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Learn more about global oil production

To make the artifacts we must have, and those that we want, for living happy lives, we rely on production technology. It is the knowledge, tools, machines and systems that we use to manufacture products. The extent to which people use production technology to adapt makes us unique among living creatures, and understanding production technology is fundamental to understanding humans.

Oil production has been at the forefront of many news stories lately, so let’s look at oil production in the world and see if we can make some sense of it.

Crude oil is the foundational energy commodity for the global economy which feeds a complex supply chain that spans continents and industries. At its core, crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from underground reservoirs. Once produced, crude travels via pipelines, ships and rail to refineries, where it is processed into fuels and petrochemicals. From there, refined products are distributed to industries and consumers, powering transportation, heating, electricity generation and industrial manufacturing worldwide.

The supply chain’s efficiency and resilience depend on oil quality, infrastructure, geopolitical relationships and market dynamics. Understanding these elements requires examining the types of crude oil, their geographic sources, and how global production has evolved.

Crude oil is categorized based on density (light vs. heavy) and sulfur content (sweet vs. sour). These two qualities determine how complex the refining process needs to be, and the oil’s economic value.

Light crude oil has a higher API gravity, meaning it is less dense and flows more easily. Examples include West Texas Intermediate (WTI) (also known as “Texas Tea”) from the United States and Brent from the North Sea. Light crude yields a larger proportion of valuable products, like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, with less energy input needed for refining. This makes it economically advantageous and often priced at a premium. However, its higher cost and regional price volatility can be disadvantages for buyers.

Heavy crude oil is denser and more viscous, typically containing larger hydrocarbon molecules. Heavy crude is cheaper but harder and more costly to refine. Refineries must have advanced processing equipment,

COMMUNITY VIEWS

Kurt Wolter

which increases costs and emissions – which pollute the atmosphere in the refining process.

The sweet vs. sour distinction revolves around sulfur content. Sweet crude contains less sulfur, reducing corrosive impacts on refining equipment and extensive desulfurization during refining. This benefits environmental compliance and operating costs, especially in regions with strict emissions standards.

Sour crude has higher sulfur levels which require additional refining steps that increase energy use and emissions, so sour crude typically trades at a discount.

The global oil market features many blends. For instance, Urals oil from Russia is a medium, sour blend traded widely in Europe, while Arabian crude offers a range of grades with varying density and sulfur profiles.

Crude oil’s primary value comes from its conversion into refined products. The largest categories include 1) transportation fuels like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel; 2) heating and power generation, particularly in regions where natural gas is scarce; 3) industrial feedstocks for petrochemicals that make plastics, fertilizers and synthetic materials; and 4) byproducts such as asphalt and lubricants that are essential for infrastructure and manufacturing.

Different crude types yield different product mixes – light, sweet crude maximizes high-value fuels, while heavier oils can produce diesel and specialized products. Over the past decade, global crude oil production has shifted significantly. Traditionally, major producers like Saudi Arabia, Russia and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) dominated global output. However, the rise of U.S. shale oil from fracking, and other non-OPEC sources has transformed the landscape.

Today, the United States has become the largest oil producer globally, driven by hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling methods that unlocked vast shale resources. It is interesting to note that there

Manuel Arteaga-Salinas are co-owners of Beauty Collective & Co. in Rochelle. Story on Page 3.

are many mining companies operating in the Illinois River Valley, as well as in other cities in north central Illinois (such as Oregon) which provide the unique sand used for these fracking operations.

This boom allowed the U.S. to transition from a major importer to a net exporter, reshaping global trade flows. U.S. light sweet crude now competes internationally, especially in Europe and Asia, though demand fluctuates with OPEC+ supply changes and refinery preferences.

Non-OPEC producers such as Brazil, Guyana and Canada now contribute to a more diversified supply base. But production in traditional exporters like Venezuela remains suppressed due to underinvestment, infrastructure decline and geopolitical constraints – despite Venezuela’s enormous reserves. These changes mean global oil supply is more diversified, but also more competitive, with price volatility influenced by both OPEC decisions and non-OPEC output variations.

OPEC, originally founded in 1960, coordinates oil production among member states to influence global supply and stabilize prices. With Russia now in the OPEC+ framework, the group periodically adjusts production targets in response to market conditions to manage price levels and market balance. For example, OPEC+ has made strategic shifts in recent years – cutting output to support prices during downturns and increasing supply when demand outlooks improve. These decisions help stabilize markets but can also contribute to oversupply if demand weakens. In 2025, increased OPEC+ production helped push prices lower and expanded global supply, causing decreased demand for U.S. light sweet crude.

The United States has adapted to changing global markets through technological innovation and policy shifts. The shale revolution dramatically increased U.S. production, supporting energy exports and reducing reliance on imports from OPEC nations. U.S. refineries, particularly on the Gulf Coast, have also adapted to handle heavier crude grades, a legacy of past import patterns.

Kurt Wolter of Rochelle has studied and taughttechnology–includingproduction, transportation,energyandcommunication –forover30years.Hecanbereachedat technohistory100@gmail.com.

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Beauty Collective & Co. holds grand opening for new Rochelle location

‘This is a safe space for everyone. We want it to be warm and welcoming.’

Diana Valdez said

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Beauty Collective & Co. in Rochelle held a grand opening for its new 1122 Lincoln Highway location Jan. 18.

The location, open since October, is a full-service salon that offers hair color, haircuts, hair extensions, updos, makeup, lashes, facials, all skin services, full body waxing, botox and lip filler, co-owners Diana Valdez and Manuel Arteaga-Salinas said.

Valdez and Arteaga-Salinas, along with a third owner, previously owned Beauty Bar and rented a space at 310 N. Main St. in downtown Rochelle. The building was sold by its owner, and Valdez and Arteaga-Salinas decided to get their own space. Many of the stylists and estheticians they worked with at the previous location followed them.

The 1122 Lincoln Highway location was previously office space and renovation work included taking out carpet, knocking down two walls, and plumbing and electric work.

“We were looking for a building and we looked at a lot of different ones in town,” Arteaga-Salinas said. “We couldn’t find one that fit our vision. We

found this one and it had a back space we wanted to remodel into a salon. We saw the vision and went with it.”

After the work to bring it to life as a salon, Arteaga-Salinas and Valdez are proud of how the space looks now.

Valdez has been a hairstylist locally for 15 years. Arteaga Salinas has been for 10 years.

The co-owners said they’re excited to see where the new space takes the business and its stylists and estheticians.

“I’m excited to grow our business,” Valdez said. “We have a lot of newer stylists that are just starting out. It’ll be interesting to see where we can go from here and how we can help them grow.”

The Beauty Collective & Co. owners are excited to have a full-service salon in Rochelle so residents don’t have to leave town for the services. Valdez said the salon can be a “one-stop shop” for Rochelle residents.

Both Valdez and Arteaga-Salinas take pride in owning their own small business and making it a welcoming space for stylists, estheticians and customers. Booking can be done at beautycollectiveco.glossgenius.com.

The business’s grand opening Jan. 18 was a “surreal moment” for its owners.

