January
Monday, Jan. 2
BYRON — On Dec. 20, the Byron Park District Board of Commissioners and Executive Director Paul Zepezauer recognized Board Commissioner Judd Griffith for 10 years of service. Commissioner Griffith began his tenure with the district in 2012. Over the past 10 years, the district has continued to expand services within the community and implemented new recreational programming for its residents.
“Commissioner Griffith’s dedication to the Byron community and parks and recreation contributes to the ongoing success of the district,” Board President Jeff Wilmarth said. “The Byron Park District is proud to recognize Commissioner Griffith and thankful for his service.”
Monday, Jan. 9
PASADENA, Calif. – Dixon’s Joy Holden and Chèrie Van Woz Arch, Oregon’s Lorretta Sigler and Franklin Grove’s Samantha Dopke wanted to ring in 2023 by doing something special, so they decided to participate in one of America’s time-honored New Year’s traditions. No, they were not making a toast in Times Square while the glass ball descended just before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Instead, they are in southern California celebrating the start of the New Year by “pushing petals” in preparation for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Illinois residents belong to the Petal Pushers, an elite corps of volunteers who travel from all over the country to gather in Pasadena, California each year. These volunteers spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s attaching thousands of roses, carnations, lilies, mums, and other flowers, as well as natural materials such as seeds, coffee beans and leaves, to create the majestic beauty and splendor of the floral floats that rode down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard during the Rose Parade on Jan. 2.
“This is my second time participating,” Holden said. “I was here in 2015 and knew I needed to come back again. It is incredible to see all the ways that organic materials are used to create these floats.”
Monday, Jan. 23
FORRESTON – Forreston High School Principal Travis Heinz is pleased to announce that five students have been recognized as 2023 Illinois State Scholars.
Forreston High School is honored to recognize the following students as Illinois State Scholars from the 2023 graduating class: Brooke Boettner daughter of Nathan and Amanda Boettner, Owen Greenfield son of Jeff and Erin Greenfield, Johnathen Kobler son of Jason and Debbie Kobler, Alexander Milnes son of Jeremy and Allison Milnes, and Brock Smith son of Brent and Sheri Smith.
This prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) which is recognizing 16,770 high school students from 690 high schools as this year’s State Scholars. Illinois State Scholars possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and six semester class rank.
February
Monday, Feb. 6
OREGON — Oregon Community Unit School District 220’s mission statement is “to educate students to be lifelong learners who are productive, responsible citizens.”
“In that pursuit, we don't just look at academics,” District Superintendent Tom Mahoney said. “We also look at student involvement and activities that connect kids to school to achieve better and thrive. We look at service and how our kids can learn to serve our community and others. We look at leadership and how we develop that and provide opportunities for students to grow. In all of these things, we hear them and think, 'That's Kim.' She is a mission-driven teacher.”
The “Kim” Mahoney was referring to is Oregon Junior Senior High School Spanish Teacher Kim Radostits. At a press conference Wednesday, Jan. 25, Radostits, known to students as “Ms. Rad”, was named one of five finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Radostits was recently named 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Monday, Feb. 13
DIXON — Maxwell DeForest wanted a trumpet for his seventh birthday.
Eleven years later, the Dixon teen is now applying to prestigious music schools including the likes of The Juilliard School in New York and The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He joined the Rockford Youth Symphony Orchestra at age nine and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra when he was a freshman in high school.
“Starting to play trumpet at seven is a lot younger than most,” DeForest said. “I was told, 'Ah, he'll try to play it for maybe a month or two and he'll quit.' I was young at the time when I auditioned for CYSO and many in it were juniors and seniors. Some were sophomores and there's a few freshmen in it now. But it's weird looking back now that I was once them. They're very little. I toured with CYSO around Europe to Leipzig, Berlin, Prague and Vienna. I had a blast doing that.”
DeForest has been a finalist each year at the National Trumpet Competition. He’s also a part of community orchestras at Northern Illinois University, where he’s taken trumpet lessons since he was eight, along with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra in DeKalb.
