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Fraud in Illinois? Say it isn’t so!

There seems to be a big fuss lately about fraud in state governments, as evidenced by the misuse of federal funds in Minnesota. However, the discussion of fraud in Illinois has been on the back burner for recent years. Illinois has had a culture of corruption for many years.

The first corruption case occurred in 1869 when Cook County commissioners were jailed for rigging a bid to paint City Hall.

Recently, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was charged with mail fraud, wire fraud and misuse of campaign funds, pled guilty, and served 30 months in jail, along with his wife, who served at different times so that someone could care for the children.

U.S. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski pleaded guilty to misusing congressional funds and served 17 months in prison.

Four recent Illinois governors served time in prison, which, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago, ranked Illinois the second most-corrupt state in the country.

Illinois House Speaker (1983-1995, 1997-2021) Michael Madigan was convicted of racketeering and bribery involving dealings with Commonwealth Edison and received a 7.5-year sentence. Bribery requires two or more participants. Four Commonwealth Edison employees were on the

COMMUNITY VIEWS

Chuck Roberts

giving side of the bribe, including the CEO, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison in addition to a $750,000 fine.

The scheme involved Commonwealth Edison paying off Madigan’s cronies in exchange for favorable treatment in major legislation in Springfield. According to Dick Simpson, head of the political science department at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a 2010 estimate of the “corruption tax borne by taxpayers in Chicago and Illinois comes to a staggering $500 million a year.” Having talked with contractors in Chicago over the years, they typically allocate about 6% of their project budget as a corruption tax to facilitate navigating the bureaucracy.

So why would someone risk their career, reputation and jail by participating in such an activity? The short answer is that it is the way it works in Illinois: money, greed and opportunity. Greed is an essential component of a corrupt political system, but opportunity is the other component. The thought of amassing a fortune (money, greed) with little chance of getting

caught is palatable (opportunity) to those in power, such as politicians and executives of large companies.

Ultimately, the culture of corruption in Illinois “comes down to what the voter will put up with,” says James Merriner, former political editor of the Chicago Sun-Times and author of several books on Illinois politics. Illinois voters tend to be tolerant of corruption as a means of facilitating getting things done.

Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, says about corruption, “It’s been seen as a price you pay for relatively efficient government.”

Single-party control in Illinois, aided by the legacy media, has contributed to the corruption problem. With a supermajority in both houses of the state legislature, it is difficult for the opposition to effect positive change or expose corruption.

Apparently, generations have experienced political corruption in Illinois and have resigned to this as a common practice, no longer subject to ethical scrutiny. Things could get better if there were equal influence between the two parties and if the legacy media returned to neutrality, but don’t count on it.

• Chuck Roberts is a freelance writer in Rochelle.

11 area fire departments respond to agricultural facility fire north of Rochelle

7 people with minor smoke inhalation treated, released; minimal structure damage

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Eleven area fire departments responded to an agricultural facility fire north of Rochelle on Feb. 10, Lynn-ScottRock Fire Protection District Capt. John Rimstidt said.

LSR Fire was called at 9:48 a.m. for a report of a building/sulfur fire at 936 S. Moore Road. That address is the site of agricultural business Maplehurst Farms. Rimstidt said fire personnel arrived at 9:58 a.m. to a 100-by-200-foot

Rochelle Municipal Utilities Superintendent of Water/Water Reclamation Adam Lanning speaks at the Monday, Feb. 9, meeting of the Rochelle City Council. See story on Page 3. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER

canvas hoop building with smoke showing and all people out of the building.

“When we arrived on scene, there was a considerable amount of white smoke coming out of the building,”

See FIRE, page 4

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Rochelle council talks potential development deal for data center

Developer would pay costs of infrastructure improvements

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle City Council discussed a potential development agreement Monday with Project Crossroads, a much talked-about data center development.

The council did not hold a vote on the matter, but may at an upcoming meeting. Interim City Manager and City Engineer Sam Tesreau made a presentation Monday on the draft development agreement. The 50-megawatt, 300,000-square-foot data center would be located in the area of Steward Road and South Main Street, located near Interstate 88 and railroad tracks.

The developer has owned the potential site near Steward Road since 2013, contacted the city in 2024 and has been working with it on the project since. If the development agreement was approved, the developer would then work to find a data center client to fit the project.

The city owns Rochelle Municipal

Utilities, which would see it provide power, water, sewer and fiber services to a potential data center, which could procure its own power off the market and use RMU for billing and delivery.

The development agreement would stipulate and enforce limits on utility use by the data center, along with its obligations to pay for any improvements needed and other items such as noise pollution. The city would not provide any incentive funds to the developer. The data center would be eligible for the state’s 50% property tax abatement for six years, as other businesses located within the Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone are.

Rochelle is already home to two data centers, owned by Allstate and Northern Trust. Those data centers have been in Rochelle for 15 years and use a combined seven megawatts of electricity. DeKalb is home to a Meta (Facebook) data center, which is about six times the size of the proposed project in Rochelle.

Tesreau said Monday that the draft development agreement is about 95% complete. Midwest Power Investors is the owner of the real estate and interested developer. They have requested a

Continued from page 2

Rimstidt said. “We deployed lines and cut a part of the side of the canvas structure where the fire was. Employees directed us to the fire. With mutual aid, we got water onto where it was smoldering and got it out. A lot of the burning material was pulled with a wheel loader and sprayed down.”

Rimstidt said seven people who were working onsite were transported to area hospitals out of precaution for smoke inhalation, and all had been released as

of Tuesday afternoon.

The building is used for fertilizer storage, and sulfur was the material that burned inside.

There was minimal damage to the building from the fire. Firefighters took precautions with self-contained breathing apparatus and personal protective equipment for the chemical fire, Rimstidt said.

“We were told it was sulfur on fire in the building,” Rimstidt said. “We knew you can’t hit it with a hard stream of water or else it would react. We had to hit it with foam or a light mist of water. We had to be careful. No one was in there

in the smoke without gear and air.”

Responding fire companies at the second-alarm fire included LSR, Monroe Township, Stillman, Ogle-Lee, Rochelle, Blackhawk, Oregon and Byron.

Ambulances from Sycamore, Kirkland and Genoa-Kingston were utilized.

