RNL_072025_Rochelle News Leader

The Rochelle Hub football team kicked o its padded camp at RTHS. Page

RACF celebrates 20

years Ribbon cutting ceremony held July 16

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

ROCHELLE — On Wednesday, July 16, a ribbon cutting was held for the Rochelle Area Community Foundation at its 350 May Mart Drive location to celebrate the nonprofit’s 20-year anniversary.

RACF offers an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to leave a legacy for future generations and is a public, charitable organization designed to attract gifts that will be shared with Rochelle-area nonprofit organizations for the benefit of the community. It supports the areas of

On Wednesday, July 16, a ribbon cutting was held for the Rochelle Area Community Foundation at its 350 May Mart Drive location to celebrate the nonpro t’s 20-year anniversary.

Chana, Creston, Esmond, Kings, Lindenwood, Rochelle and Steward.

Over its 20 years, RACF has awarded nearly $1.4

Wednesday, July 9,

Fellows retires after 28 years

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

million in grants to local nonprofits, schools and community organizations.

See RACF page 2

OREGON — On Wednesday, July 9, a retirement party and tribute were held for longtime Pegasus Special Riders Board President Donna Fellows. She recently retired after 28 years of service.

Fellows founded the current iteration of Pegasus Special Riders, after Pegasus Special Equestrians of Northwestern Illinois had existed in previous years before it ceased operations and was revived under a new name.

See FELLOWS pg 6

Public comments heard on solar siting, steer tailing Special use permit for cremation unit on Twombly Road approved Tuesday

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

OREGON — At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Ogle County Board heard public comments from residents against solar farm siting in the county, and steer tailing at rodeos that take place just south of Rochelle that have drawn criticism.

Sam Miller of Stillman Valley said he’s been against a solar development near his home for the past seven years and talked about the impact of solar developments on the property values of nearby homes.

“The closer the solar development is to the house,

the more it impacts value,” Miller said. “In June, Virginia Tech came out with a study and their results were that homes within a half mile of a solar installation saw a 7.2 percent decrease in value. Then they found if the solar field could be seen from the home, it was a 7.9 percent decrease. It’s a lot of money.”

The board has considered a number of special use permits for solar facilities in recent years. At its June meeting, the board denied a special use permit for a solar facility in Mt. Morris Township by a vote of 17-4 with residents citing the property’s value as farmland.

Back in December, the

board narrowly approved a special use permit for a solar project between Forreston and Polo after previously denying that project due to it being on productive farmland. That petitioner changed its siting to less productive farmland and filed a lawsuit against Ogle County for the denial, stemming from a recent new state law that set statewide standards for wind and solar farm siting and took away previous local controls such as at the county level.

Tuesday also saw public comments against solar siting from Tom Smith of White Rock Township.

“Right over in Byron we have two nuclear units

making all kinds of green energy,” Smith said. “We don’t need anything else.

We don’t need any solar anywhere in Ogle County. We need to keep that ground from being covered up and we need to keep it producing. We have more than enough revenue to make this county work great without solar.”

Steer tailing

The board heard public comments from two Ogle County residents against alleged animal abuse that takes place at rodeos at 16989 E. Ritchie Road, a property in Ogle County south of Rochelle. The board has heard comments against

the rodeos at many recent meetings.

Steer tailing is the specific event at the rodeos that has drawn concerns from an animal activist group and county residents. Steer tailing is where a rider on horseback chases down a running steer, bull, or calf and grabs onto the animal’s tail; the rider then wraps the tail around his leg, slamming the animal to the ground.

On June 26, Ogle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson released a letter addressing claims of the county permitting animal cruelty.

See COUNTY BOARD page 6

LOCAL NEWS

No injuries, truck a total loss after Tuesday afternoon fire on Irene Avenue

RFD Captain Prewett: Cause of fire suspected to be mechanical, $10,000 in estimated loss

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

ROCHELLE — There were no injuries and a truck was a total loss after a Tuesday afternoon vehicle fire on Irene Avenue, Rochelle Fire Department Captain Zach Prewett said.

At 3:09 p.m. RFD was called for the report of smoke coming from an engine department of a truck parked at an apartment complex at 362 Irene Ave. RFD arrived on scene to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the front end of a 2003 Ford F-150. The fire had also spread to a bush in front of the nearby apartment building.

“The truck was about

From page 1

Major projects have included the RACF Disaster Preparedness Fund to help those impacted by the 2015 EF4 tornado that hit the rural Rochelle area, and a COVID-19 Relief Fund to help locals impacted by the 2020 pandemic.

The ribbon cutting event was led by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle. Speakers at the event included Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera, Mayor John Bearrows, Rochelle City Manager and RACF Board President Jeff Fiegenschuh and RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya.

“Twenty years is amazing as a nonprofit,” Herrera said. “It started out as a small idea of Leonard Carmichael and the Carmichael family, and it turned into what it is today. We want to thank RACF and its current and past board members and directors and

eight feet from the building,” Prewett said. “We made contact with the tenant of the closest apartment and evacuated them and it turned out to be the truck’s owner. The fire did not spread to the building and the building suffered no damage. Crews of Engine 3 and Ambulance 20 pulled lines from fire hydrants and extinguished the fire. We left the scene at 3:44 p.m.”

Prewett said the cause of the fire is suspected to be mechanical in nature due to it starting in the engine compartment. The owner said he had driven it an hour before the fire started. The truck was a total loss with the value estimated at $10,000.

all the people who have shown commitment to our community. The biggest thing you do is make positive changes and a positive impact on our community. We can’t celebrate that enough. Thank you to everyone who has ever donated to RACF or had an idea or put philanthropy to work in our community.”

Bearrows spoke about a personal connection he has to RACF: He and his wife recently established their own fund at RACF to benefit area children and education in honor of his late niece: The Denise Halsey Moore Memorial endowment fund.

“This is a quality-of-life issue far beyond all of us,” Bearrows said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s like being a farmer, like Mr. Carmichael was. You plant the seed, and it grows and it’s such a natural thing. I’m thankful RACF is here. It’s one of those things we can hang our hat on as a community. This

RFD firefighters take every precaution possible when fighting a vehicle fire due to potential dangers including fuel sources, tires overpressuring and releasing, and air bags and bumper safety features that can fail at high temperatures.

“Firefighters always wear full protective equipment when fighting vehicle fires and we start far back with the water stream to protect ourselves,” Prewett said. “With it being that close to the building, our top priorities were evacuating any nearby residents and protecting the building. The Rochelle Police Department assisted with the response and we’re very appreciative of their help.”

place is an amazing icon for Rochelle.”

Fiegenschuh has served on the RACF board for six years and said he’s seen the community-wide nonprofit meet its mission of serving as a trusted resource connecting generosity to real, meaningful community needs.

