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Valentine’s Day at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library

We love reading!

Reading is an important part of our lives. Reading makes the mind work and encourages us to use our vivid imaginations.

When you are reading a book you can be taken into another dimension. Using your imagination allows you to go to another place and develop characters, thoughts and ideas about what you are reading.

You are able to transport yourself through time, go on staycation or leave the situation you are in for a while and be swept away.

At the library we have many different types of books, including fictional novels, nonfiction books, graphic novels and periodicals – we have something for everyone.

If reading is not on your to-do list we have many other things that might appeal to you.

We have a variety of programs, electronic resources, e-books, music, comics and DVDs.

Our newest e-resources are Palace Project and Hoopla. Come to the library and check out the resources we have that may interest you.

IT’S YOUR WRITE

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: Beliefs that unite us

Protecting democracy in challenging times: Recent events across our country have underscored how vital it is to defend the principles of democracy. Our nation’s history is filled with examples of resilience, particularly the determination exhibited by American patriots some 250 years ago against the king’s loyalists. This legacy teaches us that freedom is never guaranteed and must be actively protected by each generation. We are continually called upon to protect the democratic principles

Sarah Flanagan COMMUNITY VIEWS

To get a library card you need two forms of ID, one with a picture and one with your name and current Rochelle address.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 815-562-3431. We are here to help you.

Here at the library we love our patrons, our community, books, reading and learning. Here are some interesting facts about chocolate, Valentine’s Day and Hershey’s Kisses from www.smithsonianmag.com:

“Richard Cadbury, whose British family manufactured chocolate, was searching for a way to use the pure cocoa butter that was extracted from the process Cadbury had invented to make a more palatable drinking chocolate. His solution was “eating chocolates,” which he packaged in lovely boxes he designed himself. A marketing genius, Cadbury began putting the

cupids and rosebuds on heart-shaped boxes in 1861; even when the chocolates had been eaten, people could use the beautiful boxes to save such mementos as love letters.

“The commercialization of Valentine’s Day flourished in America at the turn of the century. Chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey started as a caramel maker, but in 1894 began covering his caramels with sweet chocolate. In 1907, Hershey launched production of teardropped shaped ‘kisses, so-called because of the smooching noise the chocolate made as it was manufactured. Mass-produced at an affordable cost, the kisses were advertised as ‘a most nourishing food.’”

These stories remind us why reading and learning is so important. The library is full of factual information that can help you to learn and understand the true meaning of traditions and holidays. Come to the library and rediscover your love of reading. We have something for everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sarah Flanagan is the director of the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library.

that define our nation. This individual responsibility is not only a duty but an opportunity to affirm what matters most.

Key questions for reflection: What lies at the heart of democracy? Does it rest upon independence and personal choice, due process, freedom of assembly, the right to bear arms, freedom of speech and worship?

Should it include access to education, health care, property ownership, job opportunities, and the right to vote for all?

Stand up for democracy.

As we reflect on these essential questions, please join us on Valentine’s Day, Saturday,

Chuck and Lydia Roberts pose for a picture on their skiis. Photo Provided By Chuck Roberts ON THE COVER

Feb. 14, to celebrate democracy and reaffirm its significance in our everyday lives. The rally will take place at the Ogle County Courthouse from 12:30-2 p.m.

Your presence counts.

When we show up together – peacefully, visibly, and in community – we strengthen the values we care about and remind one another that participation is how democracy stays strong. Please keep messages positive to visually represent democratic ideals we stand for.

– Teresa Jacobsen, Ogle County Indivisible Ogle County

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We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@shawmedia.com.

Roberts couple of Rochelle start 50th year of skiing instruction at Wilmot Mountain

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Chuck and Lydia Roberts met on a ski hill in New Mexico.

The longtime Rochelle couple, who have been married for 53 years, have been ski instructors together for all 53 of those years and just recently started their 50th year of ski instruction at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin.

Lydia started skiing at 3 years old. When she was 18, she decided to start teaching skiing to have a way to pay for the hobby while in college. She’s a Level 3 skiing instructor, the highest rank, and a Level 2 snowboarding instructor.

Chuck started skiing when he was 9 years old in Alaska. He was on the ski racing team in college, and now he’s a Level 3 skiing instructor, a Level 2 snowboarding instructor and a Level 1 freestyle instructor.

After marrying and moving to Rochelle, the couple started teaching at Four Lakes Ski Area in Lisle. They then decided they wanted a hill with a little more challenge, so they started teaching at Wilmot Mountain in 1976.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing it for this long,” Lydia said. “It’s just been something we’ve enjoyed doing together. It’s a shared passion. Even

Lydia Roberts said, ‘It’s just been something we’ve enjoyed doing together. It’s a shared passion’ See ROBERTS on page 4

when we raised our son, we brought him up to the ski school and hired the children of other instructors to watch him during the day when he was little. We just made it work.”

More information on the Robertses’ ski instruction can be found online at robertsski.com. Lydia said she enjoys seeing students progress from starting as a novice and being scared of the hill to feeling like they’re in control and having fun. She and Chuck have taught people of all ages and abilities, from children to people in their 60s and 70s.

Chuck, 82, and Lydia, 73, have made

Continued from page 3

“tons of friends” over their 50 years at Wilmot Mountain. They plan to keep up with the work and hobby for as long as their bodies will allow.

“It’s not too common for people of our age to ski,” Lydia said. “But if you’ve been doing it all your life, you’re still doing it unless you’ve been injured or have some other problem. But to take it up at an older age is very rare. I believe exercise is the fountain of youth. If you can keep up exercising and don’t get injured, you extend your longevity. But I never planned on doing it this long. I intended to do it until I got through college. Then I fell in love with instructing.”

Five generations of the Roberts family snow ski. Chuck and Lydia are also water-skiers. Lydia has been an Illinois state champion water-skier several times, and Chuck once ranked seventh in the country in trick waterskiing. Both have competed in waterskiing at nationals.

Near lifetimes of snow skiing, snowboarding and instructing have yielded numerous memories for the couple. They estimate they teach about 100 students per year, and have taught thou-

The shared activity is part of the glue that holds us together. There’s something about exercise and skiing in particular that produces endorphins. It’s a pleasurable experience. It’s something we enjoy together.”

Lydia Roberts, Ski instructor

sands over their 56 years.

“One time I had a class of about six kids on snowboards,” Chuck Roberts said. “I told them to do what I did. They watched as I went down. Unfortunately, I caught an edge and fell. And all the kids came down and fell down next to me and started laughing, because they all did what I did.”

Lydia Roberts said she enjoys teaching the sport to family groups and helping parents know what to coach their kids on and giving them the experience of a family enjoying an activity together.

Wilmot Mountain opened in 1939 and is one of the oldest ski and snowboarding hills in the country. Chuck Roberts wrote a book on its history titled “Mat-

terhorn of the Midwest: A history of Wilmot Mountain Ski Area.”

Chuck and Lydia Roberts were recently given lifetime recognition for their contributions to the ski instruction community. Both have written articles on different aspects of skiing and how to teach it in new ways. They’ve seen advancements in the sport over the decades. Lydia called the improvements in equipment “amazing,” making it easier to learn how to snowboard and ski.

“When we started out, there were very long and narrow skis,” Chuck Roberts said. “Now they’re short and hourglass-shaped and easier to turn. In the early snowboarding days, we were on carving boards and almost facing the direction of travel. Now it’s freestyle, and you’re perpendicular to the direction you’re going and have to look over your shoulder.”

Chuck Roberts said he and his wife enjoy and keep teaching skiing and snowboarding because of the exercise and the time it gives them together.

“The shared activity is part of the glue that holds us together,” Lydia Roberts said. “There’s something about exercise and skiing in particular that produces endorphins. It’s a pleasurable experience. It’s something we enjoy together.”

