country

Anya Anaya leads Oregon: Anaya ran a PR of 20:11.32 to take 14th at the Freeport Invite at Highland Community College.

Madeline Rogers was 27th and Evelyn Anderson was 31st for the Hawks.

Rochelle football player has surgery after injury

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@shawmedia.com

Rochelle junior football player Dylan Manning underwent surgery at Loyola Medical Center to remove a blood clot and remove pressure on his brain after suffering a head injury in Friday night’s game at Morris.

Manning’s condition was reported on the Rochelle Hubs Football Facebook page and confirmed by Rochelle head coach Kyle Kiss -

ack. Ben Manning, Dylan Manning’s father, told Shaw Local on Saturday that his son was “in stable condition, vitals are good.”

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Ben Manning said that his son was off the sedatives and the breathing tube, is mostly still asleep, however, at times responds to voices and has opened an eye and spoke a few words.

Manning, a three-year varsity player who earlier this season

eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards, was wheeled off the field Friday night on a stretcher to an ambulance after collapsing on the sideline after the game was over.

“Please pray for our friend, our brother and our teammate, Dylan Manning,” Rochelle football’s Facebook page said in the post Saturday morning. “He is in good hands and the medical team is cautiously optimistic. Please be in prayer for Dylan, the entire Manning family and the Loyola University medical team.”

The run to the football playoffs and prayers in Rochelle

While resting up in the comfort of home for an ultra trail run on the Hennepin Canal, I took the night off from covering football and watched a few games on the NFHS streaming network. Simultaneously, I followed Byron, Forreston, Oregon and Stillman.

Much was made of the Byron and Du-Pec tilt by local media, but make no mistake about it, Du-Pec, though leading 14-12 at half, is not at the level of Byron.

The Tigers dominated action for much of the game and fell behind at half because of two turnovers and a long Du-Pec kickoff return.

On a sidenote, I preferred Byron’s YouTube version of the game over the NFHS with Evan Burris providing local banter. The picture was also clearer, though a higher sightline would have been helpful.

Missing its quarterback, a lineman and leading rusher, Oregon crushed North Boone, setting up this week’s battle for third place in the BNC with Stillman Valley. Regardless of the outcome, both teams are locks to reach the playoffs.

In looking at playoff projections, Stillman is close to 2A. It wasn’t too long ago the Cardinals were in 4A, albeit as one of the smaller schools.

In 2019, SV had 588 students compared to 419 now, a 28% drop. Maybe all those families moving into the new subdivisions in the 1990s and early 2000s are done having children.

Also on the NFHS, I viewed part of the IC Catholic-Wheaton St. Francis football game, as IC will be Byron’s biggest impediment to a state title. IC looked more like a 6A team

instead of 3A.

They ended up beating Wheaton 35-28, who was No. 2 in 5A at the time. Leading up to that, they’ve only lost 29-28 to Marist (8A) and 24-21 to Nazareth, the No. 2 team in 6A. With its passing attack, they look better than Montini last year.

The 3A classification is shaping up into exactly what everyone warned about after the 2024 IHSA championships – an unfair private school advantage.

If there is positive, Byron has shown the wherewithal to mix it up with IC and Montini, as evidenced by thrilling semifinals wins in 2021 and 2023 and a narrow loss last year in the second round.

My question to IC is this: If you are already competing at such a high level, why wouldn’t you petition up to play in a class or two for the post season?

I recall a Catholic League player telling me he felt the playoffs were a step down from the regular season.

I would not dispute that. Remember two years ago when Nazareth snuck into the playoffs at 4-5 and ran the table to win 5A.

Other than Dixon, Byron is relegated to what the BNC has to offer and to be quite frank, the league is at its lowest ebb ever.

Come post season, that lack of competition is detrimental.

It was scary news out of Rochelle with the serious head injury suffered by Dylan Manning in a football game against Morris. Manning was flown from Morris to Loyola Hospital and is improving after emergency surgery.