The city manager thanked RACF’s donors and partners for their support and said the foundation’s success over 20 years is a direct reflection of the people who live, work and give in the Rochelle area.

“We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the positive changes we’ve helped to foster across the Rochelle area,” Fiegenschuh said. “As we celebrate 20 years, we also look ahead with energy and optimism to the next 20 years of service, growth and impact. RACF belongs to this community and is here to protect, strengthen and invest in the future of Rochelle for

generations to come.”

Anaya’s speech closed the event, and she thanked all the current and former board members of the nonprofit along with RACF Executive Assistant Stephanie Messer.

“It’s been a privilege to witness firsthand the generosity, collaboration and pas-

sion that make Rochelle such a special place,” Anaya said.

“Our mission is simple, but powerful: To improve lives right here in Rochelle and in our surrounding communities through philanthropy, leadership and partnerships.

Today isn’t about looking back over the past 20 years, it’s about looking ahead to the future. The work we’re doing now is laying the foundation for the next 20 years and beyond. Thanks for allowing me to be part of this journey and thanks to the community for its support. We’re excited to see where we go.”

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

Calvary Lighthouse Church, Assemblies of God, Senior Pastor, Dr. James Horvath. 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle. Sunday Morning: Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:00 A.M., Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. – Adult Teaching, Missionettes & Royal Rangers Childrens Classes, Nursery available for all services. HE-Brews Cafe is open before and after services. For further information, please call the CLC office at 815-562-7701, or email us at staff@ calvarylighthouse.com

Rochelle Church of Christ, Keeping Christ at the center in the Hub City. We meet Sundays at 9:00am for Bible Study and 10:00am for worship. We also have a Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00pm. 206 Erickson Rd, Rochelle, IL 61068. You can call us at (815) 562-6572 or visit us on the web at rochellechurch.com. We also have a radio program Sundays just after 8am on WRHL 1060AM. Minister Dominic Venuso.

Creston United Methodist Church and Steward United Methodist ChurchRev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook.comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc

Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815562-6811. 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 Missouri Synod 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Church Phone 3934500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m.

Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815-561-6249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are NonDenominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug Bunger - Missions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment..

New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www. NHFchurch.net Pastor: Dan Sergeant and Pastor Nick Tornabene. (Classes for children through age fifth grade during service.)

Rochelle United Methodist Church welcomes everyone to their worship service, 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 on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:30. Our youth program includes service projects, discussion topics, 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, working with animals at Barn on Baseline, Mystery trips (Destination Unknown!), and Interactive experiences on Dating boundaries, refugees, and homelessness. Youth group is for grades 6-12 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 815-3843720, 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 Fermin Garcia; Deacon George Schramm; 244 Kelley Dr. (Corner of Kelley & Caron Rd.), PO Box 329, Rochelle, IL 61068. Office Hours: 9:00 AM- 4PM Monday-Thursday, Phone: 815-562-2370. Mass times: 8:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Saturday Vigil Mass 5:00 PM English, 7PM Spanish, Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM in English and 11:00 AM in Spanish. Confessions: Monday 8:30AM & 6:30PM, Tuesday 8:30AM, Saturday 8:30am & 4:00-4:45 PM Or by appointment. Religious Education: Deacon George Schramm, Director of Religious Education. 903 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068, 815-561-0079; Website: stpatricksrochelle.com Email: stpatrick-rochelle@rockforddiocese.org Facebook.com/StPatrickRochelle

St. Paul Lutheran Church “Building Relationships in Christ, Now and Forever!” 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.

LOCAL NEWS

99th Birthday Card Shower for Myrtle Hitchins

PERU — Myrtle Hitchins of Peru, formerly of rural Mendota, will be celebrating her 99th birthday on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Myrtle Harriett Setchell was born July 30, 1926, in Mendota to her parents, Clifford and Ethel Setchell.

Myrtle married Joseph Wayne Hitchins of Mendota on April 2, 1949. They raised four children, Nancy Luke of Hoopeston; Stanley (Leslie) Hitchins of Bloomington; Joseph (Debbie) Hitchins of Eureka; and Gary (Cathy) Hitchins of Peru. Myrtle has 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. It would be fabulous for any friend or relative

On July 9 at 7:21 a.m.

Richard K. Mack, 33, of Dixon was cited for speeding 73 in a 45 miles per hour zone. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 9 at 8:18 a.m.

Anallely Torres-Gonzales, 43, of DeKalb was cited for speeding 51 in a 30 miles per hour zone. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 5 at 11:43 a.m. Sergio Alvarado-Mendoza, 40, of Rochelle was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and no proof of registration. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 10 at 9:02 a.m. Angel B. Vazquez, 20, of Rochelle was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 12 at 7:29 p.m.

Ivana M. Arroyo-Morales, 22, of Rochelle was arrested for no valid driver’s license and cited for no

Myrtle Hitchins of Peru, formerly of rural Mendota, will be celebrating her 99th birthday on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

in the area to choose to share a birthday greeting with our mom, grandma, and great-grandma Myrtle Hitchins. Thank you.

valid registration and no insurance. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 12 at 10:56 p.m.

Solana M. Contreras, 30, of Rochelle was arrested for driving under the influence and cited for disobeying a stop sign. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 13 at 1:22 a.m.

Anita E. Chavez, 34, of Rochelle was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 12 at 8:14 p.m.

Patricia A. Ross, 64, of Rochelle was cited for improper turn at intersection. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 12 at 4:29 p.m.

Robert A. Doncaster, 62, of Rockford was cited for speeding 53 in a 30 miles per hour zone. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 14 at 12:32 a.m.

IL 61068. Periodical postage paid at Rochelle, IL 61068. Postmaster send address changes to the Rochelle News-Leader, P.O. Box 46, Rochelle, IL 61068. Subscription rates are $139.99 per year by mail in Ogle County.

Her postal mailing address is: Myrtle Hitchins; Manor Court #105; 3230 Becker Drive; Peru, IL 61354-1419

Ronald L. Carlson, 53, of Rockford was arrested for driving under the influence times two and child endangerment. He signed a promise to comply and was given a July 30 Ogle County court date.

On July 14 at 1:30 a.m. James C. Vangellow, 30, of Rochelle was arrested for domestic battery and transferred.

On July 12 at 5:16 p.m. Luis Rubio Matos, 32, of Rockford was cited for speeding 67 in a 40 miles per hour zone. He signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 12 at 7:47 a.m. Kellie E. Fuss, 56, of DeKalb was cited for speeding 65 on a 40 miles per hour zone. She signed a promise to comply and was given an Aug. 8 Rochelle court date.

On July 14 at 9:46 p.m. Anjolie E. Hall, 19, of Rochelle was arrested on an Ogle County warrant and transferred.