Police chief: Rochelle woman dies from injuries suffered in Jan. 26 shooting

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

A Rochelle woman died Sunday as a result of injuries suffered in a Jan. 26 shooting, Rochelle Police Chief Pete Pavia said Wednesday.

Pavia identified the victim as Mariah Avila, 27.

Rochelle police were called at 6:38 a.m. Jan. 26 for a report of shots fired in the 100 block of West McConaughy Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered Avila, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was unconscious but breathing.

Officers also located a 29-year-old male, identified Wednesday as Spencer Contreras of Rochelle, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a Jan. 26 news release from the Rochelle Police Department.

Avila was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital and later flown to a Rockford hospital, where she was listed in critical condition and placed on life support. The family made the decision to remove her from life support on Sunday, and she succumbed to her injuries, Pavia said.

Contreras was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. No other people were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, and no one else was injured, according to the release.

RPD was assisted by the Rochelle Fire Department, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit. The incident remains under investigation by Rochelle police. Anyone with information is asked to call RPD at 815-562-2131.

A GoFundMe, has been established for Avila’s family. As of Wednesday, it had raised $20,820 through 280 donations.

Funds raised will be used to cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as travel costs for the family. Any remaining balance after funeral costs will be donated to domestic violence and mental health programs, the GoFundMe’s organizer, Meghan O’Rorke, said in an update on the site Tuesday.

“We are mourning the loss of Mariah, whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence and gun violence,” O’Rorke wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Mariah was more than a victim of violence. She was loved, she mattered, and her life had meaning. Her death has left our family heartbroken and forever changed, and we are committed to speaking her truth while honoring her memory.”

Avila’s mother, Jackie, posted an update on the GoFundMe page Feb. 1.

We are mourning the loss of Mariah [Avila], whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence and gun violence. Mariah was more than a victim of violence. She was loved, she mattered, and her life had meaning.”

“Sadly, our sweet girl will be passing,” the update said. “While our hearts are broken, we are choosing to honor her incredible strength and kindness. As her final gift as a donor, she will live on by saving multiple lives. That is the kind of person she is, and we are so proud of her.”

NOTICE OF VOTE BY MAIL AND SECURE DROP BOX LOCATION

Rebecca K. Duke, Ogle County Clerk and Recorder, announces that “Vote by Mail” is now being conducted at the Election Department of her office.

Your “Vote by Mail” ballot can be returned using the following options:

• Secure drop box located outside of the West Side of the Historic Courthouse at 105 S. 5th St in Oregon;

• Drop-off in the County Clerk’s Office in the Historic Courthouse at 105 S. 5th St, Suite 104 in Oregon;

• Mail via USPS (ballot MUST be Postmarked by March 17, 2026)

To obtain a “Vote by Mail” ballot visit www.oglecountyil.gov or Call 815.732.1110

Deadline to mail a Vote by Mail ballot is March 12, 2026.

Rebecca K. Duke

Ogle County Clerk and Recorder Dated this 30th day of January, 2026 www.oglecountyil.gov

VETERANS

Combs of Rochelle makes miraculous return home from WWII Navy battle

Late veteran served as electrician’s mate aboard USS Suwannee in Battle of Leyte Gulf in fall of 1944

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The late James Combs of Rochelle served in the United States Navy from 1943-1946. Combs served during World War II and was on the USS Suwannee during the Battle of Leyte Gulf off the coast of the Philippines on Oct. 23, 1944.

After growing up in southern Illinois, Combs joined the Navy on May 21, 1943. He was assigned as an electrician’s mate second class aboard the USS Suwannee. There were a total of 26 U.S. ships in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Only 20 remained after the fight, including the USS Suwannee.

The USS Suwannee was hit twice by Japanese kamikaze attack planes during the battle, which left holes in the flight deck large enough for a semi truck to fit through. Combs was hit by shrapnel during the attacks and wounded. Amid the chaos, he worked to help a wounded friend up flight decks, only to find he had died.

Combs was unable to report to a roll call in the days that followed, and was reported killed in action on Oct. 26, 1944. Eight hundred eighty men were killed in the attacks, each one receiving a military burial at sea at night to not draw further attacks. A list of those killed that mistakenly included James Combs was telegraphed stateside, and officers were dispatched to the home of his parents to report him killed in action.

The USS Suwannee was repaired by survivors to return it to the harbor, where each of the injured was given a threemonth leave. Combs was discharged and began his return home. He remained in the Navy Reserves until May 19, 1946.

What happened when he returned home was chronicled by Combs’s

great-grandson, John Combs, in a history report done for Veterans Day in 2017 at Rochelle Township High School.

“I don’t know if great-grandpa knew he had been reported killed in action until he walked up to his parents’ home,” John Combs wrote. “My great-great-grandma saw him walking across the yard and slapped him to be sure he was real and not a ghost.”

James Combs earned a Purple Heart for his courageous actions in the Navy. He eventually moved to Rochelle to work for Del Monte Foods as an electrician. It was there he met his wife and started his family. He also served the Rochelle Fire Department as assistant chief. James Combs died Oct. 26, 2006, 62 years to the day he was declared dead in 1944.

Chris Combs, James’s grandson, never heard his grandfather or the rest of his

family talk much about his Navy service, the battle or how he came home. Chris worked as a Navy subcontractor at age 19 on ships, and went to San

and Pearl

JAMES “SPUD” SUPANCIC

Born: April 30, 1941 in West Frankfort, IL

Died: January 18, 2026 in Rochelle, IL

James “Spud” Edward Supancic, age 84, of Rochelle, Illinois, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at his home. He was born April 30, 1941, at home near West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Perry Supancic and Gilda Pettina. He grew up in the West Frankfort and Benton, IL area.

As a teenager, he moved to Rochelle and worked at Caron Spinning, and at Swift from

the time it opened until the time it closed. After Swift closed, Spud’s career path took a turn and he became an independent insurance agent beginning in the early 1980’s continuing until his unexpected death. He took pride in taking care of each of his clients on an individual basis, treating them fairly, and talking with them, in the phrase he coined, “speaking in plain English.”

Spud was community minded. He supported his community in many ways and he especially had a heart for the local schools. He has helped countless people over the years. One of his passions was telling a good story and talking with whomever crossed his path. Spud loved animals and still to this day had a menagerie of animals on his farm. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great

grandchildren.

Spud was united in marriage to Eva Jeanette Prewett in March of 1960. Together they had five children.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Eva Stolt; an infant son, Christopher Supancic; and three siblings: Frank Supancic, Richard Pettina, and Perry Supancic.

He is survived by his longtime loving partner, Laura Holzlander of Rochelle, IL; three daughters: Regina “Gina” (Brian) Van Hise, Bunny (Steve) Miller both of Rochelle, IL, and Susie (Harlow) Jones of Booneville, KY; brother, Jerry (Patty) Supancic of Benton, IL; and a sister, Judy Mygatt of Forest, IL; son-in-law, Bob Stolt of Algonquin, IL. Spud is further survived by his grandchildren: Shane Miller, Samantha (Mason) Shreve, Owen Miller,

Dewayne, Deborah and Glenda Jones, Eric (Kara) Van Hise, Kyle Van Hise, and Katie Van Hise (partner, Olivia “Liv” Schweiger). He was a proud great-grandfather to Lydia, Macie, Hallie, Draven, Titus and Magnus. He also had many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle. A memorial service will followed at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Nick Tornabene officiating.

Memorials may be established to the family. Burial at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle will take place at a later date. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guest book.

RACF announces opening of 2026 grant cycle

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation recently announced the opening of its 2026 Community Needs Grant Cycle, beginning Feb. 1.

The annual grant opportunity supports qualified nonprofit agencies, organizations, schools, churches and government or municipal partners serving the Rochelle, Kings, Chana, Lindenwood, Esmond, Steward and Creston areas.

