City of Oregon, Illinois

09/12/2026

Thank you, Oregon Sustainability Committe, Illinois Department of Natural Resources , Oregon Park District , Oregon Fire Protection District , White Pelican, Inc, Northern Illinois Disposal, Ogle County Solid Waste Management Dept. Butitta Auto - Oregon and all the volunteers! Today, our incredible community came together for the Rock River Sweep, and the results are truly inspiring. Because of your hard work, hours of dedication, and willing hands, we removed a massive amount of trash and debris from our beautiful riverfront.

Cleaning up trash along the Rock River is vital for our community and environment:

Protects Local Wildlife: Litter and plastics are hazardous to the birds, fish, and animals that call the river home. Removing debris prevents ingestion and dangerous entanglement.

Preserves Water Quality: Trash leaks harmful chemicals into the water. Keeping the river clean ensures safer water for everyone downstream.

Boosts Community Pride: The Rock River is the crown jewel of Oregon. Keeping it beautiful ensures it remains a safe, welcoming place for families, boaters, and visitors to enjoy.

To everyone who rolled up their sleeves, got a little muddy, and gave their time today—thank you. You didn't just clean up a river; you protected our natural resources!

09/11/2026

The City of Oregon and Oregon Illinois Police Department would like to thank Oregon CUSD 220 for allowing us to participate in a special tribute today honoring the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001.
As part of today’s remembrance, Officer Terry Lester and City Council Member Josiah Flanagan climbed the equivalent of 110 stories in honor of the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and countless others who showed extraordinary courage and selflessness on 9/11.
The significance of 110 stories comes from the height of the World Trade Center Twin Towers. On the morning of September 11, 2001, first responders rushed toward danger while thousands of others were trying to escape. Firefighters carrying heavy equipment climbed stairwell after stairwell, heading upward to help people they had never met, many knowing they might not make it back down.
That day, 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, and 37 Port Authority Police Department officers were among those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are held across the country, with participants climbing 110 stories to symbolize completing the heroic journey those responders began that morning.
We are proud of Officer Lester for taking on this challenge and representing the Oregon Police Department, as well as Council Member Flanagan for representing the City of Oregon. We sincerely thank OCUSD 220 for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful remembrance.
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the unity our nation showed in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Well done gentlemen!

09/11/2026

Never Forgotten

09/10/2026

"We have been asked whats happening at the corner of Pines and South Rt 2. We are happy to welcome Reagan Mass Transit District - RMTD to Oregon. Public transportation is an absolute necessity for many people in our community and throughout their service area." - Darin DeHaan, City Manager

Construction has begun on a new Reagan Mass Transit District facility at 709 West Pines Road in Oregon.

An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held next Wednesday, September 16, at 11:00am to formalize this exciting milestone within the District’s history.

The 7,350 square foot facility will include indoor parking for twelve vehicles, along with office and meeting space. The new facility will support more efficient operations for passenger transportation throughout Ogle County and the RMTD District.

09/10/2026

🚧 **WATER MAIN SHUTDOWN & BOIL ORDER NOTICE**

The City of Oregon Public Works Department will be shutting down the water main on **N. Hastings Avenue from E. Center Street to E. Mix Lane**.

💧 **BOIL ORDER:**
Residents and businesses within the affected area will be placed under a **Boil Order** until water samples have been collected and have **passed testing**. Please boil water for **at least 5 minutes** before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or other consumption.

🚧 **ROAD CLOSURE:**
The area from the intersection of **N. Hastings Avenue and E. Mix Lane extending approximately 180 feet south** will remain **closed to traffic until road repairs are completed**.

Please use an alternate route and allow extra time when traveling through the area.

The City of Oregon Public Works Department appreciates your patience and cooperation while this work is completed.

**City of Oregon Public Works**
402 S. 1st Street
Oregon, Illinois
815-732-6411

09/09/2026

At last night's city council meeting Mayor Ken Williams was honored to accept the Bird City Illinois designation on behalf of the City of Oregon from Jennifer Kuroda - Board President - Audubon Council of Illinois. Pictured L-R Tom Pacy, Brent Suter, Mayor Ken Williams, Terry Schuster, Caleb Jenks, Jennifer Kuroda. This project was led by Tom Pacy and Terry Schuster and they shared the following:

Oregon is now a Bird City Illinois community! This designation program, operated by the Audubon Council of Illinois, recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to bird conservation and education, natural habitats, and sustainability initiatives.

Oregon’s Bird City application represents the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations in our community.

A special thanks goes to former resident and former Oregon Park District employee Caleb Jenks. Caleb is a passionate educator who provided excellent nature-related programming (and much more) for our community and greatly contributed to local citizen science initiatives.

Grant Afflerbaugh helped initiate the application process through his contacts at the Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance.

Brent Suter (Oregon Park District), Steve Rypkema, and Darin DeHaan provided information for Oregon’s application.

Additional thanks to the organizations and individuals listed below:
Oregon Park District
Brent Suter, Supt. of Parks & Facilities
Erin Folk, Executive Director

City of Oregon City Council and Administration
Ken Williams, Mayor
Melanie Cozzi, Council Member
Tim Krug, Council Member
Terry Schuster, Council Member
Josiah Flannagan, Council Member
Darin DeHaan, City Manager
Cheryl Hilton, City Clerk

City of Oregon Public Works Department Street Division
Bill Covell, Director of Public Works
Jordan Plock, Foreman
Josh Pickering
Skyler Bethel
Aaron Montoya
Andy Bonilla

City of Oregon Tree Board
Mark Herman Grant Afflerbaugh Tyler Hagemann Jordan Plock, Steve Rypkema

City of Oregon Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
Melanie Cozzi
Tim Benedict
Vic Zaderej
Steve Rypkema
Joyce Lewis
Tom Pacey
Oregon Public Library District
Community Members
Russ Cline
Andy Eckardt
Austin Webb
Ken Kielsmeier

Conservation professionals and volunteers who maintain local natural areas

09/08/2026

9-8-26

09/08/2026

Oregon City Manager and Department Reports for 9-8-26 Have a great day!

08/26/2026

YOUR VOICE MATTERS — HELP SHAPE OREGON’S FUTURE!

The City of Oregon invites residents to join us for a Community Input Meeting on Friday, September 4th, from 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. at the Nash Recreation Center.

We’ll be sharing the results of our community housing survey with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and, more importantly, hearing directly from you.

🏠 What are our community’s greatest housing needs?
🏡 How can we support and stabilize our existing housing stock?
🌱 What should Oregon focus on as we plan for future growth and revitalization?

Your input will help shape the final Community Revitalization Plan and guide our ongoing efforts to address housing needs, strengthen neighborhoods, and create a stronger future for Oregon.

Come share your ideas, concerns, and vision for our community. This is your opportunity to help shape what comes next!

📅 Friday, September 4th
🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Nash Recreation Center

"The voices of our community are vitally important to the success of our future. Please join us! " - Darin DeHaan, City Manager

08/25/2026

City Council Meeting 08-25-2026