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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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Reflecting on a decade at Kish Winter is a reflective time of year. As we celebrate the holidays with family and friends, make resolutions for the new year and slow down during the shorter, colder days, we naturally take time to reflect on our lives. Life is a series of ups and downs – moments of joy and accomplishment, as well as serious challenges. While the ups are easier to navigate, it is often the tough times that make the good times even more meaningful. During my 10 years at Kish, we have faced our share of challenges, including the state budget impasse that led to staff layoffs, a global pandemic that forced us to fundamentally change how we do business, and, most recently, federal funding cuts that affected programs and staffing. At the same time, the past 10 years have brought many positive developments, with the successes far outweighing the challenges. We learned from difficult moments and used them to improve. The list of achievements during this period is impressive. One of the most meaningful accomplishments for me is the recent implementation of the All-In Tuition model at Kish, which allows students to pay one price for tuition, fees and books.

COMMUNITY VIEWS Laurie S. Borowicz Reaching this milestone required tremendous effort across the college, particularly in reducing textbook costs and making the actual cost of attending Kish more affordable and transparent. Course materials are now easy to access on the first day of class. What surprised me most was early student feedback showing that ease of access to required books mattered even more than lower tuition costs. While I initially viewed this initiative through the lens of cost transparency, it has proved to be, at its core, a student success program – the best possible outcome. Reflecting on the past decade of leadership, the most significant personal lesson of my presidential journey has been discovering what it takes to persevere during challenging times. That quality is grit – the strength and courage to keep moving forward. I have found that grit in the support of those I interact with every day: a kind word from a peer or community mem-

ber, the colleagues who walk beside me daily, and the loved ones I return home to each night. We all draw strength from various sources that help us put one foot in front of the other – much like our students do as they navigate barriers and challenges while working to complete their college degrees. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped me find my grit during my time at Kish. I am incredibly fortunate to work with an outstanding board of trustees. Three members who hired me in late 2015 – Bob Johnson, Bob Hammon and Kathy Spears – continue to serve today. Their leadership, combined with the fresh perspectives and voices of trustees Geri-Dee Hayden, Tonda Bruch, Dave Lilja and Cathie Hopkins, has played a vital role in Kish’s success. My final reflection after 10 years of leading Kish is just how deeply honored I am to have had this experience. I recognize the profound impact that I – along with so many dedicated colleagues — have had on our college and the communities we serve. That realization is both humbling and deeply gratifying. I am forever Kish proud.

Dr. Laurie S. Borowicz is the president of Kishwaukee College.

Reform of the U.S. Chaplain’s Corps

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815-632-2518 cbielema@shawmedia.com Subscriber Terms and Conditions may change at any time. The current version will supersede all previous versions. The most current version of subscription terms are posted on the website under Terms and Conditions. Rochelle News Leader and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media. All rights reserved. Copyright 2026

On July 9, 1776, George Washington put forth general orders, among which read as follows: “The Honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of $33 and one third per month – The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains.” During World War II and into the post-war period, two religions had chaplains: Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Jewish. There are now five religions with chaplains: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu. The U.S. military recognizes 221 different faith or religious groups (https://www. worldreligionnews.com), some of which are

COMMUNITY VIEWS Chuck Roberts Humanism, Asatru, Heathenism, Wicca, various Christian denominations, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist denominations. According to the Department of War, this ensures that service members in relatively obscure religious groups have the same rights, privileges and protections as those in larger religious groups. It is hard to find any information that the larger religious groups are given preferential treat-

ment versus the relatively obscure religious groups in the military. Recently, the Department of War put forth “The United States Army Spiritual Fitness Guide.” This is a 112-page document that states, “In our challenging world, spiritual fitness is essential for resilience, adaptability and mission readiness. This guide provides soldiers with many spiritual resources necessary to thrive in demanding environments and navigate life’s complexities with resolve. The guide mentions “God” once, “feelings” 11 times, the word “playfulness” six times, “soul” four times, and “me” 32 times. It

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Stan Eden graduated from Stockton High School in 1953. Eden played softball with six classmates and all of them volunteered for the draft and enlisted into the U.S. Army. Photo provided by Stan Eden

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SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com January is the start of the new year and this year is very special. It’s the semiquincentennial in the United States – a big word that means half of a half of a centennial. It’s the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, and the Flagg Township Museum in Rochelle is starting to celebrate with several fun and festive events in January. It might be cold outside, but at the Flagg Township Museum it will be warm and cozy as it celebrates World Snow Day on Saturday, Jan. 18, with some snow activities and wintry treats. Learn some facts, make a giant snowflake, build a snowman, try a snowball toss, or even have a snowball fight – you can do it all. Wintry treats will warm you up too. To make it special this year, it’s adding red, white and blue to the day in honor of the 250th birthday of the freedoms established in the Declaration of Independence.

funny and creative and add some red, white and/or blue accessories it’ll have on hand to enhance your selfie and to commemorate the 250th. On Jan. 31, it’s Cocoa for Our Cause, a mini-fundraiser for the museum. Stop in for a cup of cocoa and add any of the special fixings it’ll have for you for only $2. If you’d rather buy a mug and cocoa to take home for $5, that’s OK, too. Try the red, white and blue sprinkles for a patriotic feel and think about what you love about museums and America as it begins to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Check out the exhibit in the Cabinet of Curiosities, which features “Founding Fathers and Mothers” – local founders and the stories of how Rochelle came to be. Alex T. Paschal The mission of the Flagg Township Flagg Township Museum in Rochelle has several events scheduled for January. Historical Society and Museum is to stimulate interest in Flagg Township Next in January is Museum Selfie Thursday, free day at the museum. history through education, research, Day, Thursday, Jan. 22. It’s actually the Take a selfie outside anytime and collection and preservation of informaday after the official Museum Selfie come in between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Jan. tion for the benefit of the public of today Day, Jan. 21, but it’s celebrated on 22 to snap a selfie in the museum. Get and in the future.