Ogle County Emergency Management was on site providing hazardous material guidance and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control.

“It’s unbelievable the support that [the mutual-aid box alarm system] provides,” Rimstidt said. “We had more than enough people and equipment. That can be an issue at that time of day. I

can’t stress enough the importance of mutual aid and manpower. We could rotate people in and out. Especially when it’s a hazardous situation like this. We had plenty of water. We probably only used about 1,000 gallons. That’s really a good thing, because it cuts down on runoff.”

Rimstidt said the cause of the fire is under investigation, but is considered to be accidental. The dollar amount of damage is undetermined. The only loss was the material that burned and minimal damage to the structure, he said. The last emergency unit cleared the scene at 11:40 a.m.

REAL ESTATE FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS

maximum electrical load of 50 megawatts for the proposed facility. The developer would pay for all required RMU electrical improvements, estimated to cost $4 million.

“We went through the language of this on several occasions to make sure all of our excess electrical charges are covered,” RMU Superintendent of Electric Operations Blake Toliver said. “So that way, there’s no detrimental effects to our existing customer base. Any excess costs would be covered by whoever occupies this space.”

Toliver said the 50-megawatt increase in RMU load would still leave the city with 60% of its capacity available.

“The reason why we set the number at 50 megawatts was to not stifle any growth of our existing customers if they need to expand,” Toliver said. “Or to take on another development. We’d still have plenty of excess capacity to do so.”

Water and sewer infrastructure would need to be constructed to service the facility. Those improvements are estimated to cost $2.8 million. The developer would pay for those improvements, Tesreau said. The developer would post surety bonds to make sure it pays for all required infrastructure improvements.

The data center development’s water use would be capped at 50,000 gallons per day. RMU Superintendent of Water/ Water Reclamation Adam Lanning said the developer would likely use about 10,000 gallons per day. Those water use amounts are not uncommon among other RMU customers, Lanning said.

The data center development would also require perimeter and offsite road improvements, lighting and upgrades to curb and gutter. Those costs would also be paid for by the developer.

this is the future expansion,” Councilwoman Kate Shaw-Dickey said. “It’s a considerable investment for them to come in and build this, which tells you that they fully plan to further expand. I appreciate knowing it still has to come back through us.”

The first phase of the project, once constructed and in operation, would see 15-25 estimated full-time employees. The data center development would pay about $3.5 million in property taxes per year after construction, even with abatement. Rochelle school districts would receive about $2.1 million of that, City Director of Community Engagement Jenny Thompson said.

The data center would pay about $456,000 per year in utility tax, which would almost double the current number the city receives. It would pay $125,000 to the city in permit fees.

“There are also impact fees in here for phase one for soft costs related to staff, legal and consulting resources that have gone into the agreement,” Tesreau said. “There’s been a lot of city time invested in this agreement over the past year plus.”

The city would have “reasonable approval” over the appearance of the development as well as on suppression measures to reduce sound levels from the data center.

The city held a public meeting about the proposed data center development on Nov. 18. The city has seen recent social media reaction to news of it talking with a developer about a new data center. A petition, titled “Reject plans for a data center in Rochelle, Illinois”, had 280 signatures as of Feb. 10. No public comments for or against the data center were seen Monday.

Tesreau said the development could see second and third phases in the future with second and third buildings and increased utility usage. Those potential future phases would also need

development agreements and approval by the city council.

The hypothetical phase two could see the data center increase its electrical load to 100 megawatts and phase three would up it to 150 megawatts. That increased load would require transmission line reconductoring by ComEd due to increased load.

“I think my biggest concern in all of

Mayor John Bearrows said the council will consider the draft development agreement before a future vote and public commentary opportunities on the matter will be held at meetings before it’s voted on.

“I really believe that this agreement was put together to protect our community,” Bearrows said. “Not to just try to see where we could create another revenue stream.”

RCH Foundation hosts Valentine’s Brunch for couples married 50-plus years

LaPage said. “It’s an event that everyone in the community loves and we love doing it. It connects the hospital back to a lot of people and the couples get to connect with each other and visit and see each other.”

expand our services to help in many more essential ways,” Harris said. “In a different fashion than a marriage, we are connected and connecting with this community to affect a permanent, healthy relationship for many years to come.”

Valentine’s Day was like,” Wynell Swinton said. “But I’m sure it went well, because here we are. We’re happy with all that we have.”

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle Community Hospital Foundation hosted a Valentine’s Brunch at The REC Center on Thursday for local couples who have been married for 50 years or more.

Twenty-three couples signed up for the event, which was held for the first time since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The event began in 2015, RCH Marketing, Foundation & Organizational Development Manager Michelle LaPage said.

“We really wanted to bring it back,”

Couples were welcomed to the event by RCH Foundation Board President Reed Harris. He praised those in attendance for their longstanding marriages.

“You have all been married 50 years or more and during those years, have built a home, raised a family and continued to grow in this and/or other communities,” Harris said. “By doing this you have acknowledged that it takes unity in action and in spirit to experience this ever-changing world and to make friendships that last and help you with this undertaking.”

Harris said RCH and its foundation have made and shown a commitment of a different kind to the Rochelle community.

“In recent years, we have continued to

Dennis and Wynell Swinton attended the brunch, and have been married for 69 years since their wedding in December 1956. The couple recently welcomed a great-great-granddaughter. They said family and children are the secret to a long marriage, along with “give and take.”

The Swintons have moved 22 times during their marriage. They started in Rochelle in 1956 and moved in 1969 for Dennis’s work with Sears. After 30 years away, they came back home to Rochelle.

The Swintons’ advice to younger couples is to learn to agree to disagree, and get along.

“We can’t remember what our first

RCH CEO Karen Tracy spoke during the brunch on recent happenings at the hospital and updated attendees on the current expansion of its health and wellness building. LaPage said the brunch also serves to keep people informed about RCH and its services.

LaPage said she was happy to see couples catching up on Thursday after the event took a five-year hiatus.

