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TODAY’S EDITION: 24 pages • Vol. 106, Issue 44
Zip’s Auto Body in Rochelle closed in June after 41 years. Its owner, Richard ‘Zip’ Zimmerman retired after 55 years / 3, 5
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Common sense versus the facts about crime Common sense tells us that crime is rising. Large majorities agreed that it was in Gallup polling last year, as well as in 23 out of 26 previous yearly surveys. But what seems to be an obvious fact is an illusion, a product of something psychologist Daniel Kahneman called “availability.” The illusion collapses when we look at the facts about crime rates. Data collected by the FBI and by the Department of Justice reveal that crime has actually decreased dramatically over the three decades covered by those Gallup polls. The FBI data are based on reports from police departments across the nation. The Justice Department’s come from surveys asking the public if they’ve personally been victimized by crime. Their estimates are higher than the FBI’s, because citizens don’t always report crimes to the police. Both show, nevertheless and in almost lock-step, a dramatic fall in crime rates since 1993. Examples from FBI statistics include reductions of 49% for violent crime and 74% for robberies, as reported by the Pew Research Center on April 24, 2024, at pewresearch.org. The Justice Department’s surveys reveal even steeper declines. Murder rates spiked during and immediately after the Covid epidemic of 2020 but have since resumed their downward trend. Steven Pinker, in his book, “The Better Angels of Our Nature,” demonstrates that this is part of a larger trend away from violence that’s been going on, with bumps along the way, since the beginning of civilization. We have far to go before we’re a crime-free society, but, compared to the historical record, we live in remarkably peaceful times. We all rely – we must rely – on com-
COMMUNITY VIEWS Lowell Harp mon sense in our daily lives. But it used to tell us that the earth stands still and the sun revolves around it, much as it insists today that crime is rising. Daniel Kahneman’s book, “Thinking Fast and Slow,” reveals why common sense fails us so often. His book is the result of a career devoted to the study of how humans make decisions. He found that, most of the time, we judge the frequency of events like crime based on how easy it is to remember them, instead of an actual count. He called this “availability,” a strategy that, he said, “inevitably produces systematic errors.” The availability strategy has served an important survival role throughout human evolution. We usually don’t have the time to investigate and analyze all the facts, and it burns up a lot of precious energy to do so. Availability is quick and effortless. Dramatic news reports of assaults, robberies, and other crimes are more available to us than facts and statistics, which are harder to find, boring, and often difficult to understand. It’s no surprise that they have such power over us. We’re programmed, so speak, to overestimate the frequency of criminal acts. Availability fuels President Trump’s campaign to justify sending troops to American communities. Trump couples the rising-crime myth with another one about lawlessness run amok in cities controlled by Democrats and their liberal policies. Cities have higher crime rates than small towns and rural areas, and the larger the city is, the higher its crime
rate is likely to be. Crime rates in fact grow faster than the population does, as demonstrated by Yu Chang and colleagues, in a paper published in the International Journal of Information and Decision Science (Volume 9, 2018). Most major cities are controlled by Democrats, so it’s easy to come under the impression that crime and the Democratic Party go together. But a study by Justin De Benedictis Kessner and colleagues, published at science.org by the National Institutes of Health on Jan. 15, looked into the President’s claim by examining three decades of records. They found that, “Electing a Democrat rather than a Republican as mayor leads to no detectable impact on police staffing or expenditures on criminal justice, nor does it lead to changes in crime or arrest rates.” Sarah Steffen and Gianna Grun, with the German news service, DW, at dw.com on Sept. 3, reported essentially the same result regarding last year’s crime rates in the 100 largest cities in the U.S. The President relies on availability, where stories and pictures triumph over facts and analysis, to promote these and other myths. This is the realm of electronic media like television, radio, and the internet, as opposed to printed sources, which are more compatible with rational thinking, and we’re increasingly vulnerable to it. The President is in this sense more the symptom than the illness. The antidote is a renewed respect for facts, reason, the written word, and science - and a healthy skepticism toward common sense.
• Lowell Harp is a retired school psychologist who served school districts in Ogle County. For previous columns, follow him on Facebook.
ON THE COVER
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Zip’s Auto Body at 1033 S. 7th St. in Rochelle closed at the end of June 2025 after 41 years. Its owner, Richard “Zip” Zimmerman retired after 55 years of auto shop work. Jeff Helfrich
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1969. That was the start of Zimmerman’s manager at a couple places and learned part of it, giving people good service and
Zimmerman: ‘It was a lot 55 years of repairing, restoring and paint- how to do things on my own.” keeping them coming back,” Zimmerman ing vehicles. On June 30, he closed his Before opening his own business at said. “When I put up a social media post of blood, sweat and tears to own shop, Zip’s Auto Body, after 41 years 1033 S. Seventh St. in 1984, Zimmerman about the closing, I was shocked at the in business, and retired. also worked at Sawicki Motors and had support and the kind words from people get where I’m at. Now it’s “When I started out at 12 years old I another stop at Joe’s Garage & Body Shop, in this community. There were hundreds was paid $20 a week,” Zimmerman said. which was under new ownership. of comments. That was a ‘wow’ factor, nice to reap the benefits’ “But $20 was pretty good for me, because Zimmerman was 26 when he opened reading all those. I figured there would be
all I wanted was my Stingray bicycle. I worked in the summers and after school jhelfrich@shawmedia.com and on weekends. I did that through high school. Richard “Zip” Zimmerman started “It started off as something to do when working on vehicles at the age of 12. I was young and I kept learning and He was hired by his neighbor, Joe Gar- learned fast. I thought about trying somerison, to work at Joe’s Garage & Body thing different a time or two, but it never Shop near the airport south of Rochelle in worked out. So I just kept on going. I was
By JEFF HELFRICH
his own business on the south side of town. After three years in business he bought the property, renovated it, moved into the building at the front of the lot and expanded several times over the years. Zip’s Auto Body handled mostly auto body repair and collision work, along with some restoration and Rhino Lining. “Working in a small town was the best
a few dozen. It was a big deal for me knowing that many people care.” Zimmerman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February, and in July he underwent successful surgery to remove his prostate and the cancer. He had a clean cancer scan just a few weeks ago.