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

January events set for Flagg Township Museum

• ROBERTS Continued from page 2 should be noted that the guide includes the following disclaimer: “This guide references third-party sources and websites which are NOT officially endorsed by the U.S. Army, but are relevant and widely respected.” Having read the 112-page “Spiritual Guide,” one comes away with the notion that this is an ideological thesis rather than a writing on spirituality. For instance, the guide recommends that a soldier explore identity: “Who am I, what core values are most important, what experiences have shaped my identity, who is someone that is most like the person I aspire to

be, and what identity do I want to project.” Sounds like identity politics. The guide defines the spiritual fitness principles: simplicity, consistency, unity of effort, sustainability, economy, responsiveness, flexibility and integration (the E in DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion). The guide puts forth the four stages of spiritual development: “external [to me],” “agency [by me],” “purposed [through me],” and “empowered [as me].” None of these focuses on the Supreme Being. Some of it sounds like a word salad, and is difficult to understand. Social media emphasizes worship of self, i.e., everything has to do with me. Religious people are looking beyond self, worshiping a higher deity. Recently, Buddhist, Hindu and

Muslim chaplains have joined the ranks of the Christian and Jewish chaplains. The military has allowed Sikhs of the Sikh religion to wear turbans and beards. So much for uniform standards. One wonders how this affects the wearing of helmets during combat. All this is evidence of DEI, which is causing the military to focus on individual identities rather than on the solidarity characteristic of effective war-fighting units. The Secretary of War has indicated that there is a weakening of the chaplain’s corps’ moral and spiritual backbone. Political correctness and secular humanism have made chaplains into therapists instead of ministers of the spirit. The Secretary of War stated that he had “a directive right here that

I will sign today to eliminate the use of the Army Spiritual Fitness Guide, effective immediately.” Emphasizing the teachings of various religions may lead to internal conflict. For instance, the Koran suggests that non-believers should be treated harshly. Not good for unit cohesion. In the past, soldiers with varied religious beliefs got along without any difficulty when religion was not emphasized as much as it is now. However, there is one desire that binds all religious people together, which is not DEI. It is that most religious practitioners desire to end up in heaven, but many do not want to take the journey.

who own or reside on land within the boundaries of the Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation District are eligible for nomination. Nominations are being accepted for three two-year terms as directors of the

Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation District. Nominations can be made at the district’s office, 1213 Pines Road, Suite 3, Oregon, during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To be considered for nomination as a

director, nominees must provide proof of residency or ownership of land located within the boundaries of the district. Those interested must respond by 4 p.m. Jan. 21. – Shaw Local News Network

Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle

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Comedian Des Mulrooney performs at a past show. Club in Chicago. He recently starred in a new movie alongside Doug Stanhope called, “The Road Dog,” which was directed by Greg Gliena (“Meet The Parents”). “The Road Dog” was featured on the “Joe Rogan Experience” and is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and on demand. A Lot More Fun Comedy Club in Michigan called Mulrooney, “One of the top young comedians in the country” and he was also recently voted “Best Comedian” by the Chicago Suburbs Comedy Scene. Mulrooney is a regular feature for Andy Beningo (Dry Bar Comedy) and has also opened for Chad Daniels, Nick Griffin, Kevin Farley (“Tommy Boy”), Dustin Nickerson (Netflix), Marsha Warfield (“Night Court”), Jamie Lissow (Fox), Derrick Stroup, Kellen Erskine and more. He’s performed at the 312 Chicago Comedy Festival, headlined the Chicago-area Comedy Shrine at age 19, and has headlined and been featured at clubs like Comedy Vault, Comedy Cabin, Kenosha Comedy Club, Laugh Factory and more. “I got my start working the local club scene,” Mulrooney said. “From there I started moving into theaters and churches and larger venues. My dad, TP Mulrooney, is also a standup comedian.

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He’s been doing comedy professionally for over 40 years. He was a Comedy Store regular and had his name on the wall. As I started to get a little better, he started taking me on the road and we’ve been doing a father-son show together.” Mulrooney estimates that he’s performed at every type of venue possible, ranging from biker bars to high school theaters to retirement homes to golf courses. He enjoyed the crowds and Lincoln Arts Center venue at his previous two appearances in Rochelle. Mulrooney’s clean and story-driven comedy comes from his lifetime of expe-

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Chicagoland comedian Des Mulrooney will perform at the Lincoln Arts Center in Rochelle on Friday, Jan. 16. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at vcctrochelle.org or at the door. The Lincoln Arts Center is the renovated former Lincoln Elementary School and now home to the Vince Carney Community Theater and an event space. Tickets cost $25. There will be a cash bar, fresh-popped popcorn and snacks available in the lobby. Mulrooney is a stand-up comedian and actor based in Chicago and has performed twice at the Lincoln Arts Center in the past, previously as the opening act for comedian Andy Beningo. Mulrooney will headline this time around, and comedian Mike Maxwell will be opening for him. “My show is clean comedy,” Mulrooney said. “I try to stand out from a lot of other comics. Comedians today normally talk about the same three things: Race, politics and sex. I think a lot of comedians try to fit into those boxes. I don’t. I talk about my personal life, I make fun of my parents, my friends and myself, and some observational humor. I talk about things that are personal to me and I don’t try to fit in with what’s going on in comedy right now. It’s a clean show about my own life.” Mulrooney, 25, has performed at theaters and clubs all over America, including being a regular at Zanies Comedy

rience consuming the craft, and his desire to stand out from other comics. While his style is unique, he believes it’s material everyone can enjoy. “The material I do feels true to who I am,” Mulrooney said. “It’s what I feel passionate about telling people. I didn’t want to fit in the same box as a lot of others. I care more about expressing what I have to express as a comic than trying to fit in. A lot of comedians try to fit in. I just do what I think is funny.” Mulrooney said he enjoys incorporating parts of his life and days into his routine, even the bad or unenjoyable parts. Bringing his life experiences to the stage allows him an outlet to vent. He, and audiences at his shows, can find a cathartic experience during them. “People can walk into a room and laugh and think of the world in a new way that is enjoyable,” Mulrooney said. “They can be in a bad mood, but see the light in humor and joy in life. I love doing a show where it goes great and people say, ‘I really needed a laugh tonight.’ That’s probably the most rewarding thing a comedian can hear after a show.”

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Mulrooney has Jan. 16 show at Lincoln Arts Center 5

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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‘Being a veteran means you have a responsibility to help others. And you find ways to do that’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

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Stan Eden of rural Oregon served in the United States Army from 1953-55. His service included helping with rebuilding efforts after the Korean War. South Korea do well. It was an amazing thing to go through at 18 and 19 years old. We got to see what they needed and did what we could to help them move on.” Eden said his service taught him how to follow orders, and that he was fortunate to have a duty that was less dangerous than some. He believes that time in his life was the catalyst for his longtime career he’d have as an educator. Now 90 years old, Eden has lived in Ogle County since 1969. With the GI Bill at his disposal, he attended the University of Illinois after getting out of the service in 1955. He became involved with the U of I Extension, the statewide network program that focuses on agriculture and more. After doing Extension work with counties in Southern Illinois, Eden moved to Ogle County. He worked with the U of I Extension for 42 years before retiring in 2002. “If I didn’t serve, I probably wouldn’t have gone down the career path I did,” Eden said. “And my career was so rewarding for me working over 42 years.” Eden’s Extension work got him into a number of volunteering ventures, which he continued after his retirement. He’s had involvement with the Oregon VFW Post, 4-H, the Ogle County Farm Bureau,