All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Obituaries

Virgil B. Swope

MANASSAS, V.A.

— — Virgil B. Swope, age 89, passed away on July 17, 2025 in

Manassas, VA. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Unger Horner Funeral

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

OREGON — On July 6 at approximately 10:58 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Illinois Route 26 and West Illinois Route 72. After an investigation, Deputies placed Terry Breeze, 61, of Baileyville, under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Breeze was additionally cited for improper lane usage. Breeze was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was issued a notice to appear with a return court date.

On July 7 at approximately 12:03 a.m. deputies responded to a citizen complaint in the 8,000 block of North Hedge Road. After an investigation Jackson Bartelt, 19, of Byron, was placed under arrest for illegal consumption of alcohol. Bartelt was released on a notice to appear bond. Deputies were assisted by Byron Fire/EMS and Byron Police.

On July 8 at approximately 9:41 a.m. deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident near the intersection of East Flagg Road and South Sweeney Road. After a brief investigation, deputies determined that a Ford E350, driven by Kathryn E. Regnier, 37, of Elgin, drove off the roadway while traveling eastbound on East Flagg Road. The Ford then rotated sideways, went up the side of a field entrance, became airborne, and landed, causing it to overturn twice before coming to rest upright on its wheels. Regnier was treated by Ashton EMS on scene and transported to Rochelle Community Hospital for

suspected minor injuries. Deputies were assisted by Ashton EMS. No citations were issued.

On July 8 at around 10:29 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of East Illinois 38 and Koch Road in rural Rochelle. After a brief investigation, Piyaphon Hardamon, 39, of Rochelle, was arrested for no valid license. Hardamon was also cited for no registration light. Hardamon was released on a notice to appear with a future court date.

On July 10 at approximately 6:56 p.m. deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Illinois Route 64 and Rock Road. After further investigation Kevin Clark, 31, of Rockford, was placed under arrest for driving while license suspended and an outstanding Rockford PD warrant. Clark was also cited for expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no front license plate. Clark was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was detained on the Rockford PD warrant. Clark was released on a notice to appear bond on all Ogle County charges.

Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. Guest book at www.UngerHorner. com

On July 11 at approximately 8:10 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 9,000 block of West Illinois Route 64. After an investigation, Michael C. Smith, 25, of Rockford, was placed under arrest for operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Smith was also cited for speeding. Smith was released on a notice to appear and provided a future court date.

On July 11 at 7:21p.m. deputies responded to the 10,000 block of East Illinois Route 72 for a single-vehicle accident. After an investigation, deputies determined that a black Lincoln was traveling westbound on East Illinois Route 72, when the driver, Richard A. Whitney, 79, of Byron, entered the eastbound lane before losing control and entering the south ditch. Whitney was cited for failure to reduce speed/too fast for conditions and improper lane usage. Deputies were assisted by the Stillman Valley Fire Department.

On July 12 at approximately 4:09 p.m. deputies responded to the 17,000 block of East Illinois Route 72 in Monroe Center for a two-vehicle accident. After an investigation, deputies determined that a red Hyundai, driven by Amanda Irene Lee Smith, 32, of Oregon was driving eastbound. Smith made a left turn and crossed the westbound lane in front of a black Ford F150, driven by Trenton J. Thomasson, 22, of Davis Junction, who was driving westbound. The black Ford struck the red Hyundai. Smith was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper left turn/on-coming traffic. Smith was also arrested on an Ogle County failure to appear warrant. Smith was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where she was detained on the Ogle County warrant. All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

rochellenews-leader.com

LOCAL VIEWS

Letter to the Editor: Response to Larson letter

DEAR editor, We are writing in response to the June 26 letter released by Ogle County Board Chairman Bruce Larson and published by the Ogle County Life and Rochelle News-Leader (“Ogle County releases letter addressing claims of permitting animal cruelty”). As concerned residents, we feel compelled to correct misinformation, present the facts, and help government leaders and community members better understand the troubling reality of animal abuse taking place in our county—abuse that continues with no accountability.

Special use permits and ongoing abuse

The Chairman’s letter claims that the Rochelle property at 16989 E. Ritchie Road holds a permanent special use permit that “cannot be removed… without due process.” Yet for the last four years, residents and advocacy groups have submitted overwhelming documentation of animal abuse at this site to the Ogle County Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Animal Control, and the County Board. Despite this, the county has failed to take meaningful action.

Permanent special use permits create serious risks by eliminating regular review or compliance checks. Without accountability, the county opens itself up to recurring violations, including: Repeated animal cruelty; uninspected animal transport across state lines; illegal building construc-

tion; and safety, noise, and traffic disruptions.

We urge the County Board to reconsider its policy and implement a structured, renewable permit process. In particular, we ask the Board to strengthen the language in all special use permits for animal events to explicitly state that violations of the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70), the Illinois Equine Infectious Anemia Act (510 ILCS 65), or any local animal welfare ordinance may result in immediate permit revocation.

Misrepresentation of community concern

The chairman’s letter misleadingly states that Ogle County reached out to the Illinois Department of Agriculture in response to “outside entities making claims of animal abuse.” This falsely implies that only outsiders are raising concerns. In truth, many Ogle County residents have contacted officials, spoken at public meetings, and submitted letters demanding an end to animal abuse at these events. Their voices deserve acknowledgment.

The Chairman’s letter also states “steer tailing” is not specifically illegal under Illinois law. That is not accurate. The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act protects all living creatures (except man), domestic or wild, from cruelty:

Cruel treatment (Sec. 3.01): Prohibits tormenting, beating, starving, overworking, cruelly treating, or otherwise abusing

animals.

Aggravated cruelty (Sec. 3.02): Prohibits intentionally causing serious injury or death to a companion animal (including equines).

Animal torture (Sec. 3.03): Prohibits intentional infliction of extreme pain and prolonged suffering or agony of an animal.

The intent of steer tailing—where animals are chased, violently grabbed by their tails, slammed to the ground, whipped, and often suffer broken limbs, degloving, or death—is inherently abusive and falls squarely under these provisions. Horses used in these events have also sustained broken legs, spines, and other injuries. Failing to act on these violations is not a matter of legal gray area; it is a matter of will.

tioned, unlicensed, and misrepresented as cultural celebrations. In truth, they violate both Mexican and American rodeo standards. The Federación Mexicana de Charrería, the governing body of traditional Mexican rodeos in the United States and Mexico, enforces strict animal welfare rules. Licensed rodeos/charreadas do not involve illegal steer tailing as practiced in Rochelle. What’s happening here is not part of Mexican cultural heritage—it is abuse masquerading as tradition.

