Click Here for details.
Save Save Save Save
By EARLEEN HINTON
ehinton@shawmedia.com
OREGON — A Stillman Valley man accused of killing his ex-wife in 2016 and then setting her home on fire has filed a motion seeking to move his jury trial out of Ogle County.
Duane Meyer, 42, of Stillman Valley, through his attorney, Christopher DeRango of Rockford, filed the motion to move the trial out of Ogle County on Friday, Jan. 10, just three weeks before Meyer's jury trial that was scheduled to start Feb. 3 and was expected to take the entire month.
Meyer is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Meyer's ex-wife, Margaret "Maggie" (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.
The couple's 3-year-old son, Amos Meyer, who also was home at the time of the fire, was later pronounced dead at a Rockford hospital. Meyer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
DeRango told Ogle County Judge John "Ben" Roe on Friday, Jan. 10, that he did not receive the results from the change of venue survey he commissioned until Jan. 8. He said he forwarded the survey to the Ogle County State's Attorney's Office within hours of receiving it.
At a December hearing, DeRango said the company conducting the survey had to "adjust their methods" because of Ogle County's smaller population size.
On Friday afternoon, in the scheduled pretrial hearing, DeRango presented the results of the survey to Roe after filing a change of venue motion with the circuit clerk's office earlier in the day.
A change of venue motion typically asks the judge to move the trial to a different location. Those motions usually cite reasons that the filing party believes would prevent a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed. Pretrial publicity often is listed as a reason for a change of venue motion. A change of venue survey is one of the tools that can be used by attorneys before filing a motion for a change of venue.
In his "change of place of trial," DeRango argues that because of "heavy" media coverage of Meyer's numerous pretrial hearings since 2016, Meyer "cannot obtain a fair trial in Ogle County, Illinois."
DeRango argues the "opinion survey" that was commissioned by Meyer questioned Ogle County residents from December 2024 through January 2025. In that survey, DeRango says 34% of respondents recalled the fire and 59% had preformed an opinion regarding the defendant's guilt.
He did not say how many people responded to the survey.
DeRango said respondents were shown two news articles from the "period near in time to the date of the fire" and then asked about their opinions. "After a review of those articles, the percentage skyrocketed to 73 percent of respondents having an opinion about the defendant's guilt," the motion states. "The dramatic change in the number of respondents who now had an opinion about the defendant's guilt is critical, given the extent of pretrial publicity in this matter thus far."
The motion also argues that media coverage has been "pervasive and highly prejudicial" and that Google searches for Duane Meyer Byron directs users to groups that are "actively seeking to publicize this matter and encourage followers to believe Meyer is guilty."
"The Facebook page 'Justice for Maggie and Amos' regularly posts content about this matter to 591 followers, including a desire for Meyer to be 'held accountable to [sic] his heinous crimes,'" the motion states.
"This coverage of Meyer is starkly in contrast to the coverage of his ex-wife and son," the motion says. "A Foundation established in their memory makes press releases and hosts annual events to raise money, $43,000 before its last known event, to benefit local libraries, scholarships, and community classroom grants. This is not just about the news coverage. The court must also consider the perhaps hundreds or thousands of people who attend these events, donate funds, or have become beneficiaries.
"While there is no doubt this is laudable and the victims' lives are worth celebrating, the juxtaposition against Meyer being paraded in hand- Duane Meyer, 42, of Stillman Valley cuffs and called a monster creates an undeniable prejudice."
The motion concludes that "there exists in Ogle County such prejudice against the defendant on the part of the inhabitants that he cannot receive a fair trial in Ogle County."
DeRango also filed a motion to continue the trial, citing his change of venue motion and "new ... critical" evidentiary material that had not been disclosed to the defense.
Ogle County State's Attorney Michael Rock did not object to the continuance and asked for 3-4 weeks to reply to the change of venue motion. Roe set the hearing to argue that motion for 3 p.m. Feb 27.
Maggie Meyer was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for divorce in 2014, and court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.
Prosecutors have argued that their evidence will show Duane Meyer planned to end Maggie's life.
In previous hearings, DeRango and prosecutors have said both numerous cellphone records and data will be part of the evidence presented.
DeRango has argued that text messages sent by Duane Meyer before the deaths were only part of a "contentious" divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious.
Roe remanded Duane Meyer back to the Ogle County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
Member Log-In + Contact Us + Events + PressLines + Job Bank + Advertising Toolbox + Upload Pages
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
###
Click Image to Find the IPA Disaster Checklist!