See Zip's Auto Body on page 5
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Zip’s Auto Body owner retires after 55 years, shop after 41
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
Jeff Helfrich
Richard “Zip” Zimmerman started working on vehicles at the age of 12 and went on to own Zip’s Auto Body in Rochelle for 41 years. He retired on June 30, from work and the business.
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
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Creston Village Board OKs $268K for sewer project Planned farmland officially acquired from Rochelle landfill By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com The Creston Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $268,168 payment Tuesday, Oct. 7, to Martin & Company Excavating for a recent storm sewer project that was completed in the village. Back in June, the board awarded a $290,734.80 bid to Martin & Company Excavating to do the work to improve drainage in Creston. Village Engineer Kevin Bunge said the final payment to the contractor was less than the bid, meaning the project went well. “They did a nice job of cleaning up all the way through it,” Village Trustee Photos by Jeff Helfrich Mike Kerns said. “They put everyone’s yards back together. Grass is coming up. Creston Village Board Trustees Doug Hopkins (from left), Curt Ward and Reid Elliot participate in a meeting Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Creston Village Hall. It looks nice.” tioned by the board Tuesday included The project consisted of 36-inch storm Main Street, Prairie Street, and Depot sewer pipe being put in to replace broken Street. The village aims to have a sidedrain tile. The work was suggested due to issues with stormwater overflow. The walk plan in place by the spring. preliminary storm sewer project work Tower involved securing easements from The board voted unanimously to nearby property owners. About 800 feet give Village President Tom Byro the of storm sewer pipe was put in. authority to hire an electrician for a Farm cost not to exceed $15,000 for upcoming Village Attorney Dave Tess provided work on the installation of a mixer in an update to the board on an agreement it Creston’s water tower. approved last month with the Rochelle The mixer installation project was Landfill that saw the village officially put into motion following rust issues acquire 111.3 acres of land that will be that have been seen in Creston’s water used as farm property that will be leased system. The village has found difficulty out. hiring an electrician for the project and Tess said the land is now owned by the currently has bids of $14,550 and $11,725 village. The land deal was negotiated for with another unknown bid on the way. 3.5 years and stems from an agreement The work is planned to take place Nov. Creston Village President Tom Byro participates in a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Creston that Creston, the Rochelle Landfill and 4. Village Hall. City of Rochelle came to back in 2021 that Christmas will result in closing the Rochelle LandThe board unanimously approved a fill by or on Dec. 31, 2040. The delay was The land will be leveled out for farming. certain amount for replacement each donation of $1,000 to the Creston-Dedue to Illinois Environmental Protection The acquisition of the land saw no year. Village Trustee Mark Hibshman esti- ment Public Library to help purchase Agency approval. purchase amount for the village, but the The land will be changed as part of the lengthy negotiation and agreement work mated about three quarters of Creston is Christmas presents for children at the deal, including the removal and addition will cost the village $24,562 in attorney’s in need of sidewalk replacement. Village library’s Christmas in Creston event in Trustee Curt Ward said any sidewalk December. Last year, the library gave of roads for clearer farming, removal of fees. that hasn’t been replaced in the village out 106 presents at the event. trees and fencing, and the potential since its installation will need replacing, removal of berm. The landfill has been Sidewalks Board members expressed a desire due to meeting ADA requirements. Halloween giving the village farm lease revenue The board resolved to have HallowThe board is currently planning a during the negotiations. Creston has Tuesday to replace sidewalks in Creston additional farmland in the area that it and establish a regimented sidewalk sidewalk replacement project at Village een trick or treating take place in Cresimprovement program each year. The Hall and on South Grove Street and East ton from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The leases out. City of Rochelle’s trick or treating will Tess said Tuesday that work is ongo- board will look at making a master side- South Street. Other sidewalk areas of priority men- take place the same day and time. ing on some berm, tree and fence removal. walk improvement plan and budgeting a
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Rochelle Police Department and Rochelle Fire Department squared off in a Battle of the Badges charity volleyball game at Flight Deck Bar & Grill on Oct. 4. The event raised $1,100 that was donated to Focus House. RPD was victorious in the sand volleyball match. “While the fire department was a little sad to take the loss on the court, we’re
• ZIP’S AUTO BODY Continued from page 3 The focus on his cancer fight was the catalyst for the closing and retirement, after Zimmerman had considered retirement for about a year. Zimmerman will be renting out his buildings at 1033 S. Seventh St., but likely not to another body shop. His retirement will also include his hobbies of metal art and golf, spending time with friends, and
proud to support Focus House and stand alongside our brothers and sisters in blue for such a meaningful cause,” an RFD Facebook post said. “A big thank you to everyone who came out, cheered us on, and helped make this event such a success!” Business sponsors who helped make the event possible were Flight Deck Bar & Grill, Wills Chiropractic, Supancic Insurance, T- Byrd Lanes, Holcomb Bank, Stillman Bank, and Rochelle Veterinary Hospital.