The Illinois AG Civil Rights Letter has been challenged

Misuse of an outdated legal opinion

The Chairman’s reliance on a November 2023 letter from the Illinois Attorney General’s (AG) Civil Rights Bureau is flawed. That letter was issued to Boone County, not Ogle County. Public records reveal no evidence that Ogle County officials have contacted the AG’s office to discuss the realities of steer tailing in Rochelle. Rather than informing the AG of the violent and unlawful nature of these events, the county has chosen to hide behind an outdated and misapplied document.

The events taking place in Rochelle are unsanc-

A December 2023 legal response from a California law firm has called for the retraction of the AG’s letter, citing its “ill-informed” claims and the absence of racial discrimination in the enforcement of animal cruelty laws. We urge the County Board, State’s Attorney, and Sheriff’s Office to review that letter and consider its implications.

Misunderstanding the role of the department of agriculture

The Chairman’s letter cites the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s claim that “it is difficult to regulate rodeos,” but the Department’s own website states that it does not license or enforce rodeo-related activity. Enforcement falls to the Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney for Ogle County.

The Department makes

How to contact government officials KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL LEADERS

U.S. Con. Darin LaHood 1424 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-6201

IL Sen. Li Arellano Jr. Stratton Office Bldg Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1942

IL Rep. Bradley Fritts Stratton Office Bldg Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-0535

Have a letter you want to submit to us? Send it to (news@rochellenews-leader.com

Rochelle City Council

*John Bearrows jbearrows@rochelleil.us

Kathryn Shaw-Dickey kshaw-dickey@rochelleil.us

Bil Hayes bhayes@rochelleil.us

Rosaelia Arteaga rarteaga@rochelleil.us

Dan McDermott dmcdermott@rochelleil.us

Tom McDermott tmcdermott@rochelleil.us

Benjamin Valdivieso bvaldivieso@rochelleil.us

Rochelle Elementary School Board

*Steve Builta sbuilta@d231.rochelle.net

Ashley Jackson ajackson@d231.rochelle.net

Stephanie White swhite@d231.rochelle.net

Javier Zepeda jzepeda@d231.rochelle.net

Jennifer Thompson jthompson@d231.rochelle.net

Evan Tracy etracy@d231.rochelle.net

Stacey Dunphy sdunphy@d231.rochelle.net

Rochelle Township High School Board

*Jeff Tilton jeff.tilton@rthsd212.org

Bobby Chadwick bobby.chadwick@rthsd212.org

Brent Ohlinger brent.ohlinger@rthsd212.org

Laurie Pillen laurie.pillen@rthsd212.org

Joel Thompson joel.thompson@rthsd212.org

Trisha Vaughn trisha.vaughn@rthsd212.org

Janet Kacvinsky janet.kacvinsky@rthsd212.org

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

The Rochelle News-Leader encourages responsible letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our readers. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity or libel, but ideas will not be altered. All letters must bear the handwritten signature of the writer and include address and phone number or e-mail address for verification purposes. Neither the street address nor phone number will be printed. Letters should be typed or legibly

clear that: All animals must receive humane care and treatment; downed animals may not be sent to or used in events; adequate shelter, veterinary care, and water are mandatory; The Act applies to livestock and companion animals alike; and violations are criminal offenses, not regulatory issues.

Steers and horses are transported from Iowa to Illinois for the events in Rochelle and are subject to inspection and health certification requirements under Illinois law. That too is a legal concern that must be addressed by the county.

Misdirected criticism of concerned citizens

The Chairman’s letter states “Perhaps those people wanting Ogle County to do something… should channel their efforts” by lobbying state legislators or submitting witness slips for SB0045 (Ban Dragging Bovine by Tail). This is misleading.

Steer tailing is already prosecutable under existing Illinois law.

There is no active committee hearing for SB0045 at this time, so citizens cannot submit a witness slip.

Local residents have already contacted their state and county officials. We are not sitting idle—we are asking Ogle County to do its job.

Suggesting that only “outside” animal rights activists care about this issue is dismissive and inaccurate. Many Ogle County residents have voiced strong opposition to animal cruelty

* Denotes Chairman/President

Flagg-Rochelle Park Board

Brent Carmichael bcarmichael@rochelleparkdistrict.org

John Dobbs jdobbs@rochelleparkdistrict.org

Dale Wells dwells@rochelleparkdistrict.org

*Tim Hayden thayden@rochelleparkdistrict.org

Jodie Hart jhart@rochelleparkdistrict.org

Joe Lenkaitis jlenkaitis@rochelleparkdistrict.org

Ogle County Board Dist. 3

Austin Gillis agillis@oglecounty.org

Dan Miller dmiller@oglecounty.org

Joseph Simms jsimms@oglecounty.org

Ogle County Board Dist. 4

Jackie Ramsey jramsey@oglecounty.org

Skip Kenney skenney@oglecounty.org

David Williams dwilliams@oglecounty.org

Creston Village Board

*Tom Byro tommyb_47@yahoo.com

Greg Hopkins ghopkins522@comcast.net

Justin Hibshman jhibshman20@gmail.com

Mike Kerns ac.kerns@comcast.net

Curt Ward caward92@comcast.net

Mark Hibshman mark@headons2go.com

Reid Elliot oneluckydog7@gmail.com

Jennifer Payton creston.clerk09@gmail.com

handwritten, and no anonymous letters will be published. Any letters from boards or organizations must include at least one name of an individual. Any criticism of public officials should be limited to issues related strictly to their position or actions made in office, as personal attacks will not be published. Letters involving private disputes between the writer and a business will not be published. Political endorsements will be published,

and have asked county officials to work together to put an end to this abuse.

Action speaks louder than words

The chairman’s letter claims “Ogle County does not condone animal cruelty.” Unfortunately, the county’s inaction tells a different story. By refusing to enforce the law, ignoring community concerns, and relying on outdated and irrelevant legal interpretations, Ogle County is enabling ongoing abuse.

Granting permanent permits, failing to investigate ongoing animal abuse, and disregarding veterinary and interstate transport requirements is not passive oversight—it is willful neglect.

We urge our elected leaders to re-examine this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Uphold the laws already on the books. Listen to the residents they serve. Protect the animals who cannot speak for themselves.

We stand ready to meet with Chairman Larson and other county board members to discuss this matter further, share evidence, and work collaboratively to end animal abuse in Ogle County.

