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City updates liquor license model to accommodate new business, help nonprofits Moratorium on Class B liquor licenses remains

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

ROCHELLE — At its July 14 meeting, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to create a new Class L (recreational) liquor license, unanimously approved a license of that type for a new business, and voted unanimously to amend its current definition and fee for Class C (club) liquor licenses to include both clubs and not-for-profit organizations.

The Class L license was created due to a new local indoor golf simulator business approaching the city about the possibility of obtaining a liquor license, a type of business the city didn’t pre-

At its July 14 meeting, the Rochelle City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to create a new Class L (recreational) liquor license.

viously have a liquor license classification for.

Ordinary Golfer opened July 19 at 425 Lincoln Highway in the Lincoln Mall and once its state license is approved, will be able to

City has long-term desire for Dement Road extension south to industrial district

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

serve wine and beer to be consumed in designated areas on premises while patrons are actively engaged in the facility’s core activity.

See CITY page 2

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

WALNUT — A sixth generation Walnut, Illinois farmer recently invented and began sales of the Rezidue Reaper, the first-ever tillage attachment made for a combine corn head. Tanner Schoff of Walnut said the Rezidue Reaper is a 4.5-inch-wide blade on a spring-loaded arm that lines up with each row.

BY JEFF HELFRICH MANAGING EDITOR

MT. MORRIS — The victim of a Tuesday morning plane crash near the Mt. Morris Airport has been identified as a 23-year-old Lena man, an Ogle County Sheriff’s Office press release said Wednesday. At 9:36 a.m. the Ogle County Dispatch Center received a call of a plane crash in the area of 2810 W. Illinois Route 64 just west of the Mt. Morris Airport. A cropduster plane leaving the airport crashed and a single occupant, Alexander Leamon, 23, of Lena was located deceased inside

ROCHELLE — The City of Rochelle has a long-term desire to extend Dement Road from Creston Road south to Wiscold Drive to create a more direct route for truck traffic to its southeast industrial corridor, City Engineer Sam Tesreau, City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and Public Works Superintendent Tim Isley said July 15.

See DEMENT page 2

Lena man identified as victim of Tuesday plane crash near Mt. Morris Airport Crop duster plane crashed leaving airport

The victim of a Tuesday plane crash near the Mt. Morris Airport has been identified as a 23-year-old Lena man, a press release said Wednesday.

the plane.

The plane hit the main transmission power line on the south side of Illinois Route 64, causing “pretty

significant damage,” Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Tuesday.

See CRASH page 5

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LOCAL NEWS

DEMENT: Project would give truck traffic direct route and bypass railroad crossings

From page 1

Tesreau said the project has been discussed for nearly 20 years. It would involve “a pretty significant” drainage system with bridges or multiple box culverts and stormwater detention with the floodplain areas adjacent to the potential project, which would also include a shared-use path to provide direct access from Interstate 39 and Illinois Route 38 down Dement Road to the city’s southeast industrial area.

“It’s a long-term project, which means at least five years out before we’d be in a position to even consider construction,” Tesreau said. “There’s a lot of planning that will go into it, especially with the floodplain areas we have, significant state permitting,

and we would need a significant amount of funding to support a project like that. Right now we’re estimating it would cost about $14 million. It would be a very large project for us.”

The city recently applied for a federal $5 million appropriation grant for the future project through Congressman Darin LaHood’s office, which was supported and recommended to the appropriations committee. The appropriation was among recent federal funding cuts. The city reapplied for it again this year, but hasn’t heard back yet on the matter, Fiegenschuh said.

The Dement Road extension would also allow traffic to bypass two railroad crossings at Creston Road and Caron Road and improve safety with less truck traffic in residential areas and increased pedes-

trian access.

Fiegenschuh said the city will continue to look for alternate funding sources for the future project, including working with the state and federal governments.

Isley said he believes a Dement Road extension would be beneficial to get truck traffic out of town and off Caron Road. Wiscold Drive, which is home to many local industries, currently only has one entrance and exit.

“Whenever that project comes to fruition, it would definitely be helpful,” Isley said. “And I’m sure that industrial area will keep growing. It always seems like they’re adding more businesses. The truck traffic is definitely hard on the roads. Caron Road is not built as well as Creston Road. Creston Road is

built for it. Caron Road is not. It’s still a truck route, but not as heavy as Creston. The nice thing about truck routes is they’re built so heavy they last quite a while. When you get trucks that weigh 80,000 pounds off a road, it’s helpful to their condition.”

Caron Road and Creston Road recently saw resurfacing and work on their railroad crossings due to pavement nearing the end of its life, Tesreau said. Getting traffic away from railroad crossings adds to safety as well, he said.

Tesreau said the project will require “significant” cost and preliminary work in terms of land acquisition, permitting and environmental assessments. At least two bridges would have to be built due to floodway and floodplain issues.

Sam Tesreau said the project has been discussed for nearly 20 years. It would involve “a pretty significant” drainage system with bridges or multiple box culverts and stormwater detention with the floodplain areas adjacent to the potential project.

Fiegenschuh said trucks provide a life blood to the city’s industry and he wants to make their routes that much easier with the future project.

“We are supportive of our trucking community and we’re glad to have them and all of that business here,” Fiegenschuh said. “We want to make it easier for them and keep them off residential roads. We want to have safer routes and make sure trucks are on appropriate roads.”

REAPER: Walnut man invents tillage attachment for combine corn head

From page 1

While combining, the blade cuts the root balls in half and tills the root ball zone as harvesting takes place. The attachment transforms a harvester into a dual-purpose machine, cutting and tilling residue, enhancing soil fertility, reducing additional tillage passes and preparing fields for the next planting season — all while harvesting. Schoff said he thought of the idea about four years ago.

“I came up with it because of how we farm in our operation,” Schoff said. “We do a lot of strip tillage and no till, so we’re never really managing stalks or root balls because we’re always tilling in between the

rows. I knew there had to be a better way to manage the root balls and stalks, which just led to the concept of lining up a blade with your stalks on your corn head to be able to manage those rows of corn.”

Schoff said he began to consider sales of the product when it got to the point of being a 4.5-inch-wide blade, enough of a footprint to be able to consistently till stalks while harvesting. Rezidue Reaper units have been sold to farmers throughout the country and will be put to use in different soil conditions by different operators in 2025.

The Schoff family has been farming around the Walnut area since the mid1800s, with an all-row crop

farming operation.

“We focus on soil health and are implementing more and more regenerative farming practices,” Schoff said. “I did it to make it easier for our own farm operation and to be able to strip till better and manage that residue. It’s been a real problem in a no-till environment. [The Rezidue Reaper] helps us manage residue better on a minimal till operation.”

Inventing a tool that can help other farmers means a lot to Schoff, who said residue in fields is a problem for every farmer.

“We were able to make something that can really help people out,” Schoff said. “Truthfully, for a long time I’ve thought I could do something like this.

Ever since I was young, I’ve always liked building things and being hands on. My brother is the same way and he’s helped me with this project. I knew at some point we could do something. We just needed the idea.”