Stan Eden enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school in 1953. Photo provided by Stan Eden

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Stan Eden of rural Oregon served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. His service included helping with rebuilding efforts after the Korean War. Eden graduated from Stockton High School in 1953. He and a group of his classmates played softball together, before one team member received their draft notice. That led to seven team members, including Eden, volunteering for the draft and enlisting into the U.S. Army. “Back then the draft was such a possibility that you always had to think about it,” Eden said. “I went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Most of us were farm boys. Tractor scraper school was one of the schools offered after basic training with bulldozers and road builders. Several of us were in that school. I did that for 16 weeks. Not everyone was sent to Korea, but I was. The demilitarized zone was being put together at that point and it sounded like there was going to be peace for a while.” Eden took a ship over to Korea and entered through Incheon Harbor before going to the Busan area, where he was assigned to a battalion that built roads and other infrastructure. He did that work for about 17 months, helping the South Korean people to get “back on their feet”, including building roads to hospitals and churches. After growing up in rural Northern Illinois, Eden was exposed to new cultures and ground in Korea. He has fond memories of learning about how Korean people lived. “It was a journey to learn more about people that you heard a lot about in Southeast Asia,” Eden said. “You got to know them and found out they were people you could talk to and you could learn from each other. We were able to operate freely enough to help them when they needed help. Our government at that point was naturally interested in seeing

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Longtime resident Eden served U.S. Army 1953-55

the Ogle County Fair Association and Autumn On Parade. “In my Extension work, I met a lot of people and touched a lot of lives of a lot of people across the county because there are so many phases to agriculture,” Eden said. “I worked on Autumn On Parade with the tractor show and volunteering builds on itself as time goes along. I worked with the Color Guard for veterans’ funerals in the area. People really do appreciate that work and it’s meaningful. One of the things I’ve

learned over all my years is you need to be a person that’s willing to help others. Being a veteran means you have a responsibility to help others. And you find ways to do that.”

Honoring our American Hero is a feature on local veterans that runs twice a month in the Rochelle NewsLeader. To submit a veteran or service member for consideration, please email Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@shawmedia. com.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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Rochelle Area Community Foundation Executive Director Emily Anaya (left) and Focus House staff accept a Future of Focus House Fund designation from Dina and John Bearrows of Rochelle.

Bearrows family, RACF start designated fund By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Area Community Foundation on Tuesday announced a new designated fund – Future of Focus House – that will be aimed at continued improvement of the Ogle County facility that celebrated its 50th anniversary. Located north of Rochelle, Focus House provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming. The facility offers residential treatment for boys ages 12 to 17 in the justice system who are ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Kids in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and public service work at Focus House. The Future of Focus House Fund was started through RACF by John and Dina Bearrows of Rochelle. The couple heard success stories of former residents at Focus House’s 50th anniversary celebration and were moved to start the fund. Once the RACF fund reaches $10,000, it will start granting unrestricted funds toward future improvements at Focus House, including potential capital improvements for the county-run facility. “I want to thank the county for its support of Focus House,” John Bearrows said. “I thought about the things that Focus House may need that it doesn’t have funds for now. Maybe it’s something for a classroom, or a new building or part of a new building. We’re working on getting people and corporate sponsors to contribute to this fund. Our hope is that this can help with Focus House’s future. It’s amazing to hear someone’s story of how they evolved with guidance and support here.” RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said the fund will start as an “acorn fund” before it reaches $10,000 and endowment status. After it starts to receive grants from the fund each year, Focus House still

will be able to apply for other RACF grants. RACF fundraises and gives grants to community organizations each year. “RACF’s job is to educate people about this fund and how it can impact our community,” Anaya said. “It’s a nice way to continue to grow and educate people about what Focus House is. Fifty years is phenomenal, and they’ve done a great job, and now they’re going to grow even more and expand, and hopefully this will help facility improvements to come to fruition. RACF wants to help with that, and it’s great working with longtime donors who see that impact.” Focus House Executive Director Brenda Mason said the establishment of the fund “means everything” to Focus House, which is in the early stages of potential building improvements to continue to serve at-risk youths. Focus House serves youths of Ogle County who likely would have to travel out of the area for services if the facility didn’t exist locally. “The agency has been around for 50 years, and the building has been around for 50 years,” Mason said. “Eventually, we do need to grow out of our building and into something else. I know that’s a couple million dollars, and this is a step in the right direction and a step for conversations. RACF being willing to help us promote this and start this fund is so wonderful. The county has been wonderful, but they can only do so much. It does take other people.” Along with success stories, John Bearrows, who also serves as Rochelle’s mayor, was impressed by concept plans for Focus House’s future. “In order to have more of those stories, they need this facility improved,” John Bearrows said. “That’s why I thought we’d put something in place to help with that part of it. I want to see long-term growth and long-term success here. The success stories coming out of Focus House are the leaders of tomorrow.”

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By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The city of Rochelle presented a facade grant program check for $2,550 on Monday, Dec. 22, to Tecalitlan Restaurant at 1071 N. Caron Road. The city’s facade grant program covers half the cost of any improvements made to business fronts in town with a limit of $5,000. The improvements included new windows, a new sign and tuckpointing outside, owner Angelica Valencia said. Valencia thanked the city for its support and said she was happy to have access to the funds. The improvements have drawn eyes since they took place, she said. “It looks much better,” Valencia said. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback about the change so far. The old sign had been up for 20 years. A lot of people were posting online that they could now see the sign from the street, especially at night because there was no lighting before. We like to be involved in the com-

nity development department. City Community Development Director Michelle Pease praised the improvements that Tecalitlan Restaurant has made inside and out. “The front of the building really stands out now,” Pease said. “You can really see that there’s something happening here. And this business has reinvested on the inside as well. It looks beautiful in here. It’s just a nice way for the city to be able to give a small business in our community some money to help them continue to improve and grow and be more visible.” Pease said the program’s funds make a meaningful difference to small-business owners and she enjoys being a part of it. In 2026, the city will begin offering an additional program to downtown businesses to help them with interior improvements. Funding of $30,000 will be made available over the year for that program as well. “It’s a great program,” Pease said. “We’re excited to be able to do it. We’re in our fourth or fifth year of helping with facades. The city’s administration continues to approve funds for it and we’re excited for the new program.”