“It was nice to see people that day that have been with us for 10-plus years,” Valdez said. “And they’re still here supporting our dreams. This is a safe space for everyone. We want it to be warm and welcoming.”

Jury finds Mt. Morris man guilty of resisting arrest, injuring officer

Sentencing set for April

By EARLEEN HINTON

Shaw Local News Network correspondent

A Mt. Morris man was found guilty Wednesday, Feb. 18, of one felony count of resisting arrest in connection with an August 2025 incident near the Oregon school campus.

An Ogle County jury found Franklin T. Houston, 28, previously of Rockford, guilty of the Class 4 felony offense of injuring a police officer while resisting arrest and the misdemeanor offenses of resisting a police officer and disorderly conduct after the two-day trial at the Ogle County Judicial Center in Oregon.

The six-woman, six-man jury found Houston not guilty of another felony count of injuring the same police officer during the same incident and misdemeanor criminal trespass.

The charges accused Houston of injuring Oregon police officer Breanna Wakeland while she was attempting to take him into custody during an Aug. 22, incident.

Court documents say Wakeland suffered a cut to her thumb and sprained her wrist while attempting to take Houston into custody with four other officers. The misdemeanor charges accused

Houston of trespassing when he entered the Oregon Elementary School at 1150 Jefferson St. after classes had ended.

The disorderly conduct charge accused him of alarming the school district’s cheerleading coach when she saw him sitting in a stall of a restroom in a girls locker room, claiming he was a student.

“He had no business being inside the girls locker room and he clearly alarmed the coach,” Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten told jurors in his closing argument.

Leisten said Houston displayed “erratic behavior” and left the school on his bicycle before being approached by a police officer at the Oregon Park West skate park, located west of the elementary school. Leisten said Houston rode away from the officer, riding his bike through a nearby residential area before being stopped again at 14th Street.

He said Houston ignored repeated demands by police and his actions caused Wakeland to be injured when he was taken into custody.

“The scratch on her thumb was caused by his conduct as he resisted arrest. It is clear he trespassed. He is guilty of all charges,” Leisten argued.

See MT. MORRIS on page 12

These

National FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday. This year, the week kicks off on Feb. 21 and culminates on Saturday, Feb. 28. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, recognizing Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.

Members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education.

The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change.

https://www.ffa.org/

NATIONAL FFA WEEK –

WHY IS NATIONAL FFA WEEK IMPORTANT?

• National FFA Week serves as a dedicated period to amplify the organization’s impact in developing future leaders and advancing agricultural education on a national level.

• National FFA Week encourages contributions that fuel programs spanning national initiatives to local endeavors. These contributions fund the grants, scholarships, programs and experiences that extend the FFA experience to members across the country.

• FFA chapters unite with their communities during this week, leading to diverse service projects that give back and create meaningful impacts.

• Working together we will amplify our message on a national level! Utilize our toolkit to customize your content for your alumni or corporate support to increase visibility for national FFA and showcase your communities initiatives that help FFA grow the next generation of leaders that will sustainably feed, fuel and clothe the world.

HOW IS FFA UNIQUE?

• LIFE-CHANGING - FFA facilitates formative experiences, altering the course of students’ lives for the better.

• SCHOOL-BASED - FFA is intracurricular: members must be enrolled in an agricultural education class.

• CAREER-READINESS - FFA members develop the necessary skills to continue their education in college or to enter the workforce immediately.

• GLOBAL PURPOSE - FFA prepares members to be globally conscious citizens of their community, their state, their country, and the world.

• AGRICULTURAL FOCUS - FFA provides opportunities to demonstrate literacy, advocacy, and technical skills in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

https://www.ffa.org/national-ffa-week/

NATIONAL FFA WEEK – February

ABOUT US

FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.

Members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

“Future Farmers of America” was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education.

The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change.

FFA is for students who want to engage in agriculture and aspire to be farmers, teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. We are the Future Farmers of America, and we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Our members live the motto Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve. FFA members rise to the challenge of service embracing members of all walks of life united through FFA. We Are FFA.

FFA IS STRUCTURED ON THREE LEVELS:

Local FFA Chapters

The heart of the National FFA Organization is at the local chapter level. FFA chapter may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. Leadership is provided by student officers who are elected each year by the chapter’s members, and by the agriculture teacher who serves as the advisor for the chapter.

State FFA Associations

FFA is an organization made up of state associations; those state associations are made up of local chapters.

State FFA Associations function within the constitution of the National FFA Organization but may also create individual leadership structures, awards, programs and competitions.

State FFA officers lead the membership of the state associations and are elected by state FFA convention delegates.

Local FFA Chapters are chartered through the state associations.

National FFA Organization

At the national level, FFA is led by a board of directors and six student national officers.

Together they act on recommendations from the national convention delegates and agricultural education’s stakeholders to set the vision and policy for FFA. The founding principles, authority, objectives and procedures of the National FFA Organization are established by the National FFA Constitution and Bylaws. The National FFA Organization is a federally-chartered organization.

HOW IS FFA FUNDED?

The National FFA Organization receives no government funding and relies on corporate sponsorships and individual donations and membership dues.

State and local agricultural education programs may receive some funding through Federal Perkins Grants.

https://www.ffa.org/

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.

Continued from page 4

Assistant Ogle County Public Defender Brandon Gecan argued that Houston left the school building when he was told to leave by the coach.

“She didn’t say he seemed dangerous,” Gecan told the jurors, adding that Houston entered the school to use the bathroom and change clothes. “He left when he was told to leave.”

Gecan said Houston was first approached at the skate park by an officer who said he only wanted to speak with him in what Gecan called an “investigative stop.” He said it was clear, as indicated in body camera footage, that Houston did not want to talk to police.

When more officers arrived after Houston was stopped on his bike in the residential area, Houston became more “visibly agitated,” Gecan said.

“They said nothing and just started walking toward him,” Gecan said. “He even says, ‘What are you doing?’ and Officer Wakeland says, ‘You’re going to find out.’”

Gecan said Houston clutched his cellphone and went into a defensive “turtle-like” posture.

“He’s not doing anything aggressive to

these officers at this time,” said Gecan. “I’m not saying they didn’t have the authority to do that, but I am saying maybe they could have gone about it in a different way. He’s curling up in a turtle shell.”

Gecan said Wakeland’s injuries were caused when she and four other police officers threw Houston to the ground to handcuff him and take him into custody.

Gecan said Houston had scrapes on his arms that were bleeding when he was booked into the Ogle County Jail.

“Use your common sense,” Gecan told jurors. “He didn’t cause the cut or the sprained wrist.”

Leisten disagreed.

“He knew what he did. He knew why police wanted to talk with him. His behavior constantly escalated and he repeatedly ignored their directions. It is clear he caused the officer’s injury,” Leisten said. “He should be found guilty of all charges.”

The jury deliberated for two hours and 30 minutes before reaching their verdict Wednesday afternoon.

Associate Judge Anthony Peska remanded Houston to the Ogle County Jail, ordered a presentencing report, and scheduled Houston’s sentencing hearing for 1:30 p.m. April 9.

Houston could be sentenced to one to six years in prison or probation and fined up to $25,000.

Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

Man sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing cocaine in 2024

By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent

A Mt. Morris man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday, Feb. 19, for possessing cocaine in May 2024. Darren Barker, 55, pleaded guilty to the Class 1 felony and was sentenced by Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe through a plea deal.

Barker was charged in May 2024 with possessing and intending to deliver between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine. He was arrested and charged with that Class X felonies after a police search of his apartment in the 100 block of East Front Street, Mt. Morris. He was also charged with possessing ammunition as a felon.

But those charges were dismissed Thursday after the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a new Class 1 felony offense charging Barker with possessing between 15-100 grams of a substance containing cocaine. The charges were levied after the Mt. Morris Police Department, assisted by the Oregon Police Department,

executed a search warrant at Barker’s residence at 9:20 p.m. May 27, 2024, following an investigation that police said lasted several months.

On Thursday, Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten and Barker’s attorney, Glenn Jazwiec, told Roe that a plea agreement had been reached.Through the agreement, Barker, who has been held in the Ogle County Jail since his arrest, was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for 633 days served.

Leisten said Barker’s criminal history included charges of domestic battery, resisting arrest, and other drug offenses.

Barker must serve 50% of his sentence, which includes 12 months of Mandatory Supervised Release, formerly known as parole, upon his release.

Jazwiec asked Roe to include in the sentencing information that the crime was the result of substance abuse and asked that Barker be placed in a substance abuse program during his time in prison. Class 1 felonies are punishable by 4-15 years in prison.

LaHood visited Focus House, other Ogle County stops

Locations included Mt. Morris, Leaf River and Polo along with tour of Rochelle youth facility

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, visited Focus House north of Rochelle on Wednesday to tour the facility and meet with the organization’s leadership regarding its programming and desire for a new residence hall at its 3279 Illinois Route 251 location.

Focus House provides a continuum of services for at-risk youths, including residential, counseling, education and alternative programming. The county-run facility offers residential treatment for boys aged 12-17 in the justice system that are court ordered by a judge to go to the facility. Kids in the program eventually transition back to their homes after education, treatment and

Focus House is currently in the preliminary stages of constructing a new residence hall on its Illinois Route 251 campus. The facility currently operates its residential services out of two different locations, the other being in Rochelle, which presents difficulties, including transportation, food service, staffing and room for visits.

The projected cost for a new Focus House residence hall is $3.5 million. Focus House Executive Director Brenda Mason has said a potential timeline could be construction in 2027 and completion in 2028. The Ogle County Board would issue bonds to finance the construction, but has not committed to the project, with current bonds for the new Ogle County Jail not set to be paid off for two years. Foundation for Focus House has raised money to help with the residence hall project as well, which is 15 years in the making.

public service work at Focus House.

“The commitment and dedication of the people here at Focus House is amazing,” LaHood said of his visit. “To see the work that goes on here on changing kids’ lives and trying to improve their

learning ability was great. I’ve been in other similar facilities, but haven’t toured one that really puts an emphasis on education and behavioral and mental health. That stood out to me. This place is unique and different.”

On Wednesday, LaHood offered to explore the possibility of the project’s applicability for the federal Community Funding Projects grant, which could

See LaHood on page 14

Continued from

partially pay for the project.

“With our Community Funding Projects, we can’t fund entire projects, but we can work to stack that with county money and other sources to make them work,” LaHood said. “We’ve been involved with similar projects for nonprofits to help get that funding. This looks like it would fall into that category. We’ll continue to work with them. This was the first step in the process. It sounds like it could be fruitful.”

Mason said Wednesday that she felt “honored and privileged” that LaHood took an interest in Focus House’s services and made the visit. Foundation for Focus House Board President Dave Tess said LaHood’s visit came about after he sent a representative to Focus House’s 50th anniversary event in late 2025.

The prospect of federal funding for the long-awaited residence hall project brought about optimism for the Rochelle and Ogle County organization’s leadership.

“If we can get awarded something like that, it would help so much with going to the county for the rest of the funding to move things along,” Mason said. “And it’s nice to get recognition and to have people outside of our community know what we’re doing. Maybe other counties that don’t use us for services for child placement may be interested in that. To have a congressman come here and see the facility and hopefully say good things about it would only increase our numbers and the amount of kids we help.”

LaHood started his day Wednesday at the Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center, where he had breakfast with 40-50 constituents and took questions and presented the center with a congressional proclamation for its 50th anniversary. He also met with village leadership in Mt. Morris on United States Postal Service issues being seen with slow delivery of water bills and other mail, and the need for a health care clinic in the village.

The congressman then met with Mt. Morris Fire Protection District Chief Rob Hough on outstanding federal funding for construction of a new fire station in Mt. Morris after a referendum recently passed locally on the matter.

“I toured the current firehouse and saw the plans for the new firehouse,” LaHood said. “They walked me through the federal funding situation. They’re still owed about $800,000 and we’ll be doing what we can to help with that.”

Executive Director Erica Holloway.

LaHood also took time Wednesday to visit with the kids currently enrolled in Focus House’s services, which head teacher Tony Wyatt said was exciting for his students.

“They took some time to write down questions for him,” Wyatt said. “We talked about how to present yourself when you meet someone. It was fun to see him walk in and them stand up straight and be respectful. They enjoyed it. Knowing that the program they’re a part of is being recognized by someone who is elevated within the government is cool for them.”

LaHood spent the day Wednesday also visiting other Ogle County communities.

Lenten Dinners

Soup Dinners

LaHood then met with Leaf River’s village leadership regarding their need for sewer system improvements and talked about federal grant opportunities to assist with the project.

He also met with Polo leadership on the use of potential federal Affordable Housing Tax Credits to retrofit a former nursing facility in the village for potential senior housing.

“I have a large district covering all or parts of 21 counties,” LaHood said. “When I’m not in Washington, D.C., and I can be home, it’s about doing things like coming and spending the day in Ogle County and traveling around to smaller communities. You have to show up and be present and listen. It doesn’t mean we’re going to agree on everything, but the biggest thing is showing up and being part of the community and listening.”

February 20, 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20

Homemade Meatless Soup, Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Crackers, Desserts, Drinks

Fish Fry

March 27

Dr.Del’s Fried & Baked Cod, Cheese

Pizza, Macaroni & Cheese, French Fries, Potatoes w/Parsley, Green Beans, Cole

Slaw, Dessert, Drinks

$5 suggested

donation

Adult (11 yrs.+) $15

Sr. Citizen (65+) $10

Children (4 -10 yrs.) $10

Under 3-FREE Family Rate $50

KIDS CREATE AN AD

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

raffle

postcards magazines newsletters fliers notepads

church bulletins menus gift certificates

City of Rochelle updates community on downtown project

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

As the weather begins to warm, construction is set to ramp up throughout downtown Rochelle, according to a Feb. 20 city of Rochelle news release.

The city expects the project to continue through December. Updates will be sent out every one to two weeks.

