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Finding balance in a busy world
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get consumed by our work.
The projects, meetings, deadlines and community commitments can fill every hour if we let them. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that life isn’t meant to be lived entirely at our desks. The true measure of a meaningful life often comes from the moments we spend outside of work. Traveling, spending time with family and friends, and simply taking a breath or thoughtful contemplation through prayer or meditation.
Traveling, whether across the country or just across the state, gives us a chance to step back and gain perspective. It reminds us that the world is much bigger than the challenges of our day-to-day routines. Some of my best ideas and clearest reflections have come while sitting on a quiet beach, exploring a new city, or just enjoying the open road with no agenda. Travel can restore creativity and humility. It reminds us what truly matters. Equally important is the time we spend with family and close friends. These are the people who keep us
LOCAL NEWS BRIEF
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office kicks off Thanksgiving campaign
This Thanksgiving, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is joining the Illinois State Police and local partners to keep holiday travel safe.
The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaigns run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. Officers will be looking for seat-belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis.
“Thanksgiving brings more vehicles, longer trips, and more festivities,” Sheriff Brian VanVickle said. “Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save your life in a crash. We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up, every trip, every time – and to make a plan for a sober ride before the celebrations begin. If you drink alcohol or use cannabis, don’t drive.”
COMMUNITY VIEWS
Jeff Fiegenschuh
grounded. They remind us that our worth isn’t defined by titles, meetings or accomplishments, but by the relationships we nurture and build. Being fully present, putting down the phone, turning off email, and just listening creates memories that outlast any workday victory. Family time refuels the heart in a way no paycheck ever can.
When we take that time away, we also return to our community, organization or job with fresh eyes. Travel broadens our horizons, but coming home reminds us why we love this community, the people, the pace, and the pride we all share. It helps us appreciate the familiar places and faces that make Rochelle such a special hometown.
As city employees, business owners and community leaders, we often talk about service, growth and vision. But to
Plan ahead with these tips:
• Before you go out, choose a sober driver or plan to use a taxi, public transit, or a rideshare service (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
• If you host, offer alcohol-free beverages, and help guests arrange sober transportation
• If you’ve used cannabis, do not drive. Effects can be delayed and impair reaction time and judgment
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
This Thanksgiving enforcement effort is supported by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. .
Shaw Local News Network
A ribboncutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the new location of Essential Infusions Plus at 310 N. Main St. in Rochelle. Jeff Helfrich ON THE COVER
serve others well, we must take care of ourselves, too. I like to call it self-empathy and it is essential because it allows us to treat ourselves with the same understanding and compassion we freely offer others, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
A healthy balance between work and personal life isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
When we take time to recharge, we lead with greater compassion, patience, and perspective.
So take the trip, find ways to spend more time with family, and explore somewhere new or rediscover home. The best investment we can ever make isn’t just in our work, but in the life we build beyond it.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” – Anne Lamott
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” –
Saint Augustine
• Jeffrey A. Fiegenschuh, MPA, ICMA-CM, is the city manager of the city of Rochelle.
IT’S YOUR WRITE
Rochelle Lions Club say thanks everyone for Candy Days support
The Rochelle Lions Club would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual Candy Days.
A special thanks to the following businesses that so generously contributed to our cause: Unger-Horner Funeral Home, First State Bank, Berg-Johnson, Holcomb Bank, T-Byrd Lanes, Stillman Bank, Josh Messenger-Country Financial. We also thank Walmart, Ace Hardware and the city of Rochelle for their continued support of our campaign.
Funds received from our campaign are utilized to help Rochelle-area residents, especially students, receive much needed vision and hearing services to improve quality of life.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Kevin K. Zilm Rochelle Lions Club president
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New site for Essential Infusions Plus celebrated
‘We want this to grow and be a good part of [Rochelle’s] community’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the new location of Essential Infusions Plus in Rochelle.
The business is owned by Rochelle native Angie McGough, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner. Essential Infusions Plus has locations in Rochelle, Freeport, Byron and Rockford and its services include hormone therapy, medical weight loss, vitamin IVs/injections, botox, anti-aging and more. Now located at 310 N. Main St. in Rochelle, its previous Rochelle location was 604 N. Main St.
McGough has 20 years of healthcare experience. She turned to the func -
tional side of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew her business.
“Our goal is to really help your body do what it was created to do,” McGough said. “We do more natural, functional regenerative procedures. We offer esthetics, but we offer a lot more of the regenerative esthetics versus fillers. We offer vitamin IVs and injections that can really help you supplement and optimize things.”
Essential Infusions Plus has a new salt sauna to help people detox. It also offers a skin analyzer, regenerative therapies, ozone therapy and biologic injections.
“I travel across the country to do these procedures, and they’re here in Rochelle,” McGough said. “I think you guys should be really proud of that. We have patients flying across the country to come here for these procedures and that can help other businesses. We want this to grow and be a good part of
Along with McGough, speakers included Chamber Board Vice President Ashley Bick and Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows.
Bick thanked McGough for keeping her business in Rochelle and said she’s excited to see it grow.
Bearrows said Essential Infusions Plus moving into a larger space with easier access is a positive sign and offered the Chamber and city’s help in the future.
the community. Thanks to my team for all the work they do.”
The ribbon-cutting was hosted by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the city of Rochelle.
“We want to be partners for you and see your business thrive,” Bearrows said. “We saw that during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber and the city worked together with businesses that were hurt during the pandemic and had to close. We hope we never see that again. That’s what we’re here for, to help with marketing through the Chamber and programs through the city. Thank you for staying in Rochelle and moving to your new location. Welcome to Rochelle again.”
Essential Infusions Plus owner Angie McGough speaks Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the ribbon-cutting for her business’ new location at 310 N. Main St., Rochelle.
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new location of Essential Infusions Plus at 310 N. Main St. in Rochelle.
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Ogle County K-9 Fund ball raises $34,000
‘We
want to thank the community for showing up and showing out’
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The inaugural Ogle County K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball was held Saturday, Nov. 1, at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon, raising $34,000 for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, Deputy Ali VanVickle said.