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‘We love this program to eat. It’s nice to get something back.” The city budgets $30,000 each year for because the money goes the program and the money is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The directly to small businesses’ distribution is done by the city’s commu-

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

COMMUNITY BOARD

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

New family restaurant opens in Rochelle ‘Customers can expect good food and service when they come in here’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Rochelle Apple Roasted Cafe & Family Restaurant has opened at 134 May Mart Drive in Rochelle at the former site of Dog Hub. The diner-style family restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an array of breakfast options, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, entrees, steaks, seafood and Italian specialties. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Sundays. It can be reached by phone at 779-3205520. Owner Lino Jasso also owns Kirkland Family Restaurant in Kirkland,

Jeff Helfrich

Rochelle Apple Roasted Cafe & Family Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an array of breakfast options, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, entrees, steaks, seafood and Italian specialties. where he resides with his family. “I’m here to do my best and make sure to take care of the customers,” Jasso said. “Our kitchen makes home-

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made food. Things are going well so far. I’ve wanted to find a building for this for two years. Kirkland isn’t far from Rochelle. I came here and checked the

population and market. I liked this building and I decided to rent it. “Customers can expect good food and service when they come in here. So far we’ve had good comments from customers on the food and how the building looks.” The interior of the building has been remodeled and expanded with new seating. Jasso said the work to open lasted a little over three months. The Rochelle Apple Roasted Cafe name comes from how the restaurant uses real apples and roasts them on the grill when it makes its crepes, waffles and pancakes from scratch, Jasso said. Jasso said customers have told him so far that they’re happy to have a new and different restaurant in town. The business is family run. “My daughter works here and the cooks are my cousins,” Jasso said. “I’ve always liked working with family. Family is everything to me. Other people are great too, but family is in it for more than the money. We’re here to serve the community. We really appreciate the community’s support so far.”

Ashton Bible Church, corner of Main and Paddock in Ashton. Pastor Farrel Stauffer, church phone is (815)453-2190, church website www.ashtonbible.org0. Sunday School for all ages 9:00-10:00am, Morning Worship 10:15am, Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 6:30-8:00pm.

Calvary Lighthouse Church, Assemblies of God, Senior Pastor, Dr. James Horvath. 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle. Sunday Morning: Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:00 A.M., Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. – Adult Teaching, Missionettes & Royal Rangers Childrens Classes, Nursery available for all services. HE-Brews Cafe is open before and after services. For further information, please call the CLC office at 815-5627701, or email us at staff@calvarylighthouse.com Church of Christ, Keeping Christ at the center in the Hub City. We meet Sundays at 9:00am for Bible Study and 10:00am for worship. We also have a Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00pm. 206 Erickson Rd, Rochelle, IL 61068. You can call us at (815) 562-6572 or visit us on the web at rochellechurch.com. We also have a radio program Sundays just after 8am on WRHL 1060AM. Minister Dominic Venuso. Creston United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815-562-6811. Email goelimchurch@gmail.com Website www.goelimchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 Rev. Marv Jacobs Faith Lutheran Church – (14206 E. Flagg Rd.) – “Making Christ Known Through Lives of Faith.” In-person worship is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or online at “Faith Lutheran Social” on YouTube. Worship resources are also available on our Facebook page - ‘Faith Lutheran Church ELCA.’ You may also e-mail Pastor Joy Alsop at Pastor@ faithlcrochelle.org for more information. All are welcome to join us!

First Presbyterian Church – An Amazing Place for Amazing Grace - 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle. Email: info@placeforgrace.com. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. In person or streamed online. On our Website and Facebook Live. www.placeforgrace.com/ www. facebook.com/placeforgrace Harvest Baptist Church 241 Scott Ave. (Hillcrest). Rev. Duane Boehm, pastor. Email duane712@hotmail.com, cell 815-757-3427. Visit us on Facebook! Service times: Sunday morning worship with Children’s Church at 10 am. Wednesday night worship at 7 pm. Immanuel Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Church Phone 393-4500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m. Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815561-6249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are Non-Denominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug Bunger Missions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers

New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www.NHFchurch.net. Our pastors are: Pastor Dan Sergeant, Pastor Nick Tornabene, and Pastor Dana Cox. (Classes for children through age fifth grade during service.) Rochelle United Methodist Church welcomes all people to worship, and practices openness for all activities including communion. Worship is at 9:00 am. Sunday school for children begins around 9:15, following the Children’s Time in worship. A fellowship time with food and space for conversation occurs in Hicks Hall every week following the worship service. We celebrate communion with an open table on the first Sunday of every month, and on other appropriate occasions. Youth group is held two Sundays a month from 3:00-5:00 and occasional excursions are scheduled as well . Our youth program includes service projects, discussion topics, field trips, Bible Study, and lots of fun and fellowship together. Some of our activities include packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, helping at Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and 7C’s, Mystery trips (Destination Unknown!), and Interactive experiences on issues of concern. Youth group is for grades 4 and up and friends are always welcome. Recorded services are available on our YouTube channel and our website at www.rochelleumc.com. Our services are on the radio (93.5 FM) on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am. Our Facebook page is www.facebook. com/rochelleumc. Our pastor is the Rev. Dr. Katherine Thomas Paisley. Our address is 709 Fourth Ave. (815) 562-2164. Email is admin@rochelleumc.com. At Rochelle United Methodist Church, everyone is welcome and loved! Steward United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc St. John’s Lutheran Church, 126 E. South Street, Creston. Phone 815-384-3720, Email: StJohnsLutheran@aol.com, members of NALC/LCMC. Worship is led by Pastor Terese Whitten 231-878-4150. St. John’s Lutheran Church is a part of God’s Family, planting hope, nurturing faith and harvesting love. Coffee or Fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school is conducted during worship service except during the summer. St. Patrick Catholic Church Rev. Jesus Dominguez; Deacon Prosper Agbetrobu; Deacon Fermin Garcia; Deacon George Schramm; 244 Kelley Dr. (Corner of Kelley & Caron Rd.) PO Box 329, Rochelle, IL, 61068. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM Monday-Thursday, Phone: 815-562-2370. Mass Times: 8:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM English, 7 PM Spanish, Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM in English and 11:00 AM in Spanish. Confessions: Monday 8:30-9:00 AM & 6:00-6:45 PM, Tuesday 8:30-9:00 AM, Thursday 6:00-6:30 PM, Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM Or by appointment. Religious Education: Erin Robles, Director of Religious Education, 903 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068, 815-561-0079 or 815-562-2370. Website: stpatricksrochelle.com. Email: stpatrick-rochelle@rockforddiocese.org. Facebook.com/StPatrickRochelle. St. Paul Lutheran Church “Building Relationships in Christ, Now and Forever!” Rev. Michael Gudgel, Pastor Steven Hall, Principal, Parish Nurse-Marcia Schnorr. 1415 Tenth Ave., Rochelle. Church Office-562-2744. Worship times: 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Our service is broadcast over WRHL 1060AM at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Call 562-6323 for more information about the school. SM-ST2297611

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First General Baptist Church, 500 S. 12th St, Rochelle. Phone: 815-562-5221. Email: fgbcrochelle@gmail.com.Website: www.fgbcrochelle.org. Facebook: www.facebook. com/fgbcrochelle.Pastor: Rev. Angelo Bonacquisti. Sunday worship services: 8:30 am, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm. Sunday school: 10:00 am. We’d be honored to have you join us as we worship JESUS and continue to grow in truth and love for God and each other. A nursery, children’s church, youth group and small groups are available. If you need a ride please contact our church bus driver, John, at (815) 262-4275 by 8:30 am on Sunday. “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment.