“Community is in our name, so we strive to do different events like this,” LaPage said. “This is one of the special ones. It’s an easy, fun one for us to do. And we’re involved in a lot of other things in the community, too. At the hospital, we like to think of it as a family. And this is like our extended family. We like to bring everyone together.”

rochellehospital.com/locations/ rch-convenient-care/ Quality Care, No Appointment Necessary

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

Johnson Tractor

200 S. Steward Road

Rochelle 815-562-2135

johnsontractorrochelle.stihldealer.net

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Rochelle Chiropractic Clinic

Chad Piller, DC

227 East Route 38

Rochelle

815-562-8706

rochellechiropractic.com

Salinas Chiropractic

ANIMAL CARE & HEALTH

Rochelle Veterinary Hospital 1381 N. 7th Street

Rochelle

815-562-5207 rochellevet.com

APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SERVICES

B and W Appliance Repair, LLC

567 W. IL Route 38

Rochelle 815-562-6253 bwrochelle.com

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICES

A1 Hot Body Detailing 401 2nd Avenue

Rochelle 815-562-6393

Oil X-Change 1361 N. 7th Street

Rochelle 815-562-6476

Prescott Brothers Ford

620 S. 7th Street

Rochelle

815-562-2177

prescottbrothersford.com

Timothy Salinas, DC 1381 N. 7th Street Suite C

Rochelle

815-562-6661 salinaschiroandwellness.com

CONCRETE SERVICES

Bruns Construction Inc

350 N. 15th Street PO Box 400 Rochelle 815-561-0099

brunsconstructioninc.com

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Bruns Construction Inc

350 N. 15th Street PO Box 400 Rochelle 815-561-0099 brunsconstructioninc.com

Queens Trucking & Construction Inc 322 Errett Road

Rochelle 815-562-6064

queens-trucking.com

Theisen Roofing & Siding Co

257 W. Stephenie Drive

Cortland 815-758-8998 theisenroofing.com

DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Maintain Your Smile 1001 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-562-2030 1110 S. Mulford Road Rockford 815-398-3879

5472 Reimer Drive Roscoe 815-623-2193 maintainyoursmile.com

DINING & DESSERTS

Acres Bistro & Scalehouse Lounge 407 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-762-8212

Aldo’s Pizzeria & The Red Brick Pub 418-420 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-562-3456

Roiel Scoop

Rochelle’s Finest Ice Cream 316 N. 6th Street

Rochelle 630-544-9673 roielscoops.com

Vince’s Pizza 1071 N. 7th Street

Rochelle 815-562-7300 vincespizzainrochelle.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Brown’s Tax Service

Carolyn Brown

Jade Brown

Marilyn Oropeza

361 IL Route 38

Rochelle 815-561-6861

brownstaxoffice.com

Central Illinois Loans

310 Eagle Drive

Rochelle 815-561-4035

County Financial

Josh Messenger

501 N. 6th Street

Rochelle

815-562-8164

josh.messenger@countryfinancial.com countryfinancial.com/joshmessenger

Edward Jones

Jessica Morris

1214 Currency Court

Rochelle 815-561-4341

edwardjones.com

Holcomb Bank

233 East IL 38

Rochelle 815-562-3838

holcomb.bank

FLORAL & GIFT SHOPS

Colonial Flowers & Gifts

408 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle

815-562-8101

floristrochelleil.com

RCH Auxiliary Gift Shoppe

900 N. 2nd Street

Rochelle

815-562-2181

rochellehospital.com

FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES

Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Homes

704 6th Street

Rochelle 815-562-6872

601 Richardson Avenue

Ashton 815-453-2441

104 Terry Street

Sandwich

815-786-6715

beveragefamilyfh.com

Unger Horner Funeral Home

400 N. 6th Street

Rochelle 815-562-4534

ungerhorner.com

FURNITURE

Meyers Furniture

209 Powers Road Hwy 251 North

Rochelle

815-562-8792

meyersfurniture.com 1901 IL-251

Multi-Specialty Clinic

900 N Second Street

Rochelle 815-561-1320

rochellehospital.com/multi-specialty-clinic/ See Specialists Without the Travel

Occupational Health Services Clinic

900 Petro Drive

Rochelle 815-561-1283

rochellehospital.com/occupational-health/ Keeping Your Company Healthy

Rochelle Community Hospital

900 N. 2nd Street

Rochelle 815-562-2181

rochellehospital.com No Place Like It!

XCEL Orthopedics

900 N Second Street

Rochelle 2670 DeKalb Avenue

Sycamore 815-561-2774

Mendota 815-539-6263

meyersfurnitureandbedding.com

HEALTH SERVICES

Convenient Care

900 N Second Street

Rochelle 815-561-3100

rochellehospital.com/locations/rchconvenient-care/ Quality Care, No Appointment Necessary

Davis Family Health LLC

Kelly Ann Tonielli Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC 450 Coronado Drive

Rochelle 815-608-1746

1201 Meriden Street

Mendota 815-538-1800

xcelorthopedics.com Live Life to the FULLEST

HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING

Pemberton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc 8884 S. IL-251

Rochelle 815-561-6119

pembertonplumbinghvac.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Allstate Insurance

Ferdinand Diego 1425 Dement Road

Rochelle

815-561-2901

fdiego@allstate.com allstate.com

County Financial

Josh Messenger

501 N. 6th Street

Rochelle 815-562-8164

josh.messenger@countryfinancial.com countryfinancial.com/joshmessenger

Lassiter Agency

Farmers Insurance

Eve Lassiter

1220 Currency Court

Rochelle 815-787-8280 elassiter@farmersagent.com

State Farm Insurance

Terri Schaefer 603 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-562-7063 terrischaefer.com

LAWN & TREE SERVICES

Aguilera Lawncare Services 11084 E. Lincoln Lane

Rochelle 815-517-3065

LEGAL SERVICES

Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, LLC

420 Fourth Avenue

Rochelle 815-562-2156 fnclaw.com

Hewitt & Wagner 1124 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-562-2704 hewitt-wagner.com

Tess, Arnquist & Wilt, LLC 1090 N. 7th Street

Rochelle 815-562-8754 tesscrulllaw.com

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Behavioral Health Services 900 N Second Street

Rochelle 815-561-1320 rochellehospital.com/behavioral-healthservices/ Here to Help, Guide, & Support

Changes Counseling, PLLC 604 N. Main Street Rochelle 815-501-2088 changescounselingllc.com