Week of Feb. 23: Beginning mid-week, Helm Construction will be working in the alley between Fourth and Fifth avenues, adjacent to the downtown parking lots/ stage area. The alley will be closed for about two weeks with no access to rear entrances of buildings in the 400 block of Lincoln Highway. The alley will be fenced during this portion of the project. Parking lots 1 and 2 off Main Street will remain open.

Week of March 2: DPI Construction will return to begin excavation for the footings of the stage. The alley will remain closed this week. Parking lots 1 and 2 will remain open; however, rear access to the buildings in the 400 block of Lincoln Highway will be restricted.

Signage: Signs are on order to share the project updates and parking information with anyone visiting downtown Rochelle. The signs have QR codes that will direct visitors to a page on the city website dedicated to construction updates and as a business directory.

Parking: The closest municipal parking

OBITUARIES

DOUGLAS A. PETTENGER

Born: March 7, 1941 in Rochelle, IL

Died: February 16, 2026 in Mendota, IL

Douglas A. Pettenger, 84 of West Brooklyn passed away peacefully on February 16,2026 at OSF St. Paul Medical Center Mendota. Cremation rites have been accorded. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 2pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Brooklyn with Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Burial will be private.

Doug was born March 7,1941 in Rochelle to Warren and Vivian (Jeanblanc) Pettenger. He married Sandra Rogde on June 17,1961 at St. Mary’s in West Brooklyn. During Doug’s work career he was a Truck Driver for Area Erectors and Stouffers One Stop Dixon. He gave back to

As winter begins to fade and spring weather returns, construction is ready to ramp up throughout downtown Rochelle, according to a Feb. 20 city of Rochelle news release.

Jeff Helfrich

lots to the affected businesses and residences are:

• Lot 17 – Corner of Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Highway.

• Lot 5 – Corner of Main Street and Cherry Avenue (with the VFW mural).

• Lot 6 – Corner of Lincoln Highway and Cherry Avenue (RMU parking lot).

• Lot 13 – Corner of Lincoln Highway and Sixth Avenue (County building parking lot)

• Lot 7 – Along Sixth Street, behind the museum. The city anticipates that all of the lots along Main Street (lots 1-3) will be closing in mid-April for reconstruction of the lots. Updates will continue as that portion of the project draws near.

Trash dumpsters: With alley access limited, dumpsters will be relocated temporarily to Lincoln Highway. A dumpster will be located at Lincoln Highway and Fourth Avenue and Lincoln Highway and Fifth Avenue as well as in the center of Lincoln Highway, near the Hope Chest/Distillery. Receptacles will be relocated as soon as possible.

Lincoln Highway parking: To create additional parking spaces along Lincoln Highway, the 400 block will temporarily become a one-way street and diagonal parking spaces will be drawn out. This adds more spaces in front of the downtown buildings during the construction period and will take place once all of the Main Street lots are closed and the Fourth Avenue storm sewer portion of the project begins in March.

Storm sewer: New storm sewer will be

installed in the alley and on Fourth Avenue from Main Street to El Sol between Lincoln Highway and Sixth Street. This will begin in March, but an exact start date is not available at this time. The city anticipates intermittent lane closures along Fourth Avenue for about a month.

For questions or concerns during the project, please contact:

• Michelle Pease, city of Rochelle community development director, at 815-5612073 or mpease@rochelleil.us.

• Sam Tesreau, interim city manager/ city engineer, at 815-561-2023 or stesreau@ rochelleil.us.

• Blake Toliver, electric superintendent, at 815-561-2034 or btoliver@rmu.net.

• Tim Isley, public works director, at 815-561-2078 or tisley@rochelleil.us.

• Jenny Thompson, communications director/assistant to the city manager, at 815-561-2006 or jthompson@rochelleil.us.

his community as a longtime West Brooklyn Volunteer Firefighter and a Catholic Order of Forester member. He enjoyed farming his whole life and loved sharing his 4x4 paths he created through the woods at the farm. Doug will be forever missed by his daughter Paula (Marty) King of Compton, son Neal Pettenger of Dixon, 7 grandchildren: Julie (Phil) Bridges, Ted (Paola)King, Amber King, Nicole (Justin) Elam, Cally Lindenmier, Kurt Pettenger, Adam (Ryan) Pettenger, and 3 great grandchildren: Joseph Michael Thomas, Graham Wolfgang Bridges and Ruby Sue Bridges. He was preceded by his parents, wife Sandra 2/26/08, daughter Darla Lindenmier, and brother Curtis. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com

WILLIAM “BILL” WALCH TYLER

Born: July 18, 1938 in Rochelle, IL

Died: February 15, 2026 in Oregon, IL

Dixon

William Walch Tyler, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois. Bill was born on July 18, 1938, the son of William W. and Geraldine (Bienfang) Tyler in Rochelle, IL. He proudly served with the United States Marine Corps, VMS 323 Squadron in El Toro, CA from

GREGORY HOFFMANN

Rev. Gregory E. Hoffmann, 69, of Formerly of Rochelle, passed on 02/22/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

1957 to 1960. On July 19, 1986, he married Jean Nelson Kaminski in Wailua, Kaua’i.

Bill returned to Illinois and joined Sundstrand Aviation in Rockford, IL. As service supervisor, he worked with the B52 program in Minot, ND. As field rep for electronics systems for Sundstrand, he spent much of his time in Tulsa, OK at the maintenance facility of American Airlines, who eventually hired him as Fleet Manager. His next assignment with American Airlines was at Chicago O’Hare Field. Thirteen years later, he left American Airlines to direct the US operation of Canadian Co. deHavilland in Rosemont, IL. Changing gears, in the late 1990’s, he became a registered representative with the Franklin Life Insurance Company and was associated with Graber Financial Group in

RICHARD MELTON

Richard Howard Melton, 85, of Rochelle, passed on 02/21/2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle.

Rochelle. He then established Tyler Financial Services, retiring in 2007.

Bill was a formerly active member of Rotary International where he received the Paul Harris Fellow award, a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and served on the Rochelle Airport Advisory Board for many years. He enjoyed attending the Reno Air Races, photography and traveling with his wife on both land and sea.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean of Dixon, IL; son, Steven (Amy) Tyler and their children, Max and Kate of Plain City, OH; step son, Tim (Robyn) Kaminski of Rockville, MD; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Trent (Aleigha) Frazier and their daughters, Hannah and Emmerson, Traci (Hugh Lenzer) Frazier, and Tyler Frazier and sons, Myles and Nixon all of TX;

brother, Dr. Richard (Marcia) Tyler of Monroe Center, IL; two sisters: Nancy Levett of Pickens, SC and Susan (Fred) Baxter of Rockford, IL and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Frazier Tate on February 15, 2014 and his son, William W. Tyler, III on December 23, 2019.

At a later date, there will be a memorial graveside service for Bill and his son at Monroe Center Cemetery in Monroe Center, IL. Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home of Rochelle. Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home or Monroe Center Cemetery. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.

Anthony “Tony” Matthew Powell, 56, of Rochelle, passed on 10/22/2025. Arrangements entrusted to Unger-Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle. Additional information: www.ungerhorner.com.

AFC Community Matters Shop Local & Support Small Community Businesses

Rochelle festival to be held at Atwood Park

LHHF Committee Member Pete Agnos said at the park district meeting.