The Community Needs Grant Cycle is a cornerstone of RACF’s mission to strengthen the local community by investing in programs and services that respond to real, evolving needs. Funding is not available to individuals, service

clubs or for-profit entities.

Grant applications must be submitted through RACF’s online grant portal before 4 p.m. March 1. Applicants can visit RochelleFoundation.org, click on the “Grants” tab, and select “Manage Grant” to log in using existing credentials or create a new account.

To support applicants throughout the process, RACF will host two optional Zoom information sessions to review application requirements, deadlines, and best practices:

• 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, (Meeting ID: 811 2495 7244 Passcode: Nb34c6)

• Noon, Thursday, Feb. 25. (Meeting ID: 890 1793 8327 Passcode: 7du0H2)

While attendance is not required, participation is strongly encouraged. To receive a calendar invite, applicants

EARLY VOTING NOTICE

FLAGG & DEMENT PRECINCTS ONLY

EARLY VOTING will be conducted at the Flagg Township Office located at 303 W. Route 38 in Rochelle for Flagg & Dement Precincts only.

Wednesday, March 11 – Friday, March 13 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Rebecca K. Duke

Ogle County Clerk and Recorder

Dated this 30th day of January, 2026 www.oglecountyil.gov SM-ST2303668

may email director@rochellefoundation.org.

Approved grant recipients will be announced during a communitywide celebration on from 4 to 7 p.m. April 29 at the Lincoln Arts Center. The event is free and

open to the public, with additional details to be shared closer to the date.

Emily Anaya, executive director of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation,

See RACF, page 12

NOTICE

Ogle County – General Primary Election

EARLY VOTING and GRACE PERIOD

REGISTRATION & VOTING will be conducted at the Ogle County Clerk’s Office located in the courthouse at 105 S. 5th Street, Suite 104, Oregon, IL.

February 5 – March 16, 2026

Monday thru Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

9:00 a.m. – Noon

Grace Period Registration & Voting

February 18 – March 17, 2026

Monday thru Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March 17, 2026 – Election Day 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dated this 30th day of January, 2026

Rebecca K. Duke, Ogle County Clerk www.oglecountyil.gov

“He was 19 years old when he went into the Navy,” Chris Combs said. “I finished up in Pearl Harbor and came back to San Diego and then flew home. He and my grandma came and picked me up in Chicago. I was the same age as he was when I went and did that. He never said much about his service. The few things he did say, you better have been paying attention. When my son did a report in high school on his service, that was the first time I heard a lot about it.”

Chris Combs recalls his grandfather as a soft-spoken family man. He grew up in the Depression Era and wartime America, which Chris said made his grandfather a thankful man later in life. James Combs enjoyed auctions and antiques. He served the community as a Boy Scout leader, along with his work with the Rochelle Fire Department.

“I remember Thanksgivings and Christmases where he would leave for an emergency call,” Chris Combs said. “Now I look back at our interactions and think about them, knowing what I know about him now. He became a firefighter after his service. I think he did because of the kamikaze attacks and the fire and

on to do great things later on in life. I think a lot of it had to do with being grateful to be alive. This is about that ship and everyone on it. An elevator shaft was hit by a kamikaze and they all worked to get stuff back up and operational again. They were fighting fires and planes coming in and carrying the wounded. They were all working together.”

to his behavior. The next day, John’s phone was pinged in Montgomery, Alabama. Questions still remain about how he got there and what led to his uncharacteristic behavior and death. Chris Combs and his family continue to ask questions of numerous entities to find answers about John’s death.

trying to help his friend up the decks. And he wasn’t able to save him. I think that may have been what drove him to become a firefighter and EMT.”

Chris Combs has enjoyed learning more about his grandfather’s military service and the story of the USS Suwannee in recent years. It’s helped him to find an appreciation for what James Combs and the others on the ship did, even though many of them didn’t talk much about it after returning home to their families. He urges family members of other veterans to learn what they can and appreciate it.

“People have already done a lot of the historical work and it’s out there,” Chris Combs said. “You can get full ship’s logs. A lot of history is forgotten. And I think about how young a lot of the people on the ships were. He was 19. And then they went

The Oct. 26 date of James Combs being reported killed in action, and his passing 62 years later, saw another solemn parallel recently for the Combs family. A celebration of life was held on that date in 2024 for John Combs, the grandson that chronicled James’ service in 2017.

John Combs died at age 24 on Oct. 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Montgomery, Alabama. John was in the South at that time working as a lineman helping with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in the days beforehand. His death is shrouded in uncertainty due to missing details and out-of-character behavior he exhibited in the days that led up to it.

After storm recovery work in Savannah, Georgia, John Combs was admitted to a hospital for being disoriented, pale and sweaty. After leaving the hospital, he attempted to fly home but was removed from the boarding process due

The date parallel between his son’s celebration of life and his grandfather being reported killed in action has made James Combs’s service mean more to Chris Combs.

“I woke up the morning of John’s celebration of life and the date rang a bell in my mind,” Chris Combs said. “I reached into my desk and had it on a piece of paper. It was 80 years to the day. I have bears made out of shirts that belonged to John and my grandfather. Now, they both sit on top of the Navy porthole my grandfather had with his medals in it. John was always interested in history. He liked old things and the old ways and the simpleness of life.”

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the General Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, the 17th of March, 2026, the following proposition will be submitted to the voters of Ogle County and State of Illinois.

PROPOSITION

OGLE COUNTY FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT ADVISORY REFERENDUM

Should Illinois opt into a federal program that would provide Public K-12, private school, and homeschool students with privately donated funds for academic needs, such as tutoring and test preparation, educational therapies for students with disabilities, tuition, books, exam fees or for other specified academic needs?

YES NO

The polls at the election will be open at 6:00 o’clock A.M. and will continue to be open until 7:00 o’clock P.M. of that day.

Dated this 1st day of February, 2026.

Rebecca K. Duke County Clerk

The County of Ogle and State of IIlinois

Chamber of Commerce to hold Lucky Hub Dash 5K on March 14

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting the Lucky Hub Dash 5K presented by Holcomb Bank.

This year’s event will be Saturday, March 14, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the race starting at 10 a.m.

The race will once again start and stop at Flannigan Park in Hillcrest, with the race course following the bike path.

As is tradition, all third through eighth grade students in Rochelle and the surrounding school districts are invited to participate at no charge.

Each student runner will also receive a T-shirt.

Students registered by Feb. 20 will be entered into a drawing for two family packs of tickets for the Rockford Ice Hogs donated by 102.3 The Coyote and Super Hits 93.5.

Adults runners are invited to join as well. Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt and race “swag bag” filled with items donated by sponsors.

The registration form and entry fee can be dropped off at the Chamber office

at 501 Sixth Ave. by Feb. 20 to guarantee a race T-shirt.

The most festive dress contest will be held again with a winner chosen in the adult and youth categories. First-, second- and third-place awards will be given in both categories for the top runners in the race.

“We really enjoy this event because it involves our youth and is a family friendly event,” Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera said. “We encourage everyone to come on out wearing all the green they can find for a fun-filled event. You don’t have to be a seasoned runner to participate but just want to enjoy a healthy outdoor activity with your family and friends while supporting Chamber programs.”

Additional sponsors for the event are the city of Rochelle, Country Financial –Josh Messenger, Mindful Matters Therapy, Vince’s Pizza, Rochelle Community Hospital, Central Bank, Stillman Bank, Hurst Heating and Cooling and Americold.

To register or for more information call the Rochelle Chamber at 815-5624189.

Flagg Township Museum announces events for February

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

First in February at the Flagg Township Museum in Rochelle it’s a “Find the Love” Scavenger Hunt, unlocking romantic treasures at the museum for visitors, friends and history lovers.

