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RACF gets $5K check Rochelle Foods donates $5,000 to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation / 4

TODAY’S EDITION: 24 pages • Vol. 106, Issue 41

PHASE TWO GETS APPROVAL

Rochelle moves ahead with downtown-area improvements as the City Council gives the OK at its Sept. 22 meeting / 3

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Do we still have free speech? It’s very interesting that our current President gets away with bypassing the constitution, ignoring our legal system, and even demanding that our U.S. attorney general pursue a particular case or what to pursue in a case. This has never happened before, that I know of. If this is what most of us want from our President, to demand pursuance rather than suggesting, then we should, at least, be ready for the realization that we will never get the same treatment as the “well invested” will get. Take, for instance, the First Amendment of our Constitution that protects free speech. President Trump said at his inauguration, “After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents, something I know something about.” This excerpt can be found at https://rb.gy/22ft4x But do we really have free speech anymore? Is this something that is beginning to be dismantled? Do you feel free to get on social media, a podcast, or online in some other way and say “everything” you want to say? I would guess that none of us have a problem in talking about things such as vaccinations being limited or taken away, especially from our children. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has altered the CDC so much it will have a tremendous effect in the future. CDC, formerly a science-based agency, is now based on, well it’s hard to say. We don’t really know, at least I don’t. If the suggestions they currently are making about vaccines are followed by us, our children may see the measles, polio, mumps, and many more childhood diseases, eradicated in the past, again affect their lives. HHS may not restrict these vaccines, but because they don’t suggest them, our drug companies will eventually be able to charge us for them. Do you think that they will be more expensive than they were for the government when they paid for them? I’m pretty sure the drug companies won’t get hurt in the long run. But

COMMUNITY VOICES Reed Harris what else happens if these vaccines aren’t taken? Children get sicker, there are more hospitalizations, and there will probably be more deaths. Do you know who might benefit due to these horrible actions? Do you think hospitals, clinics and other health institutions will benefit? Do you believe insurance companies, if affordable at all, will benefit? What about funeral homes and cemeteries? Not all, but some, are in the upper brackets for income, so will you also benefit? Do you even want to benefit from children getting sick and dying? Let’s move on from free speech opinions and focus on our beloved White House. It is, after all, the people’s house. If you don’t believe this, then go to “www.thepeopleshouse.org.” Are we OK with a ballroom being built? Trump has said it has been the thought of many for a long time. Do you believe this? I don’t ever remember anyone saying the White House had to have a ballroom. Not that it was never said but how would it benefit us? What would a ballroom do for the heads of state that visit? They could dance, but that’s about it. In the past, the White House has been changed by many of our Presidents, but those were internal changes to keep up the “House” or to improve its security and add rooms needed to conduct business. Maybe that’s why President Trump wants the ballroom. To conduct the business of the state. It’s a slight possibility but he may just conduct his own personal business instead. We shall see. It’s already in the process of being built so we will soon see. What are your thoughts? So, the business before us is not adding a ballroom to the White House. It’s not saying we will pray for families of children being shot at school or for citizens being shot while shopping, nor for spectators and attendees of sports games or concerts being shot at the event. It’s being able to vocalize our thoughts no

matter what they are. It’s for taking a deeper look at the Second Amendment to determine what was really meant by our founding fathers and early presidents. If we don’t tackle the latter, shootings will still happen at a more alarming pace than in the past. The only way to really do anything about gun crime, whether it is a single person committing immoral crime or a gang war on our streets, is to do something about guns. Is it too late for this? I certainly hope not, but it might be. Yes, we can talk about mental illness all we want when these events happen and, sure, bringing back programs and professionals to help prevent this will benefit all. In my mind, however, we must look at all these immoral crimes as if they are being committed by those not in their moral mind. Do you agree? Let’s demand that our politicians begin doing something about those things that happen to us every day. Let’s make sure that the money allocated by Congress for our police, our schools for education, our health professionals and institutions that support us goes to those entities and/or people. Let’s get back full access to vaccinations and other recently scaled-back or eliminated services. Let’s make sure what we have worked and paid for, such as Social Security and Medicare, continue to be supported. More importantly, let’s remember that most of these things will be called socialism, but this word is being used in an inappropriate way. We are not trying to control companies and the economy. These programs are to make sure people survive within their status. To make sure they have an avenue to get ahead and not an avenue to be like everyone else. If we were alike, it would be a boring life. For instance, Social Security doesn’t give the same check to everyone on the program. Instead, it’s based on previous income. Medicare doesn’t cost the same for each individual but adjusts payments depending on any income you may receive while being on the program. These are not social programs in the definition of the word. These are programs that help our neighbors, family and friends survive.

• Reed Harris is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.

ON THE COVER

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Work is underway on the city of Rochelle’s new urban park in the downtown area at 517 Fourth Ave. See story on Page 3.

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Other upcoming downtown projects to include urban park, utility undergrounding By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Photos by Jeff Helfrich

Shown is the planned location for the city of Rochelle’s new bathrooms, stage and storage structure off North Main Street. have conversations and see where we are at that point.” The project has been in the works since the city received the grant in 2022 but it saw delays in the state releasing the funds. The stage and restrooms will make the downtown area more of a venue for events in the future and the city has been in talks with the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce about running the venue, which is a scaled- down version of previous considerations for the area. “We previously looked at a downtown venue years ago for almost $13 million,” Pease said. “I’m pretty proud that we’re doing it for around $3 million and kind of accomplishing the same thing but on a more realistic pocketbook with grant funding.” Other upcoming downtown work for the city will include the undergrounding of utilities in the alley between Lincoln Highway and North Main Street. That project will start in the coming weeks, Rochelle Municipal Utilities Superintendent of Electric Operations Blake Toliver said. The project will start on Seventh Avenue and move its way south. The utility undergrounding will consist of “significant” alley construction

The city of Rochelle’s new urban park in the downtown area at 517 4th Ave. is expected to be completed by the end of September. and some of the alley portions will be shut down. The city is working with the post office to have its operations be interrupted as little as possible. “We’ve also talked with the business owners along Lincoln Highway that use their rear entrances,” Toliver said. “The goal is to open it up during the day and work as far as they can and then backfill with rock or chips overnight so people can still cross over the alley if they need to overnight. There may be some overnight closures if needed and we’ll do everything we can not to impact businesses.” The utility undergrounding is being done after past issues with semi trucks clipping wires in the area and to make

it more aesthetically pleasing, Toliver said. Some road closures of avenues in the area will take place as well during the project. Toliver said the project will take about six months to reach 80% completion, but he hopes to be ahead of schedule and finish by early 2026. Another project currently underway in the downtown area is a new urban park at the former site of Vinny’s Barbershop off Fourth Avenue between two buildings that will feature a seat wall, walkway, plantings and a space for music or food trucks. That project is expected to be done by the end of September, Pease said. City officials are excited to see multiple projects moving forward downtown. “A venue space downtown has been talked about for a lot of years,” City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said. “The undergrounding work was in the budget when I started eight years ago. It feels good to see these things start to come to fruition. The downtown is a gathering space. The council asked that we focus on that when I was hired and we’ve done that. I’m proud of the work that our team has done to bring it to this point.”

