Alexa Zoellner, journalist

02/23/2024

This article was such a delight to write!

Jen’s Artisan Breads – a dream that came to fruition in 2013 – moved to the former David L. Rahn Junior High School’s cafeteria Oct. 1, 2023, after five years at Pinecrest Grove.

06/24/2023

When I tell you I sat there in shock as the Ogle County sheriff told me the resident inside the house when it exploded had only some broken bones, but no serious injuries, I'm not kidding. The two dogs also were in good condition, he said.

Read my article here:

An explosion that leveled a rural Stillman Valley house Friday afternoon left a resident with several broken bones, but no serious injuries, police say.

01/26/2023

Oregon CUSD 220 Spanish teacher Kimberly Radostits — known as Ms. Rad to most around her — was named one of five finalists for CCSSO - The Council of Chief State School Officers's 2023 National Teacher of the Year. It's the country's "most prestigious honor" for teachers.

Oregon High School Spanish teacher Kimberly Radostits — known as Ms. Rad to most around her — was named one of five finalists for 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

12/03/2022

PSA regarding contacting law enforcement: Police departments, sheriffs' offices and fire departments have non-emergency phone numbers.

The non-emergency line is for when you want to speak to police/first responders, but the situation isn't 911 worthy. For example, you can call the non-emergency line if you want to report a crime/possible crime that isn't actively occurring, provide information/tips regarding a crime or have a noise complaint.

Depending on the time of day and size of your municipality, the non-emergency line might take you to 911 dispatch, but it also might take you to an alternate call center that can assist. The phone will probably will ring a few times before someone answers, unlike when you dial 911.

You can find the non-emergency line by googling a police department or sheriff's office and going to their website's Contact Us page — where the correct phone number should be listed as "phone" or "non-emergency line" — or by looking at the phone number in the box on the right of the google results page. (See photo examples.)

11/29/2022

A man from Massillon, Ohio, was charged Tuesday afternoon by the Ogle County State's Attorney with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and six other charges after Nov. 22 effort resolve a police pursuit.

10/18/2022

Looking forward to covering the dedication of Polo's flag drop location at the old Barber building on Saturday, Oct. 22. For more information, check out the article I wrote, linked in the post below. It also will be in the Oct. 21 print edition of the Polo Tri-County Press.

A dropbox for damaged or worn U.S. flags is coming to downtown Polo. Flags will be deposited securely within the Barber building, located at 101 W. Mason St., and will be disposed of in an official flag-burning ceremony. A dedication of the dropbox is set for Oct. 22.

08/24/2022

03/24/2022

Oregon High School Spanish teacher Kim Radostits was announced as the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year. She was surprised with the news in her classroom in front of her students on Tuesday.

Oregon High School Spanish teacher Kim Radostits was announced as the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year on Tuesday. She was surprised with the news in her classroom in front of her students.

10/27/2021

A former Oregon Park District employee said they resigned over "misconduct and psychological harassment" and called for the resignation or termination of the executive director. They were countered by a current employee, who said OPD has "strong leadership" and offers a "healthy, positive work environment."

https://www.shawlocal.com/ogle-county-news/2021/10/27/oregon-park-district-contends-with-hostile-work-environment-claims

Two former Oregon Park District employees told the park board that they resigned because of a "hostile work environment" created by OPD Executive Director Erin Folk. A current employee rebutted the claims, citing the existence of "strong leadership" and a "healthy, positive work environment."

09/27/2021

Cynthia and James Reynolds are working to renovate the old theater in Polo, which dates back to the 1940s. They've renamed it The Honoré Centre and hope to help arts thrive in the community.

After finding old neon POLO marquee, couple hopes to turn building into The Honoré Centre for the arts

09/09/2021