It’s an opportunity to look at collections in a whole new light with the firstever “Find the Love” Museum Scavenger Hunt. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, this special Valentine’s-themed event turns a typical museum visit into an interactive adventure to uncover tales of romance, passion and admiration hidden within exhibits.

Participants receive a curated “Love Map” upon entry, challenging them to solve riddles and locate specific, heartwarming, or surprising items that are usually tucked away in the museum. The hunt is designed to encourage teamwork, laughter and a deeper appreciation for the stories behind the artifacts.

“We wanted to offer a unique experience that goes beyond a standard Valentine event,” Jan Devore, director at the Flagg Township Museum, said. “By framing our collection around the theme of love – whether it’s romantic, familial, or a love for history - we are giving visitors a fun, active and memorable way to connect with both the museum and each other. We hope visitors discover some of our hidden romances and historic love connections and take advantage of special spots for ‘selfies’ for sharing on social media. In addition to finding the love, visitors can indulge in a chocolate treat or two. Who

doesn’t love chocolate!”

Next in February is the museum’s participation in Museum Advocacy Day, a day organized by the American Alliance of Museums to recognize the critical role museums play in American society and to urge legislators to support and acknowledge their value.

At the Flagg Township Museum, the day is celebrated Friday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a visit by state Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, from 1 to 2 p.m. Issues to be brought to the attention of our legislators include maintaining funding of national organizations that in turn support museums, opposing proposals that threaten the financial stability of charitable organizations, supporting incentives for charitable giving and encouraging federal backing for museum-led programming surrounding the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026.

“Museums are essential stewards of cultural heritage and catalysts for economic development,” Devore said. “As our museum continues to navigate constantly increasing operational costs, it is critical that our elected officials hear directly from us about the profound impact we have on our community. We are excited to have Fritts visit Rochelle’s place for history and to share some of Rochelle’s rich history.”

The mission of the Flagg Township Historical Society and Museum is to stimulate interest in Flagg Township history through education, research, collection and preservation of information for the benefit of the public of today and in the future.

SC SPECIAL GUEST

PAUL HUBERT REMILLARD

Born: April 30, 1958

Died: February 4, 2026

Paul Hubert Remillard, 67, passed away at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026. Paul was born on April 30, 1958, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee to Hubert & Jeanette (Cahan) Remillard. Paul was a graduate of Herscher High School, Kankakee Community College, and Bradley University in Peoria. He lived in Rochelle, IL, and owned Armal Alarm Systems, designing and installing security and fire alarm systems for commercial and residential properties. Paul was a proud and active member of IBEW Local 196.

Paul is survived by his sisters, Janet Remillard of Rockford, IL and Donna Remillard of Kankakee, IL, as well as numerous cousins, close friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles.

Paul will be remembered for many things: his generosity in helping, mentoring, and sheltering others; his devotion to his family and his uncanny ability to fix almost anything; his gregarious “never met a stranger” personality; his love of cooking; and his love of animals, especially his precious dog Peaches and his favorite nephew dog, Henri.

Special thanks to the incredible professionals at Rush University Medical Center, notably Paul’s team of Pulmonary, Infectious Disease and Oncology specialists.

Cremation has taken place, with a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Rose of Lima Chapel, PO BOX 302 Aroma Park, IL 60901 or Norcal Cocker Rescue, 3450 Palmer Dr. #4-261 Cameron Park, CA 95682.

Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.

Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, Kankakee.

Kish College to host Visit Day for prospective students on Feb. 16

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

Kishwaukee College will host Visit Day for prospective students and their families from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Feb. 16, at the college.

“Discovering the right academic or career path is essential for your success. Visit Day is your go-to event for all the insights you need to make that decision. Whether you are pursuing a degree, certificate, adult education or more, this event shares the need-to-know information for your Kish experience,” Sandy Castillo Guzman, outreach and enroll -

ment coordinator, said.

Visit Day provides information on Kish’s transfer, career and technical education and allied health programs. The event also includes campus tours and information on getting started at Kish, financial aid and scholarships.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance will be available. Students and families can visit the information fair to learn about student involvement, athletics, short-term programs, student support services and more.

Register or learn more about Visit Day at kish.edu/visitday.

across our communities.”

emphasized the heart behind the grant cycle.

“The Community Needs Grant Cycle reflects what philanthropy looks like at its best, neighbors helping neighbors. Every application tells a story of commitment, compassion, and hope, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see donor generosity translated into real impact

“These grants represent more than funding – they represent trust in our local organizations and belief in the people they serve,” Yazmin Nambo, president of the RACF Board of Directors said. “The Board is proud to support work that strengthens our community today while building a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.”

Got questions, call 815-561-3600 or email director@rochellefoundation.org.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DIABETES

Navigating life with diabetes is no small task. While millions of people across the globe living with diabetes enjoy full lives, such individuals recognize they must remain vigilant in regard to the foods they eat to protect their short- and long-term health.

While food might be a focal point of life for people with diabetes, it’s just as important that such individuals monitor the beverages they consume. That’s particularly important regarding alcohol. The American Diabetes Association® urges individuals with diabetes to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians. While the ADA notes there’s no universal rule regarding diabetes and alcohol consumption, the National Library of Medicine reports there are risks involved when individuals with diabetes consume alcohol.

Alcohol and blood sugar levels

Consuming alcohol can lower blood sugar. The liver is a vital organ that releases glucose into the blood stream as necessary to ensure blood sugar levels remain normal. But the liver also is responsible for breaking down alcohol, and during that process it ceases releasing glucose. That can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly, leaving people at risk for

Cocaine, “the

hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Individuals who are taking certain diabetes medicines or insulin can be in danger of developing seriously low blood sugar, which the ADA notes can occur even hours after a person finishes their last drink. Drowsiness, confusion and difficulty walking are some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Alcohol and diabetes medications

Alcohol can interfere with diabetes medicine. The NLM notes that alcohol can interfere with the

effects of some diabetes medicines. When prescribed medications for diabetes, individuals should discuss the potential side effects of alcohol consumption while taking the drugs. Individuals who drink while taking certain diabetes medications may be at risk for hypoglycemia.

Additional risk factors

Alcohol tends to be calorie-heavy, which can contribute to weight gain that makes it more difficult to manage diabetes. Alcohol also tends to be high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar also is known as hyperglycemia, which is marked by insufficient insulin levels or the inability of the body to utilize insulin effectively.

Weight gain is not the only potential threat linked to the high calorie content of alcoholic beverages. The NLM notes that calories from alcohol are stored in the liver as fat, which can make liver cells more insulinresistant and increase blood sugar levels over time.

The dynamic between alcohol and diabetes is complicated. Individuals with diabetes are urged to discuss alcohol consumption with their physicians prior to having a drink.

DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS

Direct exposure to carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer, greatly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer. While there are many different carcinogens in the environment, cigarettes expose smokers and those around them to a wide variety of carcinogens that can cause severe illness.

Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 toxic chemicals, including arsenic, radioactive polonium-20 and mercury. The American Cancer Society indicates smoking causes about 20 percent of all cancers and roughly 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancers are the most notable of all cancers

THE LINK BETWEEN SMOKING AND CANCER

attributed to tobacco use — with 80 percent of such cancers traced back to smoking. But smoking is linked to other cancers as well. The U.S. Surgeon General has identified smoking as a cause of 12 cancers, including:

• lung, trachea and bronchus

• oropharynx

• esophagus

• larynx

• colorectal

• liver

• stomach

• bladder

• myeloid leukemia

• pancreas

• kidney and ureter

• uterine cervix

It is important to note that cancer can come from using smokeless tobacco products as well. These include chewing tobacco and

dip. Furthermore, exposure to someone else’s cigarette smoke can cause cancer in a person who doesn’t smoke. WebMD says bystanders exposed to secondhand smoke are up to 30 percent more likely to get lung cancer than others who are not exposed.