managing his properties. Walking into an empty and quiet shop is strange for Zimmerman, who is used to phones ringing, noise from tools in the shop and customers dropping off and picking up vehicles. The thing he misses most since closing is working with customers. Zimmerman recalls when Rochelle had 10 body shops in town; now it only has a couple. That was one of the reasons his decision to close was tough. “Running a small business was great
Photo provided by Rochelle Fire Department
The Rochelle Police Department and Rochelle Fire Department squared off in a Battle of the Badges charity sand volleyball game on Oct. 4 at Flight Deck Bar & Grill.
in this town,” Zimmerman said. “I grew up here. I got to know a lot of people. I loved it here. I never considered doing it anywhere else. I was born and raised here and this is where I learned my craft. It wasn’t always easy, but I enjoyed it. To me, it was just a job and it was all about making sure the customers and employees were happy. I got better at working with insurance companies.” His work at Zip’s Body Shop allowed Zimmerman to pursue his hobbies like boat racing, which he traveled all over
the country to do. The business became a far cry from working for $20 a week at 12 years old. “When I got out of high school I was living paycheck to paycheck,” Zimmerman said. “When I came here I had one employee. I kept on working and saving and bought the property. It paid off. I remember working day and night at times on projects because customers needed them done. It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get where I’m at. Now it’s nice to reap the benefits.”
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Rochelle Police, Fire net $1,100 for charity
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No change of judge for Ogle County woman charged with suffocating son By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent An Oregon woman charged with killing her 7-year-old son in 2021 will not get a new judge to preside over her case. Sarah Safranek, 38, sat motionless with her attorney, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, as Ogle County Chief Judge John “Ben” Roe denied her request to replace Associate Judge Anthony Peska. Safranek is accused of suffocating her son, Nathaniel Burton, in the family’s Oregon home in February 2021. She is charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery. She was arrested April 21, 2021, was indicted May 4, 2021, and pleaded not guilty May 6, 2021. She has been held in the Ogle County Jail since her arrest. Isley filed a defense motion in September noting that Safranek could not receive a fair trial if Peska remained as the presiding judge. Judge John Redington was the initial judge for Safranek’s case, presiding over many hearings and delivering pretrial rulings before he retired in 2024. Roe entered an order in July 2024 assigning the case to Peska upon Redington’s retirement. Wednesday’s hearing was just the third time in more than a year that Safranek has appeared in court, as some pretrial rulings made by Redington were under appeal. Peska only presided over one hearing for Safranek, on Sept. 17, 2025, when the motion for a substitute judge was made. But Isley had argued that Safranek’s case should be assigned to another judge and that the motion asking for the substitution was timely due to the monthslong delay, as the appeal was pending. She argued that the trial would not have been done before Redington retired, and no matters could be heard while rulings were under appeal. Assistant Ogle County State’s Attorney Matthew Leisten disagreed, arguing that Isley’s motion was “untimely” and had missed the 10-day window to ask for a substitute judge. Isley said Peska had never ruled on
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Sarah Safranek enters an Ogle County courtroom for a motion hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8. any matters in relation to the case, making the state’s argument that case law supports a 10-day filing limit inapplicable. Roe disagreed. “The 10 days ran from the date of the reassignment,” Roe said. “I believe that is supported by case law.” Roe said he had reviewed case law and considered all of the attorneys’ arguments before rendering his decision. He said the 10-day time period was his reason to deny the motion and not a comment made in the defense motion that claimed Peska was “so prejudiced
against [Safranek] that she cannot receive a fair trial.” Isley clarified that the word “prejudiced” was only used as a legal language required for the motion. Safranek’s next court appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Peska’s courtroom. Safanek’s jury trial was removed from the court calendar in July 2024 after a motion by prosecutors who argued that some rulings made by Redington limited the evidence they wanted to present to jurors. They argued that Redington’s decision had “impaired” their ability to pro-
ceed with first-degree murder charges. Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock filed an appeal July 10, 2024, nine days after Redington ruled on several motions in limine filed by the defense and prosecutors. Motions in limine determine whether certain evidence may be presented to the jury. They are commonly entered and argued before a trial begins, allowing evidentiary questions to be decided by the judge. Motions in limine in the Safranek case have been sealed and are not viewable to the public. In June 2024, Redington listened to testimony and arguments regarding the motions and, after reviewing case law, limited the state’s ability to enter all internet searches and journal entries they said Safranek made. He also limited hearsay statements prosecutors said others made regarding domestic violence directed toward Nathaniel. Redington removed Safranek’s scheduled jury trial date over the objection of Isley, and no court dates were set, pending the appeal process. The appellate court issued its opinion July 25 and its mandate Sept. 4. Nathaniel was a first-grade student at Oregon Elementary School. He was found unresponsive and not breathing at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021, in his bed at home in the 400 block of South 10th Street. He was pronounced dead later that day at KSB Hospital in Dixon. According to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network in a Freedom of Information Act request, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services visited the house about a dozen times over two years, following up on five reports of suspected abuse and neglect. Each time, DCFS closed the case after finding no indications of parental wrongdoing. Nathaniel was 4 when the allegations first surfaced. Redington ruled in November 2022 that Safranek was fit to stand trial after he reviewed a mental health evaluation requested by the defense. Redington agreed with attorneys on June 28, 2024, to exclude Safranek’s mental health records from being entered at the trial.