Kelleigh Miller, Oregon

Melodee Hoffman, Mt. Morris

Andrew Miller, Oregon And 13 other concerned residents of Ogle County who preferred to remain anonymous

Hillcrest Village Board

*Richard Rhoads rrhoads@hillcrestil.us

Pam Pittman ppittman@hillcrestil.us

Dan Potter dpotter@hillcrestil.us

Tim Ball tball@hillcrestil.us

Jose Huerta jhuerta@hillcrestil.us

Eileen Braski ebraski@hillcrestil.us

Patricia Garcia pgarcia@hillcrestil.us

Flagg Township

Sue Messer supervisor@flaggtownship.org

Joanna Patrick clerk@flaggtownship.org

Rachel Berry assessor@flaggtownship.org

Scott Seebach commissioner@flaggtownship.org

Board of Trustees

Lance Noggle noggle62@gmail.com

Eric Gruben egruben@comcast.net

Susan Hager susanhager303@comcast.net

Jim Kenney jimk@rocketsupply.com

Flagg-Rochelle Library

*Teresa Haggestad haggestads@comcast.net

Lanning Nicoloff nicoloff118@comcast.net

Sheri Klindera alwayslefty2@gmail.com

Susan Sevedge nit1prl22@yahoo.com

Darci Waltrip doobs12@comcast.net

Jaqueline Dickow dickow@comcast.net

Faten Abdallah abdallahawad@gmail.com

however letters from candidates endorsing themselves will not be printed. Letters may be dropped at the News-Leader office (211 IL Route 38 East), mailed to the News-Leader (P.O. Box 46, Rochelle, IL 61068) or e-mailed (news@rochellenews-leader.com.)

The News-Leader reserves the right to edit or reject any letter to the editor for any reason, and letters chosen for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.

From page 1

The nonprofit, located at 6668 S. Carthage Road near Oregon, has been operating since 1997. It’s a therapeutic riding program for children and adults with special needs. Volunteers perform all of the required duties, such as working with the riders, caring for the horses and facilities, raising funds and providing the necessary administrative support.

“I knew about horses and I had always been a volunteer somewhere,” Fellows said. “My dad had Polio and I had been exposed to all of the things that Pegasus does. We just made the best of it, from rented barns to giving lessons. Then we had an opportunity to buy this land. Everything you see on this land is from donations. We do better with grants now. It was a good 28 years. I’m ready to hang up

my hat. I stayed involved for so long because I love it. My husband and I spend winters in Florida and we’ll be there more now. This place is my first love.”

The Pegasus Special Riders facility was filled on July 9 with current and former volunteers and board members, users of PSR services, and Fellows’ friends and family members.

Fellows said she’s enjoyed seeing PSR grow and change over 28 years. She was up to the challenge of managing the finances of the nonprofit, which only saw revenues of small fees charged to clients. Pegasus had to keep up with obligations like feed and hay and saw the support of the community and volunteers to continue providing service.

“Seeing the people that supported this place was wonderful,” Fellows said. “The community is great to us. We had farmers that

would donate hay to us. It was very rewarding to see everybody pitch in any way they could. We have a couple volunteers here today that were our original volunteers here. That’s always nice, to see people coming back.”

Fellows’ biggest challenge in her 28 years was damage to the PSR facilities from two separate windstorms in 2022. The first storm severely damaged the main arena building and the second storm damaged the facility’s loafing shed and storage building. The nonprofit’s offerings were halted and limited by the damage and COVID-19 pandemic for multiple years.

In 2023, PSR held a grand reopening event and officially began offering its services again after a year of work by its board and volunteers.

“Volunteers are our life’s blood,” Fellows said.

“Because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this. And they keep coming back. Because I think they get as much out of it as the kids and young adults do. It’s very rewarding.”

Over 28 years, Fellows has seen fi rsthand the positive impacts that equine therapy has had on Pegasus’ clients from around the area.

“It felt good to know that you helped provide an activity that was rewarding for the clients,” Fellows said. “I liked seeing the interaction with the horses. Our horses are very in tune to what the child or young adult needs. The community coming out and supporting us was great. I often said we were the best-kept secret in Ogle County. A lot of people don’t know about this place and what it’s all about.”

Fellows believes the

area is lucky to have PSR, so local residents in need don’t have to travel to Rockford or further for equine therapy. But she believes Pegasus is also lucky to be where it is, because of the volunteer support it sees. Fellows’ replacement will be longtime area resident Stacy Seaworth.

“I’m very happy to have Stacy step into the board president role,” Fellows said. “She will do great. I’m glad to see all of these people from over the years come back here today. They mean a lot to me and they mean a lot to the program. It’s been great.”

COUNTY BOARD: Special use permit approved during Tuesday evening meeting

From page 1

The letter stated the property has a permanent special use permit, which would require evidence to prove its conditions were violated and hearings before it can be revoked.

Larson also stated the county contacted the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Bureau ofAnimal Health and was advised they would not be getting involved due to rodeos being “very difficult to regulate.”

Larson also wrote that steer tailing is not specifi-

cally illegal under Illinois law and the Illinois Attorney General Civil Rights Bureau cautioned against acting against Mexican Rodeos due to potential unlawful discrimination.

Kelleigh Miller of Oregon responded to Larson’s letter Tuesday in the public commentary portion of the meeting.

“Our hope is that moving forward the county and its residents can work together to end animal abuse and ensure that the laws meant to protect animals are upheld,” Miller said. “Plenty of evidence

of illegal activity has been provided and this has been going on for four years. To our knowledge, no action has been taken. The county is essentially condoning animal cruelty through inaction.”

ShowingAnimalsRespect and Kindness (SHARK), an animal activist group, has asked the board in the past to revoke the special use permit for the venue to host events and has asked the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office to charge and prosecute those committing what they believe to be animal abuse at the Mexican-style rodeos.

In May the Ogle County Board tabled a resolution in potential support of State Senate Bill 0045, which

seeks to ban steer tailing. The resolution was tabled due to a desire to get feedback from the state’s attorney and look into the venue’s special use permit.

“Most rodeo events are regular cowboy jobs,” Melodee Hoffman of Mt. Morris said during public commentary. “Steer tailing is not a cowboy job. It is just cruelty for the sake of entertainment. It feels like the county from the top down is turning a blind eye to this.”

Special use

The board approved a special use permit for the installation and operation of a cremation unit in an existing building at the Trinity Memory Gardens cemetery at 14712 E. Twombly Road

in Flagg Township and near Hillcrest. The board voted 22-1 in favor of the permit.

The special use permit was requested by Andrew Beverage of Beverage Family Funeral Homes, which has locations in Rochelle, Sandwich and Ashton. All property owners abutting the property were notified by mailing notice and the Ogle County Zoning Board of Appeals conducted a public hearing on June 26. No members of the public spoke in opposition or support of the special use petition.

payment of the Ogle County engineer’s salary. The county participates in a state County Engineer’s Salary Reimbursement Program.

With the resolution, the county authorized the Department of Transportation to transfer $77,086 of Federal Surface Transportation Program funds allocated to the DOT in return for an equal amount of state funds.