The event included live music by The Vodka Boys, food catered by Ralfie’s BBQ, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.
The event sold 240 tickets. The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit includes Deputy Kyle White and K-9 Gator, VanVickle and K-9 Saint, and Deputy Jacob Breitbach and K-9 Ace. Expenses for the K-9 program include food, veterinary bills, training, equipment and future K-9 acquisitions.
The K-9 unit is supported solely by fundraising and was recently established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After gun raffle fundraisers in recent years, White
and VanVickle decided to try to raise funds in a different way with more community engagement. They worked on organizing the event since April.
“The turnout was better than we expected,” VanVickle said. “River’s Edge was completely packed full of peo-
ple. We couldn’t have asked for more from the community. It completely exceeded our expectations.
“We went to the Rochelle Fireman’s Ball in April, and that’s where we got the idea. We probably worked 40 hours a month on it for the past seven months.”
VanVickle said each K-9 requires about $5,000 per year to maintain. K-9 Ace, who was recently bought, finished training and began service in October, cost $16,000 to acquire and train. The fundraiser helped to replenish K-9 program funds and get them into a good place for the next two years, VanVickle said.
Part of the new funds will be used for higher-level training for K-9 Ace, such as advanced tracking. K-9s Saint and Gator soon will undergo tactical SWAT K-9 training to be used for more tasks such as serving search warrants. A trailer already owned by the sheriff’s office will be outfitted for K-9 work, and a treadmill may be acquired to keep the dogs in shape, especially during the winter months.
“Raising that much money is a huge help,” VanVickle said. “It’s very reassuring. We can take care of them and take care of them well. We plan to continue to have this fundraiser in the coming years to keep our funds up. We’re planning on November next year again.”
White and K-9 Gator have been paired for two years, and VanVickle and
Photos provided by Ali VanVickle
The Street Dog of the Year Award was presented to Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Executive Assistant Susan Montavon on Nov. 1 at the Ogle County K-9 Fund Bark and Whine Ball.
The K-9 event featured a silent auction with items donated by county businesses.
• K-9
Continued from page 6
K-9 Saint have been paired for one year.
Ogle County Sheriff’s Office K-9s are used for a variety of tasks, including tracking and locating narcotics, tracking people such as lost children or criminal suspects, searching buildings, locating evidence, and apprehending suspects.
K-9s also can help with threat deterrent and crowd control, along with community outreach – such as doing K-9 demos at events and visiting students in schools.
“It’s an easy cause to support,” VanVickle said. “I think everyone loves dogs. Our dogs are friendly, and we take them to the schools and get them out and let people pet them. People love dogs because they love people and they want nothing in return.”
VanVickle said the most enjoyable part of the Bark and Whine Ball was presenting the inaugural Street Dog of the Year award to Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Executive Assistant Susan Montavon.
Montavon helped establish the K-9 program as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which has seen it grow its funds.
“To us, a street dog is someone who
The event included live music by The Vodka Boys, food catered by Ralfie’s BBQ, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.
shows up and handles business,” VanVickle said. “She’s a jack-of-all-trades. She handles a lot of different things. Anything I bring to her, she helps me with. She’ll drop whatever she’s doing. And if there’s something she can’t answer, she’ll find out. She goes above and beyond every single day to help
each and every one of us here.”
As a sixth-generation Ogle County resident, VanVickle has strong ties to the community.
VanVickle said she was overwhelmed by the response to the inaugural Bark and Whine Ball.
“Every day, this community sur -
prises me,” VanVickle said. “We work in a job where we see a lot of bad and ugly things. It’s reassuring to see how wonderful the community we live in can be. We want to thank the community for showing up and showing out. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket or donated funds or an auction basket.”
COMMUNITY BOARD
Photo provided by Ali VanVickle
Creston Village Board discusses desire for digital sign, potential location
Public meeting to be held Dec. 2 for comprehensive plan update work
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
The Creston Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Nov. 4, discussed the potential purchase and placement of a digital sign somewhere within Creston in the future.
Village President Tom Byro presented trustees with a concept drawing of a 4-foot-by-8-foot digital sign and discussion was held on potential locations for the sign, which would feature information such as planned village events and messages such as hydrant flushing days.
Potential locations for the sign include North Main Street, or on Illinois Route 38 on the north or south side. The board resolved to talk to property owners to decide a permanent location. No sign has been bought yet.
“We want to do the sign, we just need to determine where,” Village Trustee Reid Elliot said.
Comprehensive plan meeting set
The board resolved to hold a public meeting at Village Hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, before its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. in an effort to update its comprehensive plan.
Creston has started the process of updating its outdated comprehensive plan, which includes the future vision for the village including infrastructure, business development, housing and codes.
Byro and Elliot have worked with the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation and the University of Illinois Extension on a framework of a plan. The public meeting will allow residents and other Creston entities to provide feedback.
The village’s last comprehensive plan was done before 2000, and municipalities typically update them every 10 years. By law, comprehensive plan updates must be done following boundary agreements, and Creston agreed to one with the city of Rochelle in recent years.
“It needs to be what the village wants,” Elliot said. “It needs to be realistic and what we see in the village’s future.”
Water tower
Village Engineer Kevin Bunge provided an update to the board on ongoing work to install a mixer in Creston’s water tower.
The mixer installation project was put into motion following rust issues that have been seen in Creston’s water system. The village found difficulty hiring an electrician for the project and approved an $11,725 bid for the work. The electric work will be done in coming weeks and will involve new lighting and an electrical box up on the tower. The mixer may not be installed until the spring due to the village needing to apply for an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit.
Sidewalk
Trustees discussed needed sidewalk replacement in Creston on Tuesday along with a possible sidewalk improvement program with dedicated funds each year.
Village Trustee Mark Hibshman said “most of” the sidewalks in Creston need replacement. Any sidewalk that hasn’t been replaced in the village since its
installation will need replacing, due to meeting ADA requirements.
The top of the village’s sidewalk replacement plan list is work in the area of Depot and South streets, along with Main Street. Byro said he would discuss a budget with Village Treasurer Penny Payton for the initial projects and for each year going forward.