Tobacco can cause cancer in two ways. The first is that carcinogens damage DNA and cause cells to grow and divide abnormally. The other happens when toxins from smoking weaken the body’s immune system, which may make it harder for the body to fight off illnesses like cancer.

The National Cancer Society warns there is no safe level of tobacco use. Anyone using tobacco should aim to quit immediately

Smoking is a dangerous habit that is a leading risk factor in cancer formation. Getting the facts may inspire more people to quit using tobacco for good.

BEFORE THEY MAKE PLANS WITH FRIENDS…

Establish some family rules for social and extracurricular activities.

Young people don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. Talk with your children about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations. For tips on how—and when—to begin the conversation, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

#TalkTheyHearYou PEP20-03-01-056

Rochelle Township High School

rochelleschools.org/o/rths 815-562-4161

THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAY SHAPE YOUR TOMORROW! 1401 Flagg Road, Rochelle, IL

We want you to make good choices when it comes to alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping. RTHS counselors, teachers, coaches, and administrators are here to talk and to help you say, “No!” to every substance offered to you. Don’t let drugs take the place of your hopes and dreams. Make a drug-free lifestyle a part of your future, and live your life to the fullest.

ALCOHOL AND TEENAGERS ARE A POOR MIX

Most countries in the world have established a minimum legal drinking age. Legal drinking ages are implemented to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and also to contribute to better overall health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The United States has a Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) of 21 everywhere except Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The MLDA in each of those places is 18.

Canada’s MLDA was 20 or 21 in the 1970s, and then lowered to either 18 or 19 to align more closely with the age of maturity. However, increased alcohol consumption by teens prompted certain provinces to increase the age to 19. The MLDA in Canada remains 19 for all provinces and territories, with the exception of Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, where the MLDA is 18. Elsewhere around the world the average age to purchase alcohol is 18, although not every country restricts the age at which alcohol can be consumed.

Health experts warn that underage drinking is a major health concern. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and can lead to enormous safety and health risks. Teens who drink with frequency can set themselves up for a host of

negative outcomes.

• Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the functions of the central nervous system and can actually block some messages from reaching the brain. That can alter a person’s perceptions, emotions and movement, says Nemours TeensHealth.

• Youth who drink may have higher rates of absences or lower grades in school.

• Alcohol usage over time can lead to social problems, such as fighting or lack of participation in youth activities.

• Consuming too much alcohol may lead teens to experience physical issues like hangovers.

• The CDC says alcohol can disrupt normal growth or sexual development.

• The CDC indicates frequent alcohol use among teens can contribute to increased risk of suicide and homicide.

• Underage binge drinking is associated with a higher risk of being the victim or perpetrator of interpersonal violence, which includes physical or sexual assault, according to a study published in 2019 in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.

• The brain keeps developing into one’s 20s. Alcohol can alter development, potentially affecting the brain’s structure and function.

• Research shows that those who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder later in life.

• Alcohol use can lower inhibitions, which can cause teens to make poor and risky decisions, like engaging in illegal activity or unprotected sexual relations.

Drinking at an early age and doing so frequently during the teenage years can set individuals on a course for health, developmental and even legal repercussions.

DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS

SIGNS KIDS MAY BE USING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

When parents welcome children into the world, they see innocence and little ones who rely on them to meet every need. Through the years, children grow by spreading their wings and learning to be more independent. As they dabble in new things, children learn through trial and error, and certain mistakes may be made along the way. One of those mistakes may be getting involved with drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the United States, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Study found that 19 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 20 reported drinking alcohol in a 30-day period. Other findings indicated that 29 percent of high school students drank alcohol and 14 percent engaged in binge drinking.

It is not so easy for parents to realize their children are experimenting with alcohol. However, the following are some signs that kids may be engaging in such behavior.

•Your child is exhibiting mood changes, such as flare-ups of temper, irritability and defensiveness.

•Your child appears impaired, including slurred speech, red eyes, staggered gait, and trouble with coordination.

• Your child is spending time with new friends and/or sneaking around.

•Your child exhibits altered appetite and sleep patterns, as well as changes in weight.

•Your child has frequent nosebleeds, which could be indicative of methamphetamine or cocaine use.

Forreston Junior Senior High School

Forreston Grade School

German Valley Grade School

815-938-2175

815-938-2301

815-362-2279

•You notice that bottles of alcohol in your home are missing or not at levels where you left them. You may notice missing prescription pills or over-the-counter cold medicines as well.

•Your child’s appearance may be deteriorating and there is a lack of interest in personal grooming.

•Your child has injuries or bruises of unknown origin.

•You find alcohol or drugs in your child’s possession.

According to the treatment center Ashwood Recovery, someone who is abusing alcohol may have ashen or jaundiced skin as well as bloodshot eyes. Signs of methamphetamine usage include loss of teeth and the skin takes on a dull appearance. People abusing heroin appear lethargic, dazed and confused. They may be emaciated and have brittle hair and nails. It’s important to note that some young adults start using heroin to help them lose weight. Parents can help their children by recognizing early on if they are abusing alcohol or illegal substances.

SANDI GRABER

Born: February 7, 1945

Died: February 6, 2026

Sandi Graber passed away in the early hours of Friday, February 6th, 2026 - one day short of her 81st birthday. Her family is saddened, yet comforted knowing that her physical pain is over. Sandra Carol Dalton was the only child of Ralph and Gladys Dalton. They were devoted to their daughter, and they were active; a lesson Sandi learned well. Her first few years were spent in Blue River,

Wisconsin, though the family would soon move to Brown Deer, a suburb of Milwaukee. From an early age she was active: piano lessons, tap dancing, ballet, baton and more. Gladys led a women’s group at church, and church became Sandi’s foundation. It was in one of the youth groups at church where Sandi met Lee, her life-long friend. Together, they went on church-sponsored trips and would later double-date in high school. High school brought new activities: clubs, marching band-baton twirling and flags. Sandi would attend Lakeland College and it was there she would meet and fall in love with Sam Graber. They soon married in 1965. Sandi’s first son Greg was born in 1966. Then, in 1968, Sam took a teaching position in Rochelle, Illinois. Two more sons were born: Matt in 1969 and

Andy in 1973. Sandi would raise her three boys and have several part-time jobs over the years, but still found time for local groups, like community theater.

Greg would marry Tina and Andy married Jodi. Andy and Jodi brought Jackson and Jamison into the world - Sandi’s two beloved grandsons. With her sons grown and out on their own, Sandi returned to her foundation: the church. She attended Garrett Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and became an ordained minister -- Pastor Sandi. She devoted herself to ministry, wherever that may have been - in communities like Harmon, Chana and Cortland, to name a few. She worked to build the congregations and to serve the people she was assigned to; this was her calling.

Sandi chose activity over idleness, interac-

tion over solitude. She could be demanding, but with a purpose to bring out the best in someone. She gave all she had to an endeavor, and her efforts resulted in good. We will miss Sandi.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either the National Lymphedema Network or the Dementia Society of America.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastors Jack Briggs and Xavier Valdivieso officiating. Graveside services at St. Marys Cemetery in Mineral Point Wisconsin will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday.

Wedding Expo 2026

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

Chana United Methodist Church, 606 Main St., P. O. Box 96, Chana, IL 61015. (815) 732-7683. Worship and Children’s Education: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Fellowship and snacks: 11:30 a.m. Email: ChanaUMC@gmail.com. Facebook: Chana United Methodist Church. Pastor: Bill Hollowell: B.hollowell.81@gmail.com. Free Clothes Closet: call for hours.

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 for all ages. 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.

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 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

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 – LCMS 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Web: immanuel-lindenwood.org or find us on Facebook. Phone: 815-393-4500. Sunday Mornings: Divine Service at 9am, Fellowship at 10am, Sunday School and Bible Study at 10:30am. Food Pantry: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am–11am.