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

FINANCE MATTERS

Why working with a financial planner is a good move may arise. The benefits of hiring a wealth management financial advisor can outweigh the costs. Those still weighing whether or not to make that call can consider these reasons to seek out a financial planner.

It is never too soon to be thinking about the future and which financial decisions need to be made to ensure a long and comfortable life. Although many people have an idea of how they should manage their money, professional advice can go a long way. According to Merill Lynch, planning ahead for events like retirement better positions individuals to reach their financial goals and manage any unexpected challenges that

NAVIGATE COMPLEX TAX ISSUES A financial advisor can help people identify tax-efficient financial strategies. As income and savings grow, so, too, may tax obligations. Working with a financial advisor can help mitigate tax burdens by identifying tactics like strategic asset allocation. This strategy and more may help save a person thousands of dollars each year. MAXIMIZE MONEY’S POTENTIAL Some people have a large amount of cash in the bank earning minimal

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RIDE OUT MARKET DOWNTURNS Working with a financial advisor may help people navigate downturns in the market. Advisors might be a steadying voice during turbulent times, helping individuals stay focused on long-term goals and building portfolios that can endure market volatility. ADVICE FOR MAJOR FINANCIAL CHANGES Whether a person is planning to buy

or sell a home, get married or start a family, a financial planner can walk one through issues to begin saving and managing money for the long haul. He or she may recommend when to start saving for a child’s college education while also keeping a retirement plan on track. A financial planner also can help figure out how much debt a person can take on when it comes to buying a home. Marriage or divorce also are key milestones that call for careful financial planning. Again, a financial advisor can offer thoughtful ideas about how to navigate and make changes to financial strategies. Like the other professionals people rely on to give them advice, a financial planner is an important asset who can help instruct individuals regarding smart money moves that help them to achieve their goals throughout life.

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A substantial savings account can help individuals avoid taking on debt when costly emergencies and expenses arise unexpectedly, thus helping them keep their DTI in a financially advantageous range.

Monitoring financial health is a short-term strategy that can keep individuals on a path toward long-term security. While various metrics can be looked to as indicators of financial health, adults can keep these three variables in mind as they look to utilize shortterm strategies to ensure their long-term success. DTI. The credit experts at Experian suggest a DTI of 35 percent or less is indicative that debt is being handled well, so that’s a figure to keep in mind. 2. SAVINGS BALANCES: SAVINGS ACCOUNTS DON’T GENERATE AS MUCH INTEREST AS THEY DID THROUGHOUT THE 1980s AND 1990s. According to Nasdaq, savings interest rates climbed as high as 8 percent in the 1980s, but have fallen below 0.25 percent since the financial crisis of 2008. That’s led some to devalue savings, but savings balances can be a good indicator of financial health.

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These three metrics and others can be utilized by individuals looking to gauge their financial health in an effort to realize their short- and long-term goals.

1. DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO: DEBT-TOINCOME RATIO CAN BE A GOOD INDICATOR OF FINANCIAL HEALTH. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines debt-to-income ratio (DTI) as all your monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income. Lenders utilize DTI to determine the creditworthiness of loan applicants, but individuals also can use it as a metric to gauge their financial health. Monthly debt payments include mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and other debt payments, including credit cards. Individuals whose debt payments total $2,000 per month and who earn a gross monthly income of $6,000 have a 33 percent

3. CREDIT SCORE: CREDIT SCORE IS ANOTHER STRONG, AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE, INDICATOR OF PERSONAL FINANCIAL HEALTH. Individuals can now access their credit scores for free each month through their banks and credit card providers. Experian notes that credit scores range from 300 to 850, and where a score falls in that range can indicate if a person is managing credit in a healthy or unhealthy way. Experian reports scores 740 and above are very good, while scores between 670 and 739 are considered good. Scores between 300 and 579 are considered poor, while a score between 580 and 669 is considered fair. Scores below 669 indicate there’s room to use credit more wisely, which involve reducing reliance on consumer credit, making payments on time and ensuring payments are more than the monthly minimum.

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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RACF names Nambo as 2026 board president SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Area Community Foundation recently announced Yazmin Nambo as its 2026 board president. Originally born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Nambo moved to Rochelle with her family at the age of 4 and has proudly called the Rochelle area home ever since. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University. Nambo has worked in the Rochelle Elementary School District since 2013, serving in multiple roles, including paraprofessional and special education teacher, and currently serves as director of special programs and preschool. Outside of her professional role, Nambo enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her four children as they participate in sports and music and giving back to the community through coaching, volunteering and

service wherever there is a need. “Through her first three years with the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Yazmin has consistently thought outside the box and brought forward unique ideas and opportunities that help us better serve all members of our community,” said Emily Anaya, RACF executive director. “Her leadership, compassion and lived experience are invaluable to our organization. Yazmin’s strength as a bilingual leader has helped RACF become more inclusive and accessible to our Spanish-speaking community – an audience we love, cherish and are deeply committed to supporting. Her heart for service and her vision for the future makes her an exceptional choice to lead our board.” Nambo shared her thoughts on stepping into the role of board president: “It is truly an honor to serve as board president of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation,” Nambo said. “This organization plays a vital role in strengthening our community and supporting the people and programs that make Rochelle such a special

It is truly an honor to serve as board president of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.” Yazmin Nambo, Rochelle Area Community Foundation board president place. I am proud to be part of an organization that values inclusion, collaboration and opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside the board, staff and community partners to continue building a strong and thriving Rochelle for generations to come.” In a news release, RACF said it looks forward to Nambo’s leadership as the organization continues its mission to support local nonprofits, initiatives and community-driven impact throughout the Rochelle area. For more information about RACF Photo provided by Rochelle Area Community Foundation or to learn how to support local funds and initiatives, visit www.rochelle- The Rochelle Area Community Foundation foundation.org or contact director@ recently announced Yazmin Nambo as its 2026 rochellefoundation.org. board president.