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Rochelle will be moving forward with a second phase of downtown-area improvements that will include a stage and public restrooms structure off North Main Street. At its Sept. 22 meeting, the City Council approved a $3,127,095 bid from DPI Construction Inc. for phase two of its Rebuild Downtown & Main Street Grant Project, which also will include the reconstruction of three parking lots, a new parking lot on the corner of Washington Street and Second Avenue, the reconstruction of the alley between Fourth and Fifth avenues, and a new storm sewer on Fourth Avenue. The first phase saw other parking lots in the downtown area reconstructed. The project stems from the city’s receipt of a grant for $1,151,794 for the downtown work in 2022. The project will be paid for through grant funds, downtown tax increment financing bonds, and landfill, hotel/motel tax and railroad funds. Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, which has historically been held in the downtown area, was held at Atwood Park this year due to the planned construction and the LHHF committee would like to hold the festival downtown again next year if construction allows. “As soon as the bid is awarded, we’ll work with the contractors to get started,” City Community Development Director Michelle Pease said. “They will have to finish it within a certain amount of days. My concern is it will be pretty close to August, when the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival takes place. Winter is going to slow us down a little bit. Hopefully we can get it done and it will be ready to go by August. But I’m not going to make that promise. In April when LHHF starts to really plan and promote its event, we’ll

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Rochelle to move forward with downtown stage and restrooms, parking lot, alley work

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Rochelle Foods makes $5K donation to RACF ‘We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com Rochelle Foods presented a donation of $5,000 to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Rochelle Foods Plant Manager Tracy Brown said Hormel is Rochelle Foods’ parent facility and it gives each plant $10,000 for philanthropic endeavors each year to help with food insecurity. After solely supporting the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry with that money in recent years, half of the funds were donated to RACF this year. RACF Executive Director Emily Anaya said the $5,000 will go into RACF’s Rochelle Foods Hunger Challenge Fund. That fund was started by former Rochelle Foods Plant Manager and RACF volunteer Cal Jacobs, who is a current volun-

than $200,000 and now grants more than $8,000 a year to the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry or school programs that provide meals for kids. “It always has a food insecurity focus and we’re proud of it and how it’s grown,” Anaya said. “Anyone can donate to it at any time. We know how important the issue of food insecurity is and how much need there is right now. RCFP’s need is up 200% this year. We recently provided RCFP with $30,000 for six months of eggs and they knew they’d run out of it after that. We know we can take this money and invest it and grow it and push it back out to the community and make a huge difference.” Brown said combatting food insecurity is near and dear to his facility’s mission. “We support financially, but we donate probably 100,000 pounds of food annually to area food pantries,” Brown said. “Rochelle Foods was created in 1993 and is Jeff Helfrich in its 32nd year. It’s a longtime staple of the community and is owned by Hormel On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Rochelle Foods presented a $5,000 donation to the Rochelle Area Foods with 40 plants like ours around the Community Foundation. world. Philanthropy is something we teer at the Rochelle Christian Food Pan- support hunger started with $5,000 many enjoy doing. We’re here to help the comtry. years ago, was built up with employee munity as its larger employer. We feel the Anaya said the Rochelle Foods fund to payroll deductions, has reached more impact.”

Rotary donates $3,500 to CAN following fundraiser ‘100% of this will go to Rochelle kids that are in need of basic clothing’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Rotary Club presented a $3,500 donation on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to the Rochelle Community Action Network from a fundraiser it held Sept. 11. The fundraiser was held at Flight Deck Bar & Grill and included a volleyball tournament, live music from Buzzed by Sonset and raffle prizes donated by local businesses. CAN will use the funds for its annual Christmas shopping trip it holds in December, when families in need are taken shopping by members of the community and receive clothing, coats, shoes, toys, school supplies, time with Santa and a meal. “It was very successful and we had a

lot of sponsors,” Rochelle Rotary Club Member and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said. “I think we’ll have another $1,000 from another sponsor to give. It was a great event and I really want to thank those that helped out and attended. “We love giving back to CAN. Several of us go to the Christmas shopping trip every year and volunteer. It reminds you how blessed you are. It makes my heart full to give back to the community in that way. We’re happy CAN does the work it does and Rotary is happy to support it every year.” CAN has been serving about 250 kids each year and has combatted rising prices as it looks to serve Rochelle families. “$3,500 is a lot of money for CAN,” board member Michelle Pease said. “We’re very appreciative; 100% of this will go to Rochelle kids that are in need of basic clothing. We’ll use this for our Christmas shopping trip. Thanks to everyone who came out and spent time organizing it. We’re very grateful.”

Jeff Helfrich

Rochelle Rotary Club President Lance Charnock (from left), Community Action Network Board President Michelle Pease, CAN Board Member Pat Burch, Rochelle Rotary Club Member Tricia Herrera and Rochelle Rotary Club Member Jeff Fiegenschuh are seen during a donation presentation Sept 23.

Ogle County Farm Bureau’s Kern: Corn yields could be above average, beans below average By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com

Jeff Helfrich

A harvest operation sets up in Hillcrest on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Harvest began in Ogle County in mid-September. Kern said. “You will see tractors and combines in the fields at night,” Kern said. “Some farmers will put in 14- to 18-hour days and others will work 10-12 hours depending on their operations. It depends where and how grain is hauled and

stored. We have a little bit of everything in Ogle County in terms of different farm operations. “I hope everyone stays safe and keeps their chin up. There’s a silver lining in every cloud, and I hope we find ours in agriculture.”

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Harvest began for Ogle County farmers in mid-September, Ogle County Farm Bureau Manager Ron Kern said Sept. 25. “There hasn’t been as much activity as I anticipated,” Kern said. “Crops may still be drying down. Part of the problem with beans is the heavy humidity each morning lately that makes the stems hard to cut and farmers have to wait until later in the day to harvest them. We started harvesting around a normal time. “My neighbor planted the first field of beans in the county in the spring and picked them on Sept. 18. That was the first field of beans I’ve seen harvested. That makes sense.” After dry conditions to start the year, Ogle County farmers saw a big rainfall in mid-June and rain continued to fall often until mid-to-late August. Since then, spotty rains and dry conditions have been seen, which Kern said has dried down crops well but doesn’t help with growing conditions for next year. Unless a rainy week is seen, Kern said Ogle County farmers hope to have harvest wrapped up by Thanksgiving. He urged drivers in the county to exercise caution when they encounter farm equipment on roads when they’re moving from field to field. “None of the farmers want to be on the roads,” Kern said. “They want to be in the fields. They’re trying to do their best to get where they’re going safely. It’s slow-moving equipment and sometimes folks are in a hurry. If everyone just slows down and takes their time, and understands that everyone wants to get home safe, we should be OK. “If you get behind farm equipment, try to put yourself in their position and see what’s in front of the driver. There could be a guardrail or sign coming up that they’ll have to swing around. If you start to pass and they swing out, now that’s a problem. Sometimes they’ll wave you around when it’s safe. Just try to look at everything and pay attention.” In 2024, Ogle County saw dry and