Schoff said developing the Rezidue Reaper was fun to be a part of and getting it to work reliably has been “an awesome journey.”

He’s enjoyed working on the project with his family and seeing how the product can help in today’s farming climate.

“Farming today on larger acres has to be done in a timely fashion,” Schoff said. “With not many people sticking around small towns, there’s not as many people to help out with

Tanner Schoff of Walnut said the Rezidue Reaper is a 4.5-inch-wide blade on a spring-loaded arm that lines up with each row.

things like tillage tasks. If you can add something that works with equipment you already have, it saves so much on time, fuel costs, equipment and tire wear. It helps out in a lot of ways.”

The Rezidue Reaper is compatible with 2008-and-newer John Deere corn heads. Work is ongoing to make it compatible with other corn head brands. The Schoffs are operating under the company name of Sharp Harvest, where they look to expand their product line with more innovative farming tools in the future. For more information, visit sharpharvest.com

CITY: Liquor license model updated to accomodate

From page 1

Beer may be served by the glass in quantities up to 12 ounces, and wine may be served by the glass in quantities up to six ounces.

Ordinary Golfer is owned by locals Sam Volkert, Craig Baker, and Erik Garcia, and features two state-of-the-art golf simulator bays, which each accommodate four players to make for a maximum occupancy of eight guests at a time. Bookings are limited to four hours, and the business does not operate past 10 p.m.

In recent years, the city has had a moratorium on Class B (bar) liquor licenses, which remains in effect. That moratorium was put into place to limit the number of gaming machines in the city, which Class B liquor license

holders can apply to the state for. The number of Class B liquor licenses will not be increased during the moratorium, but if a license holder surrenders its license, another business could apply for it. The council’s July 14 actions had no impact on the moratorium.

City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh credited City Director of Community Engagement Jenny Thompson, City Clerk Rose Hueramo and Mayor John Bearrows for their work on the liquor license structure changes. Thompson found the Class L liquor license ordinance that has been used by the City of Naperville.

“The mayor and I had talked about some different options for this business and the city council has always been

supportive of not just local business, but they wanted to see these folks open,” Fiegenschuh said. “We also didn’t want to lose the moratorium on Class B licenses. We all put our heads together and Jenny found this ordinance and we did some research on it and the mayor was supportive of it and we brought it to council and they were all supportive of it. Our goal was, ‘How do we make sure that we don’t go around the spirit of the ordinance that limits the potential for more gaming, but also allows a viable, popular business to open up in our downtown?’ I credit everyone who worked on this for doing a fantastic job.”

Fiegenschuh believes the new liquor license class is a prime example of government working

to find a way to “a yes” to support local businesses.

“I’ve always told the council that it’s not our job to start businesses,” Fiegenschuh said. “We can work to recruit them. But we need to create an environment that allows businesses to grow and thrive and that’s what we did in this case. We found a viable solution. One of the things our staff always talks about is, ‘Sometimes there’s a no. But we try to do whatever we can to get to yes.’ This is a perfect example. We have a moratorium on B class licenses, but we were able to ensure these folks could still open up and still provide the service that they wanted to.”

The amendments to the Class C license code were made to help support community organizations

and have inclusive access to liquor licensing. The full changes included allowing not-for-profit entities, verifying tax-exempt status, removing a previous kitchen requirement, following all other liquor licensing rules, and an annual fee charge for notfor-profit organizations of $250 per year. The current club license fee is $1,200.

Class L and Class C liquor license holders have limited hours and access by the public, which Fiegenschuh said would make the state unlikely to grant them a gaming license, unlike Class B liquor license holders.

The city manager said he believes the moratorium on Class B licenses to curb gaming in Rochelle has worked out well. The city receives inquiries from developers about

interest in opening gaming parlors in the city “quite often.”

“The mayor and city council set policy and we implement it and they’ve made it clear that they feel the market is saturated with gaming,” Fiegenschuh said. “The more gaming that comes in doesn’t necessarily expand the revenue. It just means that the piece of the pie gets smaller for everyone else. It was about supporting our current bars that have gaming and still being able to support someone that wants to start a new business in our community. As long as the moratorium is in place, we won’t have gaming parlors in the community. The council has made it clear that that’s not the aesthetic that they’re looking for Rochelle.”

2025 Ogle County 4-H Fair schedule set for July 30-Aug. 3

OREGON — The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Fair will be held in conjunction with the 172nd Ogle County Fair in Oregon. The fair is open to the public from July 30Aug. 3. Visit the 4-H Fair to see local 4-H club members in action with their animals and experience the wide array of displays and presentations they have created for showcase in the exhibit building.

4-H competitions and special events are set as follows:

Wednesday, July 30: Noon-3 p.m. Beef, Dairy Cattle, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine check-in. Noon-3 p.m. Poultry Egg Class check-in. 2 p.m. Cloverbud Judging, Party, & Graduation. 4-9 p.m. Exhibit Building Open to Public. 3-6 p.m. 4-H Swine Weigh-in. 5 p.m. 4-H Poultry Showmanship judging. 5-8 p.m. 4-H Beef Weighin. 5 p.m. 4-H Bucket Calf

Clinic.

Thursday, July 31: 7:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy Goat Milk Production Milk-Out. 7:30 a.m. All 4-H Horses on Grounds. 8 a.m. 4-H Rabbit Show. 8:30 a.m. 4-H Horse Show. 9 a.m. 4-H Swine Show. 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Exhibit Building Open to Public. 1 p.m. 4-H Dairy Show. 3-4 p.m. 4-H Goat and Sheep Weigh-in. 5 p.m. 4-H Sheep Show. 4 p.m. 4-H Beef Show. 5 p.m. State Fair Orientation at Exhibit Building. 5:30-6 p.m. 4-H Bucket Calf Check-In. 6:30 p.m. 4-H Bucket Calf Judging (Will judge between Steer & Heifer Show). 7:30 p.m. 4-H Dairy Goat Milk Production Contest Milk-Out.

Friday, Aug. 1: 8:30 a.m. Llama/Alpaca check-in. 9 a.m. 4-H Goat Show (Dairy, Meat, Pygmy, Pet, Showmanship, Novelty). 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Exhibit Building Open to Public. 9:30 a.m. 4-H Llama/Alpaca Show. 2 p.m.

4-H Poultry Show.

Saturday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.9 p.m. Exhibit Building Open. 3 p.m. Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction. 7 p.m. Master Showmanship Contest.

Sunday, Aug. 3: 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. Exhibit Building Open to Public. 1 p.m. Exhibit Building and Animals Check-out (Families with last names K - Z). 3 p.m. Exhibit Building and Animals Check-out (Families with last names A - J). 5 p.m. Exhibit Building closed for project pick up.

The Ogle County Fairgrounds is located two miles west of Oregon, off Illinois Route 64 on Limekiln Road. Daily admission to the fair is $10 for individuals 5 years old and up on Wednesday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 3, and includes carnival rides. Discounted fair passes are available on the fair website at https://www. oglecountyfair.com/.