Mindful Matters Therapy, LLC

Loni Nolte, MSW LCSW 516 4th Avenue

Rochelle 815-508-8511

loni@mindfulmatterstherapyil.com mindfulmatterstherapyil.com

REAL ESTATE

RE/MAX Hub City 244 May Mart Drive

Rochelle 815-562-7588 remax.com

SENIOR SERVICES

Hub City Senior Center 401 Cherry Avenue Rochelle 815-562-5050 hubcityseniorcenter.com

Lincoln Manor Senior Housing 615 Lincoln Hwy

Rochelle 815-562-1404 lssi.org

SPECIALTY SHOPS

The Artists’ Garden 407 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-275-1217

SURVEYING SERVICES

Survey-Tech 104 Maple Court Rochelle 815-562-8771 civilideas.com

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Hub City Senior Center 401 Cherry Avenue Rochelle 815-562-5050 hubcityseniorcenter.com

TRUCKING

COMPANIES

Queens Trucking & Construction Inc 322 Errett Road Rochelle 815-562-6064 queens-trucking.com

UTILITY SERVICES

Rochelle Municipal Utilities 333 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle 815-562-4155 rmu.net

Flagg Township Museum sets events for February

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK

contact@shawmedia.com

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 com-

munity. 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.

Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

1. Fly kites far away from power lines.

2. Don’t fly drones near power lines.

3. Stay away from electrical substations.

4. Never play on transformers.

5. Don’t climb trees near power lines.

6. Electricity and water don’t mix.

7. Never yank an electric cord from the wall.

8. Electric outlets are only for plugs.

9. Avoid using cords that are damaged. 10. Electric cords should

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 an optional Zoom information sessions to review application requirements, deadlines, and best practices:

• 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 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, 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 across our communities.”

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

For questions regarding the grant process or to learn more about the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, call 815-561-3600 or email director@ rochellefoundation.org.

SENIOR LIFESTYLE

Working out after age 50

Exercise is an important component of healthy living at any age. Physical activity helps to maintain a healthy body weight and offers mental benefits like reduced stress and the potential to reduce risk for cognitive decline. But it’s important to point out that appropriate exercise for a person at age 20 may look quite different from the right exercise regimen for someone who is 50 or older.

WebMD says exercise is important for quality of life as one ages and is a key to independence. It is important to think of exercise as a tool, and as with all tools, the right ones should be used with a goal to avoid injury. Fitness after 50 should prioritize some practices and avoid others.

• Focus on resistance training. Cardiovascular exercise is important for heart health and general health, but strength training also is essential to counter some of the normal effects of aging. Continuum Care, a private duty home care service, says aging results in a decline in bone density and muscle mass. Resistance exercise performed several times each week can help combat muscle loss and bone density decline.

• Opt for low-impact activities. Low-impact

exercises that involve less jumping and pounding will be easier on the joints. A doctor, physical therapist or athletic trainer can help to customize or adapt activities based on a person’s limitations or medical conditions.

• Warm up before working out. Older adults are advised to warm up muscles before exercising to avoid injury, particularly if it has been some time since you last exercised. Harvard Medical School recommends five minutes of brisk walking or time on an elliptical machine

to get blood flowing to muscles and make them pliable. After working out, it’s advisable to stretch afterwards.

• Switch to interval training. Interval training, which alternates between intense exercises and less demanding “rest” periods, offers greater benefits compared to a consistent exercise pace. Interval training helps burn extra calories and maximizes oxygen consumption. Interval training may allow for shorter workouts as well.

• Increase the number of rest days. Focusing on recovery after age 50 is important. Tissue takes more time to recover as the body ages, and that may require longer rest periods between workouts.

• Pay attention to what your body is saying.

Scripps Health says that even with a doctor or professional trainer guiding workouts, an individual is the best judge if physical activity is too much or too little. Everyone should pay attention to signs of overexertion, such as dizziness, excessive fatigue or chest pain. Other signs of discomfort, such as joint pain, may mean the intensity needs to be dialed down or other exercises chosen.

An exercise regimen may need a reboot after a person turns 50. Modified activities and a slowing of pace can promote a healthy, injury-free lifestyle.

Hobbies to get seniors out and about

The threat posed by social isolation has been known to medical researchers and health care professionals for years, but the issue gained wider attention during the pandemic. Restrictions on social gatherings during the pandemic opened millions of people’s eyes to the ill effects of social isolation, and while that threat proved temporary for the majority of people across the globe, many seniors continue to live largely isolated lives. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression, anxiety, increased risk of suicide, and various chronic health problems are some of the outcomes associated with loneliness. That’s a troubling assessment that becomes even more disconcerting when considering a general decline in socialization as evidenced by the 2021 American Perspectives Survey. Survey participants indicated they have fewer close friendships than they once did, speak with their friends less often and rely less on friends for personal support. That’s challenging for adults of all ages, but it can be especially difficult for aging adults, who may be dealing with the loss of a spouse or other close confidantes they would otherwise rely on when confronting personal problems. Hobbies that promote socialization can help aging adults reestablish friend-

ships and build new ones, paying dividends that can have a profound impact on their overall health. With that in mind, adults who feel as though their social circles are shrinking in mid-life or in retirement can look to these activities as means to rebuilding their social lives.

• Book club: A book club offers multiple benefits to adults. Book clubs are inherently social and tend to bring like-minded individuals together, which can help build new and lasting friendships that extend beyond weekly discussions. A 2021 study published in the journal Neurology also linked regular reading to a lower risk of developing dementia.

• Sports: Sports provide another avenue to socialize with like-minded individuals. Golf is not a team sport, but it is typically played in groups of two or four, making it an ideal activity for adults with free time on their hands to get out and about and meet other people. Leagues for softball, bowling and pickleball also provide opportunities to socialize, and many adults are participating in such leagues for that very reason. A CivicScience study released in 2025 found that 49 percent of adults who planned to participate in adult recreational sports leagues were doing so for social interaction and the

chance to make friends.

• Travel: Travel can provide another means for aging adults to make friends. Group tours to foreign countries, day trips to local attractions arranged by township recreational offices or even overseas trips with friends you’ve fallen out of touch with can be a great means to build new friendships and reinvigorate old ones, all the while getting you out of the house.

These are just some ways for men and women to get out of the house and socialize with others their age, a worthy endeavor that can be highly beneficial to adults’ overall health.