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SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Levi Waddle, a senior at Rochelle Township High School, recently was named the December Rochelle Rotary Club Student of the Month. RTHS and the Rochelle Rotary Club released the following statement on Waddle’s award: “Levi exemplifies the Rotary ideals of service, leadership, and community engagement, Levi Waddle making him an outstanding choice for this honor. “Throughout his four years at RTHS, Levi has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, accumulating 360 Silver Service Hours – a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication to helping others. In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, including marching band, bowl-

ing and cross country, Levi has generously volunteered his time and talents to support numerous organizations and community events.” Waddle’s volunteer efforts span a wide range of activities. He has contributed many hours at the Rochelle Junior Tackle and RTHS track concession stands, where he also assisted with maintaining the facilities by raking the jumping pits. He has supported the ARUNA Run multiple times and participated in ROCK retreats on two occasions, taking on responsibilities such as serving food and preparing cabins for participants. His commitment to service extends into his neighborhood, where he routinely assists others by mowing, raking, cleaning and helping with yard work. He has volunteered at the Illinois Food Bank, distributing food to families in need and played a vital role at the Hot Dog Fest by handing out hot dogs to community members. He also has served in his church’s kindergarten room and helped by babysitting when needed. He’s assisted moving furniture at the Rescue Mission.

preceded in death by three brothers: Captain RICHARD PAUL HERRMANN Donald Herrmann, who served in the US Army Born: April 6, 1933 in Rochelle, IL in WWII under General George Patton, Jerome Died: January 8, 2026 in Oswego, IL Herrmann, who was a WWII Veteran serving in the US Navy and Thomas (Patricia) Herrmann. Richard Paul HerrRichard is survived by his wife, Beverly, of mann, 92, formerly of Hinckley, IL; step daughter, Amanda (John) Rochelle, passed away Popelka of Hinckley, IL; three step grandchilThursday, January 8, dren: Danielle Popelka, Mark Popelka, and 2026 at The Reserves Natalie Popelka; and seven step great grandat Oswego in Oswego, children: Brian Popelka, Trista Popelka-WeekIllinois. Richard was born on April 6, 1933 in ly, Chloe Popelka-Zwart, Monte and Charlotte Popelka and Hazelynn and Theodore Jordan Rochelle, IL to Wilbur and Catherine (DeThe visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., Courcey) Herrmann. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at St. Patrick CathHe attended St. Patrick Grade School and olic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle. The graduated from Rochelle Township High funeral mass will follow at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday School in 1952. Following in his brother, Jerome’s, footsteps, Richard also received the with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Burial is at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle Hackett Trophy in football. He proudly served with the United States Army. He was a lifelong with military services provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the Army Honor member of St. Patrick Church in Rochelle. On Guard. Memorials may be made in Richard’s September 17, 2011, he married Beverly Jane memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visit Cannella in Maple Park, IL. www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online In addition to his parents, Richard was guest book.

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Levi Waddle named December Rochelle Rotary Student of the Month

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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ILLINOIS SS. COUNTY OF OGLE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. MORRISON, Deceased. NO. 2025 PR 69 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of JAMES L. MORRISON, of Oregon, Illinois. Letters were issued on January 12, 2026, to TINA MORRISON, whose address is 7589 S. Illinois Rte. 2, Oregon, IL 61061, and whose attorney is James LEGALAhlberg, NOTICES P.O. G. Box 358, Rochelle, IL 61068. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of Clerk the Circuit of the Court at County Ogle Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, no later August 1, than 2026, and any not filed claim within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. JAMES G. AHLBERG. Attorney for TINA MORRISON, Executor of the Estate of JAMES L. MORRISON, Deceased

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT STATE OF ILLINOIS SS. COUNTY OF OGLE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. MORRISON, Deceased. NO. 2025 PR 69 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of JAMES L. MORRISON, of Illinois. Oregon, Letters were issued on January 12, 2026, to TINA MORRISON, whose address is 7589 S. Illinois Rte. Oregon, IL 2, 61061, and whose attorney is James G. Ahlberg, P.O. Box 358, Rochelle, IL 61068. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, no later than August 1, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. JAMES G. AHLBERG. Attorney for TINA MORRISON, Executor of the Estate of JAMES L. MORRISON, Deceased Jan. 14, 21, 28, 2026

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Jan. 14, 21, 28, 2026

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By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com

Mark Busch

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams scrambles during the NFL Wild Card game against Green Bay on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Soldier Field in Chicago. game. It seemed like its fairytale run would come to an end. The Packers seemed to land the knockout punch with just under seven minutes left in the game when Packers quarterback Jordan Love hit on a 23-yard touchdown pass to give his team a 27-16 lead. But despite the odds, the Bears remember what Johnson had said during halftime when they trailed 21-3. He went back to training camp when he talked about how the New England Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit to win Super Bowl LI. “He said, ‘When we do this, it’s going to be the biggest one in Bears history,’” rookie tight end Colston Loveland recalled. The first chapter happened on that Williams fourth-down throw to Odunze. Williams felt pressure from his side right away and started running toward

the Bears sideline, where the play was designed. Before the Packers pass rush could get him down, Williams floated the ball up and it sailed perfectly into Odunze’s hands. “Caleb made a tremendous play honestly,” Odunze said. “He put it up for me, put it right where it needs to be and I was able to come down with it. So kudos to him for making an extraordinary play. It was able to put the icing on the cake on that one to get some points on the board.” Chicago went on to make it a threepoint Packers lead a few plays later when Williams completed a touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus and then hit on a two-point conversion to Loveland. “I think when he hit that, we’re all like, we’re winning this game,” tight end Cole Kmet said. Then the defense responded to a terri-

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Caleb Williams stood on the Soldier Field grass on Saturday night as the anxiety of an entire city seemingly surrounded him. The Chicago Bears faced their ultimate do-or-die moment, one where it seemed even they couldn’t find a way to escape. They had a fourth down at their own 43 yard line as they trailed the Green Bay Packers by 11 points late in the fourth quarter of their NFL Wild Card game. Williams carefully listened in his helmet as Bears head coach Ben Johnson read over the play call as fans in the stands grew slightly louder with anxiety. Before Johnson’s microphone was cut off, he had one last message to his quarterback. “I need you right here,” Williams recalled Johnson saying, “and go make a play, kid.” He responded by making what could be considered the greatest throw of his young career. Williams completed a throw that has been his go-to in tense moments. He scrambled out of pressure as a Packers defender almost had him and completed a 27-yard pass to Rome Odunze to pick up the first down. But it wasn’t just the first down that Williams picked up. The throw sparked what would eventually become the greatest comeback in a season full of greatest comebacks. The throw set into motion the Bears’ 31-27 comeback win over the Packers. “It’s really who those guys are now at this point,” Johnson said afterward at Soldier Field. “We’ve got a group of guys that just, they don’t waver. The odds are stacked against us, and despite the fact we don’t like the score at halftime, nobody does, no one envisioned the first 30 minutes going that way, yet we just keep plugging along and keep fighting. You know, we have proven that this year, that’s who we are and what we do here at this point.” It had been something the Bears had done for most of this season to get to Saturday night. Williams and the Bears had put together six comebacks when they trailed with two minutes left in the game, the most since the 1970 merger. But even this one seemed unlikely. Chicago struggled for most of the