DeForest credits his trumpet trajectory to the support of his teachers, including his first, Jim Green, who was the only one that would take him on at the young age of seven. DeForest has also learned under NIU Professor Dr. Mark Ponzo, RYSO Conductor Linc Smelser, RYSO Principal Mark Baldin and Dr. Karl Sievers, a retired Oklahoma professor who teaches him remotely.
DeForest’s parents, David and Carla, own DeForest Dental in Oregon and spent time over the years driving him to lessons and performances in DeKalb, Rockford, Chicago and more. Carla put 398,000 miles on one of the family vehicles.
“The most difficult part was that Maxwell spent an extensive amount of time in the car,” Carla said. “But he enjoyed playing. It was the car rides he didn't like. He enjoys the music aspect of it, even though he might not want to get up for an early audition or recital. He comes home sometimes at 11 p.m. or midnight because the rehearsal in Chicago went to 10 p.m. This is why we do all of that, because he is auditioning at the best schools in the world and he's got a chance.”
STILLMAN VALLEY — The Illinois State Board of Education has announced its 2023 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year awardees and would like to extend their sincere congratulations to Dr. Joe Mullikin on receiving the Award of Excellence in the administration category. Dr. Mullikin is currently the principal of Highland Elementary in the Meridian 223 School District.
“I am incredibly honored to have been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education,” Mullikin said. “Receiving an Award of Excellence is a high honor and I am proud to be a Cardinal and look forward to continuing to support our district in its path toward meeting our vision and mission.”
Dr. Mullikin started his teaching career in the Meridian 223 School District as a student teacher. He returned to teach four years as a science teacher at Stillman Valley High School. He began as principal of Highland for the 2017-2018 school year. He has been selected as the next superintendent of Meridian 223 School District and has begun working in the position of principal and assistant superintendent before transitioning into the MCUSD 223 Superintendent in the summer of 2024.
Monday. Feb. 20
OREGON — The Oregon Park District was one of four park districts in Illinois to be recognized on Jan. 27 as an Exceptional Workplace by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association at the IPRA annual business meeting.
The Exceptional Workplace award is administered by IPRA to recognize agencies that show a commitment to the well-being of their employees. Agencies undergo a voluntary evaluation process to demonstrate they have met guidelines to provide employees with the opportunity for a well-balanced life from the inside out. The Exceptional Workplace criteria includes staff wellness programs, continuing education, team building, community involvement, risk management, professionalism and much more.
“The Oregon Park District is proud to receive the Exceptional Workplace Award,” Oregon Park District Executive Director Erin Folk said. “Oregon is a great place to live, work and play for our patrons and the same applies to our employees. We are fortunate to be able to provide an acceptable work-life balance for all employees.”
STILLMAN VALLEY — Heather Alderks, Stillman Valley High School athletic and activities director, has received word that she was nominated and has won Athletic Director of the Year by the Illinois Athletic Director Association.
"When learning I received this award, I was instantly humbled in knowing all the great people I work with in the Meridian School District,” Alderks said. “These types of awards are given to an individual but behind that individual is a great support network in making every extra-curricular program and event possible for our students. From our Athletic/Activities Department Assistant Paula Broski to the great coaches who serve our students year in and year out, to the building and grounds staff, and custodial staff who work countless hours to make events happen, the people behind the scenes of the work being done is what has allowed me to be recognized and I am very grateful for them. I am honored to receive this award knowing I work with great people every day."
March
Monday, March 6
CHAMPAIGN — Wrestlers from Ogle County high schools recently competed at the IHSA State Tournament Feb. 16-18 in Champaign.
Byron competitors included Kyle Jones (182-pound junior, placed third) and Jared Claunch (220-pound sophomore, state qualifier).
Polo competitors included Josiah Perez (106-pound freshman, state qualifier) and Wyatt Doty (132-pound senior, placed fourth).
Rochelle all-state qualifiers included Tommy Tourdot (113-pound junior), Xavier Villalobos (120-pound sophomore), Joseph Nadig (126-pound sophomore), Brock Metzger (182-pound junior), Kaiden Morris (220-pound sophomore) and Dempsey Atkinson (145-pound sophomore, girls qualifier).