SENIOR LIFESTYLE

FAQ about active adult communities

Homeowners in mid-life or older may ponder a host of changes as retirement draws closer. One of the more significant changes homeowners may consider relates to their homes. Some homeowners may be entrenched in their forever homes, while others may be considering moving to a residence that’s more manageable and/or amenable to lifestyle changes. Homeowners among the latter group may be looking to active adult communities as they seek to downsize in an effort to spend less time working on their homes and more time socializing. A range of variables has drawn people to active adult communities. A recent survey conducted by SurveyMonkey Audiences for 55places found that 64 percent of respondents identify interest in health and fitness groups within 55+ communities as attracting them to such residences, which typically boast a range of additional amenities that might appeal to adults 55 and over. Adults interested

in active adult communities are urged to contact local representatives of such collectives to get specific information, but the following are some frequently asked questions that can offer insight into 55+ communities.

Do I need to be 55 to move in?

It’s typical that individuals who aspire to live in active adult communities be at least 55-years-old, but there might be some exceptions. For example, a married couple in which one spouse is 55 and the other nearing that age might still be eligible.

Is this a typical senior living community?

Conceptions of communities designated for aging adults vary, but those who perceive active adult communities as catering to individuals with chronic illnesses may be mistaken. Active adult communities are generally designed for residents who are physically active and

want to remain so, and many of these communities feature single-family homes or condominiums owned by the residents. Health care facilities like gyms are commonplace at 55+ communities, but health care services like medical care and other features are typically not available on-site.

Do communities feature HOA fees?

Fees are commonplace at active adult communities, where residents typically do not want to worry about home maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn or exterior repairs. Fees will vary by community, but they must be factored in when considering if a community is the right fit.

Can I host guests for overnight stays at an active adult community?

Residents are typically allowed to host guests for overnight visits at active adult communities, but the length of stays

may be limited. Some communities limit overnight guest stays to a predetermined number of days or weeks per year. Each individual community may have its own rules.

Do I still need homeowner’s insurance?

Expenses like homeowner’s insurance are generally not covered in HOA fees. Residents will need to take out their own homeowner’s policies.

What about utilities?

Utilities also are not typically part of the HOA fees, so residents will need to factor utility costs into their overall budgets when determining if a given community is affordable.

Answering these questions and more can help adults 55 and over determine if active adult communities are right for them.

How nutritional needs change with age

The human body undergoes an assortment of changes over the course of a lifetime. Some of those changes are visible to the naked eye, but many more are not. The body’s changing needs in regard to nutrition is one alteration that people cannot see.

A nutritious diet can be a building block of a long and healthy life. Nutritional needs change as the body ages, and recognition of those changes can help people rest easy that their diets are working in their favor and not to their detriment.

CALORIE NEEDS

The body requires fewer calories as individuals reach adulthood. That’s because muscle mass begins to decrease in adulthood while fat increases. The National Institutes of Health notes that muscles use more calories than fat throughout the day, so it makes sense that a body experiencing a decline in muscle mass will require less calories than one in which muscle mass is on the rise. No two individuals are the same, and some adults exercise more than others. So it’s best for adults to consult their physician to discuss their own calorie needs and then adjust their diets based on such discussions.

WHAT TO EAT

The American Heart Association notes aging adults’ calories should come from nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. This recommendation aligns with adults’ declining

calorie needs, as nutrient-dense foods contain ample amounts of protein, vitamins and/or minerals but do not contain a lot of calories.

WATER NEEDS

It’s vital for aging adults to make a concerted effort to drink water each day. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion notes that the sensation of thirst declines with age. Aging adults who are unaware of that unique biological reality may be risking dehydration because they are not compelled to drink water throughout the day. The Cleveland Clinic notes that dehydration can contribute to dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness, among other symptoms. Those symptoms can be particularly menacing for older adults, who are at increased risk for potentially harmful falls even if they are not dehydrated. The body still needs water as it ages, and seniors taking certain medications may need more than usual due to medication-related fluid loss.

These are just some of the ways nutritional needs change with age. Adults are urged to pay greater attention to diet as they age and make choices that can counter age-related changes in their bodies.

Rochelle 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.

Rochelle Community Hospital marks Heart Month with National Wear Red Day

‘For a small critical access hospital, we really have a robust program of heart services’ RCH CEO said

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Rochelle Community Hospital celebrated National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6. February is American Heart Month, and RCH staff wore red to raise heart health awareness and celebrate the heart-related services it provides the community.

work with patients that come in with emergent cardiac issues, such as heart attacks or strokes. RCH serves as a critical access hospital in the rural area for its emergency patients.

Astle said RCH sees the same types of critical patients that large hospitals see, and it’s adept at its role of stabilizing, diagnosing and linking up to a tertiary facility if patients need specialized care.

RCH CEO Karen Tracy said the hospital’s heart-related services include its primary care physicians, multi-specialty clinic, ultrasound services and emergency and cardiac rehabilitation departments.

“For a small critical access hospital, we really have a robust program of heart services,” Tracy said. “We are prepared to help the community with those needs. And if someone’s needs exceed what we can do, we can get them to a place that can service them.”

“They can feel comfortable coming here because our nurses are amazing, experienced and smart,” Astle said. “They know what to do. We’re very lucky as a community to have RCH. We save lives. We save lives all the time. People will come here knowing they don’t feel quite right and they try to talk themselves into it being nothing. We take it seriously and we find things out that are going on with them that they don’t realize. And we save lives.”

Janis Astle is RCH’s emergency department manager. She and her staff

• HEART MONTH

Continued from page 19

Heart issues are among the RCH emergency department’s more common complaints, Astle said. RCH ED personnel receive regular, specialized training on advanced cardiac life support. Women experiencing heart issues can show symptoms that are different from men.

Men suffering from heart attacks will get chest pain going to their left shoulder and arm, while women can experience shortness of breath with pain lower down in their upper abdomen or just weakness or fatigue. RCH staff is prepared to recognize and

OBITUARIES

WILLIAM TYLER

William “Bill” Tyler, Jr., 87, of Rochelle, passed on 02/15/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

address those issues, Astle said.