Village Trustee Curt Ward estimated that sidewalk replacement on the full length of Main Street could cost $80,000$100,000 or more.
Water line
Bunge said during the meeting that the village would be going out for bids in the coming days for a water line replacement project on South Street to attempt
to alleviate rust issues in Creston that would include upsizing four-inch mains, shutoff valve work and hydrant work including removing dead-end lines.
The work would likely be the first phase of a multi-phase project. Bunge has theorized in the past that rust issues are likely due to four-inch mains with not enough capacity.
Bunge said the work could be done in the winter or spring depending on bids received, and trustees gave him approval to accept winter work proposals if the project could be finished sooner.
Downtown grants
Byro expressed desire during the meeting to see the village apply for grants for infrastructure work in Creston’s downtown after speaking with the OCEDC and hearing about grants that neighboring communities have received. Mt. Morris recently received a $3 million grant to improve its downtown.
The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program streetscape grant awards state and federal funds every two years and covers 80% of projects that improve underground infrastructure, roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
“I’d like to see us apply for this,” Byro said. “It’s something I want to keep looking into and pursue.”
Photos by Jeff Helfrich
Creston Village Trustees Curt Ward (left) and Reid Elliot participate in a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Creston Village Board President Tom Byro participates in a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Turkey Giveaway
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Steward man identified as victim of Monday’s tragic farm equipment and field fire in Lee County
By JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@shawmedia.com
A Steward man has been identified as the victim of a farm equipment and field fire Monday in rural Steward and Lee County.
The Rochelle Fire Department was called at 3:29 p.m. Monday to Reynolds Road, about a mile west of Steward Road, for a field fire with a combine, tractor and grain cart involved. The report said there was a fatality, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Lee County Coroner’s Office were called to the scene to investigate.
Prewett said Monday that it is suspected to be due to equipment failure.
Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville said Monday night that Knetsch was the only farmer at the scene. The fire was called in by a passerby. Monday saw an increased risk of field fires due to dryness and wind, Sawlsville said.
Sawlsville said fire officials believe the fire started in one of the pieces of equipment and spread to the field and other pieces of equipment. Knetsch was found inside the cab of the combine, and there was no indication of foul play, the fire chief said.
“This goes to show why farming is one of the most dangerous occupations,” Sawlsville said Monday.
The victim was identified Wednesday as Henry Knetsch, 63, of Steward, Lee County Deputy Coroner and Secretary Lori Miller said. An autopsy took place Wednesday, and the cause of death has not yet been released.
A combine, tractor, grain cart and utility vehicle sustained fire damage in the incident and were total losses. About 15 acres of farmland burned as well, some with standing crops and some without. No other individuals or firefighters were injured in the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Rochelle Fire Capt. Zach
Responding agencies included the Rochelle Fire Department; the Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District stations of Hillcrest, Flagg Center, Steward and Creston; the Lee Fire Protection District; the Paw Paw Fire Department; the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; and the Lee County Coroner’s Office.
Jeff Helfrich
A Steward man has been identified as the victim of a Monday farm equipment and field fire in rural Steward and Lee County.
Ogle County 4-H Achievement Day winners named
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Ogle County 4-Hers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration. Held Oct. 19 at the Pinecrest Grove Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award.”
An unlimited number of awards are given to all 4-Hers who obtain a score of 30 or greater on the County Project Honor Award Application (20 or greater for the 8-11 year olds). 4-Hers may only be recognized in one project area annually. The award consists of a plaque and silver/gold discs. (* indicates first-time winner) This year’s winners were as follows:
Hammond - Weather. *Misha JimenezVisual Arts. Annaliese Koziol - Visual Arts. Nicolette Koziol - Entomology. Eli Lotz - Woodworking. *Gianni RacanelliFood & Nutrition. *Kinsley Ryia - Visual Arts. *Quintin Walton - Beef. *Emma Zimmerman - Clothing & Textiles. Ogle County 4-H’ers between the ages of five and seven years old are known as Cloverbuds. Cloverbuds who obtain a score of 40 or above on the Cloverbud County Project Honor Award Application are recipients of the Cloverbud Project Honor Award. This year’s Cloverbud winners were as follows: Camila Bonne, Hannah Braffett, Bailey Clark, Brayden Deuth, Ellis Deuth, William Dorwaldt, Elliott Eckerstrom, Rowen Eckerstrom, Enoch Groenhagen, Brooklyn Harbaugh, Paisley Harbaugh, Kaiser Hauch, Cora Hosseini, Layla Hosseini, Macklin Hubbard, Emilia Janoski, Aniella Lombardozzi, William Marks, Julia Newkirk, Emma Rasmussen, Millie Rasmussen, June Robertson, Natalya Ruthe, Will Safranek, Alice Shick, Finnegan Slattery, Allan Smith, and Luna Wagner. For more on 4-H, contact the Ogle County Extension staff at 815-732-2191.
Photo provided by Ogle County Extension
Alana Smith (right) won the new Ogle County Project Honor Award. She is pictured with Allan Smith.
Kish College named top community college eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize
$1 million prize honors 2-year colleges achieving strong student results
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Aspen Institute recently named Kishwaukee College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.
“Kishwaukee College is honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 community colleges in the nation,” Kishwaukee College President Laurie Borowicz said. “This distinction reflects the unwavering commitment of the entire College community to student success, exemplified by achieving the highest student completion rates in the College’s history. Kishwaukee College remains steadfast in delivering innovative programs and services that advance the success of our students and strengthen our region.”
Together, the 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.
“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students – completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can
deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”
Community colleges educate almost 6 million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.
The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to apply and participate in a rigorous review process that will culmi -
nate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the next 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation, and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.
“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only
honor them with a monetary award but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”
This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, more than 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.
The Aspen Institute will announce 25 semifinalists in April 2026 and 10 finalists in June 2026. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2027.