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OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Possible early warning signs for breast cancer Women are often their own strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer. While a strong support network can be vital when receiving treatment for breast cancer, women who have not been diagnosed with the disease still have an important role to play in combatting it and potentially reducing its impact on their lives. The World Cancer Research Fund reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the number one cancer in women across the globe. But women are not helpless against breast cancer. In fact, various organizations encourage women to take a proactive approach in relation to the disease and begin conducting routine self-examinations in young adulthood. Self-exams can uncover signs of the disease and propel treatment when it’s in its earliest stages, a point in time when breast cancer is most treatable. Though the disease does not always produce symptoms in its early stages, women can keep an eye out for these signs each day, including when conducting self-exams. ■ New lump or mass: This is perhaps the
Did You
most widely known symptom of breast cancer, but it’s important that women avoid jumping to conclusions should they uncover a new lump or mass during a self-exam. That’s because most breast lumps are not cancer according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS notes a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer but also acknowledges cancer-related lumps or masses can be soft, round, tender, or painful. ■ Swelling of all or part of a breast: Swelling may be a sign of breast cancer even if no lump is felt. ■ Skin dimpling: The dimpling that may be symptomatic of breast cancer can look like the exterior of an orange peel. ■ Pain: Some women experience pain in the breast or nipple before a breast cancer diagnosis. ■ Nipple retraction: This symptom is marked by the nipple turning inward. ■ Skin issues on the nipple or breast: Skin on the nipple or breast may redden, dry, flake, or thicken when a woman has breast cancer.
■ Nipple discharge: The discharge will be something other than breast milk. ■ Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone: This swelling may indicate the breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast reached a size large enough to be felt.
The ACS urges women who discover any of these symptoms to report them to a health care professional immediately. Though each symptom is not necessarily indicative of the presence of breast cancer, it’s still important to seek treatment. TF25A211
Breast cancer survival rates
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Thanks to early detection and improved therapies, many cases of breast cancer are successfully treated. However, the Susan G. Komen® organization reports breast cancer survival rates vary depending on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Those diagnosed as having stages 0, I and II tend to have better survival rates than those whose disease was discovered after the cancer had already advanced to stages III and IV. Although each situation is unique, the five-year survival rate among
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Ogle County Democrats hold great fall fundraiser SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com The Ogle County Democrats held their 27th annual Fall Fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Historic Stronghold Castle Conference Center. “We had a great turnout, one of our largest ever,” said Linda Pottinger, chair of the Ogle County Democratic Central Committee. “Our primary goals are to raise funds and support Democratic candidates on the ballot for local, state and federal positions. Today we raised the most funds ever and had some great candidates speak at our event.” In addition to many individual donations, the event was sponsored by eight local unions: Sheetmetal Workers, Local 219; Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 23; Laborers International, Local 727; Ironworkers, Local 498; Carpenters Local 790; IBEW Local 364; IUOE Local 150; and Teamsters Local 325. The afternoon started with guitar music from Chris Kolling, a local musician and music teacher, who played the national anthem to formally begin the event. Kevin Lamm, one of the candidates for Democratic State Central Committeeman in the 16th District, served as emcee throughout the afternoon. Attendees were able to hear from the following Democratic candidates: Kevin Ryan for U.S. Senate, Patrick Cortesi and Kevin Lamm for State Central Committeeman, Nolan Kemp for 74th District state representative, Joe Berning for 45th District State Senate, and Brendyn Morgan and Paul Nolley for 16th District Congressional representative. Videos were provided by Gov. JB Pritzker; Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, candidate for U.S. Senate, and Rep. Raja Krishnamorthi, candidate for U.S. Senate. In addition to food and discussion among fellow Democrats, the group bid on a variety of silent auction items and donated for a chance to win several hundred dollars in the 50/50 raffle. “I was elected chair of the county Democratic Party just a year ago and this event reinforced the progress we have made in growing our party over the last year,” Pottinger said. “While we are still working on getting more candidates for local seats in the townships and county, it is encouraging to see the quality of Democratic candidates for state and local elections. “Democratic and Independent voters in Ogle County are looking for Demo-
Photos provided by Ogle County Democrats
Beth Bull, Ogle County Democratic vice chair (from left); Brendyn Morgan, candidate for 16th District Congressional representative; Paul Nolley, candidate for 16th District Congressional representative; Kevin Lamm, emcee and candidate for state central committeeman; Joe Berning, candidate for 45th District State Senate; Patrick Cortesi, candidate for state central committeeman; Linda Pottinger, Ogle County Democratic chair; Fidencio Campos, Whiteside County Democratic chair, and Kevin Ryan, candidate for U.S. Senate, are shown at the Ogle County Democrats’ annual Fall Fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Historic Stronghold Castle Conference Center. cratic candidates on the ballots at all The Ogle County levels, and next year we will be providDemocrats held their ing candidates for many seats that have 27th Annual Fall been unopposed in the past.” Fundraiser on Sunday, The Ogle County Democrats have Sept. 28, at Historic been active this year with multiple ralStronghold Castle lies held in front of the old courthouse, Conference Center. each bringing at least 150 people or more One party official said, to voice their opinions and concerns. “We had a great There is also concern about the increasturnout, one of our ing violence directed at politicians and largest ever.” political figures in both parties. The Ogle County Democrats put a formal statement in the paper denouncing this type of violence on Sept. 29. “While many of the changes being made in D.C. are not yet being felt by the Democratic candidates who share our and agricultural workers, protect our people of Ogle County, it is important values - support legislation that help our democratic institutions, maintain our that we work hard to find and support working families, especially our union constitutional rights,” Pottinger said.