RCH Nurse Practitioner Laurie Whelchel treats a lot of patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and works with them on things they can do, such as exercising and eating right to prevent strokes.

Whelchel advised the community to exercise daily and practice a healthy diet of more fish, veggies and fresh fruit and less processed, sugary and carbohydrate foods to ensure positive heart health.

“My goal is to keep patients out of the hospital,” Whelchel said. “Some come in with things like congestive heart failure or stroke-like symptoms. I used to work in the ICU and ED, so I’ve seen a lot of patients with

EVELYN BEARDIN

Evelyn R. Beardin, 97, of West Brooklyn, passed on 02/11/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

heart issues. As a provider, I feel it’s very important to make sure blood pressures are within goal to live a healthy life.”

Janine Sobin works as an infection control nurse at RCH. Patients can have infections that go systemic and become sepsis, which can affect heart function.

When a patient comes in with an infectious condition like pneumonia, it’s impacting their heart and lungs.

“I think our general public needs education on how many things can impact their heart,” Sobin said. “I don’t think that it’s discussed enough. Keeping our immune system and body healthy decreases chronic disease. And heart disease is a chronic

disease. My work gives me personal satisfaction that I can help patients increase their quality of life.”

National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6 was special for more than one reason for RCH.

Employees were thinking of longtime hospital employee Linda Daub, who died in August 2025.

She worked for 40 years at RCH in registration and always wore a red dress on National Wear Red Day.

“It’s really important that staff pull together for things like this,” Tracy said. “We encourage each other by showing up. I love seeing the crowd and that everybody likes to participate. It’s that family feeling that we have here.”

AFC Community Matters

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.

New grading system for middle school approved

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a transition back to a traditional grading model at Rochelle Middle School.

Last month, the board heard a presentation from RMS Principal Katie Smith regarding the potential future change from its current standards-based grading model. Last spring, RMS teachers raised concerns about the effectiveness of standards-based grading and a climate and culture survey was sent out to teachers and it was evaluated that a change was a priority in the building, Smith said in January. A principal advisory committee agreed with the need for change.

“Some of the needs highlighted were strengthening students’ academic behaviors and a desire to prepare students as they transition to RTHS,” Smith said. “Staff also recognized that they had put in a significant effort in the past five years on standards-based grading and practices. However, over time they’re noticing it’s not as effective as they had hoped.”

I have been a Licensed Clinical Therapist for over 15 yrs and Mindful Matters Therapy has been open for a year as of January 1, 2026. I wanted to provide a place that honored privacy and was accessible for people to come in and feel taken care of in their time of need.

Smith said in January that at parent-teacher conferences, families “frequently” express confusion and ask questions about standards-based grading at RMS. RMS is the only middle school in a 30-mile radius that uses standards-based grading. Most school districts use standards-based grading in kindergarten through fifth grade and transition to traditional A-F grading in middle school to prepare for high school.

The RMS principal advisory committee wants to develop a grading policy that incorporates traditional A-F reporting while also holding on to standards-based grading practices, such as detailed feedback, using performance descriptors and rubrics, and opportunities for redos and retakes. The change would begin at the start of the 2026-2027 school year at RMS.

Sports

The board unanimously approved the initiation of a sixth grade athletics pilot program at RMS. Sixth graders at the school do not currently compete in all sports that the school offers like seventh and eighth graders do.

Sixth graders currently participate in

wrestling, cross country, track and scholastic bowl at RMS. The expansion will see sixth graders now participate in boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, cheerleading, dance and soccer. The sports offerings would also aid in afterschool offerings for students impacted by the potential end of the district’s HUB program, which is currently without its longtime grant funding, Superintendent Jason Harper said.

“Our administration has focused this in Year 1 to keep this as close to a low-tono-cost implementation as possible,” Harper said. “The coaches would be volunteers in the first year. We would do our best to use current uniforms, equipment and gym space and allocations we already have. We would be strategic with scheduling and travel.”

Harper said sixth grade athletic teams will travel with eighth and seventh grade teams on buses when possible and parent transport would be utilized through a waiver process in other situations to keep costs low. Sixth graders would pay the same athletic fees that older students pay, and those funds would be used to offset home event costs of referees and score-

keepers for sporting events. The district will review the pilot program by April 2027. “We feel this is a controlled and measured way to roll out this expansion,” Harper said.

Personnel

The board unanimously approved personnel matters during the meeting, including the certified transfer of Stacey Horstmeier (third grade monolingual teacher to third grade dual language teacher, 2026-27 school year) and the employment of Mya Erdahl (fourth grade teacher, 2026-27 school year), Kirsten Hedrick (fourth grade teacher, 2026-27 school year), Marlen Hueramo (art teacher, 2026-27 school year) and Tiffany Williams (special education teacher, 2026-27 school year).

Also approved was the support staff retirement of Cathy Long (paraprofessional, end of 2025-26 school year), the resignation of Alejandro Nazario (paraprofessional, effective Feb. 6) and the employment of Kellie Erickson (paraprofessional) and Kimberly Garcia (lunch supervisor). John Dobbs was approved as extracurricular art supervisor for the current school year.

I hope to provide safety and support to everyone of my clients so that can become their best self and am grateful to all those who have entrusted in me.

My clients say that they appreciate my professionalism, respect and openness. I strive to meet clients where they are at, helping them to develop the tools they need or work through the things that are holding them back.

Hillcrest Village Board to consider prices for bridge

Resolution for 2026 chip seal project approved at Wednesday meeting

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Hillcrest Village Board of Trustees on Wednesday heard another report from Village Engineer Kaitlin Wright on the short-term repair and long-term replacement of the currently closed Hemstock Road bridge.

The bridge was closed by the Illinois Department of Transportation in mid-October.

In July, Ogle County inspected the bridge and found that its load rating declined sharply, from a 7 to a 4.

After seeing those numbers, IDOT inspected the bridge in October and determined the steel piles that support it had deteriorated and that it should be closed. The bridge is owned by the Village of Hillcrest. Baxter & Woodman

inspected the bridge on Nov. 6 and found that all eight steel piles are corroded, with two severely corroded and no longer supporting the bridge.

Wright said during last month’s meeting that a short-term repair to open the bridge this year has been estimated by one contractor to cost $85,000. The village has not yet taken action on a short-term repair. Corroded parts of the two failing steel piles would be removed and then encased in concrete. That work would not take place until spring at the soonest due to weather conditions for pouring concrete.