New Hope Fellowship is a non-denominational church serving the Rochelle area since 2006. The church offers two contemporary worship services each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., featuring biblical, applicable preaching designed to help people live out their faith in everyday life. Children’s Ministry is available for nursery through 5th grade during the first service and nursery through kindergarten during the second. Led by Pastors Dan Sergeant and Nick Tornabene, New Hope Fellowship also offers Men’s, Women’s, and Youth Ministries throughout the week. For more information or to find their YouTube channel, visit www.nhfchurch.net. Come see us at 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068.

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!

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.

Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular flower given on this day for lovebirds.

Just because millions of roses are prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.

• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.

• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person, make sure they are fresh by gently feeling

the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.

• Opt for neutral tones. If you’re unsure of which flowers to buy, stick with varietals in white and soft, neutral tones. This will lend a more romantic vibe to the bouquet. Bright, high-contrast florals may come off as tacky unless you can guarantee that the person prefers them.

• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdom-based flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement.

Choosing flowers comes down to a few simple steps to offer a gift of love on Valentine’s Day.

Wed 2PM-6PM, Thu & Fri 10AM-6PM,

10AM-2PM & Every 1st and 3rd Sunday

Valentine’s Day brightens up the bleakness of the shortest and most wintry month of the year for the northern part of the globe. Businesses and homes are awash in pink and red each February, with heart-shaped decorations and boxes filling up store aisles. Sending heartfelt sentiments is a large part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, and most people cherish the day for the opportunity to bestow gifts on the ones they love.

The National Retail Federation says more than half of all consumers typically plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2025, $27.5 billion was spent on the holiday, with consumers continuing to prioritize gifting those closest to them. The NRF reports the top gift categories for Valentine’s Day are candy, flowers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry. Here’s how to make these gifts more thoughtful and endearing.

CANDY

Gift givers can select candy that is preferable to their loved one instead of choosing the first box of chocolate they find at the store. Perhaps the person you love likes confections from a boutique candy shop a few towns over or has a hankering for candy from

overseas? Mexico, for example, is known for its Dulce de Leche, while Halva is a dense, sweet treat from the Middle East. Choosing a special candy really sets the gift apart.

FLOWERS

Flowers are special gifts. Too often, people feel pressured to buy roses on Valentine’s Day, even if this might not be a special someone’s preferred flower. Choose, instead, a flower that has particular meaning to the person or one that is known to be a favorite.

Aster and Baby’s Breath are two blooms known for being symbols of love, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

GREETING CARDS

A handmade card may express warmer sentiments than one picked up at the store, particularly since the former can be customized to the recipient. Include personalized sentiments, inside jokes or memories of time spent together. Craft and hobby stores offer plenty of supplies for paper crafting, so it’s possible to create a lovely greeting card with minimal effort.

A NIGHT OUT

A night out can be tailored to the interests of the couple celebrating. Book a dinner at a restaurant that was the scene of your first date; otherwise, stay in and watch a movie you each love.

JEWELRY

Jewelry is a very personal gift. While it may seem like a great idea to surprise a special someone with a bracelet or earrings, if the style is off or the color wrong, the piece may not be worn. Rather, the surprise can be a trip to the jewelry store together to pick out something recipients wear all the time.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY ROSES LAST LONGER

Valentine’s Day spending shows little sign of waning. Floral arrangements are among the most popular purchases on this special day. According to Rio Roses, customers spent $2.3 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day in 2022. Valentine’s Day tends to be the busiest day for florists as plenty of people want to surprise sweethearts with bouquets and other floral arrangements. Red roses account for 70 percent of all Valentine’s Day flower purchases.

Early in 2023, Finance Buzz researched the average cost of a dozen roses in each state so shoppers could expect what they would pay to gift their loved ones, and the average price for a dozen roses in the United States was $80.16 at that time. Pennsylvania had the most affordable roses and Hawaii the most expensive. Roses can be costly, and recipients may want to do their bests to ensure the flowers last as long as possible.

• Unwrap the bouquet from any plastic as soon as possible to let the flowers breathe. Also, recut the stems with sharp scissors at a 45-degree angle.

• Remove any leaves from the stems that would end up sitting in the water when the roses are placed in a vase.

• Wash the vessel to rid it of dirt, dust and any grime to give the roses the best start possible.

• Use lukewarm water to fill the vase. Water that is too hot or too cold may shock the blooms and shorten their life span. Fill the vase to three-quarters full.

• Use the flower food that comes with the roses. It is a good mix of nutrients to help prolong the life of the roses. A teaspoon of sugar dissolved in water also can be used in a pinch if the roses didn’t come with flower food.

• Change the water every few days, especially if it is cloudy. This is a good time to re-snip the stems and add more flower food to the lukewarm water.

• Keep any cut flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts and radiators or heating vents.

With proper care, cut roses may be able to last seven to 10 days , says Southern Living magazine.

Born: November 15, 1948

Died: January 31, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dona Elizabeth Whaley of Sandoval, Illinois.

Dona departed this life peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on November 15, 1948, in Salem, Illinois, the daughter of Noble and Pearl B. Wells of Sandoval, Illinois.

She had an eye for beauty – both behind the

MARIAH AVILA

Mariah E. Avila, 26, of Rochelle, passed on 02/01/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

camera and in everyday life. Her passion for photography captured the world as she saw it: full of color, emotion, and meaning. Music was another great love of hers. With The Beatles often playing in the background, she filled our homes with melodies of joy, laughter, and a lot of rock and roll spirit.

Her fur-baby companions, Ziggy & Lucy, were never far from her side – loyal friends who brought her endless comfort and smiles. But above all, what she cherished most was her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will live in our hearts forever.

She served as a CNA in the OB department at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois for 26

GREGORY COTOVSKY

Gregory L. Cotovsky, 49, of Rochelle, passed on 02/05/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

years, caring for others and helping welcome new life and joy into the world. She also was a long-time licensed cosmetologist, with an eye for bringing out the beauty in each individual.

Her legacy is one of love, creativity, laughter, and, most importantly, family. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

She truly lived by those words.

Left to Cherish, her memory are her five children, Kenny (Debbie) Whaley of Rockford Illinois, Jamey Whaley of Peoria, Illinois, Chris (Jenny) Whaley of Peoria, Illinois, Dustin (Amy) Whaley of Hoyleton, IL, and Jodie Whaley (Matt Pryor) of Centralia, Illinois. Her love will

MACHELLE TERRY

Machelle Terry, 71, of Rochelle, passed on 02/05/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger-Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle. Additional information: Chad Horner.

continue through her 12 grandchildren, Megan, Leighla, Alyssa, Brandon, Brayden, Kaitlynn, Melody, Emma, Kinzley, Avery, Maverick, and Hunter; and her seven great-grandchildren, Haven, Maddex, Zander, Paisley, Kaja, Khalyla, and Aviyana.

Dona was preceded in death by her father and mother, Noble & Pearl B. Wells; her brother, Danny Wells; and grandchild, Keighla Howard.

Cremation and private family memorial will be held in her honor. Online condolences and memories of Dona may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/ or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting with Dona’s arrangements.