Before the season, Hub coach Kyle Kissack mentioned that Dylan had the potential to be the best player ever to come out of Rochelle.

In the same breath, he also said Dylan was as good of a human being as he is a player.

Hundreds of people came to the Rochelle’s football field Saturday night to pray for Dylan’s recovery and this was no idle show of support.

Through its youth Rock Ministries and adult Tres Dias movements, there is a genuine spirit of faith in that town.

“We are very blessed to have such a strong Christian community,” Kissack said. “They always show up in a big way. The prayers were loud and went straight up to heaven.”

Over the years, this column has been critical of fan behavior at high-school sporting events.

The previous week, European golfers and their entourage at the Ryder Cup were verbally berated by Americans.

It wasn’t good-natured us-vs.-them nationalism, but ugly personal attacks, bordering on jingoism.

Some blamed it on the location near New York City, where vulgarity is a finely honed art. Others said alcohol fueled the flame.

Ironically, Europeans Rory McIlroy (Masters) and Tommy Fleetwood (Fed Ex Cup) were applauded for emotional wins earlier in the season by American

audiences.

That same weekend at the University of Colorado, college students used profanity to deride the BYU football team and mock their Mormon faith. It was a pathetic display from a group of foul-mouthed brats who needed to be disciplined, something sadly lacking in today’s younger generation.

When I was a kid and used swear words, my mouth was washed out with soap. I didn’t care for that kind of discipline, but I eventually learned my lesson and my language was far less profane than Colorado’s.

The Mountain West did supply discipline in the form of a $50,000 penalty to the school. However, there were no consequences for the offenders, as the school had to pick up the tab for their bad behavior.

“Don’t indict us just based on a group of young kids that were probably intoxicated and high simultaneously. BYU, we love you, we appreciate you, and we support you,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said.

Rather than spewing hatred, Colorado could take a lesson from the way BYU treats visitors. Opposing fans are greeted with a warm welcome and friendship. Those sitting in the visitors section have even been treated to free brownies and ice cream.

Besides the faith-based approach to interacting with a rival, another difference at Provo, Utah, compared to New York and Colorado was absence of booze and pot.

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

Quick and strong Morris team wins over Rochelle

By ROB OESTERLE roesterle@shawmedia.com

There are two words that Morris coach Alan Thorson uses to describe his football team.

Fast and physical.

Those two traits showed up in abundance Friday night as Morris (6-0, 3-0) steamrolled Interstate Eight Conference rival Rochelle (3-3, 1-2), 37-14.

The physicality started early for Morris, as they forced Rochelle into a 3-and-out on the game’s opening possession. That was a theme for the entire first half, as Rochelle did not start a play from Morris territory before halftime. The Hubs reached the Morris 46 at one point, but a false start penalty moved them back behind midfield and they couldn’t gain the yards back.

When Morris got the ball for the first time, it drove 47 yards on 13 plays before getting a 37-yard field goal from Grant Sparrow. Another Rochelle three-and-out followed, and Morris

embarked on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown run by Mick Smith. A key play in the drive was a 29-yard completion from Brady Varner (7 of 10, 145 yards, one TD) to Anthony Smith.

Mick Smith’s name kept getting called, as he ran for another six-yard TD on Morris’ next drive for a 17-0 lead. He then intercepted a pass to give Morris the ball back at its own 18 just before halftime.

“We 100% wanted to send a message,” Mick Smith said. “We owed them [Rochelle] from last year [a 37-15 loss]. They brought it to us last year, and we wanted to do the same thing to them this year.

“We returned a lot of guys from last year, including all of our linebackersmyself, Caeden Curran and Owen Olson. We want to be fast and physical and we were tonight. On offense, Caeden is a great running back, but he needed a rest, so I stepped up and was able to get a couple of touchdowns.

This was a big win for us.”