The 50-year-old bridge will require a long-term, full-scale replacement. Wright and village officials have discussed pursuing federal funding for 80% of that project’s cost, which Wright has estimated in the past to cost $500,000$700,000. Federal funds for the full replacement may not be available until as early as 2028, Wright said last month.

On Wednesday, Wright said the engineering phase of the full replacement will be “incredibly expensive” and “upwards of six figures” if the village

takes the federally funded route. She said that development turned her attention to seeking out what costs and timelines would be if the village funded the project itself.

“My gut feeling is you’re going to spend probably 50 percent of your construction costs on engineering,” Wright said. “I don’t know if that’s the route you want to go. I asked our team for costs on both routes.”

Forgoing federal funding may move up the timeline for the full replacement, which may make a short-term repair unnecessary, Wright said.

“I want you to have the opportunity to assess if you want to forgo repairing it and keep it closed a little longer and replace it fully instead of spending those funds twice,” Wright told village officials Wednesday.

Wright said she plans to present cost figures on both funding routes to village officials at or before Hillcrest’s March meeting.

Water system

Wright said that next month she will

be providing the board with funding nomination forms to request Illinois Environmental Protection Agency acknowledgement of a past water system improvement plan for potential future funding for a new well, water treatment plant and elevated tank for Hillcrest.

The village has been in need of those improvements to eventually meet IEPA requirements following a recent nitrate level violation with one of its current wells.

The village would abandon its cur

rent well with the nitrate issue.

Hillcrest currently has two wells.

Chip seal

The board unanimously approved a resolution for its 2026 chip seal program. Wright said the entire Windover Park subdivision, Maple Avenue, Oak Avenue, Errett Road from Linda Avenue to Maple Avenue and Hillcrest’s portion of Bethel Road will be chip sealed.

The total estimate for the work is $85,640.

FUN&GAMES

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1. Cut quickly

5. A way to state clearly

11. River in NE Scotland

14. Expansive

15. Lacking social polish

16. Amount of time

17. Frame

19. Automobile

20. Toadstools

21. High school dances

22. Utilize

23. Experimented with 25. One-sided

27. Acquisitive

31. Potted plants

34. Everyone has one

35. Kalahari Desert lake

38. Unidentified flying object

39. People 65 and over

41. Small amount

42. Daughter of Acrisius

44. Ornamental box

45. Government agents

46. Uncertain

49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish

51. Treeless plains

55. One’s sense of self-importance

56. Consumer advocate

60. Type of lounger

61. Body part

62. Can be persuaded

64. Woman (French)

65. Ready and willing to be taught

66. Arab ruler title

67. Unhappy

68. Gradually went away

69. Able to think clearly

DOWN

1. Brushed

2. Small water spirit (Germ.)

3. Heroes

4. Monetary units

5. Some don’t want to share theirs

6. Free-swimming invertebrate 7. Litigates

8. Outer

9. Parallelograms 10. Uneasy feelings 11. Cross

Ukrainian city

A citizen of Denmark

Month

Hindu queens

Group of chemicals

Rider of Rohan

Wet dirt

12. A way to remove 13. Pages can be dog-__

Southwestern Russia city 33. Observed

Angry

Drivers’ licenses

Musical composition

Auction

They __

Women

Be filled with love for

Thick-soled sock

49. Appears 50. Old World lizard

52. The leading performer

Protein

54. “Gunga Din” script writer

57. Art __, around 1920

58. __ Blyton, children’s author

59. Abnormal breathing

63. A place to rest

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

Ogle County Housing Authority has developed paperwork related to its Annual Agency Plan process and Five-year Capital Fund Program budgets for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026 in compliance with current HUD regulations. They are available for review at the Authority's Office located at 1001 Pines Road, Suite A, Oregon, IL. The office is open Monday through Friday between 8:00AM and 4:30PM. A public hearing will be held on March 11, 2026 at the Authority's office at 12:00 PM. Feb. 16, 18, 2026

Rochelle 7th grade girls basketball

Ottawa celebrates senior night

9 3-pointers carry Pirates past Hubs in I-8 action

By DEREK BARICHELLO

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

There was extra energy for Thurs day’s senior night at Ottawa’s Kingman Gym.

The Pirates girls basketball team fed off it, and into it, making nine 3-pointers and giving the larger crowd plenty to cheer about on their way to a 45-29 Interstate 8 Conference vic tory against Rochelle.

“It’s definitely huge,” said senior Mary Stisser, who finished with a game-

high 13 points, making three 3-pointers. “We had a great atmosphere in Kingman. A lot of people showed up for the two of us [referring to senior teammate Aubrey Sullivan], and that was great.”

Trailing 10-6 in the opening minute of the second quarter, the Pirates (19-9, 5-4) scored the next 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers from Stisser, one from Libby Muffler and another from Ashlynn Ganiere. When the buzzer sounded for halftime, Ottawa led 23-12.

“Once we got the ball to the middle of the zone and started attacking a little bit, we got a few looks at the rim and that opened up some shooters for us,” Ottawa coach Brent Moore said. “And in the second half, we were able to spread the lead.”

The Hubs (12-16, 1-9) climbed back to within five points with 2 minutes, 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter, but the Pirates again went on a run, scoring the next seven points to close out the third quarter. Then they opened the

fourth quarter with seven more. When the Hubs called a timeout to regroup less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, the Pirates had built a 41-22 lead.

“Ottawa is a good team,” Rochelle coach John Gehm said. “I thought we came out and really threw the first punch. I thought we came out as the aggressor, hit a couple of shots and started feeling good, and then Ottawa turned the pressure up, and I thought we backed down, played a little scared. And when you play a good team, that’s all it takes to get yourself in a hole.”

Gianna Olguin and Jayden Dickey led the Hubs with 10 points apiece. Olguin hit a pair of 3-pointers, including one that gave the Hubs an early 10-6 lead.

Muffler tied Stisser with a gamehigh 13 points. The Pirates also got eight points from Ganiere and six from Kennedy Kane. Ganiere pulled down 10 rebounds.

“They spread the ball around, it’s not just one girl,” said Gehm of the Pirates.