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival will again be held at Atwood Park in 2026 after the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special-use permit for the event at its meeting Monday.

The festival, historically held in the downtown area, will take place Aug. 14-16. Last year, it was held at Atwood Park for the first time due to the city’s planned construction that will include a new stage, storage and bathrooms structure, parking lot restoration and utility undergrounding.

That work has begun and, along with a planned sewer construction project on Fourth Avenue, will again prevent the festival from being held downtown,

LHHF’s committee had hoped to hold the event back in its typical space downtown this year. It now plans to return the festival to the downtown next year. The committee asked the park district board to rework its layout this year, utilizing more grass space to bring the different attractions close together, which the board said it would consider as the festival approaches and as the weather that weekend becomes more clear.

The LHHF committee considered other venues for the event, including the Rochelle Municipal Airport, the parking lot of the Caron Ridge Shopping Center (former site of Sullivan’s Foods), Memorial Park, and another area downtown. Those areas were decided against for reasons including parking, utility access, space, construction, impacts on businesses and area use restrictions.

VFW Park to get new shelter

The park district board unanimously approved a $25,865 expenditure for a new VFW Park shelter from Play

Design Scapes. Park District Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger said the current shelter at the park is at the end of its useful life and will be torn down this winter.

The new shelter will be a similar size to the current one and its location will be slightly adjusted to be closer to the playground.

Spring Lake cleanup

Park District Risk Superintendent Brent Boardman provided an update to the board on happenings at Spring Lake Pool as the weather warms and summer approaches.

The city of Rochelle will be working with a contractor soon on repair and reconfiguration of the base of the waterfall at the facility, relating to an incident where a utility pole fell at Spring Lake on June 5.

A Rochelle Municipal Utilities pole and transformer fell into the waterfall area that day, which saw mineral oil get into the water and soil. The area has since been cleaned up and a dam was put in place to contain the initial spill. The city will be working to fully restore

the area and RMU also will soon be inspecting all utility poles on park district property.

Boardman also said that work on new pool heaters and ADA stairs at Spring Lake is on track to be completed by the time the summer season starts. Ohlinger announced during the meeting that there will be no price or fee increases for attendees at Spring Lake this summer. Daily admission and season pass prices will remain the same.

REC Center sees membership growth

Ohlinger provided an update to the board on usage numbers at The REC Center. The facility saw about 10,500 visits from members in both November and December before seeing 13,000 visits in January. She said February is on track to rival January’s numbers.

The REC Center is averaging about 1,000 one-time “drop-in” users per month, and is seeing continued membership growth, Ohlinger said.

“We continue to have sustained growth in membership,” Ohlinger said. “It’s not just seasonal spikes.”

United Way of Ogle County is rolling out the red carpet for its biggest fundraising event of the year. Join it for Adult Prom: A Night in Hollywood on March 6 at the Stronghold Center for an evening of dancing, fun and community impact.

United Way of Ogle County rolls out red carpet for Adult Prom March 6

United Way of Ogle County is rolling out the red carpet for its biggest fundraising event of the year.

Join it for Adult Prom: A Night in Hollywood on March 6 at the Stronghold Center for an evening of dancing, fun and community impact.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the celebration continues until 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy heavy appetizers and a cash bar with one free drink included, a live DJ and extra dance time to keep the party going, a photo booth with props for memorable photos, a silent auction, dessert dash and raffle baskets with prizes.

Whether it’s your first prom in decades – or your very first – guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade of formal wear and step onto the red carpet for a Hollywood-worthy night out.

Tickets are $50 a person, $95 a couple and $350 per table of eight.

Tickets are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Buy online at uwogle. org/a-night-in-hollywood-adult-prom.

All proceeds benefit United Way of Ogle County’s Community Grant Program, which provides funding to 26 nonprofit partners serving Ogle County. By attending, guests will support local programs that make a real difference in the community.

Freezer meals available to help Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom

Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? Ogle-Carroll Agriculture in the Classroom has a great opportunity to take a night off from cooking.

Order two sets of five meals for a total of 10 meals. These are individual servings. Meals include cheesy hamburger casserole, pulled pork mac and cheese, cheesy chicken enchiladas, chicken bacon ranch pasta and chicken fajitas with peppers and onions.

Cost for the 10 meals is $90 cash or check or $95 by credit card. Proceeds benefit the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program. There are two ways to order:

Mail your name, phone number, number of meal sets (they come in a set of 10 meals), and payment to 811 S. Clay St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053. Make checks payable to Ogle-Carroll Ag Partnership.

Order online at go.illinois.edu/freezermeals. Place your order by 1 p.m. March 3. Meal pickup is March 30 from 4-5 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension office, 421 W. Pines Road, Oregon. Contact the office at 815-732-2191 or email charbm@illinois.edu with any questions.

Agriculture in the Classroom is a statewide educational program with lessons offered to kindergarten through eighth grade. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the general public gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.

RTHS board puts solar project on indefinite pause

$909,706 bid for paving project this summer OK’d

By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

A potential solar array project at Rochelle Township High School is being put on an indefinite pause, Superintendent Jason Harper told the Rochelle Township High School board at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

RTHS and its facilities committee have been working with solar power vendors regarding the potential installation of solar panels on district property to lower district power costs.

District Business Manager Kevin Dale said last month that RTHS has been considering a solar installation for about 15 years. Brought before the board in January was a plan for a 5-acre solar array on farmland on the west side of RTHS property between the softball/baseball fields and North 20th Street. The district has worked with the city’s electric utility, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, on the project.

After the district planned to carry

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Tri-County Opportunities Council opens scholarship applications for local students

The Tri-County Opportunities Council will award at least 10 scholarships to income-eligible students residing in the agency’s service area. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has made scholarships worth up to $2,000 available through its Community Services Block Grant funds.

To be scholarship eligible, applicants:

• Must be a member of an income-eligible household

• Can attend a college, university or trade school, in state or out of state, in person or virtual

• Must be a resident of Bureau, Carroll, La Salle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark or Whiteside county in Illinois

• Must be considered full time (minimum of 12 semester hours) to qualify for the full $2,000 scholarship.

Part-time students will be eligible for the competition; however, scholarship awards

out the project this year, Harper said Tuesday the project has been put on an indefinite pause due to its timeline not meeting a deadline to maximize green energy incentives.

“It’s become clear that we wouldn’t be able to get approval on the timeline needed to maximize the financial incentives,” Harper said. “We appreciate all the help the city has provided and the work our facilities committee has done. Right now, the stars just aren’t aligning.”

Last month, Dale said the plan included the solar panels being surrounded by fencing and trees. The potential solar array would produce 100-105% of the power RTHS uses. RTHS used $140,140 in electricity last year.

Dale said last month the project would have seen a net savings of $135,000 on power costs in the first year. Its construction would have cost $3.8 million and would have resulted in about $7 million in savings over 25 years, with $3 million in energy savings and $4 million in incentives.

The plan detailed a return on investment in about 10.5 years between energy credits and electric bills.

“We will continue to work with the

will be prorated if they are selected as winners.