Fees

Salary

The board unanimously approved a resolution appropriating $154,172 in motor fuel tax funds for the

The board unanimously approved an ordinance increasing certain fees in the Ogle County Clerk’s Office. The new fee schedule includes marriage or civil union applications costing $60 total, certified copies of birth and marriage or civil union costing $26 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy purchased at the same time, certified death records costing $32 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy purchased at the same time, $110 for processing tax redemptions including issuing tax sale certificates and sealing certificates of redemption, and $20 for indexing and filing certificates of business assumed names. The increased fees will be effective Aug. 1, 2025. The fees had not been increased since around 2011.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE)

Former Rochelle Township High School student-athlete Brock Metzger played in 34 games during his freshman season at Kishwaukee College. Metzger hit two home runs and recorded hits in six of his last seven games for the Kougars.

Metzger works around the diamond during freshman season at Kishwaukee College

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

ORMER RTHS student-athlete Brock

Metzger stepped up and filled several different roles during his freshman season with the Kishwaukee College baseball team. Metzger, who played third base while also spending time on the pitcher’s mound, behind the plate and as the designated hitter, launched two home runs and recorded his in six of the final seven games of his season.

An All-Interstate 8 baseball player during his senior year at RTHS, Metzger appeared in 34 games for the Kougars in 2025, posting a .232/.325/.406 slash line with 13 runs and nine RBIs. The former Hub standout, who went 5 for 15 (.333) over his last seven games of the season, said advice from his assistant coach, Jeff Marcley, led to successful adjustments at the plate.

“We focused a lot on building bonds with each other and it was a great team to be around,” Metzger said. “I started catching and DHing a lot more at the end of the season and that’s when my bat really started to get going. I was happy to end the year how I did because I can carry that over to next year. Coach Marcley knows a lot about baseball and I enjoy listening to him talk about hitting. I started staying tighter with my hands and being more patient at the plate.”

Metzger smacked eight extra-base hits over 85 plate appearances during his freshman season. On the mound, Metzger made eight appearances and logged 10 innings while strik-

ing out 10 batters. Metzger, who finished the season with only five errors on defense, said his goals for next season include becoming the full-time starting third baseman. Metzger played third base for most of the season before taking more reps at catcher and designated hitter late in the year.

“I enjoy the competition and the competition is really fun,” Metzger said. “I really want to get better at fielding because I want to be the third baseman for our team. I want to strengthen my arm and I think we’re going to be really good at pitching… I think we’ll have a really good lineup next year. My goals are to hit over .300 and to double my number of steals. Those will come with consistency and my focus will be to come in everyday with my goals in my head.”

One of two RTHS alums (Aidan Rodriguez) currently playing for the Kishwaukee College team, Metzger helped lead the Kougars to 15 wins during the 2025 season, nearly double the number of wins from the 2024 season. Metzger, who’s currently studying to become a teacher, said his team goals for next spring include winning more games and advancing to the postseason.

“I think we’ll be a team to watch next year and our goal should be to make it to the regional,” Metzger said. “I want us to keep advancing in wins and I think we could be a 25-win team next year. As a team, I thought we improved a lot this year… My class was our coach’s first recruiting class and we really bought into the system. We stepped up and our connection was better.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church Ice Cream Social and Talent Show is July 20

CRESTON — St.

John’s Lutheran Church, East South Street in Creston, will host its annual

ice cream social with sandwiches, homemade pies, any ice cream items, and a talent show Sunday,

July 20

July 20.

The social runs from 5-6 p.m. with the talent show beginning at 6 p.m. You’re

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Courtney South

Corey Lawrence

Zack Lawrence

Aaron Doering

July 21

Gavin Arnold

July 22

Kayla Peterman

John & Deb Wooten (anniversary)

Alexie Smith

July 23

Elmer Lopez

July 24

Paige Komadina

Juliana Kann

Jackson Kann

July 26

Jim Friestad

invited for a great Sunday night of entertainment. Any questions call 815384-5325.

July 27

Brian & Kelly Smith (anniversary)

Pastor Angelo & Debbie Bonacquisti (anniversary)

July 28

Marisa McGuire

July 30

Spencer Kulwicki

July 11 - Patty Rudolph, Dixon, $25

July 12 - Judy Williams, Creston, $25

July 13 - Katie Paulsen, Ashton, $50

July 14 - Breynn Baiocco, Rochelle, $25

July 15 - From the Heart, $25

July 16 - Jessica Morris, Rochelle, $25

July 17 - Diana May, Byron, $25

July 18 - Bianca Hueramo, Rochelle, $25

July 19 - LeeAnn Henry, Rochelle, $25

July 20 - Noah Norris, Rochelle, $50

Coffee Break

Classified FREE!

Petition of the City of Rochelle for a plat of annexation and zoning to A-Airport.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given that on June 30, 2025 a certificate was filed in 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:

Unger-Horner

Monument

400 N 6th St Rochelle, IL 61068

Dated June 30, 2025

Laura J. Cook, Ogle County Clerk No. 0708

(July 13, 20 and 27, 2025)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT OGLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) )

DONALD E. COMBS, Deceased. )

NO. 2025PR43

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of DONALD E. COMBS, of Rochelle, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on July 7, 2025, to SCOTT COMBS, whose address is 442 Lynnwood Drive, Anchorage, AK 99518, 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 Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, IL 61061, or with the representative, or both, no later than January 11, 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 SCOTT COMBS, Administrator of the Estate of DONALD E. COMBS, deceased No. 0717

(July 13, 20 and 27 2025)

NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

(Plat of Annexation and Amend Zoning Map)

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to all persons in the City of Rochelle, Ogle County, Illinois, that a public hearing will be held by the Rochelle City Council on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rochelle City Hall Council Chambers, 420 North 6th Street relative to the following:

The subject property is currently outside the city limits and is owned by the City of Rochelle.

The subject property is located at 13800 Gurler Road, parcel number 24-35-400-008 and has a legal description of:

Part of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 35, Township 40 North, Range 1 East, of the Third Principal Meridian, bounded and described as follows:

Beginning at the Southwest Corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 35; Thence North 01 degrees 49 minutes 31 seconds East, along the West ling of the Southeast Quarter of said Southeast Quarter, 568.02 feet; Thence North 71 degrees 11 minutes 03 seconds East, 367.77 feet; Thence South 0 degrees 49 minutes 31 seconds West, 689.57 feet, to the South Line of said Section 35; Thence North 89 degrees 31 minutes 00 seconds West along said South Line, 346.38 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 5.00 Acres, more or less subject to that land being used for public road purposes, all situated in the Township of Flagg, the County of Ogle, and the State of Illinois.

The petition is on file and available for examination in the office of the Community Development Director, 420 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois during normal business hours.