Stillman Valley competitors included Aiden Livingston (145-pound senior, placed fifth), Jack Seacrist (152-pound senior, placed sixth) and Andrew Forcier (182-pound senior, placed fifth).
Monday, March 13
PEORIA — The Byron Tigers girls basketball team finished as runner up at the IHSA Class 2A State Championship after falling to Mater Dei 46-62 on March 4. Byron finished with a 34-3 record overall and became the fourth team in school history to win a trophy at the state tournament.
Byron advanced to the final with a 55-43 win over Butler on March 2.
FORRESTON — On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Forrestville Valley CUSD 221 and the Northwest Division of the Illinois Principals Association announced the winner of the Assistant Principal of the Year. This year’s winner was Mr. Kyle Zick, the assistant principal/activities director, as well as assistant coach for Forreston High School’s football team.
During his tenure, Mr. Zick has developed positive relationships with all of the staff, students and community members of Forrestville Valley, while holding his students and himself to the highest expectations. He has demonstrated a tremendous ability to make connections with students from all areas, making sure to provide multiple opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. His experience and leadership has helped Forreston High School continue to be a leader in the region for academic and extracurricular achievement. Through his leadership, Mr. Zick continues to push FJSHS students to pursue their dreams and goals no matter what the obstacles and has been a great role model on how to continue to strive for success.
Monday, March 20
BYRON — At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, Byron Middle School agriculture teacher Maggie Folk started a veterinary science unit for her eighth graders.
As part of the unit, Folk brought in her two dogs, Brady and Woody, to help students learn how to restrain animals and take vital signs including heart and respiration rates. The dogs have not left BMS since and were approved by the school board and administration to stick around due to their positive impact on the school environment.
“The dogs just became part of the school community,” Folks said. “They're out in the hallway in the mornings greeting everyone and the teachers come in and see them. It just creates this start for the day that's really nice. And the students liked the vet science unit so much that I ended up offering it for seventh and sixth graders. The dogs spent all year in school. They just started joining us on a daily basis, despite not always being involved in the curriculum."
BMS Principal Mike Sand gave his approval for the dogs to be involved at the school and the handbook allows for animals to be present for educational purposes. In the past, Folk has also brought horses to the school for learning and students have brought their cattle and raised meat chickens as part of the ag program.
“That's what ag is about,” Folk said. “We learn everything and then apply it in whatever topic we're learning. It was kind of a natural progression that when we do a small animal unit, we should have live small animals. It just makes students' experiences much more authentic.”
April
Monday, April 3
OREGON — Bowling is one of those sports that’s been part of the fabric of our country since it was first introduced by German immigrants living in New York in the late 19th century. At one time or another, we’ve all hung out at the local bowling alley with friends. Or, bowled in a league, had a birthday party, participated in a candlelight event for charity, and maybe even met a spouse on a first date.
Most of us don’t have the time nor dedication to become really good, so when we lace up the required shoes and hit the lanes, if we roll a couple of strikes along the way, it makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Now imagine throwing a perfect 300 game and doing it back to back. Josh Grove of Oregon accomplished that rare feat on March 12 competing in the Northern Illinois 700 club tournament held at the Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb. This was the 43rd time that he accomplished perfection in his career.
Grove could sense the first time that he stepped up to the dotted line, his reliable Brunswick Melee Jab Blood Red ball in hand, that good fortune awaited him.
“I was feeling really good, everything seemed to be working as far as my mechanics go,” Grove said. “I’m kind of a perfectionist with my technique. My grip, arm swing and release felt in rhythm. After my first few strikes I knew that I was in the zone.”
Monday, April 24
OREGON — Steve Pennock’s final board meeting as an Oregon Park Board commissioner was held on April 11 and concluded 32 years of service to the Oregon community. Pennock was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 1991. He was sworn in on May 9, 1991 and was elected as board president during the same meeting. Pennock would go on to be re-elected as board president each year until 2022.
Under Pennock’s leadership, the district has expanded park district services and pursued improvements for the betterment of parks and recreation in Oregon. During Pennock’s time as board president, the district has acquired and developed seven new park sites creating an additional 75 acres in open space for public use.