Ogle County Fair seeking volunteers

OREGON — Did you know that the Ogle County Fair is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers? It takes thousands of hours and a full year of planning to make a fair happen. They do everything from planning the fair which starts in August, booking entertainment, advertising, getting the ground ready including painting, flowers, bleachers, fencing, buildings, and maintaining the grounds

year-round. During the fair volunteers take tickets, direct parking, clean up garbage, run the office, and provide information. Then after the fair it’s time to disassemble and clean up. When you visit the fair be sure to thank all the volunteers that make this event run smoothly. If you would like to join our volunteer group, we could use your help to make the fair run smoothly. We could really use your help

with the ticket booths and parking cars. You will be working outside regardless of weather and will be on your feet most of the time. If you are interested in helping with the ticket booths, contact Bambi at 779-771-8994 or to help with parking, contact Jon at 815-978-2264. If you have other questions, contact the fair office at 815-732-6962. More information is available on the website www. oglecountyfair.com

Gati graduates from Augustana College

ROCK ISLAND — Augustana College recognized 555 students at the college’s 165th commencement ceremony on

Saturday, May 24. The commencement address was given by The Honorable Eric Sorensen, U.S. Representative, Illi-

nois District 17.

Participants included: Afi Gati from Rochelle, studied Biochemistry and Public Health.

Hanarose ‘Rosie’ Clue

ROCHELLE – Hanarose “Rosie” Clue, 93, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Liberty Village in Rochelle. Rosie was born on July 5, 1931– the first child to James Albert and Ida Marie (Koonce) Dickerson of Cairo, Illinois. She married Ira John Clue in the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa on Nov. 15, 1952. She was a devoted member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Rosie grew up in Cairo, IL with her two sisters and Lightning her horse, until the family moved north to Polo. She graduated from Polo, IL High School in 1949 and attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) for one year. Rosie managed Eileen’s Juvenile Shop in Dixon, IL. And it was on an inventory purchasing trip to Chicago that she drank her first martini. Dixon is where she met Ike at the Royal Palms Nightclub and after a storied romance – which included a duet of “Que Sera Sera” – they were married. While raising their three children, she painted and colorized black-and-white portraits for Olan Mills.

Years later, with her friend and neighbor, Marie, she started VC Catering (Vandre-Clue). They operated two cafeterias serving Del Monte Plant 109 and 110 workers for five years. Rosie was also a key part of the family businesses helping serve patrons at the Lincoln Lounge and Ike’s (the Hub Tavern) for many years. She worked at Del Monte/Silgan for ten years until she retired

to enjoy the good life with Ike in February 1995. Rosie was a proud three-term president of the Rochelle Women’s Club raising money for the arts and high school art scholarships.

The story of Rosie’s life is of love, kindness and devotion – values she learned from her parents and carried with her to the very end. Despite life’s hardships she remained the same loving, giving wife, mother and friend we’ve always known. Rosie could talk. Chatty, yes. Incredibly long goodbyes, yes. She would not tolerate silence at a table – whether with strangers (they weren’t strangers for long), family or friends. Rosie was funny – she didn’t try, she just was. Rosie was devoted – she was married to Ike for 67 years. Rosie loved her friends and family. To the very end, every phone call and every conversation ended with “I love you, I love you all”.

In addition to her mother and father, Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ike and two sisters, Charron Smith Rausa and Jennet (in infancy). Rosie is survived by three children, Leah (Bill) Vanstone of Rochelle, Ike (Diane)

Clue of Renton, Washington and Tim Clue of Chicago; six grandchildren, Jeff Vanstone, Bob Vanstone, Clint Vanstone, Ryan Clue, Sarah (Tim Proby) Clue and Bailey Clue; her sister, Dianne (Marv) Jenner of Rochelle; and great grandchildren, Adrian and Julia Proby Clue. There will be a funeral service with Pastor Dr. Katherine Thomas Paisley officiating at the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made in Rosie’s memory to the Rochelle United Methodist Church. The memorial visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Rochelle United Methodist Church, 709 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL 61068. The memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.

OBITUARIES/LOCAL NEWS

Suzanne Kay Colbert

WASHINGTON, D.C.

— With the death of Suzie Colbert, a mother lost her best friend and sunshine of her life. The world also lost a true globetrotter and beam of pizzazz.

Suzanne Kay Colbert died in a multiple-vehicle accident near the Washington D.C. area where she resided and was based as a flight attendant for United Airlines.

Suzie was born on July 30, 1964, the daughter of Joel J. and Eleanor “Bobbie” M. (Goettle) Colbert in Champaign, Illinois. Her formative years were spent in Rochelle, Illinois, and a place she always loved to return for visits with family, old friends and watch Hub football.

Growing up under “Coach Colbert”, Suzie developed an emotional attachment to football. It carried throughout her life, so much so that she arranged flights that would put her in the nexus of major NFL games. A more rabid fan of the sport would be hard to find.

Suzie was also had a fond appreciation for learning, starting as a kid at Tilton grade school. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaii, all the while living in Honolulu and working at United.

Her primary occupation was a long career as a flight attendant, but did take a 4-year voluntary furlough after 9-11 to teach English and literature to students of different nationalities.

She frequently substitute taught and had the heart of an educator.

A lighter side of her emphasis on learning came from an ambition to be on a game show.As an undergrad at NIU, she majored in general studies, reasoning that knowing a little bit about everything would help her chances to make the bright lights of television.

Besides Arlington, VA and Honolulu, HI, Suzie spent several years in Los Angeles, never making it to the big time, but embracing a venue much different than rural Ogle county. That was theme for her, as she traveled the world over and easily assimilated into its people and culture.

Once, she moved in with a family in Guatemala and learned to speak Spanish. Or, a trip to Italy would be made to learn cooking techniques. Rather than be a consumer of travel, she was a giver. Meeting new people wherever she went, Suzie desired to serve others. No matter one’s skin color, religion, age, ethnicity or education, Suzie was there for you.

As an advocate for peace and justice, she fought for social and political causes and wasn’t shy about sharing her viewpoints. The D.C. area was particularly fascinating to her and she jumped headlong into the fray, often peddling her bike to wherever the action was.

Though she lived an adventurous life, she also found joy in simple things. In contrast to the zest of being at a Super Bowl or Wimbledon

in London, Suzie could just as easily be found visiting the great churches and cathedrals of the world.

A practicing Catholic, Suzie was a follower of Jesus. As the outpouring from co-workers all over the globe testify, she lived it out in every aspect of her life, both on and off the job with them.

Suzie is survived by her mother Bobbie of Rochelle, IL; sister Jodi (Brett) Kemp of Stevensville, MT; brothersAndy Colbert of Oregon, IL; Bo (Cindy) Colbert of Trinity, NC; Tony (Catherine) Colbert of Florence MT. She was deceased by her father Joel Colbert and sister-in-law Kathy Colbert. She was a fun-filled aunt to Matt (Ceren) Kemp, Ryan Kemp and Lindsay (Kevin) Brown; Blair Colbert and Jorie (Carlton) Getz; Anthony Colbert and Mallory (David) Garten; Mia and Madi Colbert; and a great aunt to Alexandra and Liliya Getz.