windy conditions in the fall that set the stage for multiple field fires in the area, with one in Lindenwood burning nearly 100 acres. That could be a concern in 2025 if conditions remain dry in coming weeks. “It only takes a little spark and enough wind and the next thing you know, it’s a full-fledged fire storm,” Kern said. “That’s always a concern. A lot of farmers will do their best to take precautions and keep engines clear of buildup. But things like a bad bearing can happen and spark a fire and the next thing you know a whole combine is gone and everything around it is going with it.” Kern hopes the export market improves in the next two months for farmers in Ogle County and across the United States. South America has overtaken the U.S. as the top global exporter of soybeans and Kern is unsure where U.S. beans will end up. Corn exports remain strong, he said. Tariffs could impact prices farmers see for their crops. Kern said during tariff wars, agricultural commodities are among the first impacts, which may play into why South America is taking the main stage with soybeans. Farmers are also waiting on a new federal Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill, passed in 2018, has been extended for a year twice, most recently in December. The federal Farm Bill allocates funding for crop insurance, disaster assistance and conservation programs for farmers. “The Farm Bill is always a big concern,” Kern said. “A lot of what farmers use today for risk management is predicated on what’s in the Farm Bill. I think the key to profitability is finding new domestic uses for our commodities, and not having to rely on the export market like we do. I preach that to everyone who will listen. “It is the hope of everyone in the farming community that at some point this fall we get a new Farm Bill. If not, we’re just going to be operating on the same Farm Bill we have for years. It needs to be modernized and updated.” With how the weather has been, Kern believes corn and bean yields in Ogle County will be a mixed bag when harvest is said and done. He believes bean yields will be average to below average due to dry weather early and late in the growing season, and that corn yields will be average to above average. Ogle County farmers are in for long days of work in the next two months,

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Ogle County starts harvesting amid dry conditions

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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No-cost mental health access available for ag community By TOM C. DORAN tdoran@shawmedia.com With low commodity prices, high input costs, weather, taxes, personnel and other concerns, farmers and ranchers face a myriad of stresses in their lives – and free resources are available to help get through those tough times. University of Illinois Extension offers help through its Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program. The program, part of the Extension-led North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, allows agricultural producers, workers and their family members to seek free help from a certified mental health professional. U of I Extension will provide three free vouchers to be used at participating providers located across Illinois. The program is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the farm bill and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Signing up for the vouchers for free mental health assistance is simple and anonymous. Kacie Hulshof, Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program coordinator, said the process begins with a producer making an online request at go.illinois.edu/FarmStressVoucher. “We receive the request [and] verify they’re from Illinois and they have a connection to agriculture,” she said. “We receive very basic information. It’s not a detailed form that’s going to take 10 minutes to fill out. It’s very quick, very basic information: your name, occupation and the connection to agriculture. “We then verify that and, once granted, we send them three vouchers. They also receive a participating provider list that has over 120 providers across Illinois who are in agreement with us that they take those vouchers. “They get to pick which provider they want to see, and I think that’s huge as far as the benefit of them making that decision. They redeem those vouchers, and then we reimburse their providers directly. There’s no need for insurance, because a lot of times, working in the ag industry, some people may not have insurance, may not know their insurance policies, may want to keep it as private as possible and don’t want insurance involved. They can seek and receive mental health care for free because of this program.” Since the program was launched in June 2023, more than 1,800 vouchers

Photo provided by University of Illinois

Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to ensure producers and their families have the resources and access to services to manage their stress and mental health. have been distributed. That’s more than Training offered 600 requests made in the past two years The U of I Extension program also at three vouchers apiece. provides ag literacy training for the mental health care providers. Anonymous service Because it’s a statewide program, Hulshof stressed the anonymity of some mental health providers may not the program. be familiar with the ag sector and its “We try to keep things as basic as uniqueness. possible to allow people to feel that “It’s a four-hour training that gives security,” she said. “The vouchers are them the basics of what farmers go completely anonymous. We have cre- through, what their profession deals ated it so that no one would know if with that might be different than others, you’ve made a request. We can either because it is just so intertwined with do it by mail or email. It’s whatever the personal life, work life, family life,” Hulproducer feels or the individual feels is shof said. “The training helps give them safest.” a framework or a footing to start with. Help through the program is avail- That way, farmers know this person has able both through telehealth and in at least a small understanding, ‘I don’t person with mental health profession- have to go in there and explain markets als. to them,’ or ‘I don’t have to go in there “It’s truly as much or as little as the and, as a dairy farmer, they’re going to individual wants,” Hulshof said. tell me to take a week off work when I’m “The process is completely anony- stressed.’ That’s just not sound advice at mous. We keep things within the pro- that point.” vider, and they can’t share any information with us either. So, it’s really Spanish option cross-referenced, where people don’t The Illinois Agricultural Mental know you’re asking for help unless you Health Voucher Program now also has tell,” she said. a Spanish option. “We have Spanish-speaking providers,

so farmworkers who are seeking mental health care can receive care as well through these vouchers,” Hulshof said.

Need help now?

U of I Extension also provides the following contact information for those in need of support related to stress or mental health: • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; call, text or chat 988 • Crisis Text Line – Text “HOME” to 741741. • Concern Hotline – 1-800-447-1985. The Concern Hotline offers legal, financial and stress support to residents of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357). • More than 170 ag-specific online resources are available at farmstress. org. • Call 911.

‘We can only provide the things we provide for students through our fundraisers’ By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Township High School Education Foundation will host its second annual trivia night at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Rochelle VFW Post 3878. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Registration for teams of up to six people costs $150. Prizes donated by local businesses and organizations will be up for grabs and free snacks will be available. More information and registration can be found on the RTHS Education Foundation Facebook page. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the event. The RTHSEF is a nonprofit financial program to enrich, enhance and supple-

ment educational opportunities beyond the limits of normal tax support for all RTHS students. Recent RTHSEF grants have funded drones for technology classes, student podcast hosting fees, Dungeons & Dragons supplies for a gaming club, readers for foreign language, future educators fees, classroom flexible seating, a laser cutter for a career and technical education class, electronic tables for French class, chess sets for the chess club, dresses for Ballet Folklorico, storage and mallets for the marching band, tools for the art programs and rebounders for physical education. The RTHSEF has served Rochelle students for 27 years. This year it has set a goal of raising $15,000. Last year’s trivia night saw success and will move to a larger venue this year. RTHSEF representatives Jodie Hart and Jillian Wise attended the Tuesday, Sept. 23, meeting of the Rochelle Rotary Club to share details of the event and what RTHSEF does. “We can only provide the things we provide for students through our fund-

Jeff Helfrich

RTHSEF representatives Jodie Hart (right) and Jillian Wise (left) attended the Tuesday, Sept. 23, meeting of the Rochelle Rotary Club to share details of the RTHSEF trivia night on Oct. 15 and what the nonprofit program does. raisers,” Wise said. “We also accept donations at any time, big or small. Our trivia night will be a fun time. And all the proceeds go back to students. We’re always looking for people to attend, sponsor, promote and donate prize items to our events. And we’re always looking for board members.” RTHS teacher Deanna Jacobs talked about the benefits that RTHSEF has provided her students over the years.

Jacobs has received drones for her students to use. “We’ve worked with drones for the past three years and just over 180 students have gotten certified to be recreational drone pilots,” Jacobs said. “The students get to go outside and take pictures and learn about FAA regulations and about jobs that use drones. We’ve learned from police and agricultural companies about how they use them. We wouldn’t have been able to get our drones without RTHSEF and we have nine now to get more kids out there learning.” The emcee for the RTHSEF trivia night will be RTHS wrestling coach Nelson Baker. The bar at the VFW, 318 Fourth Ave., will be open for drinks. “Any donation helps,” Wise said. “We have one grant that is only $100 to help a school organization continue for another year to help kids. That’s a big deal. The trivia event is all for fun. Come out and have some fun and support the kids in town. It’s all for the students. These grants make a world of difference for them.”