“They play five girls at all times that can knock down 3s, and that’s tough to defend no matter what defense you play.

“I thought at times we looked OK defensively. We got out on shooters, but then just too many moments where we got tired, and that’s a credit to Ottawa and their ball movement.”

Moore said he was pleased with how the Pirates handled the Hubs pressure defense.

“We had to stay composed,” Stisser said. “That’s our strength. Normally, we handle pressure pretty well, but we didn’t want to speed up into bad shots.”

Moore also said he knew the Pirates were going to come in with extra energy Thursday because of the larger crowd for Senior Night.

“It was just a really good night,” Sullivan said. “It was definitely the biggest amount of people we’ve had at a game, so it’s really good to go into a game like that knowing we have the support from our town.”

Photos: Rochelle vs. LaSalle-Peru boys basketball

HUBS SUPER FANS

IHSA members OK move up start of 2026 preseason

First practices begin Wednesday, Aug. 5

By J.T. PEDELTY jtpedelty@shawmedia.com

Following the conclusion of voting, the Illinois High School Association announced Friday that member schools voted to approve a special by-law proposal impacting the start date of the 2026 football season and also

the number of practices required per player to compete in the first game.

The first practice date of the 2026 football season will move to Aug. 5. In addition, each player will be required to complete 12 days of on-field practices [excluding Sundays; 1½ hours per player per practice required] before becoming eligible to compete in games.

The proposal passed by a margin of 290-245, with 67 schools voicing no opinion. Voting opened Jan. 29, and 75% (602) of the IHSA membership cast a ballot in the special election.

IHSA member schools voted in December to expand the playoffs by one week, and as a result, it reduced the required number of practices before the first contest to nine practices. Following that vote, the IHSA conducted extensive discussions with the IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and other state and national leaders on player safety, which ultimately led the IHSA Board of Directors to initiate the process of a special vote to address both.

“Despite the cumbersome nature of

the process, I am confident this outcome is in the best interest of student-athlete safety,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “We recognize that our member schools may bring forward ideas to alter the 2027 football season schedule as a result, and we welcome that. However, given that we are less than six months from the season, we believe this is a positive result that provides scheduling clarity for teams, coaches and student-athletes ahead of the 2026 season, while prioritizing safety.”

Short-handed L-P pulls out overtime win over Rochelle

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

Playing without two starters due to injury and down another two players who fouled out, the La Salle-Peru boys basketball team needed someone to step up Friday.

Gavin Stokes did just that.

The freshman drained a step-back 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to help the Cavaliers to an 88-85 overtime victory over Rochelle in an Interstate 8 Conference game in La Salle.

Stokes buried seven 3s and scored 32 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter and eight in overtime.

“That’s huge,” L-P coach John Senica said. “Home crowd, lot of people here, playing a well-coached, really good Rochelle team, Gavin stepped it up. He really did.

“He did a good job, and I’m proud of him.”

The Cavs were without starters Marion Persich and Jameson Hill as well as Mason Morscheiser due to injury, while Braylin Bond and Regan Doerr fouled out.

Persich, L-P’s leading scorer, is out for the rest of the season, while Hill suffered a high ankle sprain in practice, and Senica said he’s unsure when he’ll return.

Despite being short-handed, the Cavs built a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter before Rochelle rallied.

“Considering all our injuries and everything, I thought we played really well,” Senica said. “In the fourth quarter I think we started running out of gas a little bit. I felt like our team thought, ‘Hey, we got this game,’ and kind of took their foot off the gas.

“But I thought a lot of kids stepped up tonight, and I was proud of their effort.”

The game was tight in the first half. Rochelle led 14-13 after the first quarter, and L-P held a 29-28 lead at halftime.

But the Cavs caught fire from 3-point range in the third quarter, knocking down five from behind the arc. Doerr finished the quarter with a three-point play to give the Cavs a 50-33 lead going to the fourth.

L-P extended the lead to 64-43 on a bucket by Stokes with 4:36 left in regulation.

“We were playing hard,” Senica said. “We were making sure we were closing

out on 3s, making sure we were boxing out, getting the rebound and pushing the ball up the floor.”

The Cavs did not make another field goal the rest of regulation. L-P made 8 of 14 free throws in the final 2:03 of the fourth quarter.

The Hubs, meanwhile, started to pressure and push the ball. Rochelle hit four 3s in the final 3:32 of the fourth, including on back-to-back possessions by Cohen Haedt with less than a minute left.

Rochelle tied it on a putback and a free throw by Brody Bruns with 1.2 seconds remaining.

“We didn’t have any other choice, we had to get after it and press,” Rochelle coach Tim Thompson said. “We started

to get some more in transition, and that’s where we play our better basketball. Our kids did a great job of hanging in there and just going as hard as they could and selling out to try to find a way to win this game.

“I’m encouraged by my guys. They could have given up really early, but they just weathered the storm and got this game to overtime and gave themselves a chance to win.”

Rochelle led 79-75 early in the OT period, and Bruns gave the Hubs the lead back with a bucket with 34 seconds left before Stokes’ late 3.

Erick Sotelo hit a pair of free throws with 1.4 seconds left to ice it for L-P.

“I think the guys refocused,” Senica said. “Stokes and Erick Sotelo had a

nice period for us. They knocked down free throws and hit some big shots. We got some key rebounds. We picked the pace back up.”

Along with Stokes’ 32 points, Sotelo scored 22 for the Cavs (18-9, 6-3 I-8), while Doerr added 14.

“Doerr had a really good game for us,” Senica said. “I thought he rebounded well and cut to the hole. John Sowers and Kyle Spelich came in and gave us some big minutes in the guard position. Bond rebounded really well, took care of the ball for us and played really good defense. [Wyatt] Kilday did a really good job on defense.”

Bruns led the Hubs (15-13, 3-6) with 27 points, while Kasin Avila had 18. Haedt added 11.

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1979: Richard Petty wins Daytona 500 after Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison crash.

2001: Michael

wins Daytona 500, a last-lap crash claimed life of Dale

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

L-P HANDS HUBS OT LOSS

Gavin Stokes hit a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to help the Cavaliers to an 88-85 overtime win over Rochelle in an I-8 Conference game in La Salle / 31