In 1997, the Oregon Park District opened the Blackhawk Center for both the park district and school district. Pennock was one of the driving forces behind successful completion of this multi-sport facility, now utilized solely by OCUSD and creating openings for additional practice and game space. The Blackhawk Center also provides Oregon High School an opportunity to host IHSA regional and sectional events in volleyball, basketball and wrestling bringing thousands of visitors to Oregon annually.
In 2007, he was awarded the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award is named after Mike Cassidy, a commissioner of the Freeport Park District for more than 35 years who devoted his life to serving his community. Pennock was an advocate for the district, pursuing grant funding and supported the district in obtaining millions of dollars in funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Department of Economic Opportunity, GameTime Recreation and several others.
May
Monday, May 8
BYRON — Kade Boatman of the Byron FFA placed first and is this year's FFA State Champion in livestock judging. The team placed third overall with Kendall Boatman eighth, Bruce Gehrke 28th and Kaydon VanBriesen 30th. Also competing in state horticulture judging were Elizabeth Dyck 16th and Lauren Carlson 22nd out of 173 state competitors. In livestock judging students have to select animals based on market qualities and breeding soundness. They also had to keep or cull three sets of animals based on EPDs (expected progeny difference) which are genetic measurements of heritability for particular genes. Contestants also had to give a quality and yield grade to a set of five slaughter cattle. There were 586 students competing in two divisions, the Byron FFA Team qualified for the top reasons division. For this, students also had to present three oral reasons to professional industry judges. They had to explain why they selected or ranked the livestock the way they did and defend their selections. Kade will be recognized in June at the State FFA Convention for his accomplishment.
Monday, May 15
SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Thomas Mahoney, superintendent of Oregon CUSD #220, has been named the 2023 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Northwest Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Mahoney was honored at an awards luncheon May 3 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.
"I’m honored to receive this distinction, and I would like to thank the Oregon staff for their support and dedication to the education and growth of all our students,” Mahoney, who has been an educator for 32 years and superintendent of Oregon CUSD #220 for 13 years, said. “While this award is named the Superintendent of Distinction, it is really a reflection of the work our board and staff do on a regular basis.”
Those nominating Mahoney noted Oregon CUSD #220’s academic growth during his tenure. In 2018, the district implemented a new vertically-aligned K-12 curriculum, common formative assessments and benchmarks.
QUEENS, N.Y. — Jess Pearson, a Stillman Valley resident, and her three dogs traveled to the Billie Jean Tennis Center in Queens, New York to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Shown by their professional handlers, all three dogs received awards amongst the top dogs in their breeds of over 50 golden retrievers, 30 Boston terriers and 20 pugs.
Pearson’s dogs include Stetson (Boston terrier), Abby (pug) and Gretchen (golden retriever).
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of dog shows,” where the nation’s top dogs compete over several days in one location, and is the second longest run sporting event.
Monday, May 22
OREGON — On Friday, May 12, a grand reopening and ribbon cutting event was held at Pegasus Special Riders in Oregon following the structure completion of its arena.
The facilities at Pegasus Special Riders sustained storm damage twice last year, halting its operations. The nonprofit, located at 6668 S. Carthage Road near Oregon, has been operating since 1997. It’s a therapeutic riding program for children and adults with special needs. Volunteers perform all of the required duties, such as working with the riders, caring for the horses and facilities, raising funds and providing the necessary administrative support.
The damage on Aug. 28, 2022 included the facility’s loafing shed for its horses and severe damage to a storage building. Back on March 5, 2022, a windstorm severely damaged the main arena building. High winds tore off about 120 feet of canopy, twisted the steel frame and the large front door was blown off and landed inside of the arena.
Pegasus Special Riders has been unable to perform any rides since the storm damage and was dealing with pandemic restrictions before that. The nonprofit worked on cleanup, construction and dealt with insurance providers over the past year. The damage in March was over $300,000.
June
Monday, June 5
CHARLESTON — The odds were stacked against Forreston-Polo’s 400-meter relay team at the IHSA 1A track & field championships.
Coming into Saturday’s finals, they had finished second in their preliminary heat. For that matter, they had lost to Lena-Winslow the week before at the sectional and before that at the NUIC meet.