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Rochelle HS foundation to hold trivia night Oct. 15 7

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Quincy Hochstatter rounds the first barrel in one of the barrel-racing divisions at the T & A Bucking Bulls Rodeo at the Ogle County Fair on Aug. 1 in Oregon.

2025 Ogle County Fair was successful event SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The 2025 Ogle County Fair proved to be one of the best yet, drawing a total attendance of 13,443 – up significantly from 10,721 the previous year. Despite opening day being rained out, the Ogle County Fair Queens led with strength and grace during the Queen Pageant, setting a positive tone for the week. The remainder of the fair enjoyed perfect weather, welcoming thousands of families who came to experience everything from carnival rides and delicious fair food to livestock shows, musical entertainment on the county stage, and exhibits. Although the truck and tractor pulls were canceled due to wet conditions, crowds still filled the fairgrounds and enjoyed all the fair had to offer. Commu-

nity members frequently remarked on the quality of the carnival, the variety of food, and the strong participation from local youths. Ogle County Fair officials expressed special pride in 2025 Fair Queen Ruby Mulvaney for her outstanding representation of the county. “Ruby has been a wonderful ambassador for our fair, and we couldn’t be prouder,” organizers said. The success of this year’s fair was made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers, the commitment of 4-H members, and the generous support of donors, according to a news release. Organizers extended heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making the fair such a memorable community event. Planning is already underway for the next Ogle County Fair, which will be July 29 to Aug. 2, 2026.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Strike up the band By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent The Oregon High School marching band performed at halftime of the Hawks’ homecoming game against Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19, at OHS Landers-Loomis Field. Oregon won the football game, 49-0. The band also appeared on Friday, Sept 26 at home during Oregon’s lost to Dixon (56-0). On Saturday, Sept. 27, they took part in NIU’s Band Day in DeKalb, marching in the halftime show with the other active schools.

Photos by Earleen Hinton

TOP LEFT: Oregon High School marching band member Madeline Rogers plays the flute during halftime of the football game with Rock Falls on Friday, Sept. 19. TOP RIGHT: Members of the Oregon band perform before the start of the Homecoming game with Rock Falls on Sept. 19 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon. ABOVE: Oregon band members David Eckardt and Ethan Rowe drum during the Sept. 19 halftime show. LEFT: Oregon High School flag corps member Gwen Vos performs a routine on Sept. 19. The theme of the band’s show is blue this season and songs included ELO’s classic rock hit “Mr. Blue Sky,” the old standard “Blue Moon” and the theme song to the show “Bluey.”

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com Domestic Violence Awareness Month takes place in October. Join HOPE of Ogle County this October for a month of events and activities to engage the community in open dialogue about domestic violence, raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence, and show unwavering support for survivors. This year, HOPE is #ShiningALightOnDomesticViolence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.3% of women and 44.2% of men in the U.S. have reported contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. The CDC also finds that lesbian women (56.3%), gay men (47.7%), bisexual women (69.3%), and bisexual men (46.1%) face even higher rates of violence. High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions. By

acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work toward ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone. Everyone can join the movement this month. Watch HOPE’s Facebook page for upcoming events, including In Their Shoes, an interactive event taking participants through a victim’s journey. Social Media Campaign: Engage with HOPE on social media as it shares stories, resources and messages of hope, spreading the word and creating a united front against domestic violence. Purple Thursday: On Thursday, Oct. 16, wear purple to show your support of domestic violence survivors and your commitment to ending abuse. Take a selfie in your purple and share it on social media with #PurpleThursday #DVAM #ShiningALightOnDomestic Violence. GiveForDV: Visit hopedv.org/#donation to make a gift on the official DVAM Day of Giving on Thursday, Oct. 23. Or Shaw Local News Network file photo sign up for your own fundraiser to encourage friends and family to support Purple lighthouses are shining a light on domestic violence this October. HOPE of Ogle County survivors all month. has several activities available during the month; check their Facebook page for details.

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Hope of Ogle County honors domestic violence month 11

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

BEYOND AWARENESS: Taking Action to Prevent Domestic Violence This October HOPE of Ogle County is shining a light on domestic violence. Domestic Violence is defined as Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. For more than 44 years, HOPE is proud to provide victim/survivor services that are 100% free and confidential. Services include Counseling for adults and children, Support groups, Legal advocacy, Case Management, Emergency Shelter and a 24-hour hotline. Our Mission at HOPE of Ogle County is to support and empower all individuals affected by domestic violence by providing essential resources, education, advocacy, and a safe space for healing. Through trauma informed services, prevention education, and collaboration with communities, we work to break the cycle of violence. To Shine a Light on Domestic Violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month HOPE of Ogle County we

want to normalize the sometimes difficult, sometimes uncomfortable but always import conversation related to seeking help. Normalizing the Conversation One of the most powerful ways we can create change is by normalizing seeking help. At HOPE, we meet people in some of their most vulnerable moments—but asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s an act of courage. We are working to make sure that message is heard loud and clear. Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects every community, every demographic, and every age group. The more we talk about it openly, the more we reduce stigma and encourage survivors to step forward. Our staff works hard to ensure that when someone does reach out, they are met with compassion, resources, and unwavering support. Whether it’s shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, or simply someone to listen, HOPE is here—and thanks to you, we are stronger than ever. How You Can Help As we look ahead, we’re calling on our community to stay involved. Here’s how you can help: • Invite us to speak at your school, church, or

workplace • Follow and share our social media to spread awareness • Volunteer your time or consider a donation to sustain our programs • Remind others that seeking help is brave—and that HOPE is here Attend one or all of our community events this month. October 2: Court Advocate Open House 10-3pm. Located at 101 S 4th street. Suite 100, Oregon IL 61061 October 5: We will be participating in the Autumn on Parade in Oregon October 21: In Her Shoes Activity at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library at 5:30pm In Her Shoes was originally developed by the Washington State Coalition on Domestic Violence It is an interactive exercise designed to allow people the opportunity to walk “in the shoes” of those experiencing violence. H October 22: Dine with us at Culver’s in Rochelle 1060 Dement Road, Rochelle 61068 5-8 pm The entire month we will be selling $20 raffle tickets for a brand-new Blackstone Grill. Tickets are available at the Hope Chest or by contacting HOPE at 815-562-4323.

IfIfyou who has has youknow knowof ofsomeone someone who experienced domestic or dating experienced domestic abuse please abuse contact our agency contactplease our agency to learn more to learn more about how we can help about how we can help and how you and how you can help. can help. If you need to learn more about your If youinneed to learn more your rights a relationship andabout how to rights in a relationship and how to protect yourself from abuse please protect us. yourself from abuse please contact We are here to listen contact us as we are here to listen and support you 24 hours a day. and support you 24 hours a day.

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13 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Arellano invites families to honor veterans in capitol SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., R-Dixon, is inviting families across the district to honor their veterans by submitting photos and stories for the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display. The exhibit will run in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda from Oct. 28 through Nov. 13. “Paying tribute to the men and women who defended our nation is one of our most meaningful traditions,” Arellano said. “Sharing the stories of the veterans in your life is a powerful way to remind us all that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through their courage and sacrifice.”

How to participate

Families are encouraged to submit a photo and a brief story (up to 250 words) about their veteran. Please include the veteran’s name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,

Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy), and the conflict served (such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Sept. 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, World War II, World War I, peaceState Sen. Li time, or other). MilArellano Jr. itary photos are especially meaningful but not required.