Photo provided by Kishwaukee College
The Aspen Institute recently named Kishwaukee College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
Ogle County Clerk receives service award
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Laura J. Cook, county clerk and recorder of Ogle County, was recently recognized with the Commitment to Service Award for outstanding dedication and commitment to public service.
The award was presented during a special ceremony held in Rockford, presided over by Zone IV President Tina Dolder and Putnam County Clerk & Recorder and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Donna Honzel.
The Commitment to Service Award honors county clerks and recorders who exemplify integrity, leadership, and dedication in serving their constituents.
Recipients are recognized not only for the duties of recordkeeping and elections administration, but also for their commitment to safeguarding democracy and strengthening public trust.
“It is a privilege to recognize Laura J. Cook, for her unwavering service and leadership. Her work is a true reflection of the values this award represents,” Dolder said.
Cook has served as Ogle County’s clerk and recorder since 2016, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing record systems, improving voter access, and serving the public with integrity.
The recognition took place Oct. 23 in Rockford before colleagues, community leaders and fellow honorees.
Youth theater company to present ‘Secrets
Lie Beyond’ show Nov. 22 at Rochelle Library
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
DeKalb youth theater company Lightbeam Players will present its show “Secrets Lie Beyond” at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library at 610 Fourth Ave. Elijah Botts, a 17-yearold high school senior and founder of Lightbeam Players, has written a 27-song original musical. A cast of 14 local youths and teens will present the show.
“Secrets Lie Beyond” follows the story of a boy named Silas, set a year after his mother’s disappearance. When signs from his mother start to appear, he sets out to find her.
His journey takes him to the Forest of the Fae, a place
where magic thrives and mortals die. Along the way, Silas meets a strange boy named Wally, a kid who has no memories of his own.
Stuck together in a world with more questions than answers, they team up to find Silas’s mom and Wally’s memories, all while on the run from an evil emperor out for revenge.
“What started as a passion project back in the summer of 2020 with a few people over Zoom, has grown into a flourishing company producing several original productions a year,” Botts said.
The show is free to attend. The show’s runtime is two hours and 30 minutes and it is appropriate for all ages but best for ages 8 and older.
Photo provided by Lightbeam Players
DeKalb youth theater company Lightbeam Players will present its show “Secrets Lie Beyond” on Saturday, Nov. 22.
JoAnn Hinerichsen
The 2025 Commitment to Service Award was presented to Laura J. Cook, Ogle County clerk and recorder, by Zone President Tina Dolder and 17th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Donna Honzel.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Ashton Bible Church, corner of Main and Paddock in Ashton. Pastor Farrel Stauffer, church phone is (815)453-2190, church website www.ashtonbible.org0. Sunday School for all ages 9:00-10:00am, Morning Worship 10:15am, Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 6:30-8:00pm.
Calvary Lighthouse Church, Assemblies of God, Senior Pastor, Dr. James Horvath. 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle. Sunday Morning: Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:00 A.M., Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. – Adult Teaching, Missionettes & Royal Rangers Childrens Classes, Nursery available for all services. HE-Brews Cafe is open before and after services. For further information, please call the CLC office at 815-5627701, or email us at staff@calvarylighthouse.com
Church of Christ, Keeping Christ at the center in the Hub City. We meet Sundays at 9:00am for Bible Study and 10:00am for worship. We also have a Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00pm. 206 Erickson Rd, Rochelle, IL 61068. You can call us at (815) 562-6572 or visit us on the web at rochellechurch.com. We also have a radio program Sundays just after 8am on WRHL 1060AM. Minister Dominic Venuso.
Creston United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc
Elim Reformed Church, 140 S. Church Road, Kings, IL 61068. Phone: 815-562-6811. Email goelimchurch@gmail.com Website www.goelimchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 Rev. Marv Jacobs
Faith Lutheran Church – (14206 E. Flagg Rd.) – “Making Christ Known Through Lives of Faith.” In-person worship is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or online at “Faith Lutheran Social” on YouTube. Worship resources are also available on our Facebook page - ‘Faith Lutheran Church ELCA.’ You may also e-mail Pastor Joy Alsop at Pastor@ faithlcrochelle.org for more information. All are welcome to join us!
First General Baptist Church, 500 S. 12th St, Rochelle. Phone: 815-562-5221. Email: fgbcrochelle@gmail.com.Website: www.fgbcrochelle.org. Facebook: www.facebook. com/fgbcrochelle.Pastor: Rev. Angelo Bonacquisti. Sunday worship services: 8:30 am, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm. Sunday school: 10:00 am. We’d be honored to have you join us as we worship JESUS and continue to grow in truth and love for God and each other. A nursery, children’s church, youth group and small groups are available. If you need a ride please contact our church bus driver, John, at (815) 262-4275 by 8:30 am on Sunday. “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
First Presbyterian Church – An Amazing Place for Amazing Grace - 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle. Email: info@placeforgrace.com. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. In person or streamed online. On our Website and Facebook Live. www.placeforgrace.com/ www. facebook.com/placeforgrace
Harvest Baptist Church 241 Scott Ave. (Hillcrest). Rev. Duane Boehm, pastor. Email duane712@hotmail.com, cell 815-757-3427. Visit us on Facebook! Service times: Sunday morning worship with Children’s Church at 10 am. Wednesday night worship at 7 pm.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 16060 E. Lindenwood Road, Lindenwood, IL 61049. Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock. Church Phone 393-4500. Church Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Christian Education Hour at 10:30 a.m.
Living Water Community Church 405 N. Main St, Downtown Rochelle. Phone 815561-6249, Website: www.lwccr.com, Like us on Facebook. We are Non-Denominational, Christ Centered, Casual dress, Christ Centered Live Band Worship. Mike Vogeler - Outreach and Seven C’s Pastor, Chris Bender- Teaching Pastor and Doug BungerMissions and Children’s Pastor. Sunday Worship Service- 10:00am. Nursery/Toddlers
Ages 0-5 available during the service in the Splash building. Swim- Grades 1st-5th worship with the adults then break out for age appropriate teaching. Youth groups, Small groups, Life Groups and Workshops meet throughout the year for Bible teaching. 7C’s Mission- serves the community physically & spiritually each month from 1135 Lincoln Hwy, providing lightly used clothing, Hygiene items, a light lunch and Elder Prayer open the second Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 4th Thursday from 4pm to 7:00pm and by appointment.