Though never married, Suzie loved each as her own, leaving an indelible mark. But, that was the case with everyone she encountered.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Road closure due to repair on South Wendell Drive

ROCHELLE — City of Rochelle Public Works

Director Tim Isley has announced the road closure of the 5,400 block of South Wendell Drive beginning Wednesday, July 23 at 7 a.m. to facilitate necessary stormwater infrastructure repairs.

Weather permitting, the roadway is expected to reopen by Friday, Aug. 1. During this period, access to driveways within the construction zone may be limited.

To ensure public safety, traffic control measures, including advance warn-

ing signs, barricades, detours, and other temporary devices will be in place near the affected area.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, obey all posted signage, and follow detour routes while traveling near the work zone.

HOW TO

CONTACT

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

OREGON — On July 15 at approximately 8 a.m. deputies responded to a follow up at 4732 S. Skare Road in reference to a violation of an order of protection investigation. After the investigation, Deputies arrested Shannan Johnson, 55, of Rochelle, for violation of an order of protection. Johnson was transported to the Ogle County Jail where was held until she appeared in front of a judge.

On July 15 at approximately 12:31 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of East Illinois Route 38 and North 15th Street, Rochelle. After investigation, deputies placed Jacob O. Mohr, 28, of Malta, under arrest on two DeKalb County warrants for violation of an order of protection, no bond. Mohr was left in the custody of Dekalb County deputies.

On July 15 at approximately 2:18 p.m. deputies responded to a driving complaint near the intersection of West Sterling Road and South Freeport Road in rural Polo, where a vehicle had gotten stuck in the ditch. After an investigation, deputies placed Dallace L. Kern, 78, of Rock Falls, under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Kern was additionally cited for illegal transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor by a driver, improper lane usage, and operating an uninsured vehicle. Kern was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was issued a notice to appear with a return court date.

On July 16 at 11:19 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1,000 block of South Illinois Route 2. As a result, deputies arrested Kara L. Stickles, 32, of Rockford for driving while license revoked. Stickles was additionally issued a citation for operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended. Stickles

US

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was transported to the Ogle County Jail, and released on a notice to appear with a future court date.

On July 17 at approximately 11:07 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Illinois Route 251 and East Illinois Route 72. After investigation, deputies placed Jefferson Gomez Rodriguez, 29, of Chicago under arrest for driving while license suspended. Gomez Rodriguez was release on a notice to appear at a future court date.

On July 17 at 9:30 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop at Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Highway in Rochelle. As a result, deputies arrested Ismael Jovanni Guzman-Fonseca, 28, of Mendota on an active Ogle County failure to appear warrant. Guzman-Fonseca was transported to the Ogle County Jail.

On July 17 at approximately 10:11 a.m. deputies responded to the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and Freeport Road for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. After an investigation, it was determined that a black Ford Focus, operated by Kimberly P. Kreeger, 29, of Freeport, was traveling southbound on Freeport Road, crossing the intersection. The Ford disobeyed the stop sign and struck a grain trailer that was being pulled by a red International truck tractor. The operator of the International was uninjured. Kreeger was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Kreeger was cited for disobeying a stop sign. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Polo Fire and EMS.

accident. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Ashton EMS.

On July 17 at 5:30 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop at East Washington Street and North Jones Terrace in Oregon. As a result, deputies arrested Brandice L. Fetters, 48, of Rockford on an active Winnebago County failure to appear warrant. Fetters was also cited for expired registration, and operating unsafe equipment. Fetters was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held pending an appearance before a judge.

On July 17 at approximately 8:45 p.m. deputies arrived at a residence in the 200 block of Main Street in Leaf River, in response to a possible violation of a protection order. As a result of the investigation, deputies placed Ethan R. Rogers, 55, of Leaf River, under arrest for violation of order of protection. Rogers was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was held pending an appearance before a judge.

On July 18 at approximately 6:52 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Flagg Road and Lowden Road. After investigation, deputies placed Dario Esquivel-Arguellez, 26, of DeKalb, under arrest for no valid license. Esuivel-Arguellez was additionally issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle. Esquivel-Arguellez was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released on a notice to appear and given a future court date.

On July 18 at approximately 9 p.m. deputies responded to the 200 block of South 4th Avenue, Forreston, for the report of a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, deputies placed John H. Vaultonburg, 36, of Forreston, under arrest for domestic battery. Vaultonburg was transported to the Ogle County Jail, and held pending an appearance before a judge.

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Kelly White (815) 562-4171 kwhite@rochellenews-leader.com Call (815) 562-4171 or Visit our website at www.rochellenews-leader.com

On July 17 at approximately 3 p.m. deputies responded to the intersection of South Chana Road and East Flagg Road for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. After an investigation, it was determined that a blue Toyota Corolla, operated by Jonathan A. Goitia Crespo, 38, of Sycamore, was traveling northbound on South Chana Road, crossing the intersection. The Toyota disobeyed the stop sign and struck a black Pontiac Vibe, traveling eastbound on East Flagg Road. The driver of the Pontiac was evaluated on scene by Ashton EMS for a minor injury. Goitia Crespo was evaluated on scene by Ashton EMS and transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Goitia Crespo was cited for disregarding a stop sign and failure to reduce speed to avoid an

On July 19 at approximately 2:56 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 5,000 block of North Illinois Route 251. After investigation, deputies placed Misael Ocampo-Nolasco, 48, of Rochelle, under arrest for driving while license revoked. Ocampo-Nolasco was also cited for no insurance. Ocampo-Nolasco was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was released on a notice to appear at a future court date.

All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.

CRASH: 23-year-old

From page 1

The plane had just filled with chemicals and was flying to a field nearby.

VanVickle said the plane was completely engulfed in flames when first responders arrived on scene and area law enforcement and fire departments saw access issues due to downed power lines. Sheriff’s Office vehicles were able to cut a safe path to the plane fire for fire crews to extinguish it. The road was closed while infrastructure was repaired. There were no injuries to

CHURCH DIRECTORY LOCAL NEWS

man passes away after incident near Mt. Morris Airport

first responders during the incident. The Oregon and Mt. Morris Fire Protection Districts responded to the fire along with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the sheriff’s office, which helped with traffic control.

The FAA and the NTSB have been contacted to respond to the plane crash and the NTSB will investigate it. VanVickle said the NTSB was scheduled to arrive on scene Wednesday. The plane remained on scene with security until investigators arrived.

The power lines that were hit and disabled feed the City of Oregon, including the Ogle County Courthouse, Judicial Center, the Sheriff’s Office and its telecommunications center. Power to those entities was only lost for a short time due to backup access, VanVickle said.