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Hill Street Neighborhood will give people with disabilities the opportunity to choose their own services, an option not seen in group homes. Plans call for 24 units in 12 duplexes and a 4-acre public park with walkways to access the park for all units. There will also be a community building open to anyone in Mt. Morris and acreage for By JEFF HELFRICH future expansion. jhelfrich@shawmedia.com “Five years ago, VOP Executive Director Brion Brooks told me about a A groundbreaking ceremony in Mt. crazy idea in Mt. Morris to build housMorris on Tuesday, Oct. 7, marks the ing for people with intellectual disabiliupcoming construction of the Hill Street ties where they can control their own Neighborhood – a unique $10 million housing,” Kreider Services Executive duplex apartment project. Director Jeff Stauter said. “That may A collaboration between the Village seem like nothing to people without disof Progress in Oregon and Kreider Ser- abilities. vices in Dixon, it will offer a new living “Here in Mt. Morris, unlike anyoption for people living with disabilities where else in the state, those folks are whose options typically have included going to be able to pick who provides living with parents or in a group home. their services and who is in their home After many years of planning, the supporting them. And if they don’t like
State agency plan with strong local backing aims to integrate people with and without disabilities
Mt. Morris Village President Phil Labash (left) and Kreider Services Executive Director Jeff Stauter were among the speakers at a groundbreaking for the Hill Street Neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Mt. Morris. them, they can hire someone new. It puts them in control of their space and lives. And that is amazing.” Major support for the project has come from the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities, IHDA, the Ogle
County Housing Authority, Sauk Valley Bank, ComEd, and the Village of Mt. Morris. Mt. Morris Village President Phil Labash spoke at the groundbreaking on Oct. 7 and said he’s excited Mt. Morris was chosen for the development. He is looking forward to welcoming new residents. “I’m confident this development will result in many positive outcomes for Mt. Morris and set us apart as a very special destination,” Labash said. “Thank you to everyone who was involved in bringing this to life. Today the work begins on a project that will impact and transform the lives of many tomorrow. I’m excited to see it come to life.” The Hill Street Neighborhood will have a full-time staff member to service its tenants. Half of the duplexes will be occupied by people without disabilities.
See Hill Street on page 12
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Ground broken for $10M Hill Street Neighborhood project in Mt. Morris
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Mt. Morris for the Hill Street Neighborhood. The duplex apartment project is planned to serve both people with disabilities and people from the general population.
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER
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• HILL STREET Continued from page 11 The apartments will be deemed affordable housing, but at a level of 50% of the area median income rather than the typical 30%. The duplexes will be uniform with those in the subdivision next door and the development won’t stand out from other areas of Mt. Morris. Hill Street will be extended for the development. The general contractor for the project is North Arrow Partners, and Jeff Cronin, its chief technical officer, said Oct. 7 that construction will take about 14 months to complete. He called the need for affordable housing “a crisis” and the need for permanent supportive housing “so much greater.” “Delivering 24 new homes for people with disabilities is a special occasion and so needed,” Cronin said. “At North Arrow we’ve done some permanent supportive housing across the state. It can be a challenge. It’s admirable that the community and leadership here support this project. They understand what a wonderful addition to the community this will be. We’re excited to get started.” Mt. Morris was chosen as the location of the project because the commu-
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF Ogle County RPC’s Oct. 23 meeting canceled
Due to a lack of business, the regular meeting of the Ogle County Regional Planning Commission scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, has been canceled. The next meeting of the Regional Planning Commission is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Old Ogle County Courthouse, first floor conference
Jeff Helfrich
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Director Kim Mercer-Schleider speaks at a groundbreaking for the Hill Street Neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Mt. Morris. nity was receptive to it and the village is small and walkable with the right amenities. The 20 acres of land was purchased from a farmer that owned the land. The first phase of the project includes six acres for the development and four acres for the park, which will be the only park in the northeast quadrant of Mt. Morris. The remainder of the property will be held in reserve for possible
The historic Ogle County Courthouse is located in Oregon.