New Hope Fellowship (Church of God - Anderson, IN), 1501 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Service: Sunday at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., (815)561-8400, www.NHFchurch.net Pastor: Dan Sergeant and Pastor Nick Tornabene. (Classes for children through age fifth grade during service.)
Rochelle United Methodist Church welcomes everyone to their worship service, and practices openness for all activities including communion. Worship is at 9:00 am. Sunday school for children begins around 9:15, following the Children’s Time in worship. A fellowship time with food and space for conversation occurs in Hicks Hall every week following the worship service. We celebrate communion with an open table on the first Sunday of every month, and on other appropriate occasions. Youth group is on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:30. Our youth program includes service projects, discussion topics, Bible Study, and lots of fun and fellowship together. Some of our activities include packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, helping at Rochelle Christian Food Pantry and 7C’s, working with animals at Barn on Baseline, Mystery trips (Destination Unknown!), and Interactive experiences on Dating boundaries, refugees, and homelessness. Youth group is for grades 6-12 and friends are always welcome. Recorded services are available on our YouTube channel and our website at www.rochelleumc.com. Our services are on the radio (93.5 FM) on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rochelleumc. Our pastor is the Rev. Dr. Katherine Thomas Paisley. Our address is 709 Fourth Ave. (815) 562-2164. Email is admin@rochelleumc. com. At Rochelle United Methodist Church, everyone is welcome and loved!
Steward United Methodist Church - Rev. Ilhan You, Creston: 126 West South Street, P.O. Box 209, Creston, Illinois 60113. Sunday morning worship 9:00am. Coffee fellowship at 10:15am. Steward: 507 Main Street, P.O. Box 80, Steward, IL 60553. Adult Sunday School, 10:00am. Sunday morning worship and Children’s Sunday School 11:00am. Contact the church office at 847-730-4370 for more information. facebook. comcrestonumcil faccebook.com/stewardilumc
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 126 E. South Street, Creston. Phone 815-384-3720, Email: StJohnsLutheran@aol.com, members of NALC/LCMC. Worship is led by Pastor Terese Whitten 231-878-4150. St. John’s Lutheran Church is a part of God’s Family, planting hope, nurturing faith and harvesting love. Coffee or Fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school is conducted during worship service except during the summer.
St. Patrick Catholic Church Rev. Jesus Dominguez; Deacon Prosper Agbetrobu; Deacon Fermin Garcia; Deacon George Schramm; 244 Kelley Dr. (Corner of Kelley & Caron Rd.) PO Box 329, Rochelle, IL, 61068. Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM Monday-Thursday, Phone: 815-562-2370. Mass Times: 8:00 AM Monday-Thursday, Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM English, 7 PM Spanish, Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM in English and 11:00 AM in Spanish. Confessions: Monday 8:30-9:00 AM & 6:00-6:45 PM, Tuesday 8:30-9:00 AM, Thursday 6:00-6:30 PM, Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM Or by appointment. Religious Education: Erin Robles, Director of Religious Education, 903 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068, 815-561-0079 or 815-562-2370. Website: stpatricksrochelle.com. Email: stpatrick-rochelle@rockforddiocese.org. Facebook.com/StPatrickRochelle.
St. Paul Lutheran Church “Building Relationships in Christ, Now and Forever!” Steven Hall, Principal, Parish Nurse-Marcia Schnorr. 1415 Tenth Ave., Rochelle. Church Office-562-2744. Worship times: 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Our service is broadcast over WRHL 1060AM at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Call 562-6323 for more information about the school.
Freezer meal fundraiser to aid Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom program
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone who has everything? Looking for a quick and delicious meal solution for yourself during the busy holiday season? University of Illinois Extension has you covered – with a tasty and thoughtful option that also supports local agricultural education.
Extension is offering individually portioned, ready-to-heat freezer meals – perfect for gifting or stocking your own freezer.
Each order includes two sets of five hearty meals (a total of 10 meals), featuring: over-the-top smoked chili, smoked meatloaf with mashed potatoes, chicken and biscuits, pulled pork mac and cheese and cheesy chicken mostaccioli.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the
Classroom Program, helping to bring agriculture education to local students.
Place your order by Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. You can order online at go.illinois.edu/freezermeals. Cost with a credit card is $95. You also can mail your name, phone number, number of meal sets and payment to 811 S. Clay St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053. Make checks payable to Ogle-Carroll Ag Partnership (OCAP). If paying by check, the cost is $90. Checks or cash can be dropped off at the University of Illinois Extension office, 421 W. Pines Road, Oregon.
Meal pickup will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension office, located at 421 W Pines Rd in Oregon.
For questions or more information, call 815-732-2191 or email charbm@illinois.edu.
Serenity Hospice & Home ‘Cooking for One’ Workshop is Nov. 19
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
Serenity Hospice & Home will host a “Cooking for One” Workshop for those grieving a loss on Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ogle County Farm Bureau at 421 W. Pines Road in Oregon.
After a loss, the kitchen can feel like one of the hardest places to be, filled with memories, empty chairs, and routines that no longer feel the same.
Join Serenity for a free of charge,
hands-on grief support workshop in partnership with Lynnie’s Kitchen, supported by the Ogle County Community 708 Board.
Together, participants will explore practical ways to find comfort and creativity in the kitchen while learning how to cook nourishing meals for one.
You’ll gain tools to help navigate the grocery store and bring a little joy back to the table.
Call 815-732-2499 to sign up for the workshop.