ble first half by stopping the Packers from taking a two-score lead. Green Bay got down to the Chicago 26 but kicker Brandon McManus missed the field goal attempt to give the Bears a chance to win or tie the game with 2:51 left in the game. Williams and the Bears seemed to move the ball down with ease from that point. The Bears picked up three first downs before they went ahead for good. Chicago’s offense had set up a screen pass on the left side previously in the game. The Bears gave a similar look and when Williams looked at how the Packers’ defenders’ eyes moved, he knew he had a touchdown. He faked the throw to the screen as soon as he received the snap and instead found a wide-open DJ Moore for a 25-yard touchdown to take a 31-27 lead with 1:43 left in the game.” “Just had a feeling that that was going to be the one,” Williams said. “Guys did a great job. [offensive] line did a great job blocking. Guys did a great job selling the fake, and then obviously DJ going up the sideline.” The defense responded with one more stop to seal the game. Green Bay had one timeout left and drove the ball back down to the Chicago 28. But with seven seconds left, Love fumbled the snap and couldn’t find an open receiver. The ball dropped to the ground on Love’s pass toward the end zone and the party was on. “We’re built for moments like this,” linebacker Tremaine Edmunds said. “And that wasn’t just today. Like I’ve known that since we overcame a lot of things [during] the regular season. So we knew we just had to keep fighting. Game was never over on the sideline. Just one play at a time, one drive at a time and we’re gonna figure out a way to win the game.” What’s next isn’t totally clear after the celebration started to quiet down. The Bears will host either the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional round at Soldier Field next weekend. But one thing became clear Saturday night: There doesn’t seem to be a deficit or stage big enough for this season’s team. “That’s the story,” safety Kevin Byard said. “The Chicago Bears, the cardiac bears, and we’ll keep riding his momentum.”

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

How Caleb Williams sparked the Chicago Bears’ NFL Wild Card comeback thriller vs. the Packers

Rochelle girls bowling meet Here are Robin Rethwill’s photos from a recent Rochelle girls bowling meet. – Shaw Local News Network

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Photos provided by Robin Reth

TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Mia Villavicencio releases a shot during a recent bowling meet. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Alex Soto releases a shot during a recent bowling meet. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Lizeth Rodriguez lets go of a shot during a recent meet. LEFT: Rochelle’s Magaly Belmonte aims her ball during a recent meet.

SPORTS VIEWS Andy Colbert

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Stillman Valley head coach Mike Lalor watches the game against Wilmington in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 2, 2024, in Wilmington. Lalor stepped down after 28 years. Thanks Mike for all the grid entertainment over the years. Speaking of entertainment, I enjoyed the FCS championship game last week between Illinois State and Montana State as much as anything seen in the pros or college all year. Those kids don’t get the money deals or acclaim of big time D-I programs, but they play the game with so much heart. There also have been tremendous finishes in the NFL this year, with the Bears pulling out some of the most improbable. In all my years of watching football, I can’t recall a team coming back as many times from such large deficits as they have. To be specific, they won seven games in which they trailed with under two minutes to play. Both times against Green Bay were prime examples, as the Packers had as high as a 95% win probability in the fourth quarter. Sitting with some dejected Bears fans in Larry Kereven’s basement man cave during the second half of the playoff game, I told them not to worry. They were skeptical of my assurances of a Chicago comeback, but thanked me afterwards of my confidence in a win. And, I’m not even a Bears fan. I’ve just become attuned to other teams self-destructing and Chicago pulling off miracle plays. It’s very strange and another reason most of us love this crazy game. We must, otherwise why would 92 of the top 100 viewed television shows be

football games, mostly NFL. The Kentucky Derby (one of my favorites), the NCAA basketball championship and

• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle Cou nt y resident w it h yea rs of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

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News item: Mike Lalor retires as Stillman Valley football coach. Yes, we have coaches from Ogle County schools resigning or retiring all the time. So why is this the lead? Quite simply because of the dynasty coach Lalor put together in his 28 years at Stillman, of which I had the pleasure to cover each and every one. It was kind of like growing up together, although he’s a few years younger than me. What I appreciated about Mike was his modest demeanor, much like John Bothe of Oregon. On the outside, neither man got overly excited, but inside those competitive juices had to be flowing. I loved to cover Stillman games because of the multi-dimensional ability of the offense and the defensive physicality. The big-play capability was omnipresent in their championship runs. A game that typified that most to me was a frigid night at Aurora Christian in 2013, where the Cardinals stunned the favored home team with one big play after another in a 28-26 semifinal upset win. Touched by the magnitude of the victory, I embraced him in joy before the post-game interview. As reporters, we are to be unbiased, but how can you not want to share in the emotion of a win with a guy you’ve been prowling the sidelines with for years. The following week, it was the Cardinals against a school where I first began watching high-school football at in the 1960s, St. Joe-Ogden. So, I had mixed emotions on who to root for, the program where my father first began coaching at or the local team. It was another thriller, with Stillman prevailing in overtime, 43-41, winning Lalor’s fifth and final state title. Sadly, for St. Joe coach Dick Duval it was his fifth loss of the championship game. Though the locals won, I was much happier for them the week before against Aurora. Duval ended his career two years later with 251 wins, but never a state title. Lalor also finished in the IHSA list of the top 50 all-time coaching wins with 219. One spot ahead of him is Everett Stine of Byron with 222.

games 6 & 7 of the World Series were the only other sports events to make the top 100. The Big Northern continues to heat it up in girls basketball, with several stateranked teams. In the MaxPreps rankings, Rockford Christian (15-5) is 7th in 1A. Byron (15-2 is 6th in 2A, with Winnebago (14-3) in 15th and Stillman Valley (13-4) in 23rd. Dixon (16-2) is 4th in 3A. With Byron, ‘Bago and Stillman in the same sub-sectional, only two of those teams have the chance to make it out. Providing competition from the other sub-sectional are Riverdale and Princeton, with a combined record of 29-1. The No. 1 teams statewide are Deer Creek-Mackinaw (16-1) 1A, Breese Central (14-2) in 2A, Washington (17-0) in 3A and Benet Academy (15-1) in 4A. In a few short weeks, girls postseason begins. Two weeks from now, the wrestlers take to the mats for regionals, as we continue to make it through winter.