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
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future phases, which may be more market-based housing or privately owned residences. ComEd has supported the Hill Street Neighborhood project with a grant for energy efficiency that will include “state-of-the-art” equipment, such as high-performance windows, HVAC equipment and lighting. “Our energy efficiency team has worked to put together some of the most
advanced energy efficient programs and development possible,” ComEd External Affairs Manager and Kreider Services Board of Directors Vice President Nick Escobar said. “We’re going to be able to save energy across the board and with energy prices rising we know how important that is. “It will save enough power to cover nearly 40 homes per year. There will be close to $60,000 in incentives that this project will receive from ComEd.” The Village of Progress has been serving adults with developmental disabilities in Ogle County since 1969. Kreider Services provides direct care programs to people with developmental disabilities. Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Director Kim Mercer-Schleider thanked Stauter and Brooks for their dedication to the project. “Their work inspired the council to invest further in more technical assistance for other developmental disability service providers that are interested in housing like this,” Mercer-Schleider said. “We need more of this. We need more passion and innovative, committed service providers. We need more people to understand why this is important.”
13 ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
Stillman Bank President & CEO Tom Hughes (left) and Illinois Bankers Association President & CEO Randy Hultgren (right) pose for a photo with Stillman Bank Vice President & Director of Retail Banking Kathy Yocum, who was named the 2025 IBA Woman of the Year. Photo provided by Stillman Bank
Stillman Bank’s Kathy Yocum named IBA Woman of the Year SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
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Stillman Bank is proud to announce that Kathy Yocum, vice president and director of retail banking, has been named the 2025 Woman of the Year by the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA). This prestigious award honors a woman in banking who not only excels professionally but also uplifts others and makes a lasting impact in her community. With over four decades of experience in the financial industry, she has spent the majority of her career helping customers and colleagues thrive. She joined Stillman Bank in 1987 following its acquisition of United Bank of Rochelle, and has been a key leader ever since. In her current role, Yocum has played a vital part in shaping the bank’s retail strategy and culture, known for her visionary leadership, dedication, and genuine care for others. Her mentorship has empowered countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue meaningful careers in finance. Beyond her professional achievements, Yocum is a committed community advocate. She actively supports a wide range of local organizations, serving on the executive boards of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, Franklin Grove Woman’s Club, Franklin Grove Park Board, and LHCS Friends of Parks & Recreation. She is also a proud member of the Rochelle Rotary Club and Franklin Grove
C o m m u n i t y Church Council. “Kathy’s tireless dedication to both her career and her community has inspired many,” Thomas R. Hughes, Stillman Bank president and CEO, Kathy Yocum said. “She is not only an exceptional banker but an even more remarkable person. She has earned the deep respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers and embodies the essence of what it means to be a community banker – selfless, community-oriented, driven, and compassionate.” The award was presented at the IBA’s Women in Banking Conference Award Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2, in Springfield. The Illinois Bankers Association is a full-service, progressive trade association representing banks of all asset sizes since 1891. Membership includes community and regional banks and holding companies, savings associations, savings banks, trust companies, and organizations that serve the banking industry. Stillman Bank is an independently owned community bank founded in 1882. The bank has approximately $613 million in assets and operates full-service banking offices in Byron, Oregon, Rochelle, Rockford, Roscoe/Rockton, and Stillman Valley.
Photo provided by Chuck Roberts
Gary Tarvestad (sergeant at arms), Steve Korth (adjutant), Erik Welles (finance officer), Chuck Roberts (commander), Erik Gerischer (senior vice commander, 13th American Legion District), Paul Bearrows (chaplain), and Jose Huerta (junior vice commander) are shown at a recent Arnold Heltness American Legion Post 403 meeting.
Roberts speaks at October Rochelle Legion meeting rant at the Petro Truck Stop in Rochelle. Chuck Roberts presented on the The Arnold Heltness American history of the 10th Mountain Division Legion Post 403 recently held its Octo- vehicles evaluated and used in World ber meeting at the Iron Skillet Restau- War II.
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Daily Chronicle/ShawLocal.com/daily-chronicle.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
DAILY CHRONICLE
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OPINIONS
THE FIRST
AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Consider this: Love for America I have friends and colleagues that tell me if I don’t like America or what’s happening in America, I should find another country. Let me clarify something. I not only like America, but I also love America! I love its Constitution and the democracy that it provides. There is no place like it so I shall not move. The freedom to speak your mind is just one of the many freedoms that I cherish. What I don’t like are the politicians and Supreme Court ignoring our Constitution and walking all over it as if they own it. Like it or not, it is our document, the document of the people, by the people, and for the people. I hope those are familiar words to all of us. Don’t you want to fight to keep it? I also love the great state of Illinois. It is one of the few states that are standing up for the Constitution and free speech among all the other freedoms it provides. Sure, the state has problems. Find me a state that does not. As I said in my last article, as far as criminality goes, nothing will change until we do something about guns in this country. So, don’t think that sending troops into various cities, to “help” law enforcement, will make any difference at all. Some differences, touted to have been made already, will fall apart soon enough. A show of force doesn’t always translate into long term change. I also get comments that other presidents have done much of the same things that President Trump is doing today. I never, ever, get a list of those things other presidents have done, however. I’m sure a list, if I did get one, would include other presidents “picking” on
COMMUNITY VIEWS Reed Harris our current one. If that were true, why would juries of our peers be convicting him in our courts of law? Of course, others will say that the courts of law and the jury of peers were against him. So, I guess, we are saying that the lawyers for President Trump are no good. Worthless at their jobs. Are we also saying that it was the grand scheme of President Biden to pick an attorney general that would pursue the conviction of President Trump in ways that would delay the processes long enough that they never came to completion? Interesting strategy. Currently, the Republicans are saying that the government shutdown was caused by the Democrats. They say because the bill to prevent the shutdown didn’t reinstate the cuts that have been and will be made to programs such as Medicaid and CHIP (for children), etc., Democrats voted down the bill. Republicans also say that reinstating these cuts would give undocumented workers access to these and other government programs. But this is not true. Read the article at “forumtogether.org/ article/fact-sheet-undocumented-immigrants-and-federal-health-care-benefits/” to see what undocumented immigrants have access to. If you would like more information on the bipartisan Forum group, click on the word Forum at the top of the page.