DOROTHY WANDA SCHABACKER
Born: November 29, 1940 in Cleveland, OH
Died: November 3, 2025 in Rochelle, IL
Rochelle
Dorothy Wanda Schabacker, 84, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025 at her home in Rochelle, Illinois. Dorothy was born on November 29, 1940 to Edward and Wanda (Schatzschneider) Day in Cleveland, Ohio. On June 11, 1966, she married Gary Kenneth Schabacker in Rochelle. Dorothy was a fabulous cook and baker. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, word searches and
ERIC S. BELL
Born: August 22, 1965 in Highland, IL Died: November 1, 2025 in Rochelle, IL
Rochelle Eric Shannon Bell, 60, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 1, 2025 at his home in Rochelle, Illinois. Eric was born on August 22, 1965 to Robert L. and Charlotte M. (Keplar) Bell in Highland, IL. He proudly served with the United States Army for three years as military police. On 05/22/84, he married Barbara Joanne Rogde.
During his high school years at Ashton High School, he played football, and wrestled. While serving with the Army, in Europe, he also wrestled. He enjoyed playing and watching football, riding his motorcycles and four wheelers. He loved walking around the neighborhood,
cozy mystery books. She also liked playing a good game of cards with her family.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gary Schabacker; two children: Jason Schabacker of Rockford, IL and Joy Schabacker of Rochelle; brother, David (Karen) Day of Northville, MI and brother-in-law, Dennis (Kathy) Schabacker of Ashburn, VA.
The visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:00 A.M., Monday, November 10, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Avenue, Rochelle. The service will follow at 10:00 A.M., Monday with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. Burial is at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
visiting with neighbors and waving to anyone who drove by. Most of all he enjoyed playing with his grandkids and his best friend, his dog, Annie.
Eric is survived by his wife, Barbara of Rochelle; two children: Jacob (Mel) Bell of Edwardsville, IL and Jessica (Paul) Mueller of Kings, IL; brother, Vincent Bell of Rockford, IL; sister, Cynthia Bell of Dixon, IL; and three grandchildren: Sophia, Xavier and Gabe Mueller. He is preceded in death by his parents. The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle. Burial will be at a later date at the Ashton Cemetery in Ashton, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. Cremation care will follow the service. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Ogle County candidates had until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, to turn in their nomination papers as they seek candidacy for the March 17 primary election.
On that day, voters can choose a Democratic or Republican ballot to pick who appears on the ballot in November 2026.
All voters, partisan or not, can weigh in on referendum questions.
Democrats
Here’s a list of Democratic candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Ogle County: Precinct committeeperson:
• Muriel M. Messer (D): Buffalo 3
• Meredith Townsend (D): Byron 1
• Rebecca Hines (D): Byron 2
• Beth Bull (D): Byron 4
• Denis Cheek (D): Mt. Morris 3
• Linda Pottinger (D): OregonNashua 4
• Diana L. Speck (D): OregonNashua 6
• Avril Folk (D): Pine Creek
• Nicholas Head (D): Pine Rock
• Maja Shoemaker (D): Rockvale 1
Republicans
Here’s a list of Republican candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Ogle County: County clerk:
• Rebecca (Becky) Duke (R) County treasurer:
• Tiffany O’Brien (R) Sheriff:
• Brian VanVickle (R) County Board District 1:
• Zachary S. Oltmanns (R)
• Rick Fritz (R) County Board District 2:
• Patricia Nordman (R)
• Wayne Reising (R) County Board District 3:
• Joseph C. Simms (R)
• Karl Hansen (R) County Board District 4:
• David Williams (R)
• David W. Sawlsville (R) County Board District 5:
• Donald Griffin (R)
• Bruce E. Larson (R)
County Board District 6:
• Jeffrey M. Billeter (R)
• Steven P. Huber (R)
County Board District 8:
• Marcia Heuer (R)
• Lyle Hopkins (R)
Precinct committeeperson:
• Karl Hansen (R): Flagg 2
• Kaleb Kennay (R): Flagg 4
• Patricia K. Goodwin (R): Flagg 5
• Mike Koolidge (R): Flagg 6
• George R. Wilhelmsen (R): Flagg 8
• Bruce E. Larson (R): Marion 2
• Martin Typer (R): Marion 3
• James Gallant (R): Maryland
• Summer Theisen (R): Mt. Morris 4
• Norman A. Beeh (R): Oregon-Nashua 4
• John A. Dickson (R): Oregon-Nashua 5
• Brian VanVickle (R): Pine Rock
• Hunter Simmons (R): Scott
• Joseph M. Wolf (R): White Rock
Important dates
Nov. 10: Last day to file objections challenging whether candidates can appear on the ballot.
Nov. 17 to 24: Filing period for candidates seeking to fill judicial vacancies.
Dec. 3: Deadline to file objections in judicial vacancy races.
Dec. 15: Deadline to file petitions for referenda to appear on the March ballot. This does not include referendum questions authorized by local governments, just ones submitted through voter-signed petitions.
Dec. 17: First day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
Dec. 22: Deadline to file objections on referendum questions.
Dec. 29: Deadline for local government boards – such as school boards and city councils – to adopt a resolution or ordinance for a binding referendum.
Jan. 8: Last day for a candidate to withdraw from the race.
Jan. 15: Last day for a candidate to file as a write-in.
Feb. 5: Early voting starts, and county clerks begin mailing ballots.
March 1: Last day to register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Grace period registration and voting continues through election day.
March 17: Election day for the 2026 primary. Polls close at 7 p.m. Voters can request a partisan ballot with either Democratic or Republican candidates listed or a nonpartisan ballot, which includes any referenda.
Annual Enrollment Options
Medicare
FUN&GAMES
Archie
B.C.
Pearls Before Swine
Frank & Ernest
Beetle Bailey
Blondie
Monty
Baby Blues
Arlo & Janis
Zits
HOW TO PLAY
Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Pickles
Wizard of Id
Alley Oop
Garfield
Hagar the Horrible
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Daddy Daze
JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU
CLASSIFIED
Tract
Tract
Section
Tract
Section
Tract
Tract
How Bears put together a historical win
By MICHAL DWOJAK mdwojak@shawmedia.com
The Chicago Bears found another way to win in dramatic fashion Sunday.
Quarterback Caleb Williams completed another game-winning drive against the Cincinnati Bengals when he completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Colston Loveland in the final minute to secure a 47-42 win. Sunday was the third time Williams led a game-winning drive in the final minutes this season.