With 10 state medals since 2010, the highly-regarded program had sprint relays just as talented, but the best finish was a third place (400 relay) in 2021. Also, in the past, there were individuals faster than anyone in this year’s group.
However, in front of thousands of fans at O’Brien Stadium at Eastern Illinois University, the 400-relay of De’Angelo Fernandez (Polo), McKeon Crase (Forreston), Noah Dewey (Polo) and Michael Taylor (Forreston) stunned the rest of field with a school-record time of 42.91 to claim a state championship.
“Not one person would have had us winning,” F-P coach Tony Hardin said. “All those teams they beat - Catlin Salt Fork, Decatur St, Teresa, Madison, Le-Win – had history and heritage. And, then to do it coming out of the eighth lane.”
Monday, June 26
OREGON — At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Ogle County Board unanimously approved an ordinance amending the number of authorized patrol deputies for the Ogle County Sheriff's Office from 20 to 23 to allow for a full-time drug interdiction unit.
Sixty-one percent funding of salary and benefits for the three additional deputy sheriff positions has been obtained for three years through the federal COPS grant, with county matching funds of 39 percent obtained through the salary budgeted line and a one-time payment of $80,000 from the opioid lawsuit monies received by the county. The total cost of the expansion will be $621,602, and the county share of that will be about $55,000 a year.
At the end of the three-year grant, the additional three patrol deputy positions will be reevaluated by both the sheriff and the county board for permanent staffing of those positions. The ordinance approved Tuesday said there is a "critical need" for a full-time drug interdiction unit in the county and the work has been being done on a part-time basis.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the COPS grant application was submitted nearly two years ago and said it was an extremely competitive grant process.
"Our Department of Justice representative was shocked that we had it and had received that grant," VanVickle said. "Now is a good time for that to be implemented. We have a number of changes coming within the office over the next few years, so if this program doesn't work out, then they could be reabsorbed. My hope is at the end of the three years, I come back to the board and say, 'Look what we've done and we need to continue this and keep the numbers at 23 and move forward.'"
July
Monday, July 10
ROCHELLE — On Sunday, June 25, a house dedication and blessing was hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County for its latest completed build at 110 S. 9th St. Ashlie Minton, a mother of four, was chosen as the homeowner and helped build the home along with volunteers and her family.
The new home is the county organization’s 13th overall and third build in Rochelle. Work on the site began in early October.
"In November, we stood here at our groundbreaking and hoped to get the basement covered and closed in before a bad winter came,” Habitat Board President Gail Tuttle said. “Instead, we got a deck in, the walls up and the roof on and God was great in giving us great weather so we could get that done. This allowed the interior work to continue throughout the winter and lo and behold, we stand here on June 25 dedicating the house finished. This house can be lived in today.”
Monday, July 24
OREGON — The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA) Foundation held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, July 14 in downtown Oregon. Several hundred guests wandered in and out of the six beautifully-constructed galleries where they were treated to a variety of exhibits in both 2 and 3D which included acrylic, ceramics, charcoal, china glass, mixed media, oil, pen, pastel, photography, sculpture, water color and wood.
A two-piece band “New Shoes” serenaded the visitors with soft sounds while two tables of delectable hors d’oeuvres and desserts were available for the choosing provided by Jen’s Artisan Breads. Ogle County Brewery offered libations, which most art lovers enjoyed sipping on a red or white while possibly deciding to purchase a creation with well over 100 to choose from.
A video presentation highlighted the rich history of the building which was built in 1922 and officially opened in January of 1923. Through the years, the structure has been used for everything from suppers to basketball games, roller skating and flower shows. Oregon Mayor Ken Williams was the first to welcome the crowd and said that this has been a long time coming.
“It’s been six years since talks first began about this project,” Williams said. “The private foundation had a vision and presented it to the city and now you look around and see it come to life. It’s a proud moment.”
August
Monday, Aug. 14
OREGON — Oregon celebrated a grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Bad Ash Cigars, now located in downtown Oregon at 110 N. 4th St., Oregon. Visitors enjoyed fine cigars while touring the newly-renovated lounge and getting a sneak peek at Ogle County Brewery's new distribution center in the same building behind the lounge.