AFC Community Matters

FUN&GAMES

HOW TO PLAY

Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

CLASSIFIED

As sumed Name Publication Notice

Public Notice is hereby given that on February 4, 2026, a certificate was filed in the Office of the Ogle County Clerk's office setting forth the names and post office address of all of the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as:

JACOB

WILLIAM COO K located at 3985 S outh Kn oll Road

Roch elle, IL 61068

Dated: February 4, 2026

Rebecca K. Duke

Rebecca K. Duke Ogle County Clerk

Feb. 11, 18, 25, 2026

LE GAL NOTICE

ATTENTION: Businesses, Local Education Agencies, Community-Based Organizations, Local Labor Organizations and Interested Persons: The Chief Elected Officials for Local Workforce Area #4 (LWA #4) and Northwest Central Illinois Works (NCI Works) announces the availability of the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #6), Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #5) and the LWA #4 Local Workforce Plan

Modification of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for public review and comments. The Local and Regional Plans have been developed to provide a variety of workforce training services for adults and youth under ge s, Community-Based Organizations, Local Labor Organizations and Interested Persons: The Chief Elected Officials for Local Workforce Area #4 (LWA #4) and Northwest Central Illinois Works (NCI Works) announces the availability of the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #6), Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan Modification (Economic Development Region #5) and the LWA #4 Local Workforce Plan Modification of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for public review and comments. The Local and Regional Plans have been developed to provide a variety of workforce training services for adults and youth under WIOA for Program Years 2024 - 2027 (July 1, 2024June 30, 2028) Under the Local Plan, workforce training and services are provided to an 8-county area which include: Bureau, Carroll, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Putnam and Whiteside Counties. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 10-county area that includes: Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island & Whiteside under the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 4county area that includes: Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, and Stephenson under the Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan.

Detailed copies of these plans are available for public review Monday through Thursday during regular business hours (9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.) at the following location: 4110 Progress Blvd., Suite 1C, Peru, IL. These Plans modifications are also posted to the NCI Works (www nciworks.org) and Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (www.best-inc .org) websites EOE. Feb. 9, 11, 2026

Detailed copies of these plans are available for public review Monday through Thursday during regular business hours (9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.) at the following location: 4110 Progress Blvd., Suite 1C, Peru, IL. These Plans modifications are also posted to the NCI Works (www nciworks.org) and Business Employment Skills Team, , C , ry, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island & Whiteside under the Great Northwest Economic Development Regional Plan. Regional strategies have been developed and workforce initiatives will be implemented for a 4county area that includes: Boone, Ogle, Winnebago, and Stephenson under the Northern Stateline Economic Development Regional Plan.

Be My Love Bouquet

Byron, Stillman Valley game did not disappoint

Anytime Byron and Stillman Valley get together for girls basketball, fans are treated to a high level of competitiveness. Last Thursday game at Stillman Valley was no exception and I was glad to be in attendance.

At first, it looked like the state-ranked Tigers were in control. Then, the ferocity shown by Stillman kicked into high gear and they managed to tie things up midway through the third quarter.

From then on, it was a dog fight, with the Cardinals’ physical presence leading to a 47-40 advantage, as shouts of “overrated” came from the SV student section.

That’s a misnomer. Byron isn’t overrated. It’s just that Stillman was playing top-notch ball, as Byron coach Eric Yerly acknowledged when he said games like this get his team ready for the postseason.

With a more experienced unit, Byron clawed back and won 54-49, with a Malia Morton lay-up off a steal and four straight free throws by all-time leading scorer Macy Groharing sealing the win.

Could these two teams meet again in the playoffs?

If so, it will be another fun one. With the 2A seedings announced earlier that afternoon, Byron is No. 1 in the sub-sectional and Stillman No. 3. Since both teams will be in different regionals, it would not be until a sectional final that they could meet.

For now, Byron is savoring its fourth straight title in such a tough league.

“I’m extremely pleased to get four in a row,” Byron coach Eric Yerly said. “To go 35-1 the last four years in a conference as competitive as the Big Northern is quite an accomplishment.”

I happened to be sitting next to Byron boys coach Matt Huels, who was there to support the girls team. It’s very handy to sit next to a knowledgeable person like that, who can answer my questions and explain what is going on.

Matt appreciated how well the girls share the ball and everyone knows how to get to their spot on the floor. That way, he explained, it’s hard for opponents to focus on just Macy and Malia.

Leber honored

Another pleasure of the evening was seeing Scott Leber of WTVO/WQRF tele-

vision honored at halftime for his distinguished career covering high-school sports. Since 1989, Leber has been a vibrant part of the northern Illinois sports scene with endless hours devoted to his craft.

When he came to Rockford from his home state of Ohio at age 26, Leber’s intention was to stay for a year or two and try for a position in a bigger market like Cleveland or Columbus.

“I sent videos out of my work, but a problem I had was looking too young. Even though I was 26, people told me I looked like I was 15,” Leber said. “After a few years here, some family stuff came up and I eventually decided to stay, so I could be here with my special-needs son.”

Upon being notified by the IHSA that he was an award winner, Leber was given the choice of where he would like to receive it.

“Even though I live in Rockford, I grew up in a small town like Stillman Valley and other ones around here,” he said. “I love the way these towns support their teams. I’ve covered NIU in the

Orange Bowl, the Bears in the Super Bowl and the Cubs when they beat Cleveland in the Wrold Series, but I still prefer high school sports.”

Athletic Directors Henry Robison of Stillman Valley and Jeff Milburn of Byron nominated Scott for the award. Each year, the IHSA honors 3-4 media members statewide for longevity in the field and perspective in reporting.

“We are so blessed to have Scott stay here his entire career,” Milburn said. “It’s incredible the time he puts in and the dedication he shows towards showcasing area sports.”

Investigation

Before leaving Stillman Valley that evening, there was also a curiosity that needed investigation.

It was my mom from Rochelle that casually mentioned the name Groharing to me upon seeing an article I wrote on Byron basketball when Macy Groharing was a freshman. She also had heard the Groharing name from her good friends in Byron, the Stoddards.

Mom told of going away for the summer of 1946 from her home in Iowa City as an 11-year old to Hanover to babysit her younger cousins. It may sound odd now, but back then, that’s what children sometimes had to do.

Anyway, one of those cousins she babysat eventually married a Groharing and had a son, David, who worked at the nuclear plant in Byron, although he now is deceased. Could there be a connection to Macy, she wondered.

It seemed a bit trivial to me, so I never bothered to find out, until now. After the Stillman game was over, I asked Macy if she ever heard of a David Groharing. Sure enough, it was a cousin of her dad and I was finally able to report back to my mom that her question had an answer.

A more complicated question would be – does that make us Colberts and Groharings distant relatives?

• Andy Colbert is a sports writer for Shaw Local covering high school sports in Ogle County.

Girls wrestling

Area girl wrestlers competed Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Belvidere Regional. All hoping to take the next step in the journey to state. – Shaw Local News Network

HUBS SUPER FANS

Byron’s Caden Considine signs with Illinois on full-ride scholarship:

2-time state champion, son of former NFL safety Sean

Considine rushed for 5,104 yards, 78 TDs for Byron

By RUSS HODGES rhodges@shawmedia.com

A record-setting state championship performance created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Byron senior star Caden Considine.

One of Byron’s all-time great players, Considine shouldered the load as the Tigers held off Tolono Unity 56-50 in a shootout for the IHSA Class 3A state title.

Considine, a two-way starter, erupted for 367 rushing yards, shattering the previous 3A state title game record of 270 set by IC Catholic Prep’s Jordan Rowell in 2016.

Considine, who added 13 tackles at linebacker, also clinched the game on the defensive end. With 16 seconds remaining and Byron facing a fourth-and-goal situation, Considine broke up a pass to the end zone and secured the team’s second title in three years. The Tigers went 49-3 during Considine’s four-year varsity career.

“To do it with the guys you’ve grown up with your whole life... it’s a surreal feeling,” Considine said. “I was more of a leader on that team, being a senior, so I had a bit more of an important role. It wasn’t just what I was doing on the field. It was also what I was doing in the locker room or at practice making sure everyone was working hard and I kept morale up... It was a dream come true.”

Considine’s outstanding individual effort garnered the attention of Pat Ryan, director of Illinois high school relations at the University of Illinois. Already with offers from North Dakota State, Western Illinois and Iowa as a walk-on, Considine visited Illinois, where he learned that coach Bret Bielema had a full-ride scholarship for him.