It is true, however, that undocumented immigrants have access to hospital emergency departments. Everyone in this country has this access. Emergency departments will never ask for your status. They are dedicated to helping everyone and this will never change due to the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors. It is also a very small percentage of annual payments made by the government on a yearly basis. Some of the Democrats’ wants are to extend tax subsidies for the ACA program. They say if this is not done, many Americans (not undocumented immigrants) will see a 75% or more increase to the cost of their participation. The Republicans said they will be willing to negotiate on the ACA extension but not until the current bill is passed to reopen the government. You can read more about this at “www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/01/ democrats-republicans-government-shutdown-health-care/”. Do you believe that the Republicans will do this? They didn’t allow negotiations on the current bill. Here is what Democrats say about President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and how they feel it will affect you: “Democrats say it amounts to tax breaks for billionaires and pays for them with deep Medicaid cuts. The White House insists the law protects taxpayers by preventing undocumented immigrants from getting government health benefits — but such individuals were already barred from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, exchanges.” You can read about this at “www.npr. org/2025/10/03/nx-s1-5560987/shut-
down-undocumented-immigrants-medicaid-obamacare.” In short, Democrats are trying to fight for American citizens to keep them from healthcare bankruptcy. Many citizens of my age are for many of these cuts because they feel it won’t affect them. The removal of undocumented immigrants, that are not criminals, and work jobs that others in America won’t do, may not affect the government’s income by a large amount, but we must remember that the money lost from the taxes they pay reduces Medicare and other programs’ reserves. It will eventually affect you and me. Even though tax cuts for billionaires, millionaires, and large corporations never “trickle down” to us, it is a safe bet that the debt accumulation will. Read “taxpolicycenter.org/fiscal-facts/ yes-undocumented-immigrants-pay-taxes-and-receive-few-tax-benefits” to get additional information on what immigrants pay. So, should we sit back and hope that everything will be fine and dandy down the road? Do we have any indication that this will happen? Any at all? Should we sit back and hope certain things will happen as we have done in the past? Voters truly have the power here to change things. Because of some of the bills being introduced in several states and the gerrymandering being performed to add seats to Congress, we are seeing our power eroded. Some of this even affects both parties. Is there something you can do to change this trend?
•Reed Harris is a longtime Rochelle resident and community volunteer.
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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS The Chana United Methodist Church will host a homemade chicken and noodles drive-up dinner on Saturday, Oct. 18. The meal will be from 4-6:30 p.m. Each dinner is $12.
Area students make dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic
The following students were named to the 2025 spring trimester dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa: Britney Salinas of Lindenwood, and Jacob Sigwards of Stillman Valley. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida.
Small Business Bingo events set for Nov. 6 and Dec. 2 in Rochelle
Rochelle’s Dall makes summer 2025 SNHU dean’s list
Southern New Hampshire University recently congratulated Rochelle’s Abby Dall on being named to the summer 2025 dean’s list. The summer term runs from May to August. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Village of Progress annual awards banquet is Oct. 22 in Oregon
The Village of Progress’ annual awards banquet is coming soon to celebrate the accomplishments of those who attend the Village and the many volunteers who donate their time and talent. It’s a great evening to spotlight Ogle County men and women with develop2-Ton Food Drive is Nov. 20 at mental disabilities. Prescott Brothers Ford in Rochelle The annual dinner will be held WednesThis holiday season, Prescott Brothers day, Oct. 22, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Ford in Rochelle, together with 102.3 The Oregon. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets Coyote and Superhits 93.5, is proud to can be purchased by calling 815-732-2126. once again host its annual 2-Ton Food The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to Drive on Thursday, Nov. 20, benefiting the 12, and free for ages 4 and younger. –Shaw Local News Network Rochelle Christian Food Pantry.
Earleen Hinton for Shaw Local News Network
Gail Beck serves up slices of homemade pie at the Chana United Methodist Ladies’ concession stand during the Oregon Woman’s Club Antique Show & Vintage Market on Sunday, March 23. The Chana United Methodist Church will host a homemade chicken and noodles drive-up dinner on Saturday, Oct. 18.
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Two Small Business Bingo events will be held this year at Flight Deck Bar & Grill at 1207 W. Gurler Road in Rochelle to benefit area nonprofits. The first event will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, from 6-8 p.m. to raise money for the Community Action Network and Rochelle VFW Post 3878. The second event will be Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 p.m. to raise money for Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and HOPE of Ogle County. Doors will open at 5 p.m. both nights. The cost is $15 per person for 10 rounds of bingo. Raffles are also available for an additional cost. Food and drinks will be available. Small Business Bingo was started in 2023 by AP Massage Therapy Owner Ashley Patrick, who came up with the idea of bingo nights in the community with prizes donated by local businesses to raise money for area nonprofits. Small Business Bingo has distributed a total of $36,540 to local nonprofits since its inception in 2023.