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Paying tribute to Stillman Valley’s Mike Lalor

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GIRLS BASKETBALL: STERLING 62, ROCHELLE 24

Jossy James hits singlegame record eight 3s By TY REYNOLDS Shaw Local News Network correspondent

Photos by Alex T. Paschal

Sterling’s Brenley Johnson dribbles out of defense by Rochelle’s Gianna Olguin (left) and Natalie Foster on Jan. 6 in Sterling. to get that quick lead and go from there,” said James, who was honored before the game for becoming the 10th member of Sterling’s 1,000-point club. She’s the third Warrior to join the group as a junior, and now sits eighth on the all-time scoring list with 1,076 points. Jae James had six points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals; Joslyn Green finished with four points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks; and Nia Harris added three points, six rebounds and two steals for Sterling. Yvette Stafford buried a 3-pointer at the final buzzer, while Layla Weight grabbed four rebounds and two steals, and Anessa Johnson dished a pair of assists. The Warriors shot 37.7% (23 for 61) from the field, but made up for 20 turnovers and several missed shots inside by shooting 53.6% (15 for 28) from deep in their fifth straight win, and 11th in their past 12 games. “They’re a really good team, and their guard play is elite at the high school level; we don’t see a lot of guards like that,” Rochelle coach John Gehm said. “We went in with our game plan, telling our players, ‘They’re going to make passes that we haven’t seen guards make so far this year, and you have to live with that and make the most you can out of it.’

Rochelle’s Audriana Rodriguez works in the lane against Sterling on Jan. 6.

“I thought our girls did a pretty nice job of that, but rebounding has been a problem for us this whole season. We’ll have some decent initial defense inside, but then we’re not boxing out, we’re not getting that rebound, we’re not holding them to one chance. They get those second-chance opportunities, and that’s where teams have killed us.” Rodriguez led Rochelle with 13 points, five rebounds and five steals, and Dickey added seven points, two assists and two steals. Natalie Foster chipped in four points, three rebounds and two steals, while Mary Chadwick pulled down six rebounds, and Reese Kissack grabbed

four boards. “I told our girls, really up until the fourth quarter, we played with them and frustrated them a little bit, I thought. That’s a really good team that’s really well-coached, and they don’t get frustrated often, but you could just feel that we had some confidence,” Gehm said. “But then of course, they hit a 3-point barrage because they’re a really good team and they’ve got great shooters all over the place. That’s what they’re going to do, and we just didn’t hit shots offensively – and that’s a testament to their defense, too. But you get down by 15-plus against a team like that, you’re not going to win.”

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Although things were a bit sloppier than she would have liked, Sterling coach Taylor Jackson will take the “W.” The Golden Warriors used stifling defense and a 3-point barrage to cover up some deficiencies Tuesday night in a 62-24 win over Rochelle at Musgrove Fieldhouse in Sterling. Sterling (13-3) hit twice as many 3s (15) as 2-pointers (eight), with Jossy James setting a new single-game record with eight 3s; sophomore Brenley Johnson added six more. The Warriors also outscored the Hubs 20-0 in second-chance points while holding a 50-31 rebounding edge. “Especially with them playing a zone, it opened it all up and allowed us to find the open shooters and hit those open looks,” said James, who finished with 28 points, six rebounds, seven steals and four assists. “And we knew that rebounding was going to be a big thing, and I think we did a great job crashing the boards allaround.” Sterling started the game on a 20-3 run, with Johnson hitting three 3s and James adding two more in the opening onslaught. They combined to hit three more 3s over the final 4:47 of the second quarter, and the Warriors led 29-11 at halftime. Jayden Dickey and Audrina Rodriguez helped keep Rochelle (8-9) within 18 through the third quarter, but Sterling opened the fourth with a 13-3 run to turn a 37-19 lead into a 50-22 margin with 5:09 to play. “Just working together and attacking their zone. We drove to the rim and moved the ball, and that opens up a lot,” said Johnson, who had 18 points, four rebounds and two blocks. “On defense, we were pressuring up high and playing with a lot of energy.” Sterling was tenacious from the start, as Rochelle hit just one of its first 13 shots and finished 7 for 43 (16.3%) from the field and 4 for 19 (21.1%) from 3-point range. The Warriors nabbed 16 steals and forced 24 turnovers. “We were causing chaos off the dribble and in the passing lanes, and it allowed us

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Sharpshooting barrage sends Sterling past Hubs

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1973: Dolphins (17-0) end season with 14-7 win over Washington in the Super Bowl. 2018: Case Keenum hit Stefon Diggs on game’s final play as Minnesota scores game-winning TD and shocks New Orleans, 29-24 , in NFC Divisional playoffs.

Rochelle bowler Austin Hartnett bowls 300 game at T-Byrd Lanes Hartnett: ‘It felt amazing to roll that last strike’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Rochelle Township High School sophomore bowler Austin Hartnett’s best game of the season came outside of a meet. He bowled a 300 on Jan. 5 on a double date at T-Byrd Lanes in Rochelle. “We were having a great time,” Hartnett said. “I didn’t really think, I just did it. I didn’t realize until the ninth frame that I had a chance at a 300 game. I got pretty lucky and I did it.” Hartnett is in just his second year of bowling, picking up the hobby once he got into high school. He’s enjoys the new sport and hopes to one day get a scholarship for it. His previous highscore game was a 279. That day he rolled a gutter ball in the first frame before throwing strikes the rest of the way. “I was devastated about the first frame after that, but it was still really fun,” he said. “I thought that was the closest I’d ever get. I never thought in a million years that I would bowl a 300.” Hartnett said a crowd started to gather at T-Byrd Lanes as he inched closer to the 300 game. He felt the pressure and was able to persevere through it. “I thought I was going to miss it after all that. It felt amazing to roll that last strike,” Hartnett said. The 300 game gave Hartnett confi-

Photo provided by Robin Rethwill

Rochelle Township High School sophomore bowler Austin Hartnett’s best game of the season came outside of a meet. He bowled a 300 on Jan. 5 on a double date at T-Byrd Lanes in Rochelle. dence for the rest of his high school Hartnett said. “My dad told me the rea- practicing. During a meet, you want to bowling season. son I got the 300 was because I didn’t get 300 and a high score and series. I “It taught me not to think too hard,” think about getting a 300. I was just think harder during meets.”

It taught me not to think too hard. My dad told me the reason I got the 300 was because I didn’t think about getting a 300. I was just practicing. During a meet, you want to get 300 and a high score and series. I think harder during meets.” Austin Hartnett, Rochelle Township High School sophomore