While there’s been a lot of attention to the final minutes of the thrilling win, Sunday’s game featured plenty of historical performances. A look at the numbers shows how special Loveland and rookie running back Kyle Monangai were when asked to step up. Williams also had some impressive numbers as he took another step under Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Here’s a look at how the Bears pulled off the improbable Sunday.
Kyle Monangai’s dominant effort
Monangai made the most of his opportunity Sunday. With starter D’Andre Swift out with a groin injury, the seventh-round running back put up a historic performance when he rushed for 176 rushing yards. The rushing total was the second-most by a Bears rookie in a game in franchise history.
He did so by living up to the tough style of runner he was known for coming out of Rutgers. Monangai had a burst almost every time he came out of the backfield. When a play seemed stalled, Monangai continued to push the huddle and added a few yards.
The numbers from Sunday reflect that tough running. Monangai finished with 59 more rushing yards than expected according to Next Gen Stats, which was the most in the NFL in Week 9. He also had the highest rushing yards over expected per attempt (2.47) and a fourth-highest rush percentage over expected (54.2%). A higher percentage signifies that a rusher ran over expectations more often.
Monangai also took advantage of a strong showing from the offensive line with a fairly balanced split of where he chose to run. He rushed wide right nine times for 69 yards and inside right seven times for 44 yards. Monangai also went wide left six times for 39 yards and inside left for 24 yards.
The numbers are encouraging for
both the Bears and Monangai. They show that the Bears can and should trust Monangai moving forward. He can be a suitable starter while Swift recovers from his injury or be an important part of a dynamic duo when Swift returns.
Colston Loveland’s career day
For much of the season, Bears fans waited for Loveland to make an impact in a game after the team selected him No. 10 overall this year. Loveland finally got a chance to live up to the preseason hype.
Loveland finished with career-highs in receiving yards (118), catches (six), targets (seven) and touchdowns (two). He became the first Bears rookie tight end to catch more than 100 yards and multiple touchdowns since Mike Ditka did it in 1961, per the Bears.
Williams used Loveland both as a midfield threat and a safety net Sunday after Cole Kmet left the game with a concussion. Loveland caught four passes within 15 air yards according to Next Gen Stats and two passes beyond 15 air yards. He also created more yards after the catch, tying for the most in Week 9 with 10 yards after reception per reception, though the average likely went up because of the 58-yard touchdown.
Loveland put up impressive numbers despite not creating too much separation from his defender. He proved he can make tough catches in tight spaces
when he averaged 3.26 yards of separation per reception Sunday. That’s slightly higher than the 2.98 league average.
Caleb Williams’ athleticism
Johnson brought out the trick bag Sunday with a few trick plays. Some of them showed off Williams’ athleticism.
Williams caught his first career pass for a touchdown Sunday when the Bears ran the “hot potato” play. The play included Williams tossing the ball to wide receiver Rome Odunze, who then tossed it to DJ Moore, who then found a wide-open Williams in the end zone for a 2-yard pass. Williams was also part of a trick play where he caught a pass from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and took it 20 yards.
The trick plays etched Williams into NFL history. He became the first player in league history to have 275 passing yards, 50 rushing yards and 20 receiving yards in a game. Williams threw for 280 yards, rushed for 53 yards and finished with 22 receiving yards.
Running to the top
Chicago put up a historic rushing performance Sunday when it totaled 283 rushing yards. The Bears matched the most yards they rushed for in a game when they had 283 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 30, 1984. It was also
the most since the team rushed for since it had 302 yards on Sept. 9, 1984. It’s been an impressive turnaround after the Bears had a slow rushing start to the season. Chicago is now second in the league with 144.4 rushing yards per game.
Sunday was a special day for running back Brittain Brown. The Bears elevated Brown from the practice squad with injuries to running backs D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Brown earned his first career carries since the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him in the seventh round in 2022, including his first career touchdown.
Defensive ends make impact
Sunday wasn’t a perfect performance by the Bears’ defense. But there were some bright spots for the unit.
Defensive end Montez Sweat continued his impressive stretch when he had his third straight game with a sack. It also appeared that Sweat forced his third fumble in the last four games when he knocked the ball out of Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco’s hand. But a review changed the call to an incomplete pass.
Defensive end Austin Booker also made an impact in his first game of the season after he was activated off injured reserve last week. Booker forced his first career fumble and also had a sack.
AP photo
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (right) celebrates his touchdown with running back Kyle Monangai (left) during the second half of Sunday, Nov. 2, game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati.
All 3 phases falter for NIU in 42-3 loss to Toledo
By KYLE ROWLAND
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
It’s been one of those years for Northern Illinois.
Very little has gone right for the 2-7 Huskies, and the bad news on Wednesday began as soon as the ball was kicked off.
Toledo returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, marking the beginning of the end for NIU in an eventual 42-3 loss. Adding to the sting was who returned the kick: former Huskie Trayvon Rudolph.
“Dynamic football player,” NIU coach Thomas Hammock said.
The look of dejection on Hammock’s face as he answered questions inside a classroom in Toledo’s ROTC building wasn’t just about Wednesday night. The pain came from a season that’s spiraled downward. NIU was picked to finish in the top half of the Mid-American Conference, yet the Huskies have just one MAC win as the calendar nears mid-November.
But even as losses piled up this year, margins have remained thin. Eleven points at Maryland. Three to San Diego State. Eleven to Miami. Six to Eastern Michigan.
The 39-point evisceration by Toledo was the largest conference loss of Hammock’s tenure and the second biggest overall (Michigan, 63-10). It was the program’s worst MAC loss since a 70-21 setback to Toledo in 2007.
“They went out and dominated the football game,” Hammock said. “To be honest with you, there wasn’t a lot that I can take from this game. We didn’t play good in any phase of the game.”
The battle lines were drawn on the lines of scrimmage, with Toledo’s defensive line constantly pressuring NIU’s outmanned quarterbacks. On the other side, Rockets QB Tucker Gleason went home with a clean jersey.
