OREGON, Ill. — Representatives from Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in Mt. Morris updated the Ogle County Board Tuesday on food insecurity and hunger relief efforts, reporting that about one in eight county residents and one in seven children face food insecurity, with nearly 500,000 meals distributed locally in the past six months through 20 partner agencies. Presenters said pantry visits have increased 8 to 9 percent following recent SNAP changes, warned that new work requirements in 2026 could put benefits at risk for an estimated 583 residents, and asked the board to help raise awareness of food resources and consider support for a county food fund benefiting local pantries.
Liz Heimstra, economic development director for the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation, marked six months in the role with an update focused on housing, workforce development, business retention, and marketing. Heimstra said a countywide video campaign promoting Ogle County as a place to live, work, and invest is underway, including a 30 second commercial set to air nationally on Fox Business Network in March, with additional videos highlighting quality of life, small businesses, and community assets. She also outlined efforts to improve housing availability, strengthen workforce connections, support entrepreneurs, and redesign the OCDC website as a centralized resource for residents and businesses.
The board approved zoning and planning actions, including a unanimous vote granting a special use permit to Jose and Edgar Nunez for an event venue on agricultural property along Illinois Route 38 in Dement Township and a zoning map amendment rezoning about five acres on West Grove Road to rural residential to allow construction of a home. Board members also recognized longtime member Susie Corbett, who recently resigned after 30 years of service, with plans for a formal recognition at a future meeting.
Facilities updates included progress on courthouse roof repairs, expected to be completed by mid February, with tuckpointing planned within the next year as part of the capital improvement plan. The board also received updates on the Animal Patrol Office layout project, Memorial Plaza bid preparations, and plans to incorporate a time capsule or historical display at the plaza. The board unanimously approved appointing Interim Human Resources Director June Jacobs as the county’s IMRF authorized agent, and reported participation in a community solar program is generating about a 15 percent reduction in electrical costs, or roughly $12,000 in annual savings countywide.