Morris got the second-half kickoff and Logan Conroy returned it 41 yards to the Morris 46. From there, it took Morris just six plays, all runs by Curran (22 carries, 128 yards, two TDs), and he capped it with a one-yard burst.

Rochelle got on the board on its next drive, using 18 plays and nearly 9:30 off the clock, with Dylan Manning scoring from a yard out. The two-point conversion failed and Morris led 24-6 with just :37 to play in the third quarter. Manning finished with 69 rushing yards on 20 carries, but was wheeled off the field on a stretcher to an ambulance after collapsing on the sideline after the game was over.

Morris got a 41-yard pass from Varner to Conroy to start the fourth quarter, and three plays later, Curran scored from four yards out. After Morris stopped Rochelle on downs, Varner hit RJ Kennedy for a 39-yard TD pass to make it 37-6. Rochelle answered with a 52-yard touchdown run by Roman Vil-

lalobos (10 carries, 89 yards) and the conversion pass from Cohen Haedt to Manning was good to provide the final score.

“All season, we have talked about being physical,” Thorson said. “Every game we lost last year, the other teams won the line of scrimmage against us. It has been a point of emphasis to get back to physical football this season, and you have seen it play out that way these first six weeks.

“Our offensive line did a great job, the backs blocked well for each other and our tight ends, Brady Babington and Logan Sparrow, do a great job as well. Caeden and Mick both run the ball real hard, and the defense played great, especially in the first half when we held them to 54 yards. And, we scored on almost every possession. A lot of that was the defense putting our offense in good position. Rochelle’s wing-T offense is hard to contain with the running backs they have, but the defense did a great job.”

Byron 2nd, Oregon 3rd at Oregon 1A girls golf regional

By DRAKE LANSMAN dlansman@shawmedia.com

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Girls golf

Oregon Regional: The Hawks shot a 399 to take third at the Class 1A Oregon Regional to advance as a team to the sectional at Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford. Lutheran (338) was first and Byron (369) second.

Aniyah Sarver (87) took seventh, Sarah Eckardt (95) was ninth, Toni Withers (104) was 12th, and Noelle Girton (113) was 24th for Oregon.

E-P takes second at Eastland Regional: E-P (403) was second behind only Dixon (391), and River Ridge (414) took third to advance to the sectional as teams.

E-P’s Michelle Naftzger (94) tied Eastland’s Kaya Vanmatre for fourth. Polo’s Elsa Monaco (95) took sixth, Morrison’s Sarah Wetzell (97) was eighth, and E-P’s Isabella Johnston (98) was ninth.

Eastland’s Jaden Brower (100) also advanced as an individual.

Volleyball

SPORTS ROUNDUP See ROUNDUP on page 27

Taylor Richmond (103) and Ava Grawe (108) also scored for E-P.

Polo d. AFC 25-10, 25-11: Reese Mekeel led Polo with five kills, and Grace Miatke (two aces) had seven digs in the win. Cam Jones (two aces) added four

kills and four digs for the Marcos. Brylee Laskowski also had two aces for Polo.

Oregon d. North Boone 25-15, 25-23: Ashlee Mundell had 10 digs, Emma Eckerd (nine digs) had five assists, and Izzy Berg had two blocks and two kills for Oregon.

Boys soccer

Oregon 7, Indian Creek 2: Eduardo Garcia had a hat trick in the win for Oregon (10-8, 4-4).

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Boys golf

Fulton takes second at Byron Hills: Riverdale (301) was the team champion at its home course as Fulton (306) took second. Eastland (324) also advanced as a team. Oregon (332) was fourth, followed by Bureau Valley (336).

Fulton’s Owen Van Zuiden tied his own school record with a 67 to take first

True freshmen Brady Davidson, Lazaro Rogers spark hot start for NIU before offense falters

By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com

Two true freshmen starters for Northern Illinois University on Saturday against Miami (Ohio) made an immediate impact, each having a hand in a touchdown and helping the Huskies open a two-touchdown lead.

The offensive resurgence didn’t last long.