Deadline and submission

Submissions must be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706 by Nov. 8. For more information, call 217-7821154. “Every story added to this display is a lesson in courage for the next generation,” Arellano added. “Please help us honor your loved one’s service at the heart of our state.”

The Northern

Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is collecting donations for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Coat Ministry in their annual drive this Oct. 6-17. Shaw Local News Network file photo

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Northern Rehab hosting annual coat drive Oct. 6-17

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is collecting donations for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Coat Ministry. Needed items include new and gently-used coats, boots, mittens, scarves and other winter accessories. All Northern Rehab locations are serving as collection sites, with clinics at their DeKalb, Genoa, and Rochelle locations. Please drop off donated items between Oct. 6-17. For additional information about Northern Rehab, call 815-756-8524 or visit www.northernrehabpt.com.

City of Rochelle trick or treating is Friday, Oct. 31

The city of Rochelle recently released information on its 2025 Halloween festivities. Communitywide trick-ortreat hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. The annual downtown trick or treat will be held by downtown shops and businesses from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31. A Trick or Treat Safe House will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at The REC Center, hosted by 102.3 The Coyote. There will be free admission and treats. – Shaw Local News Network

OGLE COUNTY PROPERTY TRANSFERS FOR SEPT. 22-26 Warranty deeds

• Dylan Schoon to Terry D Southard and Terri L Southhard-Durham, 503 W Dixon St., Polo, $122,000. • Steven B Conner and Sandra M Connor to Mark Miller and Megan Miller, 314 E. 5th St., Byron, $243,000. • Steven M Wennmaker to Christie J Gesin, 817 Fairground Circle Drive, Oregon, $399,900. • Mark Steven Lyons to Muhamet Ajvaz, 208 N Daysville Rd, Oregon, $57,000. • Carlos Flores to Aloe Investments Llc, 115 Main St, Leaf River, $60,000. • First Choice Rentals Llc and Tony Berg to Kelly M Franchino, 321 N Market St, Byron, $205,000. • Amy R Puseman and Andre A Puseman to Jenna Homburg and Frederick Vansteenderen, 4349 E IL Rte 72, Byron, $350,000. • Joel Deurmier, trustee, and Joel Deurmier Tr2019 to German Fonseca, 8 1/2 E Main St.,

Mt. Morris, $105,000. • US Bank Trust National Association Trustee and US Bank Trust National Association Rcf 2 Acquisition Tr to Austin Millan, Makaya Corral-Millan and Makaya Corral Millan, 6130 N Jeffrey Ln, Oregon, $340,000. • Toni Buys Homes Llc to Gregory Frisbie, 206 W Green St, Forreston, $105,000. • Tammy Lafferty and Tammy Tosi to Dylan Schoon, 3948 W Cedar St., Dixon, $191,250. • Ryan N Grover and Cassandra A Grover to Stephen C Mead, 104 N Terrace Park Dr, Byron, $205,000. • William S Hoyle to William S Hoyle and Sarah L Hoyle, 4855 S Ridge Rd, Oregon, $0. • Kory A McKnight to Kory A McKnight and Mary Elaine McKnight, 9640 N Blaine Dr, Byron, $0. • Joshua J Williams and Jessica Williams to Lkbl Properties Llc, 208 W Front St, Mt. Morris, $75,000. • Randall A Roberts to Tyler Bo Kim, 202 W

Division, Holcomb, $366,000.

210 E McConaughy Ave, Rochelle, $0. • Ashley Nordman to William J Nordman, Deed trustee, William J Nordman Tr, Patricia J • Norman Peters and Christine Peters to Nordman, trustee, and Patricia J Nordman Tr, Word Of God Fellowship Inc and Daystar three parcels in Rockvale Township: Television Network, 300 Flambeau Ln, Dixon, 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and $0. 09-35-100-007, $100,000. • Coleman Beckerle and Ashley Nordman to Warranty deeds in trust William J Nordman, trustee, William J • Renae A Stevens and Mark Heslop to Nordman Tr, Patricia Nordman, trustee, Justin D Jones, trustee, and Justin D Jones Tr, Patricia J Nordman Tr and Ashley Nordman, 9207 N Lemke Dr, Byron, $389,000. three parcels in Rockvale Township: • John R Carroll to Barry J Rittenhouse, 09-26-300-005, 09-35-100-005 and trustee, Donna M Rittenhouse, trustee, and 09-35-100-007, $100,000. Rittenhouse Family Tr308, 206 S Hannah Ave, • Randall A Roberts to White Rock TownMt. Morris, $216,500. ship, 202 W Division, Holcomb, $0.

Quit claim deeds

• Benjamin K Meiter to Benjamin K Meiter and Brittany D Meiter, 217 E Hill Crest Dr, Byron, $0. • Rigoberto Cervantes to Leticia A Guerrero,

Trustees deeds

• Peter A Petrizzo, trustee, D Richard Petrizzo Tr697, Peter A Petrizzo and Leah Hanson to Michael Clausen and Nina Clausen, 15212 E IL Rte 72, Monroe Center, $390,000.

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED BIDS will be received by the City of Rochelle, Illinois until 11:00 a.m., October 21, 2025, for the City of Rochelle 2025 N 14th Street Storm Sewer Improvements. The storm sewer will be installed from 15th Street south of Squires Landing, east, within a City Easement, to the unimproved right-of-way of N. 14th Street. The storm sewer will proceed north along the N. 14th Street right-of-way and City owned parcels to Highland Avenue. The Project will continue west, along Highland Road, to N. 14th. The project consists of installation of approximately 1400' of 36” storm sewer, 125' of 12” storm sewer, saw cutting, removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk, accessibility ramps, combination curb and gutter, pavement removal, aggregate base course, HMA pavement, riprap, necessary or required excavation, granular backfill or bedding as required by the Engineer, and the grading, backfilling and landscaping necessary to restore and leave the site in a neat and orderly condition, as well as other associated work located in the City of Rochelle. Specifications and/or plans may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 420 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, Illinois. Bidders will be required to sign for the specifications and/or plans before they are released. There is no cost for specifications and/or plans picked up at the Clerk's Office. A fee of $100.00 will be required for any specifications and/or plans that are mailed to prospective Bidders. Bids will be mailed USPS First Class mail only. All bids are to be returned to the Office of the City Clerk, 420 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068. THE CITY OF ROCHELLE PREFERS THE SEALED BID BE HAND DELIVERED TO THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK, CITY HALL, 420 NORTH SIXTH STREET, ROCHELLE, ILLINOIS BEFORE 11:00 A.M., OCTOBER 21, 2025; HOWEVER, BIDS MAY ALSO BE MAILED. ANY BID RECEIVED AFTER 11:00 A.M., OCTOBER 21, 2025, WILL BE RETURNED, UNOPENED. ALL completed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at a bid opening at 11:00 a.m., October 21, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall in Rochelle, Illinois. ANY OBJECTIONS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS on the City's specifications shall be submitted in writing on or before 1 p.m. October 7, 2025. If deemed necessary by the City, an addendum will be distributed to all prospective bidders by facsimile transmission at least one (1) business days prior to the bid opening date. The decisions of the City shall be final. THE CITY OF ROCHELLE is an equal opportunity employer. All Contracts for Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12). A CONTRACT may be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid is found to be in the best interest of the City of Rochelle. The City of Rochelle reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bidding. The City further reserves the right to review and study any and all bids and to make a contract award within forty-five (45) days after the bids have been opened. A Hold Harmless Agreement and a Non-Collusion Affidavit of Compliance must be submitted with the bid. The City of Rochelle does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Each BID must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to the CITY OF ROCHELLE. The City of Rochelle will decide within 45 days if it intends to proceed with the project and award the contract. Written Notice of Award and instructions for the execution of the Agreement will be issued to the Selected Bidder. The BID BOND of all BIDDERS will be retained until the agreement has been executed and approved, after which all BID BONDS will be returned. A certified cashier's check may be used in lieu of a BID BOND. A Performance Surety will be required as specified in the contract documents and specifications. October 1, 5, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES

US POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Title of Publication, Rochelle News Leader 2. Publication No. 467820 3. Date of Filing October 1, 2025. 4. Frequency of issue, Sunday & Wednesday 5. No. of Issues Published Annually, 104 6. Annual Subscription: $139.99 IN, $149 OUT 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication, 211 IL 38, Rochelle, IL 61068, Ogle County 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher, 211 IL 38, Rochelle, IL 61068 9. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editor and managing editor. Jennifer Heintzelman, Publisher, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 Managing Editor, Charlene Bielema, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 PO Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081 10. Owner: B.F. Shaw Printing Company, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, None. 15. Extent and nature of circulation A. Total No. Copies Printed (Net Press Run), Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months, 934; Single issue Published Nearest to Filling Date, 902 B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies, 61; Single Issue, 61 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions: Average No. Copies, 325; Single Issue, 360 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies, 0; Single Issue, 0 4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies, 0; Single Issue, 0 C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation, Average No. Copies 856; Single issue860 D. Free Distribution by Mail, Carrier or Other Means: Average No. Copies, 6, Single Issue, 7 D. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) Average No. Copies, 19; Single Issue, 20 E. Total Free Distribution, Average No. Copies, 25; Single Issue, 27 F. Total Distribution, Average No. Copies 881; Single issue 887 G. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies 52; Single issue 15 H. Total, Average No. Copies 933; Single issue 902 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies, 97.16%; Single Issue, 96.96%. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Abbie Clark Circulation Manager October 1, 2025

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ORDINANCE NO. 25-1 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY ROCHELLE, ILLINOIS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026 The following constitutes the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, Ogle County, Rochelle, Illinois for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, presented to the Board of Trustees of the District and proposed to be adopted by said Board of Library Trustees after a public hearing: WHEREAS, the Illinois Municipal Budget Law, 50 ILCS 330/1, et seq. as amended requires all Illinois Municipal Corporations as broadly defined therein, to adopt a combined Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance, specifying the objects and purposes of expenditures; and the Illinois Public Library District Act 75 ILCS 16/1-10 and 75 ILCS 16/30-85, provides procedures for the passage of a Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and a Tax Levy Ordinance; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the above and other appropriate statutes, a Budget and Appropriation Ordinance has been prepared in tentative form at the designation of this Board, and has been made available for the public inspection at least thirty (30) days prior to final action thereon, and a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance has been held prior to final action hereon, and notice of said hearing was published on August 6, 2025, being more than thirty (30) days prior to said hearing, in a newspaper published within the District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the President and the Board of Library Trustees of the FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, Rochelle Illinois, as follows: SECTION 1: The following budget containing a statement of cash on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year, an estimate of all cash receipts of said Library District to be received during such fiscal year from all sources, the estimated expenditures contemplated for such fiscal year and a statement of the estimated cash on hand at the end of such fiscal year, be and the same is hereby adopted as the Budget for said Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and the same sums are hereby appropriated as necessary to defray the said expenses and liabilities of this Public Library District, for the objects and purposes and in the estimated amounts as indicated, for said fiscal year: 1. GENERAL FUND (includes GRANT funds) BEGINNING BALANCE JULY 1, 2025 $449,779.77 REVENUES Property Taxes 531,274.59; Replacement Tax 43,099.85; Grants 23294.56; Interest Income 14686.75; Duplicating Services 3733.51; Fines 2,716.90; Fees (cards, rentals, FAX) 5,875.65; Gifts & Donations 5,128.70; Lost Materials 49.99; Book Sale 678.75; E-Rate Reimbursement 0.00; Miscellaneous 1203.52; - $631,742.77; TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $1,081,522.54 EXPENDITURES - PERSONNEL COSTS Salaries, Library 290,000.00 ;Bookkeeping 4,000.00; Medical Insurance 30 000.00 - $324,000.00 LIBRARY MATERIALS Books 34,000.00; Periodicals 8,000.00; Microforms 1,100.00; Non-Print 6,000.00; Electronic Resources 24,000.00 - $73,100.00 BUILDING OPERATIONS Utilities 35,000.00; Building Supplies 10,000.00; Maintenance & Repair 275,000.00 ;Telephone 5 000.00 - $325,000.00 LIBRARY OPERATIONS Library Supplies 8,000.00; Office Supplies 15,500.00; Insurance 500.00; Fees (Bank, Legal, Publishing, Consulting) 20,000.00; Network Operations 29,000.00; Automation fees 15,000.00; Binding 250.00 - $88,250.00 LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT Programs 14000.00; Public Relations 13,500.00; Continuing Education 1000.00; Professional Fees 15 000.00 - $43,500.00 EQUIPMENT COSTS Furniture 1100.00; Library and Office Equipment 10,500.00; Technology Equipment 31,000.00; Leasing Fees 100.00; Maintenance & Repair (equipment) 51 000.00 - $93,700.00 TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES $947,550.00; ENDING BALANCE JUNE 30, 2026 $133,972.54 2. INSURANCE FUND BEGINNING BALANCE JULY 1, 2025 $136,615.77 REVENUES Property Taxes 67,507.24; Interest 182.72 $67,689.96; TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $204,305.73 EXPENDITURES - PERSONNEL COSTS Worker's Compensation 2000.00; Unemployment Insurance 3000.00 - $5,000.00 BUILDING OPERATIONS Maintenance & Repair 150,000.00; Insurance - Building & Liability 14,000.00 - $164,000.00 LIBRARY OPERATIONS Insurance - Errors & Omissions $3,000.00 TOTAL INSURANCE FUND EXPENDITURES $172,000.00; ENDING BALANCE JUNE 30, 2026 $32,305.73 3. ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT (IMRF) FUND BEGINNING BALANCE JULY 1, 2025 REVENUES Property Taxes 29,998.95; Interest 81.20 - $30,080.15; TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $120,805.08 EXPENDITURES Pension Contributions 50,000.00; ENDING BALANCE JUNE 30, 2026 $70,805.08 4. SOCIAL SECURITY (FICA) FUND BEGINNING BALANCE JULY 1, 2025 74,757.66 REVENUES Property Taxes 25,005.09; Interest 67.68 - $25,072.77; TOTAL ALL FUNDS AVAILABLE $99,830.43 EXPENDITURES Pension Contribution $30,000.00; ENDING BALANCE JUNE 30, 2026 $69,830.43 5. AUDIT FUND BEGINNING BALANCE JULY 1, 2025 REVENUES Property Taxes 8004.37 Interest 21.67 - $8026.04; TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $16,152.64 EXPENDITURES Annual Audit $12,000.00 ; ENDING BALANCE JUNE 30, 2026 $5,528.36 SECTION 2: That the amount appropriated for library purposes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 by fund shall be as follows: 1. GENERAL & GRANT FUND $947,550.00; 2. INSURANCE FUND $172,000.00; 3. ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND $50,000.00; 4. SOCIAL SECURITY FUND $30,000.00; 5. AUDIT FUND $12,000.00 - $1,211,550.00 TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS SECTION 3: That if any section, subdivision, or sentence of this ordinance shall for any reason be held invalid or to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this ordinance. SECTION 4: That each appropriated fund total shall be divided among the several objects and purposes specified, and in the particular amounts stated for each fund respectively in Section I, constituting the total appropriations in the amount of One Million Two Hundred Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Fifty and 00/100 ($1,211,550.00) Dollars for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. SECTION 5: That Section 2 shall be and is a summary of the annual Appropriation Ordinance of this Library District, passed by the Board of Trustees as required by law and shall be in full force and effect from and after this date. SECTION 6: That a certified copy of the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance shall be filed with the County Clerk within thirty (30) days after adoption. Passed and approved this 18th day of September, 2025 pursuant to a roll call vote as follows: AYES: Teresa Haggestad, Darci Waltrip, Lanning Nicoloff, Susan Sevedge, Sherri Klindera, Faten Abdallah NAYES: ______________ ABSENT: Jacqueline Dickow Approved by me this 18th day of September, 2025 Teresa Haggestad, Teresa Haggestad, Board President ATTEST: Susan A. Sevedge, Susan. Sevedge, Secretary-Treasurer CERTIFICATION I, Susan Sevedge, hereby certify that I am the duly elected and qualified Secretary-Treasurer of the Trustees of the FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, Ogle County, Illinois, and as such am the keeper of the records and files of said District. I do further certify that attached hereto is a full, true, and complete copy of a certain ordinance passed, approved, and adopted by the Board of Trustees on this 18th day of September, A.D. 2025 captioned: ORDINANCE NO. 25-1 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, OGLE COUNTY, ROCHELLE, ILLINOIS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto affix my official signature and seal of said Library District this 18th day of September, A.D. 2025. SEAL Susan A Sevedge, Susan Sevedge, Secretary-Treasurer Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District ESTIMATE OF REVENUES ANTICIPATED TO BE RECEIVED BY THE FLAGG-ROCHELLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026 I, SUSAN SEVEDGE, being the Secretary-Treasurer and chief fiscal officer of the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District, Ogle County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the following is an estimate of revenues by source anticipated to be received by the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Property Taxes--General Fund 531,274.59; Property Taxes--Insurance Fund 67,689.96; Property Taxes--IMRF Fund 30,080.15; Property Taxes--Social Security 25,072.77; Property Taxes--Audit Fund 8,026.04; Replacement Tax 43,099.85; Grants 23,294.56; Interest Income 14,686.75; Duplicating Services 3,733.51; Fines 2,716.90; Fees (cards, rentals, FAX) 5,875.65; Gifts & Donations 5,128.70; Lost Materials 49.99; Book Sale 678.75; E-Rate Reimbursement 0.00; Miscellaneous 1203.52 - TOTAL FUNDS TO BE RECEIVED $ 761,932.94 SusanA Sevedge, Susan Sevedge, Secretary-Treasurer Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District October 1, 2025