All persons interested are invited to attend said hearing and be heard. Anyone interested in participating in public commentary remotely should contact Rose Hueramo a rhueramo@rochelleil. us 815-562-6161 to make arrangements.

John Bearrows, Mayor No. 0719 (July 20, 2025) NOTICE City of Rochelle, Illinois

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Sale of Surplus City-Owned Property 1414 Pickwick Drive, Rochelle, IL 61068

Issue Date: July 15, 2025

Proposal Due Date: August 1, 2025

1. Introduction

The City of Rochelle is seeking sealed proposals for the purchase of City-owned surplus real estate located at 1414 Pickwick Drive, Rochelle, Illinois. The property is approximately 0.29 acres (+/) and was previously

used by the City of Rochelle/RMU as a stepdown transformer site.

The City is interested in selling the property to an individual or entity that will maintain compliance with local zoning regulations and existing utility infrastructure.

2. Property Description

Address: 1414 Pickwick Drive, Rochelle, IL 61068

Parcel Size: Approximately 0.29 acres

Zoning: R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Current Use: Vacant (former transformer site)

Legal Description:

Part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 14, Township 40 North, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 63 of Sunset Fields Subdivision No. 5 according to the plat thereof recorded on August 31st, 1988 in Plat File A, page 78 as Document No. 557556; thence North, along the West line of said Sunset Fields Subdivision No. 5, a distance of 97.00 feet; thence South 89° 50’ 30” West, 130.00 feet; thence South 97.00 feet; thence North 89° 50’ 30” East, 130.00 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 0.29 acres more or less.

Situated in Flagg Township, Ogle County, Illinois.

Subject to the lien of taxes for the years 1988, 1989 and subsequent years. Subject to roads, highways, easements, and restrictions of record.

3. Use Restrictions

• Property is subject to R-1 zoning requirements and must be used in accordance with applicable zoning laws.

• No excavation is permitted due to buried utility infrastructure

• The City makes no representations as to the condition or suitability of the property for any specific purpose.

• The buyer is responsible for performing their own due diligence, including environmental and utility assessments.

4. Submission Requirements Proposals must include the following:

1. Offer Price – The proposed purchase price for the property.

2. Intended Use – Description of proposed use that complies with R-1 zoning.

3. Proof of Funds –Documentation verifying financial ability to complete the purchase.

4. Acknowledgment of Restrictions – Written statement acknowledging the zoning and excavation restrictions.

5. Timeline for Purchase – Proposed timeline for contract execution and closing.

5. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

• Compliance with RFP requirements

• Proposed purchase price

• Intended use consistent with zoning and public interest

• Ability to close in a timely manner

• Financial qualifications of the proposer

6. Terms and Conditions

• The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

• The City may request additional information or clarification from proposers.

• Sale is subject to City Council approval.

• The property will be sold “as-is, where-is” with no warranties or guarantees.

7. Submission Deadline and Contact Proposals must be submitted no later than [August 1, 2025 at 4pm]

Send sealed proposals to: City of Rochelle Attn: City Manager’s Office

420 N. 6th Street Rochelle, IL 61068 RE: Proposal – 1414 Pickwick Drive Property For questions or site visits, contact: Jeffrey Fiegenschuh, City Manager City of Rochelle Phone: (815) 561-2000 Email: jfiegenschuh@ rochelleil.us No. 0722 (July 20, 2025) NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS COMMUNITY SPLASH PAD VILLAGE OF ASHTON LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

General Notice

Bids for the construction of Community Splash Pad will be received at Village Hall located at 810 Main St, PO Box 186, Ashton, Illinois 61006 until 1:30 pm, local time, on Aug 6, 2025. At that time, the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The work generally includes water service, storm drain, concrete walks, concrete pad, and installation of splash pad equipment including features, piping, mechanical, electrical and controls. The BIDDING DOCUMENTS may be examined at the offices of MSA Professional Services, Inc., Bettendorf, Iowa and the Vil-

lage Of Ashton, Illinois. Planholders list will be updated interactively at www.msa-ps.com. Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www.Quest cdn.com Bidding Documents are available for download from Quest CDN at www.Quest cdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for $25 by inputting Quest eBidDoc #9752049 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN at 952233-1632 or contact by email at info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with the digital project information. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with Quest CDN as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through Quest CDN. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than Quest CDN. Instructions to Bidders.

No proposal will be accepted unless accompanied by a certified check or bid bond equal to at least 5% of the amount bid, payable to the Owner as a guarantee that, if the bid is accepted, the bidder will execute and file the proper contract and bond within 15 days after the award of the contract. The certified check or bid bond will be returned to the bidder as soon as the contract is signed, and if after 15 days the bidder shall fail to do so, the certified check or bid bond shall be forfeited to the Owner as liquidated damages.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

The project is being financed, in part, with fund from the Illinois Depart of Natural Resources “Open Space Land Acquisition & Development” (OSLAD) grant program.

The Contractor shall

comply with the requirements of 820 ILCS 130/1-12 inclusive with reference to “Prevailing Wages”. The Contractor shall pay or cause to be paid not less than the “Prevailing Wages” as found by the Owner or Department of Labor or as determined by the Court on Review to all laborers, workers and mechanics. Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. Published by the authority of the Village of Ashton, Illinois.

Project #11559006 00 11 13-1 © 2025 MSA Professional Services, Inc. CONSULTING ENGINEER: MSA Professional Services 2117 State St #200 Bettendorf, Iowa 52722 Jake Deaver, P.E. (563) 584-2887 No. 0724 (July 20, 2025)

Reach an engaged and affluent local audience when you promote your business here. This is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to local shopping, dining, events and more, making it a highly effective place for your

Ogle County Housing Authority will be closing the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list to new applications on August 12, 2025, at 8:00 am CST. Applications for this program will not be accepted after this time.

Classified FREE!

by phone can’t ask you to pay for credit before you get it. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-FTCHELP. A public service message from your hometown newspaper and the Federal Trade Commission.

facility that is licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may publish advertisements of the services for which it is specifically licensed or issued a permit. Your Hometown Newspaper strongly urges any parent or guardian to verify the validity of the license of any facility before placing a child in its care.

“This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.”

NO INDIVIDUAL, unless licensed or holding a permit as a childcare facility, may cause to be published any advertisement soliciting a child care service. A childcare

BUNDLED Newspaper -$3 per Bundle.

Available MondayThursday 815-5624171 (9AM-3PM) Rochelle News Leader.

SPLIT Firewood For Sale. Contact 779-2510254

FOR SALE. 21.5”W

33”H 36” D Freezer $100. 4 Drawer Filing Cabinet $20. (2) 2x2

advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such
preferences, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

RTHS Football

Competition heats up as Hubs kick off padded camp

Rochelle to hold combined practices with Woodstock and Sterling this month

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

ROCHELLE — Competition at the Rochelle Township High School football fields is heating up as the Rochelle Hub football program kicked off its three weeks of padded camp on Monday. The annual camp marks the final push toward the end of summer and the start of fall practices.