“Pat Ryan was at our state championship game and he really liked what he saw,” Considine said. “Coach [Bielema] offered me a full-ride scholarship, so it was a done deal from that point... We knew coach [Bielema] was one of the best

‘It’s a dream come true’

of the best, but we wanted to see the staff around him. ... They did nothing but impress on the visit. The character and integrity they showed really stood out.”

Almost immediately after receiving the offer, Considine committed and has since signed to continue his career with the Fighting Illini. Considine’s relationship with Bielema extends to his father, former Iowa safety and Super Bowl XLVII champion Sean Considine. Sean, who played for five teams across eight NFL seasons, was recruited to Iowa by Bielema, who at the time was Iowa’s linebackers coach.

“When coach [Bielema] offered me that scholarship at the Big Ten level, the level my dad played at, it was a dream come true,” Caden said. “There was no reason for me to turn that opportunity down. Coach [Bielema] is giving me a shot and he believes in me... I may not have the height, but I have the speed and I have the strength.”

Considine, who wears the No. 37 after his father, finished his time at Byron as a

two-time state champion, a two-time Class 3A All-State honoree and a fourtime All-Big Northern Conference player. Considine churned for 5,104 rushing yards and 78 touchdowns at running back while posting 284 tackles, six interceptions, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two touchdowns at linebacker.

“It was unreal to see what he put together in the playoffs,” Byron coach Jeff Boyer said. “He’s a great player and his four years were incredible. What he’s done in terms of his leadership in our program on and off the field. ... There are a lot of young guys who look up to Caden Considine and want to be No. 37 now because of the impact he’s had and his support for those kids. Caden is a great leader.”

Following the footsteps of his father, a former Byron star who led the Tigers to a state championship in 1999, Caden Considine will move to safety at Illinois. Considine, who aims to compete for time on special teams early in his career, had a monster senior season for the Tigers.

Considine ran for 2,119 yards and 36 scores while adding 84 tackles and three interceptions as Byron went 14-0.

“I’ve always been a competitor,” said Considine, a three-sport athlete who plays basketball and baseball at Byron. “When I step on the field, I’m working harder than the guy across from me or I’m making the hustle play. I feel like that’s my best attribute and the thing that makes me stand out when I’m playing sports.”

An immediate contributor as a freshman, Considine went for 1,630 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns with 76 tackles and 11 TFLs as a sophomore. Considine, who earned 3A All-State honors, guided the Tigers to a 14-0 record and a 69-7 thrashing of Mt. Carmel in the 3A state championship game. It was one of the best seasons in school history, as Byron scored 823 points and allowed just 94.

“He’s made a big jump with his speed,” Boyer said. “His numbers at camps this summer really stood out. He was like another coach on the field and he was able to recognize formations and get us lined up correctly. ... For him on offense, it was basically just getting him the ball, getting him into space and letting him do his thing.”

Considine’s family roots are rich with athletic prowess. In addition to his father, Considine’s grandfather, Rick, played football at NIU. His uncle, Casey Cline, played football at Illinois State and two of his relatives were athletes at Iowa. His uncle, Ryan Considine, was a baseball player and his aunt, Megan Cline, played basketball.

But Caden’s biggest role model has been his father, Sean, whose NFL career concluded after helping the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII. Caden, who’s played football for almost his whole life, still recalls the earliest memories he formed during the latter stages of his father’s playing days.

“The day before the Super Bowl, there was a daycare that all of the kids were sent to,” Caden said. “Ed Reed’s son and I were playing football with all of the other kids and his son lit me up. I broke my leg the day before the Super Bowl and no one knew. I was crying and everything, but they thought I was being a baby. We found out that I broke three bones in my leg. That’s kind of a funny story.”

Evan Frieders scores 17, keeps Kaneland afloat until teammates catch fire at Rochelle

By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com

With nine ties and lead changes in the first 9:11 of the game, Evan Frieders kept the Kaneland offense going while Marshawn Cocroft and Jeffrey Hassan were the focal point of a smothering Rochelle defense.

Eventually, Cocroft got going and the Knights scored 12 straight points in a little over two minutes to pull away from the Hubs for an 81-52 Interstate 8 Conference road victory Tuesday to remain undefeated.

“It makes it a lot easier for me when the 6-9 guy is being double-teamed and Marshawn is being followed all the way around the court,” Frieders said. “We ... just have to hit the open shots, and if we can keep doing that, we’ll keep winning.”

Rochelle (13-11 overall, 2-5 conference) and Kaneland (24-0, 6-0) switched the lead six times, the last coming when a Connor Kimme 3-pointer put the Knights ahead 15-14 with 7:01 left in the second quarter.

On the next possession, the Hubs forced the third tie of the game when Eli Schweitzer made a free throw. A Frieders 3 put the Knights back on top 18-15. After a bucket by Rochelle’s Cohen Haedt, Cocroft sank his first 3-pointer of the game after three misses to put Kaneland ahead 21-17 with 5:46 left, kicking off a 12-0 run.

“Those shots aren’t always going to fall in the first quarter,” Frieders said. “You’ve got to get your legs going. We’re really good at picking each other up. If I see someone is down, ‘Keep shooting, keep letting it fly.’ We know they will fall.”

After just 12 first-quarter points, the Knights posted 32 in the second quarter and led 44-26 at halftime.

A lot of Kaneland’s games have followed similar patterns this year - close for a quarter or even until the second half, when eventually the Knights catch fire and pull away.

“We somehow make it work every time,” Frieders said. “But if we can clean that up and don’t even let teams think they have a chance, that’d be awesome.”

The Knights shot 6-for-17 in the first quarter and 10-for-12 in the second. Cocroft had four points in the first quarter, nine at halftime and finished the

game with 20.

Kaneland coach Ernie Colombe said the focus for the Knights is more about making sure the team extends those runs more than getting them early in the game.

“We’re getting on some good runs, but the reality is we’re playing some good teams,” Colombe said. “People talk about slow starts. We’ve talked about it a little bit, but the thing is, you’re not going to see too many games where somebody starts on a 12-0 run. It just doesn’t happen.”

Once the Knights got rolling, they didn’t slow down. That 12-0 spurt was part of a larger 19-4 run. They hit the running clock with 3:48 left in the game on a layup by Ryan Majerus.

Rochelle coach Tim Thompson said his team needed to take advantage more

of Kaneland’s slow first quarter.

“Kaneland didn’t shoot the ball as well in the first quarter and was kind of letting us be around,” Thompson said. “That was the time where we really needed to capitalize more, and we really didn’t.”

While Cocroft eventually broke free, the Hubs contained Hassan all night, at least on the offensive end. He finished with five points, seven rebounds and seven blocks.

A combination of Warren Schweitzer, Eli Schweitzer and Brody Bruns stayed physical all game in the post on Hassan.

“They just don’t make a ton of mistakes, and if you make too many, it’s going to snowball on you,” Thompson said. “You’ve got to give them credit, they’re 24-0 for a reason, they’re ranked third in the state for a reason. You have to

be able to play your A game, and they have to play their C-minus game to give you a shot. And right now they’re never doing that.”

Eli Schweitzer led the Hubs off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds. Warren Schweitzer finished with five points and three blocks. Kasin Avila added 11 points, and Bruns finished with nine points and six rebounds.

Kimme finished with 12 points for the Knights, making his last three 3-pointers after missing his two attempts in the first quarter. Edwards finished with eight points, three rebounds and four steals, making all three of his shots.

“Most years he’d probably start,” Colombe said. “But we have a talented group. He’s a sophomore, and we think he’s going to be a pretty big player the next couple of years.”

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1966: San Fransico Giants Willie Mays signs for $130,000 a year, highest MLB deal.

1990: James “Buster” Douglas upsets Mike Tyson to win world heavyweight title.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

SURROUNDED

Kaneland scored 32 second-quarter points and went on to post an 81-52 win over the Hubs on Feb. 3 at Rochelle Township High School in Rochelle / 31