19 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

STATE OF ILLINOIS ) COUNTY OF OGLE ) CITY OF ROCHELLE )

LEGAL NOTICES

Rochelle cross country competes Here are photos from Rochelle’s cross country meet at Skare Park.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Photos provided by Marcy DeLille

TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Mary Chadwick takes the lead and avoids the obstacles during a cross country meet held at Skare Park. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Hunter Bivins (left) and Zach Johnson (right) run during a meet. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Bella Biggs concentrates on the course. LEFT: Rochelle’s Sami Aljabari (left) and Tyler Sutton (right) push each other to the finish.

21 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Rochelle volleyball beats Kaneland

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Here are photos of Rochelle volleyball’s match with Kaneland on Sept. 23. Rochelle won the match 25-17, 17-25, 25-23.

Photos provided by Marcy DeLille

TOP LEFT: Rochelle players celebrate their three-set win over Kaneland on Sept. 23. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Ermori Mickley looks the ball in as she prepare to set. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Kyrie Cragin gets ready to spike the ball against Kaneland. LEFT: Rochelle’s Audyn Kemp attacks the ball during the Hubs’ match with Kaneland.

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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

Forreston football, golf and homeschooling Last year, Forreston’s football team was 2-7 because of losses to teams they could have beaten. This year, they are 4-1 because they are winning those same types of games. The thrilling 22-20 win over Galena was an example of this. The Cardinals appeared to have the game under control with a two-score margin in the second half before the Pirates came up with some fourth-quarter heroics to nearly win with no time left on the clock. In a similar situation last year, Forreston lost to Galena 19-18. In the NUIC with wins at a premium, it is essential to extract every advantage you can. Other than a blowout over Dakota, it’s been a playoff atmosphere each week for Forreston and the upcoming game with EPC is a prime example of this. Galena beat EPC, so there’s no reason to think Forreston can’t win, though the opposite is possible too. While on the topic of Forreston athletics, a very good boys golf team faces some equally intense competition in the regional. At the 1A regional that was held this past Wednesday, the Cardinals battled NUIC champ Dakota and the top three teams from the BNC in Rockford Christian, Rockford Luhteran and Byron for team advancement to the sectional. Unfortunately, only three squads advance on. Last year, Forreston was

VIEWS Andy Colbert fourth, but sent Kaden Brown, Darin Greenfield and Daylen Rahn to the sectional as individuals. Brown, who is wrapping up his career as one of the best golfers in school history, also qualified for the state meet. With the scores posted by the team this season, it is not out of the realm to make state. Since the regional was after the press deadline, I don’t have the luxury of knowing the results to comment on them. Oregon, led by Jackson Messenger, faces a couple heavyweights in Fulton and Riverdale, but have a solid chance to be the third qualifier. This year has been exceptionally good for 1A golf in the northwest part of the state. Rochelle golf coach Glen Mehrings is wrapping up a 31-year career and has his best team ever, with at least five players capable of shooting in the 70s. He has never sent a team downstate, and it sure would be a neat send off gift if the Hubs could pull it off. As a long-time observer of high school sports, I’ve always contended that golf is most mentally taxing of all

prep sports, especially come post season. Oregon’s school board is considering allowing home-schooled kids to compete in sports. Some schools allow this and some don’t. Let them play. Just because parents choose to offer a different form of education for their children, it shouldn’t take away the opportunity to play IHSA sports. With declining enrollments and participation levels, it is even more cause for the home schoolers to have a role in interscholastic competition at Oregon. Another off-the-field news item came from nearby Mendota. Did you know that 1984 grad Larry Gies donated $100 million to the University of Illinois athletic department, the largest ever received by the Illini and one that guarantees the football stadium will be named Gies Memorial Stadium, in honor of his father Larry, a U.S. Army veteran. “This gift is about honoring my father, a true patriot, and every brave soul who has worn or will wear the uniform to defend our country,” Gies said in a news release. “With this investment, we can ensure that this stadium continues to be a place where their sacrifices will never be forgotten – and a shining light for every American who protects our freedom in the future.”

Gies is the founder and CEO of Madison Industries, a private equity firm. Gies is one of many financial giants all over the country that have changed the face of college sports. Anymore, someone with big pockets can legally buy a football or basketball team for their alma mater. Remember the old days, when the NCAA would investigate schools with boosters bribing recruits. Wow, times have changed. One thing that hasn’t is the popularity of college football. Attendance and TV ratings are as high as ever. It wasn’t too many years ago that some folks predicted the demise of football at all levels because of concussions (CTE). As the governing bodies toned the game down, the diehards complained that it was becoming more like flag football. In a testament to the resilience of the game, which I contend is the finest team sport ever invented, all the changes to make it safer did not detract from its beauty to watch. That brutal hitting has been replaced by a more artful form of physicality and one that appeals to football fans everywhere.