After 136 yards of total offense on their first two drives, the Huskies managed 84 yards the rest of the game as the RedHawks picked up the 25-14 win on Saturday, keeping the Mallory Cup and spoiling NIU’s homecoming.

True freshman Brady Davidson got the start at quarterback, while fellow first-year college player Lazaro Rogers got the nod at running back for NIU (1-4 overall, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) against Miami (2-3, 1-0).

Rogers made an impact first, rattling off a 76-yard run on the Huskies’ first play from scrimmage for a touchdown.

On the second drive, it was Davidson’s turn to shine. He led the Huskies on an 11-play, 60-yard drive, capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jake Appleget. He was 7 for 8 for 60 yards on the drive, staking the Huskies to a 14-0 lead with 3:23 left.

The Huskies hadn’t scored more than one offensive touchdown in a game this year. Despite needing barely 9 minutes to accomplish that Saturday, they still ended up under 20 points and took their fourth straight loss.

“The second drive, we were able to convert some plays which gave us a chance,” said NIU coach Thomas Hammock after his team was 2 for 3 on third down on that long scoring drive and 2 for 11 the rest of the game. “Obviously, we had a nice play in the end zone to score a touchdown. There were some positive plays, but we have to be able to reset from there and put drives together after that.”

week. Nothing changed in preparation,” Davidson said. “I’ve been preparing like I’m the starter since Week 1.” Rogers finished with nine carries for 98 yards. The 14 points are the most NIU has scored against an FBS team this year, and the Huskies haven’t topped the 20-point mark yet, having entered Saturday dead last in scoring offense and likely to keep that spot.

The defense surrendered 367 yards, the second-most the Huskies have given up all year. Miami had the ball for almost 40 minutes and ran 76 plays to NIU’s 51.

“The biggest thing this week was to take what they give us,” said Davidson, a 6-5, 2024 graduate of Rock Bridge in Columbia, Mo. “That’s what that second drive was. They were giving us a lot of that, and we were just taking that. We have to be able to keep working and getting back to that mentality.”

That was it for the Huskies’ offensive production. Davidson was 6 for 20 the rest of the way with 46 passing yards.

Davidson threw an interception and lost a fumble, plus an earlier fumble led to a safety for Miami that put them ahead 15-14.

The low point came in the third quarter after Miami cut the lead to 14-13.

On second and 13, Adam Trick sacked Davidson, and the ball popped loose. Izzy Ozoh recovered on the NIU 9, setting up third and 26.

After a shovel pass for no gain, Jermaine Agee blocked Danny Vuckovic’s punt, and it rolled out of the end zone, giving the RedHawks the lead.

Miami started the ensuing drive at midfield and scored a touchdown, a nine-point swing in a game the RedHawks won by nine points.

“It was the same as every other

The performance secured the Mallory Cup for the RedHawks. They’ve won all five meetings since the battle became a trophy game in 2018. With NIU’s move to the Mountain West next year, Miami will keep the trophy for the foreseeable future.

NIU senior linebacker and Batavia graduate Quinn Urwiler had 14 tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for a loss. He entered the game second in the country in tackles per game and could be moving into the No. 1 spot after this week.

He’d still rather be winning, he said.

“It doesn’t mean anything. I want to win,” Urwiler said. “I would rather get zero tackles and win than have 14 in a loss.”

SPORTS

UPCOMING NIU FOOTBALL GAMES

SATURDAY, OCT. 11: At Eastern Michigan, Noon

SATURDAY, OCT. 18: At Ohio, 2:30 p.m.

Northern Illinois University’s quarterback Brady Davidson (2) hands the ball off to teammate running back Lazaro Rogers (21) during the game against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday Oct. 4, where Rogers ran for a touchdown at Huskie Stadium. Miami won 25-14.

HOT START, COLD FINISH

True freshmen Brady Davidson, Lazaro Rogers spark sizzling start for NIU before offense falters in loss to Miami / 31