The application deadline is March 13.

More information and application forms can be obtained by calling the office at 1-800-323-5434, ext. 710, or visiting the website at tcochelps.org.

Applications available for Northern Rehab scholarship for Rochelle Township seniors

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists recently announced that scholarship applications are now being accepted for their annual Northern Rehab Health & Wellness Scholarship.

The scholarship is open to Rochelle Township High School seniors who have participated in a sport or extracurricular activity and plan to pursue a career in healthcare. Completed applications must be submitted online by March 13. The scholarship recipient will be announced and awarded at the Rochelle Township High School Senior Awards Night.

city and potential vendors and keep an eye on the incentive structures the state and federal governments are providing,” Harper said. “The board has had solar in mind for a long time and is aware of rising energy costs. We’ll continue to work through future options. There could be a great financial benefit to the district.”

In order to ensure ease of receiving federal and state tax incentives, the project would have needed to break ground by July 4, 2026.

Steps required for the project if it goes forward would include approval by the Rochelle planning & zoning committee and city council, notification of nearby property owners, land parcel consolidation, an intergovernmental agreement with the city, and a request for proposals to find a contractor for construction.

Paving

The board unanimously approved a $909,706 bid from Martin & Company Excavating for a pavement project. Martin’s proposal included a base bid and two alternate bids. The proposal was the lowest qualifying bid of six.

The $909,706 bid was below the engi-

Scholarship details and application can be found at: https://northernrehabpt.com/ scholarships/.

U of I Extension to offer free programs in Stillman Valley

The Ogle County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge through two free educational programs offered in March and May at the Julia Hull District Library, 100 Library Lane, Stillman Valley. Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling the library at 815-645-8611. These programs are for adults 18 years of age and older.

The first program, Kitchen Herb Gardening, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. March 5.

Community members interested in enhancing their cooking, baking or cocktail crafting skills are invited to attend. Growing fresh herbs at home is an easy and rewarding way to elevate everyday meals. During this session, Ogle County Master Gardener Phil Bratta will guide participants through the process of creating a kitchen herb garden.

neer’s estimate for the paving project, which will take place this summer. Signage will be placed for the closed portions of pavement at RTHS this summer.

Expo

During his monthly report, RTHS Principal Chris Lewis said the school will host a hiring expo March 12 with local and regional employers.

RTHS juniors and seniors will listen to an educational assembly on soft skills and interviewing that day before meeting with employers. The event will be open to the job-seeking public from noon to 2 p.m. The hiring expo is being held in conjunction with Kishwaukee College and the city of Rochelle and has taken place for the past few years.

Personnel

The board unanimously approved personnel matters during the meeting, including the retirement of Eva Lenkaitis (end of 2029-30 school year), the resignation of Brad Male (girls soccer coach, end of current school year) and the employment of Tim Thompson (assistant golf coach) and Justin Seacrist (second shift custodian).

From planting seeds to nurturing mature, flavorful plants. The workshop is designed for both beginners and those looking to expand their gardening knowledge.

From 6-7 p.m. May 7, Bratta will present Gardening with Native Plants. Native plants do far more than add beauty to the landscape. They play a crucial role in supporting healthy ecosystems by providing essential food and shelter for native wildlife. Community members interested in learning how to incorporate these plants into their own gardens are invited to attend. This informative session will cover the fundamentals of selecting, planting and caring for native species. Whether participants are new to native gardening or looking to deepen their understanding, the program will offer practical insights they can apply immediately.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Program Coordinator Jan Saglier at 815-544-3710 or jsaglier@illinois.edu.

– Shaw Local

FUN&GAMES

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1. What travelers must do

5. Calendar month

8. Hopefully quickly

12. Once more

14. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

15. “Cheers” actress Perlman

16. Astronomy unit

18. Savings vehicle

19. Get your ducks in this

20. Right away

21. Popular sports league

22. Containers

23. Entireties

26. One who wassails

30. Turned-up position

31. Extreme modesty

32. Writing utensil

33. Rewards (archaic)

34. Ancient capital

39. S. American wood sorrel

42. General discomfort

44. Philippine island

46. A witty saying

47. One who summarizes

49. Covered in

50. Mimic

51. Henry was a notable one

56. Daughter of Hera and Zeus

57. Retired NFLer Newton

58. Playground equipment

59. Concept

60. Satisfaction

61. Fishing net

62. Hammer end

63. A father’s male child

64. Japanese drink

DOWN

1. Off-Broadway figure

2. Gelatinous substance

3. Concern

4. “Lick It Up” rockers

5. Serbian river

6. Part of a hat

7. Bowl-shaped drinking vessel

8. Semitic language

9. Utter a shrill cry

10. Long times

11. Animal parts

13. Causing annoyance

17. Amorous talker

24. Attempt

25. Harmonic effects

Cost per mile

They __

Bitterly regret

Not even

A way to drop

Title of respect

World leader

Georgia rockers 40. National capital

Great Plains people

Duck-sized dinosaur genus 43. Architectural recesses

Member of U.S. Navy

Mountainous

Kite bird

49. Popular snack made of potato

52. 70s songsters The Bee __

53. SE China port __-men

54. Something to fill up

55. League of Legends character

RONALD O

BRUCKI, Deceased

NO. 2026 PR 2

CL AIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of RONALD O BRUCKI, of Rochelle, Illinois. Letters ofOffice were issued on January 15, 2026, to ALEXANDER P BRUCKI, whose address is 27-05 Thomson Ave., 15E, Long Island, NY 11101, and whose attorneys are Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, IL LINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD O BRUCKI,

Deceased NO. 2026 PR 2

CL AIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of RONALD O BRUCKI, of Rochelle, Illinois. Letters ofOffice were issued on January 15, 2026, to ALEXANDER P BRUCKI, whose address is 27-05 Thomson Ave., 15E, Long Island, NY 11101, and whose attorneys are Fearer, Nye & Chadwick, 420 4th Avenue, PO Box 117, Rochelle, IL 61068.

Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at OgleCounty Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than August 25, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK

Attorneys for ALEXANDER P BRUCKI, Executor of the Estate of RONALD O. BRUCKI, deceased

Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 2026

Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of the Court at OgleCounty Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than August 25, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

FEARER, NYE & CHADWICK

Attorneys for ALEXANDER P BRUCKI, Executor of the Estate of RONALD O. BRUCKI, deceased

Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 2026

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF F LAGGROCHE LLE

PUBL IC LIB RARY DISTRICT

The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District hereby provides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 has been made by Sikich LLP., and that a report of such audit dated January 8, 2026 will be filed with the County Clerk of Ogle County, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at the main office of the Library District at 619 Fourth Ave, Rochelle, Illinois, during regular business hours

10:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday except for holidays.

by p vides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 has been made by Sikich LLP., and that a report of such audit dated January 8, 2026 will be filed with the County Clerk of Ogle County, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at the main office of the Library District at 619 Fourth Ave, Rochelle, Illinois, during regular business hours

10:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday except for holidays.

Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District

February 25, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District

February 25, 2026

Public Notice is hereby given that the City of Rochelle will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the City Hall at 420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 for the purpose of discussing the City's plan to construct a new well and water plant, replace watermain on IL Route 251, and replace Lead and Galvanized water service lines at various locations in the distribution system. The Project Summary and Preliminary Environmenta l Impacts Determination developed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Project Plan report developed by the City of Rochelle will also be discussed and are on file at the City Hall for public inspection. Public comments and participation are encouraged, and anyone interested in this project is invited to attend. Comments will be received for a period of 10 days after the public hearing and may be made orally at the public hearing or in writing to Mr Sam Tesreau, Interim. City Manager, City of Rochelle, 420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 or to Mr Steve Ressel, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, P O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276.

hereby given that the City of Rochelle will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the City Hall at 420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 for the purpose of discussing the City's plan to construct a new well and water plant, replace watermain on IL Route 251, and replace Lead and Galvanized water service lines at various locations in the distribution system. The Project Summary and Preliminary Environmenta l Impacts Determination developed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Project Plan report developed by the City of Rochelle will also be discussed and are on file at the City Hall for public inspection.

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

Kn oll Road

Public comments and participation are encouraged, and anyone interested in this project is invited to attend. Comments will be received for a period of 10 days after the public hearing and may be made orally at the public hearing or in writing to Mr Sam Tesreau, Interim. City Manager, City of Rochelle, 420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 or to Mr Steve Ressel, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, P O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276.

City Hall for public inspection. Public comments and participation are encouraged, and anyone interested in this project is invited to attend. Comments will be received for a period of 10 days after the public hearing and may be made orally at the public hearing or in writing to Mr Sam Tesreau, Interim. City Manager, City of Rochelle, 420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 or to Mr Steve Ressel, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, P O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276.

Date: February 25, 2026

Rose Huéramo, City Clerk February 25, 2026

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

Date: February 25, 2026

Feb. 11, 18, 25, 2026

Rose Huéramo, City Clerk February 25, 2026

WILLIAM COO K located at 3985 S outh

Roch elle, IL 61068

Dated: February 4, 2026

Rebecca K. Duke

Rebecca K. Duke Ogle County Clerk

Feb. 11, 18, 25, 2026

Noti ce of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice

Hub City Self Storage located at 961 S 7th Street Rochelle, IL 61068 intends tohold an Auction of storage units listed below to enforce its privilege against the following partiesat the facility, Paula Holznagel Unit 308, for default of payment of Rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.stor agetreasures.com on 03/12/2026 at 3:30PM This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice Certain terms and conditions apply.

Feb. 25, March 4, 2026

NIU coach Thomas Hammock resigns, goes to NFL; Rob Harley takes over as interim coach

By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com

After seven seasons leading the Northern Illinois University football program, head coach Thomas Hammock has resigned to return to a coaching position in the National Football League, NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced on Wednesday.

“Representing the Cardinal and Black of Northern Illinois University as a player, alumnus, assistant coach and head coach has been the honor of my life,” Hammock said in a statement.

“To Sean Frazier, my mentor, thank you for the incredible opportunity to lead, guide, and mentor the young men in this program over the past seven years. I hope I have left a lasting impact on our players, the way Coach Novak left one on me.

“These are exciting times for the Huskies as they enter the Mountain West Conference. I look forward to

watching this team stay united, compete at a high level and continue building under new leadership. I will always be proud to call NIU my alma mater, and I will always be cheering for the Huskies.”

Multiple online reports indicated that Hammock took a position with the Seattle Seahawks.

Frazier, who assumed sport administration duties for football in December, has promoted defensive coordinator Rob Harley to interim head coach.

Per NCAA rules, NIU players will get a 15-day window to enter the transfer portal starting five days after NIU announces its next head coach.

Hammock is 35-47 in seven years at NIU. The Huskies were 3-9 last year after making and winning bowl games in 2023 and 2024, the first back-to-back bowl wins since 2010 and 2011.

“This has always been my dream,” Hammock said in his NIU introductory press conference on January 19, 2019. “When I was a GA at Wisconsin [in

2003-04], I said I want to be the head coach at Northern Illinois University, because I knew what Coach [Joe] Novak did for me, and I want to do the same for others. It’s an unbelievable feeling to have the opportunity to come home to a place that I love, to the school that has meant so much to me.”

This will leave the Huskies looking for a new coach about a month before the start of spring practices, which has not been announced yet.

Last year, they began on March 24 and generally begin in late March each year.

The new coach will also have to navigate the team’s move into the Mountain West. The Huskies were to begin play in the new conference beginning this fall. The schedule has not been announced yet.

Home and away opponents were set, but that was before the league announced earlier this month the addition of North Dakota State as a football-only member starting in the

2026 season.

Hammock was the first Black head coach in NIU history and the first graduate to lead the program at the FBS level. Before taking over in 2019, he was the running backs coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

NIU was his first head coaching job. He went 5-9 in his first season, then 0-6 using an incredibly young roster in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

With most of those same players, the Huskies won the MAC title in 2021, going 9-5 and losing the Cure Bowl.

Injuries derailed the 2022 season, and the Huskies went 3-9. They went 7-6 in 2023 and 8-5 in 2024 with a seniorheavy group.

The 2024 season included one of, if not the biggest, wins in program history when the Huskies defeated Notre Dame, 16-14.

The Irish were ranked No. 5 at the time, and their only other loss that season was to Ohio State in the National Championship game.

Rochelle sophomore boys basketball

HUBS SUPER FANS

Whirlwind of activity with high school sports

Andy Colbert SPORTS VIEWS

I’m back on the beat after extensive travel outside the country. With such a whirlwind of sports activity this time of year, my apologies for no column last week.

The area boys Class 2A basketball regionals will be unique in lack of clearcut favorites leading up to the Mendota sectional.

Take for example, Erie-Prophetstown. As a No. 5 sub-sectional seed, they beat higher-seeded Oregon and Byron in recent weeks.

Throw Rockford Lutheran, Winnebago, Johnsburg, Richmond-Burton, Aurora Christian and of course, Mendota, into the mix and we’re looking at a real free-for-all.

Whoever emerges from that bunch will likely face Peoria Manual, who is a clear-cut favorite in its sectional complex, for the right to advance to Champaign.

If 1A boys basketball is more to your liking, a potential sectional final match-up is No. 1 seeds Dakota and Sterling Newman. Both are ranked in the top 10 in the final AP poll.

Lurking in the background is dangerous Eastland, who beat favored Pecatonica in the sectional final last year with slow-down tactics. That completely flustered Pec and bolstered the cause for shot clock implementation (effective 2026-27) by the IHSA.

You have to like the Byron (28-2) girls’ chances to advance not only to the super-sectional, but make it downstate. The final AP poll has them No. 2 in the state, behind Nashville.

Individual state wrestling finished up last week with only a couple Class 1A champs (Newman and Le-Win/Stockton) from the area. There was a time when the northwest part of the state would claim at least half of the titles.

Coal City, which qualified all 14 of its wrestlers, albeit from a weak sectional, managed to earn 7 state medals and will be the favorite over Le-Win/Stockton at the dual-team state tournament.