“Any plane crash is out of the ordinary because we don’t deal with them much,” VanVickle said Tuesday. “When we saw the plane and the fire and its condition we knew it was unlikely for someone to survive it if they were inside and we made

The FAA and the NTSB have been contacted to respond to the plane crash and the NTSB will investigate it. The plane remained on scene with security until investigators arrived.

sure no one was outside the plane. Then it became about making sure first responders were safe and investigating the situation and what happened.”

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

Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815-562-6811. Email goelimchurch@gmail.com Website www.goelimchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 Rev. Marv Jacobs

Faith Lutheran Church – (14206 E. Flagg Rd.) – “Making Christ Known Through Lives of Faith.” In-person worship is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or online at “Faith Lutheran Social” on YouTube. Worship resources are also available on our Facebook page - ‘Faith Lutheran Church ELCA.’ You may also e-mail Pastor Joy Alsop at Pastor@faithlcrochelle. org for more information. All are welcome to join us!

First 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 393-4500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m.

Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815-5616249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are Non-Denominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug Bunger - Missions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers 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 815-384-3720, 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 MondayThursday, 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!” 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 10:1511:15 a.m. Call 562-6323 for more information about the school.

LOCAL VIEWS

City Manager Fiegenschuh: Rochelle is grateful to Chris Cardott

RECOGNIZING staff is essential to building a positive and productive workplace culture. When employees feel valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s mission. Recognition fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the behaviors and achievements that drive success. It also improves morale, reduces turnover, and encourages continuous improvement. Whether through public praise, awards, or simple thank-you notes, acknowledging the efforts of team members helps create a culture of respect and appreciation. In organizations like ours, where public service and teamwork are critical, recognizing

staff isn’t just kind, it’s strategic and vital to longterm success.

After 22 years of service to the City of Rochelle, it is both an honor and a privilege to thank and recognize Finance Director Chris Cardott for her unwavering commitment to our community and organization. Chris has been more than a dedicated public servant, she has been a true steward of fiscal responsibility, a trusted leader, and a constant example of professionalism.

Under Chris’ leadership, the City of Rochelle achieved remarkable financial milestones that will benefit the community for decades to come. One of the most significant accomplishments during her tenure was the increase

in the city’s Standard & Poor’s bond rating from A+ to AA-. This is a testament not only to Chris’ strong fiscal oversight, but also to her long-term strategic vision and her ability to build trust with external financial institutions and stakeholders. Higher bond ratings mean lower borrowing costs, which directly benefit our residents.

Jeff Fiegenschuh

Chris and her team led the city to earn the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for an impressive 11 consecutive years. This national recognition reflects the high standards

the city sets for transparency, accuracy, and thoroughness in our financial reporting. Additionally, she helped the city receive the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for six straight years, earning it the initial year we applied. This award underscores our commitment to clarity, accountability, and aligning the city’s resources with its strategic priorities. Beyond accolades and ratings, Chris has been instrumental in shaping the finance department into a high-performing team. She hired and mentored several staff members who have gone on to make major contributions to the city, ensuring

continuity, innovation, and a legacy of excellence. Her leadership cultivated a culture of integrity and forward-thinking that permeates the department.

Chris worked closely with staff and our elected officials to make meaningful progress in strengthening the city’s financial foundation. Through careful planning and thoughtful investment, she helped increase pension funding levels, rebuild the general fund reserves, and grow utility reserve balances. These are critical achievements that will safeguard the city’s long-term sustainability and service delivery capacity.

It is impossible to measure the full impact of Chris’ work in just numbers and awards. Her

calm demeanor, professionalism, and dedication to doing what is right for Rochelle have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, staff, our mayor and city council, and the community at large.

As she enters retirement later this year, I offer my deepest thanks and best wishes for her service to our community. Chris, your legacy will live on in the financial stability, staff strength, and institutional trust you helped build. You truly uphold the Athenian Oath; you are leaving our organization better than you found it, and for that, I am grateful.

Jeffrey A. Fiegenschuh, ICMA-CM, MPA, is the city manager of the City of Rochelle.

Lowell Harp: Vladimir Putin’s March of Folly

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin might profit from reading Barbara Tuchman’s book, “The March of Folly.” It was published in 1984, well before Mr. Putin’s time in office, but that last word—folly—is well suited to his invasion of Ukraine.

Ms. Tuchman’s book is about leaders who clung to failing policies, why they did so, and the price they paid. She devoted large sections to Britain’s war with America during the Revolution, and America’s war in Vietnam. Each is a case study in delusion, arrogance, and dogged persistence in fruitless strategies, as is true of Russia in Ukraine today.

Britain’s and America’s descents into folly began with faulty assumptions about what they were fighting for. British leaders in-

sisted that their government had the right, the responsibility, and the necessity to tax the colonies. Leading American politicians held to the so-called domino theory, the conviction that a Communist victory in Vietnam would lead step by step to world-wide Communist domination.

Britain and America entered these conflicts with a sense of superiority toward the people they encountered in those far-off lands, and underestimated their enemies’ military capabilities. Their failure to appreciate their opponents’ willingness to absorb heavy losses and keep fighting was an even more costly miscalculation. Britain and the U.S. found themselves, as a result, entangled in “forever wars” with enemies who simply refused to give up against superior military power.

Russia began its war in Ukraine under its own set of faulty assumptions, one of them being that an independent and pro-Western Ukraine on Russia’s border threatened its national security. President Putin also insists that Russians and Ukrainians are one people, and that Ukraine rightfully should be a part of Russia. He and his government expected that the Ukrainian people, their “little brothers,” as they put it, would welcome the Russian army with open arms, instead of the hostility it encountered instead.

The misconceptions that the British, the Americans—and now the Russians—harbored at the beginnings of their wars were compounded by failure to understand what they were up against—an opponent that believed it was fighting for its very survival and

How to contact government officials KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH

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

who therefore had more at stake than they did. Military superiority isn’t enough for victory in such a situation. The failure of America’s intensive “Rolling Thunder” bombing campaign against North Vietnam demonstrated that reality, as Ms. Tuchman explained.

A government-sponsored survey, conducted in 1966, found that the bombing had no effect on North Vietnam’s economy, military capabilities, or willingness to fight. A similar study at the end of World War II came to the same conclusion regarding Allied bombing of Germany. In each case, the enemy absorbed the casualties, repaired the damage, and kept on fighting.

These attacks on economic and civilian targets, said Ms. Tuchman, “tended to strengthen the fabric, increase popular

determination and stimulate protective devices and capacity for repair.” Russia’s intensive bombardment of Ukraine likewise appears to be failing to convince it and its people to give up, and is instead hardening their resolve to fight on.

Ukrainian forces on the battlefront have meanwhile imposed extreme costs on the Russians for the meager gains they’ve made so far in their current campaign— less than 1% of Ukrainian territory according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It reported at its website on June 3 that Russian casualties in the war would soon reach 1 million, that deaths in the past three years are 15 times those from its 10-year war in Afghanistan, and that its equipment losses are two to five times more than Ukraine’s. Fortune magazine reported on June

22 that the Russian economy is showing the strain of paying for the war, with Russian authorities warning of a coming economic recession.