Rochelle’s padded camp runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. for both varsity and freshsoph players who will take the field for the Hubs this coming season. The Hubs, who wore helmets and shoulder pads for the first two days of camp this week, will head to Sterling for 7 on 7s Thursday before returning to RTHS for combined practices with Woodstock and Sterling on July 22 and 29.

“We need to be better tomorrow than we were today and that’s a big talking point for our program,” head coach Kyle Kissack said. “We want to be better today than we were yesterday… Camp is about making progress and

we’ve grown significantly from the start of the summer to where we are now, but there’s still a lot of growth to accomplish and our kids understand that. They’re working their tails off and there’s a lot to learn. The kids are getting better every day.”

Unlike the team’s skills camp last month, July’s padded camp brings together skill players and linemen for 11-on-11 team drills on offense and defense.

Although Rochelle will have a handful of returning varsity players from last season, when the Hubs went 10-2 and reached the state quarterfinals in Class 5A, several newcomers and returners from last season are battling for positions on the depth chart before the team officially begins fall camp on Monday, Aug. 11.

“We tell the kids all of the time that the opportunities that are remembered are the ones they don’t take,” Kissack said. “We really try to impress on the kids that they need to make progress everyday and they need to make intentional progress at the positions they’re competing to get

on the field and play. Competition brings out the best in everybody and that’s a blessing for us.”

Junior Dylan Manning and senior Roman Villalobos highlight Rochelle’s returning running backs on an offensive unit that rushed for over 4,200 yards and 60 touchdowns while averaging almost eight yards per carry last season. Seniors Van Gerber and Gavin Neale are two players to watch for as the Hubs attempt to replace seven offensive starters. Gerber has taken significant reps at quarterback this summer, while Neale took several reps at tailback during camp this week.

“Offensively, we’re in a good rhythm right now,” Kissack said. “We’re making sure our timing on our frames is getting dialed in and our footwork in our blocking scheme is solid. We have some room for growth there… Having Roman and Dylan back is a big deal for us. They’re both elite running backs and having those guys lead and help mentor our younger guys who are trying to find their way onto the field

has been really beneficial. Van’s done a really nice job of working this summer, finding ways to get better and learning how to run and command the offense.”

Senior linebacker Brode Metzger enters his third varsity season and will look to lead a defense that held opposing teams to 18.5 points per game last season. In the trenches, Rochelle will look for

returning and incoming varsity players to carve out roles on both offense and defense after graduating multiple starters, including four offensive linemen, from the 2024 roster.

“There’s significant competition at our center, right guard, right tackle and right tight end positions,” Kissack said. “We have six or seven kids who are really trying to find their way onto

the field and the right side is where they can do that… I really like the way our back seven on defense have gelled together this summer. We have some new faces, but they’ve done a nice job of communicating and focusing on alignment, assignment and technique. On the defensive line, there are a lot of opportunities for guys to compete to get on the field this season.”

SPORTS

SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025 Rochelle Little League

Rochelle falls to Elmhurst-River Forest 14-4 during

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

BURBANK — The Rochelle Little League Junior Baseball All-Stars represented District 19 during the Illinois Little League State Championship tournament at Burbank’s Rice Park over the weekend. Rochelle went 2-2 over four games, earning victories against the South Elgin Little League and Archer Manor Little League teams to finish top-4 in the state for the 2025 season.

The team includes Declan McKinney, Gabe Bybee, Garrett Miller, Gavyn Foster, Elijah Good, Joey Chadwick, Kolton Cragin, Mateo Medina, Mikey Chadwick, Nolan Zick, Riley Smith and Tyler Sutton.

Rochelle Little League

The team is coached by Dan Sutton, Will McKinney and Mike Medina.

Rochelle received the No. 3 seed for the semifinal round, where the Junior Baseball All-Stars earned a rematch against Elmhurst-River Forest. Despite back-to-back two-run frames, the Junior All-Stars fell 14-4 to finish the tournament as state semifinalists. Nolan Zick went 2 for 3 and Elijah Good recorded two RBIs to lead the Rochelle offense, which totaled four hits.

Elmhurst-River Forest took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, scoring three runs on three singles and one error. Rochelle clawed to within one after tallying two runs in the top

of the fourth inning, where Nolan Zick smacked a oneout double and Riley Smith reached on an error in center field. Elijah Good reached on an error at short to bring home Zick and Smith.

Elmhurst-River Forest extended its lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on three triples to scratch four runs and surge ahead 7-2. Gavyn Foster delivered a big hit for the Junior All-Stars in the top of the fifth inning, belting a two-run double on a line drive to left that brought home Joey Chadwick and Gabe Bybee. Elmhurst-River Forest finished strong, however, adding five runs in the bottom of the fifth and two runs in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory.

JUNIOR ALL-STARS FINISH TOP-4 AT STATE

12U Softball All-Stars conclude state tournament

Rochelle finishes 1-3 overall after 9-5 loss agains Rushville on Tuesday evening

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

MENDOTA — The Rochelle Little League 12U Softball All-Stars represented District 19 during the Illinois Little League State Championship tournament in Mendota from July 12-15.

Rochelle went 1-3 over four games, scoring a win over the Orion 12U All-Stars in the first of two games on Saturday. Rochelle bowed out with losses against the EYB, CHLL and Rushville 12U teams.

The team includes Lilyan Erickson, Berkeley Thompson, Jaelyn Gonzales, Tinley Tabor, Annalyce Harris, Helen Miller, Molly Whiting, Madelynn McRoberts, Natalie Isley, Brynn Stinnett, Isabel Jackson and Macey Gittleson. The team is coached by James Jackson, Tim Thompson and Adam Erickson.

The 12U All-Stars bowed out of the state tournament with a 9-5

loss against Rushville Little League on Tuesday evening. Macey Gittleson pitched six innings and struck out eight batters while allowing only one walk and four hits. Helen Miller and Berkeley Thompson each collected RBIs to lead the Rochelle offense, which finished with two hits and drew 10 walks in the game.

Rochelle trailed early in the game, as Rushville tallied five runs on three hits in the top of the first inning. The 12U All-Stars got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning, where Molly Whiting and Helen Miller drew back-to-back walks before Brynn Stinnett reached on an error to bring Whiting home. Rushville tacked on two runs in the top of the fourth to go up 7-1.

Two RBI groundouts in the top of the fifth inning extended the Rushville lead to eight runs entering the bottom of the fifth inning, where Berkeley Thompson drove

and