• Andy Colbert is a longtime Ogle County resident with years of experience covering sports and more for multiple area publications.

What are realistic expectations for this NIU team? His team minutes removed from a 6-3 loss to San Diego State on Saturday, NIU coach Thomas Hammock posed a rhetorical question toward the end of his news conference. “We have 18 new starters and seven new coaches,” Hammock said. “What are the realistic expectations?” The glib answer, of course, is to have scored more than three offensive touchdowns in four games this year. But it’s an interesting question that deserves more than a glib answer. Plus, it would be a repetitive topic at this point. With a defense as good as the Huskies have been, a conference title should be a realistic expectation. With an offense as bad as the Huskies have been, a three or four-win season would hypothetically seem reasonable. What are realistic expectations for the

son. The Huskies are 1-3. The offense entered Saturday ranked 133rd out of 134 teams in scoring offense at 12.7 points per game. They are pretty much guaranteed to be 134th next week. They came out of the gate Saturday with a 62-yard scoring drive to take a 3-0 Huskies? There’s really no simple answer lead. They managed 117 the rest of the to the question. But it’s worth trying to game. They made one more trip into answer. SDSU territory, reaching the 44 but turnAt the start of the season, it seemed ing it over on downs. that another seven or eight wins and a Hammock pulled starting quarterback bowl berth wasn’t an absurd expectation. Josh Holst at one point for true freshman If things broke right, with the Huskies Brady Davidson. After he was interfacing all the projected top teams in their cepted on his second pass attempt, Holst Mid-American Conference farewell tour, returned to the game. being in the picture for a conference title A reasonable expectation with this seemed like a legitimate expectation. offense? Three or four wins. And if things broke poorly, a four-win But the defense gave up two field goals season would have been on the table. Saturday to a San Diego State team fresh Fast forward four games into the seaoff a 34-0 win against Cal. One on the

VIEWS Eddie Carifio

Aztecs’ first drive of the game, one as time expired in the fourth. And they really stepped it up situationally in the second half. So many new starters. So many new coaches. A 1-3 start against two Power 4 schools and three Top 20 defenses doesn’t seem unreasonable, even if it is disappointing because the defense played well enough to win at least two of those games. But even Hammock said earlier in his news conference, the schedule shifts to conference play, in which the Huskies will face teams on equal ground from a resource standpoint. It starts next week against a 1-3 Miami team that shut out Lindenwood this week, but also has allowed 34.33 points per game against FBS schools, the 123rd best in the country.

ROCHELLE 40, LA SALLE-PERU 7

Defense picks off Cavs’ offense three times By ANDY COLBERT for Shaw Local News Network

Photos provided by Marcy DeLille

ABOVE: Rochelle’s Dylan Manning (10) eludes a tackle of a La Salle-Peru’ defender during Friday’s game in Rochelle. BELOW: Rochelle’s Brode Metzger tackles La Salle-Peru quarterback Marion Persich during Friday’s game in Rochelle. who can make things happen,” Kissack said. But the Hub defense came up with three straight gems to force a fourthand-18 punt. First, it was Tyler Gensler sacking Persich for an 8-yard loss. Then Brode Metzger, who sacked Persich for 10 yards earlier, batted down a pass. On third down, Harris almost had his second interception after the Persich was besieged by the defense. “Our defense executed the game plan as well as they could and were able to get off the field in the first half,” Kissack said. The Cavalier defense had a respectable outing in the first half by stopping three Hub drives. It appeared both teams would go to half with Rochelle up 7-0, but Manning scored on a fourth-down jet sweep with 16 seconds left. “We did OK in the first half with our defense,” L-P coach JJ Raffelson said. “But, when it comes down to it, we need to execute better on both sides of the ball.” Manning had a 63-yard touchdown called back for holding early in the third quarter, leading to a fourth-and-32. A punt gave the Cavaliers the ball on

outrun defenders to the goal line. After the Albers’ interception, Manning made it 28-0 on a 10-yard score in the fourth quarter. With 156 yards, Manning wasn’t even the leading ground gainer for the Hubs. That honor went to Roman Villalobos with 207 yards and the final two touchdowns. On a 77-yard score, the 195-pound fullback bulled over a defender with a crushing blow and ran untouched the rest of the way. He added a 47-yard ramble to close out the scoring. “The longer the game goes on, the better we play,” Villalobos said. “We came out in the second half and wanted it more than they did. After losing to Sycamore, we were hungry. It was the first time that I’ve ever had two straight losses in high school.” Rochelle’s side of the field, but they could Rafe Helmig caught a 20-yard touchnot muster a first down. down pass from Persich for L-P’s lone “We need to come out ready to play. score. That cut the lead to 28-7 in the We didn’t do that,” Raffelson said. fourth quarter. Overall, Persich comManning put the game away on the pleted 14 of 28 passes for 134 yards. Rylynd next play with a 58-yard touchdown run. Rynkewicz led the way with 4 catches. He looked to be stopped at midfield, but Rochelle had 397 yards rushing comlike he has done so many times in his pared to 65 for L-P. Gensler led the Hubs career, he found a way to break free and with 7 tackles and 2 sacks.

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After disappointing losses the past two weeks and upcoming road trips to Morris and Kaneland, Rochelle’s football team desperately needed a win. Taking down La Salle-Peru 40-7 on Friday, the Hubs salvaged their season and put themselves in a good position for playoff qualifying. “Playing quality opponents in one of the toughest 5A conferences in the state, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Rochelle coach Kyle Kissack said. “I was happy with our kids being resilient and fighting through adversity with more injuries and a tough loss to Sycamore last week.” At first, it didn’t come easy against L-P (1-4, 0-2). The Cavaliers stopped an opening 10-play Hub drive and then put together a couple first downs of their own behind the arm of Marion Persich. In what would become many big plays on defense for Rochelle (3-2, 1-1), linebacker Reece Harris intercepted Persich at the Hub 30-yard line. Dylan Manning and Keegan Albers also would have interceptions. On the next play, sophomore QB Cohen Haedt connected with a wide-open Dylan Manning for a 70-yard touchdown pass. It is extremely rare for Rochelle to pass on first down and the Cavaliers were caught with their entire defense set up to stop the run. “It’s important for us to be able to throw on double-tight [end],” Kissack said. “We’ve struggled to do that the last couple weeks. Moving forward, we’re going to have to do that to keep teams off guard.” It was the first of four consecutive TDs for Manning. “It was a good time to call pass,” Manning said. On its next drive, L-P had a chance to do the same to Rochelle, but a 40-yard flea-flicker from Persich to an open Landon Zellers fell past his reach. Still, Persich rambled 16 yards for a first down and then found Zellers for another first down to move into Hub territory. “Their quarterback is a great player

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Hubs get back on track, rout La Salle-Peru

SPORTS Rochelle fullback Roman Villalobos (40) tries to break free of a La Salle-Peru defender during Friday’s game in Rochelle.

Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER

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Photo provided by Marcy DeLille

FULL STEAM AHEAD Rochelle High School football team bounces back from two tough losses to streamroll rival La Salle-Peru / 23