Owners Barry Skinner, Joshua Skinner, Brian Wynn, family, friends and city officials were in attendance.
“We'd like to thank everyone who stopped in today to show their support,” the ownership group said. “We look forward to several upcoming occasions to get together.”
Monday, Aug. 28
OREGON — On Aug. 17, a meeting was held by the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation, where the newly-established organization officially announced that it is open for business.
The OCEDC is incorporated as a not-for-profit, representing all of Ogle County, its communities, employers and citizens. The OCEDC's vision statement is "Ogle County, Illinois: An economic destination for growth and prosperity." Since 2019, more than a dozen communities, utility companies, state and regional economic agencies have come together to make the OCEDC a reality.
The OCEDC is made up of various officials from municipalities and the county. New officers elected at the July 20 meeting are Randy Schoon - president (Polo), Darin DeHaan - vice president (Oregon), Paula Diehl - secretary (Mt. Morris) and John Rickard - treasurer (Byron). Each officer represents a community that has pledged startup funds for the new organization. Ogle County and the City of Rochelle have also pledged.
“The key message is that Ogle County as a whole is now coming together for this effort,” DeHaan said. “I think it's something we've always needed. The foundation is in place and I think we're going to see some good things happening for all of our communities.”
September
Monday, Sept. 18
STILLMAN VALLEY – On Sept. 12, the Meridian School District had the distinct honor of welcoming one of its own back to the grounds as Mitchell Hendrickson, a proud alum of Stillman Valley High School, returned with the 37th Helicopter Squadron of the United States Air Force.
Capt. Hendrickson and his squadron were on a cross-country flight from Wyoming to the east coast, which allowed him the opportunity to stop through his hometown. During his visit, Capt. Hendrickson landed at SVHS and was able to engage with students from sixth through 12th grade in allowing students to see his helicopter up close, along with answering questions.
His time allowed him to perform a fly over of Highland Elementary and Monroe Center Grade School.
“This opportunity to welcome back Capt. Hendrickson to his hometown speaks volumes if our vision of small town values and world class results,” District Superintendent PJ Caposey said. “We are incredibly honored to have been afforded the opportunity.”
Hendrickson graduated from SVHS in 2010 and has since embarked on a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. His dedication and commitment to serving our nation has led him to the 37th Helicopter Squadron. His visit to the Meridian School District aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.
October
Monday, Oct. 2
BYRON — The Chicago Bears have officially named Head Coach Jeff Boyer of Byron High School in Byron as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and quarterback/defensive back Eddie Jenkins Jr. of Chicago Hope Academy in Chicago, Ill., as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for week four.
These recognitions are part of the Coach of the Week and High School All-Stars award programs, which are brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy. In support of these initiatives, the Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the Byron football program and direct a $500 donation to the youth football program of Jenkins’ choice.
On Sept. 15, Boyer guided his team (4-0), to a 69-0 home conference victory against the North Boone Vikings (2-2) on Friday night. The victory not only preserved the Tigers' undefeated record, but also solidified their first place standing in the Big Northern Conference.
Monday, Oct. 9
OREGON — On a warm, sunny picturesque fall Saturday afternoon Sept. 30, the long-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony took place for the new Sarah Phelps Community Plaza. Government officials, civic leaders and local organizations gathered at the site of the old Harvest Bank Drive-Up located at Fifth and Washington Streets in Oregon.
The property was originally purchased five years ago and phase one of the project was to create public washrooms and move the John Phelps kitchen from the west end of town from the old Phelps farmstead to the other end of the property. The kitchen building is part of a brick shed that dates back to the 1860s.
Phelps is given credit for establishing the City of Oregon, where he built a Saw Mill by the Rock River on Pine Creek, and along the way erected the first double log cabin in 1836 and frame house in 1838. According to records, Phelps stated that his wife Sarah was a very exemplary woman, and her kindness of disposition endeared her to many.
A combination of donated funds, including $7,500 from the Illinois Realtor's Association, grants and ARPA funding totaling approximately $60,000 helped complete the project that had a price tag of around $80,000.