The war is now one of attrition, a contest to see who’ll be the first to decide that it’s no longer worth the sacrifices, and give up. This is what happened when the British finally let go of its colonies, and when the United States retreated from Vietnam. It’s a likely outcome for Russia as well, according to the CSIS—but only if Ukraine continues to receive vital support from the United States.

Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. His column runs monthly in The Ogle County Life. For previous articles, you can follow him on Facebook at http:// fb.me/lowellharp.

* 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

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

Petersons win Chamber Lawn of the Week

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce recently presented its Lawn of the Week award for the week of July 18 to Gary and Michele Peterson. They received a sign and a $25 Rochelle ACE Hardware gift card, presented by Rochelle Ace Hardware Manager Jesse Lopez.

The chamber has partnered with Rochelle Ace Hardware to award gift cards to the winners.

The 2025 Lawn of the Week program has begun for the summer and will run through September. Nominate a neighbor/ yard each week by submitting a name and address by emailing rochellechamber@gmail.com

“We are proud to recognize our residents that display community pride in Rochelle,” Chamber Executive Director Tricia

The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce recently presented its Lawn of the Week award for the week of July 18 to Gary and Michele Peterson.

Herrera said. “We love that this program gives us the chance to showcase the hard work and dedication they put in to making our city look great.”

Coffee Break

July 18 - Bianca Hueramo, Rochelle, $25

July 19 - LeeAnn Henry, Rochelle, $25

July 20 - Noah Norris, Rochelle, $50

July 21 - Adam Lanning, Rochelle, $25

July 22 - Shining Star - Dixon, $25

July 23 - Donald C. Burke, Rochelle, $25

July 24 - Sharon Nordman, Leaf River, $25

July 25 - Shannon Underwood, Rochelle, $25

July 26 - Kayte Hamel, Sycamore, $25

July 27 - Jon Coughlin, St. Charles, $50

How to reduce your risk of being in an auto accident

Da car or truck is part of daily life for most people. Commutes to work or school, leisure trips or time spent behind the wheel as part of a profession compel people to drive each and every day. Although most trips to the office or the store are uneventful, the risk that something may go awry is present any time a person gets behind the wheel, and drivers need to plan accordingly.

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis says there were approximately 16,200 automotive accidents per day in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for data. This number has steadily risen over the last decade and may be attributable to a number of factors, including increased vehicle usage. Diamond and Diamond Lawyers in Canada says approximately four Canadians die and 175 are injured in impairment-related crashes every day. Though accidents occur every day, drivers can take steps to reduce their risk of being involved in one.

Stick to the speed limit

Speed limits are posted on roadways for a reason. Exceeding speed limits significantly increases the risk of getting into an accident, and many accidents are directly related to speeding. Slowing down can make roadways safer.

Eliminate distractions

Smartphones, GPS de-

vices, passengers, pets in the car, or anything that causes a person to take his or her eyes off of the road, even for mere seconds, can increase the risk of being in an auto accident. Accident Care and Treatment Center, Inc. says distracted driving is the primary cause of car accidents each year. Smartphones are a modern distraction, and keeping phones turned off and out of reach can keep drivers safer.

Change your perception

It is important to think of a car or truck as what it truly is: 3,000 pounds or more of fast-moving metal that can cause a lot of damage. Those who do not drive responsibly, or feel they are invincible behind the wheel, could be on a crash course for an auto accident. Treating a vehicle with respect is a must.

Leave a space cushion

Tailgating and aggressive driving maneuvers that do not leave an adequate distance between vehicles can compound the problem of accidents. Travelers insurance company urges drivers to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of them, and longer for those driving heavier vehicles. The timing also should be extended when weather conditions are bad. A significant cushion enables drivers to stop safely or maneuver around to avoid an accident.

Improve visibility

A cracked or dirty windshield or dim headlights can diminish visibility. Being able to see and be seen when on the road is a major contributor to accident risk reduction. Brush up on skills

Newly minted licensed drivers and older drivers may need a driving skills refresher course. Oftentimes learning how to avoid accidents comes down to experience and defensive driving techniques. Those who feel they may need a little extra practice can enroll in a course. An additional upside is that such a course

also can help reduce insurance premiums.

Know your limitations

Geico notes the risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. Although it may not be possible to avoid nighttime driving entirely, limiting it, particularly for those who have challenges seeing at night or in dim conditions, can help reduce accident risk. The same can be said for staying off of roads in inclement weather.

Don’t drive impaired

Driving while under the influence of drugs (both

illegal and prescription), alcohol and/or other substances greatly increases accident risk.

Various strategies can help drivers reduce their risk of being involved in auto accidents.

11U BASEBALL ALL-STARS COMPETE AT STATE

Rochelle scores one win during state tournament in South Holland, Lansing

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

LANSING — Rochelle

Little League’s 11U Baseball All-Stars concluded the Illinois Little League State Championship tournament in South Holland and Lansing on Tuesday, falling against Clear Ridge to finish with a 1-3 record over four games. Rochelle bounced back from backto-back losses on Saturday, defeating Moline 16-8 on Sunday for the team’s lone win of the tournament.

The team includes Ayden Harris, Noah Carter, Griffin Rutledge, Michael Vaughn, Tanner Dixon, Max Harley, Cody Cox, Paul Olszewski, Greyson Dettman, Chase Olsen, Quade Dickey and Rowen Villalobos. The team is coached by Rob Olszewski, John Cox and

John Vaughn.

Game 1

Rochelle’s state tournament opened with a 13-3 loss against Jackie Robinson West Little League on Saturday afternoon. Tanner Dixon went 2 for 2 with two singles and one RBI, while Griffin Rutledge went 1 for 2 with two RBIs for the Rochelle offense, which finished with six hits.

Rochelle held a 2-0 lead after the top of the first, where Tanner Dixon and Griffin Rutledge each ripped RBI singles to spark the 11U All-Stars at the plate. Jackie Robinson West earned one run back in the bottom of the first inning before tying the game on a passed ball in the bottom of the second inning. A fielder’s choice grounder enabled Rochelle

to go up 3-2 in the top of the third.

Jackie Robinson West broke the game open in the bottom of the third inning, tallying six runs on four hits including a pair of RBI singles and a two-run double. A trio of run scoring hits allowed Jackie Robinson West to tack on five more runs and seal the win in the bottom of the fourth.

Game 2

Rochelle returned to action with a 19-0 loss against Western Springs Little League on Saturday. Michael Vaughn went 1 for 1 with one single for the 11U All-Stars, who were held to one hit in the loss. Vaughn pitched two and two-thirds innings and struck out three batters on the mound.

