Stillman Bank held its 13th annual Tree Decorating Contest in conjunction with the Cardinal Community Christmas event in downtown Stillman Valley on Sunday, Dec. 1.
A history of St. Mary’s Parish in Polo, Illinois was recently released. It starts with the early explorers in Illinois and brings the history of the parish up to the present day.
Byron High School Students of the Month for November were recently named.
The Oregon Park District has added a Little Free Sled Library to Park West.
The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club entered a Christmas tree into the Leaf River Bertolet building tree decorating contest.
The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign, which raised an impressive $13,900 — well surpassing the $10,000 goal. This achievement was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of individual donors and the steadfast support of our community partners.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, a ribbon cutting was held for Destiny Studios at its new location at 148 May Mart Drive in Rochelle. Destiny Studios is owned by Erin Bacon and offers family, newborns, weddings, events and professional photography.
Thanks to generous donations, the “Spread the Warmth - Winter Gear Drive” was successful. Ogle County 4-H and the Oregon Avalanche Softball Organization thoughtfully collaborated throughout the last month to help keep the community warm this winter.
The Village of Stillman Valley hosted its annual Cardinal Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4-7 p.m.
Over 175 high school and middle school students attended the Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 21 in Oregon.
The Stillman Valley National Honor Society recently held a Thanksgiving food drive. Students at the school were challenged to bring in nonperishable food items for a school challenge and NHS members collected food and monetary donations at local stores. Members delivered boxes of food and a donation of over $400 to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Stillman Valley. Thank you to all that helped make the drive a success.
Rochelle Community Hospital is hosting a Holiday Drive-Thru Dinner for anyone in need on Wednesday, Dec. 18. It is free for the first 200 dinners reserved.
Terry Camplain was honored with the Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Schools of the State of Illinois award by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools Area 2 in 2024.
Eighty-nine Ogle County 4-H’ers were honored for their achievements during the 2024 4-H year at club programs this fall. The 4-H Experience Award allows 4-H’ers to be recognized for their work in Project Learning, Participation, Community Service, and Leadership. Three levels can be earned: Bronze 4-H Clover Award, Silver 4-H Clover Award, and Gold 4-H Clover Award. All awards were distributed at the member’s 4-H Club awards banquet.
Ogle County 4-H’ers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration. Held Nov. 17 at the Byron Junior High School Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award.”
The First Fridays Open Mic presents its monthly show at the Oregon VFW this Dec. 6. This indoor event attracts many talented performers, but musicians and singers of all skill levels find acceptance from its supportive audience.
Meridian Junior High School celebrated Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11. During the day, the students attended various activities: wrote holiday messages to be sent to SVHS alumni serving in the different branches (Stillman RED), painted popsicle sticks to make a giant flag, walked to the Stillman Run Monument, they completed a one-mile walk for Dark Horse Lodge Trek for Troops, and listened to Sgt. Adam Frisbie and Petty Officer 3rd Class Brad Dewey.
In early November, Jackson Martindale proudly represented Stillman Valley High School at the 2024 Slinger Super Speedway Awards Banquet, where he was recognized for his impressive second-place overall points finish in the High School Racing Association (HSRA).
Stillman Valley High School Students of the Month for November were recently named.
In picture perfect weather on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, 80 people, descendants and their families of George Horst Sr. (1824-1914) and his wife, Anna Margaretha Appel Horst (1828-1881), gathered at the home of John and Beth Chase (Cedar Creek Vines, northwest of Mt. Morris) for the 90th Horst Reunion.
Oregon CUSD 220 celebrated Veterans Day with two heartfelt programs, one at the elementary level and one for the junior/senior high school, totaling 90 minutes of tributes to the brave men and women who have served our country. Together, the programs honored over 90 veterans, recognizing their service and sacrifices in front of a grateful community.
The Ogle Jolly 4-H Club met on Nov. 18 for their monthly meeting.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Forrestville Valley School District Board of Education recognized Member Don Cook for 21 years of service to the district.
The members of the Eagle's Nest Art Group will host an art show at their Conover Square studio during Oregon's annual Candlelight Walk festivities, Saturday, Nov. 30. Several art group members will be on hand, welcoming visitors in their Conover studio from 3-8 p.m. There is no cost and parking is plentiful.
Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, Nov. 17, in the Byron Civic Theatre.