Monday, Oct. 30
KINGS — On Oct. 24, the committee that put together a reunion of Kings School alumni presented a donation of nearly $4,000 worth of classroom materials and funds to current teachers at Kings Elementary School.
The Kings School alumni picnic was held Aug. 27 and celebrated over 140 years of educating students. It was open to all current and former Kings School students or staff and their families. The event was held at the school and included food, memories and memorabilia from the school’s history. Over 300 people attended and a donation account for the event was set up at Holcomb Bank. Leftover funds were planned to go to current Kings teachers and students, and that donation was given Oct. 24.
“It started with an idea last fall,” Reunion Committee Member Dawn Hayenga Somers said. “Somebody said, 'You know, we should get together.' It was going to be just a few of us. To be quite honest, my brother turned 80 in March and I looked at him and thought that there's a lot of older people who aren't going to be around a whole lot longer that went to school at Kings and it's time we get them together. I'm into history and I'm writing up the history of White Rock and I've been writing the history of the school. It goes back almost 145 years. It was time we did something before we're too old to do anything. We started meeting in February and we met monthly and the little seed of an idea grew into 300 people showing up. We had over $6,000 in donations. By the time we got everything for the reunion paid for, we had almost $4,000 left.”
November
Monday, Nov. 6
BYRON — There are institutions in neighborhoods that define a community, providing comfort growing up along with nostalgic walks down memory lane. Sam’s Drive-In in Byron has been such a place since it was first opened by original owner Sam Morrison in 1966, first as a Dog n’ Suds and later Sam’s Drive-In in 1975.
Come into town driving, biking or walking in either direction on Illinois Route 2, Sam’s was an instant eye catcher with its 50s-style drive-in restaurant complete with car-hop speaker stations for placing orders, and a classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air perched high above on a 30-foot pole outside. The car hop stations were in regular use up until COVID-19 hit and everything moved inside.
For the last 18 years the business has been owned and operated by Shirlee Aldrich and family. On Oct. 8 they closed the doors for the last time, which wasn’t an easy decision for Aldrich. “Generations of families have come in over the years first as kids and now with their families,” Aldrich said. “It was absolutely special to create those friendships. I will definitely miss my regulars that came in daily or weekly. It was the hardest part about being done this season.”
Monday, Nov. 27
OREGON — On Saturday Nov. 18, the Oregon Depot Commission held their monthly program entitled "Those were the days” at the historic Oregon Train Depot Museum. A large crowd was in attendance to listened to guest speaker and Oregon’s native son Larry Young talk of his days as a Major League Baseball umpire and fond memories of growing up in the community. A large crowd filed in, taking up most of the seats, including Young’s classmates and childhood friends.
Young is a 1972 graduate of Oregon High School and knew at the tender age of 13 while officiating baseball games on the sandlot fields in town that he had found his career calling.
“As early as I started, I immediately knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue,” Young said. “The more games that I did at the higher levels made me really determined to see it through.”
December
Monday Dec. 4
BLOOMINGTON – Last season was crushing for the Byron football team.
After winning the IHSA Class 3A state championship in 2021, the Tigers wanted to win back-to-back, but fell to IC Catholic in a semifinal.
This year, the Tigers were set on not letting the sour taste of defeat return.
“Going into the game you could see how locked in and excited everyone was since the loss last year to IC Catholic,” Byron senior running back Ashton Henkel said. “We got up every day and were in the weight room at 5 a.m. even if we were in a different sport. It showed off in the state championship.
“This senior group is resilient, and we just didn’t want a loss like last year to happen again. A week later, we were in the weight room, on the field, and got to work.”
The weight room, the remembrance of defeat, comradery between the upperclassmen and underclassmen, and the coaching strategy fueled Byron to a 69-7 victory over Mt. Carmel in the 2023 IHSA Class 3A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 24 at Illinois State University in Bloomington.
During the title triumph, Byron set state records.
The Tigers (14-0) scored the most points in a 3A title game (69), recorded the largest point differential in the history of all classes of Illinois state championship games (62), recorded the most points scored in a season (823), had the most rushing touchdowns in a season (109), and the largest point differential in IHSA history in a season (scored 823 and allowed 94 for a difference of 729).