See 11U page 3

Rochelle Hubs travel for 7 on 7 scrimmages at Sterling High School on July 17

The Rochelle Hub football team hit the road for a series of 7 on 7 scrimmages at Sterling High School on Thursday, July 17. Rochelle’s varsity players squared off with Sterling, East Moline United and Mt. Zion in a trio of scrimmages that saw all four teams split reps on offense and defense throughout the three-hour session. Above, senior

in a catch,

runs a route and

Rochelle Little League holds annual Minor League Baseball All-Star Game at Bill Wilkinson Field

Rochelle Little League celebrated the conclusion of the 2025 Minor League Baseball season with its annual All-Star Game at Tilton

Bill Wilkinson Field this past month. Players from all six Minor League teams (Shane Huber State Farm, Hayden Real Estate, Jeff Perry Autos, Tess, Arnquist &

Photography

and Prescott Brothers Ford) were represented during the yearly event, which saw over 20 players take the field for an evening of baseball fun.

11U: Rochelle All-Stars finish 1-3 at state baseball tournament

From page 1

Moline

Rochelle recovered from its two losses on Saturday, exploding for nine runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to clinch a 16-8 victory against Moline. Michael Vaughn went 3 for 3 with two runs, while Max Harley went 2 for 3 with one double and two RBIs for the Rochelle offense, which compiled 13 hits in the win. Chase Olsen went 2 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs.

Cody Cox pitched three and two-thirds innings and struck out five bat-

Youth Swimming

ters, while Tanner Dixon threw the remaining two and one-third innings and struck out two batters to help Rochelle seal its win.

Chase Olsen’s two-run, inside-the-park home run capped off a three-run bottom of the second for the 11U All-Stars, who saw Paul Olszewski bash an RBI triple to drive home Quade Dickey and help the team take a 3-0 lead.

Moline earned two runs back in the top of the third.

Rochelle lost its lead in the top of the fourth inning, where Moline scratched four runs on two singles and three walks to

surge ahead 6-3. The 11U All-Stars responded in the bottom of the fourth, however, rallying for four runs to retake the lead in the game. Michael Vaughn slapped a lead-off single and scored on a passed ball before Max Harley drilled an RBI single to right. Harley scored on a passed ball and back-toback singles loaded the bases for Ayden Harris, who drew a hit-by-pitch to bring home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fourth. The seesaw affair continued into the fifth inning, where Moline tacked on two runs in the top half

to earn an 8-7 lead before Rochelle erupted for nine runs in the bottom half.

Griffin Rutledge (walk), Michael Vaughn (single) and Cody Cox (walk) all scored on passed balls after reaching base.

Leading 10-8 with no outs, Rochelle widened the gap after Max Harley pounded an RBI double to left field and Chase Olsen drew a bases-loaded walk two batters later. Quade Dickey, Paul Olszewski and Olsen all scored on wild pitches, making the score 15-8 before Noah Carter touched home on a passed ball for the 16th

and final Rochelle run of the game.

Clear Ridge

Rochelle’s state tournament run ended with an 15-3 loss against Clear Ridge on Tuesday evening. Cody Cox went 2 for 2 with two singles, while Ayden Harris went 2 for 2 with two singles and two RBIs to lead the Rochelle offense, which compiled seven hits in the loss. Greyson Dettman reached base twice, going 1 for 1 with a single, a walk and an RBI.

Clear Ridge took a commanding 8-0 lead after eight runs on six hits in the bottom

of the first inning. Rochelle earned one run back in the top of the second inning, where Ayden Harris shot an RBI single into right field that scored Paul Olszewski, who doubled earlier in the frame.

Clear Ridge tacked on one run in the bottom of the second inning before tallying six runs on three hits and five walks in the bottom of the third inning. The 11U All-Stars finished on a positive note, scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning, where Ayden Harris and Greyson Dettman ripped back-to-back RBI singles.

Rochelle athletes help lead DCST at YMCA Long Course State Championships

Five local swimmers bring home honors from three-day competition in Saint John, Indiana SAINT JOHN, Ind.

— Five swimmers from Rochelle represented the DeKalb County Swim Team (DCST) at the 2025 YMCA Long Course State Championship, held July 18–20 in Saint John, Indiana. Each athlete qualified in multiple individual events, and three contributed to high-performing relay teams, competing against the top YMCA swimmers from around Illinois.

Clara Lofthouse delivered an amazing performance, competing in six individual events and two relays. She placed in the top 10 in all her events and claimed an individual State Champion title in the Girls 12 & Under 200 Individual Medley, finishing with a 2:55.60 in finals. Clara also helped earn a Relay State Champion title in the Girls 12 & Under 200 Freestyle Relay.

Sydney Burke swam six individual events and four relays. She swam hard in the Girls 14 & Under 200 Freestyle Relay, helping the team earn a second place finish with a final time of 2:03.86. Sydney also competed in the Girls 14 & Under 200 Medley Relay (backstroke), which finished third, and earned strong individual results and placed in the top ten in all her events.

Josie Slattengren competed in six individual events and two relays. Her most impressive individual finish came in the Girls 21 & Under 1500 Freestyle, where she placed third with a time of 20:11.60, showcasing her endurance in one of the meet’s most grueling events.

Taylor Burke swam four individual events, including a standout showing in the Girls 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke, where she

placed sixth with a finals time of 45.88 seconds. She also competed in the 100 Breaststroke, 100 Freestyle, and 400 Freestyle, achieving personal best times and showing she is back after her injury at the end of the winter season.

Grace Williams also swam four individual events. Her top performance came in the Girls 12 & Under 100 Butterfly, where she placed seventh in finals with a finishing time of 1:39.90. Grace swam strong races and achieved personal best times throughout the meet.

Their efforts contributed to an outstanding team performance for DCST:

The DCST Girls 12 & Under Group finished first place overall

The DCST Girls Team finished first place overall

The DCST Team finished second place overall among 21 teams compet-

ing

The swimmers’ achievements were the result of months of dedication, early mornings, and focused training. Their

success brought well-deserved pride to the DeKalb County Swim Team and the Rochelle community, ending an impressive and rewarding long course

season. After a summer of intense competition and standout performances, these athletes have certainly earned a well-deserved break.

The

Lady Hub

program hosted its annual youth softball camp at RTHS from July 16-18. The camp was held for local softball players ranging from fth-graders to incoming freshmen. Campers worked alongside current RTHS coaches and student-athletes, focusing on individual drills and improving key skills including pitching, catching, baserunning, elding and hitting. Campers received RTHS softball camp T-shirts for their participation.

Rochelle Community Hospital is proud to have well-qualified healthcare providers that offer personalized care in our Family Healthcare Clinic, right here in our community.

Our family medicine providers can treat patients of all ages. Whether you or your family simply haven’t had a checkup for a while or are in need of a family medicine provider, we’re just a call or a visit away.

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

ROCHELLE — Junior wingback Dylan Manning broke off multiple big runs and caught passes out of the backfield during 7-on-7 scrimmages Tuesday morning, when the Rochelle Township High School football team suited up for a nearly two-hourlong padded practice with Woodstock.

Manning is one of a few returning starters expected to take on significant roles for the varsity team, which is seeking to follow up a successful 2024 season in which Rochelle won 10 games and advanced to the state quarterfinals in Class 5A. A two-time All-Interstate 8 honoree who rushed for 1,250 yards

and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore last season, Manning made the most of his reps on Tuesday, which included full-team offensive sets and 7-on-7 scenarios.