When it was a 2-class system, the dual meet had some excitement to it. With 3 classes, 1A is so watered down, that other than Coal City, everyone else struggles to fill out a quality 14-man roster. That’s not state-worthy competi-

Hinton for Shaw Local

Oregon’s Sarah Eckardt brings the ball up the court against Stillman Valley at the 2A Winnebago Regional on Monday, Feb. 16, at Winnebago High School. Eckardt was named to the IHSA All-Academic team for girls basketball.

The students named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team embody what education-based athletics and activities are all about.”

Stacy Lambert, IHSA assistant executive director

athletes are honored. Congratulations to Sarah Eckardt of Oregon for landing this prestigious award.

“The students named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team embody what education-based athletics and activities are all about,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Stacy Lambert. “They have challenged themselves in the classroom, committed to their teams and organizations, and found ways to give back to their schools and communities. Excelling at such a high level in all of these areas requires discipline and heart, and we are incredibly proud to recognize them as representatives of the IHSA and the state of Illinois.”

As Thomas Hammock leaves NIU to become the running back coach for Super Bowl champion Seattle, I will miss his friendly personality. Covering many of his press conferences, I found Hammock to be a genuine human being, not one of those marketed, slick coach talkers.

A movement afoot is for Huskie legend Jordan Lynch to take over. Lynch is coaching at Chicago Mt. Carmel, the top football program in the state.

That would be a huge jump, going right from high school to a D-I head coach job. Some of you old-timers will remember the name Gerry Faust, who went from a successful parochial coaching job (Moeller in Ohio) like Lynch, to take the head coaching position at Notre Dame in the early 1980s.

That experiment didn’t go as well as Notre Dame hoped and Faust was eventually fired after compiling a 30-26 record. And back then, college football was much easier to navigate than it is now with NIL, transfer portals and conference realignments.

The Winter Olympics have come and gone. Watching them always gives me hope for a true brotherhood among all nations. Additionally, in my travels around Central America and South America last week, I had the chance to see so many good-hearted people, who I would enjoy being neighbors with.

tion. Even the 2A state duals can be weak.

One IHSA tourney that you have to be on your A-game to win is in bowling, like Sterling’s Sarah Doughty did. One of her 3-game series was an 800 on Fri-

day, which is No. 1 all-time for the girls. Overall, she averaged 230 for 12 games, winning quite handily.

Perhaps the most difficult IHSA honor to pull off is making the All-Academic team, of which 26 boy and girl

My hope is that we in the U.S. don’t become too exclusive in who can be here and who can’t. And, it could be a selfish motive on my part, as I want more hard-working, law-abiding, family-oriented people to keep our country going.

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

Ottawa erupts on senior night, takes down Rochelle in regular-season finale

The Pirates deliver a season-high 74 points in Cooper’s final home game

By BILL FRESKOS bfreskos@shawmedia.com

In longtime Ottawa head coach Mark Cooper’s final game at Kingman Gym, the Pirates scored a season-high 74 points in a memorable regular-season finale win over Rochelle on Friday night.

With senior night also serving as the backdrop, Ottawa delivered one of it’s most complete offensive performances of the season in front of a packed Kingman Gym with a 74-65 victory.

All five seniors, Colt Bryson, Hezekiah Joachim, Dom Parks, Owen Sanders and Lucas Farabaugh, were in the starting lineup.

Sanders set the tone immediately for how the game would play out, throwing down a fast-break dunk on Ottawa’s first possession.

“We definitely knew that we had to come to play tonight, not only for us, but for coach Coop, as well,” Sanders said. “So we knew that we really had to bring our ‘A game’ and come out with energy.”

Despite being challenged on the glass

early and allowing Rochelle multiple second chance opportunities, Ottawa shot its way into control of the game by connecting on multiple 3s to offset its struggles in the paint.

Coming out of halftime down 33-32, Ottawa took complete control in the second half, going on multiple runs that pushed the Pirates’ lead into double digits in the third quarter, and never looked back.

Rochelle head coach Tim Thompson said his team may have run out of gas in the second half following a tough 84-83 loss to Byron the previous night.

“We played a really competitive game against Byron last night,” Thompson said. “I could see us getting a little leg weary out there tonight, and Ottawa is always a tough place to play.”

Still, Thompson made sure to give credit to Ottawa for its offensive performance.

“I thought Ottawa played a really good game offensively, and we just didn’t make a whole lot of shots,” he said. “It was frustrating for the kids, and I think they gassed out at the end. But you have to hand it to Ottawa, they played good basketball and found a way to win.”

Thompson, who has known Cooper for 27 years, and knowing this would be his last game against him, also praised his longtime counterpart after the game.

“Mark Cooper’s a great guy, a good friend of mine,” he said. “Just a good human being, a great basketball coach. I’ve loved all my time with Mark. I’ll miss coaching against him, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Over 22 years coaching the Pirates, Cooper finished with 356 wins, two regional championships and was named IBCA Coach of the Year twice.

Although he recognized this being his last game at Kingman, Cooper wanted to make the night about his seniors.

“Tonight was really about our five seniors,” Cooper said. “This was obviously my last regular-season game here as head coach, but first and foremost we’re honoring five seniors that do things the right way on the floor and off the floor. So I was very happy for them that we were able to end things on a high note.”

Ottawa athletic director Jon Leslie called the night a fitting sendoff.

“Mark Cooper embodies everything that Kingman Gym and this school is all about,” Leslie said. “He’s been a mainstay here for over 20 years. He’s a man of character and integrity and he really gets the most out of every team that he’s coached. You saw that this year, and you

saw that tonight.”

Although before the game it was business as usual, some emotions surfaced in the locker room after the win.

“Coop really wanted to make tonight about our seniors,” Sanders said. “He told us we’ve been great role models for the program and that he was proud of us. He turned the focus right back to us seniors. That’s what a good coach does.”

Reflecting on his many games at Kingman, Cooper said Ottawa’s basketball program and community has done more for him than he’s done for it.

“It’s been a professional honor of a lifetime to serve as the head coach here for 22 years,” he said. “It’s not something I’ve ever taken for granted. This program has truly done more for me than I ever could have done for it. It has changed my life with relationships, and I’ll be forever grateful.”

And while the Pirates had plenty to celebrate Friday night, they know their work isn’t finished as they’ll play Streator on Wednesday to open regional play.

“We just wanted to play well on senior night and get a win to springboard us into the postseason,” Cooper said. “We did that and now we’re looking ahead to next week.”

Rochelle will turn its focus to the postseason, as well, playing its regional game against Rockford East on Wednesday night.

SPORTS

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1964: Muhammand Ali wins his first world heavyweight title defeating Sonny Liston. 1977: New Orleans’ Pete Maravich sets NBA record for a guard scoring 68 points in a game.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Oregon’s Benny Olalde shoots a three-pointer as Forreston’s Mickey Probst tries to block it on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Blackhawk Center in Oregon. Columnist Andy Colbert writes there is no clear-cut favorite in the upcoming Class 2A boys basketball regionals.

BUZZ OF ACTIVITY

Columnist Andy Colbert is back and takes a look at the busy sports scene / 38