“The biggest thing is they beat us in the trenches,” Hammock said. “Their O-line and D-line dominated us, and that’s really what the game came down to. Their ability to protect the quarterback and give him time, and then our inability to protect our quarterback and give him time. That’s what the game was won and lost on.”
Toledo had seven tackles for loss, including four sacks. NIU had two tackles for loss and zero sacks. The rushing numbers reflected a similar
NIU prepares to snap the ball during Wednesday’s game against the Rockets in Toledo.
mismatch, as the Rockets averaged 4.6 yards per carry. One game after the Huskies went off for 315 rushing yards, Toledo held them to a season-low 62 yards and just 1.7 yards per carry. NIU only had four carries of more than five yards.
“I’m proud of our defense,” Toledo coach Jason Candle said. “We committed a lot of players to the run fits. The game plan was to try to make them pass it to beat us. So for our guys to keep them one-dimensional, I thought that was huge.”
The NIU defense’s inability to force
punts was another factor that loomed large. Toledo converted 9 of 14 thirddown attempts, extending drives that more often than not resulted in touchdowns.
“The whole point is to get off the field,” said NIU linebacker Filip Maciorowski, who had 11 tackles. “So it’s rough when we get into a spot on third down where we feel like we have a chance to get off the field and we don’t. It’s obviously pretty frustrating.”
Perhaps not as exasperating as all the losing. NIU is now forced to play out their final season in the MAC with
no hopes of playing in a bowl game. The Huskies travel to last-place UMass next week before consecutive home games to end the year.
Sometimes all you can do is look to the future.
“Part of being a man is dealing with adversity,” Hammock said. “What better time to deal with adversity than right now? We have an opportunity to get back on the practice field and get better. And the way you handle this and the way you handle everything else the next three weeks is how you’re going to handle things in life.”
AP photo
Gianni Cobb’s 10-assist game powers NIU past Louisiana-Monroe in season opener
By EDDIE CARIFIO ecarifio@shawmedia.com
With no returning players from last year’s roster on the team, obviously, newcomers were going to have an impact in Northern Illinois’ men’s basketball season opener against Louisiana-Monroe on Monday at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb.
The Huskies got a double-double from 6-11 true freshman post Gustav Winther, along with a 10-assist, zero-turnover game from Gianni Cobb and an efficiency clinic from Jao Ituka off the bench in a 102-82 win over the Warhawks.
“I got a great group of guys behind me,” said Cobb, who had nine assists without a turnover in the Huskies’ exhibition win against Quincy last week.
“I trust all of my teammates. I know they’re going to make shots, and they’re going to find me when I’m open. I just have to be out there, be vocal, be a true point guard, be a floor general and keep working so we can go far in this,” Cobb said.
The Huskies topped the 100-point mark against an NCAA Division I opponent for the first time since putting up 106 against Chicago State in 1996.
Cobb, a sophomore transfer from Columbia who helped Homewood-Flossmoor win the 2024 Class 4A state championship, recorded the 10th double-digit assist game for the Huskies since 2006 and the first without a turnover.
NIU coach Rashon Burno said Cobb is a high-IQ player with game-changing speed, making him difficult to stop.
“Now it’s just a matter of if he can make the proper reads if necessary,” Burno said. “He’s been really good at keeping himself out of harm’s way. As a small guard, you can’t get amongst the trees and leave your feet, and that’s something we’ve been working on with him.”
Ituka played for Jacksonville State last season and averaged 8.7 points and shot over 35% in 36 games, two starts. As a true freshman for Wake Forest in 2021-22, he averaged 15.3 points per game and shot 41% from long range in 28 games, 16 starts.
He played only six games the following year and missed all of the 2023-24 season.
In his debut for the Huskies (1-0), Ituka was 4 for 8 from long range and scored 19 points in 19 minutes.
“It felt amazing to help impact winning like that,” Ituka said. “I went out there and did my job, the job my coaches trusted me to do. I just wanted to be a service to the team. Be a good teammate, be a good leader, play a supporting role to help us continue to win games.
Winther, from Roskilde, Denmark, and wearing No. 96, was 8 for 10 from the floor, scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots.
The Huskies trailed 15-4 early but scored 26 of the next 30 points to take a
30-19 lead. Winther scored the last four points of the run.
“I think this shows we can really compete,” Winther said. “We have a lot of guys who play tough and hard. We’re never going to bow for anybody. We go hard every time we’re out on the floor.”
Makhai Valentine scored 16 for the Huskies and grabbed eight rebounds. NIU finished with a 44-18 edge on the glass and a 23-13 edge in assists.
After a combined 17-45 record the past two years, including 6-25 last season, Burno said the Huskies needed to take a step forward.
“I wanted to go out and get a clean slate of guys who got a chip on their shoulders,” Burno said. “The last two years have been a huge disappointment from the win total. Coming in with a
clean slate and hungry guys that don’t know what last year’s team went through.”
No Huskie topped 30 minutes of playing time. Burno said that’s by design due to the tempo the Huskies want to play. Burno said he’s not going to be reactionary when it comes to his lineup and will stay the course. He said he feels like 15 players can all see the court. And on Monday, the Huskies were playing without freshman scoring threat Dylan Ducomun.
“You stay the course,” Burno said. “Minutes are earned. What’s going to happen to the guy who is in front of him? He’s going to be on heightened alert, raise his level of awareness that he’s got to have a good day because you know this guy’s playing well.
Mark Busch
Northern Illinois guard Gianni Cobb drives against Louisiana-Monroe defender Monday, Nov. 3, during their game at the Convocation Center at NIU in DeKalb.
SPORTS
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1953: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that MLB was a sport and not a business.
1995: The United Center in Chicago opened its doors.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
A FRESH START
Newcomers are the key to Northern Illinois’ men’s basketball season. In Monday’s opener, the young Huskies beat La.-Monroe 102-82 in DeKalb / 23
Northern Illinois guard Makhai Valentine grabs a rebound in front of Louisiana-Monroe’s Micah Caster on Monday, Nov. 3, during their game at the Convocation Center at NIU in DeKalb.