“It feels amazing to be back to football,” said Manning, who has been doing speed and agility work over the offseason in preparation for his junior season at RTHS. “We’re finally getting some competition from other places and that’s always fun. It brings out the competitiveness from all of us and we get to see what our strengths and weaknesses are… We had a lot of team chemistry last year and that always helps, especially when we’re able to go far in the playoffs.”

Tuesday’s practice included situational goal-line

work as well as offensive and defensive line drills for players on both teams. Woodstock is one of several schools Rochelle has seen in either combined practices or 7-on-7 scrimmages this summer. The Hubs, who held a practice with Forreston earlier this month and traveled for 7-on-7s at Sterling last Thursday, will have roughly one more week of padded camp before beginning fall practices on Monday, Aug. 11.

“There are a lot of kids who started for us last year who we’re missing, but we have to move on from that,” said senior tight end and linebacker Brode Metzger, who enters his third varsity season at RTHS this year.

See HUBS page 6

HUBS: Rochelle football team competes head-to-head with Woodstock

From page 5

“I’ve been lifting on my own and working hard in the weight room everyday. I’ve been out here working with the guys on my speed and agility… These practices are good for us because they show us what we’re good at and what we need to improve on.”

Metzger has returned to his starting outside linebacker position during summer camp, while Manning will move from cornerback to safety to help shore up a secondary that will lose three starters from 2024 including All-State honoree and UW-Eau Claire signee Grant Gensler. Manning posted 34 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception on defense last year, while the returning All-Interstate 8 linebacker Metzger totaled 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2024.

“It hasn’t been too hard of a change,” Manning said. “As a cornerback, I learned a lot last year that will help me as a safety. It hasn’t been too hard of a transition… We want to do just as good, if not better, than we did last year. Winning another 10 games sounds good to me.”

The summer is winding down for the Hubs, who will take the field for a padded practice with Sterling next Tuesday. Rochelle will renew its rivalry with Geneseo Aug. 29.

“I think our younger guys are hungry for a spot so they’re working hard, especially on the line because they’re really hungry for those spots,” Metzger said. “Last year, we learned about communication and being a family. We were all close last year and we need to be like that this year. We want to make the playoffs and hopefully win 10 games.”

MARKETPLACE

Classified FREE!

without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

those asking for money in advance.”

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 OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice that

Hub City Self Storage LLC, located at 961 S 7th Street Rochelle, IL 61068 intends to hold an auction of storage units listed below to enforce its privilege against the following parties at the facility for default of payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageteasures. com and closes on 08/07/2025 at 10:30am.

Tyler Wendel, Unit #240 This sale may be withdrawn at any time

No. 0731

(July 27 and Aug. 3, 2025)

NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the proposed Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the OGLE-LEE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Ogle and Lee Counties, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2026, will be available for public inspection at the Flagg Center, Creston, Hillcrest, Rochelle and Steward, Illinois, Fire Stations from and after July 8, 2025. Notice is further given that a public hearing on the adoption of said proposed Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at the Creston Fire Station, 103 E. North Street, Creston, Illinois, on August 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. OGLE-LEE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT By /s/ Richard Kasmar

Secretary No. 0734 (July 27, 2025)

101

LEGAL NOTICE

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

105 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

“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.”

113 FINANCIAL

NOTICE Advance Fee Loans or Credit Offers Companies that do business 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.

119 ANNOUNCEMENTS

“This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially

201

DOMESTIC/ CHILD CARE

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 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.

301 ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES WANTED: I pay cash for antiques; furniture, glassware, pottery & crocks, tin & iron toys, sterling silver, decoys. If it’s antique, I’m interested in looking! Call 815-562-2928 or email dickharms@ hotmail.com

307 MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

BUNDLED Newspaper -$3 per Bundle. Available Monday-Thursday 815-562-4171 (9AM3PM) Rochelle News Leader.

SPLIT Firewood For Sale. Contact 779251-0254

FOR SALE. 21.5”W 33”H 36” D Freezer $100. 4 Drawer Filing Cabinet $20. (2) 2x2 Security Safe with Automatic Door & Combination Dial Lock $20 Each. Call Nancy 815-751-4146. (thruRNL07302025\ OCL07282025)

405 HOUSES FOR SALE

ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation

The 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

Harding achieves new PRs during graduate season at North Central

BY RUSSELL HODGES SPORTS EDITOR

This is the second of a two-part story on RTHS alum Gabrielle Harding. See the first part in the Wednesday, July 23 News-Leader or read the full story online.

HARDING threw shot put, discus and hammer during the outdoor season, achieving a new PR of 50.09 meters (164 feet 4 inches) in the hammer throw at the Augustana Penultimate Qualifier in early May. It was a benchmark effort from Harding, who hadn’t eclipsed the 50-meter mark in hammer throw at any point in her five-year career. Harding made seven starts in hammer throw and recorded five top-5 finishes including a win at the Elmhurst Twilight Invitational in April.

“The experience has been unreal,” Harding said. “Competing in the new conference was a huge difference. We had some national competitors including the Division III national champion in the discus… It was really fun to be in a meet where I was competing against athletes who are going to nationals. It was really cool to see that elevation in the competition and it was cool to see how I compared to them and how I could step up and compete at the same level as those athletes.”

Harding made nine discus starts for North Central, recording four top-6 finishes. Harding, who concluded her career with a PR of 12.20 meters (40 feet ½ inches) in the shot put during her 2022 season at Concordia, was one of two RTHS graduates who represented the Lady Hubs with the North Central College team in 2025. Former RTHS star Alivia Henkel competed as a freshman and won the CCIW outdoor conference championship in the 400-meter hurdles.

“Being an athlete in Rochelle, you’re in a small environment in a small town and you can really connect with your teammates,” Harding said. “I saw each person on my team and I was so thankful for the opportunity to be in an environment like that… I’m so grateful for my time in Rochelle because it really allowed me to grow as a person and get to know my teammates.”

Harding, who earned her bachelor’s degree in the pre-physical therapy program at Concordia Chicago, is currently enrolled in an accelerated doctoral program for physical therapy at North Central College. Harding said her goals academically include graduating in 2027 with a doctorate in physical therapy. After five years of motivating her teammates in track and field, Harding will hope to motivate patients in the medical field as she continues her doctoral studies.

“I’m constantly motivating teammates and as a physical therapist, you’re motivating patients,” Harding said. “I’ve gotten so much better at extrinsic motivation and working with people. Track and field has allowed me to be competitive and academically, I hope that my competitive-

Rochelle

recently concluded her fifth-year graduate season of track and field at North Central College. Harding is studying for her doctorate in physical therapy.

ness can be contagious for my patients one day.

Track and field has helped me so much.”

“I’m constantly motivating teammates and as a physical therapist, you’re motivating patients. I’ve gotten so much better at extrinsic motivation and working with people...”

Gabrielle Harding