Every year, this tradition unites the community around one goal: Making sure no family in Rochelle goes hungry. Last year, thanks to the community’s generosity, it raised over $16,000 to support local families. This year, the need is greater than ever, and so its goal is $20,000 plus 2 tons of food to stock the pantry shelves and keep hope alive for neighbors in need. Here’s how you can help: Donate non-perishable food items: Drop them off at Prescott Brothers Ford in Rochelle between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. Give financially: Every $1 donated equals $7 in food for the pantry. Monetary contributions go even further in filling the shelves with what families need most. Spread the word: Encourage friends, family, coworkers, and fellow businesses to get involved. The more who join in, the greater the impact.
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
Chana United Methodist Church to host drive-up dinner Oct. 18
FUN&GAMES Arlo & Janis
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Zits
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
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JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
Garfield
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
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Rochelle soccer shuts down La Salle-Peru Here are photos from Rochelle soccer’s match with La Salle-Peru on Oct. 9. Antonio Ruiz recorded a
hat trick for the Hubs in the 3-0 win. They also beat Dixon 5-0 this week.
Photos provided by Marcy DeLille
TOP LEFT: Rochelle’s Jonathan Sanchez Ponce (26) fights for possession of the ball during a match with La Salle-Peru on Oct. 9. TOP RIGHT: Rochelle’s Yandel Mendez (9) fights for possession of the ball with a La Salle-Peru defender. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Saul Avila (7) dribbles the ball past the La Salle-Peru defense. LEFT: Rochelle’s Antonio Ruiz, who scored three goals in the match, prepares to kick the ball during the Hubs’ match with La Salle-Peru.
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Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025
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Rochelle junior varsity football photo gallery Here are Robin Rethwill’s photos from Rochelle’s junior varsity
football game with Morris. Rochelle won the game 12-8.
Photos provided by Robin Rethwill
TOP LEFT: Rochelle junior varsity football players take a knee during a moment of silence and prayer for varsity player Dylan Manning during a game this week with Morris. Manning suffered a head injury during the Oct. 3 varsity game at Morris and is in recovery from surgery at Loyola Medical Center. TOP RIGHT: The Rochelle and Morris junior varsity football teams take a knee to pray for Rochelle varsity football player Dylan Manning. ABOVE: Rochelle’s Maddox Hueramo (15) and Tyson Pavlack (11) tackle a Morris player during their junior varsity football game. Rochelle won the game 12-8. LEFT: Rochelle quarterback Riley Smith sneaks for a first down against the Morris defense.
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ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
ROCHELLE NEWS LEADER Rochelle News Leader / shawlocal.com • Sunday, October 12, 2025 RNL Mark Busch, file photo
Rochelle’s Tyler Johnson (right) keeps pace with other runners on Sept. 2, during the Sycamore Cross Country Invitational at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Rochelle runner Tyler Johnson wins Pretzel Invite By KEVIN NEWBERRY knewberry@shawmedia.com
Boys Cross Country
Pretzel Invite: At Freeport on Oct. 4, Rochelle’s Tyler Johnson finished first out of over 100 varsity runners at Highland Community College. Johnson held off the rest of the field to finish in under 16 minutes.
Volleyball
man (14-25, 21-25) and Sterling (26-24, digs. Emori Mickley had 18 digs and an ace. Jillian Bruns had 28 kills and 28 digs over 12 sets on the day and Meredith Girls Tennis Rochelle 3, Streator 2: At Rochelle, the Bruns had 18 kills, 40 assists and 38 digs. Ottawa 2, Rochelle 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-19): Hubs defended their home court thanks At Ottawa, Jillian Bruns picked up 10 to a victory from Merit Namaste-Rose kills, 10 digs, one ace and one block for (No. 1 Singles 6-2, 6-3) and doubles wins the Hubs in a road loss. from Addison Bingham and Katie ToczyMeredith Bruns added five kills, 15 lowski (No. 2 Doubles 3-6, 6-4, 11-9) and assists, 12 digs and two aces and Jaydin Abby Bozinovich and Abby Losoya (No. Dickey had three kills, 12 assists and 20 3 Doubles 6-4, 7-5).
LaSalle-Peru 2, Rochelle 0 (25-19, 25-16): At 20-25, 13-15).
LaSalle on Oct. 2, Jillian Bruns had five kills, five digs and two aces for the Hubs in a road loss. Audyn Kemp added four kills and Meredith Bruns had four digs and a pair of aces. Sterling Varsity Volleyball Invite: At Sterling on Oct. 4, Rochelle went 2-3 over five matches, defeating Pecatonica (25-23, 25-20) and Forreston (25-14, 26-24) and losing to Dixon (25-12, 24-26, 12-15), New-
SPORTS Rochelle’s Eliud Lombardia (4) dribbles the ball during the Hubs’ match with La Salle-Peru on Oct. 9. Photo provided by Marcy DeLille
DRIVE TO WIN
Rochelle varsity soccer’s team faced La Salle-Peru and Antonio Ruiz recorded a hat trick for the Hubs in the 3-0 win / Photo gallery 20